As concerns mount over aging infrastructure across Japan, six major companies including JR West, the NTT Group, and megabanks have decided to launch a new business to support local governments, by encouraging cooperation between multiple municipalities and assisting with fundraising. (News On Japan)
The Sapporo Snow Festival has commenced, with tourists already enjoying the ice and snow sculptures at Odori Park and other locations.
(News On Japan)
At "Patisserie Printemps" located within a university campus and popular among students, an environmentally friendly sweet, "Creamy Lemon Roll Cake," is available. Yui Kawachi, the person in charge at Patisserie Printemps, said, "We wanted to create a roll cake without using animal fats." (News On Japan)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, 29, made a highly anticipated appearance at the team's Fan Fest, receiving a warm welcome amidst loud cheers from a stadium adorned in Dodger blue.
Ohtani shared his feelings on donning Dodgers' colors: "Seeing the blue, it feels like a stark contrast to the Angels' red. It’s finally hitting me that I’ve made the move." (News On Japan)
Annually, Osaka attracts around 10 million foreign tourists, boasting popular destinations like Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan. A follow-up at the tourist information centers in Osaka reveals these hotspots are just the beginning for travelers. (News On Japan)
With February 3rd marking Setsubun in Japan, a ceremonial rite at the Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture, a World Heritage Site, was conducted, involving wearing demon masks, scattering beans while striking bamboo sticks on the stone steps to drive out bad luck. (News On Japan)
Dengeki Online's serialized feature "Difficult-to-Read Kanji" challenges readers with a range of characters, from those so complex they're almost unimaginable, to seemingly simple ones that are surprisingly tricky to pronounce. The project is spearheaded by "Kyōji Yanagi," a humble calligrapher who lives with his cat. He'll continue to introduce kanji that might not be instantly readable, so let's all think about them together! (News On Japan)
The Japan Nature Conservation Association revealed the results of its nationwide turtle survey on Thursday, February 1, with more than half the collected samples being the 'Red-Eared Slider,' as this invasive species continues to expand its habitat, while there are concerns over the declining population of the native Japanese Pond Turtle. (News On Japan)
In Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, along the shores of Lake Biwa, the early-blooming rapeseed flowers, known as "Kanzaki Hanana," are delighting visitors with their seasonal splendor.
The rapeseed blooms are located in a field near the shore of Lake Biwa in Moriyama City, where approximately 12,000 plants dye the area a vibrant yellow. This stunning display forms a beautiful contrast against the white, snow-covered Hira mountain range in the background. (News On Japan)
A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) survey has revealed that half of the 140 regional railway operators are experiencing a shortage of train drivers, leading to an emergency meeting convened by 172 operators, including major companies, on Friday, February 2. (News On Japan)
For the third consecutive year, the hourly wages of employees at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) are set to increase. The operating company of USJ has announced a uniform wage increase of 50 yen for part-time and temporary employees starting from April. (News On Japan)
The annual Odawara Plum Festival is a sign that spring has arrived early this year in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, with white plum blossoms already at their peak as of Risshun (the first day of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar) on February 4th. (News On Japan)
Yui Sakurai, a member of the rising idol group FRUITS ZIPPER, is set to release her first photobook titled 'YUi' on February 20th. The announcement comes after the group's recent success, including winning the Best New Artist Award at the "Japan Record Awards" broadcasted on TBS on December 30, 2023, and their upcoming two-day solo concert at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan in May this year. (News On Japan)
A photograph titled "Fire-Breathing Red-Crowned Crane" has captured the internet's attention, hailed as a miraculous shot. We reached out to the photographer for the story behind this captivating image. (News On Japan)
Amidst a backdrop of rising interest rates, calculations have shown that the cost of servicing Japan's national debt, including interest payments, is expected to increase by over 7 trillion yen in the next three years.
(News On Japan)
Discover the convenient one-day pass "Minato Burari Ticket" that allows for unlimited rides on Yokohama municipal buses and subway within the Yokohama Bay Area, and enjoy cost-effective sightseeing with recommended perks and actual tourist routes. (News On Japan)
A 23-year-old boxer who suffered four knockdowns in a Japanese bantamweight title match last December has passed away two days after falling into a coma post-fight. (News On Japan)
A video featuring the legendary active jockey Take Yutaka and his former rival, now trainer, Ebina Masayoshi made waves on social media on February 1st. This collaboration, part of Suntory's new commercial campaign for Coffee BOSS, showcases a unique blend of storytelling and music, with a glimpse into the enduring career of Take Yutaka, who has been in the saddle for 38 years. (News On Japan)
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