The "Botchan Karakuri Clock," featuring characters from the novel "Botchan" dancing to music, has become the center of controversy in Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama City, with residents complaining its too loud. (News On Japan)

A recent legal change now allows individuals to obtain family registry certificates at any municipal office, not just their registered domicile. (News On Japan)

February 29th is known as "Amicable Divorce Day" in Japan, a leap year day, when some couples choose to have a "divorce ceremony" to mark their separation. (News On Japan)

Leap years bring a special tradition for pilgrims in Shikoku: completing the pilgrimage in reverse order, known as "Gyaku-uchi Henro," is believed to triple the blessings. (News On Japan)

Seniors in Japan are buzzing with excitement over a fictional commercial on YouTube that advertises iPhones in a "Showa" retro style. (News On Japan)

Two months have passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake on March 1. In the once-isolated village of Machino-cho in Wajima City, there is a single doctor. This is the story of his relentless efforts for the community. (News On Japan)

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, connecting Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture with Awaji Island, is the world's second-longest suspension bridge with a total length of 3,911 meters. (News On Japan)

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has announced his marriage to a Japanese woman on his Instagram. (News On Japan)

Kao and Earth Corporation have announced the overseas release of a new insecticide that wets the surface of mosquitoes' wings and drops them instantly. (News On Japan)

Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is considering visiting the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture at the end of next month, making it her first solo visit to the shrine, according to sources. (News On Japan)

With the Tokyo Marathon approaching on March 3rd, Asics, the official partner of the event, has issued an apology on its website. (News On Japan)

"Porto Europa" is a theme park in Wakayama Marina City, with dining, hot springs, amusement parks, recreating the streetscapes of Europe. (News On Japan)

Nadeshiko Japan has secured their ticket to Paris with gritty, united team play. (News On Japan)

A growing number of young people are unaware of their blood type, in many cases because it wasn't tested at birth, whereas in the past, it was an essential indicator for horoscopes and compatibility checks. (News On Japan)

Toyota Motor Corporation's domestic sales in January decreased by 13.7% compared to the previous year, totaling 112,425 units, marking the first year-on-year decline in 13 months. (News On Japan)

The groundbreaking ceremony for the South Korea Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo was held on Wednesday, showcasing a floor area of about 3,500 square meters, and a giant LED screen on the front of the building to display Korean videos. (News On Japan)

Ghibli Park (located in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture) revealed its new European-style area, "Witch's Valley," inspired by Studio Ghibli's films "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Howl's Moving Castle" to the press on the 28th. It is the largest area within the park. (News On Japan)

In the center of the Nara Basin, in Tahara Motosu Town, lies the Toga-Kagi Archaeological Site, a moated settlement of Japan's Yayoi period that thrived for approximately 700 years, not only in craftsmanship but also in trade. (News On Japan)

In response to a rise in close encounters with bears in urban areas, training has been conducted in Owase, Mie Prefecture, to prepare for these dangerous situations. (News On Japan)

The "Desirable Cities Ranking" announced on the 28th highlights cities with the best cost-performance, with Kita-Senju standing out. (News On Japan)