A fire broke out at a temple in Fukushima City, completely destroying its wooden single-story main hall. The incident occurred on January 1st, with authorities receiving a report around 7:20 p.m. about sounds of burning coming from the temple. (News On Japan)

Across the Kanto region, shrines and scenic spots were bustling with visitors welcoming the New Year, whether by watching the first sunrise or making their first shrine visit of the year. (News On Japan)

Kings and Generals animated historical series on the history of Japan continues with a new series on Sengoku Jidai, as we start with the episode describing early campaigns of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. (Kings and Generals)

Today let's find the timeless beauty of Nara, Japan. From the sacred deer roaming Nara Park to the breathtaking Todai-ji Temple with the Great Buddha, this Nara travel guide takes you through Japan's ancient capital. Learn about what to see and things to do in Nara, must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and foods that will make your trip to Nara even more memorable. (Tokyo Kenchan)

Reports of rodent infestation have surged nationwide in recent years, posing increasing challenges for homeowners. The issue, which is particularly evident during the year-end season, has left many families struggling to find effective solutions. (News On Japan)

Tokyo's winter nights have been illuminated in spectacular fashion. A new projection mapping display debuted at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, featuring visuals inspired by traditional Japanese performing arts, including Kabuki. (News On Japan)

End-of-year shrine visits, known as "Nenmatumoude," are a growing tradition observed from mid-December until New Year’s Eve. This practice allows people to express gratitude for the past year and set intentions for the coming one. But what makes these visits particularly appealing? (News On Japan)

A 29-year-old man and a 15-year-old high school student were arrested for dangerous driving at the famous scramble crossing in Tokyo's Shibuya district. (News On Japan)

The Tokyo Stock Exchange concluded its final trading session of the year, with stock prices narrowly missing the key 40,000 mark. (News On Japan)

Forget everything you know about luxury mansions, because many homes in the Japanese Imperial family's collection of residences make Buckingham Palace look like a starter house. (Old Money Mansions)

Kuranosuke Kato is the only child in the Japanese village of Ichinono, a community that has become so depopulated that locals joke it is home to more puppets than people. Two-year-old Kato is the first child being raised in the village in two decades. (South China Morning Post)

A female teacher at an Osaka Prefectural support school has been dismissed for falsifying applications to obtain leave for personal purposes. (News On Japan)

Foreign tourists in Japan have exceeded 30 million this year, marking a record high. Among them, many are flocking to driver’s license centers across the country. (News On Japan)

The year-end and New Year period often leads to an increase in garbage, but Tokyo’s landfill sites are nearing their capacity. Despite the massive amount of waste generated daily in Tokyo’s 23 wards, many residents remain unaware of its final destination. (News On Japan)

Tonight, i used the economy rooms on the “Orange Ferry”, which is convenient for traveling between Osaka and Ehime ☺️ It was an 8-hour journey, but there was a large public bath, a restaurant, and a game center on the ferry, so i was able to have a fun time (At JAPAN)

The shadowy practices of the former Unification Church, involving Japanese female members, have come under scrutiny in recent months. From forced adoptions to missionary assignments and massive financial contributions, these practices highlight the harsh realities faced by these women. (News On Japan)

The man who led the Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor for more than 40 years as president and chairman has died. Suzuki Osamu was 94 years old. (NHK)

Uranium, a key component of nuclear fuel, has been detected in fuel debris removed for the first time from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. (News On Japan)

Influenza infections in Tokyo have reached alarm levels for the first time in six years. As the virus spreads, restaurants and hotels are struggling with a surge in last-minute cancellations during their peak earning season. (News On Japan)

Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki has achieved the top spot in Japan's nationwide illumination rankings for ten consecutive years. Dubbed 'the best in Japan,' this dazzling attraction draws visitors from across the globe. (News On Japan)