Society

Princess Kako to Visit Greece

TOKYO, Apr 04 (News On Japan) - The Imperial Household Agency has announced that Princess Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family, is scheduled to visit Greece in late May to promote international goodwill.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Greece, and Greece has officially invited Princess Kako to visit.

During her visit, expected to last about a week, Princess Kako will attend commemorative ceremonies in Athens and is also arranging a courtesy visit to Greek President Sakellaropoulou. Plans for visits to cities beyond Athens are currently being considered.

This will be Princess Kako's first visit to Greece and her third solo overseas trip for international goodwill purposes.

Princess Kako previously made her first official visits to Austria and Hungary in September 2019, commemorating the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and visited Peru in November 2023, also marking the 150th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Source: TBS

Nara’s Leading Sock Maker Supplies 10,000 Pairs for Expo

Socks from a leading manufacturer in Nara Prefecture, Japan’s top producer, have been chosen for the official uniforms of staff at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. On February 21st, 10,000 pairs were shipped to Osaka.

Year-End Moving Costs Soar: What's Behind the Price Hike?

As the end of the fiscal year approaches, demand for moving services is surging, driving costs to unprecedented levels. Estimates from moving companies suggest that fees, currently around 200,000 yen, could double to 400,000 yen by late March.

New 'M10' Maglev Car Begins Testing

JR Central announced on Thursday the introduction of a new test car, the 'M10,' for the maglev test track in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Kansai Airport Unveils New Immigration System

Kansai International Airport’s newly renovated immigration area was unveiled this week, boasting an open-concept design that allows travelers to submit passports, facial photos, and fingerprints in a single step.

Tokyo Clinics Overwhelmed as Foreign Tourists Seek Medical Help

With the arrival of the Spring Festival, a surge in Chinese tourists is bringing an influx of foreign patients to Japanese clinics. From a vegetarian suffering appendicitis after indulging in local cuisine to an American traveler sustaining a head injury at a ryokan, clinics are seeing a wide range of medical cases.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Public Outcry Over Sapporo Safari Park Plan

North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in Sapporo’s Minami Ward, has come under scrutiny after submitting a removal plan for its illegal structures to the city government. The plan lacks critical details regarding the removal process and, most notably, fails to address the fate of the animals housed at the facility.

Kyoto’s Gion Celebrates Spring

Kyoto’s annual Miyako Odori, a spring tradition in the Gion Kobu district, is set to return with geiko and maiko performing in stunning asagi-colored costumes.

Ryukyu Lacquerware Gets a Modern Touch

An exhibition featuring works by young artisans was held Sunday in Naha as part of an initiative to preserve the traditional techniques of Ryukyu lacquerware.

Prince Hisahito Obtains Driver's License

Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of the Akishino family, has obtained a driver's license as part of his preparations to enroll at Tsukuba University.

Man Arrested for Stealing Girls’ Dance Team Uniforms

A 43-year-old company employee was arrested on February 14th for allegedly breaking into a high school clubroom in Nagoya’s Chikusa Ward and stealing uniforms and other items.

Historical Footage: Emperor Showa at Aichi Research Center

Historical footage has surfaced showing Emperor Showa visiting Kumano City, while the Crown Prince and Princess toured agricultural research facilities in Aichi Prefecture.

US Navy Sailor Investigated for Deadly Yokosuka Motorcycle Crash

A US Navy sailor stationed in Japan has been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in death after a car-motorcycle collision in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, last September that killed a 22-year-old man.

Japan’s Aging Sewer Pipes Raise Sinkhole Risks

Across Japan, aging underground infrastructure is leading to a rising number of road collapses, with an estimated 10,000 cases annually—about 29 per day. Nearly 30% of these incidents in urban areas are attributed to deteriorating sewer pipes.

< 2 3 4 5 >