Society

Shattering Plates for Good Fortune

KYOTO, Apr 30 (News On Japan) - Mibu Temple in Kyoto kicked off its traditional "Mibu Kyogen" performances on the 29th, featuring the 'Horaku-wari' ceremony, where participants break terra cotta plates in succession.

"Mibu Kyogen" is a silent traditional performance art that began in the Kamakura period to spread the teachings of Buddha. It is designated as a significant intangible folk cultural property by the nation.

The 'Horaku-wari' showcased on this day is an event held during the Setsubun season, where visitors break the so-called horaku, terra cotta plates they have offered, to ward off evil and pray for good fortune.

As about 1,000 horaku plates were successively dropped from the stage, the sound of shattering echoed through the venue, drawing cheers from the audience. The Mibu Kyogen will continue daily until Children's Day on May 5th.

Source: YOMIURI

Japan Approves Joint Custody After Divorce

A revised Civil Code introducing 'joint custody' for children after divorce has been passed by the Diet. This marks the first time in 77 years that Japan has reviewed the approach to post-divorce custody.

'Challenge to Democracy': Tokyo Police Arrest Three Tsubasa Party Leaders

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested three leaders of the political group 'Tsubasa Party' on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Act by disrupting the speeches of other candidates during a House of Representatives by-election in Tokyo's 15th district. Investigators view this as a "challenge to democracy" and plan to pursue a thorough investigation.

Experience Future Living in 2050: Space Elevators and Smart Living Rooms

An event allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle of 2050 has begun in Ariake, Tokyo, including the space elevator concept which enables transportation to space via a cable extending from a satellite to Earth.

Tokyo University Students Protest Against Israel, Call for Palestinian Liberation

A protest was held at the University of Tokyo on Thursday, coinciding with "Nakba Day" on May 15, with about 500 students advocating for Palestinian liberation and condemning Israel's actions as "massacres."

Explosion in Central Kyoto Injures Two

An explosion in central Kyoto on Thursday morning has left two injured and caused significant disruptions. The scene immediately after the fire was captured on video, with loud sirens blaring and the area filled with thick smoke, reducing visibility to less than 20 meters.

MORE Society NEWS

Katase-Enoshima Station Ranked 4th in 'Best Places to Live' Survey

A ranking of the 'most livable places' in the Tokyo metropolitan area has been announced. While the top three remained unchanged from last year, Katase-Enoshima Station made its debut at fourth place in this year's survey.

Explosion in Central Kyoto Injures Two

Man Dies After Being Thrown into Sea During Birthday Celebration; Two Arrested

Two men have been arrested for throwning a friend off a pier causing him to drown during a birthday party in Yaiz, Shizuoka Prefecture.

American Man Arrested for Assault and Robbery in Osaka

An American man has been arrested and sent to prosecutors on charges of robbery and assault after attacking a man on the streets of Nishinari Ward, Osaka, stealing cash.

The 'Van Gogh' of Bathhouses: Rare Artist Revitalizes Mt. Fuji Mural

In Osaka, a public bathhouse famous for its painted Mt. Fuji mural underwent a much-anticipated restoration on May 15, the first in seven years.

Man Admits to Pushing Two People onto Train Tracks

A 32-year-old man has been arrested for pushing two men from the platform onto the tracks.

Two Men Arrested over Bondage Robberies

Police in Tochigi Prefecture have arrested two Vietnamese men. They are investigating whether the two men were involved in a series of robberies that have taken place over the past month in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, and the nearby prefectures of Nagano, Gunma and Fukushima. (NHK)

Emperor and Family Preserve Agricultural Traditions

Emperor Naruhito participated in rice planting at the Imperial Palace. Along with rice cultivation, Empress Masako is also engaged in sericulture, raising silkworms, with the help of the Emperor and Princess Aiko in a tradition known as the 'Reiwa Style.'

< 2 3 4 5 >