Japan’s Influenza Outbreak a Problem for Tourists?

Feb 15, 2025 | News On Japan

Feb 15, 2025 (News On Japan) - Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, widely known for her role in the 2001 television drama 'Meteor Garden,' passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia induced by influenza. Hsu contracted the flu during a family vacation in Japan over the Lunar New Year holiday and subsequently developed severe pneumonia.

Barbie Hsu, affectionately called "Big S," began her entertainment career in 1994 as part of the pop duo S.O.S. with her sister Dee. She transitioned to acting and gained widespread fame for portraying Shan Cai in "Meteor Garden," a role that resonated with audiences across Asia. Beyond her acting career, Hsu was an active supporter of various charitable causes, including animal rights, and collaborated with organizations like PETA.

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In her personal life, Hsu had a history of health challenges, including epilepsy and heart disease, which had led to previous hospitalizations. She was married to South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, also known as "DJ Koo," and had two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Her sudden passing has led to a surge in demand for influenza vaccinations in Taiwan and other parts of Asia, highlighting the potential severity of flu-related complications.

Typhoon No. 15 Disrupts Obon Travel as ANA Cancels 58 Flights

Typhoon No. 15 (Chan-hom) began causing significant disruption to Japan's Obon holiday travel on August 11, with ANA canceling 58 flights serving Haneda and Narita airports, JAL canceling four flights, and JR East suspending some services on the Joban Line as the storm approached eastern Japan.

Typhoon No. 15 Set to Make Landfall in Kanto Tonight

Typhoon No. 15 (Chan-hom) is expected to make landfall near Ibaraki Prefecture between around 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on August 11, bringing rapidly strengthening winds, high waves and heavy rain to parts of Kanto and southern Tohoku, with unsettled weather potentially continuing even after the storm moves inland.

H3 Rocket No. 9 Successfully Launches Japan GPS Satellite

Japan's H3 Rocket No. 9 successfully placed the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into its planned orbit after lifting off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 4:23 a.m. on August 11, marking the country's second consecutive successful H3 launch.

Tokaido Shinkansen Runs First Overnight Service

The Tokaido Shinkansen operated its first overnight service ahead of the Obon holiday period, offering travelers a 15,000 yen trip from the Tokyo area to Kyoto and Shin-Osaka while allowing them to save on hotel costs and arrive earlier than the first regular morning trains.

Typhoon No. 15 to Disrupt Travel on August 11

Typhoon No. 15 is expected to approach and likely make landfall somewhere in the Kanto region on August 11, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that could disrupt conventional rail services, expressways and flights while also affecting a wider area extending into Tohoku.

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