In the sacred precincts of Koyasan, located in Wakayama Prefecture, a group of monks and devotees have braved the cold waters of the Tamagawa River for the traditional practice of "Misogi" (purification ritual) amidst the winter chill.

As Sapporo prepares for the opening of the "Sapporo Snow Festival" on February 4th, citizens have begun crafting small snow sculptures in Odori Park, located in the heart of the city. Odori Park, the main venue of the festival in Sapporo's Chuo Ward, will feature not only large snow sculptures exceeding 10 meters in height but also approximately 80 small snow sculptures created by citizens selected through a lottery.

Anzu Maron, who started fortune-telling on YouTube in 2020, now boasts a following of 250,000 subscribers after three years. She expresses that keeping up with the constant changes can be overwhelming, finding solace in fortune-telling.

Dried the old-fashioned way by harnessing Japan's winter cold, 'Mochi Sudare' has hit peak season in Nanto, Toyama Prefecture. A favorite among locals in this remote city just south of the recent earthquake zone, these 'frozen mochi' are rice cakes dried naturally for 3 months during the cold winter period.

The traditional New Year event of Wakakusa Yamayaki was held Saturday evening in Nara, to a crowd of 190,000 spectators. At 6:00 PM, 600 fireworks were launched as a signal for local fire brigade members to set dry grass on fire with torches, engulfing the mountain slopes in bright flames.

Shogakukan's manga app "Manga ONE" editorial team has released a documentary titled "Ura Manga – The Hidden Side of Manga" on the official "Manga ONE" YouTube channel.

Soccer show "FOOTxBRAIN" features Hiroshi Mikitani, chairman of Vissel Kobe, champions of J-League last year, talking about the secrets to success, with MC Masanobu Katsumura and former Vissel Kobe player Tomoaki Makino.

The creation of 'Kitcho,' a vibrant good luck charm traditionally displayed on Setsubun, is underway at Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture.

Yuki Kashiwagi held the final performance of her live tour "Yuki Kashiwagi 3rd Tour: Yuki-rin World in Dreams and Reality ~10th Anniversary of Solo Debut, Let's Get Lost in Passion♡~" today, January 27, at Zepp DiverCity (TOKYO) in Tokyo. The tour, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Kashiwagi's solo debut, featured a variety of numbers from her solo songs to AKB48 tracks and cover songs, accompanied by her band members, leading the audience into the enchanting "Yuki-rin World."

The theatrical unit Geometric Ghost, known for delivering "slightly mysterious and bizarre experiences," will be presenting its latest work, "Geometric Ghost Short Stories Vol.2 'Doors'," at the Shinjuku Ganka Gallery Space Underground from February 10 to 12. Established in 2021, the unit has garnered attention for its unique approach to storytelling.

KIHO, the top-ranking hostess at Fabric Roppongi, updated her Instagram on January 25th, showcasing herself in lingerie, flaunting her SEXY morning look.

Despite strong sales of digital comics, a significant decline in the sale of print books led to a combined decrease in overall sales of published materials for the second consecutive year.

Shuzo Matsuoka visits Ehime Prefectural Nagahama High School, home to Japan's only 'Aquarium Club', where they've built an aquarium that houses about 150 species and over 2,000 local creatures.

A unique 'Long Bath Contest' for capybaras was held in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, featuring participants from five locations across Japan that house these creatures.

Noto Airport, which had halted operations due to cracks found on the runway, has resumed civilian flights. A family returning to their Ishikawa Prefecture home for the first time since the earthquake expressed a sense of relief, saying, "It's comforting to be finally home."

A toddler boy rhythmically mashes sweet potatoes in a bowl, displaying a brief moment of skill before things turn chaotic. This adorable cooking adventure of a one-year-old has garnered a whopping 4.45 million views, eliciting comments such as "He's got the poise of a seasoned pro".

In the wake of the pandemic, the number of kitchen cars has surged, with unique cuisine and quality becoming crucial for survival. A 25-year-old man ventured into this market with Edo-style sushi, using wasabi from his family's farm. However, on the opening day, unexpected troubles arose.

The average price of new condominiums in Tokyo's 23 wards exceeded 100 million yen for the first time last year. This development raises questions about who is buying these high-priced properties and what options are available for those who find these prices out of reach.

Home dates can be a relaxed way to enjoy private time together, but without awareness, you might overstep boundaries. This time, we have compiled points that disappoint men during home dates.

As many people missed out on the nightlife scene during the pandemic, there's now a growing trend among establishments to appeal to both seasoned night owls and those who are just starting to explore Japan's nocturnal playgrounds.

The TV anime adaptation of "Mob Hajimaru Tankyū Eiyūtan" is set for release in 2024! The story is about a high school boy, Kaito Takagi, who hunt slimes, in a world where dungeons suddenly appear. After defeating a rare golden slime, he is awarded a Servant Card that can summon mythical beings.

A two-year-old boy has hit the big time, not only captivating audiences with his batting skills but also his remarkable pitching talent.

Prince Akishino, his wife Princess Kiko, and their daughter Princess Kako attended the 'Kanto-Tokai Flower Exhibition' held in Tokyo's Ikebukuro area.

Following the Liberal Democratic Party's decision to prohibit factional involvement in personnel affairs, known as the dissolution of factions, there has been a surge in members leaving the Aso and Mogi factions, both of which have indicated their intention to continue.

Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture announced on Friday the establishment of a city hall in the Metaverse, allowing residents to enter an online virtual space where they can interact with staff for electronic applications such as resident registration and family registry documents.