Society

Tokyo sees first snow of season on New Year's Eve

Dec 31 (Japan Times) - The capital saw its first snowfall of the season on Sunday as cold air gripped eastern Japan with the approach of a low pressure system, the Meteorological Agency said.

Snowfall was observed in the Otemachi business district, where the Meteorological Agency is located, around 8:30 a.m.

It came three days earlier than average and 37 days later than last year, when an unusual bout of snow disrupted traffic in the metropolitan area on Nov. 24.

Temperatures in Tokyo remained under 5 degrees after dropping to around 2.2 early Sunday, according to the agency.

Hammer Attack at Hosei University Leaves Eight Injured, Korean Student Arrested

A female student wielded a hammer on Hosei University's campus in Tokyo, injuring eight students.

Preserving the Aftermath of the Tokyo Air Raids for Future Generations

This year marks 80 years since the end of the Pacific War. As the number of people who experienced the war dwindles, efforts have begun to preserve the remnants of the Tokyo air raids, which claimed the lives of 100,000 people.

Pegasus Appears on Ehime Mountain

A legendary creature has appeared atop a mountain in Ehime Prefecture. What is its true identity?

Kyoto City to Raise Accommodation Tax to Maximum 10,000 Yen

Kyoto City’s accommodation tax, introduced in 2018, is likely to see an increase, with the maximum rate potentially rising to 10,000 yen.

Toyama and Osaka Among 2025 Must-Visit Destinations

The New York Times has released its list of "52 Places to Go in 2025," selecting Toyama and Osaka among the featured locations.

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Streetlight Falls, Severely Injures School Boy

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Illegal Host-Club Connections Under Scrutiny

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Filipino 'Stateless Japanese' Face Aging Crisis 80 Years After War

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Wild Boar Sightings Rise as Animals Wander into Urban Areas

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Man Arrested for Vandalizing Imperial Palace Restroom

A 46-year-old man arrested for vandalizing a restroom inside the Imperial Palace during the New Year's public greeting has been sent to prosecutors, with further investigations underway into graffiti found on a nearby manhole.

Baby Boomers Enter Elderly Ranks, Care Crisis Looms

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Japan’s Noto earthquake survivors start 2025 in shelters

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Horanyenya Festival Marks New Year with River Dives

Various traditional events marking the New Year were held across the country. In Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, the ‘Horanyenya’ festival, in which boats are rowed to rhythmic chants, took place.

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