Society

Researchers: Omicron variant to be dominated by BA.2 in upcoming weeks

Apr 10 (NHK) - Researchers in Japan say the more transmissible BA.2 Omicron coronavirus subvariant is expected to account for 93 percent of all cases of the Omicron variant by the first week of May in Japan.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases has reported the results of its analysis of data from two firms in Japan that conduct coronavirus testing.

Its estimate shows that the Omicron variant is expected to be completely dominated by BA.2 by the first week of June.

Experts say BA.2 is believed to be more transmissible than BA.1, the previously major subvariant. They add that the number of cases involving serious symptoms and deaths have risen in some countries where BA.1 had been largely replaced by BA.2.

Serial Cyanide Killer Chisako Kakehi Dies in Custody

Chisako Kakehi, 78, who was on death row for poisoning three men with cyanide compounds, has died while in custody, according to reports. Authorities believe she may have died of natural causes.

Countdown to the New Year: Best Times to Visit Shrines for ‘Hatsumode’

With only a week left until the New Year, people are preparing for "hatsumode," the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the year. However, the first three days of January see heavy crowds at popular spots. Strategic planning around timing and location can help avoid congestion and make for a quieter visit.

Drone Footage Reveals Izu's Abandoned Hotels

Abandoned hotels in Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula are becoming an increasing concern for local authorities. Once bustling with tourists during Japan’s economic boom, many hot spring resorts in Higashi-Izu Town have been left derelict, their structures crumbling and ownership unclear.

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

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Kyoto’s Philosophers’ Path: Should It Be Paved or Left Untouched?

Debate is growing over whether Kyoto’s iconic Philosophers’ Path should be paved with asphalt or preserved in its natural state.

Happiness Ritual at Osaka Shrine: Laughing for 20 Minutes to Welcome the New Year

In Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, the annual year-end "Laughter Ritual" took place on December 23rd at Hirano Shrine. The event, held to cast away distractions and welcome blessings for the New Year, has become a cherished tradition.

Chinese Man Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison Over Yasukuni Shrine Vandalism

A Chinese national was sentenced to eight months in prison by the Tokyo District Court for defacing a stone pillar at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, an act deemed disrespectful to the worship site.

South Korean temple to return Buddhist statue stolen in Japan 'after service'

A temple in South Korea says it will return a Buddhist statue stolen from a Japanese temple after holding a memorial service for it next year. (NHK)

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Lawson Brings New Life to Rural Village With No Supermarket

A Lawson convenience store has opened in Ryujin Village, Wakayama Prefecture, bringing a much-needed lifeline to a rural community left without a supermarket. The store, which operates 24/7, was established through the passion of its owner, Atsushi Yamada, who sought to give back to the village where his grandfather was born.

Year-End Chaos in Shibuya: Street Drinking, Brawls, and Ambulance Dispatches

The streets of Shibuya became a chaotic scene during the year-end party season, with excessive drinking leading to public disorder. People were found sleeping on the streets, fights broke out among groups of young revelers, and police and emergency services were frequently called to intervene.

Santa Drops Presents Over Southern Islands

Santa takes to the skies, delivering presents to southern islands. From the rear of an open transport aircraft, boxes equipped with parachutes descend to the ground, marked by the glow of a blue light. These deliveries, bringing joy to residents of remote islands in the South Pacific, are part of an international joint exercise involving Japan's Air Self-Defense Force since 2015.

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