News On Japan
April 30, 2024
It seems that bacon and ham, staples in our diet, are quite similar, but what actually differentiates them?
Image of What You Thought You Knew About Bacon and Ham Might Be Wrong!

Temperatures soared to a summery 24.5C as the "AOMORI Spring Festival" kicked off, featuring a spectacular parade of giant nebuta floats that captivated spectators along the streets.

Three Lower House by-elections were held in Japan on Sunday. Candidates from the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party have won all three seats. The results are expected to affect the management of the government led by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. (NHK)


SOCIETY | April 30, 2024
The "Spring Kofun Festival" was held at the Goshikizuka Kofun in Kobe, attracting locals and history enthusiasts alike.
Image of Spring Festival at Goshikizuka Kofun

In a forest park located in Owariasahi City, Aichi Prefecture, two individuals, a man and a woman, were injured after being bitten by a wild boar.

The Pacific island of Kabushima, in Aomori, has witnessed about 30,000 seagulls migrate to this vital breeding site, designated as a national natural monument.

A growing trend has emerged among Japan's younger generation, particularly late teenage girls, where more than 20% now carry two smartphones.


Aberage TV has released a teaser for their journey to Okinawa Main Island, filmed in April 2024.
Image of Spring 2024 Okinawa Journey by Average TV

Regarded as one of Japan's finest, the cherry blossom-lined Niijukken Road in Shinhidaka, Hokkaido, has reached its peak bloom during Golden Week.

Tokyo has seen a significant uptick in accommodation prices over Golden Week, with even capsule hotels breaching the 12,000 yen mark per night.

Railway fans in western Japan enjoyed a rare sight on Saturday morning as newly built train carriages were paraded on trailers through the city of Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is unusual to see carriages transported during the daytime. (NHK)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building has been 'attacked' by Godzilla, brought to life through the world's largest projection mapping.


The 18th episode of 'Dungeon Meal,' titled "Shapeshifter," is scheduled for broadcast on May 2, 2024, across 28 national stations and will be simultaneously streamed on Netflix and other online platforms.
Image of 'Dungeon Meal' Anime Episode 18 'Shapeshifter' Preview

Catch the latest excitement in the Pretty Series!

The essay that became a social phenomenon has now been adapted into a film. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Japan, 'Ninety Years. What's There to Celebrate?' is a heartwarming and witty film that explores the unexpected intersections of life that can lead to new beginnings, even at the age of ninety.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary Tokyo, 'Hige Sakura' weaves a poignant tale of love, redemption, and personal transformation. The film, helmed by the creative duo, Higepon and Macho, is set to premiere on July 15, 2024, at the Shinbashi Townhouse in Tokyo.

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Japan's Cabinet Office's Government Public Relations Office recently stirred controversy with a social media post showcasing an overly lavish depiction of school lunches, leading to a public outcry over the authenticity of the meals presented.

A private organization has revealed that approximately 40% of the national municipalities, totaling 744, could potentially disappear by 2050 due to declining populations.

In a rare botanical event, a photographer in Fukuoka captured the blossoming of bamboo flowers, a phenomenon said to occur only once every 120 years.

For the first time, Japan has conducted a national survey on child abuse related to religious beliefs, uncovering 47 cases reported to child consultation centers over the past 18 months. The findings highlight significant concerns within households where extreme religious convictions interfere with children's welfare.


BUSINESS | April 30, 2024
A recent study by the Rengo Research Institute, which focuses on labor issues, has revealed that only a little over 6% of workers report their wage increases have exceeded the rate of inflation.
Image of Survey Reveals Wage Gains Not Matching Inflation

Oriental Land Co., operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, announced that it achieved record revenue and net profits for the fiscal year 2023. The company reported a revenue of 618.4 billion yen ($3.9 billion) and a net profit of 120.2 billion yen ($755 million), both the highest in its history.

On April 26, the Nikkei Average closed up 306 points at 37,934 yen, despite a rapidly weakening yen. Experts are noting a shift in the typical correlation between a weak yen and strong stock performance, suggesting that the previous dynamic may be weakening.

Twelve years after entering the global marketplace for konjac, known in Japan as konnyaku, Akiji Sawaura has seen his company's revenue increase by 2.5 times and employee numbers double. However, his journey was not without its challenges.

Novelist Hitoshi Mayama explores a groundbreaking next-generation aquaculture technology at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology with Professor Goro Yoshizaki. This innovative method allows desired fish species to be bred by transplanting their reproductive stem cells into surrogate fish.