Society

Obama City, Japan explained

Nov 01 (ONLY in JAPAN) - This place is for real! A city in Japan called Obama. They must have named it after the former president, right?

Republicans can sigh a breath of relief as this Obama was here first. Obama City, Japan's history goes back centuries and the coincidence of phonetically having the same name as Barack Obama's last name is what makes the city stand out internationally. Oh, in case you're wondering, in Japanese, "Obama" actually means "Small Beach".

Like any town with such a unique coincidence, the city embraced it and made a strong bond with the Senator then President.

It started when Senator Obama landed in Japan and the immigration officer told him he was from Obama!

But take a step back from the last 10 years and you'll find another kind of city.

Obama City is located in Fukui Prefecture, about 70km from Kyoto on the Sea of Japan. It was the Gateway to Japan for centuries before the Edo period because it was the closest link to Kyoto from the Sea. The route used was called MACKEREL ROAD because SABA (Mackerel) was the most traded fish, delivered to Kyoto endlessly along with loads of other goods to and from the imperial city.

Japanese-Style Town Emerges in Thailand

A new trend has emerged in Thailand, known for its friendly ties with Japan, where Japanese-style townscapes are being faithfully recreated.

Japan Struggles to Find New Uses for Abandoned Schools

In recent years, approximately 450 schools close annually in Japan, with around 20% left unused. These unused schools face potential demolition as maintenance becomes unsustainable, prompting a response from the Ministry of Education, which has launched matching sites and events to promote new uses.

H3 Rocket Launch Succeeds, Defense Satellite 'Kirameki-3' Deployed in Orbit

The next-generation flagship rocket, the H3, was launched from Tanegashima on October 4th, successfully deploying a satellite into orbit as planned. This marks the third consecutive successful launch.

Destructive Shrimp Bloom Following Noto Peninsula Earthquake

In Toyama Bay, known as a 'natural fish preserve,' a small shrimp called the 'yokoebi' has seen an explosive surge since the Noto Peninsula earthquake, causing significant damage to brand fish species.

Tokyo Projection Mapping to Add Ads

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has revealed plans to project advertisements on the walls of its building through projection mapping, following criticism over the initiative’s high costs.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Spike in Robberies Linked to 'Dark Part-Time Jobs' in Kanto Region

A series of robberies and thefts in the Kanto region, believed to be linked to 'dark part-time jobs,' have reached a total of 23 cases, according to police officials. Some of these incidents may involve the same suspects.

Manga Artist Tetsuya Chiba Receives Japan’s Order of Culture

On Culture Day, November 3rd, manga artist Tetsuya Chiba, 85, expressed his joy at receiving the Order of Culture from the Emperor, saying, 'I believe Osamu Tezuka would be the happiest for me right now.'

Tokyo Police Nab Yamanote Line Train Thief

A 42-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stealing a business bag containing cash and credit cards from an overhead rack inside a Yamanote Line train at JR Ikebukuro Station in early August.

Osaka police charge offender of tougher cycling regulations

A man found to be cycling under the influence of alcohol has been charged in Osaka City, western Japan, becoming the first to be penalized in Osaka Prefecture under newly tightened traffic regulations. (NHK)

The SHOCKING Truth About 'Oshi' Life in Japan

In Japan, idol culture is a huge part of the entertainment world. At live concerts, various teenage idol groups perform one after another, each with fans eagerly awaiting their favorite act. (Japanese Comedian Meshida)

Money Laundering Operation Busted, 11 Arrested

Eleven individuals suspected of laundering money gained through criminal activities were arrested for allegedly facilitating gambling through an online casino.

Woman Sentenced to Prison for Throwing Eggs at Neighbor

A woman who repeatedly hurled raw eggs at her neighbor's house in Kawabe, Gifu, has been sentenced to prison. In court, the woman explained her actions stemmed from 'insults being hurled at her almost daily.'

Johnny Somali, Notorious Japanese YouTuber, Assaulted in South Korea

Japanese ex-convict and notorious prank YouTuber Johnny Somali, born Ismail Ramsey Khalid, has made headlines again, this time for disruptive behavior in South Korea that ended in a public assault.

< 2 3 4 5 >