Society

Fujifilm to end sales of black-and-white photo film due to falling demand

Apr 07 (Japan Times) - Fujifilm Imaging Systems Co. announced Friday it will terminate sales of monochrome photographic film, with the last shipment expected to be in October, due to falling demands in the digital age.

The move will put an end to the Fujifilm groupâ€™s 82-year history of monochrome film production and means no major Japanese firms will produce black-and-while photo film. Photographers can still buy those produced by foreign firms in shops in Japan.

Fujifilm will also stop selling all of its printing paper for monochrome photography by March 2020, the company said on its website.

According to Kyodo News, the firmâ€™s sales of black-and-white film has dropped to below 1 percent of its peak in the 1960s. Demand has reportedly declined by 15 to 20 percent annually in recent years.

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

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Kato Recognized by Guinness for 65 Years of Chess Puzzle Contributions

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Osaka Strip Theater Busted for Indecency

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Wakayama Shrine Prepares New Year’s Artwork

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Sex industry recruiters in Tokyo arrested

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Human Hand Found Sticking Out From Ground at Cemetery in Nara

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Renowned poet Tanikawa Shuntaro dies at 92

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