Society

Space elevator technology test held in Fukushima

Aug 16 (NHK) - A group of researchers conducted a test to develop technology for a space elevator that would link the Earth and outer space using cables.

The Japan Space Elevator Association carried out the experiment on Wednesday at the Fukushima Robot Test Field in Fukushima Prefecture.

Space elevators are seen as a way to transport people and supplies to stationary satellites.

In the test, a freighter device carrying a small robot that would be used for celestial probes ascended a 100-meter-long cable hung from a balloon.

The robot jumped off the carrier and landed by parachute.

The Fukushima prefectural government opened the testing center in Minamisoma City to help the area recover from the 2011 tsunami and nuclear accident, as well as to develop a hub for the robot industry.

Association head Shuichi Ono says scientists previously had no place to conduct large-scale field tests.

Ono also says the association wants to conduct more such tests to nurture space development technology in the prefecture.

Typhoon No. 24 Poses Heavy Rain Threat to Okinawa

Typhoon No. 24 is currently located over the southern seas and is expected to track westward toward Vietnam later this week, with no direct impact anticipated on Japan. As of now, the storm’s central pressure is 1000 hectopascals, with maximum sustained winds reaching 20 meters per second. Satellite imagery shows a significant cloud mass developing in the southern region, indicating intensified activity around the system.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Mako Komuro Appears in Six-Page Town & Country Feature

The October issue of the long-established American lifestyle magazine Town & Country features Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family, on the cover under the headline "Princess Ingognito," dedicating a six-page spread to Komuro and her husband Kei, exploring their life in the United States.