Society

Crown prince to build image as next emperor by respecting his father

Sep 06 (Kyodo) - Crown Prince Naruhito said Wednesday he hopes to build the image of the next emperor by respecting the way his father engages in duties, as he is set to ascend the throne in May.

"I will seriously think about what I can do (as emperor) at all times, while praying for the happiness of people in Japan and around the world," the 58-year-old crown prince said at a press conference for his trip to France from Friday.

The crown prince said Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko always have in mind promoting international friendship and goodwill when they engage in overseas trips and various events.

"I would like to engage in fostering friendship by paying respect to the feelings of the emperor and empress," he said.

The crown prince will make the nine-day trip to commemorate 160 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The trip could be his last official trip abroad as crown prince, as he is to ascend the Chrysanthemum throne the day after his 84-year-old father abdicates on April 30.

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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