Society

Sumo: Hakuho called on carpet for unapproved cheer leading

Mar 29 (Kyodo) - Yokozuna Hakuho was summoned to explain himself on Thursday after leading an impromptu cheer following his victory at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

The Japan Sumo Association's board of directors called in Hakuho and his stablemaster, sumo elder Miyagino, to hear their side of the story regarding the yokozuna's unapproved actions at Edion Arena Osaka on Sunday after he extended his record for career grand tournament championships to 42.

Hakuho's "sanbon-jime" hand-clapping cheer disrupted the flow of ceremonies and preceded the sport's spiritual "kami okuri" ceremony that concludes the tournament and uses the same sanbon-jime cheer.

The JSA's board of trustees and its yokozuna council advisory board have already sent documents to the grand champion over his behavior. The compliance committee will discuss possible disciplinary measures and report to the board of directors.

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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