Society

Sightseeing boat breaks ice on Lake Akan in Hokkaido

Apr 27 (Kyodo) - The Mashu Maru excursion boat broke the ice on Lake Akan in Hokkaido's Kushiro ahead of the start of the sightseeing season for the lake, which is known for its rare "marimo" green algae balls.

The ice-breaking operation, which is carried out by Akan Sightseeing Cruise Co. at this time of year, began on April 13. According to the company, the ice is somewhat thicker than last year at about 50 centimeters, due to a spell of cold weather in late March.

On April 17, the boat set sail at 10 a.m., and broke the ice with a booming sound against the background of snow-capped Mt. Oakan.

The boat started a special cruise through the ice on April 21 and will shift to normal operations on April 29.

What Is Sanaenomics?

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed; framed as a successor to Abenomics with greater emphasis on growth strategy, the plan raises questions about what will change in people’s daily lives and how the administration intends to run policy behind the scenes.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

Japan to Tighten Visa Rules on Foreigners Behind on Health Insurance

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to introduce a new system starting in June 2027 that will, in principle, deny changes or renewals of residence status for foreign residents who fail to pay their national health insurance premiums despite repeated requests for payment.

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Ikebukuro Bar Manager Re-Arrested for Forcing Female Staff Into Sex Work

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Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

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13 Japanese Among 57 Foreigners Detained in Cambodia Fraud Base Raid

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