Society

Japan's railways plan to scale back shinkansen suspensions as COVID-19 epidemic wanes

May 23 (Japan Times) - Three Japan Railways Group firms said Friday they plan to scale back cancellations of regular bullet train services ahead of a recovery in travel demand expected from the government's lifting of the state of emergency in many areas of the country.

Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Central) will fully resume regular shinkansen operations on June 1 but extra services will remain suspended. The daily number of Nozomi trains on the Tokaido bullet train line will be down 30 percent on average from the year-before levels, compared with 60 percent at present, JR Central said.

East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) and West Japan Railway Co. will also scale back major shinkanse suspensions.

Tokyo-based express bus operator Willer Express, which has fully suspended business, will resume daytime services on seven routes, including between Tokyo and Osaka, on June 1.

Ferrari Auctioned for Over 170 Million Yen, Sets New Record

A Ferrari seized from a tax delinquent was auctioned by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, fetching over 170 million yen, the highest bid ever recorded for such an auction.

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

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Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

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