Society

USJ to postpone opening of area featuring Mario

Jun 28 (NHK) - Universal Studios Japan plans to postpone the opening of its new area in Osaka featuring the popular Nintendo game character Mario due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Construction of the new theme area, including attractions and restaurants, is almost complete at the USJ site in Osaka's Konohana Ward. The operator of the park initially planned to open it in late July.

But the company says the schedule will have to be changed as the new attraction is likely to boost the number of visitors. Such an increase is in conflict with the top priority in the epidemic of avoiding crowded places and close-contact settings.

The company says at this moment, it is still unsure when it can open the new area.

The operator invested about 560 million dollars in the construction.

The company reopened the theme park itself on June 8 by only welcoming visitors from the local Kansai area and effectively limiting their number to about half of the usual figure.

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