Society

Tokyo Paralympics schedule unveiled, almost same as before 1-yr delay

Aug 03 (Kyodo) - Organizers of the Tokyo Games announced the schedule for the Paralympics on Monday, with only minor changes to the plan that was in place before the coronavirus pandemic forced a one-year postponement.

The Paralympic opening ceremony will be held on Aug. 24 next year in the Japanese capital, with 539 events scheduled across 22 sports over the 12 competition days until the closing ceremony on Sept. 5.

As with the Olympics, organizers had been seeking to secure the same venues and schedule as would have been used this summer in order to streamline the reorganization and minimize logistical complications caused by the unprecedented delay.

The Olympics were originally slated to begin on July 24 of this year, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 25. Only small adjustments were made to next year's revised schedule, such as the order and start times of some competitions.

Fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections in Japan -- prompted in part by recent record daily increases in Tokyo -- have again raised concerns about holding the games amid the pandemic.

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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Wakayama Shrine Prepares New Year’s Artwork

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Human Hand Found Sticking Out From Ground at Cemetery in Nara

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