Nov 14 (VICE Asia) - Rural Japan has been on a long, steady decline for decades, but the pandemic now has some seriously considering a life outside the cities.
For three straight months, the number of people leaving Tokyo outpaced those moving in—a new trend that could breathe some much-needed life back into Japan’s dying towns.
But in a shrinking country where, in some towns, empty homes can outnumber neighbors, can the country dream become a reality?
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 iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.
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.
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.
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.
Japan's Princess Mikasa, whose given name is Yuriko, passed away at the age of 101. The princess was the widow of Prince Mikasa, a younger brother of the late Emperor Showa. (NHK)
An hour long documentary looking at the life of the Sugiura family, fish merchants and caterers living in Tokyo. Producer, director, John Nathan Explores the professional and personal lives of a Japanese family, Takes a look at the everyday life of a Japanese family living in Tokyo. (TRNGL)
The number of single-person households in Japan is expected to surpass 40% by 2050, according to recent projections.
It's no secret that Japan is lined with seemingly forgotten about cars. This is the second video I dedicate to showing you guys what I can sometimes run across in my travels and as much as it is sad to see cars left to crumble away into nothingness, there's always something impossibly visual about seeing grimy decay, especially if on cars we all love so much. (Dino DC)
A 65-year-old American tourist, Hays Steve Lee, was arrested on suspicion of property damage after reportedly carving letters into the torii gate at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo's prominent cultural landmark.
A man, identified as Satoshi Kato, a 33-year-old freelance editor for the sports magazine Number, has been arrested.
A young woman was arrested after spending seven hours in a karaoke room alone, even extending her stay, without any intention of paying.
The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that 45-year-old New York resident Yvette Wang has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering.
