Society

Tokyo's landmark Imperial Hotel to be rebuilt

Mar 27 (NHK) - One of Tokyo's landmark hotels is slated for a 2-billion-dollar redevelopment plan. The operator says the project will make the Imperial Hotel Tokyo more competitive as availability of international 5-star accommodation has been increasing in the Japanese capital.

The hotel opened in 1890 as a guest house for VIPs from abroad. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe.

Its main building has been in operation for half a century. But the operator says it is showing signs of aging.

The redevelopment will be conducted in conjunction with real-estate company Mitsui Fudosan. The building and adjacent tower will be torn down and replaced.

Work will begin in fiscal 2024. A full reopening is slated for fiscal 2036. The total cost could reach as much as 2.3 billion dollars.

Mayor Expresses Shock as Shirahama’s Pandas to Return to China

The entire population of pandas at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is being returned to China, delivering a major blow to both the mayor and residents. The emotional and economic impact is significant.

Rules Tightened for Parental Leave Benefits

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

Last Chance to See Hokkaido’s Fabled Bridge as Collapse Looms

The "phantom bridge," a Hokkaido heritage site in the Tokachi region known for appearing and disappearing with the seasons, has begun drawing visitors again in 2025 as its elusive form grows increasingly fragile.

Japanese Skater Tomono Debuts New Routine for Next Winter Olympics

Kazuki Tomono of Daiichi Juken Group performed his new short program for the upcoming season targeting the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics during the Prince Ice World show held in Yokohama on April 26th.

Japan's Prisons Shift Focus from Harsh Discipline to Inmate Rehabilitation

Japan's prison system is undergoing a major shift as it prepares to introduce "confinement punishment," moving away from traditional penal servitude that emphasized punishment toward a new focus on rehabilitation.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

US Marine Indicted for Sexual Assault Inside Okinawa Base Toilet

The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office has indicted a 27-year-old U.S. Marine on charges of non-consensual sexual intercourse and assault after he allegedly attacked a woman inside a toilet cubicle at a U.S. military base in Okinawa.

Taiji Town Holds Memorial Service to Thank Whales

The annual Whale Memorial Service was held in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, known as a whaling town, to express gratitude for whales that have long contributed to Japan's food culture.

Small Plane Engine Failure Forces Emergency Landing in Lake

A small aircraft made an emergency landing in a lake in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture on April 29th, leaving one man seriously injured and another with minor injuries.

Is It a Cat Adoption Scam?

A growing number of cases have been reported in which individuals offering to transfer cats for free on social media platforms demand payments, leading to suspicions of fraud.

Japan's population shrinking as marriage and birth rates plummet

Japan's population has been shrinking for 15 years, with huge implications for the country’s economy, national defense, and culture. Now, policymakers are working to boost birth rates. (60 Minutes)

Car Driven by 100-Year-Old Man Falls 10 Meters into River

A 100-year-old man driving a passenger car fell approximately 10 meters into a riverbed in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, but survived without life-threatening injuries.

Prince Akishino Attends Memorial Mass for Pope Francis

The memorial mass for Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was held in Tokyo, with Prince Akishino attending on behalf of the Emperor.

Japan's Prisons Shift Focus from Harsh Discipline to Inmate Rehabilitation

< 2 3 4 5 >