Society

Rice paddy art is Japanese city’s way of celebrating Tokyo Olympics

Aug 07 (South China Morning Post) - Gyoda city north of the Japanese capital Tokyo has earned a reputation for creating some of the world's largest works of art.

The pieces formed in rice paddies by carefully planting crops in patterns measuring about 2.8 hectares (6.9 acres), have been a tourist draw since 2018. But in 2021, the agricultural artists set out to highlight Japan's cultural heritage during the Tokyo Olympics. Gyoda city official Shuhei Tagashira says about 1,000 people helped plant the living installations including those featuring an iconic Katsushika Hokusai woodblock image of a wave near Mount Fuji and another of a kabuki actor in striking face paint.

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

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.

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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