Society

Keeping Culinary Traditions Alive in the Heart of Japan | Setsugekka

Feb 05 (Japan by Food) - Hear from Hoshino Chisato the owner of Ajizukuri Setsugekka, a restaurant located in Katashina, Gunma; near the Oze National Park and World Heritage site Okunikko.

Ajizukuri Setsugekka is committed to preserving the food culture of Gunma prefecture, in particular the local specialties of Katashina Village. They opened a tofu shop next door to utilize local Ozuro soybeans and the area’s fresh spring water and create tofu products that are also featured in Ajizukuri Setsugekka’s dishes.

Additionally, they are preserving the traditional Japanese cooking method of Sumiyaki (charcoal grilling) over the Irori fire pit, so that the next generation, like those before, can experience warm memories around the hearth.

Serial Cyanide Killer Chisako Kakehi Dies in Custody

Chisako Kakehi, 78, who was on death row for poisoning three men with cyanide compounds, has died while in custody, according to reports. Authorities believe she may have died of natural causes.

Countdown to the New Year: Best Times to Visit Shrines for ‘Hatsumode’

With only a week left until the New Year, people are preparing for "hatsumode," the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the year. However, the first three days of January see heavy crowds at popular spots. Strategic planning around timing and location can help avoid congestion and make for a quieter visit.

Drone Footage Reveals Izu's Abandoned Hotels

Abandoned hotels in Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula are becoming an increasing concern for local authorities. Once bustling with tourists during Japan’s economic boom, many hot spring resorts in Higashi-Izu Town have been left derelict, their structures crumbling and ownership unclear.

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Aesthetic Surgeon Posts Donor Images on Social Media, Faces Ethical Backlash

An aesthetic surgeon’s social media post of images from an anatomy training involving human donors abroad has sparked controversy.

Happiness Ritual at Osaka Shrine: Laughing for 20 Minutes to Welcome the New Year

In Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, the annual year-end "Laughter Ritual" took place on December 23rd at Hirano Shrine. The event, held to cast away distractions and welcome blessings for the New Year, has become a cherished tradition.

Chinese Man Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison Over Yasukuni Shrine Vandalism

A Chinese national was sentenced to eight months in prison by the Tokyo District Court for defacing a stone pillar at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, an act deemed disrespectful to the worship site.

South Korean temple to return Buddhist statue stolen in Japan 'after service'

A temple in South Korea says it will return a Buddhist statue stolen from a Japanese temple after holding a memorial service for it next year. (NHK)

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Lawson Brings New Life to Rural Village With No Supermarket

A Lawson convenience store has opened in Ryujin Village, Wakayama Prefecture, bringing a much-needed lifeline to a rural community left without a supermarket. The store, which operates 24/7, was established through the passion of its owner, Atsushi Yamada, who sought to give back to the village where his grandfather was born.

Year-End Chaos in Shibuya: Street Drinking, Brawls, and Ambulance Dispatches

The streets of Shibuya became a chaotic scene during the year-end party season, with excessive drinking leading to public disorder. People were found sleeping on the streets, fights broke out among groups of young revelers, and police and emergency services were frequently called to intervene.

Santa Drops Presents Over Southern Islands

Santa takes to the skies, delivering presents to southern islands. From the rear of an open transport aircraft, boxes equipped with parachutes descend to the ground, marked by the glow of a blue light. These deliveries, bringing joy to residents of remote islands in the South Pacific, are part of an international joint exercise involving Japan's Air Self-Defense Force since 2015.

< 2 3 4 5 >