OARAI, Nov 21 (TV Asahi) - For the first time since 2019, the popular Angler Fish Festival has returned to Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, where crowds of people enjoyed monkfish, a winter delicacy that represents Ibaraki.
On a special stage, the famous hand cutting of the fish, “Tsurushikiri”, was performed, TV Asahi reports.
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.
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.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.
The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."
The number of teachers taking mental health leave reached a record high of 7,119 in the 2023 fiscal year at public schools across Japan.
JR Kyushu High-Speed Ferry announced on December 23rd that it will permanently withdraw from the Japan-South Korea high-speed ferry route connecting Hakata and Busan. The decision follows a scandal involving the company concealing water leakage on its high-speed ferry, the 'Queen Beetle,' while continuing operations.
Japan's largest event for castle enthusiasts was held in Yokohama on the weekend, drawing castle fans from all the country, featuring PR teams dressed as samurai and celebrity appearances.
The World Heritage site of Toji Temple in Kyoto hosted its annual year-end market, the 'Shimai Kobo,' bustling with shoppers.
The 'Yokohama YORUNOYO' illumination event, where the entire Minatomirai area transformed into a dazzling display of synchronized lights. (Video Street View Japan)
General drivers will be allowed to operate paid rides, commonly referred to as "ridesharing," throughout Osaka Prefecture on a 24/7 basis during the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Wakayama, with its beautiful ocean and sacred mountains, is an underrated gem and a less-traveled destination compared to the neighboring cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. (japan-guide.com)
The operating company of 'Kinryu Ramen' in the bustling district of Minami, Osaka, announced on Thursday that the iconic giant dragon sign was being removed as part of the process to rebuild the aging store.
A cold wave bringing midwinter-like temperatures swept across regions from Kanto to Kyushu starting on Wednesday night, resulting in the first snowfall observed in areas such as central Tokyo and Kumamoto.
