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Hot spring baths block Japan's geothermal potential

Mar 16 (AFP) - The hot springs at Tsuchiyu Onsen are beloved by bathers but also power a small geothermal plant, making use of an abundant yet barely tapped green energy source in Japan.

Although the country dotted with active volcanoes has the world's third largest potential for geothermal power, the resort town's plant remains a rare example. One key obstacle to developing the industry is objection from the owners of the relaxing natural baths known as onsen, a major tourism draw across Japan.

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Speculation about Trump's new administration, set to take office in January, has already begun. Among the potential appointees is Senator Bill Hagerty, a former U.S. ambassador to Japan, who is being considered for Secretary of State.

A monkey has been spotted within the premises of Tokyo Disney Resort after it had moved south along the coast from Urayasu City, where it was seen on November 4th.

A whale shark that mysteriously appeared in a river has been identified as one previously kept at an aquarium in Osaka Prefecture.

Keio Railway launched a pilot program on Wednesday for touch payment ride services using credit cards and similar methods across all its stations.

A new trend has emerged in Thailand, known for its friendly ties with Japan, where Japanese-style townscapes are being faithfully recreated.

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During the regular Diet session in 2024, the Japanese government amended the Basic Law on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas for the first time. The Basic Law was promulgated in 1999 and is the so-called ‘constitution of agricultural policy’ in Japan. (East Asia Forum)

The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) will extend its trading hours by 30 minutes starting on November 5th. This marks the first extension of trading hours in 70 years, with the last change occurring in 1954.

The Consumer Affairs Agency announced it has ordered a mail-order business based in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, which sells medicinal toothpaste and similar products, to halt certain business operations for three months due to exaggerated advertising.

The '1.03 million yen income cap' raised by Democratic Party for the People leader Tamaki has become a pressing issue for many students and part-time workers. How are they managing the realities of this policy?

In Toyama Bay, known as a 'natural fish preserve,' a small shrimp called the 'yokoebi' has seen an explosive surge since the Noto Peninsula earthquake, causing significant damage to brand fish species.

Post offices around Japan have begun selling New Year's greeting cards that are priced higher this year due to a postal rate hike in October. (NHK)

The Japan Association of Corporate Executives has expressed support for Prime Minister Ishiba's goal of raising the minimum wage to ¥1,500 by the 2020s, calling for it to be achieved within three years.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has ordered four major insurance companies — Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, Sompo Japan, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance, and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance — to pay fines totaling over 2 billion yen for collaborating to discuss estimates and bid amounts, leading to premium increases.