News On Japan

Tokyo cherry blossoms in full bloom, matching 2nd earliest record

TOKYO, Mar 23 (Kyodo) - Cherry blossoms were in full bloom on Wednesday in central Tokyo, matching 2013, 2020 and 2021 to become the second-earliest day in the year for the seasonal phenomena to occur since records began, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

More than 80 percent of the flowers on a "Somei Yoshino" tree at Yasukuni Shrine, used by the agency as a yardstick to measure the annual event, were in bloom, fulfilling the full-bloom criteria nine days earlier than average and five days earlier than in 2022.

The trees in Tokyo were flowering at the earliest time since observations began in 1953, matching records seen in 2020 and 2021. ...continue reading

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The 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris officially commenced with an opening ceremony held on the Seine River in the city center on the 26th (27th Japan time).

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has initiated the creation of guidelines for taking home leftovers as part of its efforts to reduce food waste. Restaurants are hopeful for clear directions on preventing food poisoning.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare have announced the average life expectancy for Japanese people last year, with women having an average life expectancy of 87.14 years, and men 81.09 years, both about half a month higher than the previous year.

Theft of air conditioner outdoor units has surged as Japan's heatwave continues, leaving some businesses unable to run critical cooling systems.

As power harassment allegations against the governor of Hyogo Prefecture continue to swirl, it has been revealed that another prefectural employee has passed away, with the prefecture delaying a formal announcement of the death by 3 months.

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The impact of rising prices is being felt at summer festivals, with essential items like ice shavings and goldfish scooping seeing significant price increases.

Located at the very northern tip of Japan’s largest island of Honshu, the Shimokita Peninsula is one of the country’s most remote areas - home to spectacular ocean views, curious rock formations and Osorezan - or Fear Mountain - a sacred mountain set within an otherworldly volcanic landscape said to be the gateway to the afterlife. (japan-guide.com)

Japan's northern Akita Prefecture experienced a torrential deluge Friday, causing major flooding and the collapse of a bridge in Kamikoani Village.

In Japan, foreign tourists are flocking to unexpected locations, with some spots reporting that 90% of their visitors are from overseas. A closer look reveals why these places, often unnoticed by locals, are drawing such attention.

Nara Prefecture Police are urging tourists to refrain from mistreating deer at Nara Park, following an increase in troubling incidents. The deer at Nara Park are designated as national natural treasures, and recent months have seen a surge in abusive behavior towards them, coinciding with a rise in visitor numbers.

At Kyoto's Gion Festival, the procession of floats (Yamaboko Junko) took place on Wednesday, dazzling spectators with their vibrant floats despite the intense heat.

Things to do & eat | 2-day itinerary. This week we're headed on a little summer trip to one of Japan's more beautiful traditional towns, Takayama! (Sol Life)

The Dogo Onsen main building, which has been undergoing restoration and repair work, has fully reopened for the first time in five and a half years.