News On Japan

How five of Japan’s ancient crafts survived for centuries

May 21, 2023 (Insider Business) - These Japanese crafts are among the oldest in the world. But most of them are disappearing.

In this video, we will tell you the stories of five artisans who are among the last to keep their ancient methods alive.

We saw how soy sauce is aged in century-old wooden barrels, how vinegar is fermented using an ancient method, and how sweets that only aristocrats and emperors could eat 400 years ago are prepared today.

00:36 Soy Sauce

08:16 Wagashi

19:27 Mochi

27:12 Bonsai Scissors

37:45 Black Vinegar

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Typhoon No. 7 (Mekkhala) had rapidly strengthened into a strong typhoon over waters east of the Philippines by 6 p.m. on June 21, with a central pressure of 975 hectopascals and maximum sustained winds near its center of 35 meters per second, raising the risk of a direct impact on Okinawa later this week depending on its track and intensity. The typhoon is forecast to move north-northwest through Tuesday, June 23. Around that time, it is expected to reach its peak intensity, with a central pressure near 955 hectopascals and maximum sustained winds of about 40 meters per second.

Japan delivered their strongest performance of the World Cup so far with a 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey on June 21, moving to four points in Group F and putting themselves in a strong position to reach the knockout stage ahead of their final group match against Sweden.

Mosquitoes are appearing earlier than usual this year, raising fears of a major summer outbreak as experts warn that warm May weather and repeated light rain have created ideal breeding conditions across residential areas.

Bear attacks and sightings are increasing across Japan, with multiple people injured on June 17 and experts warning that bears are becoming more accustomed to human environments, potentially leading to more dangerous and unpredictable encounters in the years ahead.

JR Central and JR West on June 17 announced pricing and service details for the new private-room seating that will be introduced on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen from October, creating a new top-tier class above the existing Green Car service.

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