Travel

World's largest fireworks illuminate Niigata sky

TOKYO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - A breathtaking display of Yonshakudama (Four Shaku Ball) fireworks -- an 800-meter "gigantic flower" in the sky, weighing 420kg -- took place at the Katagai Festival in Niigata over the weekend.

The festival, which boast a 400-year-history, launched fireworks as an offering to the local shrine, and they carried various wishes, including celebrations of life milestones such as weddings and childbirth, prayers for good health, and remembrance of departed family members.

Over the course of two days, a total of 15,000 fireworks were launched.

When the centerpiece, the Yonshakudama, burst into the night sky, the crowd went wild, TV Asahi reports.

by Brian Dentry

Japan’s LDP and Ishin Seal Coalition Deal

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) leader Hirofumi Yoshimura held a joint press conference in Tokyo after signing a coalition agreement. The deal aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and policy alignment on economic reform and national security.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Strengthens Over South China Sea, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 201st show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

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Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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