'Tyrannosaurus Race' is roaring success in Japan

TOKYO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - From Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, 'Tyrannosaurus Races' are being held all over the country.

The immensely popular Tyrannosaurus Race was held at Niigata Prefectural Botanical Garden on September 10, with a gathering of 30 Tyrannosaurus costumes from various places.

To participate in this event, you have to prepare your own Tyrannosaurus costume.

The race is divided into "Young Beast Race" for elementary school students and below, and "Adult Male" and "Adult Female" for junior high school students and above, with a 25-meter sprint.

The Tyrannosaurus Race started in 2017 when an American company held it at a racetrack to boost teamwork among its employees.

It was first held in Japan in April of last year and quickly became a popular event.

According to the Japan Tyrannosaurus Preservation Society, there were about 40 events last year, while this year that number is expected to almost double, with 76 events scheduled in 32 prefectures from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

Regarding the reason for this massive trend, Naoki Kawamoto, President of the Japan Tyrannosaurus Preservation Society, said, "For us, humans living in a stress-filled society, transforming into the impressive image of a Tyrannosaurus, the synonym for dinosaurs, can make us feel liberated. Furthermore, the game element of 'running' is simple, allowing people of all ages and from all places to participate, which has led to its spread nationwide."

by Brian Dentry

One Month to Expo: Just 20% of Overseas Pavilions Completed

With one month to go until the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, construction work is accelerating at the venue as delays in pavilion building continue to pose challenges.

A Journey Through Nagahama: Tracing the Legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Nagahama, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to numerous sites connected to the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From Nagahama Castle, where visitors can view Hideyoshi’s handwritten documents and the scenery he once gazed upon, to Kunitomo, a major center of firearm production that supported Japan’s unification, the area offers a rich tapestry of historical insights.

Final Chapter for 'Bōsōzoku'?

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.

Osaka Installs 2-Meter Fence Under Glico Sign

Construction has begun on a fence under the Glico sign in Osaka's Minami district, known as 'Gurishita,' to prevent loitering and address crime-related issues.

Japan’s 'Most Dangerous' Zoo to Close in September Over Legal Issues

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Osaka Public High Schools Struggle as Enrollment Falls Below Capacity

Osaka’s policy of tuition-free high school education, which was implemented ahead of the national government, appears to be shifting student preference toward private schools. This trend has led to a growing number of public high schools failing to meet their enrollment quotas.

Japanese and Chinese Students Hold Joint Coming-of-Age Ceremony in Beijing

Japanese and Chinese students came together on March 8th for a joint coming-of-age ceremony at the Japanese Embassy in China.

Feeding 4500 Japanese Boys! Best All Boys High School Meals

We put together our favorite Japanese High school All Boys Meals featuring over 4500 students. Growing young men eat a lot! (Japanese Food Craftsman)

GACKT Delivers Unexpected Graduation Gift to Nemuro High Students

On March 1st, public high schools across Hokkaido held their graduation ceremonies, but at Nemuro High School, a special surprise awaited the students. Singer GACKT made an unexpected appearance to celebrate the graduates and offer them words of encouragement.