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Bear attacks in Japan continue at record level

Nov 09 (NHK) - More bear attacks have been occurring in northern Japan. On Wednesday, two people were taken to hospital after being attacked.

One man in his 40s was surprised by a bear early morning in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, as he worked at a barn outside his house.

The man suffered injuries to his face and body and was taken to hospital in the city.

In Hachimantai City in Iwate Prefecture, a 71-year-old man checking on a wild boar trap was attacked in a forest.

He suffered injuries to his face and back, but was able to get home by himself before being taken to hospital.

The Environment Ministry says 180 bear attacks have been recorded since April, the highest number ever. Bear experts say food such as acorns is in short supply this year, driving the animals into residential areas to look for sustenance.

With tourism booming in the popular fall hiking season, authorities are urging caution. They are calling on people to stay away from places with poor visibility and make their presence known using bells or radios.

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From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

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'Parade of Blue and the Night Rainbow' is a water and air spectacle show scheduled to be held during the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

A traditional spring event known as the 'Himesama Dochu' (Princess Procession) was held in Hamamatsu City, drawing large crowds along the route.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

The eruption alert level for Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, has been raised to Level 3, or "entry restrictions," due to increased volcanic activity.

Explore the hidden gem of Okayama Prefecture, known for its scenic canals, top-tier garden, and famous folktale. Follow along on a three-day adventure through Kurashiki, the Kibiji District, Korakuen garden and Uno Port, the gateway to Japan’s art islands. (japan-guide.com)

An opening ceremony was held Saturday for the Japan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. As the host country's main exhibit, the pavilion is positioned as the symbolic "face" of the Expo, welcoming visitors from around the world with a presentation of Japan's culture of circularity.

The international terminal at Fukuoka Airport, which had been undergoing expansion and renovation, will reopen on March 28th.

The Osaka District Meteorological Observatory announced on March 27th that cherry blossoms have begun blooming in Osaka, marking an opening three days earlier than last year.