News On Japan

Grass along train tracks turns out to be marijuana

FUKUOKA, Nov 29 (News On Japan) - Authorities have uncovered a large cultivation of marijuana, thought to be merely weeds, growing by railroad tracks in Fukuoka's Omuta City.

Police received a tip-off in June this year, reporting, "Marijuana has been planted by the railroad tracks."

According to police, the marijuana was being cultivated along the tracks of the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line, an area with many residential houses. While there have been cases of large quantities of marijuana being cultivated in remote areas, locals have been astounded that it was growing right under their noses.

A local worker commented, "I never thought something like this would happen in Omuta City, so it's a bit of a shock. This location is less frequented by people compared to other thriving areas. It's visible from the train, but not accessible by foot, making it less likely to be discovered."

Police last month arrested a 48-year-old company employee, based on evidence found near the marijuana plants, including a shovel. On Nov 27, the suspect was rearrested, accused of cultivating approximately 88 marijuana plants found along the railroad tracks, valued at around 40 million yen. He denies any profit motive in the cultivation.

Source: ANNnewsCH

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The Japan-set historical series "Shogun" has won a record number of prizes at the 76th Emmy Awards in the US, including best drama and best actor. (NHK)

A scorching late summer heatwave gripped Tokyo over the long weekend, coinciding with the Asakusa Samba Carnival, where dancers twirled through intense heat.

Japanese government data show the number of senior citizens in the country and the size of its elderly working population have both hit all-time highs. (NHK)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to construct a 150-meter-high, 250-meter-wide fountain in Odaiba Seaside Park, inspired by the Somei Yoshino, the city's official flower.

Farmers in Japan's rice-producing regions have started harvesting and shipping this year's crop, helping to ease a nationwide shortage. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

In this video, I meet with Yuyama Shinya, a former Yakuza gang boss who spent over eight years behind bars in Japan. Yuyama shares his experiences as a high-ranking member of the notorious Japanese mob, having been arrested 11 times before leaving the Yakuza in 2012. (Go With Ali)

A man arrested for disruptive behavior on a Shinkansen train claims he was arrested for giving a speech.

A Japanese festival was held in Jakarta on September 14th to provide participants with an opportunity to experience and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.

A man in his 20s is unconscious after falling from a horse during Yabusame practice at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura.

This is typical work day in Japan for construction work who operates an Excavator construction vehicle. This is her work hours in Japan as well as her morning routine and after work schedule. (Paolo fromTOKYO)

Three large male dogs, including a Doberman, that went missing from a yard in Yotsukaido City, Chiba Prefecture, have been found. All three returned to the yard where they were kept.

A man in his 30s died after being trapped under a fallen ginkgo tree in Hino City, Tokyo.

The Imperial Household Agency's official Instagram account, which launched in April and has 1.79 million followers, mainly features updates about the Emperor and Empress. The agency is now considering expanding its posts to include updates on the Akishino family and other members of the imperial family, according to the Director-General during a press conference.