Society

Shinkansen celebrates Tokyo Disney Resort's 40th anniversary

TOKYO, Dec 22 (News On Japan) - The eagerly anticipated Disney-themed Shinkansen, 'Magical Dream Shinkansen', has officially started operations between Sendai and Tokyo.

The collaboration between JR East and Oriental Land Co. was launched on December 22 as a tribute to the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort. The 'Magical Dream Shinkansen' is not just a train ride but an immersive experience, blending the magic of Disney with the speed and convenience of Japanese rail travel.

Set to operate until the end of March next year, this unique Shinkansen will make about four daily trips between Sendai and Tokyo. The launch has added a touch of Disney's famed magic to the daily commute, turning an ordinary journey into an extraordinary adventure.

Public Smoking Ban Across Osaka, Violators Fined 1,000 Yen

Starting January 27, Osaka City has implemented a citywide ban on smoking in public areas, including heated tobacco products, as part of preparations for the Osaka-Kansai Expo set to open in April.

Man Arrested in Nagano Triple Stabbing

A man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of three individuals in front of JR Nagano Station in Nagano City, where one person was killed and two others sustained injuries of varying severity.

How Should Japan Navigate the Second Trump Administration?

Japan is facing critical questions about how to navigate its relationship with the United States following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president.

BOJ Raises Policy Rate to 0.5%

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has decided to raise its policy interest rate from an annualized 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent. This marks the first rate hike in six months and appears aimed at correcting the historically weak yen.

Severe Rice Shortage Looms in Japan

Japan is facing an unprecedented rice shortage, with recent data highlighting alarming supply-demand imbalances in the domestic market. The Agricultural Newspaper reported on January 10 that the DI (Demand-Supply Index), a measure of rice market balance, reached a record high of 80. This figure indicates a critical shortfall in rice availability, surpassing even last year's levels when supermarket shelves were emptied.

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