Society

Masses of Fishbones Discovered in Wake of Sardine Beaching

HAKODATE, Feb 01 (News On Japan) - In December 2023, Hakodate, Hokkaido witnessed an unusual phenomenon: the shores were inundated with a vast number of sardines. Following this incident, another peculiar discovery has been made at the same location—this time, it's an extensive amount of fish bones and scales.

The area blanketed with these marine remnants is the coast of Hamacho in Hakodate City. City officials confirmed the find on January 4th.

During the event in December 2023, it was estimated that thousands of tons of sardines had beached themselves on this coastal stretch. Although efforts were made to collect some of the stranded fish, a significant portion remained in the sea or on the shore.

It's believed that the sardines that died near the coast naturally decomposed, leaving behind only bones and scales. These remains were then washed ashore, creating the fishy graveyard discovered by the city staff.

Source: FNN

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

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