Travel

Lost Sperm Whale Wanders into Osaka Bay

OSAKA, Feb 08 (News On Japan) - A sperm whale has made a rare appearance in Osaka Bay, estimated to be 12 meters long and weighing around 20 tons, believed to be male. First spotted on January 12th in Hyogo Prefecture, the whale has since moved to Osaka Prefecture, currently staying near the Sakai-Semboku Port area.

Takeshi Takada of the Sakai City Fisheries Cooperative Association expressed concern: "It's impossible to see at night, similar to unknowingly hitting a floating rock mass, I think it's utterly helpless. We hope it doesn't end up like the Yodo River incident."

Last year, a whale that wandered into the mouth of the Yodo River in Osaka Bay attracted significant attention. Unfortunately, it was later found dead and was sunk to the seabed.

Why does a whale appear in this area at this time? Yasunobu Nabeshima, a visiting researcher at the Osaka City Museum of Natural History, who has long studied marine life in Osaka Bay, sheds light on this. "Currently, the Kuroshio Current is meandering significantly, extending the distance from off the coasts of Wakayama and Kochi to Kuroshima. During high tide, water flows towards the Seto Inland Sea, possibly carrying the whale to shallower areas on its currents."

The situation seems grave. Nabeshima continues, "The whale appears to be quite emaciated, possibly not having eaten for about a month and a half. Its severe thinness indicates it's in a difficult predicament."

Source: ANN

Japan Troops Begin Bear Countermeasures

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

What Is Sanaenomics?

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Rare Spoonbill Sighted in Okinawa’s Nago City

A rare migratory bird seldom seen in Okinawa has become the talk of the town after appearing in Nago City. The bird, identified as a spoonbill, was spotted along the Nasada River in the city’s Kogachi district.

Your Next Travel Destination: Kvareli Lake Resort in the Heart of Georgia

Georgia is a small country between Europe and Asia, known for its beautiful nature, rich history and warm hospitality. From high mountains to green valleys, from old churches to modern cities, Georgia offers something for every traveler.

New Typhoon is Forming, Okinawa Could Be Affected Next Week

As of November 4th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a tropical depression near the Caroline Islands is expected to develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. The system is separate from Typhoon No. 25 (Haiyan) currently near the Philippines and is projected to move northwestward once it intensifies.

Preserving Hokkaido’s Lost Wartime Bridge

Local authorities in Shari, a town in Hokkaido, are seeking donations to preserve and promote an old Japan National Railways bridge that has been registered as a national tangible cultural property.

Heian-Era Tenpyo Procession Visits Todaiji Temple

The Tenpyo Procession, in which participants don splendid period costumes and visit Todaiji Temple, was held in Nara on November 3rd. The event commemorates Emperor Shomu, who commissioned the construction of the Great Buddha, and Empress Komyo, known for her devotion to Buddhism.

Osaka Festival of Lights 2025 Kicks Off

The opening ceremony of the annual Osaka Festival of Lights was held on November 3rd along Midosuji, Osaka’s main street, transforming the city’s nightscape with dazzling illuminations as trees lining the boulevard glowed with countless lights.

Autumn Foliage Peaks at Nikko’s Irohazaka

Autumn foliage has reached its peak along the Irohazaka winding road in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, where maple, beech, and azalea trees are glowing in shades of red and yellow as streams of cars carrying tourists move slowly up the scenic route.

Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) Moves West, No Direct Impact on Japan

[03:00] Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) is currently located east of the Philippines and moving westward. It is expected to intensify while passing near the Philippines before entering the South China Sea and approaching Vietnam. Meteorological agencies say there will be no direct impact on Japan.

< 2 3 4 5 >