Travel

'Haru-Ichiban' Arrives 13 Days Early

HOKURIKU, Feb 15 (News On Japan) - The Hokuriku region has announced Japan's first spring gale of the year, with a strong southerly wind blowing over the Sea of Japan on Thursday afternoon.

In Kanazawa, a maximum wind speed of 10.4 meters per second was recorded at 11:10 AM.

Consequently, the Niigata Regional Meteorological Observatory announced the nation's first spring gale of the year.

A spring gale, or "haru ichiban," refers to the first strong southerly wind that blows as the season transitions from winter to spring.

This year's spring gale in the Hokuriku region, in the northwestern part of Honshu, was observed 13 days earlier than last year.

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.

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Preserving Hokkaido’s Lost Wartime Bridge

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Heian-Era Tenpyo Procession Visits Todaiji Temple

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Osaka Festival of Lights 2025 Kicks Off

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