Society

Kioh Championship to Feature "Surviving Pieces"

Ishikawa, Feb 22 (News On Japan) - Kazuhito Shiotsu (63) from Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, saw his two-story home collapse in the earthquake.

Shiotsu: "They were found under the debris around here."

He lost his wife, Kimiko (64).

A shogi enthusiast, Shiotsu has owned many shogi boards and pieces for about 18 years, and for over a decade, his shogi sets have been used in the Kioh Championship held in Kanazawa.

Three weeks after the earthquake...

Shiotsu: "I stood on the rubble, trying to taking in the sight of my completely destroyed house. And then, through a gap in the debris, I saw this familiar blue pattern."

He says he miraculously found the unscathed pieces.

Shiotsu: "I thought about what my wife thought of my love for shogi... collecting boards and pieces and providing them for title matches. I realized she had been supporting me."

Driven by the feeling that his late wife was encouraging him, he decided to offer them again this year.

Shiotsu: "I hope this contribution can somehow become a catalyst for reconstruction."

The unscathed pieces found this time are scheduled to be used in the second game of the Kioh Championship on February 24th.

Source: ANN

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.

First 'Rose of Versailles' Manhole Covers Appear in Chiba’s Kashiwa

Manhole covers featuring characters from Riyoko Ikeda’s popular manga The Rose of Versailles were unveiled on November 11th at three locations within Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Japan's Abandoned Car Issue - Millions in Forgotten Legends

It's no secret that Japan is lined with seemingly forgotten about cars. This is the second video I dedicate to showing you guys what I can sometimes run across in my travels and as much as it is sad to see cars left to crumble away into nothingness, there's always something impossibly visual about seeing grimy decay, especially if on cars we all love so much. (Dino DC)

American Tourist Carves Initials on Meiji Shrine Gate

A 65-year-old American tourist, Hays Steve Lee, was arrested on suspicion of property damage after reportedly carving letters into the torii gate at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo's prominent cultural landmark.

Sports Magazine Editor Arrested for Allegedly Throwing Bottle at Woman

A man, identified as Satoshi Kato, a 33-year-old freelance editor for the sports magazine Number, has been arrested.

20-Year-Old Woman Arrested After 7-Hour ‘Free’ Karaoke

A young woman was arrested after spending seven hours in a karaoke room alone, even extending her stay, without any intention of paying.

Yvette Wang Pleads Guilty in the U.S., Agrees to Pay a Staggering $2.8 Billion in Restitution

The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that 45-year-old New York resident Yvette Wang has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering.

Town Revitalization Effort Brings 'Yokai' Wedding to Life

A unique wedding ceremony recently took place in Fukusaki Town, Hyogo Prefecture, where efforts are underway to revitalize the town through the allure of 'yokai' (supernatural creatures in Japanese folklore).

Female Rickshaw Pullers Face Heat: 'Like Slaves' Say Some Foreigners

Tokyo's Asakusa district, bustling with foreign tourists, is famous for its rickshaws, a unique attraction that combines sightseeing with memory-making for visitors.

Father and Son Arrested After Heated Dispute with Frying Pan

An 88-year-old father and his 60-year-old son were arrested in Kushiro, Hokkaido, after a violent dispute where the father allegedly threatened the son with a knife, and the son retaliated by hitting his father with a frying pan, causing minor injuries.

< 2 3 4 5 >