Travel

Kyushu Trials Autonomous Trains

Kyushu, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - JR Kyushu announced on Thursday that, in conjunction with the timetable revision on March 16th, it will begin a demonstration of autonomous driving on some trains on the Kagoshima Line, with a driver on board.

Five trains will operate daily between Orio (Kitakyushu City) and Futsukaichi (Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture). The company aims to verify safety issues and the effects of operational efficiency on its main conventional lines and aims for full operation by the end of March 2026. In a driving training session open to the press on February 21st, the train began to accelerate when the driver pressed the start button and gradually decelerated to stop as it approached the station.

Source: Kyodo

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

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