Society

Exploring Asuka Village: The Cradle of Japanese History

NARA, Mar 07 (News On Japan) - An investigative team visited Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture, known as "the hometown of Japanese history," starting their journey at "Ishibutai Kofun," a national historic site, and then thoroughly examined "Asuka-dera," the first full-fledged Buddhist temple in Japan.

Ishibutai Kofun is said to be the tomb of Soga no Umako, and "Asuka-dera," which was built at his behest, houses Japan's oldest "Asuka Daibutsu" (Great Buddha of Asuka). The Asuka Daibutsu, which Prince Shōtoku is also believed to have worshiped, is a "national treasure-level" Buddha statue, yet it is not designated as a "National Treasure" but as an "Important Cultural Property." The team delved into the secrets of Asuka-dera and the Asuka Daibutsu.

Source: YOMIURI

New Shinkansen Reservation Service Lets Users Book in One Minute

JR East has launched a preview version of its new online Shinkansen booking platform, JRE GO, promising reservations in as little as one minute and easier handling of sudden schedule changes.

Father Claimed Son Was Missing Before Disappearance

A 37-year-old father arrested over the alleged abandonment of his son's body in a forest in Kyoto Prefecture may have contacted associates to say the child had gone missing before the boy's school informed the family, investigators said.

Bear Found in Bushes in Central Sendai Finally Culled

A bear that had remained in a residential area in central Sendai since early Sunday morning was euthanized last night in an emergency cull. No injuries were reported.

Father Admits Killing and Body Abandonment in Kyoto

Police investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy whose body was found in a forest in Kyoto Prefecture believe his father moved the remains between several locations over a number of days in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

Strong Typhoon Raises High Surf Risk for Pacific Areas of Japan This Weekend

A large and powerful Typhoon No. 4, internationally named Sinlaku, was located near the Mariana Islands and moving north-northeast as of the latest update. The storm is expected to gradually shift its course eastward and pass southeast of the Ogasawara Islands around April 18, before making its closest approach around April 19.

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MORE Society NEWS

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