Travel

Rare Sunny Weekend in Tokyo

TOKYO, Mar 11 (News On Japan) - A high pressure system brought calm weather across Japan on Sunday, with Tokyo experienced its first sunny weekend in a month, drawing crowds to various outdoor events.

Tokyo's First Sunny Weekend in a Month

Yoyogi Park in Tokyo was packed with people attending festivals from Egypt and Thailand. The international gourmet offerings, such as Thai cuisine and kebabs, were also popular.

An event organizer stated, "We host international exchange events from various countries. This time, we're focusing on Egypt and Thailand. The weather greatly affects us, as rain can reduce the number of visitors. We're grateful for the warm and sunny weather today and yesterday, which brought in many guests."

A Pleasant Day Nationwide

Flowers are signaling the arrival of spring.

In Toyama, colorful snowdrops are blooming.

In Yamanashi, a mysterious flower blooms while surrounded by snow. Named "Zazenso" because it resembles the figure of a mediative monk, it is now in bloom.

In Saga, children challenged a Guinness record. Over 300 children attempted to create sand molds, resulting in 20 disqualifications but ultimately achieving a world record.

The disaster-stricken areas are slowly hearing the footsteps of spring after a long, harsh winter.

In Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture, which experienced winter-like cold, water supply was restored in parts of the city for the first time in about two months.

An evacuee expressed relief, "We had to do everything with just a cup of water, so I'm really happy that water is flowing again."

However, the restoration on March 10th only covered about 2% of all households in the city. Full restoration is expected next month.

Temporary housing using paper materials is also being constructed for those living in evacuation shelters in greenhouses.

Tazuko Seto said, "I'm looking forward to it. This place is scary, and it was cold all night long last night."

The temporary housing uses paper tubes for columns and beams, designed by architect Shigeru Ban.

Seto added, "I want to live somewhere as close to home as possible."

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.

Kamiya Faces Takaichi in First Diet Debate Over Foreign Worker Policy

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers. Both share conservative leanings, and Kamiya had been approached by Takaichi for cooperation during the prime ministerial election, but the session quickly turned into a pointed exchange over immigration and national priorities.

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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