Food

"Spring Watermelon" Harvest Begins in Kumamoto

Kumamoto, Mar 11 (News On Japan) - While the Kanto region is approaching the full swing of spring, as seen with the blooming rapeseed flowers at Mother Farm in Chiba Prefecture, some areas have already begun harvesting a taste of summer.

In Kumamoto Prefecture, known for the earthquake-stricken Kumamoto Castle and the world's largest caldera at Mount Aso, the harvest of the summer staple, watermelon, has already started.

Kumamoto boasts the highest watermelon shipment volume in Japan, and the harvest from March to June is commonly known as "spring watermelon." The watermelons grown during this period, with moderate rainfall and strong sunlight on clear days, are said to be the most delicious.

A Takagi Farm hand said, "This year, the fluctuating temperatures were tough for the watermelons at times, but I think we have managed to produce delicious watermelons."

Most of Kumamoto's watermelons are cultivated in greenhouses with temperature control, allowing for the consistent production of high-quality watermelons. Additionally, the well-draining soil derived from volcanic ash is another reason for the delicious watermelons.

Source: TBS

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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