$1.6 Million 'TOKYO' Monument Unveiled

Mar 31, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - A new monument emblazoned with 'TOKYO' has been unveiled at a staggering cost of 160 million yen ($1.6 million) in Tokyo's Central District.

This grand structure, funded by the metropolitan government, stands in Harumi Futo Park. Even before its installation, the monument's hefty price tag had sparked controversy.

Park visitors have voiced their opinions, with some expressing concern over the use of taxpayers' money. "It makes you think... that's our tax money," one visitor remarked. Another hopes for a positive outcome: "Now that it's here, I hope it becomes a new landmark for Tokyo."

The monument is illuminated from 6 PM to 11 PM, offering a new nighttime attraction in the city.

Source: TBS

Typhoon No. 6 Approaches Okinawa Bringing Destructive Winds

As of 3 a.m. on May 31st, Typhoon No. 6 (Chan-hom) was moving north-northwest south of Okinawa and is forecast to pass near Okinawa Main Island between June 1st and June 2nd as a strong typhoon, with meteorologists warning of destructive winds, torrential rain and dangerous seas across Okinawa before the storm tracks northeastward along Japan's Pacific coast.

Bear Sighting Hoax Posts Trigger Police Investigation in Aomori

A series of false bear sighting reports posted to an online alert system operated by Aomori Prefecture has disrupted schools, prompted a police investigation, and raised concerns about the growing impact of misinformation on public safety.

Saw, Iron Pipes and Shovel Seized as 30 Teens Get Ready to Rumble

A social media dispute between a 17-year-old high school student from Tokyo's Itabashi Ward and a 16-year-old boy from Edogawa Ward escalated into a planned group fight involving around 30 youths, some of whom allegedly brought weapons including a rusty saw, iron pipes, a special baton and even a shovel.

Japan's Population Falls by 3.1 Million in Five Years to 123 Million

Japan's population stood at 123.05 million in 2025, according to preliminary results from the national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, marking a decline of 3.097 million people over the past five years.

Japan Volleyball Player Busted Over Marijuana Possession

Volleyball player Shunichiro Sato, a member of Japan’s men’s national team, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of possessing marijuana after allegedly leaving a bag containing the drug at a pachinko parlor in Tokyo.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

JAL Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Tire Failure

A Japan Airlines passenger aircraft that made an emergency landing after suffering a tire malfunction has prompted the discovery of runway damage at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, with authorities now investigating whether the two incidents are connected.

Kansai Airport Completes First Major Renovation Since Opening

Kansai Airport has completed its first large-scale renovation since opening, 24 additional stores, including a Universal Studios Japan outlet, marking the theme park's first airport store in Japan.

Osaka Suspends New Special-Zone Minpaku Applications

Osaka City will stop accepting new applications for its special-zone minpaku program on May 29 as complaints over noise, garbage disposal and other issues involving guests continue to increase.

Kyoto Company Targets Beef Cutlets as Inbound Tourism Strategy

Sanmarc Holdings is betting on Kyoto's global appeal and the growing popularity of gyukatsu among foreign tourists as it accelerates overseas expansion, with President Yuki Fujikawa positioning the beef cutlet chain as a key driver of the restaurant group's inbound tourism and international growth strategy.

Work While Traveling: 'Otetutabi' Gains Popularity in Hokkaido

A new travel style known as “Otetutabi,” which combines short-term work with tourism, is rapidly gaining attention across Japan as both travelers and local businesses search for new ways to address changing social and economic realities.

Debate Reignites Over Western Japan Bullet Train Route

The route dispute surrounding the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Osaka has been thrown back into uncertainty, with the long-discussed "Obama-Kyoto Route" effectively returned to square one as ruling coalition lawmakers consider eight alternative plans, including a route via Maibara Station in Shiga Prefecture.

Traditional Rice Planting Festival Held in Shirakawa-go

Traditional rice planting was held on May 27th in Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, where women dressed as saotome carefully planted Koshihikari rice seedlings as traditional rice planting songs echoed across the historic village.

Shibuya to Issue On-The-Spot Fines for Littering

People caught littering in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward will face on-the-spot fines of 2,000 yen starting June 1st under revised local regulations aimed at tackling a surge in street garbage around the busy entertainment district.

< 2 3 4 5 >