Travel

$1.6 Million 'TOKYO' Monument Unveiled

TOKYO, Mar 31 (News On Japan) - 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

Massive Redevelopment to Redefine Nagoya

Nagoya is on the verge of a major transformation. Over the next decade, the cityscape is expected to undergo a dramatic shift as large-scale redevelopment projects reshape its urban core. The focus is on three key districts—Meieki, Sakae, and Kanayama—each developing in a way that highlights its own unique strengths.

Japan's Academics Demand Independence

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Inside Japan’s Failing Sewers

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two Men Arrested for Breaking Into Tokyo School

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

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