News On Japan

Two Die After Consuming Toxic Plant

SAPPORO, May 18 (News On Japan) - Two residents of Sapporo who died earlier this month likely succumbed to food poisoning caused by mistakenly consuming toxic autumn crocus, according to the Sapporo City Health Department. The department confirmed on May 17 that the deaths were indeed due to poisoning from this plant.

Autumn crocus [colchicum autumnale] also known as meadow saffron, naked boys or naked ladies, contains poisonous alkaloids and has often been mistaken for edible wild plants like gyouja garlic. Over the past decade, there have been 11 cases of such poisoning in Hokkaido, resulting in seven deaths.

Known for its beautiful autumn blooms, autumn crocus is commonly sold in garden stores for ornamental purposes. Experts highlight that the base of the autumn crocus is green, while that of the gyouja garlic is red. They caution against consuming plants that cannot be confidently identified.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Japan's northern Akita Prefecture experienced a torrential deluge Friday, causing major flooding and the collapse of a bridge in Kamikoani Village.

Theft of air conditioner outdoor units has surged as Japan's heatwave continues, leaving some businesses unable to run critical cooling systems.

As power harassment allegations against the governor of Hyogo Prefecture continue to swirl, it has been revealed that another prefectural employee has passed away, with the prefecture delaying a formal announcement of the death by 3 months.

Osaka has topped the 'Japan Urban Power Rankings' for the fourth consecutive year. Conducted by Mori Building's think tank, the ranking evaluates 136 cities across Japan in six categories, including economy, culture, and environment.

Japan's total population stood at 124.88 million as of January 1 this year, a decrease of over 530,000 from the previous year, further accelerating the trend of a declining birthrate and aging population.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Food NEWS

A hidden omakase sushi spot in one of Tokyo's most heavily trafficked hubs, that’s delicious and traditional, yet modern, young and tourist-friendly. That's Sushi Hajime. (Japan by Food)

Tokyo Japanese Food tour at Japan's newly created spot in Azabudai Hills. This is the full tour experience of this location just nestled between Kamiyacho and Roppongi-Itchome station, Azabudai Hills feels like a little modern garden city all of its own. (Paolo fromTOKYO)

A visit to Lien in Kyoto to have Garlic Rice with Curry sauce as part of a lunch menu - Restaurant name: Teppansousaku Lien (Aden Films)

Did you know that tourists have been banned from Kyoto, Japan's beloved Geisha district? Due to increasing instances of inappropriate tourist behavior, the local government has decided to ban tourists from certain parts of the traditional and historic Gion area. (Japan by Food)

Osaka for Foodies on a Budget! Here are Stephanie’s BEST street food, restaurant and cheap eats recommendations! Osaka is a food paradise, renowned for its accessible and affordable cuisine, including food stall snacks and Michelin-rated dishes. Together, we will explore the best budget-friendly eats around the famous Dotonbori and Namba areas and discover the most delicious, must-try spots in 2024! (Japan by Food)

The food that is prepared at this Japanese boys high school is of the highest quality! This chef takes pride in serving the students healthy and delicious meals, some of the quality of the dishes will amaze you! The students seem to love it! (Japanese Food Craftsman)

Nestled in the mountains of Hitachiota City, Ibaraki, we found a queue even before opening hours. The shop, called Jikyuan, is a soba noodle restaurant. Ogawa Nobuo, the owner, first opened Jikyuan in 1990 in Asagaya, Tokyo. In 2002, he moved to his hometown of Ibaraki and started a restaurant using soba he cultivated himself.

On hot and humid days in Tokyo, nothing beats a matcha gelato. A specialty matcha gelato shop in Asakusa was bustling with foreign customers on Thursday. The shop offers seven types of matcha gelato, each with varying degrees of richness. The most popular is made with the highest quality matcha, which has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.