Travel

Japan's Northernmost Lighthouse Opens to Public

HOKKAIDO, Jul 15 (News On Japan) - The Cape Soya Lighthouse, standing tall on a hill in Wakkanai City, Hokkaido, is Japan's northernmost lighthouse, established 139 years ago.

On Marine Day, July 15, the lighthouse is opened to the public for its annual viewing, allowing visitors to explore the normally inaccessible observation room, which stands about 17 meters high. They can also view the lens used to illuminate the lighthouse, which has been in operation since the Taisho era.

A tourist from Shizuoka commented, ‘The scenery is amazing, something rarely seen,’ while another from Yamagata said, ‘It feels like it’s protecting the northern Sea of Okhotsk.’

Source: TBS

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

New Japanese Passport Applications to Go Online

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

Future of Solar Power: Japan's Breakthrough Technology

The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."

Record 7,000 Teachers in Japan on Leave Due to Mental Health

The number of teachers taking mental health leave reached a record high of 7,119 in the 2023 fiscal year at public schools across Japan.

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