News On Japan

Once-in-a-Century Bloom for Yokohama's Agave

YOKOHAMA, Jul 16 (News On Japan) - In the median strip of Yokohama, a towering plant has become the center of attention. Crowds gather around, pointing their cameras at a massive agave, commonly known as the "Century Plant," native to Central America, renowned for its rare, once-in-a-century bloom.

Since the beginning of this year, the agave suddenly began to grow, reaching over 6 meters in height. For the past month, it has been the subject of keen interest, with people eagerly anticipating its bloom. Over the weekend, the agave finally flowered.

A woman who came to see the bloom remarked, "It's said to bloom only once in decades. We won't see it again."

Comparing photos taken on July 14th to those taken on July 15th, numerous small yellow flowers have appeared.

Another woman who came to see the bloom said, "I heard the rumor that it would bloom today and came here. It's smaller than I expected. I thought it would be larger."

A middle school student added, "They say it blooms only once in a lifetime, so I'm grateful to have seen it."

The agave is expected to reach full bloom in one to two weeks.

Yokohama is forecasted to have clear skies on the 16th, signaling the arrival of the peak summer heat.

The sunshine and warmth are likely to further accelerate the agave's blooming process.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Aichi’s famed Konomiya Hadaka Festival took place on February 10th at Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa City, where men clad in only fundoshi loincloths clashed in a frenzied struggle. The traditional event, which has continued for over 1,200 years, centers around the ‘Shin Otoko’ or ‘Sacred Man,’ chosen by lottery, whom participants believe will cleanse them of misfortune if they manage to touch him.

Rice prices in Japan continue to rise, despite the government’s plan to release emergency reserves in an effort to stabilize the market. A bowl of tendon, topped with freshly fried tempura, is incomplete without steaming hot rice, but the cost of this staple has been steadily increasing.

An avalanche occurred around noon on Monday along a prefectural road in Fukushima City, leaving two hot spring inns isolated once again due to record snowfall.

With just two months remaining until the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, new initiatives are being introduced to enhance visitor convenience.

Foreign tourists spent a record 8.1 trillion yen in Japan last year, an amount equivalent to the cost of building 203 Tokyo Skytree towers. As Japan continues to attract visitors from around the world, many are curious about where this money goes and the financial backgrounds of those spending it.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts is undergoing its first major renovation since its opening, and during the process, a ceiling from 1936 was discovered. The museum also found graffiti left from the postwar period when the building was under the control of the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Allied Forces.

With just two months remaining until the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, new initiatives are being introduced to enhance visitor convenience.

Local government leaders have gathered to discuss efforts to bring the long-envisioned San’in Shinkansen, which would connect Osaka and Yamaguchi, closer to reality.

Foreign tourists spent a record 8.1 trillion yen in Japan last year, an amount equivalent to the cost of building 203 Tokyo Skytree towers. As Japan continues to attract visitors from around the world, many are curious about where this money goes and the financial backgrounds of those spending it.

One of Southeast Asia's largest events, 'Japan Expo Thailand 2025,' has opened, highlighting Japanese traditions and subculture to attract younger generations.

Boat travel from Kyoto to the Expo 2025 site in Yumeshima will become possible next month as a council promoting Yodogawa river transport announced the opening of a new route from Fushimi.

Located off the coast of Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Ōkunoshima—popularly known as "Rabbit Island"—is home to hundreds of wild rabbits. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the island to interact with the animals, but few are aware of its somber past as a former poison gas manufacturing site.

Visitors to the Osaka-Kansai Expo will not be allowed to bring large luggage, such as suitcases, into the venue. Organizers are urging attendees to store their bags at hotels or train stations before arrival.