Society

Monks Leap into Lake Biwa from 7-Meter Pole

Shiga, Aug 02 (News On Japan) - Monks training in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, performed the 'Isaki-no-saotobi' (jumping from a beam at Isaki) ritual, diving into Lake Biwa from a pole 7 meters high.

'Isaki-no-saotobi,' held annually on August 1st at Isakiji Temple in Omihachiman City, is a traditional event believed to date back to the Heian period. The monks dive into the lake bearing the wishes of the people, an act known as 'sacrificial practice.'

The pole, extending about 14 meters from a cliff, saw twelve monks who had completed a 100-day spiritual practice at Mount Hiei, jumping one after another from the 7-meter height, hands clasped in prayer.

Source: YOMIURI

Rare Mutation in Lung Cancer Patient Helps Prolong Life

Diagnosed with lung cancer in his forties and given a prognosis of just six months to live, a man has defied the odds and is still working full-time, eight years after the initial diagnosis. This was made possible by the latest treatment method known as "cancer genome medicine."

Red-Tinted River Baffles Sendai Locals

The Hirose River in Sendai City has turned a mysterious red, sparking local concern. Residents are puzzled, with some noting they've never seen anything like it before.

Fake Japanese Products Gain Popularity in Russia

Since the invasion of Ukraine and the consequent wave of foreign business withdrawals from Russia, products mimicking Japanese imports have been appearing in greater numbers across the country.

Nuclear reactor in northeastern Japan restarted 13 years after 2011 disaster

The operator of a nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, restarted one of its reactors on Tuesday, more than 13 years after it suffered damage in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. (NHK)

Election Staff in Mini-Skirt Raises Questions

A woman in a neon-colored jacket and mini-skirt was seen supporting a candidate in Japan's latest Lower House election, sparking public debate on extremely short skirts, shorts, and other revealing outfits worn by female campaign staff.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Should Nagano's 1928 Landmark Bridge Be Saved or Demolished?

The question of whether to preserve or dismantle a nearly 100-year-old aqueduct bridge that stands as a town symbol is dividing opinions among the town and its residents.

Johnny Somali, Notorious Japanese YouTuber, Assaulted in South Korea

Japanese ex-convict and notorious prank YouTuber Johnny Somali, born Ismail Ramsey Khalid, has made headlines again, this time for disruptive behavior in South Korea that ended in a public assault.

Female Officer Accidentally Shoots Own Hand

A police officer in Kofu, Yamanashi, accidentally fired her handgun into her own hand on October 29th while apprehending a man who was swinging a knife in public.

Taxi Driver Arrested After Teen Passenger Drugged

A taxi driver has been arrested by Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of committing a robbery by drugging a female passenger.

Tokyo High Court rules not allowing same-sex marriage unconstitutional

The Tokyo High Court ruled on Wednesday that Japanese laws that do not recognize same-sex marriages violate the country's Constitution. This is the second time a high court in the country has handed down such a decision. (NHK)

Man Arrested for Choking Another Customer in Dispute Over Plastic Bag

A man was arrested for allegedly shouting angrily about the lack of a plastic bag inquiry and choking another customer at a supermarket in Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Three People Injured in Hiroshima Monkey Attack

A monkey wearing a collar caused a major disturbance in Hiroshima Prefecture's Hatsukaichi City, leaving three people injured.

Naked Body of 20-Year-Old Found in Hokkaido Park: Police Investigate Possible Homicide

In a case where a man was found dead in a park in Hokkaido, police have identified the victim as a 20-year-old university student.

< 2 3 4 5 >