Travel

Rare 'Blue Bee' Sighted in Shiga's Kōnan City

Shiga, Aug 16 (News On Japan) - A rare blue bee, believed to bring happiness, has been spotted at a local temple in Kōnan City, Shiga Prefecture. The bee, known as the 'Blue Bee' or Lulimonhanabachi (Amegilla quadrifasciata), is characterized by its black body and striking blue stripes.

Measuring about 1.5 centimeters in length, this bee belongs to the Apidae family. The Blue Bee was first observed at Chōjū-ji Temple in 2021, and it has been seen again this year, buzzing around the yellow cosmos flowers in search of nectar.

The Blue Bee is found across Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, but its rarity has led to its designation as an endangered species in Kyoto Prefecture, furthering its reputation as the “Blue Bee of Happiness.”

A visitor to the temple remarked, "Watching the bee makes me feel incredibly calm and brings a sense of happiness."

Chōjū-ji's chief priest, Ryōdō Fujiki, noted, "Compared to last year, there are significantly more bees—often three or four flying together. I hope people come, see them, and take home a little bit of happiness."

The Blue Bee is expected to be visible until late September.

Source: YOMIURI

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

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