Society

Violinist Taro Hakase Reveals Diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

TOKYO, Sep 07 (News On Japan) - Violinist Taro Hakase (53) announced on Friday that he has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition that causes facial paralysis.

Hakase updated his official website on the same day, explaining that he noticed something was wrong with his body one morning in August, just before the national tour with his band. That afternoon, during the recording of a radio program, he realized that the left side of his face was not moving.

"Afterwards, I was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, the same condition that Justin Bieber revealed he had two years ago. Before I knew it, the left side of my face had completely stopped moving," Hakase shared.

The violinist is scheduled to perform the first concert of the tour on September 7th in Kanagawa. He remarked, "Concerts are my life, and this tour is especially important as it's the first for this band. I couldn't find any reason to cancel. While my onstage talk may not go as smoothly as usual, I plan to make the concert even more enjoyable than ever. Although half of my face is paralyzed, I'm full of energy otherwise."

Online, fans have expressed their concern, with many leaving messages such as "Please take care of yourself."

Source: ANN

Shimadzu Unveils World's First Optical Lattice Clock

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the world's first optical lattice clock, which measures time using the oscillation frequency of atoms trapped by lasers. The clock boasts an unparalleled accuracy, with an error of just one second over 10 billion years.

Tohoku Shinkansen Cars Unexpectedly Detach

A Tohoku Shinkansen train came to an unexpected stop between Ueno and Omiya on March 6th after its coupled cars separated. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on the Hayabusa-Komachi No. 21 train.

Japan to Release Rice Reserves as Prices Surge Past 5,000 Yen for 5kg

Japan’s rice prices have been steadily climbing, with the cost of a 5-kilogram bag rising from 2,430 to 3,297 yen last year and further increasing to 3,949 yen this year, putting pressure on household budgets. To curb these rising prices, the government has decided to release its rice reserves.

Gunkanjima Faces Collapse Risk as Buildings Deteriorate

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.

Nara's Omizutori Fire Ritual Marks 1,274 Year

The annual Shunie ceremony, commonly known as Omizutori, has begun at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Carrying large torches, attendants lit the way as monks, known as the Rengyoshu, slowly ascended the steps of Nigatsudo Hall.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Free ‘Manhole Cards’ Resold for Thousands, Angering Collectors

A surge in the resale of 'Manhole Cards,' collectible cards featuring designs of local manhole covers distributed for free by municipalities, has angered collectors and local governments. Some cards are being resold for as much as 100,000 yen, prompting concerns over fairness and the original intent behind the initiative.

Abandoned Hospital Becomes Haunting Ground, Alarming Residents

An abandoned hospital in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, has become a well-known "haunted spot," drawing unwanted attention and raising concerns among local residents. Fresh footprints in the snow indicate frequent trespassing, despite the lack of any official visitors.