Over 300 New Geoglyphs Discovered by Yamagata University in Nazca

YAMAGATA, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - Yamagata University, which has been conducting research on the Nazca geoglyphs in Peru, announced the discovery of over 300 new geoglyphs, depicting a variety of subjects, including humans and animals.

Yamagata University has been researching these geoglyphs for nearly 20 years, during which it has discovered more than 300 geoglyphs. On Tuesday, the university announced that, by utilizing more advanced AI technology, they have identified an additional 303 geoglyphs.

Professor Masato Sakai, Yamagata University Institute for Research: "We didn’t expect to find so many."

One of the newly discovered geoglyphs, an orca holding a knife, is believed to represent a ritual offering to the gods. Yamagata University continues to investigate the geoglyphs, exploring their ritualistic and symbolic significance, such as being used as landmarks.

The university expects that nearly 500 more geoglyphs could be discovered in the future.

Monster Bear OSO18 Was Extreme Carnivore

A bear known as OSO18, which attacked more than 60 cattle in eastern Hokkaido, has been revealed to be an unusually extreme carnivore, primarily feeding on Ezo deer.

Japan’s Private Moon Landing Attempt Ends in Failure Again

Japan’s bid for a successful private-sector moon landing has ended in failure for the second time, after startup ispace announced that it lost communication with its lunar lander Resilience during the final descent.

Japan Post to Lose Freight Permit

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has notified Japan Post of its intention to revoke the company’s license for freight transportation, following the discovery of improper safety checks at postal branches across the country.

Legionella Bacteria Found at Osaka Expo’s Quiet Forest and Water Plaza

Legionella bacteria have been detected in multiple locations at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site, prompting health and safety measures. According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, seawater collected on June 3rd from the Water Plaza, where water shows are held, was found to contain Legionella bacteria at 20 times the guideline limit.

Japan's Annual Births Fall Below 700,000 for the First Time

The number of babies born in Japan in 2024 fell below 700,000 for the first time since recordkeeping began in 1899, highlighting the nation’s accelerating demographic crisis. According to population statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 4th, the number of births dropped to 686,061—down more than 40,000 from the previous year.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Teen Judoka with Disability Wins Gold in Europe

A high school student from a special needs school in Usa, Oita Prefecture, who won a gold medal at an international judo competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands in April, visited the city hall of her hometown, Bungotakada, to report her achievement.

Interpreter Shortage Grows as Language Barriers Challenge Law Enforcement

With the number of foreign residents in Fukuoka Prefecture surpassing 110,000 at the end of last year—a record high—the need for police interpreters is becoming increasingly urgent, especially as incidents involving foreigners continue to rise.

Dental Technician Shortage Worsens as Pay Falls to 600 Yen an Hour

Japan’s dental care system is facing a growing crisis as the number of dental technicians—who produce crowns, dentures, and other oral prosthetics under dentist supervision—continues to plummet. Over the past two decades, the profession has seen a decline of more than 4,000 workers, raising concerns about the future of treatment quality and capacity.

Osaka University to Accept Researchers from U.S. After Harvard Ban

Osaka University has announced it will accept up to 100 medical researchers from the United States in response to a policy by the Trump administration that suspended the acceptance of international students at Harvard University.

Japanese Students Express Concern Over Halt to U.S. Student Visa Interviews

Concerns are growing among Japanese students following reports that the U.S. government under the Trump administration has ordered a halt to new bookings for student visa interviews, potentially impacting those planning to study in the United States.

Start from the Feet!? Shibasaki's Golden Ratio Technique for Drawing Figures

Have you ever felt that drawing people is just too difficult? In this video, Shibasaki-sensei shares his unique approach to drawing balanced human figures using the golden ratio — and it all starts from the feet! (Watercolor by Shibasaki)

Over 90% of Okinawa Parents Say Life Has Become Harder Due to Soaring Prices

More than 90% of parents of elementary and junior high school students in Okinawa say their lives have become more difficult, according to a 2024 survey on child poverty conducted by the prefecture. The results highlight how rising prices are putting serious pressure on households raising children.

Samurai Naval Warfare: Evolution and Overview

Japan, a nation long defined by its insular geography and maritime surroundings, has a rich yet often overlooked history of naval warfare.

< 2 3 4 5 >