Oct 24 (South China Morning Post) - A normally serene two-and-a-half-hour ride on Japan’s famously efficient bullet train turned into a zombie apocalypse on October 19, 2024. Billed as the “world’s first haunted house experience on a running shinkansen”, the adrenaline-filled trip from Tokyo to Osaka was inspired by the hit 2016 South Korean horror film Train to Busan. The spooky shinkansen trip was organised ahead of Halloween on October 31.
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.
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.
A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.
Sales for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, which offers a combined prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and adjacent prizes, have officially begun.
Prime Minister Ishiba, attending the G20 summit in Brazil, held talks on November 18th with UK Prime Minister Starmer, where they agreed to establish an economic "2+2" framework involving foreign and economic ministers.
Foreign tourists flocking to Tokyo’s Roppongi have been engaging in dangerous photography, turning the area’s popular photo spots into safety hazards.
A new shopping street, set to be Japan's longest, will open in Tokyo's Asakusa area on November 20th. Spanning 3 kilometers, it aims to surpass Osaka's Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, which currently holds the title at 2 kilometers.
Located in the northern part of the Echigo Mountain Range, this iconic mountain in Shibata is among Japan's '200 Famous Mountains.' It has long been a site of religious significance, with the Ninouji Shrine—designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in March 2024—situated at the trailhead.
An Egyptian man has successfully traveled overland from Cairo to Tokyo without using an airplane, completing a journey spanning nine months and over 46,000 kilometers.
Yamanashi Prefecture announced the abandonment of its 'Mount Fuji Railway Plan,' which aimed to connect the base of Mount Fuji to the Fifth Station via a next-generation tram system.
The Chinese government is reportedly considering the resumption of the short-term visa-free travel program for visitors from Japan, allowing stays of up to 15 days.
In the heart of the Alps, Takao Ishii, a professional Japanese yodeler is drawing global attention by singing yodels in a small village at the foot of the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany.
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea unveiled their special Christmas event, marking the final year of a beloved parade that has run for a decade.
