News On Japan

Whale Shark Found in Local River

OSAKA, Nov 07 (News On Japan) - A whale shark that mysteriously appeared in a river has been identified as one previously kept at an aquarium in Osaka Prefecture.

In a river in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, locals spotted the whale shark, which typically resides in warm ocean waters. As night fell, crowds of children gathered along the river to catch a glimpse of the unusual sight.

But where did this whale shark come from?

The following morning, it became likely that the shark was indeed a former resident of an aquarium in Osaka Prefecture.

Kaiyukan Public Relations Team, Yasuyuki Tai: "When displayed at Kaiyukan, we called him 'Kai.' The patterns on his head are quite similar."

Could it really be the same shark?

Last month, the aquarium released "Kai" off the coast of Kochi Prefecture to study his natural behavior in the sea. It is believed that the shark found in the river could indeed be Kai.

Local Residents: "If I have a chance to see it, I’ll go." "I’ve never seen one outside of an aquarium."

Around 1:30 p.m. on November 6th, divers examined the whale shark at the bottom of the river.

Kaiyukan Public Relations Team, Yasuyuki Tai: "We confirmed that it was the same whale shark released in October."

Sadly, the whale shark had already passed away.

Kaiyukan Public Relations Team, Yasuyuki Tai: "Since it’s a fish that typically lives offshore, the low-salinity environment of the river mouth may have been harsh for it."

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A whale shark that mysteriously appeared in a river has been identified as one previously kept at an aquarium in Osaka Prefecture.

Keio Railway launched a pilot program on Wednesday for touch payment ride services using credit cards and similar methods across all its stations.

A new trend has emerged in Thailand, known for its friendly ties with Japan, where Japanese-style townscapes are being faithfully recreated.

In recent years, approximately 450 schools close annually in Japan, with around 20% left unused. These unused schools face potential demolition as maintenance becomes unsustainable, prompting a response from the Ministry of Education, which has launched matching sites and events to promote new uses.

The next-generation flagship rocket, the H3, was launched from Tanegashima on October 4th, successfully deploying a satellite into orbit as planned. This marks the third consecutive successful launch.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

In Japan, the 'Suzuki' surname ranks as the country's second most common, following 'Sato.' The origins of this widespread name can be traced back to Kumano faith and its spread across the nation, with roots at the Fujishiro Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture's Kainan City.

Japan’s traditional sake brewing has taken a step closer to being recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. UNESCO's Evaluation Body, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has recommended that Japan’s “traditional sake brewing” practices, including sake, shochu, and awamori production, be registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs.

In a residential neighborhood in Hiroshima Prefecture, a suspicious man was recently spotted leaning close to other people's laundry, carefully examining each item. His target: the clothing of a junior high school girl.

A series of robberies and thefts in the Kanto region, believed to be linked to 'dark part-time jobs,' have reached a total of 23 cases, according to police officials. Some of these incidents may involve the same suspects.

On Culture Day, November 3rd, manga artist Tetsuya Chiba, 85, expressed his joy at receiving the Order of Culture from the Emperor, saying, 'I believe Osamu Tezuka would be the happiest for me right now.'

A 42-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stealing a business bag containing cash and credit cards from an overhead rack inside a Yamanote Line train at JR Ikebukuro Station in early August.

A man found to be cycling under the influence of alcohol has been charged in Osaka City, western Japan, becoming the first to be penalized in Osaka Prefecture under newly tightened traffic regulations. (NHK)

In Japan, idol culture is a huge part of the entertainment world. At live concerts, various teenage idol groups perform one after another, each with fans eagerly awaiting their favorite act. (Japanese Comedian Meshida)