Nov 17 (BBC World Service) - In Japan, the number of abandoned homes - known as Akiyas - is at an all-time high, with 9,000,000 million properties sitting empty on city streets and turning rural communities into ghost towns.
Why are there millions of empty houses in Japan?
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A Ferrari seized from a tax delinquent was auctioned by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, fetching over 170 million yen, the highest bid ever recorded for such an auction.
Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.
EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.
Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.
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In Japan, the number of abandoned homes - known as Akiyas - is at an all-time high, with 9,000,000 million properties sitting empty on city streets and turning rural communities into ghost towns. (BBC World Service)
Nuisance streamers and content creators have been using Japan as a background for their social media feeds for awhile now. But now the Japanese are finally getting fed up and actually going after them over their disruptions. (Decoy Voice)
This year's Ramon Magsaysay Award has been granted to Japanese animation master Miyazaki Hayao. The award, known as "Asia's Nobel Prize," is annually given to individuals and organizations who have contributed to peace and development in Asia. (NHK)
A series of farewell rites and events has begun for Japan's Princess Mikasa, who passed away on Friday. She was the widow of Prince Mikasa, a younger brother of the late Emperor Showa. (NHK)
Japan's Princess Mikasa, whose given name is Yuriko, passed away at the age of 101. The princess was the widow of Prince Mikasa, a younger brother of the late Emperor Showa. (NHK)
An hour long documentary looking at the life of the Sugiura family, fish merchants and caterers living in Tokyo. Producer, director, John Nathan Explores the professional and personal lives of a Japanese family, Takes a look at the everyday life of a Japanese family living in Tokyo. (TRNGL)
The number of single-person households in Japan is expected to surpass 40% by 2050, according to recent projections.
It's no secret that Japan is lined with seemingly forgotten about cars. This is the second video I dedicate to showing you guys what I can sometimes run across in my travels and as much as it is sad to see cars left to crumble away into nothingness, there's always something impossibly visual about seeing grimy decay, especially if on cars we all love so much. (Dino DC)