Japan's Year-End Jumbo Lottery Kicks Off Nationwide

TOKYO, Nov 20 (News On Japan) - 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.

A lottery buyer commented, "I purchased 120,000 yen worth. If I win, my first plan is an overseas trip. I’d like to visit Europe."

The Year-End Jumbo Lottery went on sale nationwide on November 20th through lottery outlets and the official website.

Each ticket is priced at 300 yen, with a first prize of 700 million yen and adjacent prizes of 150 million yen each.

Including the simultaneously released Year-End Jumbo Mini, there are over 14,000 prizes of 1 million yen or more.

Tickets will be sold until December 21st, with the drawing scheduled to take place on New Year’s Eve.

Source: ANN

Lack of Carpenters Causing Construction Delays

A deepening labor shortage in Japan’s construction industry is beginning to impact homebuyers, with some experiencing delays of more than six months before construction can even begin due to a lack of available carpenters.

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Perfume Performs 3D Dance with IOWN Technology

Perfume delivered a dazzling dance performance at the NTT Pavilion, showcased in a groundbreaking 3D live experience at the Expo site.

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Movie Set for June Release

The highly anticipated film Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: The Lonely Dragon will open in theaters on June 27th.

Kyoto's Miyako Odori Returns with Final Rehearsal

Kyoto’s signature spring event, the "Miyako Odori," held its final rehearsal on March 31st ahead of its official opening. Performed by around 50 geiko and maiko at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, the annual dance performance undergoes its final run-through, known as the "ozarae," before opening to the public on April 1st.