Society

Kato Recognized by Guinness for 65 Years of Chess Puzzle Contributions

Nov 22 (News On Japan) - Hifumi Kato, affectionately known as 'Hifumin,' has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for the longest-running chess puzzle column in a magazine.

Kato explained the secret to his long-running series: "I loved creating chess puzzles, and I had the ability to do so."

The ninth-dan professional began his column in a monthly magazine in 1959. Over the past 65 years, he has continued the series, setting the record for the longest duration of board game puzzle contributions by a single author in the same publication.

Although Kato retired from professional chess years ago, his passion for the game remains undiminished.

When asked if he thought this record could ever be broken, Kato confidently replied, "I don’t think so. I am determined to continue extending this record further."

Source: テレ東BIZ

Chiba to Double Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Weekend Tolls During Peak Hours

Chiba Prefecture has announced a plan to revise the toll system on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, currently being tested, by doubling toll fees during peak congestion hours from April next year.

Russian Diplomats in Japan Continue to Evade Parking Fines

The issue of diplomatic vehicles avoiding parking fines in Japan due to diplomatic immunity continues, with Russia reaching a record-high number of violations, accounting for 63% of the total.

Naomi Watanabe, Yumiko Suzuki Named Among BBC's 100 Women of 2024

The BBC has announced its 2024 edition of '100 Women,' celebrating individuals who have made a significant impact on society, selecting Japanese talent Naomi Watanabe (37) as one of the honorees.

Osaka Police Clash With Protesters During Forced Eviction

Authorities in Osaka's Nishinari Ward carried out a contentious forced eviction at the Airin General Center, a facility once central to the city’s day-laborer community, sparking protests from residents and supporters who condemned the move as a violation of human rights and dignity, while officials cited safety concerns and legal rulings as justification for the operation.

JR Group to End Sales of Round-Trip Tickets

The JR Group announced on December 2nd that it will end the sale of "round-trip tickets" by around March 2026. Additionally, "consecutive trip tickets" will also be discontinued during the same period.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Crackdown in Tokyo’s Kabukicho Results in 50 Arrests

Tokyo's Kabukicho district has seen a concentrated police crackdown on women soliciting customers for prostitution near Okubo Park, resulting in 50 arrests over approximately two months.

Passerby Pledges 600 Million Yen To Restore Local Pool

A passerby has pledged a generous donation of 600 million yen to restore an aging community pool. Who is behind this remarkable gesture?

Bicycle Scissors Attacker Arrested in Wakayama

A man has been arrested for allegedly cutting a middle school girl’s coat and hair with scissors while passing her on a bicycle.

Osaka Police Clash With Protesters During Forced Eviction

Bear Removed From Akita Store Following Two-Day Ordeal

A bear that had entered a supermarket in Akita City and injured an employee was removed from the premises on December 2nd, over 55 hours after its initial intrusion.

What’s Dating Like For Half Japanese in Japan

Today, I asked my friend's to share their experiences about dating in Japan as a mixed race! (JESSEOGN)

Japan's Princess Aiko turns 23

Princess Aiko, the daughter of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, turned 23 on Sunday. (NHK)

Father Acquitted in Stepdaughter's Death After Reversal of Conviction

A 35-year-old father, Takahiro Imanishi, was acquitted by the Osaka High Court on November 28th after being sentenced to 12 years in prison for the death of his 2-year-old stepdaughter, Noa.

< 2 3 4 5 >