Society

Hyogo Festival Celebrates Multiculturalism

ITAMI, Nov 25 (News On Japan) - The 'Itami Madan' festival promoting multicultural harmony across national boundaries was held on Saturday in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture, featuring the 'janggu,' a traditional Korean drum.

The event highlights the area's unique cultural diversity, as many Zainichi Koreans reside near Itami Airport. The festival started in 1996, a year after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, as a testament to the absence of the kind of xenophobic violence seen during the Great Kanto Earthquake and to foster stronger bonds between Japanese and foreign residents.

"It’s not about relationships between nations, but about creating connections between citizens," said Hachiro Kawakami, the head of the Itami Madang organizing committee.

The stage performances included traditional Korean dance by students from Korean schools and lion dances presented by Kobe Chinese School.

Source: MBS

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 >