Kyoto University Discovers Chimps' Social Urination Phenomenon

KYOTO, Jan 22 (News On Japan) - Kyoto University has made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying the occurrence of the so-called "urination mimicry" phenomenon in chimpanzees for the first time globally.

One chimpanzee begins urinating, followed shortly by another nearby individual mimicking the act.

A study involving 20 chimpanzees revealed that individuals near a urinating chimpanzee are more likely to urinate shortly afterward.

Professor Shinya Yamamoto from Kyoto University's Institute for the Future of Human Society commented:

"Urination is observed in various animals, enabling comparative studies. This finding offers an intriguing perspective on the evolution of sociality in animals and humans."

Source: TBS

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.

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

IG Arena Completed Ahead of July Sumo Debut and 2026 Asian Games

The IG Arena, a new venue that will host events for the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games in Aichi and other areas, has been completed, with a handover ceremony held on March 29th, 2025.

Japan Pavilion Opens at Expo

An opening ceremony was held Saturday for the Japan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. As the host country's main exhibit, the pavilion is positioned as the symbolic "face" of the Expo, welcoming visitors from around the world with a presentation of Japan's culture of circularity.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Kinosaki Marine World Welcomes Rare White Crab

A rare pure white snow crab is now on display at Kinosaki Marine World in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture.

Record Number of Infectious Gastroenteritis Cases in March

Infectious gastroenteritis cases are spreading rapidly across Japan, with the number of patients in March reaching the highest level in the past ten years for this time of year.

Japan Unveils Four-Stage Evacuation Plan for Mount Fuji Eruption

The Japanese government on March 21st released a report outlining countermeasures for volcanic ash in the event of a Mount Fuji eruption, including a four-stage evacuation plan based on ashfall volume.

Japan Advances iPS Cell Technology with New Osaka Facility

A new facility for the research and production of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been completed in Osaka's Nakanoshima district and was unveiled to the press on March 19th.

First Commercial Reactor Dismantling Begins at Hamaoka

Chubu Electric Power has begun dismantling the reactor at Unit 2 of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Omaezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Monday. This marks the first time a commercial nuclear reactor is being dismantled in Japan.

Onishi Arrives at Space Station for Six-Month Mission

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying astronaut Takuya Onishi, 49, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and three others arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on March 16th at around 12:00 a.m. (Japan time: March 16th at around 1:00 p.m.), completing a journey of approximately 29 hours since launch.

Pollen Peaks in Fukuoka, New Treatment Offers Hope

Sugi pollen levels have reached their peak in Fukuoka, with daily economic losses from hay fever estimated to exceed 230 billion yen. Clinics are overwhelmed with patients, including young children experiencing severe symptoms.

Launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon Carrying Astronaut Takuya Onishi Delayed

The launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has been postponed due to a technical issue with ground equipment.

< 2 3 4 5 >