Travel

Japan’s Influenza Outbreak a Problem for Tourists?

Feb 15 (News On Japan) - Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, widely known for her role in the 2001 television drama 'Meteor Garden,' passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia induced by influenza. Hsu contracted the flu during a family vacation in Japan over the Lunar New Year holiday and subsequently developed severe pneumonia.

Barbie Hsu, affectionately called "Big S," began her entertainment career in 1994 as part of the pop duo S.O.S. with her sister Dee. She transitioned to acting and gained widespread fame for portraying Shan Cai in "Meteor Garden," a role that resonated with audiences across Asia. Beyond her acting career, Hsu was an active supporter of various charitable causes, including animal rights, and collaborated with organizations like PETA.

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In her personal life, Hsu had a history of health challenges, including epilepsy and heart disease, which had led to previous hospitalizations. She was married to South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, also known as "DJ Koo," and had two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Her sudden passing has led to a surge in demand for influenza vaccinations in Taiwan and other parts of Asia, highlighting the potential severity of flu-related complications.

Massive Redevelopment to Redefine Nagoya

Nagoya is on the verge of a major transformation. Over the next decade, the cityscape is expected to undergo a dramatic shift as large-scale redevelopment projects reshape its urban core. The focus is on three key districts—Meieki, Sakae, and Kanayama—each developing in a way that highlights its own unique strengths.

Japan's Academics Demand Independence

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Inside Japan’s Failing Sewers

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two Men Arrested for Breaking Into Tokyo School

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

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MORE Travel NEWS

Norikura Skyline in Gifu to Reopen After Three-Year Hiatus

Gifu’s Norikura Skyline is set to reopen on May 15th, and in preparation, a bus company in Takayama City conducted a trial run of the shuttle buses that carry visitors to Mount Norikura.

Kyushu's Top-Ranked Roadside Station Gets Major Upgrade

The Ukiha roadside station, ranked No. 1 in the Kyushu and Okinawa region for nine consecutive years in a nationwide roadside station ranking, is set to reopen following large-scale renovations.

Meitetsu to Introduce New Trains on Toyota Line for First Time in 48 Years

Meitetsu has announced that it will introduce new train cars on its Toyota Line for the first time in 48 years. Starting next fiscal year, the new 500-series trains will operate on the sections shared by the Toyota Line, Inuyama Line, and the Nagoya City Subway's Tsurumai Line.

In Kobe, Climbing Mountains Is a Way of Life

Kobe is a city blessed by both the sea and the mountains. One of its most defining features is Mount Ichizan, part of the Rokko mountain range. Long known as the birthplace of modern mountaineering in Japan, this area is home to a variety of distinctive peaks. Nestled within one of them, in Kobe’s Chuo Ward, lies Juzenji Temple, a Zen temple with a history spanning over 950 years.