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.

Payday Chaos in Okinawa: Drunken U.S. Soldiers Flood Streets

A joint patrol was conducted in Okinawa City by local police and the U.S. military over the weekend, the second such operation following a similar patrol in April, as part of efforts to prevent further incidents after a U.S. serviceman was arrested in connection with the assault of a woman.

Shock in Hakodate as Opening Squid Auction Canceled Due to Poor Catches

In southern Hokkaido, the opening of the surume squid season brought an unprecedented shock as the first auction in Hakodate was canceled due to virtually no catch, leaving local stakeholders deeply unsettled.

Japanese Woman Witnesses Crisis in Gaza

A Japanese woman working with Doctors Without Borders has delivered a harrowing account from Gaza, where severe food shortages and relentless Israeli airstrikes have pushed local hospitals and residents to the brink of collapse.

Former Princess Mako Komuro Has First Child in U.S.

Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family and now living in the United States, has given birth to her first child, the Imperial Household Agency announced on May 30th. The agency stated that the birth was disclosed during a press conference after some media reports surfaced, despite their intention to allow Komuro to live in a quiet environment following her departure from the Imperial family.

Akie Abe Moved to Tears During Kremlin Visit with Putin

Akie Abe, widow of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, visited the Kremlin on May 29th and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Akie was seen tearfully listening to Putin’s words, reflecting the emotional nature of their exchange. Following the conversation, she was invited to ride in Putin’s official limousine to the Bolshoi Theatre, where the two attended a ballet performance together.

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MORE Travel NEWS

Public Viewing Begins for 60 Baby Deer at Nara Park's Rokuen

The public viewing of about 60 newborn fawns began on June 1st at Rokuen, a deer protection facility located in Nara Park. The baby deer, all born this year, are being shown to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 14th.

Palestine Celebrates National Day at Expo

The National Day of Palestine was celebrated at Expo 2025 in Osaka on June 1st with a vibrant performance by a traditional dance troupe from the West Bank, earning a standing ovation from the audience.

Luxury Train Launches New 2-Day Tour Around Lake Biwa

JR West has announced a new route for its luxury sleeper train, the "Twilight Express Mizukaze", which will circle Lake Biwa and connect Kyoto with Shimonoseki on a two-day, one-night journey.

Grand Maritime Parade Held in Osaka Bay

A grand maritime parade featuring the iconic Japanese tall ship Nippon Maru and around 50 small yachts took place in Osaka Bay on May 31st near Yumeshima, the man-made island hosting the Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.

Okinawa Plans Lodging Tax by 2026

Okinawa Prefecture announced during a meeting with the tourism industry on May 27th that it is aiming for its annual tourism revenue to exceed 1 trillion yen for the first time in fiscal 2025, and plans to introduce a lodging tax during fiscal 2026.

Man Dies in Attempt to Swim from Island to Mainland in Fukuoka

A 20-year-old man who went missing while attempting to swim across Hakata Bay from Nokonoshima Island to the mainland was found in the water and later confirmed dead.

Climbers Warned to Prepare for Hypothermia Risks in Hokkaido Mountains

A British couple in light clothing was rescued from Mount Yotei in Hokkaido on May 13th, after sending an SOS due to the cold. The incident has reignited concern over poorly prepared climbers, especially foreign visitors, as mountain guides emphasize the need for greater awareness of hypothermia risks, particularly in northern Japan.

48 Hours in Naha – Not the Okinawa You Know

Naha is the gate city for Okinawa vacation. It's not a place with beautiful beaches, but it's great base for traveling across Okinawa main island and other islands. Naha also has charm that you can explore, without getting a rental car. (Tokyo Kenchan)

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