Travel

Osaka's Food Court Battle Heats Up

OSAKA, Mar 19 (News On Japan) - Gran Green Osaka South Hall is set to open on March 21st, featuring a key attraction: Time Out Market Osaka. This food court, curated by the internationally recognized media brand Time Out, will host 17 restaurants and two bars.

In recent years, unique food courts have been emerging around Osaka Station, including those in Grand Front Osaka and Lucua. As retail sales slow, commercial facilities increasingly rely on drawing visitors through appealing dining options, according to industry experts.

Source: MBS

Hokkaido to Build a Japanese Silicon Valley by 2050

The newly established Hokkaido Valley Vision Council aims to create a 'Hokkaido version of Silicon Valley' by promoting development around next-generation semiconductor firm Rapidus and transforming the region from Tomakomai to Ishikari into a hub for advanced technology.

Four Dead in 24 Mountain Accidents in Nagano During Holiday Period

At least 24 mountain climbing accidents have occurred in Nagano Prefecture since the start of the Golden Week holidays in late April, resulting in four fatalities.

Head Lice Are Spreading Again in Japan's Schools

Head lice, small parasitic insects that feed on blood from the scalp, are once again spreading among children in Japan as physical contact increases following the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sapporo, where outbreaks have been reported in schools, local officials are urging caution.

Wooden Church in Gifu Collapses Following Creaking Sounds

A wooden church in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture collapsed on Saturday evening, after years of delayed demolition plans due to financial constraints.

Japan Ranks 66th in Global Press Freedom, Lowest Among G7

Reporters Without Borders has released its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, ranking Japan 66th out of 180 countries and regions surveyed, just behind Timor-Leste (65th) and Fiji (64th).

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Kyoto’s Aoi Festival Begins with Traditional Purification Ceremony

In preparation for Kyoto’s Aoi Festival, one of the city’s three major festivals, the featured heroine known as the Saio-dai took part in a purification ritual called Gomiso-gi no Gi to cleanse herself before the main event.

Spectacular Horsemanship Displayed at Kyoto Shrine Festival

A traditional horseback ritual showcasing advanced riding techniques was held on May 5th at Fujinomori Shrine in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward, known for its association with the god of horses.

Dugong Spotted off Kume Island for First Time Since 2019

A dugong, a nationally protected species feared to be at risk of extinction, was spotted swimming off the coast of Kume Island in Okinawa Prefecture in April. This marks the first confirmed sighting of a dugong in Okinawa since 2019.

Osaka-Kansai Expo Does Flip-Flop to Allow Smoking

Plans are underway to install designated smoking areas inside the Expo site for the first time.

First Baby Deer of the Year Spotted at Nara Park

Footage captured on May 1st shows a newborn fawn walking unsteadily. The fawn, a female measuring 51 centimeters in length and weighing 3,140 grams, was found that afternoon and is now staying at the nearby Rokuen protection facility with its mother. They will remain there until July.