Travel

Osaka Expo Previews Futuristic Pavilions

OSAKA, Mar 24 (News On Japan) - With just three weeks remaining until the start of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, several pavilions held preview events on Sunday.

At the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, presented by the Osaka prefectural and city governments, visitors can experience a digital recreation of themselves 25 years into the future based on their health data. The pavilion also features a 360-degree theater that immerses visitors in the world of the popular video game Monster Hunter.

An updated version of a crowd favorite from the previous Osaka Expo, the "Human Washing Machine," will also be on display under the new name "Future Human Washing Machine."

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura commented, "It feels incredibly good. I hope people will come see the Future Human Washing Machine and enjoy this new kind of cleansing space."

Meanwhile, mathematician Sachiko Nakajima unveiled the exhibition details of her pavilion, "The Playground of Life: Jellyfish Hall."

The exhibit features a "Tree of Creativity" assembled from small components and a 360-degree visual experience titled "Journey of Life with Jellyfish." Visitors can also explore traditional festivals and imaginative "new festivals" created by diverse individuals.

Source: YOMIURI

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).

Trump Raises Tariffs 25% on Imported Auto Parts

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% additional tariff on imported auto parts, including engines and transmissions, with the measure taking effect at 1:01 p.m. Japan time on May 3rd.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

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.