Society

Major Repairs Begin on Kofukuji's Five-Story Pagoda

NARA, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 6th at the Five-Story Pagoda of Kofukuji Temple in Nara City to pray for the safety of a large-scale restoration project.

Built 1,300 years ago and rebuilt five times, the current pagoda was constructed around 600 years ago during the Muromachi period. However, due to significant deterioration, a major preservation and repair project—the first in approximately 120 years—has now begun.

The scaffolding, known as a “temporary roof,” has already been completed, and work will soon proceed on repairing wooden parts such as the eaves. The entire restoration is scheduled to be completed in 2034, nine years from now.

Source: YOMIURI

Methane Gas Detected Again at Osaka-Kansai Expo Site

Methane gas was detected at levels exceeding safety standards in the western area of the Osaka-Kansai Expo site around 4 p.m. on April 6th, raising concerns due to the potential risk of explosion. Ventilation measures have since been implemented, bringing gas concentrations back below the threshold.

Bear Sightings in Hokkaido Surpass Last Year as Temperatures Rise

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Electric Bus to Debut on Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route

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