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

India Pavilion Opens at Osaka Expo After 18-Day Delay

The India Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo opened on May 1st, marking its debut 18 days after the international event began on April 13th.

Snake Causes Shinkansen Power Outage

The Tokaido Shinkansen resumed service at 7:00 p.m. on April 30th after a power outage forced a suspension of operations, but major delays continued to affect the timetable.

Shizuoka Prefecture to Adopt Year-Round Cool Biz

Shizuoka Governor Heita Suzuki announced on April 30th that the prefecture will implement its “Cool Biz” dress code throughout the year starting in May 2025. Previously limited to the warmer months from May through October, the initiative encourages relaxed attire for government workers, such as going without neckties, to create a more comfortable working environment.

Vietnam Pavilion Opens 17 Days Late

Vietnam’s national pavilion finally opened on April 30th -- 17 days behind schedule -- after delays in exhibit preparations kept it closed during the April 13th launch of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Rules Tightened for Parental Leave Benefits

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

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MORE Society NEWS

Kyoto Road Sinks After Aging Water Pipe Bursts

A burst water pipe beneath National Route 1 in central Kyoto early on April 30th caused a road collapse that flooded surrounding streets and vehicles, triggering widespread disruption.

Dispute Over Meal Cost Leaves One Dead in Western Japan

Two men were stabbed early Wednesday morning in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, leaving one dead in what police believe was a dispute over a restaurant bill.

US Marine Indicted for Sexual Assault Inside Okinawa Base Toilet

The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office has indicted a 27-year-old U.S. Marine on charges of non-consensual sexual intercourse and assault after he allegedly attacked a woman inside a toilet cubicle at a U.S. military base in Okinawa.

Small Plane Engine Failure Forces Emergency Landing in Lake

A small aircraft made an emergency landing in a lake in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture on April 29th, leaving one man seriously injured and another with minor injuries.

Is It a Cat Adoption Scam?

A growing number of cases have been reported in which individuals offering to transfer cats for free on social media platforms demand payments, leading to suspicions of fraud.

Japan's population shrinking as marriage and birth rates plummet

Japan's population has been shrinking for 15 years, with huge implications for the country’s economy, national defense, and culture. Now, policymakers are working to boost birth rates. (60 Minutes)

Car Driven by 100-Year-Old Man Falls 10 Meters into River

A 100-year-old man driving a passenger car fell approximately 10 meters into a riverbed in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, but survived without life-threatening injuries.

Prince Akishino Attends Memorial Mass for Pope Francis

The memorial mass for Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was held in Tokyo, with Prince Akishino attending on behalf of the Emperor.

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