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Unstable Weather Expected Across Eastern Japan

TOKYO, Apr 10 (News On Japan) - Unstable atmospheric conditions are expected across the Kinki and Kanto regions on April 11th, due to a low-pressure system forming along the Pacific coast and cold air in the upper atmosphere. Authorities are warning of sudden thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind, and hail.

Rain clouds are also expected to develop from Thursday night in areas such as Kyushu, San'in, and Hokuriku, bringing showers and occasional thunderstorms. By early Friday morning, rain clouds will move over the Kinki to Kanto regions, with many areas likely to see a temporary lull in the morning. However, rain clouds are expected to redevelop during the day, with some places experiencing heavier downpours accompanied by thunder. Rain is also likely in Hokuriku and northern Japan on Friday morning.

The probability of thunderstorms is especially high on Friday afternoon from southern Kinki to the Kanto region. In addition to lightning, residents should be alert for sudden gusts of wind and hail.

Daytime highs on Friday are expected to exceed 20°C in many parts of western and eastern Japan, with Tokyo and Osaka forecast to reach 21°C—comparable to late April. Sapporo is forecast to reach 16°C, similar to early May levels.

Rain will begin falling in western Japan on Saturday. On Sunday, rain is expected to spread widely from western to eastern Japan, with increasing intensity and wind. In northern Japan, rainfall is expected to intensify on Monday, and rain is also likely in the Hokuriku and northern regions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Source: TBS

Legionella Bacteria Found at Osaka Expo’s Quiet Forest and Water Plaza

Legionella bacteria have been detected in multiple locations at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site, prompting health and safety measures. According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, seawater collected on June 3rd from the Water Plaza, where water shows are held, was found to contain Legionella bacteria at 20 times the guideline limit.

Japan's Annual Births Fall Below 700,000 for the First Time

The number of babies born in Japan in 2024 fell below 700,000 for the first time since recordkeeping began in 1899, highlighting the nation’s accelerating demographic crisis. According to population statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 4th, the number of births dropped to 686,061—down more than 40,000 from the previous year.

Convenience Stores Nationwide to Sell Government Rice in 1–2 kg Packs

Three major convenience store chains will soon begin selling government stockpiled rice in small packages of 1 to 2 kilograms. FamilyMart will start selling rice harvested in 2021—classified as old stock—at 20 locations in Tokyo and Osaka starting June 6th. The rice will be priced at 360 yen per kilogram, excluding tax, with plans for a nationwide rollout.

Cash Storage to Be Banned in Safe Deposit Boxes

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Shigeo Nagashima, Symbol of Japan’s Golden Age of Baseball, Dies at 89

Shigeo Nagashima, one of Japan’s most iconic postwar figures and known as "Mr. Pro Baseball," has died at the age of 89, it was learned on June 3rd. A native of Chiba Prefecture, Nagashima helped define an era of professional baseball and became a national hero.

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