Travel

Swimming Season Opens at Okinawa's Sesoko Beach

NAHA, Apr 15 (News On Japan) - The official start of the swimming season was held on April 12th at Sesoko Beach in Motobu, Okinawa Prefecture, where children’s excited voices echoed across the sand as they welcomed the long-awaited day.

During the opening ceremony, local officials donned munjuru straw hats, once a specialty product of Sesoko Island, to help promote the area.

Although the sky was lightly overcast and conditions were not ideal for a beach opening, children still enjoyed their first swim of the season in the slightly chilly waters.

"It's fun but cold. Cold but fun!" said one child.

Another added, "It was fun, beautiful! I had a great time. It was cold, but it felt great!"

Visitors also enjoyed live performances by a local folk music group and participated in marine activities such as banana boat rides, making the beach opening a lively and memorable event.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

Japan's Academics Demand Independence

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Inside Japan’s Failing Sewers

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two Men Arrested for Breaking Into Tokyo School

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

Lack of Sleep After Golden Week May Signal Sleep Disorder, Experts Warn

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues.

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