Tottori and Jordan Form Sand Alliance

OSAKA, Apr 24 (News On Japan) - Tottori Prefecture and the Kingdom of Jordan, both exhibitors at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, have formed a symbolic partnership dubbed the "Sand Alliance," uniting over their shared cultural and environmental connection to sand.

At the Kansai Pavilion, Tottori’s display—titled "Tottori Infinite Sand Dunes"—features a landscape recreated with sand surrounded by mirrors to evoke the region’s famous dunes. Meanwhile, Jordan’s pavilion offers an immersive experience with its vivid red desert sand, allowing visitors to touch and feel the texture of the Middle Eastern terrain.

Seeking to strengthen ties through this mutual theme, the two regions have agreed to collaborate on joint promotional campaigns under the "Sand Alliance" framework.

"It feels like a new day of exchange through sand has begun," said Tottori Governor Hirai. "And since our partner is Jordan, we're ready to 'step with Jordan'," he added, playing on the Japanese phrase "ayumi yoru dan" (歩み寄る段), meaning "to come together."

Governor Hirai also expressed interest in expanding the sand alliance to include other countries in the future.

Source: KTV NEWS

Naked Man Tied to 20 Crimes in 90 Minutes, One Dead, Several Injured

A man found wandering naked in Saitama Prefecture has been arrested after a string of violent incidents, including a fatal hit-and-run and an attempted abduction, unfolded within roughly 90 minutes on April 21st.

Osaka Expo Attendance Tops One Million

The total number of visitors to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai surpassed one million on April 23rd, just 11 days after the event began. Despite being a weekday, the venue remained crowded, with long lines forming at popular pavilions such as the one from the United States.

Toyota Unveils Lexus ES and New EV at Shanghai Motor Show

At the Shanghai Motor Show, which opened to the press on April 23rd ahead of its public run from April 27th to May 2nd, Toyota Motor Corporation revealed a series of new models, including a new electric vehicle, as it works to regain ground in the increasingly competitive Chinese market.

What Are the Kamome and Tsubame Tribes? A 100-Year Transformation in Tenjin

This year marks the 100th year of the Showa era. Tenjin, Fukuoka City's central commercial and entertainment district, has transformed remarkably since World War II, evolving into a major shopping hub that continues to attract both locals and foreign visitors.

Naked Man's Rampage Ends in School Break-In

A naked man was arrested after trespassing into a cram school in Saitama Prefecture, with police suspecting his involvement in at least five incidents within 50 minutes, including a fatal hit-and-run and two car robberies.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Tottori and Jordan Form Sand Alliance

Tottori Prefecture and the Kingdom of Jordan, both exhibitors at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, have formed a symbolic partnership dubbed the "Sand Alliance," uniting over their shared cultural and environmental connection to sand.

Japan PM Ishiba announces fixed gasoline price cuts in May

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has announced fixed price cuts on gasoline. Gasoline prices will be lowered by 10 yen, or about 7 cents, per liter starting in May. (NHK)

Discuss Cooperation on Tariffs and Defense

George Glass, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan, held his first meeting with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to discuss tariff measures under the Trump administration and efforts to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Chinese Court Executes Man Who Killed Japanese Boy to Gain Online Fame

A Chinese man sentenced to death for the fatal stabbing of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen has been executed, according to diplomatic sources.

Ishiba Rules Out Linking Tariffs and Security in U.S. Trade Talks

Prime Minister Ishiba has clarified his stance on ongoing trade negotiations with the Trump administration, stating that security and trade are separate matters and that discussions on security should not be linked to tariffs.

Japan Reacts to Trump's Tariffs

As former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies—particularly tariffs—once again become a topic of global attention, Japanese citizens are voicing a wide range of opinions.

Nara to Start CO2 Reduction Effort Targeting Household Emissions

Governor Yamashita announced during a regular press conference today that Nara Prefecture will launch a new initiative next month aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from households as part of its broader push toward a decarbonized society.

Groups Parade in Tokyo Demanding Equal Relief for All War Victims

Four groups made up of civilians affected by the Pacific War—including victims of air raids, survivors of the Battle of Okinawa, and former foreign BC-class war criminals—held a parade in Tokyo on April 19th to raise awareness about the lack of support for war victims based on their civilian status or nationality.

< 2 3 4 5 >