Travel

Thousands Celebrate Japanese Culture in New York

NEW YORK, May 11 (News On Japan) - A Japan Parade featuring traditional taiko drumming, martial arts, and dance performances was held in New York on May 10th, drawing large crowds and highlighting Japanese culture.

More than 110 groups and over 2,800 participants took part in the parade, showcasing a diverse range of cultural expressions along the route.

"It’s moving. You can learn about Japanese culture, and there’s a strong sense of unity," said one spectator.

The event was held in conjunction with a Japanese food festival, and together they attracted an estimated 60,000 visitors.

Source: TBS

Japan Post to Lose Freight Permit

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has notified Japan Post of its intention to revoke the company’s license for freight transportation, following the discovery of improper safety checks at postal branches across the country. The ministry had conducted a special audit in April after finding that approximately 75% of post offices responsible for mail collection and delivery failed to conduct legally required checks, such as confirming whether drivers had consumed alcohol before duty.

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

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Cash Storage to Be Banned in Safe Deposit Boxes

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and other institutions are moving to revise rules on the use of safe deposit boxes following a string of thefts, with the Japanese Bankers Association now working toward a ban on storing cash in these boxes.

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