Travel

Legionella Contamination Worsens at Expo Site

OSAKA, Jun 11 (News On Japan) - At the Osaka-Kansai Expo site, Legionella bacteria have been detected at levels 20 times higher than the safety standard, but subsequent countermeasures failed to curb the outbreak, with the bacteria further multiplying to 53 times the standard.

The issue centers on the Water Plaza, located on the southern side of the Expo site, where water shows are held. On June 4th, tests revealed Legionella bacteria at 20 times the safety threshold, leading to an ongoing suspension of the water shows.

Legionella bacteria naturally inhabit aquatic environments and can cause illnesses such as pneumonia if inhaled. In response, the Expo Association implemented measures including pipe cleaning and chemical disinfection.

However, a follow-up test conducted on June 7th revealed that bacteria levels had increased further, reaching 53 times the safety limit, it was announced on June 10th.

Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama commented: "Many people are looking forward to the show, and I hope it can resume as soon as possible."

According to the Expo Association, new measures are being prepared, including increasing the circulation volume of seawater to address the issue.

Source: KTV NEWS

Typhoon Makes Landfall in Hokkaido for First Time in Nine Years

Typhoon No. 5 made landfall near Cape Erimo in Hokkaido in the early hours of July 15th, marking the first time in nine years that a typhoon has struck the northernmost of Japan’s main islands.

Japan's Ruling Bloc Faces Tough Battle to Keep Majority

The ruling coalition is facing an increasingly difficult battle to retain its majority in Japan’s House of Councillors, according to a mid-campaign opinion poll by FNN ahead of the July 20th election. Meanwhile, the minor party Sanseitō is showing strong momentum and could see a significant boost in its number of seats.

Man Killed by Bear Attack While Delivering Newspapers in Hokkaido

A 52-year-old newspaper deliveryman was killed in the early hours of July 12th after being attacked by a bear in a residential area of Fukushima Town, Hokkaido.

Illegal Outdoor Bathing Spot in Niseko Forced to Close

A hot spring inn in the popular resort area of Niseko, Hokkaido, has been forced to suspend operations at one of its baths after an unauthorized open-air bath was found to have been built near its hot spring source.

Hermes Birkin Breaks Record as Japanese Collector Pays 1.47 Billion Yen

A first-generation Hermes Birkin bag has been sold at a Paris auction for approximately 1.47 billion yen, marking the highest price ever paid for a handbag. The winning bidder was a Japanese collector, and the sale was held by Sotheby’s.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Foreign Tourists in Japan Flock to Information Centers

As Japan sees a record surge in foreign visitors, tourist information centers across the country have become essential stopovers for international travelers, often serving as their last resort when plans go awry. A recent report took a closer look at how these centers, flooded daily with tourists, respond to the increasingly bold and spontaneous demands of visitors eager to make the most of their trip—especially when it comes to catching a glimpse of Mt. Fuji.

Illegal Outdoor Bathing Spot in Niseko Forced to Close

Legoland Japan Kicks Off Summer with Pirate Water Cannon Show

Legoland Japan in Nagoya’s Minato Ward unveiled a new water attraction on July 11th as part of its special summer program, "Soaking Wet Summer at Legoland," which features six different water activities.

Expo Water Show to Resume

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition announced that the popular water show at the Expo venue, which had been suspended since early June due to the detection of Legionella bacteria at levels exceeding safety standards, will resume on July 11th.

Japan to Tighten Rules for Foreign License Conversion

The National Police Agency has announced a plan to tighten regulations on converting foreign driver's licenses to Japanese licenses—a process known as "gaimen kirikae"—by no longer allowing short-term visitors such as tourists to apply.

Priests Replace Giant Rope at Nachi Falls

At Kumano Nachi Taisha in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, priests conducted the seasonal replacement of the sacred rope (shimenawa) that hangs across Nachi Falls.

Why Are More Vietnamese People Moving to Nishinari, Osaka?

In Osaka’s Nishinari Ward, a district long known for its day laborers and working-class character, an increasing number of Vietnamese residents are beginning to reshape the local community. Along the Tobita Hondori shopping street—home to roughly 200 karaoke-style pubs, many of them operated by Chinese nationals—more than a dozen new establishments run by Vietnamese immigrants have opened in recent years.

Pokémon and Splash Parade Take Over USJ This Summer

Universal Studios Japan is rolling out a packed summer lineup in 2025 with its high-energy “No Limit! Summer Splash Parade” held daily from 11 a.m. Popular characters including Pikachu, Charizard, My Melody, Kuromi, Mario, and Minions will join the parade, thrilling visitors with powerful water sprays from floats and crew members.

< 2 3 4 5 >