Society

Massive Swarm of Dragonflies Terrifies Locals in Fukushima

FUKUSHIMA, Jul 11 (News On Japan) - A sudden swarm of dragonflies blanketed the skies over a residential area in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, stunning local residents and prompting reactions ranging from unease to delight.

Witnesses described seeing countless black specks filling the air, which turned out to be a large group of dragonflies. While adults called the scene "creepy," children were thrilled, waving insect nets and eagerly catching the insects.

"This is the first time I've seen anything like this," said one resident who has lived in the area for ten years.

The phenomenon involved a massive group of dragonflies, believed to be a species of red dragonfly known as Akiakane, a common sight in Japan during autumn. According to Naoto Yokoi, a researcher studying dragonflies in Fukushima, the insects likely originated from nearby rice paddies, where they were born.

He explained that several groups of Akiakane likely took flight at the same time and, carried by air currents, happened to converge over the residential area. The swarm is believed to be migrating as a group toward the Abukuma Highlands.

While rare, such synchronized movements are a natural part of their seasonal migration and reproduction behavior.

Source: FNN

Why Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) to Near Okinawa Before Tracking East Over Long Weekend

As of the night of October 9, Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) was moving northwest over waters south of Japan. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, at 9 p.m. the typhoon was located about 300 kilometers east-southeast of Minami-Daito Island, traveling northwest at a speed of around 20 kilometers per hour.

Typhoon No. 22 Leaves Hachijo Island Devastated with Roofs Torn Off and Roads Blocked

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

Japanese Teachers Still Work World’s Longest Hours

Elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan still work the longest hours among their peers worldwide, according to an OECD report released on Tuesday. While the 2024 results by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showed working hours had fallen by around four hours per week compared with the previous survey in 2018, Japan’s teachers still far exceeded their global counterparts.

Beer Shortages Hit Japan's Izakayas

Beer deliveries from Asahi Group Holdings have been disrupted following a ransomware cyberattack, causing shortages that have already begun to affect izakaya and other establishments across Japan. Some bars have reported their beer stock falling to “only one left” as supply chain delays ripple through the industry.

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