Travel

Akita Kanto Festival Opens with 266 Lantern Poles

AKITA, Aug 04 (News On Japan) - The Akita Kanto Festival, one of the Tohoku region’s major summer events and designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the national government, opened on August 3rd.

This year, 67 groups from neighborhoods, companies, and organizations are taking part. A total of 266 poles—each adorned with lanterns symbolizing stalks of rice and carrying prayers for a bountiful harvest—swayed gracefully in the midsummer night sky, creating a mesmerizing scene.

The festival will continue through August 6th.

Source: Kyodo

LDP-Komeito Coalition Collapses

Komeito leader Saito informed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Takaichi on October 10 that his party intends to withdraw from their coalition, bringing an end to a political partnership that has lasted 26 years, including periods when the LDP was in opposition. Leaders and secretary-generals of both parties met in the Diet at 1:45 p.m. on October 10 to discuss whether to continue the alliance, with Komeito insisting during the meeting that strengthening regulations on corporate and organizational political donations be accepted as a condition for maintaining the coalition.

Rain And Winds To Intensify Across Japan As Typhoon No. 23 Approaches

Japan is bracing for unsettled weather through the upcoming three-day holiday weekend, with Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) expected to influence conditions across much of the country while a seasonal front brings widespread rain to eastern regions. Forecasters say the rain will begin expanding on October 11, with showers intensifying across eastern and northeastern Japan during the day as a stationary front approaches, while easterly winds feeding into the system are also likely to bring rain to parts of the Pacific side of western Japan.

Deadly Tick-Borne Virus Detected in Tokyo Dog for First Time

Tokyo has confirmed its first case of a dog infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first time an animal infection has been recorded in the capital.

Why Are 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. 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.

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Saitama Ranks Last in Japan’s Prefectural Popularity Rankings

Japan’s annual prefectural attractiveness ranking has placed Saitama Prefecture at the bottom for the first time, surprising even local restaurant owners. Now in its 17th year, the 2025 survey once again crowned Hokkaido as the most attractive prefecture — maintaining its perfect record since the ranking’s inception.

Why Are Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Historic Town of Imai Preserves Edo-Era Streets in Nara

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The Secret Behind Japan's Imperial Train

During their visit to the Kansai region, the Japanese Emperor and Empress arrived in Kyoto aboard the “Imperial Train,” which operates on a special schedule reserved solely for the Imperial couple. During its operation, no other train is allowed to overtake or run alongside it, ensuring absolute safety and privacy.

Tokyo Rail Derailment Causes Commuter Chaos

Train services on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line remained suspended throughout the day on October 6th following a derailment the previous night, leaving commuters and students stranded and forcing many to queue for hours for replacement buses. In areas along the line, long lines formed at bus stops, and rental electric kick scooters quickly ran out as residents searched for alternative transport options.

Aboard a Japanese Scenic Train | Akita to Aomori along the Sea of Japan

The Resort Shirakami is a remarkable train because it’s available for those with JR Rail Passes! Just make a seat reservation. It takes you through some super scenic areas of Japan’s has a dining car and cafe, entertainment and more! (ONLY in JAPAN * GO)

Bear Family Spotted in Sapporo Neighborhood

A security camera installed at a home in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward captured three bears, including two cubs, walking through a forested area on October 5th, prompting police to heighten their alert.

Driver In Training Behind Tokyu Line Collision That Caused Train Derailment

A collision occurred on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line on the night of October 5th when a local train attempting to arrive at Kajigaya Station in Kawasaki City struck a stationary out-of-service train, causing several cars of the latter to derail. Investigators from the Japan Transport Safety Board arrived at the scene on the morning of October 6th to begin examining the cause of the accident.

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