Society

Fireworks Barge Catches Fire in Yokohama

YOKOHAMA, Aug 05 (News On Japan) - A barge used to launch fireworks caught fire during the Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025 held in Yokohama’s waterfront district on Monday night, prompting an emergency response.

At around 7:55 p.m., spectators reported seeing smoke rising near the fireworks site and alerted authorities. According to the Yokohama Coast Guard, one of the barges used to launch fireworks ignited during the display. All five crew members onboard jumped into the sea and were safely rescued without injury.

The fire also spread to a second barge, but no one was aboard at the time.

Japan to Release Oil Reserves as Early as March 16

Japan plans to release petroleum reserves as early as March 16 in response to surging crude oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the government also aiming to keep the nationwide average gasoline price at around 170 yen per liter.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Vessel Damaged in Persian Gulf, No Injuries Reported

A container ship owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines that had remained in the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was found to have sustained damage, although no injuries were reported among the crew.

Japan Approves Travel Authorization System

The Japanese government approved a bill on March 10th to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act to establish an electronic travel authorization system called JESTA that would screen foreign visitors before they arrive in Japan.

Mid-Winter Temperatures Return, Snow Falls in Central Tokyo

A blast of midwinter-like cold returned to the Kanto region, bringing rare March snowfall as Utsunomiya recorded its heaviest snow in 21 years for the month, while snow also fell in central Tokyo.

Two Men Fall While Climbing Mount Fuji

Two men fell while climbing Mount Fuji shortly before 3 p.m. on March 9th near the New Seventh Station, as authorities launched a rescue operation on the mountain where summit routes remain closed for the winter season.

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