18,000 Fireworks Light Up Akita Sky

Sep 01, 2025 | News On Japan

AKITA, Sep 01, 2025 (News On Japan) - The 97th National Fireworks Competition, known as "Omagari no Hanabi," was held on August 30 at the Omagari no Hanabi Park along the Omono River in Daisen, Akita Prefecture. About 18,000 shells were launched, sending great rings of light across the night sky.

In the night program, 28 companies from inside and outside the prefecture took part. Competitors were judged on artistry and technical execution across three divisions: one perfectly round "shin-iri warimono" burst using a No. 10 shell, one "jiyu-dama" (free-style) No. 10 shell, and one set of "creative fireworks."

Source: Kyodo

Typhoons No. 7 and No. 8 Threaten Okinawa and Pacific Coast of Japan

Very strong Typhoon No. 7, Mekkhala, was moving north south of Okinawa as of 3 a.m. on June 24, raising the risk of stormy weather in Okinawa later this week and possible impacts across western and eastern Japan, while Typhoon No. 8, Higos, was moving west near the Mariana Islands and could approach eastern Japan before Mekkhala. Typhoon No. 7 was located east of the Philippines at 9 p.m. on June 23 and was moving slowly north.

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

The sale of religious corporations that operate temples and shrines across Japan is drawing growing scrutiny from authorities, who fear the transactions could be used for tax evasion and money laundering, as brokers openly advertise properties and corporate status for tens or even hundreds of millions of yen.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Nine Japanese nationals were among 17 people detained in Laos on suspicion of involvement in a special fraud operation, while Japanese authorities have sought cooperation from Cambodian police over dozens of Japanese citizens believed to have gone missing after traveling to Cambodia.

Japan Moves to Ease Thinner Shortage as Naphtha Shock Hits Builders

Japan will begin a new system on June 23 to sell paint and thinner directly from manufacturers to construction firms and other businesses, aiming to ease supply bottlenecks and curb price increases as worsening conditions in the Middle East make such materials harder to obtain.

Three Bear Cubs Seen Climbing Tree Putting Town on Alert

Three bear cubs were spotted climbing a tree in Hirogawa, Wakayama Prefecture, on the morning of June 22, prompting the town to put up warning signs and call on residents to stay alert, although no injuries or damage have been reported.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

World’s First Shrine for Stuffed Animals Opens in Kyoto

A shrine believed to be the world’s first dedicated to stuffed animals was established on June 20 in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, giving owners a place to express gratitude for beloved plush toys and hold memorial rites for those that have finished their role.

Shinkansen Trials Overnight Service Arriving in Kansai Next Morning

JR Central said on June 22 that it will operate a special one-day-only Tokaido Shinkansen train that departs at night and arrives the following morning, as the company explores demand for overnight travel at a time of rising hotel costs.

Three Bear Cubs Seen Climbing Tree Putting Town on Alert

Evacuation Shelters Installed On Mount Fuji Descent Route

Ahead of Mount Fuji’s July climbing season, two newly installed evacuation shelters have been unveiled on the Yoshida descent route to strengthen safety measures against eruptions, rockfalls and severe weather.

Ise Summer Solstice Festival

About 240 people gathered before dawn on June 21 at Futami Okitama Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, to pray for good health during a summer solstice ritual held in front of the Meoto Iwa rocks.

Mount Fuji May Tighten Rules After Off-Season Rescue Surge

Shizuoka Prefecture has launched a working group to consider enforceable restrictions on off-season climbing of Mount Fuji, after a series of reckless ascents during the mountain’s closure period led local leaders to demand tighter entry controls and a system requiring climbers to pay rescue costs.

Volcanic Alert Raised Ahead of Hokkaido Hiking Sesson

The eruption alert level for Mount Tokachidake in Hokkaido was raised to Level 2 on June 18 for the first time in 12 years, prompting authorities to restrict entry within 1.5 kilometers of the crater and close parts of hiking trails just days before the mountain’s official opening for the summer climbing season.

Bears Growing More Aggressive in June and July

Bear attacks and sightings are increasing across Japan, with multiple people injured on June 17 and experts warning that bears are becoming more accustomed to human environments, potentially leading to more dangerous and unpredictable encounters in the years ahead.

< 2 3 4 5 >