Society

Nara's Five-Story Pagoda Begins Full Reroof

NARA, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - Kofukuji’s Five-Story Pagoda, a National Treasure in Nara, opened part of its large-scale restoration to the media with a demonstration of roof tile removal. The project includes examining whether some 60,000 tiles can be reused.

The demonstration showed craftsmen dismantling tiles by hand on the pagoda’s topmost roof.

Standing about 50 meters tall, the pagoda is covered by roughly 60,000 tiles weighing around 200 tons. Aging has caused widespread cracks and misalignment, and this will be the first full reroof since the Meiji era, a span of 125 years.

Deputy Chief Priest Ryoshun Tagawa said the restoration will take about 10 years, adding, “We will carry out as much repair as possible to ensure this tower is passed on to future generations.” Tagawa said the temple will assign an identification number to each tile and determine its suitability for reuse.

Source: KTV NEWS

Tensions Persist in Japan-China Relations

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Aomori Issues Season’s First Heavy Snow Warning

Aomori Prefecture was hit by intensifying snowfall on November 18th as the country’s first heavy snow warning of the season was issued, with the hot spring district of Sukayu reporting more than one meter of snow amid rapidly worsening conditions.

Japan Is Facing an Unprecedented Surge in Bear Attacks

A reporting team found itself face to face with a bear while investigating the sharp rise in bear-related incidents that has left 13 people dead this year.

Sakurajima Erupts, Sending Plume 4,400 Meters High and Disrupting Flights

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JAL Cabin Crew Get OK to Wear Sneakers

Japan Airlines (JAL) has introduced a new policy starting November 13th allowing its cabin crew and ground staff who serve customers at airports to wear sneakers during work hours.

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