Documentary Festival “Era of the Regions” Opens in Osaka

Nov 16, 2025 | News On Japan

OSAKA - The nationwide documentary festival known as the “Era of the Regions” Film Festival, created by television stations and other media producers across Japan, opened at Kansai University in Suita City, Osaka.

Founded in 1980 by the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association and other organizers, the festival is the country’s only event dedicated to documentaries produced and broadcast from regional communities.

Now in its 45th year, the festival presents awards in multiple categories, including terrestrial broadcasters, cable TV, and high school productions, with an awards ceremony held to recognize outstanding work in each division.

During the commemorative lecture, Hakamada Hideko took the stage and spoke about her thoughts following the recognition of her younger brother, Iwao, as innocent 58 years after receiving a death sentence.

A total of 318 works were submitted to the competition, and screenings—focusing primarily on award-winning entries—will continue through next Friday on November 21st.

Source: YOMIURI

Sano Issues Level 5 Emergency Safety Order

Sano in Tochigi Prefecture issued a Level 5 Emergency Safety Order at midnight on July 18 after the Hata River, which flows through the city, exceeded the designated flood occurrence level following heavy rain.

Research Map Shows Japan Faces Scorching Summers

Japan is likely to face increasingly long and dangerously hot summers as global temperatures continue to rise, with advanced climate simulations also pointing to more frequent torrential rain, rising seas and accelerating ice loss by the end of the century.

Japan Revises Imperial Law to Keep Married Women in Royal Family

Japan's revised Imperial House Law was enacted after clearing the House of Councillors with majority support, allowing female members to retain royal status after marriage and male-line descendants of former imperial family branches to enter the Imperial Household through adoption.

New Typhoon Likely to Form Far South of Japan

A tropical depression near the Truk Islands is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within 12 hours, but forecasters say it is unlikely to have any direct impact on Japan.

Protest Held Against Japan Flag Protection Bill

A protest against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was held in Tokyo's Shibuya district on July 16 as public concern grew over a bill that would impose criminal penalties for damaging the Japanese flag.

MEDIA CHANNELS