Sports

Okinawa Unveils Plan for J.League Stadium

NAHA, Dec 29 (News On Japan) - Okinawa Prefecture has unveiled a development plan for a J.League-standard stadium to be built in Okunoyama Park in Naha, with initial construction costs estimated at approximately 26.4 billion yen.

According to the plan released by the prefectural government on the 26th, the stadium will be constructed on a roughly 6.2-hectare site within Okunoyama Park and will initially accommodate 10,000 spectators. The facility is designed to allow for future expansion to a capacity of around 20,000.

The projected construction cost stands at about 26.4 billion yen, and the project will adopt a PFI (Private Finance Initiative) model that incorporates private-sector funding and expertise for both development and operations. The prefecture estimates the stadium’s economic ripple effects at between 3 billion yen and 8 billion yen annually.

Governor Tamaki said the goal is to create a facility that generates activity even on non-match days, adding that the prefecture aims to develop and operate the stadium as a community-based venue that attracts people throughout the year.

Looking ahead to the planned opening in fiscal 2031, Tamaki said the stadium would serve as a place to inspire children through professional sports while also contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

Heavy Snow And Bitter Cold Persist Along Sea Of Japan Coast

Intermittent snowfall has continued across areas along the Sea of Japan coast under the season’s strongest cold wave, and Fukui Prefecture issued a special weather alert on January 24th warning of significant heavy snow, with forecasters expecting conditions to worsen again through January 25th.Snowfall intensified around Fukui Prefecture overnight on January 22nd, with even low-lying areas in Hokuriku recording above-average snow depth for this time of year.

Japan Heads Into Snap Election

The Japanese government decided at a Cabinet meeting on January 23rd to dissolve the House of Representatives, with the Lower House set to be formally dissolved at a plenary session later in the day, effectively launching the election campaign.

Japan Astronaut Shares Aurora Footage

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui has drawn widespread attention for a series of posts showcasing breathtaking views from space, including a video of the aurora that he shared on January 12th shortly before returning.

Inbound Tourists to Japan Top 40 Million for First Time

Japan welcomed more than 40 million foreign visitors in 2025 for the first time, setting a new annual record, even as arrivals from China fell sharply in December.

Straw Serpent Bites Heads in Kyoto

A traditional New Year event known as “Jaduna” was held in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture, with local residents praying for a year of good health and protection from illness.

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