Naruto Strait Whirlpool Opening Marks Start Of Spring

Feb 16, 2026 | News On Japan

HYOGO, Feb 16, 2026 (News On Japan) - A ceremonial “whirlpool opening” was held in the Naruto Strait on February 15th, between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, marking the start of the spring tourism season, with massive whirlpools forming beneath the Onaruto Bridge that spans the strait.

The Naruto whirlpools are at their most impressive during spring and autumn when tidal differences are greatest, particularly during spring tides, with some vortices reaching diameters of around 20 to 30 meters.

Source: Kyodo

Deadly Landslide and Major Flooding Follow Typhoon No. 25

Typhoon No. 25 was moving away from Japan over waters to the east on September 22, bringing an end to rainfall across the Kanto region while the extent of flooding and landslide damage left behind by the storm was becoming clearer.

Typhoon No. 25 Continues to Disrupt Transportation

Transport disruption from Typhoon No. 25 continued across Chiba Prefecture on September 22 even as flights and major highways returned toward normal, with entire sections of the JR network remaining suspended for the day and all Narita Express services canceled because of flooding, landslides and damage to railway infrastructure.

Japan Takes 12 Medals on Asian Games Day 3

Japan collected another 12 medals on Day 3 of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on September 21, with 17-year-old swimmer Shin Ohashi and karateka Kakeru Nishiyama winning gold, while the host nation also advanced strongly in women's volleyball, baseball, soccer, handball and hockey.

Japan's Elderly Population Hits Record 29.6%

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Emperor and Empress Watch Asian Games Basketball

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan defeat Kazakhstan in a women’s basketball preliminary-round game at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

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