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Kofukuji Begins Once-in-a-Century Repair

NARA - The dismantling of the upper ornament of the five-story pagoda at Kofukuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara, was opened to the media on April 15 as the temple undergoes its first major restoration in around 120 years.

Workers are removing the pagoda's metal spire, known as the sorin, in stages. The dismantling began in late March as part of the extensive conservation project.

Temple officials will inspect the condition of each component and carry out repairs where necessary. The restored ornament is scheduled to be reinstalled in 2031.

Source: Kyodo

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Typhoon Jangmi (Typhoon No.6) was located about 50 kilometers south of Izu Oshima at 1:00 p.m. on June 3rd and was moving east at 45 kilometers per hour as it made its closest approach to the Kanto region, leaving a trail of flooding, transport disruption and powerfully gusting winds across eastern Japan while forecasters warned that the strongest winds may still be ahead for some areas.

[updated 6:00 p.m.] Typhoon Jangmi (Typhoon No. 6) continued to disrupt transport across eastern Japan on June 3rd even after moving offshore east of the Kanto region, with nearly 900 flights canceled, multiple railway lines suspended, highway bus services halted and expressway operators warning that strong winds and safety inspections could prolong disruption into the evening and overnight.

Flooding was reported around the popular tourist district of Oharai-machi in Ise City following the passage of Typhoon No. 6, with some businesses forced to clean up after floodwaters overflowed from a nearby river during the early hours of June 3rd.

A breaking weather alert was issued for the Izu region of Shizuoka Prefecture early Wednesday morning, after the formation of a linear rain band, a phenomenon capable of producing prolonged and extremely intense rainfall over the same area. Authorities warned that the risk of disasters has risen sharply as heavy rain continues to fall, increasing the likelihood of flooding, landslides, and other weather-related emergencies.

[updated 03:30 a.m.] Authorities issued a Level 5 Flood Occurrence Information alert for the Kuwano River and the Naka River tributary in Tokushima Prefecture, warning that flooding may already be underway and urging residents to take immediate action to protect their lives.

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