Rice Field Art of Ohtani Nears Peak Viewing Season

Jun 24, 2026 | News On Japan

IWATE - Rice field art depicting Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy is nearing its best viewing period in Oshu, Iwate Prefecture, Ohtani’s hometown.

The artwork shows Ohtani in a pitching pose, with Decoy clearly visible beside him. The project has been organized since 2008 by local residents around the rice field, who formed an executive committee to oversee the annual display.

The roughly 30-are rice field has been planted with colorful rice seedlings in shades including yellow, red and purple. Visitors can view the full design from an observation tower overlooking the field.

According to the executive committee, the artwork is usually at its best from early July to mid-August. During busy periods, about 2,000 people visit in a single day.

Source: TBS

Double Typhoon Threat Raises Flood Risk Across Japan

Two typhoons south of Japan are expected to bring heavy rain over a wide area before either system makes a direct approach, with Typhoon No. 7, Mekkhala, forecast to near Okinawa and the Sakishima Islands from June 25 and some areas facing total rainfall of 300 to 500 millimeters, or locally more than 500 millimeters.

Rice Field Art of Ohtani Nears Peak Viewing Season

Rice field art depicting Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy is nearing its best viewing period in Oshu, Iwate Prefecture, Ohtani’s hometown.

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

The sale of religious corporations that operate temples and shrines across Japan is drawing growing scrutiny from authorities, who fear the transactions could be used for tax evasion and money laundering, as brokers openly advertise properties and corporate status for tens or even hundreds of millions of yen.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Nine Japanese nationals were among 17 people detained in Laos on suspicion of involvement in a special fraud operation, while Japanese authorities have sought cooperation from Cambodian police over dozens of Japanese citizens believed to have gone missing after traveling to Cambodia.

Japan Moves to Ease Thinner Shortage as Naphtha Shock Hits Builders

Japan will begin a new system on June 23 to sell paint and thinner directly from manufacturers to construction firms and other businesses, aiming to ease supply bottlenecks and curb price increases as worsening conditions in the Middle East make such materials harder to obtain.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

FamilyMart Store Tests Monster Wolf to Keep Bears Away

FamilyMart began testing a new bear deterrent on June 24 at a store in a mountainous area of Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, installing a wolf-shaped device known as Monster Wolf next to the outlet in the first such trial at a convenience store.

Nara Prison Hotel to Open With Rooms From 147,000 Yen

A luxury hotel using the former Nara Prison, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, will open on June 25, offering rooms from 147,000 yen per night as Japan sees a growing trend of converting historic cultural assets into hotels.

World’s First Shrine for Stuffed Animals Opens in Kyoto

A shrine believed to be the world’s first dedicated to stuffed animals was established on June 20 in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, giving owners a place to express gratitude for beloved plush toys and hold memorial rites for those that have finished their role.

Shinkansen Trials Overnight Service Arriving in Kansai Next Morning

JR Central said on June 22 that it will operate a special one-day-only Tokaido Shinkansen train that departs at night and arrives the following morning, as the company explores demand for overnight travel at a time of rising hotel costs.

Three Bear Cubs Seen Climbing Tree Putting Town on Alert

Three bear cubs were spotted climbing a tree in Hirogawa, Wakayama Prefecture, on the morning of June 22, prompting the town to put up warning signs and call on residents to stay alert, although no injuries or damage have been reported.

Evacuation Shelters Installed On Mount Fuji Descent Route

Ahead of Mount Fuji’s July climbing season, two newly installed evacuation shelters have been unveiled on the Yoshida descent route to strengthen safety measures against eruptions, rockfalls and severe weather.

Ise Summer Solstice Festival

About 240 people gathered before dawn on June 21 at Futami Okitama Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, to pray for good health during a summer solstice ritual held in front of the Meoto Iwa rocks.

Mount Fuji May Tighten Rules After Off-Season Rescue Surge

Shizuoka Prefecture has launched a working group to consider enforceable restrictions on off-season climbing of Mount Fuji, after a series of reckless ascents during the mountain’s closure period led local leaders to demand tighter entry controls and a system requiring climbers to pay rescue costs.

< 2 3 4 5 >