Tokyo May See Japan’s Earliest Sakura Blooms of the Year

Feb 21, 2023 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Weather companies have started releasing their bloom forecasts for the “cherry blossom front,” which is expected to begin next month.

Weathernews Inc.’s forecast, released Thursday, predicts cherry trees will bloom in Tokyo on March 20 — the earliest expected date in Japan, along with Fukuoka Prefecture.

Weathermap Co.’s forecast, meanwhile, suggests March 17, again along with Fukuoka.

For its part, the Japan Weather Association plumps for March 22 — later than areas in Kyushu and Shikoku, but still the earliest expected date in Honshu, along with Hiroshima and other cities.

University of Tokyo Names First Female President

The University of Tokyo has selected professor Yuko Fujigaki, 64, as its next president, making her the first woman to lead Japan's most prestigious university.

Typhoon No. 26 Approaches Southern Izu Islands With Strong Wind and Rain

Typhoon No. 26 (Surigae) remained a strong typhoon south of Japan early on September 29, moving east-northeast at 15 kilometers per hour as it gradually weakened ahead of an expected approach to the southern Izu Islands from September 30 through October 1, where heavy thunderstorms, sudden gusts and high waves are forecast.

Beaujolais Nouveau Arrives in Japan a Month Early

Beaujolais Nouveau, France's newly produced wine traditionally associated with autumn, arrived in Japan on September 28 about a month earlier than usual after a record-breaking heatwave accelerated this year's grape harvest.

Onosato Wins Autumn Grand Sumo in Dramatic Showdown

Yokozuna Onosato captured his sixth career championship at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on September 27, defeating Ukrainian ozeki Aonishiki in a winner-takes-all showdown at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan to finish the 15-day competition with 12 wins and three losses, ending a year-long title drought after a dramatic final weekend.

Fire Breaks Out at Nagoya's MIRAI TOWER

A fire broke out at the observation deck of Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER in central Nagoya on Saturday, prompting 30 visitors to evacuate, although no injuries were reported.

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Rare Blue Bees Bring Happiness to Shiga Temple

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