Japan to Abolish Seal-Stamping System
Life in Japan Traditional Japan
Bad news for fans of Japanese seals! Japan is looking to do away with its custom of physical seal stamping and come up with a digitized process.
Kinosaki Onsen Celebrates 1300th Anniversary
2020 is the 1300th anniversary of Kinosaki Onsen, a historic onsen town in Hyogo Prefecture, with seven bathhouses located within walking distance of each other.
Shrines Transform With Colorful Flowers
Shrines in Japan are cooling off from the summer heat by taking the art of flower arrangement to a whole new level.
The Queen of the Night Blooms Only Once a Year
Visitors gather in Aichi Prefecture, in central Japan, to get a glimpse of a special flower, the "Queen of the Night," a cactus flower that only blooms once a year in the evening, and withers by morning.
Tokyo's New Foreign Residents Support Center
The Japanese government has opened a center that offers foreign residents support ranging from immigration issues to employment. The facility also advises companies employing foreigners, and local governments of areas where they reside.
Japan's First Sign Language Starbucks Opens
As a show of its dedication to inclusion, Starbucks has brought it's fifth global sign language cafe to Tokyo, the first in the nation.
JR East to Offer Half-Price Shinkansen Tickets
Good news for anyone residing in Japan; JR East has announced a 50% discount on Shinkansen and limited express tickets until spring next year!
Tokyo Coronavirus Cases on the Rise
Tokyo reports 124 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday, July 3, while the health minister says Japan’s medical care system is not in a crunch.
Hospital Supports Pregnant Women in Need
A hospital that operates Japan’s only baby hatch, where mothers can place their unwanted babies anonymously, has started taking in pregnant women of lesser means to help them give birth, in what is believe to be the first such attempt in the country.
Japan Rolls Out Paid Plastic Bags Policy
Japan mandates businesses to charge customers for plastic shopping bags as part of efforts to tackle plastic waste. Stores are responding in various ways.
Southwestern Japan Rocked by Rains & Flooding
Heavy rain in Japan’s southwestern region of Kyushu has left at least 57 people dead in Kumamoto and Fukuoka prefectures. More rain is expected from Wednesday night.
All About the Seishun 18 Ticket
Traveling around Japan by rail need not be an expensive feat. If you have plenty of time and a knack for adventure, the Seishun 18 ticket might be just for you.
70% of New Covid Cases Among 20s & 30s Adults
Tokyo confirmed 107 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, and over 100 cases per day over the the weekend. The capital has designated a four-color warning system to notify the public of the severity of the situation.
Japan's Job Availability Continues to Drop
May marks the fifth consecutive month of declining job availability in Japan due to effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Upopoy National Ainu Museum Finally Opens
After delays, the Ainu now have an official space to showcase and preserve their unique cultural heritage at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum in Hokkaido. The center showcases the unique culture of the Ainu, an indigenous people in northern Japan.
Tokyo Hits Record High for New COVID Cases
Tokyo confirmed 224 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus on Thursday, July 9, a record high for a single day.
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Reopen
The facilities of Tokyo's Magic Kingdom have reopened after a four-month hiatus to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Toyota to Allow Permanent Work From Home
Toyota Motor will allow eligible employees to permanently work from home. Until now workers needed special permission to work remotely, but the automaker decided on the new measure due to increased productivity.
Tokyo Subway Going Antimicrobial
Workers at Tokyo Metro are now applying an antimicrobial surface coating to their trains to fend off the coronavirus.
New Shinkansen Bullet Train Model Debuts
A new model of the Shinkansen bullet train goes into service between Tokyo and Hakata. The N700S is the first fully remodeled Tokaido Shinkansen train series in 13 years.
