Japan to independently measure its forests’ carbon absorption
Japan’s government plans to develop its own method of measuring the country’s plant resources, with the goal of accurately determining its carbon dioxide absorption levels. Read more
The latest news, trends and photo galleries from Japan by Japan News and Yomiuri Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper founded in 1874.
Japan’s government plans to develop its own method of measuring the country’s plant resources, with the goal of accurately determining its carbon dioxide absorption levels. Read more
Worshippers admired the sun setting over the Genkai Sea and illuminating the approach to Miyajidake Shrine in Fukutsu, Fukuoka prefecture last month. Read more
Little gifts come in handy when paying someone a visit, and wrapping them in a small tenugui hand towel can add a playful — and traditionally Japanese — touch. Read more
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At a book club event Oct. 14, 10 children from Tokushima prefecture shared their favorite books with “reading dogs” at a prefectural library. Read more
A leading cosmetics company has unveiled a new line of products that can be used in space, with plans to have them taken to the International Space Station next year. Read more
Paper balloons are a regional specialty of Izumozaki in Niigata prefecture, where they have been produced for more than 100 years. Read more
A community in Shimane prefecture unleashed a small herd of hungry goats to clean up weeds along an abandoned railway track. Read more
Local governments in Yamagata prefecture, Japan’s largest producer of cherries, are increasingly permitting civil servants to take on side jobs harvesting cherries as a means to deal with labor shortages amid a decline in farmers and an aging population. Read more
Moon-inspired artwork made their presence known in the streets and open spaces around Shimokitazawa Station in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward. Read more
Efforts to upcycle food, or use parts of food products that would traditionally go to waste, are gaining momentum in Japan amid growing environmental awareness. Read more
“Stationery art” has become popular in recent years as more people use items such as masking tape and pencils to create art. Read more
Futa, the red panda known for standing on his hind legs, reached the ripe old age of 20 in July at the Chiba Zoological Park. Read more
On a trip to Japan from Australia in mid-July, Ben Radewell was amazed when taking video of his friend stepping into a glass-walled cube that sits in a corner of a park in Shibuya in Tokyo. The walls became opaque as she entered, making her invisible from the outside. Read more
The rising number of foreign visitors to Japan is expected to benefit the nation’s economy. But there also are concerns about the return of overtourism and just partial success of countermeasures. Read more
The Oshare Bon Odori summer fashion event in Tokyo’s Ginza shopping area was held in August for the first time since coronavirus shutdowns. Read more
A project to create modern clothing using traditional Japanese textiles is making a splash. Mizen, led by Shunsuke Teranishi, features the fabric of 12 producers across the country. Read more
Miho Nakashima stood in a bathing suit in Tokyo Aug. 27 next to a 100-year-old gingko tree, her body painted head-to-toe in green leaves and brown branches. Read more
A flavorless candy appeared briefly in Japanese convenience stores and may never be sold again. We consider this news. Read more
A highlight of the Otaru Ushio Festival, a summer staple in the Hokkaido city of Otaru, commenced July 29 with about 5,000 people from 76 groups dancing in formation in the city center for eight hours. Read more
A liquid hydrogen-powered Toyota Corolla completed a 24-hour endurance race at the Fuji International Speedway in Oyama, Shizuoka prefecture, in May. Read more
A red-and-yellow checkered pattern has been painted on a road preceding a pedestrian crossing in Chiryu, Aichi prefecture. Read more