National / Science & Health May 14, 2020
Ehime probes hospital cluster, finding 17 new coronavirus cases
The cluster comprises a total of 20 people, including a family member of a care worker.
National May 5, 2020
Coronavirus leaves struggling strip theater facing some naked truths
The theater, said to be the last of its kind in the Shikoku region, has stood in the same place for about 50 years.
National / Social Issues Apr 17, 2020
The education ministry has urged prefectural education boards and others to take thorough measures to prevent discrimination and prejudice against workers exposed to higher risks of contracting the novel coronavirus. The ministry's action, taken on Thursday, was prompted by a case in which an elementary ...
National Mar 14, 2020
As Japan scales down events due to COVID-19, Ehime Prefecture sticks to hanami tradition
by Tomohiro Osaki
The ever-growing outbreak of COVID-19 is prompting some municipalities to urge cancellations of hanami parties, the annual Japanese tradition of picnicking and carousing while enjoying the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms that start gracing parks and riversides once spring arrives. But Tokihiro Nakamura, governor of ...
Business Jan 28, 2020
Western Japan pearl business pins hopes on gacha gacha capsule machines
A local business is trying to help Japan's biggest pearl production center recover from mass oyster deaths with gacha gacha vending machines containing real pearls. The efforts by pearl processor and wholesaler Uwakaishinju Co. in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, are beginning to pay off. Pearls sold ...
National / Crime & Legal Jan 27, 2020
Shikoku Electric won't appeal injunction over Ikata nuclear plant, for now
Shikoku Electric Power Co. said it won't appeal a high court injunction against operating the No. 3 reactor at its Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime Prefecture, at least for the time being. "It is not the right time to appeal the injunction," Shikoku Electric ...
National Jan 17, 2020
Shikoku Electric again ordered to halt Ikata nuclear reactor over volcano risk
The court said the utility’s preparations for eruptions that could endanger the plant were inadequate despite claims it would have plenty of advance warning.
National Jan 15, 2020
Work begins to remove spent MOX fuel at Ikata nuclear plant in Ehime
Shikoku Electric Power Co. has started removing nuclear fuel, including spent mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel, from a nuclear reactor in western Japan. The work at the No. 3 reactor at the company's Ikata nuclear plant in Ehime Prefecture, which began late Monday night, is the first ...
National Dec 13, 2019
Shikoku Electric to remove fuel from Ikata nuclear reactor, a first since MOX work began in 1997
Shikoku Electric Power Co. said Thursday that it will suspend operations of the No. 3 reactor at its Ikata nuclear power plant on Dec. 26 for routine checkups and remove spent mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel from the reactor. This will mark the first removal of used ...
National Oct 31, 2019
The mysterious death of over 20 million Akoya pearl oysters in Ehime, Mie and other prefectures this summer is expected to hobble pearl production next year and beyond. While the cause of the die-off is unclear, oyster producers have started taking steps to minimize the ...
National Oct 30, 2019
Drones tested in Japan nuclear disaster drill for first time near Ikata plant in Ehime
Drones carried supplies for the first time in a nuclear disaster drill on Wednesday at Shikoku Electric Power Co.'s Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime Prefecture. The exercise by the Ehime Prefectural Government involved 23,000 participants from 97 organizations, including all municipalities in Ehime and ...
National Oct 4, 2019
As number of growers declines, Ehime company promotes 'queen of bonsai' exports to Europe
Bonsai growers in western Japan are trying to boost exports of a tree known as the "queen of bonsai" for the elegance of its leaves and trunk, mainly to Europe, to establish a global brand and revitalize the regional economy. In August, 12 suppliers in ...