Guardian Angels Japan finding less to do in Kitakyushu, one-time city of yakuza 'endless conflict'
Up until five years ago, the city of Kitakyushu had for decades grappled with so many shootings and violent attacks by organized crime groups that it was known as a city of shura (never-ending conflict). But as Japan intensified its crackdown on organized crime, the ...
Students and teachers have mixed views on Japanese schools' strict dress and hair codes
Many high schools often have regulations on student attire and hairstyles. But in some cases, students as well as teachers are skeptical about the rigorous rules and their strict enforcement. Proponents argue that such rules are necessary to maintain discipline. But what also lies behind ...
Hakata, Nagahama, Kurume: A guide to Fukuoka's best ramen styles
Fukuoka was named the world's seventh most-livable city by Monocle magazine this year for its eco- and business friendly initiatives — but its status as a ramen mecca couldn't have hurt. Within Japan, Fukuoka is known, perhaps more than anything else, for tonkotsu (pork ...
Cat island draws tourists; residents regret loss of tranquility
With two islands populated by large numbers of stray cats, Japan has a new tourist craze: sea cruises to visit the felines. Ainoshima, also known as Cat Heaven Island, is a 20-minute ferry ride from Shingu port near the city of Fukuoka. It has seen a ...
A man was arrested Monday on suspicion of fatally stabbing an 86-year-old acquaintance in Fukuoka Prefecture, police said. The 61-year-old suspect, Takahide Fujioka, allegedly admitted to killing Sachio Ayado over a dispute, the police said. Both are from the city of Nakama. Prior to his arrest, ...
Six injured after fire burns families' apartments in Fukuoka Prefecture
A fire broke out in a five-story apartment building in Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Sunday morning. It burned the rooms in which two families lived and left six people, including children injured, police said. They said the fire broke out at around 6:15 a.m., probably in ...
Fukuoka man who fell ill after visiting Guinea tests negative for Ebola
A man from Fukuoka Prefecture who was suspected of contracting the Ebola virus while in West Africa has been cleared, the health ministry said Monday. The man, who is in his 40s, was admitted to a local hospital after he developed a fever above 38 ...
