Tag - holidays

 
 

HOLIDAYS

Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 27, 2017
Beijing tells officials not to set off New Year fireworks to curb smog
The Beijing city government has told officials to lead by example and not set off fireworks or firecrackers to welcome the Lunar New Year on Friday to help prevent smog, after the city was blanketed in choking smog earlier this month.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 27, 2016
Japanese dream of long year-end holiday but will settle for five days, and some sleep
A long, leisurely sojourn at a tropical beach resort, listening to the waves and counting seagulls ... is only a pipe dream for most workers in Japan as the New Year's holiday period draws near.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 23, 2016
'Santa Claus isn't coming,' recession-hit Venezuelans tell kids
As a harrowing economic crisis makes food scarce for millions of Venezuelans, many families cannot buy their children Christmas presents, decorate their home, or even host a holiday dinner.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 23, 2016
After passing written exam, health check, Santa gets pilot's license renewed in the nick of time
Santa Claus has successfully renewed his commercial pilot's license, passing a written exam as well as a health check — despite high sugar levels — and is good to fly for Christmas, Canada's transportation department said Thursday.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 4, 2016
St. Nicholas, still accompanied by controversial Black Pete, makes annual arrival in Brussels
Children gathered with parents in Brussels's medieval main square on Saturday to await the arrival of St. Nicholas, a pre-Christmas tradition in Belgium, the Netherlands and other parts of Northern Europe held in honor of the legendary gift-giver.
Japan Times
WORLD
Nov 27, 2016
Haute cuisine? Santa serves up sleigh-borne dinner in the sky
Not waiting at home for Santa Claus, gourmets in Brussels are flying off aboard his sleigh to dine with him above the city's rooftops and twinkling Christmas lights.
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 9, 2016
U.S. spooky clown phenomenon spreads to Australia and New Zealand
Sightings of creepy clowns that have spooked the United States appear to have sparked copycat acts in Australia and New Zealand, with police issuing stern warnings for would-be clowns.
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Aug 22, 2016
Let's discuss Mountain Day
Nearly a third of people have never heard of Mountain Day, the newest official public holiday. a survey shows.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 10, 2016
A third of Japan unaware of Mountain Day as holiday makes its debut
Nearly a third of people have never heard of Mountain Day, according to a new survey, as the newest official public holiday is set to be celebrated for the first time on Thursday.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jul 25, 2016
Better to holiday at home than endure a resort during the Japanese summer
In the late-capitalist scheme of things, the Japanese resort probably makes sense. But speaking as a reformed resort junkie, I believe we can do better.
WORLD
Mar 26, 2016
Ten thousand rabbits shot in New Zealand Easter hunt
Hunting for chocolate eggs is popular Easter event, but in New Zealand it was bunnies in the firing line at an annual rabbit-shooting event in one district where they are regarded as pests.
Japan Times
LIFE
Feb 3, 2016
Japan catches good luck fever — 'Setsubun' 2016
“Setsubun” celebrates the upcoming spring season and the end of winter every year on Feb. 3. On this day, people try to rid themselves of last year's bad demons and wish for good luck.
EDITORIALS
Jan 16, 2016
Coming of Age Day reflections
Coming of Age day should be an opportunity for everyone in Japan to reflect on the meaning and importance of adulthood.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 14, 2015
Avoid offense by heeding these nengajō do's and don'ts
A recent survey revealed quite a few inconvenient truths about what people like and don't like when it comes to New Year's cards.
WORLD
Nov 29, 2015
Brazilian police hunt copter-stealing Santa Claus
Brazilian police are hunting for a Sao Paulo Santa Claus who kicked off the Christmas shopping season by stealing a helicopter.
WORLD
Oct 15, 2015
Santa Claus elected to North Pole City Council
A man with a soft white beard who prides himself on being an advocate for young children has been elected as a city councilman in North Pole, Alaska.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 22, 2015
Annual Roppongi Hills Bon festival features original 'Ropponjin Ondo' music
The annual Roppongi Hills Bon-Odori kicked off Saturday, giving visitors to the festival a chance to experience a Japanese summer tradition.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 15, 2015
Nine couples set marathon dance record of 35:01:01
Nine couples have broken the world record for the longest dance marathon in the seaside town of Pattaya, southeast of Thailand's capital, Bangkok.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Feb 12, 2015
Young Thais urged to skip sex, see a temple on Valentine's Day
Bangkok city officials are urging young Thais to forgo sex on Valentine's Day this weekend and visit temples instead to mark the day of love.
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Dec 1, 2014
Yokohama: How can you make your Christmas in Japan more ... Christmassy?
Many foreigners will spend the Christmas holiday in Japan away from family. So how do they attempt to create the feeling of a Western Christmas like those they knew back home?

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji