National Jun 26, 2020
Popular Gunma hiking trail to reopen with reduced rescue services
Half of the 20 mountain huts servicing hikers along the popular marshland will be open from Wednesday.
National May 15, 2020
Virus-hit Japan inns aided by advance payments for future stays
With many Japanese inns facing threat of closure amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, people are turning to an online project to support them by making payments toward future stays.
National Apr 10, 2020
Sumida and Nagaoka fireworks among summer events canceled due to virus
Fireworks displays and other summer events were canceled months in advance by organizers on Friday, joining the long list of gatherings scrapped over the new coronavirus. The casualties included the annual Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo, which was brought forward to July 11 to ...
National / Science & Health Apr 9, 2020
The speed of the process as well as the advantage cars offer to avoid crowds have drawn attention.
National Mar 19, 2020
Niigata opens drive-thru coronavirus test clinic amid growing demand
by Hinano Kobayashi
A public health center in the city of Niigata has launched one of Japan's first drive-thru clinics to test for COVID-19 amid growing demand for tests of the deadly virus. The drive-thru clinic, which was launched this month and comes after South Korea won plaudits ...
National Feb 25, 2020
Japanese recognized as world's oldest living man dies at 112
Chitetsu Watanabe, a 112-year-old who was recognized by Guinness World Records earlier this month as the world's oldest living man, died Sunday at the nursing home where he resided, his family said. Watanabe, who was born on March 5, 1907, died Sunday night at the ...
National Feb 13, 2020
112-year-old Japanese recognized as world's oldest living man
A 112-year-old Japanese who has been recognized as the world's oldest living man cited "laughter" Wednesday as the secret to his longevity. Chitetsu Watanabe, who was born on March 5, 1907, pumped his fist as he was handed a certificate by a Guinness World Records ...
National Feb 10, 2020
Record-low snowfall puts Niigata city's plan to cool Tokyo Olympic venues in jeopardy
A city in Niigata Prefecture, known for its abundant snowfall every year, was planning to send snow to soccer stadiums and other facilities to be used at this year's Tokyo Olympic Games to tackle the heat. But amid record low snowfall this season, the city ...
Travel Feb 1, 2020
A month of ice and fire: Japan's best winter festivals
by Rebecca Saunders
Winter this year may have been relatively warm, but February brings a host of festive events across the country for snow-lovers and heat-seekers alike.
National Jan 21, 2020
Wipe out: Japan's ski slopes suffering worst winter in decades
by Peter Elstrom and Emi Urabe
Japan's ski resorts are suffering through one of the worst snow seasons on record, disappointing locals and foreign tourists, and jeopardizing the country's budding reputation as an international ski destination. In Hokkaido to the north, where resorts like Niseko are known for reliable, fresh powder, ...
Business Jan 1, 2020
Japan's local governments struggling with debt due to public investment and disasters
Debts incurred from past public investment and reconstruction work after disasters are placing heavy financial burdens on local governments.
National Dec 29, 2019
Sado police find two heads and five bodies on suspected North Korean boat
The heads of two people as well as five bodies believed to be of North Koreans are found in a boat that washed ashore on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture.