National Jul 6, 2020
Residents mourn victims of 2018 torrential rain in western Japan
With the coronavirus pandemic, the memorial services in Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures were held with limited attendees and social distancing within the venues.
National Jun 7, 2020
For better or worse, Japan's COVID-19 success may be the result of peer pressure
If political leaders don't strongly communicate, it can give the impression that public policing is acceptable.
National / Social Issues Jun 1, 2020
Okayama to join other Japan cities issuing certificates for same-sex partnerships
The city of Okayama said Monday it will issue certificates recognizing same-sex partnership starting July 1 to couples living in or planning to move to the city. It will join nearly 50 other local governments in the country issuing similar certificates to lesbian, gay, bisexual ...
National | Regional Voices: Hiroshima May 1, 2020
Cities in Japan flush bad image with upgraded public toilets
Municipalities are teaming up with corporations when carrying out renovations aimed at improving experience for tourists and families.
National Dec 16, 2019
A ferry connecting Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture and Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture has ceased services after 109 years. The ferry completed its last trip across the Seto Inland Sea on Sunday night after a long-term decrease in passengers led to the deterioration of ...
National / Crime & Legal Jul 17, 2019
Police instructor stabbed officer with knife in training exercise that went wrong
A police school instructor in western Japan accidently stabbed an officer with a survival knife during a role-playing exercise in December, and left him hospitalized for days, police officials admitted Wednesday. While the instructor at the Okayama Prefecture training college has said he did not ...
National Jul 8, 2019
One year after floods, hard-hit area of Okayama Prefecture sees spike in thefts targeting victims
A town in western Japan hit by flooding caused by torrential rain a year ago is now struggling with thefts targeting disaster victims who are working to rebuild their lives. Police have called on people in the Mabicho district of Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, to "ensure ...
National Jul 6, 2019
Western Japan marks first anniversary of deadly mudslides and flooding that killed 275
Memorial services were held Saturday to mark the first anniversary of flooding and mudslides triggered by torrential rains in western Japan that claimed the lives of 275 people. The worst rain disaster in decades killed 137 people in Hiroshima Prefecture, 79 in Okayama Prefecture and ...
National Apr 3, 2019
Special celebrations planned for newlyweds on auspicious first day of Japan's new Reiwa era
Local governments are planning something special for those who register their marriage on the first day of the new era, including gifts and commemorative photos, as they prepare for a spike in the number of couples tying the knot on May 1. The start of ...
Travel | G20 host cities special Mar 5, 2019
Okayama Prefecture in the Chugoku region is a transport hub of western Japan that enjoys a yearlong mild climate thanks to its location on the Seto Inland Sea. The city of Okayama, the venue of the Health Ministers' Meeting on Oct. 19 and 20, is ...
National / Social Issues Jan 17, 2019
by Su Xincheng
On a farm employing a sophisticated technique to develop special bananas in Okayama Prefecture, people with disabilities play a major role in the routine work of watering, fertilizing and removing yellowing leaves from the plants. Every morning, several mentally disabled workers come to the banana ...
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Dec 30, 2018
Celebrating New Year's the island way
by Amy Chavez
On the small island where I live in the middle of Japan's Seto Inland Sea, new year celebrations are stalwart traditional. Preparations start a week before when the holiday spirit wafts in on sea breezes tinted with chilling temperatures. The island holds a community ...