Japanese railway operators are making the most of local sightseeing spots along their routes to attract more foreign tourists, with social media proving an excellent promotional tool. At Gotokuji Temple, located along Tokyu Corp.'s Setagaya Line in Tokyo, foreign tourists snapped shots of a cluster ...
Tokyo Saryo: The new stylings of sencha green tea
Japan's traditional daily drink, sencha green tea, is making a comeback. For too long it's been crowded out of modern consciousness by the buzz and self-promotion of coffee culture. But thanks to places like Tokyo Saryo, sencha may be starting to regain its relevance ...
Changing times in Setagaya's Shoin Jinjamae
There's something alluring about the suburban stops between Sangenjaya and Shimotakaido stations, which has been serviced by the Tokyu Setagaya tramway for the past 110 years. Low-rise buildings and modest platforms tick by as the tram trundles at a leisurely pace westward from where I ...
Iga to become third municipality to recognize same-sex partnerships
The city of Iga, Mie Prefecture, will start recognizing same-sex partnerships as equivalent to marriage in April, becoming the third local government to address discrimination against sexual minorities. The certificates will be issued starting April 1. Tokyo's Shibuya and Setagaya wards introduced similar systems last ...
Coming-of-Age ceremony held for LGBT people in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward
About 180 people attend a Coming-of-Age ceremony for young members of the LGBT community that was held in Tokyo.
The city of Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, says it will join two Tokyo wards in issuing certificates recognizing same-sex partnership as being equivalent to marriage.
Tokyo's Shibuya and Setagaya wards issue first same-sex partnership papers
Eight couples in Tokyo's Shibuya and Setagaya wards were on Thursday issued with certificates recognizing their same-sex partnerships as equivalent to marriage on the first day of the long-awaited policy change. As local leaders heralded the milestone, advocates hope it will trigger further discussion about ...
Second Tokyo ward speaks of action on same-sex unions
The mayor of Setagaya has suggested his ward may seek to recognize same-sex unions, days after neighboring Shibuya district announced it would vote on the issue.
Investigators revisit the scene of an unsolved home invasion that killed a family of four in 2000 to keep the case in the public's eye.
23 residents sue to keep Setagaya off plates, claiming violation of their privacy
Residents of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, are suing the central government to stop the introduction of license plates that they claim will violate their privacy and are being forced on them. The ward applied in June for a program under the transport ministry that allows cities ...
