National Feb 22, 2021
Japan holds annual event to push claim to South Korea-held Takeshima islets
The ceremony in Matsue has been held every Feb. 22 since 2006 after the Shimane Prefectural Government designated the day as Takeshima Day in 2005.
National Feb 17, 2021
Shimane governor threatens to cancel participation in Olympic torch relay
by Eric Johnston
The remarks could create a political domino effect among other local governors worried about their own ability to respond to increased infections if the Tokyo Games go forward.
National Nov 4, 2020
Japanese health officials find 164 dogs crammed into tiny house
Japanese health officials have found 164 emaciated dogs crammed into a tiny house in one of the country's worst cases of animal hoarding, an animal rights activist said Wednesday. The parasite-infested animals were found in a 30 square-meter (323 sq. foot) house in the city ...
National / Science & Health Aug 11, 2020
91 test positive for coronavirus in Shimane high school cluster
Among those found to have contracted the virus were 88 members of the soccer team at the school in Matsue, with 82 living in the same dorm.
National | Regional Voices: Hiroshima Mar 27, 2020
Kagura, a form of Shinto theatrical dance, is increasingly winning the hearts of young women in Shimane Prefecture, carving out a new fan base in the traditionally male-dominated music ritual that is grappling with a shortage of successors. Dubbing themselves “kagurājo,” (kagura girls) these women ...
National / Crime & Legal Mar 14, 2020
Shimane man arrested after threatening to 'spread' coronavirus at train station
The suspect told police he has not undergone testing for the virus and that he had exhibited no symptoms.
National Mar 2, 2020
Nearly all prefectures in Japan shut schools amid coronavirus outbreak
Some schools are leaving their facilities open so children will have a place to go if their parents are working.
National / Politics Feb 22, 2020
Japan presses claim to disputed South Korean-held islets at annual event
As bilateral tensions linger over wartime issues, Japan presses its claim to Takeshima, a tiny pair of South Korea-held islets, during an annual ceremony held in Shimane Prefecture.
National / Crime & Legal Jan 15, 2020
Chiba man arrested after holding woman hostage for 18 hours in Shimane
A woman was released unharmed Wednesday morning after being held hostage for 18 hours by a man at the headquarters of a transport company in Shimane Prefecture, police said. Kaisei Nakao of Chiba Prefecture, who had wielded a sharp object, was arrested on the spot ...
National Oct 2, 2019
Japanese fishermen and officials enraged over North Korea's missile firing
Fishermen and officials voiced anger and anxiety over North Korea's firing of a ballistic missile on Wednesday that fell into waters where Japanese fishing boats operate. The North Korean missile is believed to have dropped into waters in the nation's exclusive economic zone in the ...
National Oct 2, 2019
North Korea fires ballistic missile built to be launched from submarine into Japan's EEZ
by Reiji Yoshida
North Korea tested a suspected sub-launched ballistic missile in a technological advancement, if successful, could make it significantly more difficult to destroy its nuclear arsenal.
Stage Aug 24, 2019
Iwami-kagura: The changing face of a Shimane theatrical tradition
by Rob Gilhooly
Kneeling on the floor of his atelier in the Nagahama district of Hamada, Shimane Prefecture, master craftsman Katsuro Ka-kita applies the finishing touches to one of his colorful, striking and sometimes terrifying creations. Each depicts characters from Japanese mythology, such as the jealous female demon ...