Today's print edition Home Delivery A man died on Friday after a wind turbine blade fell at a park in the city of Akita A passerby made an emergency call at around 10:15 a.m. saying a blade broke off of a wind turbine at Araya Seaside Park.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Rescuers rushed to the scene and found the man unconscious with a head injury The police are investigating the connection between his death and the broken blade of the city of Akita was discovered roughly 1 meter away from the fallen blade The local meteorological observatory had issued a strong wind warning in the city from Friday morning In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division The atmosphere is supercharged with excitement as counselors scurry around putting the final touches on their cabins and the lodge fills with the smell of chocolate chip cookies as the kitchen pulls out the first batch of sweet treats for check-in time This is what we’ve planned for…what we’ve trained for It’s time for all our best laid plans for this 10-week journey to be carried out It’s Wednesday morning: girls cabin 4 is having a meltdown because the girls can’t remember their power passage routine; boys cabin 1 is running late because the bathroom door locked from the inside again; and the honor cabin raised the flag upside down We make it to Camp Council only to find a family of racoons have made their home under the stage and are not particularly pleased with the rhythms of making melodies counselors are trying to keep everyone back and the camp director is looking for a way to restore order to this morning worship service This was NOT how the day was supposed to go the last set of youth campers are boarding the bus to head home Bags are loaded in the back; attendance is complete and tears are flowing from both the kiddos and the staff we hear the roar of “We Are Soldiers,” the unofficial Camp Akita battle cry That poor bus driver…it’s going to be a long 3-hour drive back to Hinsdale As the bus disappears through the tree line We ask our staff how they saw Jesus throughout the summer The commonality amongst all the answers is this: Even in the moments of chaos or amid a storm Not a single moment was wasted because it was always Jesus holding things together and moving on our behalf our hope for them is that they would come into an encounter with Jesus that gives them a deep knowing that He will always show up Even when our best efforts aren’t enough…He’s more than enough we hope our campers experience that Jesus: the one who can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever imagine Stacey DePluzzer is associate youth director for Illinois Conference Please upgrade to a more modern version to fully experience JapanToday site and for security reasons A blade of a wind turbine on the coast of Akita and a man found collapsed nearby was confirmed dead Friday First responders found the 81-year-old resident Takashi Shishido unresponsive with head injuries after receiving an emergency call around 10:15 a.m Police are investigating whether his death was related to the incident The blade was one of three on the wind turbine The site is some 6.5 kilometers southwest of JR Akita Station Join the leading Asian tourist attraction to assist our diverse range of customers or being in the wrong place at the wrong time It could have previously been hit by lightning and gone unnoticed https://youtu.be/Osh7qMxoD8E?si=8oHzlXxfRY5lC7RP It seems nothing was done about the damage even though it didn’t seem to be so recent Wind turbines also cause the deaths of countless birds When a blade breaks of a wind turbine the rotating head becomes so unbalanced the rest of the tower comes down very shortly afterwards They should be consigned to the history books as soon as possible Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts A mix of what's trending on our other sites Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report AKITA—An elderly man died on May 2 after being found collapsed on the ground near a broken blade from a wind turbine here Akita prefectural police are investigating whether the fallen blade caused the death of Takashi Shishido The fire department was notified about Shishido’s condition at the Araya seaside park in Akita city’s Araya district at around 10:20 a.m He was taken to a hospital with a head injury but was confirmed dead about an hour later According to the Akita prefectural government’s clean energy industry promotion division the wind turbine at the park was installed by Sakura Furyoku one of the three blades on a turbine in the same location fell to the ground A strong wind advisory was issued for Akita city on the morning of May 2 according to the Japan Meteorological Agency and a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 83 kph was observed at 7:52 a.m Such conditions make it difficult to walk against the wind The JMA said strong winds were expected to continue until the evening of May 2 in northeastern Japan features a pavilion for resting and paved walkways police officers restricted access to a road leading to the park said: “He seemed to have a daily routine of taking a walk around his house in the morning He was a neat and tidy person and often weeded his garden A person involved in wind power generation in Akita Prefecture said it is possible that some of the blades on the turbine deteriorated due to metal fatigue it could have been prevented,” the person said “If concerns about wind power generation spread it will have a negative impact on the industry.” Operator plans November start of large wind farms off Akita Coal carrier is fitted with a sail to cut emissions in a world first Electric fan inspires design of home-use wind power generator Major delays in Shinkansen runs likely as typhoon heads for Japan Offshore wind power next big thing in Japan’s green push Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission COLUMBUS, Ohio and BOSTON, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akita Biosciences, Inc., a consumer health company that develops innovative nasal spray formulations for drug, device, and cosmetic applications, has received a grant from Flu Lab to evaluate the feasibility and safety of its Profi Nasal Spray in U.S Profi Nasal Spray is a personal care product regulated as a cosmetic and designed to help cleanse the nasal passages of airborne contaminants on-the-go solution for those prioritizing nasal hygiene Profi is drug-free and built on a novel platform technology developed in the labs of Dr Nitin Joshi at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital The platform is designed to form a uniform gel-like barrier in the nasal passages that blocks and helps clear airborne particles California-based Flu Lab is an organization founded to advance innovative approaches for the prevention and treatment of influenza The funding will support a prospective pilot study of Profi Nasal Spray in collaboration with the nation's largest public healthcare system The study will enroll healthcare workers and evaluate the feasibility of daily use are exposed to airborne contaminants every day Existing measures like masking and vaccines help but there's a clear need for complementary tools that fit seamlessly into daily practice," said Alex Revelos "This grant enables us to better understand how a drug-free hygiene-based nasal spray might fit into the daily routines of frontline professionals We are grateful to Flu Lab for supporting this important step." The study will generate real-world insights into the use of Profi Nasal Spray in frontline healthcare settings offering early data to guide future research and shape its potential role in broader respiratory health strategies [email protected]  Akita Biosciences is proud to have been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025 a biotech company that develops innovative nasal spray formulations for drug Health Care & Hospitals Medical Pharmaceuticals Household, Consumer & Cosmetics Do not sell or share my personal information: Akita University (President: Yoshihiro Minamiya) and TDK Corporation (President and CEO: Noboru Saito; TSE: 6762; hereinafter "TDK") announce that they have signed an alliance agreement today They will both actively use Akita University's academic knowledge technologies and resources as well TDK's industrial technologies and practical resources to launch joint projects work together in the area of education and research and provide support training and exchange opportunities to students to enable both of them to grow and contribute to society The origin of Akita University is in Akita Mining College The university was established as a national university in 1949 it has five faculties: International Resource Sciences Integrated Science and Engineering for Environments It continues to advance as a center for knowledge It is also actively engaged in regional revitalization the Regional Co-Creation Organization will promote measures and initiatives through collaboration with regional communities studies for regional industrial development and the development of personnel that will play key roles in the region to aid the industrial development and revitalization of the region TDK was established for the purpose of commercializing ferrite With a number of manufacturing sites in Akita Prefecture TDK aims to contribute in social transformation through its global business operations while establishing close relationships with communities in the region Representatives from the two parties to the alliance agreement shared the following statements "The formation of the alliance with TDK Corporation is an important step opening the way to new possibilities for Akita University,” said Yoshihiro Minamiya “Amid the innovation and advancement of technology the importance of integrating the knowledge and strengths of universities and businesses is increasing as is the importance of returning their achievements to society I hope that the combination of TDK's international perspective and superior technological skills and our accumulated academic knowledge and locally based education and research activities will broaden the range of new initiatives for a sustainable society I hope that this agreement will create opportunities for our students and teaching staff to engage in more practical and creative studies." "We feel very honored to be able to conclude an industry-academia collaboration agreement with Akita University in Akita where our founder and first president Kenzo Saito was from,” said Noboru Saito “The new industry-university connection between Akita University and TDK has profound significance for us at TDK I sincerely hope this agreement marks an initial step towards the development of both Akita University and TDK towards the brightening of the future of Akita Prefecture and the surrounding regions." as partners for mutual development and social contribution will carry out initiatives in the six areas mentioned above in Akita from a global perspective TDK also signed an agreement with Akita University to acquire the naming rights for one of the university's facilities TDK has provided Akita University’s Hall on the Tegata Campus with the additional name “TDK Venture Spirit Hall.” It is used by around 1,700 students and teaching staff every day TDK will use this opportunity to help students at Akita University to study and deepen their research in a better environment (during the three-year period starting in April 2025) TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite a key material in electronic and magnetic products innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure TDK provides power supplies and energy devices These products are marketed under the product brands TDK TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive and information and communication technology The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia TDK posted total sales of USD 14.6 billion and employed about 101,000 people worldwide I recently guided a Singaporean group around Akita Prefecture in Northeastern Japan they visit a new area to explore hot springs stay in unique ryokans (Japanese-style inns) They also overindulge the dual Singaporean pastimes of shopping and eating Perhaps Singaporeans could single-handedly sustain Japan's rural economies if Japan improved its marketing Driving around Akita for 10 days with nothing better to do than soak in hot springs and bask in Autumn colors might seem monotonous at first glance and fluctuating in elevation daily means discovering the leaves at different points of their autumn "bloom." The quest is to find leaves at their absolute peak.  Although I have experienced hundreds of onsens I have barely dipped my toe into Japan's vast number of onsens Viewing autumn leaves and soaking daily also affords plenty of time to contemplate and red or mediated under a hot spring waterfall (most waterfall meditations are ice cold) the trip struck me as frivolous in the best sense of the word.  With so many countries at war or in poverty the ability to spend entire days seeking sensory delights like autumn colors and onsens is a blessing Our only concerns were the amount of red trees visible and the dinner menu I was ever aware that frivolity is a privilege not afforded to many.  Here are a few of my favorite spots from the trip My new favorite Onsen in Japan is Kawarage Jigoku Oyutaki Driving endlessly into the mountains of Southern Akita Doroyu is a collection of ancient wooden buildings stained by long winters with bubbling pools and sputtering steam everywhere The Ryokans offer accommodations or day-use spas but there is not much else.  While the surrounding mountains are a thickly carpeted patchwork of multi-colored forest Kawarage Jigoku is a white sulphuric mound of barrenness It's the kind of place Tolkien might have taken inspiration for Mount Doom in Mordor.  it's another 30-minute descent through the volcanic mountain trail then a forest trail before reaching Oyutaki I am convinced that Oyutaki is a magical place the waterfall has carved out a natural rock tub where bathers can relax and admire the stunning view you can walk down the trail to change clothes in private Oyutaki is one of the most unique onsens I have visited While few women use them and fewer remain in operation Victorian morals introduced in the late 19th century shamed the Japanese into bathing separately.  I like to think that naked bodies were standard back then and everyday functions like bathing could be performed together without sexualizing them I'm sure there were perverts and peeping toms throughout history Descending the Jukai Line from the Hachimantai National Park visitor center one finds a collection of whitish-blue pools alongside the road These are Toshichi Onsen's mixed baths.  where you will find an almost unusably hot pool Toshichi's only indoor bathing option.  but women must walk past the mixed-gender baths to reach it Shirakami Sanchi covers a vast area of Northern Akita and Southern Aomori Prefectures Since there are no accommodations within the national park Shirakami Sanchi is one of Japan's few bonafide wildernesses.  We visited the Dakedai Forest, deep in the woods of Shirakami Sanchi. There is a one-hour hiking path through the native old-growth Beech Forest, with highlights including a 300-year-old tree and the "mother tree," inspiration for Miyazaki Hayao's film Princess Mononoke.  the 400-year-old tree fell down some years ago and one feels connected to something much older than oneself in Shirakami Sanchi a product of the rise and fall of Japan's bubble economy when everyone had money and everyone traveled.  there is a fantastic walking trail along the Yoneshiro River The trail begins next to Yuze Hotel Resort and meanders a couple of kilometers down the river Walk back on the road or take the trail back to the entrance of the hotel I hate to admit that I enjoy tourist traps calling anything touristy in Akita is a stretch Akita seems practically void of Western tourists Nestled deep in the mountains near Lake Tazawa the most famous of the seven ryokans in Nyuto Onsen The wooden thatch-roof architecture is rustic though beware because it is another mixed-gender variety There are male-only and female-only baths too.  Spots sell out the day they open and reservations are only taken by phone in Japanese.  I hope you like mushrooms because every dish in the course features fungi and they do not accommodate dietary restrictions a Nyuto Onsen bus pass allows you to try the different hot springs as day-use spas if you cannot or choose not to stay Oyasukyo is a famous gorge in Southern Akita the gorge is one of Japan's most unique geological features Descending down several hundred stairs takes you to the riverbed at the bottom of the canyon.  The suspension bridge above is awe-inspiring and the surrounding mountains form a steep valley.  Steam rises from every nook and cranny of the canyon wall sometimes so forcefully you can hear it hissing and bubbling out onto the paved walkway Navigating the thick cloud of onsen steam (and trying to stay dry) makes the short trail memorable and photogenic Akita gave me so many experiences and memories to take home Besides the hot springs and the fall colors Author: Daniel MooreLearn more about the wild side of Japan through Daniel's essays You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " AKITA — A man was found unconscious near the blade of a wind turbine and taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead on Friday morning please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent The police are investigating whether the blade struck the man who had been several dozen meters away from the turbine at the time on-site inspections were not conducted Friday According to the Akita Chuo Police Station a passerby reported that a wind turbine blade had fallen at Araya Kaihin Koen park at around 10:15 a.m Firefighters rushed to the scene and found Takashi Shishido lying about one meter away from the blade with injuries to his head A bicycle believed to have been used by the man from Araya-Motomachi in the prefecture was found lying nearby The damaged turbine belonged to a single-unit wind power station operated by a Tokyo-based company its three propellers were each 41 meters long and had been installed about 80 meters above ground level According to the Akita Local Meteorological Office a strong wind warning was issued for the entire city from early Friday morning and the maximum instantaneous wind speed was 20.3 meters per second (around 73 kph) at 10 a.m The wind power station with a capacity of 1,990 kilowatts has been in operation since 2009 After a lightning strike in December 2010 hit the turbine The company said it has conducted large-scale regular inspections on the power station twice a year and no abnormalities were found during inspections in November and March Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp Akita Prefecture is located in the Tohoku Region the northern area of the main island of Honshu Akita is the 6th largest prefecture of Japan Historically a part of Dewa Province and receiving high amounts of snow during the winter Akita is a great spot to experience a wealth of snowy adventures the prefecture has a multitude of seasonal activities There are plenty of transportation methods to get yourself to and around Akita Prefecture From large cities such as Tokyo and Nagoya which you can take if you are keen on a more leisurely adventure up the Japanese mainland through the Tohoku region The even more leisurely option is a highway bus which are great peaks into local culture and regional specialities credit Akita Prefectural Tourism Federation there are a few different options for travel around the area The Oga Line will take you to the Oga Peninsula area The Ou Main Line takes you through some of the main cities of the area while the Yuri Kogen Railway weaves its way through the southwest area The Akita Nairiku Railway runs through the centre of Akita taking you through some of the most beautiful nature and valleys in the area We can begin our adventures in Akita in the Oga Peninsula The namahage appear as ogre-like creatures and historically appear around the new year time in order to spur those who sit idly by the fires to not be lazy and encourage good behaviour for the year to come there are opportunities to see live performances and learn more about their history at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum where you can learn more about the folklore and craft of these unique characters Situated on the northern coast of the peninsula Unshoji temple is a 17th century temple filled to the brim with hydrangeas the blue flowers come to life and cover the temple grounds Unshoji is a great spot to stop by if you are in the Oga Peninsula area Japan is famous for its onsens and onsen culture From Oga Onsen in the Oga Peninsula to Oyasukyo Onsen set in a gorge the onsens of Akita are sure to keep you relaxed and revitalised composed of 7 distinct onsens with their own unique features and giving a great view of the Towada Hachimantai National Park One of the seven onsens in Nyuto Onsen is Ganiba Onsen which has open air baths surrounded by the forests Tsuru No Yu has history dating back to the 17th century and is one of the few onsens in Japan where you can enjoy relaxing in the hot spring source After relaxing and refreshing yourself in the onsens of Nyuto Onsenkyo why not explore one of the more historical districts of the prefecture The Kakunodate area once had its own castle until its demolition in 1620 but it retains its identity through a samurai district now some of the houses are open to visitors to experience what life was like hundreds of years ago Alongside the Hinokinai River you can also see hundreds of cherry tree blossoms making it a perfect place to take a walk and take in all the sights and sounds you may also run into some ‘shidare zakura’ the Hachimantai area will have everything for you Hachimantai Ski Resort and Appi Kogen Ski Resort are two ski areas that are well worth the visit which has 3 distinct peaks and multiple hiking trails With beautiful summer flowers and autumn foliage it is a top spot for the outdoor enthusiast with wetland trails and a driving route through towering snow walls If you find yourself in Akita during the winter February 15 to 16 in the city of Yokote marks the Yokote Snow Festival each containing small altars dedicated to a water deity the igloos have various offerings inside them - they are also lit up creating a wonderful night time winter site Nearby Yokote Castle is framed beautifully by the many different kamakuras Varying in size from nearly holdable to fitting multiple people they are an important part of the Yokote City festival culture Even if you do not visit the area in the winter time you can still visit the Yokote Snow Museum to experience and learn about the snow festival Situated in the northeast corner of the prefecture and crossing into Aomori Prefecture is Lake Towada only smaller than Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido it is also the third deepest of all Japanese lakes but also sightseeing cruises on the lake between April to November where you can get expansive views of the lake with its two distinct peninsulas that reach out into the water nearby Oirase Gorge is another natural beauty Akita Prefecture is also home to a plethora of amazing waterfalls dotted across the region Four waterfalls of the 100 Waterfalls of Japan list are in Akita and is a wonderful sight during the autumn season Nanataki Falls is separated into 7 different steps it is a great place in nature to spend some relaxing time Hottai Falls is a thunderous waterfall that is fed by the nearby Mt alongside a viewing platform to see the cascades You can’t leave Akita Prefecture without trying some of the local cuisine One famous dish in the prefecture is ‘kiritanpo’ pounded rice that is formed into cylinders and eaten in either hot pot or with miso Inaniwa Udon is a special type of udon characterised by its thin and translucent appearance a unique variety of ice cream that is served in the shape of a flower Akita Prefecture is a great mix of nature and tradition whether you are interested in learning more about the local namahage culture seeing the beautiful Lake Towada crater lake or enjoying all of the delicious local food Akita Prefecture is a must see location for those looking for adventure To stay up to date with all the latest happenings in Japan follow us on our Facebook and Instagram Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages We focus on the greatest sustainability challenges across all sectors Offering unparalleled depth and breadth of expertise ERM Japan and Ocean Energy Pathway (OEP) have published a comprehensive joint report that examines the gross value added (GVA) generated by offshore wind projects in Akita Prefecture and assesses their potential to stimulate local economic growth and job creation The study evaluates the GVA and local employment impact through both “possible” and “potential” scenarios—demonstrating that offshore wind projects could generate a GVA of approximately 356Bn JPY (2.38Bn USD) and support nearly 34,000 jobs With feasible investments aimed at boosting local supplier capabilities these figures could rise to around 570Bn JPY (3.81Bn USD) and 52,000 jobs over the projects’ lifespans Download the study here. Akita Prefecture has emerged as a leader in Japan’s offshore wind sector with 140 MW of operational capacity from two projects an additional 2,100 MW under development by winners of the Round 1 and 2 auctions and approximately 400 MW under consideration for future auction rounds Key findings and recommendationsDrawing upon an input–output methodology enhanced by ERM’s proprietary offshore wind project cost model (LEnSTM) the report provides an independent analysis of the economic ripple effects associated with Akita’s eight offshore wind projects Addressing regional challengesThe report also contextualizes the economic potential of offshore wind within Akita Prefecture’s demographic challenges With the region experiencing significant population decline and an ageing demographic—the worst among Japan’s 47 prefectures—the study underscores the role that offshore wind can play in regional revitalization By boosting local incomes and fostering new employment opportunities offshore wind could serve as a catalyst for broader socioeconomic transformation Professor at Akita University stated: “This report is an important achievement that demonstrates the potential for significant local economic ripple effects from offshore wind projects in Akita Prefecture and the establishment of a sustainable supply chain.” Partner of ERM Japan said: “Today’s report is a significant step forward in our shared commitment to not only harness offshore wind power in Japan but to also ensure that its benefits extend to local communities Our detailed analysis provides actionable insights that can help the local industry seize the opportunities created by offshore wind ultimately contributing to a more vibrant regional economy.” Japan Country Head of Ocean Energy Pathway added: “Offshore wind is set to be a key pillar of Japan’s energy ambitions This study offers a clear roadmap for maximizing the positive local impacts of offshore wind and building resilient supply chains industry leaders and civil society groups will be crucial to sustainably scaling up the sector and unlocking these benefits.” ERM Japan’s press release can be found here: https://www.erm.com/ja/about/events/release_apr2025/ Ocean Energy Pathway’s press release can be found here: About ERMSustainability is our business.As the world’s largest specialist sustainability consultancy ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale utilizing a unique blend of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities This approach enables clients to accelerate the integration of sustainability at every level of their business ERM’s diverse team of more than 8,000 experts across 40 countries and territories assists clients in creating innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges unlocking commercial opportunities that address the needs of today while preserving options for future generations About Ocean Energy PathwayOcean Energy Pathway fast-tracks the development of a sustainable independent technical assistance to governments and stakeholders and works with policymakers and other stakeholders to build strategies to sustainable scale for the sector Ocean Energy Pathway is scaling in diverse markets around the world and has launched operations in Brazil Learn more here The Akita-inu is a dog breed native to Japan’s Akita Prefecture Its roots can be traced back to around the 1630s and it is believed to have originated through crossbreeding of hunting dogs with local dogs in the area The animals are classified as “large dogs,” with an average height of around 60 centimeters and weighing between 30 and 50 kilograms was established in 1927 to preserve the breed In addition to having chapters in every prefecture in Japan the organization has 11 clubs in countries including the United States and engage in other activities to promote the Akita-inu breed AIPS compiles the number of new registrations of Akita-inu in Japan and overseas the number of Akita-inu fell dramatically during World War II so that by the end of the war the breed was in danger of extinction dog lovers strived to breed more Akita-inu The underlying reasons for this included the growing demand for smaller dogs due to changes in the housing environment with no successors coming through to replace them The hit movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) This helped raise the global total to 6,671 by 2017 which is less than the previous record low of 1,964 in 2011 they are referred to as “one-owner dogs” in Japan which is to say that they do not tend to get along well with people other than their owners It is not uncommon for Akita-inu to be abandoned or brought to an animal shelter and put down was formed in 2018 with the aim of increasing the number of Akita-inu and stopping them from being put down In order to raise funds to protect abandoned Akita-inu and transfer them to new foster parents or keep them at a facility for life the organization is carrying out a fundraising campaign through October at an event to commemorate the centenary of the birth of the iconic dog Hachikō whose charms have attracted tourists from around the world © Kazuki Oishi/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect.) you can reduce the power consumption and CO2 emissions generated by the website's screen display AKITA ー A man was found unconscious near a wind turbine propeller which had apparently broken off and fallen and taken to hospital where he was confirmed dead in Akita on Friday morning a passerby reported that a wind turbine propeller had fallen Firefighters rushed to the scene and found the man lying near the fallen propeller Akita Biosciences, driving health innovation with its science-backed Profi Nasal Spray, joins the ranks of Waymo 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akita Biosciences is proud to have been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025 This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations and achieving remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy We wash our hands and brush our teeth daily yet we overlook our nose—a primary entry point for airborne contaminants Profi Nasal Spray helps fill this critical gap as an advanced cleansing the nasal passages of airborne contaminants Fast Company highlighted the recent publication of Akita's nasal technology in the prestigious scientific journal Advanced Materials The peer-reviewed study reports extensive preclinical research demonstrating its potential beyond nasal hygiene with applications in both drug and medical device development Titled 'Toward a Radically Simple Multi-Modal Nasal Spray for Preventing Respiratory Infections' the study showcases Akita's breakthrough approach and neutralize airborne pathogens for several hours The groundbreaking technology behind Akita's platform was developed by Harvard biomedical engineers Dr co-founders of Akita Biosciences and members of its Scientific Advisory Board Karp serves as an Endowed Chair and Professor With its innovative approach to nasal hygiene and potential broader health applications Akita is redefining how people think about respiratory health and wellness "Being recognized by Fast Company is an incredible honor and a testament to our team's commitment to transforming respiratory health with drug-free targeted nasal solutions," said Alex Revelos our vision is to redefine preventive health by developing science-backed technologies that work in harmony with the body's natural defenses—helping people stay ahead of airborne threats like viruses The World's Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company's hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year Fast Company's editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world "Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future," said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries At a time when the world is rapidly shifting these companies are charting the way forward." It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25 Media Contact:Alex Revelos[email protected] (614) 285-4781 a consumer health company that develops innovative nasal spray formulations for drug Awards Surveys, Polls and Research Global Sisters Report a project of National Catholic Reporter Sign up now some five decades after witnessing the miraculous weeping of a statue of Mary apparitions that became known as Our Lady of Akita View Author Profile View Author Profile View Author Profile A Japanese woman religious and Marian visionary has died some five decades after witnessing the miraculous weeping of a statue of Mary and receiving urgent messages to pray in reparation for humanity's sins a member of the Institute of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist in Akita the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sister Agnes experienced several apparently miraculous events centering on a statue of Mary from 1973 to 1981 The phenomena were witnessed by several others who in 1984 approved their supernatural character and encouraged the veneration of "the Holy Mother of Akita." Current Bishop Paul Daisuke Narui of Niigata confirmed by email to OSV News that he had been informed of the nun's death saying that he had "no plan to publish a statement in relation to her passing" and adding "I thank you very much for praying for her." 15 post to X account @seitai_hoshikai — the religious order's Japanese name and linked to the religious order's website — stated in Japanese that Sister Agnes "had been undergoing medical treatment for some time" and had "passed away … due to old age." The post also said that Sister Agnes' body had been "donated to the medical school" at her request following a funeral Mass held "at the main monastery with only members in attendance "We are deeply grateful for the kindness shown to us by everyone during (her) lifetime," the message concluded No announcement of Sister Agnes' death was posted to the religious orders' website or YouTube channel with a message on the former stating that "the entire grounds including the chapel and gardens of the Society of Eucharist "We hope to welcome you back as usual from September 1," said the website Sister Agnes — then a 42-year-old novice — claimed to have witnessed a light surrounding the convent's wooden statue of Our Lady of All Nations a Marian image from postwar Amsterdam that along with its title and accompanying prayers was approved although its reported apparitions were not The statue in the Akita convent was alleged to have spoken to Sister Agnes on that occasion and in August and October of that year as well asking her to pray in reparation of the sins of humanity and to be obedient to her superior Sister Agnes also experienced visions of her guardian angel and the stigmata her fellow sisters and hundreds of visitors to the religious order also would witness the 3-foot-tall statue sweating as well as shedding tears In a pastoral letter announcing the miraculous occurence's approval and died in 1993 — said he witnessed the statue's tears and that what was observed by at least 500 others and studied at the University of Akita could not have been achieved by "human maneuvers." The phenomenon also was broadcast on Japanese television Before joining the Handmaids of the Eucharist Just months before she entered the order in May 1973 she lost her hearing — but Mary told the novice her hearing loss would be healed and exhorted her to pray in reparation for "the sins of men" as well as for priests and bishops she told Sister Agnes that God the Father was "preparing to inflict a great chastisement on all mankind," but "prayer penance and courageous sacrifices can soften the Father's anger." Mary repeated that message in October 1973 and also said that "fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity," and called for daily recitation of the rosary She warned that the devil would infiltrate the church bishops against bishops" and "priests who venerate me … scorned and condemned by their confreres." a theology professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Milwaukee and Mariology expert said that while some could use Our Lady of Akita's message to support complaints about the state of the church "The message is not one of complaint but of peaceful action and intercession and praying the rosary," he said emphasizing that Mary said to pray for the pope "The warning could be given to inspire us to be more faithful." Fastiggi also stressed church teaching does not recognize "private revelations," even those that have been recognized as the Catechism of the Catholic Church states the role of such revelations is not to "improve or complete Chirst's definitive Revelation," but instead to help the faithful "live more fully by it in a certain period of history." We need to intercede for the conversion of poor sinners then enter your email address and click "subscribe" Global Sisters Report Akita Biosciences is currently marketing Profi Nasal Spray as a cosmetic product for nasal hygiene and this study reports extensive pre-clinical studies with potential drug and medical device applications 'Toward a Radically Simple Multi-Modal Nasal Spray for Preventing Respiratory Infections,' highlights Akita Biosciences' innovative approach to respiratory protection The company's Pathogen Capture and Neutralization Spray (PCANS) technology demonstrates broad-spectrum activity against common pathogens all of which can spread through airborne transmission and pose significant health risks Developed by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital this innovative technology is designed to form a gel-like barrier in the nasal passages to capture and neutralize these pathogens for several hours and other seasonal infections cause thousands of deaths and make hundreds of thousands seriously ill every year we looked at how a nasal spray we developed might protect against these respiratory viruses," said Dr Distinguished Chair and Professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital "Our pre-clinical findings indicate that this nasal spray can create a robust barrier that effectively captures airborne viruses and bacteria preventing their transport across the nasal lining and those with chronic respiratory conditions—are at heightened risk of severe infections and complications The World Health Organization recently updated its definitions to highlight that many respiratory infections primarily spread through airborne transmission and other crowded spaces present significant challenges for breaking the chain of transmission due to shared air PCANS is designed to combat these issues by shielding the nasal passages the primary entry point for many airborne pathogens "The nasal spray was developed using ingredients from the FDA's Inactive Ingredient Database (IID) which have been previously used in approved nasal sprays or long used in consumer products," said Dr Assistant Professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital "The formulation has been engineered to offer broad-spectrum protection and stay in the nasal passages for over eight hours setting a new standard for how long nasal sprays last." "We're honored that our technology has been recognized by such a prestigious journal," said Alex Revelos "Our mission is to deliver nasal therapies that protect against airborne threats and empower people to take control of their health." Media Contact:Michael Simonson(201) 572-1030[email protected] Infection Control Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries When you choose the dark mode display, you can reduce the power consumption and CO2 emissions generated by the website's screen display. The news on this website is as of the date announced and may change without notice. Industry and market insights and forecasts Key figures and rankings about companies and products Consumer and brand insights and preferences in various industries Detailed information about political and social topics All key figures about countries and regions Market InsightsMarket forecast and expert KPIs for 1000+ markets in 190+ countries & territories Consumer InsightsInsights on consumer attitudes and behavior worldwide eCommerce InsightsDetailed information for 39,000+ online stores and marketplaces Directly accessible data for 170 industries from 150+ countries and over 1 million facts: Full-service market research and analytics Strategy and business building for the data-driven economy Transforming data into content marketing and design: Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships) A paid subscription is required for full access the average land price in Akita Prefecture stood at about 20 thousand Japanese yen per square meter up from approximately 19.7 thousand yen in 2023 Akita Prefecture is located in the northern part of Japan's main island of Honshu Figures are based on the official land price and standard land price Average land price in Tokyo Prefecture 2015-2024 Quarterly house price to income ratio in Japan Q1 2014-Q3 2024 Land use in Tokyo metropolis in Japan 1955-2023 To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic you will immediately be notified via e-mail … to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature If you’re experienced with Akitas and looking to add a loyal companion to your family is available for adoption at the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter in Fredericksburg This handsome dog has a few specific needs: Hatchi is best suited as the only pet in a home without cats or young children Having lived outside for some time before arriving at the shelter Hatchi may need some help with house training he’s ready to become a beloved part of the right family If you have the breed experience and believe Hatchi could be your next family member, the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter invites you to reach out. Contact them via email at [email protected] or call the shelter directly at 540-507-7459 for more information over one-third of students are either English learners or have disabilities—a demographic that drives many of the district’s most urgent priorities “These students require more support,” said Superintendent Dr the division is striving to close persistent achievement gaps and ensure equity in learning for every child A tragic fentanyl overdose led to murder charges for two parents in Prince William County and public intoxication incidents in Stafford and PWC – Severe thunderstorms that swept through Stafford County on Monday with the hardest-hit areas now including Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour – Republicans from across Prince William County gathered at Fox Chase Manor for their annual black-tie Lincoln Reagan Dinner drawing a record crowd and laying out their strategy ahead of the 2025 election cycle and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University Read More Submit your own Community Post here Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up MD considers his patients quite literally as family “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.” Read More Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012 this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health This unique Convention truly has something Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has Beautiful, Blue-Eyed Babes! 35 Dog Breeds With Blue Eyes 11 Hairless (and Partially Hairless) Cat Breeds Why Is My Dog Shaking? From Over-Excitement to Medical Issues, Experts Break Down the Reasons Dogs Tremble BirdsAll BirdsCockatooChickenParrotThe 150 Best Bird Names Best Pet Chicken Breeds for Beginners (& Those to Avoid) Home/Pet NewsSuper Rare Japanese Dog Looks Like a Tie-Dyed Teddy Bear and We Can’t Get EnoughThe colors on this beautiful girl are just so stunning Get ready for your daily dose of cuteness overload in the form of a gorgeous rare dog from Japan who looks like a tie-dyed teddy bear or some other sort of absolutely adorable stuffed animal The reason why Sora is so rare is because she's way down on the list for most popular dog breeds in America and she has a super beautiful and unusual coat color We’re unable to load this content right now View directly on TikTok In the TikTok posted to the account for @BrindleBearSora so many people had fun guessing what breed this beautiful dog is I have an American Akita that's spoiled rotten lol some other people didn't exactly guess correctly It's called a widdle baby!” Another person guessed According to Modern Dog, this breed is number 46 on the list for dog breeds ranked by popularity in the United States View directly on TikTok it explains she was adopted from Chile and flew 13 hours and now lives in Chicago View directly on TikTok Sora lives with a Shiba Inu View directly on TikTok Akita Inus are pretty rare outside of Japan They are considered a national treasure in Japan but their population is still limited compared to more popular breeds like Labradors or Golden Retrievers they are not as commonly seen due to their size They are also rare due to the fact that they are purebred and not as widely bred as some other dog breeds The Akita Life explains, “It comes as no surprise that in America, the American Akita is more popular. In fact, the Japanese Akita is a very rare breed here in the U.S There are about a dozen reputable Japanese Akita breeders in the United States recognized by the Japanese Akita Club of America and most of the breeders have extensive waiting lists.” Add Sora's beautiful grey brindle coloring into the mix 🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾 LLC and respective content providers on this website Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website a biotech company focused on developing and commercializing innovative nasal spray formulations today announced the appointment of Robert Hanson to the company's Advisory Board Robert Hanson brings a unique global perspective on consumer products and strategic leadership from his decades of experience at several international organizations Hanson spent 11 years at Constellation Brands most notably as President of the Wine and Spirits Division where he was responsible for significant brand growth Hanson was CEO at the luxury jewelry brand John Hardy Global and Global Brand President at Levi Strauss & Co "We are in a transformative moment as we now understand that many respiratory infections are primarily spread by airborne germs that first enter the body through the nasal passages This perspective expands our view of health and wellness extending beyond traditional supplements and hand hygiene to include proactive and targeted nasal care as exemplified by Profi Nasal Spray," said Alex Revelos "Akita was founded by Harvard Professors Jeffrey Karp with a shared vision to build on a foundation of world-class scientific expertise Robert's extensive expertise in consumer markets and strategic leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our Profi brand and expanding our technology and market presence We're thrilled to have him join us and share his insights as we continue to deliver effective science-backed health and wellness solutions." "I am thrilled to be advising on the development of Profi Nasal Spray Its innovative approach provides a simple yet highly effective way to support respiratory wellness making it an invaluable addition to daily routines," said Robert Hanson "I look forward to contributing to Akita's mission of enhancing everyday health and wellness with groundbreaking nasal formulations." Hanson joins other leaders from across industries on Akita Biosciences' Advisory Board former CMO of PillPack and former Managing Director at IDEO; Peter Barton Hutt former Chief Counsel for the Food and Drug Administration and Harvard Law Professor; Theresa Tribble CEO of Droplet Biosciences and former growth executive at Everly Well; and Dr lead investigator of studies leading to FDA approval of cannabidiol and founder of Finding a Cure for Epilepsy For Media Inquiries:Michael Simonson(201) 572-1030[email protected] Fitness/Wellness Beverages Beers, Wines and Spirits Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo tasty and chocolate-filled souvenirs are available in Shibuya as well as Akita There’s even a special version that looks like Hachiko The Akita inu marshmallows come in three colours and fur patterns You can enjoy these sweet treats as-is or use them as decorative toppings for baked goods feature the famous pup's face with different expressions and even include his signature folded left ear These dessert bites are filled with the same chocolate filling and come packaged in a box with an illustration of Hachiko These too-cute-to-eat marshmallows are available in packs of nine at ¥1,944. You can purchase them online as well as at selected shops in Akita and Tokyo You’ll find both versions of the marshmallows at JR Akita Station and Akita Airport. In Tokyo, you can pick up a box (or three) of the Hachiko marshmallows at the Hachifull store in Shibuya Scramble Square.  For more details, visit the website Here’s the official 2024 autumn leaves forecast for Japan Gakugeidaigaku is one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2024 These Kyoto attractions are hosting Naked digital art experiences in autumn Mt Fuji breaks record for still not having snow on its peak Revised cycling traffic law to go into effect on November 1 Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us there are several airports in cities including Aomori A recommended trip will be flying from Tokyo to Aomori to explore Aomori and Akita prefectures then returning to Tokyo from Akita or Odate-Noshiro (in northern Akita) Check out the curated itinerary below to find out more The flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Aomori Airport (AOJ) takes just over an hour while one from Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) to Aomori Airport is approximately 1.5 hours Start your journey by renting a car at Aomori Airport, then set off to discover amazing Aomori City About Rental Cars in Japan About Miso-Curry-Milk Ramen Experience one of Japan's most famous festivals, the Nebuta Festival here at this museum any time of the year and you can try your hand at taiko drumming About Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse check out a wide variety of gourmet foods and traditional crafts made in Aomori Don't forget to savour “AOMORI CIDRE" which is brewed locally and has won a gold medal at an international sake competition About A-Factory the Aomori Museum of Art has actively hosted exhibitions concerts and workshops featuring Aomori-native artists and performers About Aomori Museum of Art The prefecture is famous for its delicious apples so you should enjoy Aomori's apples at the only roadside station in Japan featuring a scenic apple orchard Visitors can delight your palates in the Apple Blossom Festival in spring and partake in apple picking during autumn About Roadside Station Namioka Apple Hill Located just a 30-minute drive from Aomori City Asamushi Onsen offers peaceful hot springs and beautiful ocean views This charming town is perfect for a relaxing escape where you can soak in traditional baths and enjoy the surroundings About Asamushi Onsen Following a scenic 45-minute drive from Asamushi Onsen, indulge in the expansive vistas of Towada-Hachimantai National Park while ascending the Hakkoda Mountains with ease aboard a cable car About Hakkoda Ropeway Indulge in Bara-yaki, a beloved local beef BBQ dish renowned in the eastern region of Aomori prefecture About Towada Barayaki Originating from Lake Towada that borders both Aomori and Akita prefectures the Oirase Stream meanders through the picturesque Oirase Gorge immersing yourself in the intricate beauty of your surroundings About Oirase Gorge Unwind at a traditional Japanese ryokan nestled near the entrance of Oirase Gorge The hot spring here has been well-loved for centuries and makes this inn a hidden treasure of Aomori About Tsuta Onsen Situated in the lush forests by the picturesque Lake Towada Towada Shrine offers a tranquil retreat where ancient traditions and stunning natural landscapes blend seamlessly immerse yourself in a unique spiritual experience amid breathtaking scenery this sacred site offers Savour the refined taste of Himemasu (Red Salmon) for lunch this local delicacy holds the distinction of being recognised with a regional collective trademark flavourful flesh that reflects the purity of Lake Towada’s pristine waters A must-try for all and even the discerning visitors to the region As you journey from Aomori to Akita stop at the Hakka Toge View Point to take in panoramic views of stunning landscapes this viewpoint offers a perfect escape with its picturesque scenery Experience the splendour of nature while creating lasting memories Embark on a fun and scenic adventure with the Odate-Kosaka Rail bike You can pedal along a charming old railway track through the beautiful Japanese countryside while enjoying stunning views of lush landscapes and seasonal colours a delightful museum and park dedicated to the iconic Akita Dog breed This attraction offers interactive exhibits and insights into the breed's history and culture Enjoy a heartwarming experience and learn about these loyal and majestic dogs in a beautiful Treat yourself to Kiritanpo Nabe, a beloved dish from Akita where grilled rice sticks are simmered in a hearty hot pot Inspired by the region's plentiful rice harvests and the locals' adaptability towards chilly winters this dish beautifully showcases Akita's agricultural roots and culinary creativity offering a taste of cherished local tradition Discover the artistry of Odate-Magewappa at this charming workshop, where master artisans create exquisite bentwood boxes and utensils by hand. Witness the meticulous process up close and even try your hand at crafting your very own Magewappa piece. Uncover the beauty of woodworking and take home a unique, handmade treasure from Odate Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Akita at Odaiko no Yakata Japan's only and largest Odaiko drum museum This vibrant museum showcases Akita's rich history and traditions Experience the essence of Akita through captivating storytelling and hands-on activities all centred around the craftsmanship of the world's finest Odaiko drum Be sure to grab some local souvenirs like a Magewappa Bento Box or Iburi Gakko (Akita's famous smoked daikon radish pickles) before you board If you have an extra day to explore more of Akita Prefecture experience the unique hospitality of Noshiro City through its variety of hotels each offering a blend of comforts and local charm many set against the beautiful backdrop of Akita’s landscapes Journey just an hour from Noshiro City to the Namahage Museum where you'll dive into the vibrant history and culture of the Oga Peninsula's iconic Namahage ritual Witness the intriguing tradition where masked figures call out "Are there any crying children?"—and even try on a real Namahage costume yourself for a truly memorable experience According to the Institute of the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist Agnes Sasagawa died on the feast of the Assumption due to various medical conditions She was 93 years old and was best known for her alleged visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary Agnes Sasagawa reportedly began receiving heavenly visions in a convent located in Akita At first she saw angelic beings worshiping the Eucharist Sasagawa saw a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary speak to her relaying a powerful message similar to what the three shepherd children received in Fatima The statue soon after began to bleed and tears started to flow down her cheeks Around 2,000 people witnessed the tears coming from the statue and the liquid was gathered and sent to a laboratory for testing A professor from the Akita University Department of Biochemistry studied the liquid as well as a non-Christian forensic specialist The blood was confirmed to be of human origin After a lengthy investigation, the local bishop, John Shoojiroo Ito of Niigata, approved the apparition to be of supernatural origin and "worthy of belief." was similar in content to the apparitions at Fatima The messages focused on praying the Rosary and doing penance for the sins of humanity in order to secure peace for the world She also revealed a troubling message similar to Our Lady of Fatima explaining a period of trial that the Church would endure: The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres .. churches and altars sacked; the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord .. I alone am able still to save you from the calamities which approach Those who place their confidence in me will be saved The Vatican has not made any official statement regarding the apparitions and has allowed the bishop's previous proclamation to stand Catholics are not obliged to believe in private revelations even those deemed worthy of belief by the Vatican Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you Please make a tax-deductible donation today Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news Andover News The Andover Health Division regularly inspects restaurants and other establishments that serve and sell food and Andover News publishes the inspections reports monthly It’s important to note it’s not unusual for a restaurant to have a few minor infractions in a report Click on the links in the summaries below to see the full Andover Health Division inspection report The reports below are broken into four categories: restaurants hotels and other facilities that serve food Akita Ramen 25Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: Andover Deli Market 21Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: Breadwinner’s Bake Shop 4Areas where establishment was out of compliance: Good Day Cafe 3Areas where establishment was out of compliance: Karma 27Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: Kokoro Craft Udon 4Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: Lulu’s Lunchbox 24Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: Mootone 26Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: Starbucks 10Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: Teatone 19Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: Thai Sweet Basil Ultimate Perk Restaurant Depot Sunday General Store Valente Catering 20Areas where the establishment was out of compliance: We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info Learn more about Andover News and what we're trying to do: Read our Mission Statement and Policies Copyright © 2025 Andover News Services Inc.All rights reserved Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive Volume 9 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.900640 This article is part of the Research TopicMitochondria, Metabolism and Cardiovascular DiseasesView all 7 articles Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in working age adults Understanding the retinal metabolic response to circulating high glucose levels in diabetic patients is critical for development of new therapeutics to treat DR Measuring retinal metabolic function using the Seahorse analyzer is a promising technique to investigate the effect of hyperglycemia on retinal glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration we analyzed the retinal metabolic function in young and old diabetic and control mice We also compared the expression of key glycolytic enzymes between the two groups The Seahorse XF analyzer was used to measure the metabolic function of retina explants from young and old type 1 diabetic Akita (Ins2Akita) mice and their control littermates Rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes were analyzed in retina lysates from the two age groups by Western blotting Retinas from young adult Akita mice showed a decreased glycolytic response as compared to control littermates Western blotting analysis showed decreased expression of the glycolytic enzyme PFKFB3 in the young Akita mice retinas Measurement of the oxygen consumption rate showed no difference in retinal mitochondrial respiration between Akita and WT littermates under normal glucose conditions ex vivo despite mitochondrial fragmentation in the Akita retinas as examined by electron microscopy Akita mice retinas showed decreased mitochondrial respiration under glucose-free conditions diabetic retinas display a decreased glycolytic response during the early course of diabetes which is accompanied by a reduction in PFKFB3 Diabetic retinas exhibit decreased mitochondrial respiration under glucose deprivation retina pathophysiology in DR is directly related to glycemia and likely involves intrinsic adaptation to chronic blood glucose levels There is a lack of understanding of the pathophysiology of DR and the retinal metabolic response to circulating high glucose levels that could be a driving factor in the disease progression Identify abnormalities in retinal metabolism in the early and late stages of DR will aid in the development of new strategies to halt or reverse the retinal injury and prevent blindness suggesting a more progressive DR pathology in the STZ mice we examined the metabolic function in retina explants from 7 to 14 months old Ins2Akita mice to determine the metabolic changes in the early and late phases of diabetes protein expression of key glycolysis enzymes was examined in the Ins2Akita as well as STZ-induced diabetic mice Seahorse and glycolysis enzyme expression analyses were conducted on an acute model of retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury that is often used to mimic diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis In vivo experiments were performed in accordance with the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research and were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee (Animal Welfare Assurance no blood glucose levels of Akita mice were measured with an AlphaTRAK 2 glucometer using tail-tip blood Mice with high blood glucose (>500 mg/dL) were considered diabetic and used in the study along with their littermate controls (blood glucose <300 mg/dL) We noticed that at old age (14–18 months) some Akita mice were moribund or exhibited weight loss and low blood glucose These mice were euthanized and excluded from the study In addition to the Akita model, we used the STZ-induced diabetes and retinal IR-injury models which are explained in detail in the Supplementary Material Mice were anesthetized using ketamine/xylazine and retinas were gently eviscerated and kept in a cell culture dish containing Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) Retina punches of 1 mm diameter were taken from the central area of the retina cups (excluding the optic nerve) under a microscope using 1 mm biopsy punches with plunger (Integra Miltex) Punches were transferred to a Seahorse XF24 islet capture microplate (one punch per well) using a 1 mL pipette with a cut tip to make a wider bore The temperature of the solutions and the tissues were kept at 37°C during the isolation process using a water bath and heating pad Punches were adjusted under the microscope to make the ganglion cell layer facing up Pre-soaked Seahorse capture screen inserts were placed in each well and secured in place by pressing on two opposite sides using a forceps We found that a regular pair of forceps is easier to use than the Seahorse capture screen insert tool from Agilent The islet capture plate with isolated punches was then incubated in a non-CO2 incubator for 45–60 min at 37°C before running the assay Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR as a measure of glycolysis) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR as a measure of mitochondrial respiration) were assessed on different cohorts of mice using Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer (Agilent Retinal punches were prepared on the same day of the assay as described above and placed in Seahorse XF24 islet capture plates Two wells were left empty to be used as background wells This was followed by glucose (15 mM) in port B then oligomycin (1 mM) in port C and finally 2-deoxy glucose (75 mM) in port D according to the manufacturer’s protocol Oxygen consumption rate was conducted using a Mito Stress Kit (Agilent United States) according to the manufacturer’s instructions with a few modifications pH 7.4) were prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions and supplemented with 1 mM pyruvate (Agilent) and 5 mM glucose (Sigma-Aldrich The concentrations of the injection compounds were as follows: Oligomycin (1 μM) FCCP (1 μM) and Rotenone/antimycin A (0.5 μM) we injected vehicle as described above followed by the injection of oligomycin in port B FCCP in port C and rotenone/antimycin A in port D We used an assay protocol of mixing time (2 min) followed by waiting time (2 min) and then measuring for 5 min That was repeated for 5 cycles for each measurement point The data were collected and analyzed using the Wave software (Agilent United States) and normalized to protein content the Seahorse media was removed and 1x RIPA lysis buffer (Thermo Fisher Scientific cat# 89900) (50 μl per well) was added to each well and then the plate was frozen at −80°C the plate was allowed to thaw and retina punches were homogenized by pipetting up and down without removing the mesh We measured the protein content using Pierce™ BCA Protein Assay Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific cat# 23225) following the manufacturer’s instructions using 5 μl samples in duplicates Protein concentration was used for data normalization in the Wave software In each experiment we used 1–2 mice (2–4 retinas) per experimental group and we isolated the punches from those retinas to achieve the replicates within each run (2–4 punches per retina) The experiment was then repeated on a different day using mice of the same age range to account for biological variability between groups and variations due to the Seahorse reagents and machine We found slight differences in baseline and responses to injection compounds from one run to another but the trend between experimental groups remained largely the same We tried to pool different plates together using the Multi-File XF Report Generator (Agilent) We found that pooling different runs together increases the variability within experimental groups and therefore only one representative run is presented and statistically analyzed for each experimental timepoint Membranes were probed with the primary antibodies followed by HRP-linked secondary antibody Data were quantified by densitometry using ImageJ and normalized to loading control The following antibodies were used in the study: PKM2 (Cell Signaling HRP-linked secondary antibody (Cell Signaling Eyeballs from 5-month-old WT and Akita mice were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde 2% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate (NaCac) buffer and stained en bloc with 2% uranyl acetate Thin sections of the retina were cut with a diamond knife on a Leica EM UC7 ultramicrotome (Leica Microsystems collected on copper grids and stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate Tissue was observed in a JEM-1400 Flash transmission electron microscope (JEOL USA United States) at 120 kV and imaged with an One View Digital Camera Controller (Gatan Inc. Retinas were analyzed for the morphology of their mitochondria Multiple images were taken from the photoreceptor inner segment layer using electron microscopy averaged data points for each parameter (perimeter and circularity) were calculated as follows: Images were imported into Adobe Photoshop to assess each mitochondrion shown in view while excluding mitochondria that were partially cut off from frame Photoshop’s free form cropping tool was used to select out each mitochondrion The software’s measurement tool was implemented to obtain measurements of each cropped mitochondria’s perimeter Circularity is a function of area and perimeter [Circularity = (4 × π) × (Area/Perimeter2)] which compares a two-dimensional projection of an object to a circle where a value of 1.0 is a perfect circle and a value of 0 is a straight line Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 9 software Differences between two groups were determined by student’s t-test P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant Graphs were prepared using GraphPad Prism 9 software and data were presented as mean ± standard error (SE) Mice heterozygous for the Akita spontaneous mutation (Ins2Akita) develop hyperglycemia around 4 weeks of age. We have previously characterized the diabetic phenotype in our established colony of Ins2Akita mice (24) These mice remain hyperglycemic throughout their life span until they became moribund by 16–18 months of age which is evident by severe weight loss we performed our experiments at 7 and 14 months of age (middle-aged and old groups Glycolytic response of the Ins2Akita diabetic retina (A–D) Seahorse glycolysis stress test conducted on retina explants from 7 months old WT and diabetic Akita mice shows a significant reduction in glycolysis and glycolytic capacity but not glycolytic reserve in the diabetic retina as indicated by decreases in the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) compared to the WT controls (E–H) Seahorse glycolysis stress test conducted on diabetic 14-months old retina explants show similar ECAR responses to age-matched WT retinas as presented by similar glycolysis glycolytic capacity and glycolytic reserve Glycolysis enzymes expression in the Ins2Akita diabetic retina (A–G) Western blotting analyses and quantification was conducted for the glycolysis enzymes; hexokinase 1 (HK1) 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) The expression of the rate limiting glycolysis enzyme PFKFB3 shows a significant decrease in retinas from 5-month-old Akita mice while other key glycolytic enzymes remain unchanged Data is presented as fold change of the WT (H–N) Western blotting analyses and quantification of the levels of the glycolytic enzymes mentioned above conducted on 10-month-old Akita mice retinas show no change in key glycolytic enzymes This highlights a differential response of the diabetic retina mitochondrial function under glucose versus glucose-free conditions Mitochondrial respiration of the Ins2Akita diabetic retina (A–E) Seahorse mitochondria stress test conducted by measuring the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in retinal explants from 7-month-old mice shows no changes in basal respiration spare respiratory capacity and ATP production compared to control (G–K) Seahorse mitochondria stress test conducted by measuring the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in retinal explants from 14-month-old mice shows no changes in basal respiration (F,L) Basal respiration calculated from the glycolysis assay analyses under no glucose conditions shows a reduction in basal OCR in the diabetic retinas from both 7- and 14-month-old Akita mice These results suggest that while there were changes in mitochondria structure in the diabetic Akita retinas Seahorse analysis only detected change in mitochondrial function as measured by OCR under glucose-free conditions Electron microscopic examination of retinal mitochondrial morphology in diabetes (A–C) Electron microscopic examination of mitochondria in the photoreceptor inner segment layer shows a fragmented morphology in 5-month-old Ins2Akita diabetic retina as evident by decrease in mitochondria perimeter and increase in circularity yet the later did not reach statistical significance previously unrecognized depression of PFKFB3 expression in the diabetic retina Further studies are needed to address the specific role of PFKFB3 in DR our observed decrease in PFKFB3 expression in the diabetic retinas could be a mechanism by which the retina adapts to the increased oxidative stress under diabetic conditions Retinal IR injury is widely used to model retinal ischemia in DR (57, 58) Since this model leads to accelerated neurovascular degeneration within few days we measured the retina metabolic function at 24 h after IR before a drastic tissue loss happens The IR retinas showed a slight decrease in both ECAR and OCR while Western blotting analysis at 24 h after IR did not show change in expression of glycolysis enzymes It is possible that different time points after IR would show more drastic changes our study employed the Seahorse retina explant assay to report decreased glycolysis in diabetic Akita mice Decreased PFKFB3 expression could be the underlying cause OCR measurement failed to show decreased mitochondrial function despite evident mitochondrial fragmentation in electron microscopic images Future studies are needed to further examine the decrease in glycolysis and role of PFKFB3 in DR The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author/s The animal study was reviewed and approved by the Augusta University Animal Use Committee ES and AF designed and performed the experiments and drafted the manuscript ZX contributed to the induction of diabetes and colony maintenance RWC provided guidance on experimental design RBC and AF conceived and supervised the project All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH grant R01-EY11766 to RBC and RWC) Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development (BX001233 to RBC) and Culver Vision Discovery Institute at Augusta University The research reported in this publication was also supported by the NIH core grant number P30EY031631 RBC was the recipient of a Research Career Scientist Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs The contents do not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.900640/full#supplementary-material Google Scholar Google Scholar Preventing diabetic retinopathy progression Google Scholar Google Scholar Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy within a national diabetic retinopathy screening service Differences in incidence of diabetic retinopathy between type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus: a nine-year follow-up study Incidence and risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy among youths with type 1 or type 2 diabetes throughout the United States Google Scholar Early worsening of diabetic retinopathy after rapid improvement of blood glucose control in patients with diabetes Worsening of diabetic retinopathy with rapid improvement in systemic glucose control: a review A mutation in the insulin 2 gene induces diabetes with severe pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction in the Mody mouse Dominant negative pathogenesis by mutant proinsulin in the Akita diabetic mouse Google Scholar Update on animal models of diabetic retinopathy: from molecular approaches to mice and higher mammals Longitudinal in vivo characterization of the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model: focus on early inner retinal responses Involvement of autophagic pathway in the progression of retinal degeneration in a mouse model of diabetes Early retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction is concomitant with hyperglycemia in mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes Retinal angiogenesis in the Ins2(Akita) mouse model of diabetic retinopathy particularly in second order neurons is a key feature of diabetic retinal neuropathy in the Ins2Akita mouse MicroRNA-200b downregulates oxidation resistance 1 (Oxr1) expression in the retina of type 1 diabetes model Long-term lutein administration attenuates retinal inflammation and functional deficits in early diabetic retinopathy using the Ins2(Akita/+) mice Loss of XBP1 accelerates age-related decline in retinal function and neurodegeneration Measurement of energy metabolism in explanted retinal tissue using extracellular flux analysis Quantification of oxygen consumption in retina ex vivo demonstrates limited reserve capacity of photoreceptor mitochondria Akita spontaneously type 1 diabetic mice exhibit elevated vascular arginase and impaired vascular endothelial and nitrergic function Estrogens promote misfolded proinsulin degradation to protect insulin production and delay diabetes Targeted disruption of the Chop gene delays endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated diabetes Impact of genetic background on nephropathy in diabetic mice Arginase 1 promotes retinal neurovascular protection from ischemia through suppression of macrophage inflammatory responses Uncoupled turnover disrupts mitochondrial quality control in diabetic retinopathy Photoreceptor cells and RPE contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy The potential utility of PFKFB3 as a therapeutic target Glycolysis links reciprocal activation of myeloid cells and endothelial cells in the retinal angiogenic niche Partial and transient reduction of glycolysis by PFKFB3 blockade reduces pathological angiogenesis PFKFB3: a potential key to ocular angiogenesis Endothelial PFKFB3 plays a critical role in angiogenesis Evaluation of the impact of diabetes on retinal metabolites by NMR spectroscopy Analysis of glucose metabolism in diabetic rat retinas Metabolomics analysis of human vitreous in diabetic retinopathy and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment Metabolic and non-metabolic roles of pyruvate kinase M2 isoform in diabetic retinopathy Transcriptomic comparison of the retina in two mouse models of diabetes Plasma metabonomic profiling of diabetic retinopathy Glucose metabolism in rat retinal pigment epithelium The role of the pentose phosphate pathway in diabetes and cancer p53 coordinates DNA repair with nucleotide synthesis by suppressing PFKFB3 expression and promoting the pentose phosphate pathway PFKFB3 regulates oxidative stress homeostasis via its S-glutathionylation in cancer Reduced methylation of PFKFB3 in cancer cells shunts glucose towards the pentose phosphate pathway Excitotoxic stimulus stabilizes PFKFB3 causing pentose-phosphate pathway to glycolysis switch and neurodegeneration Mitochondrial stability in diabetic retinopathy: lessons learned from epigenetics PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Effects of diabetes on mitochondrial morphology and its implications in diabetic retinopathy Loss of MPC1 reprograms retinal metabolism to impair visual function The role of HIF1α-PFKFB3 pathway in diabetic retinopathy Google Scholar Daily mitochondrial dynamics in cone photoreceptors Metabolic pathways promoting cancer cell survival and growth PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Short-term starvation is a strategy to unravel the cellular capacity of oxidizing specific exogenous/endogenous substrates in mitochondria Higher reliance on glycolysis limits glycolytic responsiveness in degenerating glaucomatous optic nerve Phototransduction influences metabolic flux and nucleotide metabolism in mouse retina Retinal ischemia and reperfusion causes capillary degeneration: similarities to diabetes Mouse model of retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury through elevation of intraocular pressure Caldwell RB and Fouda AY (2022) Investigation of Retinal Metabolic Function in Type 1 Diabetic Akita Mice Copyright © 2022 Shosha, Qin, Lemtalsi, Zaidi, Rojas, Xu, Caldwell, Caldwell and Fouda. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited in accordance with accepted academic practice distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms *Correspondence: Ruth B. Caldwell, cmNhbGR3ZWxAYXVndXN0YS5lZHU=; Abdelrahman Y. Fouda, YWZvdWRhQHVhbXMuZWR1 Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher 94% of researchers rate our articles as excellent or goodLearn more about the work of our research integrity team to safeguard the quality of each article we publish who was gifted to Akita Governor Norihisa Satake by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2013 He was 12 years old and died due to illness Mir had been a reciprocal gift to Satake, who had given Putin a female Akita dog named Yume. However, Yume’s whereabouts have been unknown for the past eight years. Amid the suspension of Japan-Russia exchanges following Russia's invasion of Ukraine there are growing concerns about Yume’s well-being Putin is known to be a dog lover. In 2012, Yume was gifted to him with the support of the Akita Inu Preservation Society, as a gesture of gratitude for Russia's help after the Great East Japan Earthquake Putin reciprocated by giving the Governor a cat named Mir cares for rescued strays at the governor's official residence Mir was raised with exceptional care as part of his family Describing Mir as "sensitive," Satake did not allow photography or media coverage after the handover ceremony Akita Prefecture released videos of Mir every year on Japanese National Cat Day (February 22) The symbolism of Mir's name was overshadowed in 2022 when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine "The cat is not to blame," and continued to share the annual videos reported Mir's death by citing Japanese news sources were featured on the Russian Presidential Executive Office's website playing in the snow with Yume and another dog that had been gifted from Bulgaria During a Japan-Russia summit in February 2014 at the presidential residence in Sochi, southern Russia, Yume greeted the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe alongside President Putin 'This dog sometimes bites,' which gave me a bit of a start." Putin appeared with Yume during an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun and Nippon TV Yume's status has remained unknown since then In June 2024, reports surfaced that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs considered a national treasure in North Korea This suggests that Putin's fondness for dogs remains unchanged Yume is the same age as Mir and would be 12 years old if still alive and a member of the Akita Inu Preservation Society "The average lifespan of an Akita dog is 12 to 13 years Since Yume is approaching the end of her lifespan I hope to hear whether she is still well," he said You must be logged in to post a comment a crucial strategy for combating global warming The technology will be used to capture and store CO2 emissions from industries such as steel production and thermal power generation The captured CO2 will be injected into deep geological formations beneath nine offshore areas Pilot tests and project planning are underway with full-scale operations scheduled to begin in fiscal 2030 the plan is to capture and store approximately two million tons of CO2 annually Efforts to reuse CO2 are also expected to drive industrial growth head of the CCS Business Promotion Unit at Itochu Corporation explained the project during a seminar hosted by Akita Prefecture in late October "CO2 will be injected into sandstone layers located more than 800 meters below the seabed," he said "The seabed itself lies 100 to 400 meters beneath sea level approximately 20 kilometers offshore from Akita and Yurihonjo City." Continue reading the full article on Japan 2 Earth (J2E) our affiliated website sparking a transition to a sustainable future by spotlighting the latest environmental innovations from Japan Author: Tomoaki Yatsunami, The Sankei Shimbun You must be logged in to post a comment Official Social Media Accounts To Our Stakeholders Marubeni Management Philosophy Vision for the Marubeni of the Future Company Profile Directors, Audit & Supervisory Board Members, and Executive Officers Mid-Term Management Strategy Organization Japan and Overseas Offices Corporate Governance Major Group Companies Our History Marubeni Collection Lifestyle Division Food & Agri Business Division Metals and Mineral Resources Division Energy & Chemicals Division Power & Infrastructure Services Division Finance, Leasing & Real Estate Business Division Aerospace & Mobility Division IT Solutions Division Next Generation Business Development Division Next Generation Corporate Development Division Pursue Digital Transformation with Marubeni Marubeni Group by the Numbers Management Policy Earnings Releases & Financial Information Stock Information Sustainability Website The Marubeni Group's Social Contribution Activities Advertisements and Videos Advertisements Marubeni Institute Company Profile Print 2024Marubeni CorporationMarubeni Offshore Wind Development Corporation “Marubeni”) and its subsidiary Marubeni Offshore Wind  Development Corporation (hereinafter “MOWD”) are pleased to announce that the Southern Akita Floating Offshore Wind Demonstration Project Aimed at Overseas Expansion via Cost Reductions (hereinafter has been awarded under the “Green Innovation Fund Project*/Cost Reductions for Offshore Wind Power Generation/Floating Offshore Wind Power Demonstration Project (Phase 2)” publicly solicited by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) The consortium consists of MOWD as the leading company; Akita Floating Offshore Wind Corporation a special purpose company in which Marubeni has invested; Tohoku Electric Power Co. Inc.; Japan Marine United Corporation; TOA CORPORATION; TOKYO SEIKO ROPE MFG LTD.; Kanden Plant Corporation; JFE Engineering Corporation; and NAKANIHON AIR Co. Offshore wind is expected to become a major power source of renewable energy due to its potential for large-scale generation capacity and positive contributions to the local economy the use of floating offshore wind is expected to grow rapidly as its power generation facilities can be installed in a wider range of sea areas allowing for cost reductions at an early stage NEDO’s “Cost Reductions of Offshore Wind Power Generation” project aims to establish a technology to commercialize floating offshore wind power generation at an internationally competitive cost level by fiscal year 2030 under specific conditions The Project is planned to deploy two units of over 15 MW wind turbine onsite at approximately 400 meters deep off the southern coast of Akita Prefecture The project period will be from July 2024 to March 2031 with commercial operation scheduled to start in autumn 2029 Marubeni Group has been participating in demonstration projects for floating offshore wind in Fukushima and Kitakyushu for the development of a floating wind project Marubeni aims to advance its Research and Development that contributes to cost reduction of floating wind as well as promote the development of projects and build a supply chain domestically and internationally to accelerate the adoption of floating wind thus contributing to achieving carbon neutrality *A fund established by NEDO under the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry to support companies committed to ambitious goals toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and social implementation for up to 10 years Back Someiyoshino cherry trees started blooming in Akita the Akita Meteorological Office announced Tuesday The announcement was five days later than last year Two officials confirmed five or six flowers bloomed on the sample tree in the precinct of the meteorological office at about 10 a.m The trees will be in full bloom in about five days A bear that attacked a supermarket employee in the city of Akita on Saturday and remained inside the store over the weekend was captured in a box trap on Monday Authorities are now working to remove the animal which also caused significant damage to the store's back area according to media reports.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The attack occurred on Saturday at around 6:20 a.m when a 47-year-old male employee was preparing for the store's opening He suffered a head injury and was sent to the hospital The bear remained inside the store after the attack CALGARY, AB, March 10, 2025 /CNW/ - AKITA Drilling Ltd. (TSX: AKT.A) ("AKITA" or the "Company") announces net income of $12.9 million for the year ended December 31 The decrease in net income in 2024 was due to lower activity in the first half of the year Activity began to increase in the third quarter of 2024 and culminated in the strongest fourth quarter in the Company's history with net income of $9.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 Adjusted funds flow from operations was $44.7 million for the year ended December 31 2024 compared to $45.5 million in the prior year AKITA's Chief Executive Officer stated: "We are very pleased with our performance over the back half of 2024 AKITA successfully met its debt repayment target and ended the year on a strong note we achieved high rig utilization across both our Canadian and U.S This momentum continued into the fourth quarter and is carrying into the first quarter of 2025 Activity for 2024 varied between the Canadian and US Divisions The Canadian division was more active in 2024 than in 2023 overall with 2,719 operating days in 2024 compared to 2,239 in 2023 The higher activity was concentrated in the second half of the year.  In contrast the US division saw a decline in operating days for the year compared to 3,853 operating days in 2023.  Activity in the US lagged behind 2023 for the first three quarters but improved in the fourth quarter of 2024 above 2023 levels despite a decline in the industry active rig count over the same period Operating margin per operating day followed the same trends as activity.  In Canada the operating margin per operating day increased to $11,612 in 2024 up from $10,258 in 2023.  In the US Division operating margin per operating day decreased to $10,406 in 2024 Capital spending for the year totaled $28.0 million in 2024 compared to $24.6 million in 2023 and was a mix of certifications and rig equipment purchased to complete minor upgrades The Company successfully achieved its debt repayment target in 2024 reducing its debt balance by $20 million for the second year in a row.  As a result For the three months ended December 31,  (1) See "Non-GAAP and Supplementary Financial Measures" near the end of this release for further detail.  Adjusted operating and maintenance expenses US(1)  Adjusted operating and maintenance expenses per operating day(1) Adjusted operating margin per operating day(1) (1)  See "Non-GAAP and Supplementary Financial Measures" near the end of this release for further detail.  The Company's US division began the year with 11 of 15 rigs operating which declined to 8 rigs in the second quarter before increasing to 13 active rigs by year end This recovery in AKITA's US active rig count contrasted the US industry's rig count  which started the year at 601 active rigs and declined throughout the year to end at 573 active rigs AKITA's increased rig count in the fourth quarter of 2024 was not enough to offset the activity losses over the first three quarters of the year resulting in operating days falling to 3,025 in 2024 (55% utilization) from 3,853 operating days in 2023 (70% utilization) This reduction in activity was the key driver in the decrease in the adjusted operating margin in the US which fell 28% to $31,478,000 in 2024 from $44,001,000 in 2023 Adjusted revenue per day decreased in 2024 to $38,016 from $39,414 in 2023 as reduction in the industry active rig count put pricing pressure on contractors competing for fewer jobs Slightly offsetting this decrease in adjusted revenue per day was a reduction in adjusted operating and maintenance expense per operating day which decreased to $27,610 in 2024 from $27,995 in 2023 A focus on cost reduction coupled with the impact of increased capital expenditures in 2023 and 2024 resulted in a reduction of premature equipment failures and decreased  maintenance costs; a trend that enabled the Company to reduce costs despite the price of the Company's inputs increasing year over year Adjusted operating and maintenance costs were positively impacted in 2023 by the receipt of a $4.0 million Employee Retention Credit ("ERC") from the IRS granted to employers that retained a certain number of employees while experiencing significant decreases in revenue during the pandemic This amount reduced the total operating costs in 2023 adjusted operating and maintenance expense per day decreased 5% in 2024 year over year Operating and maintenance expenses from joint venture drilling rigs Adjusted operating and maintenance expenses Canada(1)  Adjusted operating and maintenance expenses per operating day(1) Results in Canada improved for the second consecutive year in 2024 with adjusted operating margin increasing 37% to $31,574,000 in the year This increase was primarily driven by increased activity in the year with operating days increasing 21% to 2,719 days in 2024 compared to 2,239 days in 2023 This increase in operating days was primarily driven by the Company's double rig category which made up 68% of the total increase with the balance attributed to AKITA's triple rigs AKITA's Canadian fleet was 44% utilized which matched industry utilization.  Adjusted revenue per operating day was consistent year over year The Company secured some moderate day rate increases in 2024 these rate increase were overshadowed by the higher adjusted revenue per day the Company achieved in the fourth quarter of 2023 which drove up the 2023 average and was related to a contract on two rigs that were commissioned and commenced operations but which saw their drilling programs subsequently cancelled and resulting in the reimbursement of costs incurred which drove up both revenue and costs in the fourth quarter of 2023 Adjusted operating and maintenance expenses per day decreased by 4% to $27,010 in 2024 from $28,010 in 2023 The decrease in operating and maintenance expense per day was attributable  to fewer start-up costs in 2024 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 With consistent adjusted revenue per operating day and decreasing adjusted operating and maintenance expense per operating day the adjusted operating margin per operating day increased 24% year over year which also contributed to the overall increase in the results in Canada.  Non-GAAP and Supplementary Financial Measures Adjusted Revenue and Operating and Maintenance Expenses Revenue and operating and maintenance expenses in AKITA's Canadian operating segment include revenue and expenses from AKITA's wholly-owned drilling rigs as well as its share of joint venture revenue and expenses. Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange Non-GAAP Ratios"Adjusted funds flow from operations per share" is calculated on the same basis as net loss per class A and class B share basic and diluted, utilizing the basic and diluted weighted average number of class A and class B shares outstanding during the periods presented. "Adjusted revenue per operating day" may be useful to analysts, investors, other interested parties and management as a measure of pricing strength and is calculated by dividing adjusted revenue by the number of operating days for the period. "Adjusted operating and maintenance expenses per operating day" may be useful to analysts, investors, other interested parties and management as it demonstrates a degree of cost control and provides a proxy for specific inflation rates incurred by the Company Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation. INVESTOR INQUIRIES: Darcy Reynolds, CPA, CA, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, (403) 292-7537 AKITA is a premier oil and gas drilling contractor with a fleet of 37 drilling rigs. AKITA provides drilling services through two geographical segments: Canada and the United States (“US”). With a fleet of 20 drilling rigs, AKITA’s Canadian division operates in Alberta,... 13 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}RB Omiya Ardija won 2–1 over Blaublitz Akita on Sun Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match The current head to head record for the teams are Blaublitz Akita 1 win(s) Have scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Who won between Blaublitz Akita and RB Omiya Ardija on Sun 13 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT?RB Omiya Ardija won 2–1 over Blaublitz Akita on Sun 13 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches Blaublitz Akita is playing home against RB Omiya Ardija on Sun Home › Best Of The Best By Jilly Hite Reviewed by Sophia Naughton An Akita Inc laying in the grass (Photo by Pixel-Shot on Shutterstock) with some breeds tracing their lineages back thousands of years to the earliest days of domestication While modern breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradoodles are relatively recent developments several ancient dog breeds have maintained their distinctive characteristics across millennia offering us a living window into our ancestors’ earliest relationships with canines Recent archaeological discoveries in Alaska have shed new light on this ancient bond revealing that humans were sharing salmon with wolf-like canids as early as 12,000 years ago—about 2,000 years earlier than previously thought in the Americas based on chemical analysis of ancient canine bones suggest that food sharing may have been a crucial factor in the early stages of dog domestication as these animals adapted to rely on human-provided meals rather than hunting their natural prey While the distant wolf-like canids mentioned above are thankfully not found in our households today what are the oldest dog breeds that still exist We researched through expert lists of ancient dog breeds to find out the consensus Let us know if we missed one in the comments below The Basenji’s fascinating history stretches back to ancient Africa, with Dutch.com noting evidence of these unique dogs on cave paintings dating to 6000 B.C. and artifacts from 3000 B.C. These skilled hunters originally helped their owners by independently gathering food though this self-sufficient nature meant they required dedicated training While they possess remarkable intelligence, Canine Campus cautions that Basenjis have a stubborn streak and need plenty of exercise to stay content Their strong hunting instincts make them flight risks – they’re known to dart through open doors and scale fences Rather than barking, A-Z Animals says Basenjis produce a yodel-like sound They’ve earned the nickname “jumping up and down dog” for their vertical leaps in tall grass They also display notably feline characteristics particularly in their fastidious grooming habits These cute fluff balls descend from ancestors that lived long ago. Archaeological evidence suggests the Akita Inu’s ancestor, the Matagi-Inu, existed between 8,000 B.C. and 200 B.C., according to Animal Hearted these early dogs established the foundation for one of Japan’s most revered breeds The Japanese Akita holds a special place in its homeland’s culture. SpiritDog notes that they are considered national monuments Distinguishable from their American cousins by their fox-like features (compared to the American Akita’s bear-like head) these dogs are celebrated for their unwavering loyalty and courage The Afghan Hound’s origins trace back thousands of years to the mountainous regions spanning modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. K9 of Mine writes that they served as both hunting dogs and status symbols, prized for their remarkable speed and agility The breed’s ancient lineage is so significant that, according to The Scotsman Christian legend places Afghan Hounds aboard Noah’s ark they excelled at pursuing swift prey like antelopes and leopards Their place in today’s culture has changed quite a bit, like most breeds. A-Z Animals explains how British soldiers later introduced these dogs to the U.K where their distinctive flowing coats became legendary While adaptable to various climates and living situations these sociable dogs require extensive grooming and exercise to thrive in family settings Tracing back through the sands of time, Dutch explains that the Saluki’s exact origins remain mysterious places these elegant dogs in the Middle East at least 5,000 years ago where they were cherished companions of nobility as depicted in ancient artwork and artifacts It can be challenging to pinpoint ancient breeds’ origins. A-Z Animals notes that while the Guinness Book of World Records dates them to at least 329 B.C. cave paintings resembling Salukis stretch back an impressive 9,000 years Deep in the mountains of Tibet, a breed emerged that would shape the future of guardian dogs. According to Animal Corner the Tibetan Mastiff’s history stretches back roughly 5,000 years serving as both hunters and royal guardians in ancient Tibet Their legacy runs even deeper than initially thought. The Scotsman reports a groundbreaking study suggesting these dogs might be the first domesticated breed and likely served as ancestors to all modern Mastiff breeds Their primary role was protecting Tibetan tribes’ livestock from formidable predators like wolves and bears Standing guard in modern homes with the same majestic presence as their ancestors, these dogs continue to impress. Petland describes them as having a lion-like alertness and magnificence though notes their intelligence comes with a stubborn streak that responds best to early training Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase Janelle is a freelance writer from New York Janelle has written for Mustela and Newton Baby and has bylines in Pregnant Chicken She holds a master’s degree in literacy from the State University of New York at Oswego transparent research summaries that are intended to inform the reader as well as stir civil educated debate. We do not agree nor disagree with any of the studies we post we encourage our readers to debate the veracity of the findings themselves. All articles published on StudyFinds are vetted by our editors prior to publication and include links back to the source or corresponding journal article Totally ignored the oldest known breed the American Dingo aka the Carolina dog Sorry I forgot try the oldest true breed of dog is the wolf They may be adorable little dust mops but they too are ancient Don’t know how you missed the Carolina Wild Dog also know as the Dixie Dingo You left off the most recently “discovered” Carolina Dog I don’t see much on the Karelian Bear dogs that are from the Finn ish Komi the viking primitive dog ©2025 Study Finds. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy • Disclosure Policy • Do Not Sell My Personal Information In Best of the Week Drew had an intriguing conversation with Dr They explored the messages from Our Lady of Akita a powerful apparition from Japan in the 1970s received a series of visions and messages from the Virgin Mary back in 1973 These messages weren’t just for Japan—they were for the entire world They’re as relevant today as they were back then She stressed that the world needs to return to God One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Akita apparition was a statue of Our Lady that wept 101 times The tears were tested and found to be human Our Lady’s messages included some serious warnings—like fire falling from the sky and nations being annihilated But what really stood out was her call to prayer and penance is our most powerful weapon—a key to God’s heart connecting these messages with themes like the power of the Eucharist and Our Lady’s role as Co-Redemptrix He stressed how Our Lady is calling us to join her in offering our sufferings much like Sister Agnes did despite her own trials As we witness the increasing rejection of God and rising evil in the world and offering our sacrifices to mitigate what could be a devastating global chastisement Our Lady’s messages are a wake-up call for all of us to turn back to God before it’s too late And hey, if you want to dive deeper, Dr. Miravalle has more on this over at his website The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here. Subscribe: RSS Relevant Radio is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Akita — Sake enthusiasts flocked to Kodama Brewing Co. as it opened its cellar to the public on March 29 during the Katagami City Kura Marche event Fifteen stalls selling food and other goods were set up in the brewery’s warehouse They included yakitori grilled chicken skewers and Hinai chicken giblet stew as well as a tasting booth for Taiheizan sake The cheerful voices of those who tried the sake A company employee visiting from Mitane in the prefecture was delighted with the food and sake saying: “I did not expect such a large number of visitors Kodama Brewing has now opened its cellar to the public 44 times the company has held the opening in tandem with Katagami Marche as part of efforts to revitalize the city a 12-year-old male Siberian cat that Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted to Akita Prefecture the prefectural government said the same day Norihisa Satake had cared for the cat.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The prefecture presented female Akita dog Yume to Putin in 2012 as a token of its gratitude for Russia's assistance offered to areas affected by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami that mainly hit the Tohoku region Putin gave the male cat to the prefecture in return in 2013 Satake has been in the governor's post since 2009 Satake uploaded a video of Mir on the prefecture's official YouTube channel to coincide with the cat's birthday Even after Russia started to invade Ukraine in February 2022 the governor continued to release information about Mir Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.