A witness called 110 at around 7:00 am on Friday morning to report that a man had collapsed on the street in Gifu City and appeared to have been stabbed 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 a middle-aged man had been cut in the abdomen with some kind of blade-like object the man said he had been stabbed by a man in his 30s or 40s The attacker was about 165 centimeters tall Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun stunning seasonal scenery and local cuisine Leave the crowds of the Golden Route behind and discover the serene beauty of Gifu city an unassuming gem blessed with abundant nature and ever-changing seasonal wonders a stronghold of the fearsome daimyo Oda Nobunaga Gifu city also boasts a fascinating history and rich culture It’s a refreshing escape from the frenetic pace of Japan’s better-known metropolises — and it’s just a quick train ride away from Nagoya nature lover or just someone who enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations you’re sure to fall in love with this scenic city Read on for our recommendations on what to see and do and on where to indulge in the city’s most delectable delicacies.  a historical landmark offering a panoramic view of the cityscape and mountains beyond the castle played a significant role in Japanese history; it was the home base of Nobunaga — widely regarded as one of Japan’s three unifiers — as he planned his ultimately unsuccessful bid to unify the country While the current structure is a reconstruction dating to 1956 the castle houses a fascinating historical exhibition and an extensive collection of traditional armor and swords.  Hike to the castle via one of several hiking trails or board the Mount Kinka Ropeway Note that the castle is a 10-minute walk from the ropeway’s summit station Those visiting in autumn are in for a special treat as the castle is surrounded by stunning fall foliage Peak foliage season is mid- to late November.  Not to be confused with Kyoto’s Kawaramachi Shopping Street Gifu’s Kawaramachi district is a riverside port that’s been frequented by merchants since Nobunaga’s reign in the latter half of the 16th century This charming port features latticed townhouses classic red postboxes and narrow alleyways between storehouses that you can peek through Traditional craft and retro confectionary shops line the main street and offer items like Gifu fans an old-fashioned Gifu snack of ayu-shaped castella sponge cake stuffed with gyuhi soft mochi You’ve never seen fishing like this before: Flames dance from hanging lanterns wooden boats and the black river upon which they float each loosely fastened around the neck of a cormorant scanning the water for ayu Small fish can be swallowed; large fish can’t make it past the loop of the leash and remain in a pouch in the bird’s gullet to be retrieved by the fisherman this style of fishing has been around for 1,300 years drawing the patronage of Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu and the admiration of Charlie Chaplin and 17th-century haiku master Matsuo Basho.  The Nagara River in Gifu city is one of Japan’s most prominent sites for ukai and viewing the practice is a must when in the city during ukai fishing season (approximately mid-May to mid-October) To witness this ancient fishing technique up close Japan’s top two Daibutsu (Great Buddha statues) are the Nara Daibutsu at Todaiji Temple and the Kamakura Daibutsu at Kotoku-in Temple but one of the strongest contenders is the Gifu Daibutsu at Shoboji Temple This magnificent 13.7-meter-tall Buddha is the largest Buddha statue in Japan made of lacquer.  Its Daibutsu statue — also referred to as the Kago Daibutsu (“basket” Great Buddha) for its woven bamboo framework — was inspired by the Nara Daibutsu and was completed in 1832 Gifu Park is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike the Kato Eizo & Toichi Memorial Art Museum and the Gifu City Museum of History You can also enjoy matcha tea and a traditional sweet served Ryurei-style — seated on chairs rather than kneeling — at the park’s teahouse which also serves matcha soft serve ice cream.  but those after an extra touch of whimsy or pop of color should aim for late March to early April for cherry blossoms or mid- to late November into early December for fall foliage some of the park’s paths and facilities are under construction and thus inaccessible Construction is scheduled to finish in spring 2025 This tranquil pond is straight out of an impressionist painting when it caught the attention of social media users it’s widely admired for its ethereal beauty this picturesque pond features crystal-clear turquoise water dotted with lily pads the surrounding Japanese maples brighten up the landscape with their fiery hues Although the pond is a little harder to access from Gifu City — requiring an hour-long drive by car or longer by train and bus — it may be worth the visit for lovers of Impressionist Art The Gifu Chuo Library is part of a cultural complex known as Minna no Mori Media Cosmos This huge library is a dream for bookworms architecture enthusiasts and anyone looking for a peaceful afternoon Check out the second-floor library for a stunning “forest of umbrellas”: Eleven large-scale half-globes made of triaxial woven fabric hang from the library’s undulating ceiling The library’s unique design is at once futuristic yet organic The facility even has its own Minna no Mori typeface Hida beef is high-quality beef from Japanese Black cattle raised in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. It’s known for its marbled texture and incredible tenderness. At Ayamizuki you can enjoy this delicacy at a reasonable price Choose one of the hitsumabushi (beef served over rice) set meals for the chance to sample Hida beef — A5-grade sirloin A5-grade lean beef or fillet — for under ¥5,000 All the rooms in the restaurant are private.  Wafu Ryori Gotoya is a long-established restaurant where you can savor local seasonal ingredients such as Hida beef and ayu sweetfish For a taste of A5-grade Hida beef and hoba miso — a local grilled dish of magnolia leaves with homemade koji miso paste — order the Hida-gyu Hoba-yaki Gozen set meal Though the provenance of hoba miso is uncertain some credit the Hida region’s woodsmen with masterminding the delectable dish faced with the prospect of roasting miso sans cookware are said to have come up with the idea of using magnolia leaves as a substitute grilling surface For an extra-special sweet treat at the end of your meal choose the banquet course meal: Dessert is gelato from Racconto Gotoya’s gelateria — a beloved local shop.  Founded in 1873, Nihon Ryori Hirai has been in business for over 150 years and serves traditional regional cuisine including the local specialty of ayu caught in the nearby Nagara River savor ayu served in a variety of ways: dried dengaku-style (brushed with a sweetened miso-based sauce) with the Hida beef shabu-shabu an especially delightful choice in the colder months.  Head to the historic district of Kawaramachi to find the venerable Tamaiya Honpo sweets shop fish-shaped confections make a great snack and splendid souvenir.  Tsubameya Yanagase is a sweets shop on Nagarabashi Street in the Yanagase Shotengai area just 15 minutes on foot from JR Gifu Station Fans of Japanese treats both traditional and contemporary will find much to appreciate here is warabi mochi (bracken starch dumplings) Try the shop’s famous Tsubame Warabi: a pillowy melt-in-your-mouth warabi mochi dusted with dark-roasted kinako (soybean flour).  Odamaki Sakaeya serves odamaki an under-the-radar Gifu soul food consisting of bean paste wrapped in a thin wheat flour shell making it a great option even for those who don’t like desserts with only two items on the menu: regular odamaki (¥75) and a fried tempura odamaki (¥85).  Established in 1902, Murase is known for kinome dengaku a dish made by spreading kinome miso on skewered tofu and roasting the skewers over a fire This Gifu dish is traditionally topped with kinome — the young leaves of the Japanese pepper — but now it tends to be sprinkled with Japanese pepper powder instead.  Sarashina serves the perfect Gifu classic for hot weather: hiyashi tanuki (chilled tanuki soba) Several shops with the Sarashina name can be found across the city most of which are norenwake — shops run by former apprentices of the original shop founded in 1928 and currently serving up soba in Gifu’s Kyomachi neighborhood with dishes served in as little as 10 seconds after ordering The popularity of Gifu Tanmen took off after it opened this location in Gifu city It became so well loved that its noodles came to be known as “Gifu Tanmen.” The shop’s salt-based soup though patrons also praise the texture of Gifu Tanmen’s noodles has even had its tanmen featured in TV programs.  Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (or Shinagawa Station) to Nagoya Station Gifu city is approximately 20 minutes away by train Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya Station Please upgrade to a more modern version to fully experience JapanToday site and for security reasons have arrested a 35-year-old unemployed man on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in a park is also accused of choking the girl and punching her in the face The girl told police she was walking along a street when a man grabbed her from behind and choked her punched her in the face and allegedly sexually assaulted her The girl called her mother and she called 110 A police patrol spotted a man fitting the assailant’s description near the park at around 11 p.m on Saturday night and arrested him on Sunday morning Police said Haga has denied the allegation Police said the girl suffered neck and facial injuries Hopefully the cops keep him for the full 21-day interrogation period and tune him up constantly without letting him sleep not many teens do that it's too late to be walking alone unless the area is known to be very safe !! Glad the police was able to detain this Predator How would you categorize an area as a "very safe zone?" This individual could have done the same anywhere else punching a teenage girl is simply unacceptable The belief that "Japan is safe" is one of the most pervasive but most dangerously misleading myths about Japan there is Folks get very angry and defensive when this myth is challenged but it just fosters a false sense of security leaving them more vulnerable to assault by discouraging necessary caution is the myth that "Japan is safe because children walk alone."  The fact is no child should walk home unsupervised and parents who allow this must fully understand the real risks involved Raping a teenage girl is simply unacceptable gaypen apparently needed that clarification But that doesn't mean no crimes or no pervs I most definitely don't need in JP the eyes I needed back where I'm originally from and the massacre I skipped by literally leaving work five minutes earlier than usual Regardless of age and time of day a person should be able to walk anywhere free of harm Regardless of age and time of day a person should be able to walk anywhere free of harm 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 Today's print edition Home Delivery are on edge after animal remains were found buried in a flower bed the second such occurrence in the prefecture this month a man living in the city’s Oze district called the police at 12:35 p.m on Tuesday after noticing animal remains haphazardly buried in his garden.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); “I saw what looked like fur sticking out of a mound of soil I found what appeared to be an animal’s head,” he told authorities 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 Gifu University held a collaboration promotion meeting with Gifu City based on the partnership agreement between Gifu City and Gifu University aims to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen cooperative relationships through the exchange of opinions and information we aim to address the diverse and complex challenges faced by the local community and promote the development of a sustainable and attractive city The meeting was attended by Gifu City Mayor SHIBAHASHI Masanao and other relevant department heads from the Gifu City government as well as President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro and vice presidents from Gifu University Mayor Shibahashi and President Yoshida explained their respective initiatives there was an active exchange of opinions across a wide range of fields and discussions on the direction of future collaboration Gifu University will continue to contribute to regional revitalization by taking advantage of our unique strengths further deepen our collaboration with local governments and work towards the realization of a sustainable society Once home to pivotal World War II operations Tinian is emerging once again as a critical asset in the United States defence Only concerted international pressure will save the two million lives that are at imminent We call on governments to stop arming Israel and instead to impose meaningful sanctions the global trade union movement is taking this message to the streets: There is an alternative to the billionaire vision of the world The ITUC will push for our alternative—for democracy that delivers and a New Social Contract The ITUC will call on heads of key governments and global institutions to take urgent action The PSNA is demanding the NZ govt justify its absence from submitters to the International Court of Justice hearings at the Hague into Israel blocking vital supplies entering Gaza The ICJ’s ongoing investigation into Israeli genocide in Gaza is now considering the illegality of Israel cutting off all aid entering Gaza since early March The Secretary-General urged leaders to submit national plans that align with that target and signal a full commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 Lead investigator Dr Aakansha Zala said the drug candidate aims to preserve as much pancreatic function for as long as possible in people recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes to reduce the amount of insulin they need to administer Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information GIFU--Once occupied by Japan’s most powerful warlord Gifu Castle now plays host to visitors eager to explore the iconic fortress meet samurai warriors and shoot arrows--virtually The castle is recreated in the globally popular “Fortnite” online video game as the first offering from the city’s “Metaverse Gifu Castle” project to promote the castle to a wide range of visitors is faithfully recreated to feature Oda Nobunaga’s mansion Players can be a part of the virtual world through their smartphones and personal computers after creating an account in “Fortnite,” one of the world’s largest metaverse platforms with more than 500 million registered users This allows them to freely explore Nobunaga’s residence missionaries and other characters and learn the history of the castle and about the warlord in the “Free Mode.” target shooting and other games are offered in the “Mini Game Mode,” while gamers can also build their own version of Gifu Castle in a space where its terrain is reconstructed in the “Build Mode.” The city government introduces the metaverse project on a special website at (https://www.nobunaga-kyokan.jp/metaversegifucastle/) It also streams a promotional clip on its official YouTube channel Work is under way to create CGI imagery of the fortress on the mountaintop section and the castle town seen from the main keep The overall scenery will be made public in the metaverse in or around April next year The municipality also offers a 360-degree virtual reality tour allowing visitors to see various parts of the castle in their past and present forms Korean and Chinese to appeal to inbound tourists “We intend to promote Gifu Castle to the world and offer realistic experiences of the castle and Nobunaga’s hospitality,” said Mayor Masanao Shibahashi “We hope it inspires interest in visiting the real Gifu Castle.” 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 CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Officials from one of Cincinnati's sister city from Japan were in town to celebrate the connection between the two communities The group from Gifu City rang bells in front of the World Peace Bell in Newport on Wednesday afternoon Leaders from the cities signed a renewal of their Sister City Agreement located nearly 7,000 miles away from Fountain Square Cincinnati has sister-city arrangements with eight other cities worldwide: Liuzhou Gifu University held the "2025 Entrance Ceremony and Welcome Ceremony" at the Gifu Shimin Kaikan (Gifushin Forum) in Gifu City 1,333 undergraduate students and 651 graduate students have enrolled in Gifu University making their first steps into a new chapter of their lives President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University addressed the new students "Through your academic endeavors at Gifu University I encourage you to cultivate distinctive perspectives and attitudes thereby becoming beacons of guidance for the future enveloped by pristine streams and verdant landscapes and evolve into the leaders of the forthcoming era." On behalf of the new undergraduate students NISHI Sayaka from the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology each pledged to commit to Gifu University's ideals of "Learn "Welcome Ceremony" for undergraduate students was held a graduate of Gifu University and former president of Pilot Ink Co. Nakasuji sent the following message to the new students; "Four years I spent at Gifu University still form the foundation of my life Pure dreams we envision during our university days will surprisingly come true Please chase your dreams while you are on this wonderful campus." The Welcome Ceremony also included introductions of activities by student organizations creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the new students Gifu University sincerely hopes that the newly enrolled students who have just made their first steps will forge and pursue the path to the future The ceremony was live-streamed on Gifu University's official YouTube channel for current students and parents Please access the President's address and the Entrance and Welcome Ceremonies (YouTube stream) from the Related Links A ramen shop in downtown Gifu City has truly stood the test of time Located in the central Japanese city’s Yanagase area which found nationwide fame with singer Kenichi Mikawa’s song “Yanagase Blues,” the shop has been serving ramen for 107 years By Futoshi Mori / Japan News Senior Writer The rather unusual name uses the Japanese word for plump — “debu” — which was borrowed from its founder’s nickname And even though its name contains the word “Sohonten,” which is often used to distinguish the main shop in a chain the shop has no branches or franchises; it is the only shop The only dishes on the menu are chuka soba and wonton a reasonable price by today’s standards days I took a 15-minute walk north from the north exit of JR Gifu Station along an avenue called Kinkabashi-dori The shop is located on the first floor of a building just slightly west of the avenue customers never stopped coming in; one after another they came greeted me in his white chef’s coat and cap “I think our ramen is more chuka soba than ramen,” Fusaaki said and he seemed to make a point of calling it that I was surprised by the bowl that was placed in front of me It was filled to the brim with soup and noodles The soup and noodles were carried on a tray because they would have spilled if carried by hand clear soy sauce-based flavor with just the right amount of umami I combine it with the tamari soy sauce that I cooked the chashu pork in,” Fusaaki explained “Using tamari soy sauce is part of the culture in this area I try not to add anything extra to the soup.” It had a flavor that you could taste every day and never get tired of The whitish medium-thin noodles were homemade Fusaaki said: “We prepare the noodles in the morning before opening We use flour from a local flour mill company the flour absorbs moisture from the air or expels it when it’s dry I added a dash of pepper to the bowl halfway through The toppings were also simple — just a kamaboko fish cake green onion and three small slices of thigh pork chashu The chashu slices were light without a speck of fat because nothing greasy was used in the chuka soba I finished it in no time and even drank all the broth — without an upset stomach Don’t overthink it; just enjoy the taste with an open mind This chuka soba has the power to convince you to do just that and this shop is the only place that serves it “I’m back here for the first time in 60 years Conversations like this between the customers and the owner are common here “It is not unusual to see three or even four generations of the same family,” says Fusaaki there was a customer who’d left Gifu for work and returned decades later after retirement It’s nice to have customers who come here with nostalgic memories.” The shop was founded in 1917 by Fusaaki’s grandfather but my grandfather somehow found out about Rairaiken a famous ramen shop that used to be in Tokyo and went to Tokyo to train there,” Fusaaki explained Fusaji began pulling food carts from which he sold noodles called “shina soba,” another old name of ramen which was an entertainment district at the time but he was an amateur sumo wrestler with the nickname “debu.” That is how the name “Marudebu” came to be used for the shop and he had a hard time getting customers at first customers visiting or working in the district started coming in to eat the shop’s name is on the opposite side of the street from where it is now That means the shop was already there in 1943.” That was two years before the end of World War II the street in front of the shop was widened and in 1944 the shop was relocated to Nishi-Yanagase was burned to the ground in an air raid in 1945 Fusaji passed the shop down to Fusaaki’s father The family business continues to maintain their traditional taste we have survived for over 100 years,” Fusaaki said I am sure this shop will continue to thrive for another 100 or even 200 years It’s a serious battle for both the cook and the diner There are many ramen restaurants in Japan that have a tremendous passion for ramen and I’d like to introduce to you some of these passionate establishments making the best of my experience of enjoying cuisine from both Japan and around the world 【ラーメンは芸術だ！】岐阜ラーメンの代表格「丸デブ総本店」、６００円で味わえる唯一無二の一杯 Gifu Prefectural Police arrested a 37-year-old man Thursday for allegedly stabbing his 89-year-old grandmother to death in the city of Ogaki in the prefecture Authorities received an emergency call around 8:30 a.m on the same day from a nearby resident reporting that the elderly woman had been stabbed in the chest.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); bleeding in the kitchen of her house with two stab wounds on her chest A blood-stained knife was discovered nearby The attack is believed to have occurred at around 6:30 a.m who lived in a separate building on the same development He was apprehended in the city of Yokkaichi that day and was arrested on suspicion of murder "There’s no doubt I stabbed her with a knife." Gifu University held the Conferment Ceremony for the Academic Year 2024 at the Gifu Shimin Kaikan (Gifushin Forum) in Gifu City President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro addressed the 1,254 undergraduate and 578 graduate students " Throughout your diligent studies at Gifu University you have engaged in numerous discussions with your mentors and peers to address the challenges you face in your personal lives and the global issues of today One of these challenges is your commitment to the realization of Society 5.0 You have overcome the considerable hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic and have developed great resilience amidst ongoing global and historical adversities such as climate change and international conflicts I strongly believe that you can fully utilize your unyielding spirits and the energy you have accumulated thus far in the forging of a promising future." NISHIWAKI Natsuki from the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences said "Although there were days when we felt that our campus life differed from the ideal we had envisioned due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 we were able to broaden our horizons and mature through many wonderful encounters and learning opportunities We will continue to move forward step by step drawing on our experiences at Gifu University." 18 students who achieved outstanding academic performance and received high evaluations were commended by President Yoshida You can view the ceremony and the President's address via the Related Links an unveiling ceremony for the painting "Lemon Tree," donated by Western-style painter UEKUZU Akihiro has served as a professor at the Graduate School of Joshibi University of Art and Design and was awarded the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon in 2023 Driven by a strong desire to contribute to society through art he decided to donate the painting "Lemon Tree" to Gifu University President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University remarked which serves as a central place of learning for Gifu University students will undoubtedly support and inspire our students who study here." unveiling the "Lemon Tree" to the attendees "I am delighted and grateful to be able to donate this painting to the University Library My hope is that people will feel something from this painting I was inspired by the breath-taking views of Atami Bay but it is not a figurative depiction; rather I hope viewers will interpret it in their own way and wonder The "Lemon Tree" will be displayed on the second floor of the Library Please take the time to view the painting and appreciate the expression and sentiment behind it when you visit the Library At this AY 2024 Commencement Ceremony for Gifu University Graduate Schools it gives me immense pleasure to offer my heartfelt congratulations to this year's graduating students and the faculty members who have been guiding and leading them to this moment with great patience and dedication a total of 578 students graduated from the Graduate School of Gifu University 12 students from the United Graduate School of Agricultural Science (UGSAS) and one student from the United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences (UGSVS) This includes three international students from China Also included are four working professionals from UGSAS and one from UGSVS President of Shizuoka University (Shizuoka Prefecture) President of Gifu Pharmaceutical University Shizuoka University is a constituent university of UGSAS and Gifu Pharmaceutical University is also a constituent university of the United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences let me detail the five working professionals: two are researchers from private companies Our doctoral courses had traditionally high numbers of international students and working professionals the number of international students is returning to pre-pandemic levels and the figure for working professionals has risen to approximately equal to that for internal doctoral students Both of these pronounced rises reflect on the good reputation of our united graduate schools Throughout your diligent studies at Gifu University One of these challenges is your commitment to the realization of Society 5.01 You have overcome the considerable hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic and have developed great resilience amidst ongoing global and historical adversities I strongly believe that you can fully utilize your unyielding spirits and the energy you have accumulated thus far in the forging of a promising future Our faculty members have responded to the challenges of this new era with great enthusiasm and established new educational curricula and research guidance I would like to take this auspicious occasion to extend my highest respect and heartfelt gratitude to all students Gifu University's history can be traced back to 1873 when Gifu Prefectural Normal School was founded it entered an exciting new chapter by establishing a novel institutional framework through its merger with Nagoya University This unified entity is now known as the 'Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS).' The Class of 2024 represents the fifth graduating cohort under this restructured framework While aligning with the THERS' mission to 'Make New Standards for The Public' and upholding Gifu University's long-term ideals of 'Learning and Contributing,' we promote the following core values in our new visions and strategies: strategic co-creation within the community execution of unique and original research projects and serving as a hub for community revitalization to address diverse issues Gifu University has united the efforts of all its faculties and departments to establish and vigorously pursue the 'MLIE Concept' - Migration Education - striving to advance the five objectives of 'Creation of Businesses and Community-Building,' 'Product Manufacturing,' 'Food Production,' 'Development of New Medical Systems,' and 'Human Resource Development.' I am confident that you have been maturing into responsible adults in tandem with the bold growth of Gifu University "Education and Human Resource Development," "Research and Value Creation," "Social and Industry-Academia Collaboration," and "International Expansion." the synergy between Gifu University and Nagoya University has led to the implementation of six2 Research Hub Collaboration Support Projects which have been consistently yielding remarkable attainments in the field of "Life Sciences," the Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE) Gifu Research Building opened on Gifu University campus in 2023 iGCORE's "Human Glycome Atlas Project (HGA)" became the first MEXT3-approved "Projects to Promote Large Scientific Frontiers" in Japan HGA is considered one of the pioneering projects to spearhead research on glycobiology The Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT) was established in January 2023 harnessing broader collaboration across diverse research fields COMIT is expected to profoundly contribute to the discovery of new drugs in the future The establishment of the 'Integrated Non-Clinical Research Facility for Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science4" is also highly anticipated to further accelerate drug discoveries for both humans and animals based on the concept of "One Medicine." we established the nation's first Intelligent Production Technology Research & Development Center for Aerospace (IPTeCA) in April 2019 to facilitate aerospace design and production technologies we are vigorously working on initiatives in smart die casting technology and carbon fiber innovation to put them into wider use and bring about a quantum leap for local manufacturing industries The soon-to-be established Sustainable Technology Innovation Hub for Seki Cutlery5 and the April-2025 opening of our Manufacturing Management Course within the School of Social System Management will also boost local manufacturing business we established the Center for Environmental and Societal Sustainability (CENSS) in April 2024 aiming to mitigate the impacts of climate change and attain carbon neutrality we have been collaborating with Nagoya University to offer shared courses in mathematics and English education as part of a credit transfer system for undergraduate students for the Gifu Region Human Resource Development Program (Gifu University's version of MEXT's Supereminent Program for Activating Regional Collaboration (SPARC)) establishing academic infrastructure for regional revitalization Gifu University was recognized by the Japanese Government as a university collaboration promotion corporation in March 2024 This recognition allows us to offer joint courses with Chubu Gakuin University and Gifu City Women's College promoting educational reform through inter-university collaboration Within our commitments to international collaborations we have been striving to enhance and expand our Joint Degree Programs (JDP) which commenced in April 2019 with two universities overseas.I would also like to mention Gifu University's financial support for doctoral students the regional industry-academia collaboration open innovation hub was inaugurated on campus as a center for entrepreneurial education and innovation the Tokai Kanjo Expressway Gifu Interchange will open near Gifu University and we expect this will further expedite our university becoming a hub for academic research The world today is full of geopolitical uncertainties and many people in the world are suffering high commodity prices and create a secure and prosperous society for everyone This requires research into and social implementation of new technologies that can meet socioeconomic demands and the strengthening of the collaboration between academia we are determined to advance as a "world-leading university committing to social implementation through co-creation" with our stakeholders Please take pride in having learned and put into practice the Gifu University's ideals of "Learning I encourage you to actively participate in the Gifu University Alumni Association support the efforts and struggles of your juniors and work diligently for the continued prosperity of Gifu University at this ceremony and the beginning of your journey into the future I would like to introduce a book that holds great significance for me It is "Go Rin no Sho (The Book of Five Rings)," a text on Japanese martial arts a renowned martial artist from the early Edo period (1600 - 1868) This book encapsulates the path and philosophy of a person who has mastered the way of the sword The book discusses five elements: "Earth," "Water," "Fire," "Wind," and "Void." They will serve as guiding principles for you as you face various challenges in your future lives "Earth" signifies "building a solid foundation," "Water" represents flexibility and "Void" symbolizes trust in infinite possibilities treating patients with the aid of a scalpel When approaching each surgery with my full dedication the book has been immensely valuable in shaping my mindset and attitude I hope that you will find it insightful in developing the "ability to read the times and acquire knowledge," "adaptability like water," and in "considering precise positioning," and "maintaining peace of mind through your mind's eye." you will excel as leaders and be a driving force for the prosperity of our country remember that your journey of contributions to society begins at this very moment Please always bear this in mind and continue honing your skills and expertise as highly specialized professionals capable of adapting to any changes that come your way Beyond the boundary of your specialized field of study please cultivate a "rich heart and acquire comprehensive knowledge" as lifelong learners With your "mind's eye" and the ability to discern the truth always step forward boldly into the future to create a society where both the elderly and the young can live in peace It is our great joy to witness your constant We hope that you will hold high the wisdom you have gained at Gifu University and become individuals who can thrive globally building upon the relationships and collaborations you have established for this day Let me conclude my speech by wishing you the best of luck and I truly look forward to working with each one of you as the future unfolds Gifu University Tokai National Higher Education and Research System 'Amazon Creature Cookies' co-developed by Professor MUKAI Takahiko from the Faculty of Regional Studies at Gifu University the World Freshwater Aquarium 'Aqua Toto Gifu' (Kakamigahara City Gifu Prefecture) and the creature cookie art specialty shop 'Kurimaro Collection' in Mie Prefecture These cookies are crafted to convey the charm of biodiversity featuring 26 different creatures that inhabit the Amazon River basin 'Kurimaro Collection' is a store specializing in cookie art that delicately expresses the individuality and ecology of creatures This collaboration was timed with Aqua Toto Gifu's special exhibition 'Wild Amazon: Amazon Supreme!' and features cookie art of 26 iconic Amazon species people can enjoy the unique charm of these creatures Professor Mukai and the curators at Aqua Toto Gifu supervised the creation of the cookie art To clearly convey the unique ecology and behavior of each species they paid meticulous attention to details such as body color they faithfully reproduced the piranha's coloration and glittery appearance as well as the unique wavy lines of the electric eel's tail fin 'The Amazon is the most biodiverse region on Earth I hope that by learning about the colorful birds and the fascinating reptiles and amphibians that live there through these cookies people will reflect on the importance of biodiversity.' The 'Amazon Creature Cookies' will be available for purchase from Sunday Please take this opportunity to reflect on the world of biodiversity and enjoy the unique and vibrant appearances of these creatures through these cookies." Gifu University held the ceremony for presenting the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon to API1 Co. The Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon is one of the national honors awarded to individuals who donate personal funds (5 million yen or more for individuals 10 million yen or more for organizations) for public welfare On the occasion of Gifu University's 70th anniversary the company donated a total of 24 million yen to Gifu University as a scholarship hoping to encourage outstanding undergraduate students who are considering future careers in local industries to further dedicate themselves to their studies In recognition of its service to society and contribution to academia was awarded the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon by the government President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University expressed his deep gratitude and stated "Gifu University students who have received the scholarship have each undertaken unique initiatives and already produced excellent results such as obtaining qualifications." He then handed over the certificate of commendation to Mr 'We are grateful for the high evaluation we have received We will continue to contribute to regional development and the healthcare industry as a manufacturing company rooted in the community Gifu University will continue to collaborate with API across fields and strive for regional development specializing in the manufacturing of health supplements and pharmaceuticals They produce a variety of products including honey API also engages in contract manufacturing (OEM) for major companies and develops original products A once-bustling shopping district in the city of Gifu which boasts a 135-year history and inspired a hit song that defined its heyday will see the withdrawal of department store mega-chain Takashimaya Co Takashimaya's departure from the Yanagase shopping arcade in the central Japan city is a portent of a more worrying trend sweeping the country as commercial districts that have coexisted with major department stores lose customers amid Japan's declining birthrate and aging population individual store owners in the Yanagase arcade are determined to turn their fortunes around by using social media to remind people of the area's historical charm while changing their offerings to attract a younger "I've always come to Yanagase because Takashimaya was here it will be gloomy all around," part-time building cleaner Akira Hayashi said on one weekday afternoon in May while standing in the sparsely populated street of shuttered storefronts Hayashi fondly recalls his days of drinking at thriving local taverns along the shopping street as a young man Located about a 15-minute walk from JR Gifu Station Yanagase began developing as a commercial and entertainment district toward the end of the 19th century and flourished in the 1950s through the 1970s after recovering from wartime devastation Driven by singer Kenichi Mikawa's 1966 million-seller ballad "Yanagase Blues," the district achieved nationwide fame and was so lively at times that people would often be shoulder to shoulder while walking along the boulevard More than 1,000 stores lined the street at its peak as Yanagase boomed as a central hub for the city's 350,000 to 400,000 inhabitants at that time but over time it waned due to the opening of large shopping malls in the suburbs in conjunction with the shift to a more car-oriented society and the collapse of the asset-inflated bubble economy which the store announced in October last year Tokushima and Shimane to become the fourth of Japan's 47 prefectures to have no department store there are approximately 12,000 traditional-style "shotengai" shopping districts which are typically pedestrian streets or malls lined with many retail shops According to a 2021 survey by the central government's Small and Medium Enterprise Agency some 40 percent of the shopping districts have a vacancy rate of 10 percent or more The shopping malls are considered "in disuse" when the vacancy rate exceeds that level "Yanagase will not have anything to rely on anymore," said Takuro Mizuno who runs a tailor-made suits shop and in April became president of the Yanagase shopping center promotion association "This will finally put a fire in the belly of the individual shop owners Our district will definitely make a comeback." an official Yanagase account was opened on X the social media site formerly known as Twitter In addition to promoting events and details about eateries and shops it also looks to draw in shoppers by highlighting an anime in which the shopping district appears The account also includes updates on Mizuno's official activities the number of followers had approached 1,000 Each store in the arcade is also putting in work to bring in new customers is the third-generation president of Iwata Watch & Jewelry a shop that was founded in Nagoya in 1937 and moved to Yanagase after World War II In addition to traditional high-end jewelry affordable wedding rings for young customers are also displayed in the showcases "We are aiming to become a time-honored business where young people also feel comfortable casually dropping in," Iwata said Mizuno sees the withdrawal of Takashimaya as an opportunity for each store to reassess its services He believes that today's increasingly efficient consumer-driven society conversely makes the traditional relaxed atmosphere of the Yanagase shopping district all the more appealing He shared his vision looking ahead to the district's 150th anniversary "This place is not as refined as a large shopping center and has many imperfections I hope to make use of such human frailties so that people will again say that Yanagase is the best shopping district in Japan," Mizuno said FEATURE:Solar flares putting satellite, communications tech in line of fire FEATURE: AM radio listeners set to be permanently tuned out in Japan FEATURE: World's 1st "edible robot" offers researchers feast of insights To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible National Report Gifu Prefecture—To solve a labor shortage and improve communication with its diverse patients has focused on hiring local residents with international backgrounds Foreign residents make up more than 10 percent of Minokamo’s population one of the highest ratios of foreign residents in Japan This also means there are many foreign patients at the local hospital the Central Japan International Medical Center and personnel from abroad have become indispensable Based on statistics on foreign residents as of June 2023 and prefectural population estimates Minokamo has the highest percentage of foreign residents in the prefecture at more than 10 percent of the total population Filipinos and Brazilians account for 80 percent of these foreign residents The percentage of permanent residents who have no restrictions on length of stay or field of employment is also high at 47 percent is a Japanese-Brazilian who works as a nursing assistant at the medical center She now lives with her husband and two daughters in the city She was hired by the medical center in October 2023 she became a regular employee in April this year Kuniwaki helps hospitalized patients use the restroom and perform other tasks “I thought the only option for Brazilians was a factory job I never thought that I could work in a hospital,” she said The center started hiring nursing assistants when COVID-19 vaccinations started being offered the center staff discussed how to promote vaccinations for foreign residents That connected the staff with local nonprofit organizations that support foreign residents the possibility of hiring additional staff became a topic of conversation Nursing assistants do not require a license but it had been difficult for the center to find workers for these positions Recruiting foreign-born local residents turned out to be a win-win situation said that some of the new hires have children attending local schools or are well-established in the local community and can communicate well with other staff members “I hope they will take root and become the ones to train the next generation of staff,” she said The center has been actively recruiting personnel with international backgrounds such as medical interpreters and Filipino nurses who came to Japan under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) system About 18,000 foreign outpatients visit the center each year for childbirth or illness The center currently employs 21 people from five countries These staff members can communicate with patients in their native languages Their presence also helps bridge cultural differences has been working at the center as a medical interpreter She used to work for an organization that supports Chinese residents in Japan Yamada became interested in becoming a medical interpreter after seeing many people who couldn’t explain their symptoms well or didn’t understand what kind of treatment they were receiving “Interpreters are not only mediators of language but also of medical culture,” she said there are many cases where the patient is not notified.” Yamada can explain this background information to doctors in the process of medical examinations and other procedures The center has become the only medical institution in the prefecture to be certified under the Japan Medical Service Accreditation for International Patients (JMIP) offered through the Japan Medical Education Foundation This certification recognizes the center's efforts and serving as a role model for other medical institutions A person in charge of the center’s human resources division said “Staff who can understand patients’ backgrounds and lives are valuable We hope to further expand our recruitment in the future.” Nurse shortages raise concerns in quake-hit Noto Peninsula area Local officials alarmed as virus leads to shortage of hospital beds 1,000 nursing home residents moved from quake-hit Noto New Vietnamese nurse dreams of bridging medical gap in homeland Stay home policy to curb COVID-19 cited for making dementia worse *Information related to faculty members/students and graduate schools at Gifu University here are all that of the time of interviewing Researchers from diverse fields strive to localize environmental issues establishing a foundation that encourages people to perceive them as relevant and familiar challenges rather than viewing them solely on a global scale Climate change resulting from global warming poses serious challenges to all humankind The average temperature in Japan has already risen by approximately 1.3℃ over the past century this increase has been even more pronounced global warming in Gifu is more advanced than the national average Just as climate change impacts vary between Japan and other countries tailored mitigation and adaptation strategies are essential even within Japan to address local conditions the Gifu Prefectural Government and Gifu University jointly established the Gifu Prefecture Center for Climate Change Adaptation we have actively engaged in collaborative research to define criteria and standards for implementing climate change adaptation measures from a scientific perspective As part of the Research on Complex Effects of Climate Change on Water-Related Disasters funded by the Comprehensive Fund for Promotion of Environmental Research of the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency from FY 2020 to FY 2022 researchers from various fields--including weather and social systems-- were brought together to explore this critical issue from diverse viewpoints By elucidating the multifaceted effects of global warming our goal is to establish a framework that facilitates collaborative study and implementation of adaptation measures with local governments and practitioners it has become evident that the ayu sweet fish is increasingly impacted by rising temperatures Global warming is elevating river water temperatures the water temperature in the section flowing through Gifu City exceeded 26℃--the upper limit suitable for ayu habitat the ayu has been shifting its habitat upstream to cooler waters The spawning season in fall has been steadily pushed back highlighting how global warming affects the entire life cycle of the ayu we discovered that the various data collected and accumulated by government agencies and research institutes are highly valuable for analyzing environmental changes While each investigation and analysis are a gradual government-held data serves as essential analytical material providing insights into the broader context of environmental changes around us openly sharing the results of these surveys and analyses is indispensable When more stakeholders have a common understanding they can collectively consider effective countermeasures from their unique viewpoints and take new steps forward Building upon the findings from the three-year Research on Complex Effects of Climate Change on Water-Related Disasters the project called the Impact of Climate Change Adaptation of Forest and River in the Nagara River Basin on the Sustainability and Well-being of Livelihoods in the Mountainous Regions was initiated in FY2023 By referring to existing knowledge and data on climate change adaptation this project aims to develop more tangible adaptation strategies through collaboration involving government agencies The project is being undertaken by three groups the 'Forest & Village Group,' the 'River & Ayu Sweet Fish Group,' and the 'Livelihoods & Well-being Group,' each assigned to specific areas The research on forests and villages is motivated by the fact the planted forests during the postwar period of afforestation expansion have now reached the stage where harvest is necessary The decision lies between reforestation after logging or exploring alternative uses for the area given that forests We are estimating the carbon sequestration under current and future climate condition by model simulation together with carbon cycle data at Japanese cedar forest at the Takayama Field Station Gifu University and forest monitoring data offered by Gifu Prefecture and Gujo City We are also using the experiment forests of the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences in Gero City Gifu Prefecture to investigate forest types from a hydrological perspective Hydrology deals with the water cycles of on Earth we're exploring whether there are differences in flood mitigation and water source irrigation functions between areas planted with cedar and cypress trees versus secondary deciduous broadleaf forests There have been limited studies focusing on water temperature We believe that conducting simulations on this issue could enable us to create a future forecasting model for the entire prefecture Another notable aspect of this project is its dual focus on people's lives We examine not only the natural science aspects but also consider the humanities and sociological perspectives Our research began with the belief that even if effective countermeasures are developed their implementation hinges on enhancing the well-being of local residents who will ultimately be responsible for them We are currently investigating how the richness of the natural environment and climate change impact people's livelihoods and their sense of spiritual and social fulfillment some individuals have migrated from urban areas to the middle and upper reaches of the Nagara River others feel that their migration did not align with their original vision Our ongoing research explores various hypotheses including the idea that migrants' happiness correlates with their appreciation for nature's abundance and their connections within the local community.We would like to engage in cross-disciplinary discussions with faculty members of the School of Social System Management experts in this field of research and examination Our goal is to develop research activities that resonate with the local community designed by renowned architect toyo ito the ‘minna no mori’ gifu media cosmos has opened its doors to the public in central japan the scheme is defined by large funnels in the roof plane that define various reading these curved globes are made from three-dimensional polyester shades that allow light to filter down into the spaces below the scheme features roof funnels that define reading resting and study zonesimage © kai nakamura a glazed enclosure houses book shelves and a gallery visitors encounter an open-plan library organized through a series of spiraling wooden units the arrangement of furniture is also placed in circular formations further emphasizing the helical nature of the plan curved globes are made from three-dimensional polyester shadeimage © kai nakamura designed to integrate sustainable technologies the roof canopy is a composition of latticed wood with interstitial openings allowing natural light to flood the library below not only providing visual interest with their shape but also by ensuring that sunlight refracts at particular angles to disperse solar gain more evenly throughout the building the arrangement of furniture is placed in circular formationsimage © kai nakamura the scheme accommodates a range of spaces for different age groups image © kai nakamura the shape and form of the light funnels is referenced on the building’s exterior façadeimage © kai nakamura the roof canopy is a composition of latticed wood with interstitial openingsimage © kai nakamura AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style GIFU--Restrictions on passenger numbers for cormorant fishing viewing boats will be lifted with the May 11 start of the fishing season on the Nagaragawa river here The steps were put in place during the pandemic All 39 boats that can seat between 10 and 50 passengers will be allowed to operate at maximum capacity The city government is also strengthening its efforts to attract inbound tourists The official website has been updated to accept reservations in English as well as credit card payments While reservations can be made at the Gifu City Cormorant Fishing Observation Boat Office bookings by phone are no longer accepted as part of streamlining efforts The number of boats installed with long benches has been increased to two because passengers can get on board with their shoes on making it popular among non-Japanese visitors the office will charge a 30-percent fee for trips canceled the day before a 50-percent fee for same-day cancellations and a 100-percent fee for no-shows “We intend to increase efficiency in the operations of viewing boats by active use of the new reservation system while focusing our efforts on improving customer service quality,” said Mayor Masanao Shibahashi The cormorant fishing season runs until Oct For more information and reservations, visit the official website at (https://www.ukai-gifucity.jp/e/) Fishing practice using untethered cormorants makes comeback Spectator boat for cormorant fishing runs aground; 2 hurt　 Summer hopes being dashed with surge in new virus cases Fishermen in quake-hit Noto ecstatic as they return to work We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. If you continue to browse, you accept the use of cookies on our site. See our cookies policy for more information Your gaze is inevitably pulled to the mountains when you travel through Nagano They loom over townscapes or stand cool and serene in the distance Note: This story is based on a trip taken in May 2019 Some of the facts about access routes and means of transportation and may have changed For us, the temptation to go to these mountains was irresistible. As we visited the towns and cities around Chubusangaku National Park our desire to head for the mountains had only grown We had enjoyed exploring fascinating museums sampling fresh local cuisines—and of course But now we were craving an escape from civilization a digital detox in the clear air of the Japanese Alps the wellspring of so much of the region’s unique culture We decided to enter the national park from Takayama From here buses follow tightly curving mountain roads to Okuhida then wind their way further east through the Northern Japanese Alps to emerge at the laidback castle city of Matsumoto Japanese history is told from the point of view of the people and gazed in awe at fearsome samurai swords unaware that many were made here in central Japan by artisans creating beautiful and useful items from Gifu’s abundant natural resources Their traditions have been passed down through the generations and each area is still associated with its particular craft the well-preserved houses of its historic district showcasing the region’s exquisite Hida wood carvings a strong yet delicate type of paper used for everything from lanterns to shoji (screen doors) In Gujo-Hachiman you can visit an aizome (indigo-dyeing) shop which has been in operation for 400 years And while the city of Seki now mostly produces knives and scissors elegant katana (swords) are still forged here The mountains have left their mark on all of these products The deep colour of Gujo’s aizome and the purity of Mino’s paper would be impossible without the clear oxygen-rich waters flowing down from mountain springs Takayama’s woodworking is only possible because of the rich forests fed by water from the Northern Japanese Alps people in this region have lived by the principle of satoyama: working with nature rather than against it we’d seen the beauty and abundance of Gifu’s nature and the hard work and ingenuity required to live in harmony with it steeply sloped gassho-zukuri roofs of its farmhouses may be picturesque but their main purpose is allowing the building to survive heavy snowfalls in the frozen depths of winter those snowfalls told the farmers of Takayama exactly when to plant rice—it is said that they knew simply by studying how long the snow stayed on the peaks We stared up at the mountains as we left the city of Takayama by bus wondering what messages they were sending to those who could read them with fields alternating with forests and small clusters of houses and finally the winding roads of the mountains We seemed to emerge from each tunnel into a slightly more dramatic scene lone farmhouses surrounded by rice paddies and shrine gates standing guard in front of evergreen trees As the grandeur of Chubusangaku National Park opened up before us the effect of the satoyama approach was clear with obvious human development limited to certain areas where some people changed to buses bound for Kamikochi a hot spring town set far back in a verdant river valley The unpretentious resort is smaller than Hirayu popular with domestic travelers but still little known to overseas visitors Its seclusion means immediate access to nature with walks and cycling routes following the river and passing through white birch forests we stepped into an entrance area with dark wooden beams in the ceiling so huge we thought they must be whole tree trunks we walked on tatami-mat floors to the lobby passing delicately painted paper screens and a traditional irori (sunken hearth) on the way As with the huge beams—similar to ones we’d seen in gassho-zukuri houses—and the irori our delicately prepared but fortifying sansai ryori dinner was rooted in the region’s traditions Sansai ryori is a cuisine based on the mountains’ wild produce such as foraged vegetables like earthy bamboo shoots and bitter butterbur Other local specialties were also on the menu After dinner we enjoyed a soothing soak in the hotel’s rotenburo (outdoor baths) laden with wisteria and overlooking the rock-strewn river the trees opposite turning red and gold in the fall fresh green shoots appearing as spring came around again Shinhotaka Onsen has an abundance of natural hot springs—some only accessible to hotel guests but others open to day-trip visitors As well as large communal pools and secluded private ones there are several footbaths for weary walkers dotted around the town—one even halfway up Mount Nishi-Hotakadake The next morning we decided to make our way further into the mountains. We took the shuttle bus deeper into Okuhida, to the lowest station of the Shinhotaka Ropeway Clouds of sulfurous steam billowed from the hot springs around the building with occasional extra services in the early morning or late evening The lack of light pollution and the clear air of the mountains make for truly awe-inspiring views at night and sometimes special stargazing events are held The ropeway itself connects the valley floor with the upper section of Nishi-Hotaka-dake We boarded the gondola for the short trip up to Nabedaira Kogen station which has a visitor center with plenty of information on the natural surroundings The second gondola is a double-decker (Japan’s first) which takes seven minutes to ascend to the top station stunning us into silence with the sheer beauty of the landscape we made our way straight to the observation deck to drink in more of the view from 2,156 meters Even staring down the wide V-shaped valley—towards our hotel and Takayama in the distance—the horizon was crowded with peaks Ghostly white birches and luxuriant green pines dotted the snow-covered ground and plumes of steam drifted lazily from volcanic vents on nearby slopes We tore ourselves away from the view and made a brief foray into the trees enjoying the novelty of the snow patches that still remained at this altitude clear air of the uncrowded mountain trails Several routes snake away from the ropeway stations with Nabedaira Kogen the starting point for some gentle nature walks The more challenging hikes begin at Nishi-Hotaka-guchi station from where it’s an hour and a half’s trek up to Nishiho Sanso Mountain Hut The 2,909-meter summit of Mount Nishi-Hotakadake is another 3-hour climb from the mountain hut up a steep Only experienced climbers with an adequate level of fitness should attempt this but the incredible views of the Japanese Alps are worth it if you have the ability and stamina you can hike down the mountain on a forested trail 2–3 hours to Kamikochi the snow thinning and disappearing along the way I wondered how different the scene would be in a few months It is possible to visit many areas of Chubusangaku National Park during winter and also highly recommended if you prefer to avoid the crowds But be aware that some roads are closed to traffic in this season—check access routes before you go and hiking are some of the winter activities in the Okuhida area Nishiho Sanso Mountain Hut boasts the only lodge on the ridgeline of the Northern Alps And after a winter hike there’s always the pleasure of soaking in a hot spring bath as snow falls around you Our brief time in the mountains of Chubusangaku left us relaxed and restored reminding of the pleasures of slow travel and simply enjoying the beauty of nature We felt fortified and ready to face civilization again eager to watch the changing seasons play out across the grand peaks of the Northern Japanese Alps In partnership withVisit Gifu and Ishikawa Travel Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot Get the most important global markets news at your fingertips with a Bloomberg.com subscription. and softly glowing lamps that light up the streets each night Here’s everything you need to know about planning your next trip to Gifu and Nagano Photo courtesy of JNTOHow to get to and around Gifu and NaganoFrom Tokyo, you’ll need to take a Shinkansen (bullet train) into central Japan’s Chūbu region. Buying a Japan Rail Pass—a multiuse ticket that provides access to trains across the country for seven- or 21-day periods—is definitely the easiest way to stay on track throughout your journey If you’re planning on visiting only a few select destinations You’ll know you’ve entered the mountainside once the view from the train shifts from bustling city life to endless trees and fields. Since this area leans more rural and is less frequented by foreigners, it’s a good idea to learn a few key words in Japanese and keep a translating device or app on you taxis are a convenient way to travel to and from nearby cities and suburbs while subways are the dominant mode of transport within the region’s larger cities As a first-time visitor who doesn’t speak the language I was nervous about navigating the subway system solo but Apple Maps helped me every step of the way from exactly which platform to use to what time each train would arrive Watching the time-honored houses twinkle and sparkle under snowfall is nothing short of a magical experience start your day by heading up to the Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck From your spot perched high above Shirakawa-gō triangular roofs topping the Gassho-style houses that spread out beneath you The large thatched roofs were built at a sharp 60-degree angle so that snow could easily slide off their surfaces and avoid building up stress on the foundation below You’ll also notice that the houses all face the same direction allowing wind and sunlight to efficiently dry their unique rooftops which are meticulously rethatched every few decades by the Gokayama Forest Owners' Cooperative IORI Stay｜飛騨・高山の貸切宿Book a stay in a traditional townhouseAfter your history lesson, head to Takayama and check into the century-old Iori Takayama townhouse You’ll feel like you’re stepping into another era as you peruse the manicured garden though—modern touches like a Nespresso machine and Bluetooth speaker keep you firmly rooted in 21st-century creature comforts Iori Takayama also works with local restaurants and small businesses around the city to provide in-house dining experiences hand-delivered to your guest room And don’t be shy about dietary restrictions—the hospitality team is keen on meeting specific requests and accommodations take an evening stroll around the carefully preserved district to bask in the area’s pristinely intact historic architecture Finish the night with a soak in your very own open-air bath a secluded and serene way to loosen all those travel knots You will start by riding a rented e-bike into the Hida Forest to collect clippings from the many aromatic kuromoji trees said to be imbued with medicinal qualities Then you’ll return inside for the herbal tea ceremony a guide will walk you through an assortment of locally grown herbs detailing their benefits while adding specific selections to your cup to create a custom blend meant to address your specific health needs Next up is the sauna for a little additional detox The small room is heated by a firewood stove; tossing water infused with those same medicinal herbs you foraged earlier onto the coals creates a fragrant and extremely soothing mist Photo courtesy of Hido TakayamaIndulge in the best beef Japan has to offerApologies in advance to the vegetarians, but if you're in Gifu, you really shouldn’t leave without sampling the region’s world-famous beef A variety of Wagyu, Hida-gyu (or Hida beef) comes from specially bred Japanese Black cattle that have spent a minimum of 14 months living and grazing in Gifu Prefecture each piece of meat must pass a strict test evaluating marbling it’s taken home multiple awards (including the coveted Prime Minister's Award) at the esteemed National Wagyu Competency Meeting’s Wagyu Olympics You can get your carnivorous fix at Hida-gyu Grill Bakuro in Gifu City a cozy enclave serving a long list of Hida-gyu presentations from multicourse melt-in-your-mouth chateaubriand dinners to homey beef stew and even a juicy housemade hamburger The open kitchen concept is an added bonus as you can watch talented chefs whip up the meaty menu as you dine Other standout Hida-gyu purveyors include Takayama’s cute family-owned Yamatak and the refined Kitchen Hida, Gifu City’s modern-meets-traditional Senryu, and Mizunami’s Yakiniku Yoshita ヘブンスそのはらsnow worldTake in the stars from the top of a mountainIf you live in a major city light pollution has made it so your chances of routinely seeing stars are slim to none with its mountainous terrain and rural environment provides unobstructed views of the dazzling night sky In Nagano, Achi Village is a stargazer’s paradise. The charming village came in first in the 2006 Star Watching Network, a national observation event held by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. You’ll want to head over to Fujimidai Highland’s Heavens Sonohara a year-round ski run where you can climb the 4,600-foot mountainside in about 15 minutes aboard a rope-strung gondola you’ll enjoy pitch-black conditions giving way to one of the world’s most incredible starscapes Photo courtesy of Hida TakayamaWhile you gaze expert guides will point out constellations and explain their origin stories Each guest is provided with a smartphone and phone stand so they can capture high-resolution photos and videos of the night sky If craning your neck to look up is too straining bring blankets so you can prop up your phone See what all the fuss is about by teaming up with Makiba Karuizawa for a horseback riding adventure through the idyllic countryside just outside of Karuizawa proper you can choose from several different guided courses that allow you to walk a guide will lead you out of the paddock and into the forest where you can ride to your heart’s content amid towering Japanese red cedar trees kazoka/ShutterstockHunt for strawberries in SakuWhile Japan is known around the world for its huge roster of one-of-a-kind foods (we see you one item that often gets left off the list is the humble strawberry As one of the most popular fruits in Japan strawberries are sure to show up at any market you pass but the best way to experience the almighty berry is by rolling up your sleeves and picking some of your own during peak growing season GIFU — A fire broke out Sunday at Gero Onsen a hot spring resort area in Gifu Prefecture causing guests from nearby inns to evacuate temporarily A report was made to the fire department around 1:50 a.m According to the Gero city fire department and other sources the fire started at a restaurant and spread to surrounding buildings The site of the fire was the center of Gero Onsen resort Gifu — A woman in her 80s suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the hospital after being attacked by a bear in a field near an inn in Gero The prefectural government was prompted to issue a warning the following day This was the first case in the prefecture in which a bear has attacked a resident this fiscal year the bear that attacked the woman was a cub After receiving the report about the attack city officials patrolled around the area in the early morning on Wednesday There have been 11 reports of bear sightings in the city so far this fiscal year there have already been 90 bear sightings in the prefecture this fiscal year as of Wednesday Cormorants have been a constant presence in Youichiro Adachi's life he cried whenever one of his family's birds died drawing them out of their baskets each morning and stroking their long necks to confirm their health and maintain a bond.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Adachi is the 18th generation of his family to be a master cormorant fishermen and is one of about 50 people in Japan carrying on the 1,300-year tradition of using trained birds to dive for fish It is considered the ideal way to catch the sweet ayu river fish and his family has a hereditary mandate to supply the delicacy to the Japanese imperial household and a version of it has also been practiced in China But today it is largely supported by tourists who watch the fishermen and their birds bring in their catch environmental changes are making the fish ever more scarce and small "I go to the river every day so I can feel the changes," Adachi said drawing upon nearly four decades of working on the Nagara River in Oze a steersman and about 10 cormorants leashed at the neck and body A basket of flames swings out over the dark river waking the ayu from resting spots among the stones below The cormorants catch them as they dart away but the leash keeps the larger fish from going down the birds' gullets The birds are coaxed to release the fish into a bucket tourists take in the spectacle of splashing feathers and dancing fire Guests at a traditional ryokan inn run by the Adachi family are fed salted Adachi ascribes the dearth of fish to the weather which he says has become more unpredictable with heavier rains and flooding on the once calm river And the construction of flood barriers has led to smaller rocks and sand filling the river bottom obstructing the larger rocks that form the ayu's habitat and along with that the ayu have gotten smaller too." Environmental studies have confirmed his concerns Temperatures in the Nagara River have risen to a high of 30 degrees Celsius delaying the spawning period of the ayu by a month said Gifu University associate professor Morihiro Harada The fish like to eat algae that grow on large stones but those rocks have become less common after repeated anti-flooding works carried out by river management authorities Fleets of boats allow visitors to eat and drink as they watch the fishermen and birds The same environmental shifts also affect this business with rough waters sometimes pushing the tourist boats off course or leading to cancellations To contend with growing number of lost business days an economic development body known as ORGAN set up an elevated riverside viewing deck on a trial basis attempting to recreate the boat experience in evenings hosted by apprentice geisha and other traditional performers higher-quality experience," said ORGAN leader Yusuke Kaba Adachi can only honor the past and tend to the present he prays before shrines dedicated to his ushō ancestors His son Toichiro helps out on the boat and is training to become the next master fisherman the 22-year old spends his days working with a computer at a maker of high-precision machine tools the type of industry that transformed Japan's economy and society in the postwar period but it's tough to make a living," Adachi said our motivation is gone and there's no meaning in what we do." Gifu City in Gifu prefecture remains Japan’s largest manufacturer of traditional Japanese wagasa umbrellas We asked the Gifu Wagasa Association about the traditional manufacturing process handed down since the 17th century and the region’s history as an umbrella making area While umbrella making (currently called Gifu wagasa) in the city of Gifu dates back to the first half of the 17th century it did not develop on a significant scale until after the middle of the 18th century It is said that when Nagai Naonobu became the feudal lord of the Kano domain he encouraged lower-ranking samurai to engage in umbrella making to help pay their living expenses the area that included the Kano domain (today’s Gifu Prefecture) has been blessed with the materials needed for umbrella making since the Nagara River and its well-developed water transportation system made distribution by ship convenient umbrella making went beyond a side job for samurai as demand for umbrellas rose in the large cities of the day like Edo (today’s Tokyo) and Osaka the present-day Kano district in the city of Gifu and the surrounding areas became the center of one of Japan’s most distinguished wagasa making regions The golden age for wagasa production was after World War II when it is said that annual production exceeded 10 million umbrellas Japan relied on imports for Western-style umbrellas but these gradually became to be produced domestically and their popularity exploded with the postwar development of folding umbrellas The subsequent appearance of cheap polyester umbrellas further drove this popularization but the area remains a representative wagasa making region of Japan with most of the wagasa used in Japanese buyo dancing and other entertainment said to be manufactured here Gifu wagasa developed through a system in which wholesalers managed the artisans and divided umbrella making labor into over 100 processes thereby achieving both efficiency and minute detail in production This system was especially proficient at making hosomono (thin umbrellas) and are often used as janome (snake-eye) wagasa for the performing arts as well as umbrellas for traditional Japanese buyo dancing Gifu wagasa have been valued traditionally for their slenderness but another defining characteristic is the high quality of their elaborately formed structural design the user is fascinated by the delicate beauty of the geometric patterns created by the threads sewn into the inside as well as the beauty of the light streaming in through the washi paper the gentle fragrance of the vegetable oil applied for water resistance and the feel of the bamboo when taken in the hand offer delightful sensations that only craftwork made from natural materials can provide the Kawara district along the Nagara River in the city of Gifu is attracting attention as a tourist destination with its traditional wooden buildings that line the area and lasting remnants of the old townscape Gifu wagasa specialty shops have also opened in recent years and are communicating the appeal of Gifu wagasa as traditional handicrafts The Sakura Wagasa (cherry blossom umbrella) which was made by a young Gifu wagasa artisan and was also used for promoting an overseas movie While strolling through the traditional streets you may want to look for an attractive Gifu wagasa to use as a parasol for the hot season No article or any part there of may be reproduced without the express permission of the Cabinet Office. Copyright inquiries should be made through this form AD Leave a rating/comment#Ceramics / LacquerBack to ArticlesSHARE A teenage cadet of the Self-Defense Forces was arrested after three of his colleagues were shot with an automatic rifle during a training drill in Gifu Prefecture on June 14 The dead members were 52 and 25 years old and belonged to the Ground SDF’s Camp Moriyama in nearby Nagoya is being treated for injuries at a hospital Police arrested the 18-year-old cadet on suspicion of attempted murder “This sort of incident should never have happened in an organization that handles weapons,” Gen said at a June 14 news conference in Tokyo Morishita said the cadet entered Camp Moriyama in April to begin basic training One of the members who was shot was an instructor A GSDF official said the June 14 firing drill was the last of five for new recruits a call was made to the emergency 119 number reporting a shooting incident and injuries at the SDF’s Hino basic firing range in Gifu city The range is about 7 kilometers east of Gifu Station A residential area lies adjacent to the firing range and some residents went outside or looked from their windows at the range after the shooting was reported The Imperial Japanese Army opened the base in 1907 SDF members began using the 6.7-hectare firing range in 1960 The Hyakujūrō sakuras along the Shinsakai Canal have been augmented with new trees each year by volunteers and the lane now has 2,500 cherry trees over a stretch of 13 kilometers With trees also being planted along the Daianji River Kagamihara’s “cherry blossom corridor” has grown today to 31 kilometers Sakura 100: Japan’s Best Blossoms If JavaScript is not enabled on your browser 2021 - DAIKYO INCORPORATED (“DAIKYO”) and Daiwa House Industry Co. (“Daiwa House”) announced that they will commence public viewings of Lions Gifu Premist Tower 35 condominium showrooms on April 10 Lions Gifu Premist Tower 35 is currently under construction as part of the Takashimaya South District Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project in Gifu City (Yanagase Glasstle 35) Lions Gifu Premist Tower 35 will be located in the Yanagase area in the heart of Gifu City’s “Urban Center Priority Residential Area,” and will be responsible for providing the housing portion of the public-private redevelopment project With 335 units—the largest number of any condominium in Gifu Prefecture*—located on 35 above-ground floors this high-rise condominium is scheduled to begin welcoming residents in March 2023 The building will adopt a seismic control structure capable of damping earthquake vibrations and shocks A total of 62 unit variations will be available enabling residents to choose layouts appropriate to their lifestyles: floor sizes will range from 46.90 m2 to 156.32 m2 from where residents will be able to enjoy views of Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle as well as a drive-in multi-story car park equipped with a dedicated car entrance with direct access to the residential building DAIKYO will continue to generate urban excitement and provide comfortable housing in harmony with local communities according to research carried out by Summary Net (Mercury Inc.) The Takashimaya South District Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project (Yanagase Glasstle 35) is being developed at the southern entrance to Yanagase area in Gifu City with Takashimaya South Area Redevelopment Project as project executor Commercial facilities will be located on the first and second floors while public facilities administered by Gifu City will be located on the third and fourth floors the third floor will house health and exercise facilities for promoting health via exercise as well as Gifu City’s Central Health Center; the fourth floor will be home to childcare support facilities which seek to support the growth and development of children through play The Lions Gifu Premist Tower 35 condominium will be situated on the fifth to 35th floors and it will seek to revitalize the city center The largest high-rise condominium in Gifu Prefecture with 335 units Set to stand approximately 130 m tall the east and north sides upper floor of Lions Gifu Premist Tower 35 will have views of the beautiful Mount Kinka; with no adjoining buildings the west and south sides will offer uninterrupted views of Nobi Plain and Nagoya The upper wings of the building will be lit up at night; during the day the glass surfaces of the entrances to each residence will reflect sunlight so delivering a new radiance to the urban heart of Gifu Shared facilities Lions Gifu Premist Tower 35 will encompass a range of hotelesque shared facilities: a spacious entrance hall with illuminated walls and a ceiling height of approximately 5 m; a sky lounge incorporating a “party corner”; guest rooms where residents will be able to welcome important guests; and a soundproof room open to a variety of uses such as music recitals and movie-watching The drive-in multi-story car park will offer 303 parking spaces for the sole use of condominium residents; by using the dedicated car entrance passengers will be able to enter and exit vehicles without fear of getting wet LayoutsA total of 62 layouts will be offered with floor areas ranging from 46.90 m2 to 156.32 m2 and layouts ranging from 1LD to 4LDK; some layouts will offer views from every living space; others will provide an abundance of storage space with walk-in closets attached to every western-style room each exceeding 100 m2 in area and each boasting a terrace with superlative views A variety of shared services for security and comfortLions Gifu Premist Tower 35 will provide the 24-hour security service to ensure the safety of its residents at all times It will also provide a range of services to support a comfortable high-rise lifestyle: these include the Shoku-Hai Labo Service which delivers food and other products in coordination with the online supermarket service AEON Net Super; and the service which delivers morning edition of subscription newspapers to newspaper boxes located at the entrance to each unit Contact Information: Investor Relations and Sustainability Department ORIX Corporation Tel: +81-3-3435-3121 Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements: These documents May contain forward-looking statements about expected future events and financial results that involve risks and uncertainties Such statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results that differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements Factors that could cause such a difference include those described under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and under “(4) Risk Factors” of the “1 Summary of Consolidated Financial Results” of the “Consolidated Financial Results April 1 2021 News Releases List will likely lose its status as the “belly-button of Japan” five years from now because of population shifts The “navel” title refers to a geographical place considered the center of the country’s population it is the virtual point of equilibrium if every single resident of Japan is assigned an equal weight The internal affairs ministry in January said the 2020 national census showed the center of the population has drifted 2.2 kilometers southeast in five years as more people gravitated toward the greater Tokyo metropolitan area Seki city officials have acknowledged that the population center now only about 500 meters from the city’s boundary with Hichiso town will likely move outside of the municipality by the next census in 2025 it’s like we have narrowly managed to stay in the dohyo with our feet on one of the toku-dawara,” Seki Mayor Kenji Ozeki said referring to the straw bales that define the edge of the sumo ring “Perhaps we will be out of the dohyo the next time around.” The population census is taken every five years Internal affairs ministry officials said comparable records are available as far back as 1965 when Japan’s navel was located in the town of Miyama The navel has always been in Gifu Prefecture it drifted about 8 km between 2000 and 2020 in an east-southeast direction as more people moved to the Tokyo area from around the nation the exact population center was a spot in a mountainous area in Seki’s Nakanoho district 4.5 km from the municipal Mugi Elementary School The city government plans to install commemorative objects Ozeki said he knows of people who tour successive population centers of the past “We will continue to advertise the strong points of Seki Snow creates a picturesque view of Shirakawago historical area Fans flood Gifu for historical parade led by Takuya Kimura Fossilized bones of mysterious marine mammal found in Gifu 1st foreigner under new visa setup can bring family to Japan Nationality not the only issue at exclusive golf clubs in Japan Metal expert in quest to uncover secrets of ancient swords’ strength as a handful of men prepare for a ritual that dates back more than 1,300 years: fishing with cormorants they look like they come from another time was once common in waterside villages and towns throughout Asia and other parts of the world It has been on the gradual decline for centuries and now lives on in Japan as a tourist attraction and a carefully protected part of the country’s national heritage Shuji Sugiyama is the youngest of the cormorant masters He is one of just nine people to hold an imperial license for the practice He sits quietly on a rock by the inky water of the Nagara River apparently undisturbed by the chatter of his fellow fishermen but by the time the palace began issuing imperial licenses to usho in 1890 there are only a few dozen usho throughout Japan and just nine of them held imperial licenses at the end of 2018 turning over eight catches a year to the palace and receiving a symbolic salary of 8,000 yen (U.S The method is hardly a commercial enterprise and the usho rely on subsidies from local authorities that have turned the profession into a tourist draw and hope to one day see ukai make the UNESCO World Heritage list “Cormorant fishing is the biggest tourist draw we have in Gifu city,” local tourism division chief Kazuhiro Tada said “More than 100,000 people a year come to see it Sugiyama inherited the job from his father fishing alongside him until he obtained official usho status in 2002 Five generations of his family have practiced the unusual fishing technique which once existed in Europe and elsewhere but now continues mostly in China and Japan The job requires a tolerance for unusual hours — fishing takes place after sundown with the usho using flaming lamps hung on their boats to attract fish below the surface While the fishing season only runs from May until October each fisherman’s cormorants require daily care all year round after being captured during their migration across Ibaraki province north of Tokyo and must be trained — a process that takes about three years and I integrate the new ones with the group so they will imitate the older ones and learn how to fish,” Sugiyama said The fishermen wear traditional outfits: a blue shirt and matching bulbous hat to protect against the ashes of the lamps long straw skirts to keep out water and cold and truncated sandals that leave the heels exposed to prevent slipping They hang flaming torches on the boats to attract the small trout known as ayu and a draw determines the order the boats will move out in The cormorants are tied together with ropes and the fishermen tie string around each bird’s throat to prevent them from eating the catch The loops leave the birds enough space to eat smaller fish and are removed when the night’s catch is complete The birds are expert fishers and instantly kill their prey with their razor-sharp beaks the air is full with the sound of squawking birds shouting fisherman and the rhythmic tapping produced by boatmen banging sticks on the sides of the vessel Tourists on separate boats float around the fishermen but he doesn’t expect to take a holiday anytime soon “I have a son who is still in primary school I have the feeling that he has started to be interested in my work,” he said and I hope that one day he’ll take my place.”  Agence France-Presse the FORUM staff will only use it to communicate with you We will not share your email address or publish it Only your name and website will appear on your comment and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM is a professional military magazine published quarterly by the commander of the U.S Indo-Pacific Command to provide an international forum for military personnel of the Indo-Pacific area The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent the policies or points of view of this command or any other agency of the U.S All articles are written by FORUM staff unless otherwise noted The secretary of defense has determined that the publication of this magazine is necessary for conducting public business as required by the Department of Defense It's just before the beginning of the rainy season, and Sumii Tomijiro Shoten is rushing to make mizu uchiwa. They are called "water fans" in English, because Japanese used to dip them in water and cool off with the vaporized water.   Located in Gifu City along the Nagara River Sumii Tomijiro Shoten is a long-established manufacturer of these traditional Japanese implements This year the company is producing 500 of the popular fans decorated with refreshing seasonal designs of cormorants Each fans is handmade using thin translucent paper made from the pulp of Japanese gampi shrubs The paper sheets are then fixed to bamboo fan structures and coated with natural lacquer.  Readying them for market takes 10 days of indoor drying in early summer when the temperatures are rising but the humidity is still low and use them to cool off through the hot summer," says 60-year old Kazunari Sumii the fourth generation owner and craftsmen of the company Be sure to share with us in the comments section below (Read a related article in Japanese.) You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Leave a rating/comment#PaintingBack to ArticlesSHARE Gifu Prefecture--Municipalities rattled by an earthquake swarm along the borders of Gifu and Nagano prefectures are desperately trying to secure precautionary evacuation sites that put nobody at risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus more than 30 temblors shook Gifu Prefecture or 4 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 7 in Takayama The focus of the quake was about 10 kilometers below the surface in the Hida district of Gifu Prefecture according to the Japan Meteorological Agency No reports of damage or injuries had emerged in Takayama as of evening of May 19 although a number of residents told city authorities that some items fell off shelves “We felt a strong jolt inside the office,” said a staff member of the Kamitakara branch of the Takayama city government office “As quakes have hit (this area) repeatedly we are calling on residents to remain alert." Around 100 temblors that measured 1 or stronger on Japan's intensity scale hit Takayama city between April 22 and the evening of May 19 which remarkably remains free of COVID-19 infection cases is drawing up plans to protect residents from the risk of exposure to the coronavirus if the need for evacuation arises it will request evacuees to observe social distancing by staying at least 2 meters apart from each other Other steps include ensuring that evacuees have their temperature taken three times a day Authorities are also planning to use large hotels in the city as additional evacuation sites to ensure evacuees are not in close contact Major hotels in the city have already agreed to provide accommodation for travelers stranded in the event a natural disaster strikes The city is negotiating with the hotels so residents can evacuate directly from their homes the city will notify residents that they will not have to go to designated evacuation sites if they have a safe place to stay “We are thinking of several possible ways to ensure that residents are able to evacuate safely without being exposed to the virus,” said a city official Takayama's neighboring city of Hida will also introduce infection control measures at evacuation centers Evacuees will be asked to bring their own disinfectants place their heads on the opposite side while sleeping next to someone and keep their back turned to others when seated The area around the border between Gifu and Nagano experienced a similar earthquake swarm in August 1998 “Back then the swarm lasted for several months,” said a Nagoya District Meteorological Observatory official and take precautionary steps such as anchoring furniture to walls.” The observatory said the consecutive quakes from April to May apparently occurred because shallow bedrock was destroyed due to tectonic pressure coming from both northwesterly and southeasterly directions No changes have been observed in the volcanic activity of Mount Ontakesan and Mount Yakedake lying between Gifu and Nagano Prefectures (This article was written by Shuhei Yamashita and Yoshinori Doi.) A controversial flyer featuring an anime character with accentuated breasts has landed a small city tourism agency in hot water with calls it is tantamount to sexual harassment At the center of the furor is the flyer put out by the tourism office in the Gifu city of Minokamo depicting Kocho Yoshida a fictional teenage girl with a buxom figure.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); which caused a ruckus on Twitter over the weekend is being used in a drive to attract anime fans from across the nation Sign In Register THUNDER BAY – The peace bell at city hall was rung on Sunday while Gifu City officials rang their own peace bell simultaneously.  The ceremony is intended to embrace the spirit of world peace and to commemorate the events of July 9 said that the ceremony is a great way to bring the community together locally to talk about peace and harmony while also strengthening ties with Gifu.  at the same time is a hosting the ceremony they also ring the bell and it's something that we do together as a team and that is where a lot of things happen around the world,” he said.  “When you work together as citizens and you come together as a team so this event is a recognition of the great things that we've done in the past and hopefully we'll do in the future.”  Thunder Bay has a total of five sister cities across the globe including Duluth and Little Canada in the United States Seinäjoki in Finland and Gifu in Japan and Villella said that the relationships with each are crucial.  “It's extremely important that we have these relationships not only for cultural “There's a lot of benefits from having these partnerships.”  The sister Cities program allows for the sharing of cultural knowledge and allowed representatives from both cities to visit and learn more about each other.  said that the trip allowed her to see firsthand the differences between the communities on things like libraries and even fishing.  “We were lucky enough to be there during the few weeks that they do cormorant fishing and if you don't know what that entails look it up online because it's pretty cool,” she said  "They had interpreters come with us and just sort of take us around a few significant things from historical perspectives.”  Representatives from Gifu have also visited Thunder Bay where they toured the city visiting places like the university and the Thunder Bay regional research institute and met with local indigenous leadership.  THUNDER BAY – The peace bell at Thunder Bay’s city hall will be rung at 11:30 a.m Saturday in a ceremony meant to embrace the spirit of world peace mirrored in a similar ceremony thousands of kilometres away in Gifu City Gifu City is one of five official “sister cities” with which Thunder Bay maintains ties in efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding and economic opportunities Saturday’s event, which the public can attend at city hall or watch online at the city's Facebook page will be the 15th annual local peace bell ceremony It will also be aired on Shaw and Tbaytel on-demand following the event “The joint ceremony celebrates Thunder Bay’s special relationship with Gifu City and embraces the spirit of peace while commemorating those who fell in the bombing of Gifu City on July 9 1945,” the City of Thunder Bay said in a release chair of Thunder Bay’s Sister Cities Advisory Committee chair of the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association will be among those presiding over the ceremony Gifu University hosted a campus tour for junior high school students on Thursday The tour was conducted as part of the "Gifu Women Scientists' Support Project1," being undertaken since Gifu University was selected for the 2023 program to support female students to take science courses promoted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency The following are the major objectives of the project; 1) secure diversity in research 2) convey the advantages of science studies to female junior and senior high school students their guardians and school teachers within Gifu Prefecture 3) help building future career paths and present role models for female researchers and 4) implement number of programs (visiting lectures etc.) to support female students to study science courses in the future a total of 101 second-year students from Nagara Junior High School (Gifu City) attended with the support from "Gifu MIRAI's" of Gifu City Board of Education After a brief inspection on campus facilities the students listened to Vice President OYABU Chiho (Diversity Human Rights and Library) concerning each faculty campus life and students' academic/business careers after their graduation five undergraduate and graduate students who are studying science courses engaged in a "Relay Talk" and shared their views about their studies at Gifu University They talked about their experiences of course selection focusing on "love to study," meeting with friends on campus the students were invited to inspect the Center for Advanced and Smart Die Engineering Technology (G-CADET) and the University Library students observed the metal mold press experiments Professors at the Center explained the cutting-edge metal processing techniques using artificial intelligence for the students to understand well by using simple words the students observed the book shelves which are storing huge number of books the students had a chance to see animal specimens and skeletal presentations on display The following are the comments by the students found at the questionnaire; "I realized there are various courses to choose after listening to the talks of the GU students." "I learned that there are many specialized fields in science courses," and "I become more interested in science studies." These comments show the students' strong interests in taking science courses in the future The teachers who accompanied the students also said "The tour offered the students a great opportunity to see the world unknown to them," and "The students had an excellent experience to think deeply about their own future." Throughout the tour both the students and the teachers talked a lot about the study subjects and academic and business careers in the future The "Gifu Women Scientists' Support Project" will continue to offer various programs for female junior and senior high school students their guardians and teachers within Gifu Prefecture Please send your message to <habataki@t.gifu-u.ac.jp> for your inquiries about the project There are three new three-star restaurants in Japan If you buy something from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy The new guide features three restaurants with three stars Michelin’s highest rank: Sushi Ueda and Hijikata a sushi restaurant in the seaside city of Ise in Mie Prefecture The remaining 51 restaurants among the starred selections sit at the one-star rank the guide includes a number of Bib Gourmand selections that’s restaurants serving meals under 5,000 Yen a dish of eel over rice that’s a Nagoya specialty Stay tuned for the full list of Aichi-Gifu-Mie stars The freshest news from the food world every day GIFU — The traditional ukai cormorant fishing season began on the Nagaragawa river in Gifu City on Wednesday After interruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic the season opened as scheduled for the first time in three years 100,000 visitors come throughout the season and ride viewing boats to watch ukai fishing but was suspended for 55 days in 2020 and 90 days in 2021 resulting in tourist numbers to drop below 20,000 Although new restrictions limit the number of passengers per boat three new high-end viewing boats have been introduced this season bonfires hanging from iron baskets at the front of the boats lit up the six ukai fishing vessels on the river The fishermen demonstrated various techniques such as the spectacular “sogarami,” in which all six boats line up side by side giving the cormorants an advantage to corner the ayu sweetfish Onlookers seemed to appreciate their subtle and profound skills Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Toyo Ito is at it again lampshade-like ceiling fixtures made of polyurethane for a media center and library in Gifu The fixtures help define areas in the space In addition to lending what is an otherwise rectilinear design of concrete-and-steel structural supports and wood shelving a bit of visual intrigue the lantern-like installations help bring natural light down from the roof through the lattice-wood ceiling and into workstations below Arial; font-size:32px !important; line-height: 35px !important; border-top: 4px double #FF0000; border-bottom: 4px double #FF0000; } .post p { font-size: 17px; line-height:27px; margin-bottom:10px } .post h3 { font-family:TradeGothicLTStdBoldCondensed; Helvetica Arial; font-weight:normal; font-size:38px; width: 640px; padding: 18px 0; } .post h4 { font-family:TradeGothicLTStdBoldCondensed; Helvetica Arial; font-weight:normal; font-size:36px; width: 660px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:14px; } .site-cna .post .post-title { font-size:36px !important; width: 660px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-top:6px; line-height:40px !important } .post-metadata {margin-top: 475px !important } #column-right { padding-top: 126px } .post .post-body object .post .post-body img { max-width: inherit !important; } .firstcharacter { float: left; color: #FF0000; font-size: 75px; line-height: 60px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 8px; padding-left: 3px; The mayor of the town of Ginan in Gifu Prefecture submitted his resignation notice to the town’s assembly on Thursday after a third-party committee confirmed he had sexually harassed a number of his female employees was first elected mayor in November 2020 and was serving his first term.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); the town's third-party committee published a report on its investigation into the harassment including patting the heads and buttocks of female staff pressuring them to lift their skirts and revealing his chest and legs to employees as well as various other sexual comments and behavior the report deemed “inappropriate” for a town mayor Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines