President and CEO: Kenichi Hori) has been developing Logibase Ibaraki-Saito in Ibaraki City Osaka Prefecture with Haseko Corporation ("Haseko" President and Representative Director: Kazuo Ikegami) and this new logistics facility was completed on January 22 or a 5-minute drive from the Ibaraki-Sendaiji Interchange on the Shin-Meishin Expressway and a 13-minute drive from the Ibaraki Interchange on the Meishin Expressway the new facility offers excellent accessibility In addition to the capacity for frequent deliveries within Osaka Prefecture and to other urban areas this new logistics center is also ideally situated to supply other major consumer markets in the Kansai region With six above-ground floors and a total floor area of approximately 27,000 tsubo (equivalent to approximately 89,000 square meters) the multi-tenant facility offers approximately 3,000 tsubo (approximately 9,900 square meters) of storage space on each floor Trucks can directly access the first five floors via a rampway for loading and unloading The fifth and sixth floors feature a maisonette structure with four vertical conveyors and four freight elevators The new facility can accommodate a wide range of business needs including capacity for highly efficient inward and outward freight movements on the five lower floors as well as valuable storage space on the sixth The construction project was managed by Mitsui & Co which has extensive experience in the development of logistics facilities Group will continue to use its wide-ranging networks and comprehensive strengths to develop properties designed to effectively meet business needs https://www.haseko.co.jp/hc/english/ https://www.mbtk.co.jp/ Establish a foundation for sustainable and stable supply Cultivate societies that respect human rights Empower our people to build brighter futures COPYRIGHT © 1996-2025 MITSUI & CO. MITO — Students at Mito Girls’ High School have launched a project to fold 10,000 paper cranes that they plan to donate to illustrate their aspirations for peace and encourage people in disaster-hit areas please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent The project originated from the students’ desire to promote peace The students plan to give the cranes to the Chiran Peace Museum in Kagoshima Prefecture people affected by the January 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and others The school is also inviting people to chip in by donating paper cranes to help reach the goal of 10,000 several students busily folded paper cranes in a classroom after school had finished for the day “It’s important that we think about peace together while we fold cranes at the same time and in the same place,” said a third-year student The students began folding cranes together in 2022 Second-year students visit Chiran in Minamikyushu Chiran was home to a base from which pilots of “special attack forces” — units in which aircraft were deliberately flown into enemy warships — took off on their final mission third-year students who were unable to go on the trip the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic visited Chiran one year later than scheduled The students heard detailed stories about these pilots at the museum and wondered if there was something they could do themselves They decided to fold 1,000 paper cranes together These cranes were entrusted to the second-year students who visited Chiran the following month with the request that the cranes be donated to the museum second-year students and teachers at the school have folded 1,000 cranes and delivered them to the museum during their annual trip students decided to expand the crane-folding activity into a “future peace project” and ramp up production to 10,000 cranes All students at the school are encouraged to participate and residents also have been invited to cooperate with the project Students also plan to deliver some cranes to Ishikawa Prefecture which was hit hard by the 2024 earthquake; and even the embassies of other countries in Japan had to evacuate after the tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 struck the region “I want these to reach people affected by a disaster,” she said “I hope people will learn about our hopes for peace through these cranes.” Those wishing to donate paper cranes to the school should use square sheets of paper that have sides 15 centimeters long or 7.5 centimeters long The school asks to not complete the final steps of folding the crane’s neck and opening out the wings black paper or paper with glitter will not be accepted The cranes can be dropped off at the school between 9 a.m on weekdays or posted at the sender’s expense to the school’s future peace project Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Ibaraki Airport employees welcome travelers coming off a flight from Cheongju Japan -- Regular flights between Japan's Ibaraki Airport and South Korea are set to resume next month thanks to fans of the prefecture's golf scene and food offerings ending a six-year hiatus brought on by a diplomatic chill and Cheongju Airport will be operated by South Korean low-cost carrier Aero K Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture has unveiled a proposal for its airport to become the third flight hub in the central Kanto region just 100 minutes by bus or train from central Tokyo Ibaraki Airport aims to attract international visitors looking for an entry and exit point to Japan within the Kanto region While 19.1 million passengers chose Haneda Airport for international flights in fiscal 2023 Ibaraki’s local government is eager to increase its share of passengers which totalled 750,000 during the same period Ibaraki Airport would offer flights to Singapore expanding its current shorthaul international services to destinations such as Shanghai and Taipei in addition to domestic flights to Sapporo The increase in international flights would require the expansion and upgrading of airport facilities Development would include new taxiways to increase the number of flights served to more than eight per hour improved fuelling facilities for greater efficiency and a larger aircraft parking apron as the current one can only accommodate three planes The terminal building would also see improvements to accommodate the expected increase in passengers which celebrates 15 years of operations in 2025 has long sought to attract more international passengers even considering a name change to Tokyo Ibaraki International Airport a proposal that was abandoned due to local opposition Seafront stays and heritage charm at Penang Marriott Hotel Is Your Business Listed On TTGmice Planner Online Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo teamLab just unveiled yet another immersive digital art exhibition in the great outdoors – and this time it’s at a picturesque rice terrace in Izura Opened on September 30, the highly-anticipated installation features an old rice field that was transformed into a stunning, large-scale light art installation known as teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces.  The new artwork is inspired by the scenic Izura Coast where renowned scholar and art critic Tenshin Okakura (1863-1913) settled down in his later years This unique landscape was highly regarded by Okakura and is known for its beautiful topography which includes a secret rice terrace hidden in a forest deep in a valley As the terrace is no longer used for farming rice teamLab turned this gorgeous area into an art experience the area also features another teamLab project known as Digitized Nature which showcases how our natural environment can become one with art. The project explores how non-material digital technology can meld together nature and art without harming any of the natural surroundings You'll be able to walk around the forest surrounding the rice terrace to discover these immersive Digitized Nature installations These works examine the existence of forms on how they can be used to create a space that transcends boundaries and influence our understanding of the continuity of time Additionally, a new hot spring facility also opened concurrently with the art installation Here you can enjoy the beauty of the forest after dark and even stay overnight The opening time for teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces varies by season the exhibit will run from 6pm-10pm (September 30-October 25) and 5.30pm-10pm (October 26-31) take the JR Joban Line limited express train to Isohara Station The exhibition site is another 15 minutes away by taxi Entry is ¥2,200 per person (children ¥800). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.  Here’s the official 2024 autumn leaves forecast for Japan Gakugeidaigaku is one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2024 These Kyoto attractions are hosting Naked digital art experiences in autumn Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s Sea of Clouds installation features a magical full moon This is the place in Japan to see sakura and autumn leaves at the same time Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us Some Japanese municipalities are now charging patients for ambulance services when there is no urgent medical need With the growing number of ambulance dispatches nationwide the goal is to reduce pressure on the system Early results show a noticeable decrease in the number of patients with mild conditions calling for an ambulance experts warn that this could discourage people with genuine medical emergencies from calling for help They stress the importance of clear communication and improved consultation systems to help people make informed decisions Ibaraki Prefecture became the first in Japan to implement this system at the prefectural level patients transported to large hospitals (with more than 200 beds) without a referral will be charged if no urgent medical need is identified with a maximum charge of ¥13,200 JPY (about $80 USD) Patients will incur a fee for non-urgent conditions such as minor cuts if a patient is found to have a potentially urgent condition This is even if the condition is later diagnosed as mild after further examination at the hospital According to Ibaraki's medical policy division more than 60% of emergency transports in the prefecture are to large hospitals about half of these cases involve mild conditions or low urgency The division explains that the aim is to reduce strain on emergency services and ensure that resources remain available for critical patients The number of ambulance dispatches nationwide has been steadily rising Preliminary data from Japan's fire department show that in 2023 the total number of ambulance dispatches increased by 5.6% from 2022 The number of patients transported rose by 6.8% with the national average rising by 0.9 minutes to approximately 10.3 minutes in 2022 compared to 2021 Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture was one of the first to implement a similar system The city charges ¥7,700 (about $50) for non-urgent patients transported to one of the city's three main hospitals who do not require hospitalization In the three months after the system was introduced ambulance dispatches fell by 20% compared to the same period in 2023 The percentage of mildly injured patients decreased by 6.5 percentage points 7.4% (278 patients) had non-urgent conditions while the overall impact is still being assessed the system has encouraged more appropriate use of hospital services contributing to the sustainability of emergency medical systems More municipalities may consider adopting similar systems there are concerns that charging ambulance fees could deter people who genuinely need emergency care municipalities that have implemented the system are encouraging residents to consult phone help centers to assess whether an ambulance is necessary secretary-general of the Japan Conveyance Society warned that the public may misunderstand the system and believe they will be charged in all cases.  "Some patients may hesitate to consult by phone There is a need for an improved consultation system The Tokyo Fire Department offers an online consultation tool in Japanese and English you can receive guidance on whether an ambulance is necessary Author: Norihiro Akiyama You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " teamLab, the famed art collective known for its immersive digital installations, is set to debut a breathtaking new permanent exhibition in the serene coastal region of Izura in Japan‘s Ibaraki prefecture Titled teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces this stunning display will transform the naturally picturesque rice terraces into an entrancing world of light inviting visitors to experience a blend of art and the untouched beauty of the surrounding landscape The exhibition will take place deep in the forests that cradle the rice terraces creating a captivating contrast between the digital and the organic Known for their innovative “Digitized Nature” concept teamLab aims to merge art with the environment without causing harm Their use of non-material digital technology allows visitors to immerse themselves in a completely interactive experience that enhances the beauty of the landscape while leaving it untouched Visitors are encouraged to explore not just the terraces but also the nearby forest area where teamLab’s creative vision continues to unfold in harmony with the natural environment The project is more than just a visual experience; it’s an opportunity to reflect on how nature and art can exist symbiotically The exhibition seeks to reveal the hidden beauty of the rice terraces at their most serene turning the landscape into an ethereal world of light they’ve curated a unique wellness experience that combines glamping with art Guests can book an overnight stay in a secluded cottage that offers stunning views of the forest particularly during the exhibition’s twilight hours and nature allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of Izura making this much more than just a visual spectacle—it’s a retreat for the senses The exhibition will officially open on September 30, and visitors will have until October 31 to experience this one-of-a-kind event. Between October 2 and October 25, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., while from October 26 to October 31, the hours shift slightly to 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are expected to sell fast, so for pricing and booking details, be sure to visit teamLab’s official website For those who appreciate the fusion of technology and nature this event promises to be a dreamlike experience not to be missed Input your search keywords and press Enter By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy teamLab is set to unveil a new permanent exhibition in Izura a picturesque coastal spot in Japan’s Ibaraki prefecture Entitled teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces the immersive exhibition will take place in the unique landscape transforming the rice terraces tucked away deep in the forest into a beguiling spectacle of light Visitors will be able to explore the forest area that surrounds the rice terrace where they’ll also be able to check out another of teamlab’s projects “Digitized Nature.” As explained by the art collective on their website the concept examines how “non-material digital technology can turn nature into art without harming it.” a leading global real estate advisory firm announced today that Cushman & Wakefield Asset Management K.K has completed the construction of LF Sakai-Koga a logistics facility located in Sakai-machi At the completion ceremony held on January 20 CWAM also announced that it has signed an agreement with Sakai-machi Mayor to use the facility as an emergency evacuation site in the event of a disaster President of JFE Civil Engineering & Construction Corp who was in charge of the design and construction  East Exterior                                                                             South East Exterior  Roadway                                                                                  Warehouse Space https://lf-series.com/ LF Nara LF Nara ANNEX LF Tsukuba LF Kazo LF Sakai-Koga LF Yatabe* Trump 2.0 The First 100 Days Implications for the Economy & Property Cushman & Wakefield Agrees to Acquire Major Logistics Development Site in Sakai Cushman & Wakefield has announced the beginning of the construction of LF Tsukuba a multi-tenant logistics facility in Tsukuba City Cushman & Wakefield Asset Management K.K held the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility last Thursday Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information Ibaraki Airport plans to expand its flights to destinations across Asia aiming to become the Kanto region’s third major hub The Ibaraki prefectural government unveiled its future vision for Ibaraki Airport in Omitama on Feb after a panel of experts met at the prefectural offices to discuss its development The proposal outlines expanding the airport to meet the demand for both domestic and international flights It aims to extend the airport’s routes to more distant destinations in Asia such as Singapore building on its existing short-haul flights to Shanghai in China The plan also includes upgrading airport facilities to handle the expected surge in passengers It outlines the need to construct taxiways connected to the runway expand the aircraft parking apron and enlarge the terminal building Constructing new taxiways will allow separate paths for departing and arriving aircraft reducing delays and shortening the time arriving planes need to wait in the air before landing the airport can handle up to two takeoffs and landings per hour it could manage more than eight flights per hour The plan also aims to improve convenience by expanding security checkpoints as well as building multi-level parking areas The panel also discussed airport access and noise mitigation Transportation operators at the meeting raised concerns about a shortage of shuttle drivers while others suggested considering a Japanese version of ridesharing When considering flight schedules that are convenient for passengers and airlines some participants stressed the need to gain local community understanding regarding noise concerns The vision reflects feedback from surveys and interviews conducted by the prefectural government between September and October last year targeting airlines at Ibaraki Airport and tourism and transportation companies within and outside the prefecture It also took into account around 300 public comments collected through suggestion boxes at the airport and feedback submitted through its website between August last year and January this year The panel plans to hold its fourth and final meeting within this fiscal year to compile recommendations for the prefectural government Ibaraki Airport served around 700,000 domestic passengers with seven daily flights and roughly 50,000 international passengers on two flights a week Kansai Airport sees passenger numbers plunge to record low Airports plagued by critical staff shortages amid tourism influx Fourth Omicron case found; panel urges caution for year-end parties Discounted passports offered to all Miyazaki residents confident of success despite many challenges 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 Copyright © The Asahi Shimbun Company. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission. Industry and market insights and forecasts Key figures and rankings about companies and products Consumer and brand insights and preferences in various industries Detailed information about political and social topics All key figures about countries and regions Market InsightsMarket forecast and expert KPIs for 1000+ markets in 190+ countries & territories Consumer InsightsInsights on consumer attitudes and behavior worldwide eCommerce InsightsDetailed information for 39,000+ online stores and marketplaces Directly accessible data for 170 industries from 150+ countries and over 1 million facts: Full-service market research and analytics Strategy and business building for the data-driven economy Transforming data into content marketing and design: Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships) A paid subscription is required for full access the average land price in Ibaraki Prefecture was about 38.5 thousand Japanese yen per square meter up from approximately 37.7 thousand yen per square meter in 2023 Ibaraki Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of the Kanto area Figures are based on the official land price and standard land price Average land price in Tokyo Prefecture 2015-2024 Quarterly house price to income ratio in Japan Q1 2014-Q3 2024 Land use in Tokyo metropolis in Japan 1955-2023 To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic you will immediately be notified via e-mail … to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature Today's print edition Home Delivery A fishing boat capsized off the coast of Kashima Port in Ibaraki Prefecture early Monday morning according to the Japan Coast Guard's Ibaraki office 8 belonging to JF Otsu — a fisheries cooperative in the city of Kitaibaraki Ibaraki Prefecture — was carrying 20 crew members including 15 Japanese citizens and five Indonesian nationals.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Seventeen members have been accounted for but two of them — Japanese men in their 50s and 60s — were confirmed dead a nearby fishing vessel reported that a purse seiner had overturned about 31 kilometers east of Kashima Port One of the crew members who had been rescued reportedly said the vessel tilted gradually after a large amount of fish was caught in a net The Transport Safety Board has assigned three marine accident investigators to look into the accident are believed to have been thrown overboard during the incident Rescue efforts involving four patrol vessels and a helicopter are ongoing The ship had been fishing for sardines in the area alongside two other vessels since midday Sunday Several other boats in the area also joined the search for the missing crew with clear skies and wave heights of 0.5 meters NHK also reported that crew members from nearby vessels described the sea as unusually tranquil noting that the conditions were not typical for a capsizing 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 National Report including a dance competition for children to mimic the mammal’s cute moves An awards ceremony for a panda art contest was also held to commend the winners selected from among more than 2,000 paintings from both in and outside Ibaraki Prefecture But the "guest of honor" was nowhere to be found in the flesh The festival's nonprofit organization organizer the Japan-China Friendship Association of Ibaraki explained that the aim was to boost the prefecture’s efforts to bring in pandas from China “We may be the only prefecture that is so aggressive over the project even though we don't have a panda yet,” said Takashi Kawazu a prefectural assemblyman from the Liberal Democratic Party who also serves as the vice chairman of the NPO “Momentum in the local community is growing.” Ibaraki Prefecture is moving to invite pandas to the Kamine Zoo in Hitachi Ibaraki Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa has been committed to the endeavor to “re-energize the prefecture’s northern area.” Oigawa visited China last year As the prefectural government estimates pandas’ economic benefit at billions of yen (tens of millions of dollars) an Ibaraki official expressed high expectations saying that the project can provide a major “catalyst for regional revitalization.” Ibaraki is one of the many regional governments across Japan seeking to attract giant pandas under the banner of local revitalization Pandas are expected to produce a significant economic impact and there appears to be no end to the number of regions seeking the rare bears The challenge lies in the lack of clear strategies to persuade China which is believed to be shrewdly taking advantage of pandas for diplomatic purposes Local governments nationwide are similarly working to lure in pandas Sendai city embarked on a project to invite pandas for providing “mental encouragement” to children affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed in 2018 to “proceed with negotiations to present new pandas” during their summit proposed plans to promote Japan-China friendship via the animals A candidate in the mayoral election in Okinawa’s Nago has vowed to make every effort to bring pandas available there Many local governments want the bears due to the expected economic benefits a professor emeritus of economics at Kansai University shows that the pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei produced an economic ripple effect of as much as 30.8 billion yen ($211.2 million) for their one-year public display following their births in 2021 at the Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo After Ri Ri and Shin Shin were presented to the Ueno Zoological Gardens in 2011 there are no signs of Beijing shipping any additional pandas to Japan in sight How have recipient zoos in Japan succeeded in embracing pandas Kobe city-run Oji Zoo accepted a pair of pandas in 2000 Kobe said it had long deepened friendship with China’s Tianjin resulting in zoological facilities in the cities signing a mutual animal exchange deal during the 1970s and the Chinese side reportedly approved it in 1998 three years after the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck the Kobe area The facility’s operator pointed to the abundant availability of bamboo for food the amusement park operator admitted it had “no idea about the decisive reason.” The Ueno Zoological Gardens received two pandas for the first time in 1972 in commemoration of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China A total of six later arrived or were born at the establishment One month after the last panda had died at the Ueno Zoological Gardens in April 2008 then Chinese President Hu Jintao reportedly announced a new panda lease during his visit to Japan “Our long history of looking after pandas was likely taken into account,” said a Tokyo representative the final decision lies with the Chinese side and we know no details about the panda program.” Ibaraki assemblyman Kawazu noticed the limitations to regional efforts “There is no straightforward way to go about it leaving us at a loss over what to do to become successful,” said Kawazu “Only the Japanese government can inspire the Chinese government a professor of Chinese politics at Tokyo Woman’s Christian University who has authored a book about Beijing’s panda diplomacy stated that China initially sent pandas as gifts on particularly important diplomatic occasions Signing the Washington Convention agreement in the 1980s that regulates the international trade of endangered plants and animals Beijing beefed up its panda protection activities China exclusively leases pandas to other countries for breeding research The objective of the so-called panda diplomacy is to support and promote pro-China sentiment in recipient nations Improving the country’s image is likewise among its diplomatic aims Ienaga emphasized that there is “no guaranteed method to obtain pandas” for Japan’s central and local governments The three facilities in Japan that have successfully acquired pandas have yet to disclose their negotiation tactics or contracts meaning that the details of the discussions remain shrouded in mystery Ienaga believes that specific criteria must be met including “historical intercity friendship,” “visits by senior officials” and “the potential for pandas to help foster a friendly environment.” Giant pandas get new enclosure at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo to spur mating Japan’s beloved panda couple return home after heartfelt farewell Kobe's only panda returning home to China after 20 years Beloved giant panda Xiang Xiang to return to China Feb VOX POPULI: This giant panda prays for peace 50 years after the 1st came to Japan No reproduction or republication without written permission By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. bungee jump off one of Japan’s longest suspension bridges and more Autumn in Japan is the time of year when people flock to scenic destinations across the country just to see the leaves turn brilliant shades of vermillion Tokyo has its fair share of ideal spots for autumn leaves boasts activities that put a new spin on seeing the seasonal foliage. Ibaraki prefecture is so easily accessible from Tokyo The best time to head up is from mid-to-late November if you want to catch the autumn leaves at their peak The picturesque Ryujin Lake area in Ibaraki prefecture is about two-and-a-half hours by car from central Tokyo you can take the Hitachi Limited Express train up to Mito Station then transfer to Hitachi-Ota Station and from there hop onto a bus for Ryujin Dam; the entire journey takes roughly three hours from Tokyo Station Here are just a few of the exciting things you can do in and around Ibaraki's Ryujin Lake RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan Located in Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park, the Ryujin Suspension Bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in mainland Japan the stunning structure crosses a lush gorge that houses the Ryujin Lake It’s particularly stunning come autumn because the area is surrounded by trees that turn candy-coloured hues once the weather cools down Need an adrenaline rush? While you’re at the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, you can book a bungee jump (until October 26) from the middle of the bridge itself giving you an opportunity to soar 100 metres down into the gorge below.  Watersports aren’t just for summertime, especially not at Ryujin Lake. You can go canoeing through the calm waters of the lake or take out a larger boat if you have more people – either way you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the autumn leaves all around you To make the most of your stay, try camping at Ryujin Furusato Village. There are tent and car campsites at the connected Mizufu Ryu no Sato Park area, as well as cottages and bungalows for a comfier stay. Book one of the on-site barbecue areas and enjoy a meal in the cool autumn air. Ryujin Furusato Village is located in the city of Hitachiota, which is also home to a number of wonderful hiking trails. Courses are available for beginners and advanced hikers to take you through all the colourful autumn foliage, along with the numerous waterfalls around Lake Ryujin. Photo: Cowardlion/DreamstimeFrom yellow ginkgo trees to red maple leaves – see the seasonal beauty at Tokyo's gardens and parks Photo: Central Japan Railway CompanySee bamboo lanterns light up the autumn leaves at top Kyoto attractions: Byodoin Temple Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! 2024Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces: TeamLab's New Location in Ibaraki Scheduled to Open Fall 2024TeamLab's new permanent installation will open in Izura "teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces" Ibaraki AD International art collective TeamLab has announced a new location for the installation teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces in Izura this permanent exhibition will transform the old rice fields hidden in the forest into a large-scale light art installation The grand opening is scheduled for the fall of 2024 but the official website's concept reveals the story behind the installation: where the scholar and art critic Tenshin Okakura (1863-1913) lived in his later years there was a mountain forest by the sea that was difficult to enter After passing through the forest deep in the mountains Here the remains of rain-fed rice terraces had become a marsh covered with reeds They appeared to be secret terraced rice fields Thinking about the existence of the long period of time in which the activities of nature and people are continuous we decided to create artworks of the remains of the terraced rice fields walking around the forest and surveying the vegetation we thought to make the entire forest covering the ruins of the rice terraces into a space for artworks that are at one with the surrounding plants The Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces installation is set to combine the art experience with the beauty of the night forest and the nature of the Izura coast much adored by art critic and philosopher Tenshin Okakura "Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura" will open simultaneously with the installation allowing visitors to stay overnight in the same location TeamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice TerracesSchedule: Open in fall 2024Address: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura, 2132 Otsumachi, Kitaibaraki-shi, Ibaraki PrefectureOfficial website: https://www.teamlab.art/e/izura/ Ibaraki Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa brought a powerful recruiting pitch with him last year when he flew to India Attractive salaries and a wide range of job opportunities awaited in his prefecture for young talent “India now has the largest population all over the world with its unemployment rate being high among young people,” Oigawa said in July 2024 at a news conference after returning from his Indian trade mission “Ibaraki Prefecture and other parts of Japan are struggling to secure personnel due to the shrinking number of residents I saw firsthand that our collaboration with India can form mutually beneficial relationships.” Oigawa signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Amity University a prestigious Indian comprehensive private school The aim is to create an environment where workers from India can be accommodated in Ibaraki Prefecture after finishing their school curriculums Ibaraki Prefecture instituted a Japanese education program at Amity University in September 2024 As many as 130 juniors applied for the program that was limited to 30 students taking a pair of classes weekly over two years for mastering Japan’s culture and business practices as well as the language Ibaraki similarly organized a local inspection tour in February 2025 for the benefit of companies within the prefecture that are interested in employing workers from India Participants traveled to Amity University in particular among other destinations and interacted with students studying in the Japanese course Ibaraki is looking to incorporate an intern system for the Japanese lesson takers to work at enterprises in the prefecture at some point A matchmaking framework is alike eyed to refer new graduates to businesses in Ibaraki Ibaraki Prefecture has concluded a total of 10 MOUs to date All three deals signed in 2024 were from India Ibaraki Prefecture currently places particular emphasis on the Indian labor force craving workers with advanced skills in information technology and other fields along with medical service providers such as nursing care staff A prefectural representative cited numerous advantages of human resources from India with the world’s largest population exceeding 1.4 billion driven by the difficulty in finding domestic employment “Even if only a tiny percentage of the people show an interest in Ibaraki Prefecture we can expect to secure a substantial workforce given the nation’s vast overall population,” said the prefectural official While it will take some time for workers from India to arrive in Ibaraki based on the 2024 MOU some business operators in the prefecture have already embarked on recruitment drives targeting Indians who majored in Japanese at an Indian graduate school joined the general planning division of trading house Sekisho Corp Sante is responsible for the company’s recruiting events held in India “I am happy that I can link India with Japan via my work Sekisho decided to hire five Indians in 2024 This inspired Ibaraki Prefecture to turn to the labor market in India “Pokemon,” “Doraemon” and other anime titles from Japan are especially popular in India “A lot of people feel a sense of familiarity with Japan,” Sante said “Japan has an image of being clean and safe.” Sante said she thus felt at ease about traveling to Japan Personnel from India have been deployed to the nursing care industry as well welcomed four Indian staff members in December 2024 under the “specified skills” visa system designed to bring more foreign workers to Japan Dispatched to a care facility for elderly people requiring special treatment is training herself to help senior residents eat Rashmi is taking full advantage of her professional experience as she formerly served as a nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a medical center in India after graduating from a nursing school She decided to take the national test for licensed caregivers in Japan in a quest to raise her wages Rashmi found out that her starting salary in Japan is more than 35 times higher than in India Rashmi currently works in Japan while sending money to her family in her homeland “It is rewarding for me to have elderly residents thank me,” she said An Asahi Shimbun survey of Japan’s 47 prefectures and 20 major cities with near-prefectural powers taken in October 2024 revealed that 28 of respondents had signed 87 MOUs in total inclusive of one planned for future conclusion Vietnam was the dominant MOU signatory until 2023 suddenly emerged with seven agreements in 2024 made its first appearance on the list in 2023 and signed a total of five MOUs by the time of the survey Local governments in Japan started reaching out to South Asia despite the geographical and cultural distances because they are scrambling to address the dearth of workers following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic Regional authorities nationwide are holding a growing sense of crisis about their failure to make up for this dire labor shortage with human resources from Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia alone Another reason is that the per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) for South Asian nations is less than $4,000 (590,000 yen) the salary level in the East Asian country remains attractive Local governments across Japan--particularly in rural regions--have been aggressively resorting to MOUs since 2023 after the end of COVID-19 crisis under what is described as the second boom of this type of international deal The first MOU fever came between 2018 and 2019 as Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture led the trend the former head of Yokohama’s health and welfare department for elderly citizens designing and instituting the municipality’s MOU program “It all started when we received a request for assistance from a care home for elderly individuals needing special treatment that had an international student as a temporary staffer at the time,” recalled Matsumoto Matsumoto retraced how his proposed framework proved successful “We could successfully build connections with other local governments and college operators (outside Japan) through MOUs,” Matsumoto explained resulting in a greater acceptance of workers afterward.” Concluding MOUs with overseas parties is becoming increasingly common among not only major cities but also smaller municipalities and agricultural cooperatives throughout the country (This article was written by Junko Miyasako and Makoto Oda Sompo Care opens caregiving training center in India Survey: Local governments 'battle' to secure foreign workers Thoroughbred-producing town in Hokkaido bets on Indian talent India conduct joint military exercise to counter China Nishi-Kasai’s Little India is a model of expat integration Ibaraki Prefecture--A fishing vessel capsized off the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture early on Jan killing two crew members and leaving three others missing Fifteen individuals were rescued from the chilly waters Authorities received an emergency call at 2:10 a.m from a nearby vessel that a seine boat had overturned about 30 kilometers east of Kashima Port The two fatalities were Japanese men in their 50s and 60s A search operation is continuing for three missing Japanese men in their 40s The 80-ton purse seiner Daihachi Ohama Maru had been hauling in a large amount of fish when it began to tilt and eventually overturned The vessel departed from its home port of Otsu in Kita-Ibaraki the previous day It was operating alongside two other boats at the time of the accident (This article was written by Jun Sugie and Toru Furusho.) 3 fishing vessel crew members die in collision with cargo ship Korean coast guard’s order to halt sea survey JAPAN — I was 12 years old when I met Mariko a beautiful young woman and exchange student from Ibaraki Christian University and Mariko was part of an exchange program that had started three years earlier between Ibaraki Christian and Oklahoma Christian University We toured the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa Connie Penick spends the summer with a Japanese family and attends Ibaraki Christian spending my summer living with a Japanese family and taking classes at Ibaraki Christian a close friend of my host family’s daughter Forty-seven years after that first meeting with Mariko and 38 years after hanging out with Tomoko I reunited with both of these wonderful women in Japan as we celebrated a half-century of cultural exchanges between Ibaraki Christian and Oklahoma Christian It’s the longest continuous mutual exchange program between any two schools in the U.S who traveled to Japan for the commemoration was on faculty at Oklahoma Christian when the schools became sister campuses in 1974 He sponsored some of the first groups who made the journey from Oklahoma to Japan It’s because of my father that I was in Tulsa that day in 1977 — and he’s why while I was a student at Oklahoma Christian I spent the summers after my freshman and junior years in Japan My dad’s love for the program played a role in my decision to spend a year in Japan in 1992 The relationship with Ibaraki Christian has changed lives for eternity in both countries I witnessed my friend Emiko give her life to Christ on a frigid day in Japan The baptistery was built into the stage floor of an unheated auditorium on Ibaraki’s campus Emiko went into that ice-cold water so that she could be united with Christ and become my sister Although Ibaraki Christian has roots in Churches of Christ most of its 2,500 students do not come from a Christian background Oklahoma Christian University professor Joe McCormack teaches students from Ibaraki Christian University as part of the two institutions’ exchange program Christianity is a minority faith among the 125 million souls in Japan and the country has fewer than 1,200 Church of Christ members That’s why the partnership between Ibaraki Christian and Oklahoma Christian is so important It has helped missionaries strengthen congregations across Japan Short-term mission teams study the Bible with Japanese English students many of whom would never hear the Gospel otherwise OC students invite visiting Ibaraki students to church OC hosted a visiting group of administrators Oklahoma Christian unveiled a carved stone on campus that commemorates the 50-year partnership the university hosted a standing-room-only reception for those of us visiting from Oklahoma led “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” in Japanese and English The Battens dedicated their lives to Ibaraki Christian where Jim served as a professor and chancellor who was part of the first exchange program in 1976 He now serves as principal for Ibaraki Christian’s junior high and high schools The celebration was an example of a Japanese concept of ichi-go ichi-e discovered the term while reading our father’s journals which spanned three decades of travels to Japan Jeff recently retired after serving as Oklahoma Christian’s chief academic officer The 50-year celebration was an ichi-go ichi-e gathering that occurs once and never again But the partnership between the two universities is far from over “It feels like there is still so much ahead,” he said CONNIE PENICK is an administrative assistant for The Christian Chronicle. She and her husband, Jay, worship with the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City Subscribe today to receive more inspiring articles like this one delivered straight to your inbox twice a month Your donation helps us not only keep our quality of journalism high but helps us continue to reach more people in the Churches of Christ community {amount} donation plus {fee_amount} to help cover fees MITO--Nationality will not be an issue for people applying for clerical positions in the Ibaraki prefectural government This policy starting in fiscal 2026 will apply to administrative staff officials said it is essential to give non-Japanese the opportunity to play an active role in the prefectural government The nationality requirement will be removed for clerical positions for university and high school graduates beginning with the recruitment examination for which applications will be accepted from March 2025 according to the prefectural government’s human resources department Non-Japanese who are hired will be expected to make use of their language skills knowledge and experience of living in this country they will be tasked with providing support to foreign nationals living in the prefecture securing foreign human resources as needed and attracting inbound visitors Since these tasks are mainly performed by clerical staff Non-Japanese will not be allowed to work in positions that involve “exercising public authority” or “participating in the formation of public will” that affect the rights and obligations of prefectural residents Examples include on-site inspections and crackdowns on waste disposal facilities foreign nationals will not be allowed to hold managerial positions at or above the level of section chief with decision-making authority or to serve as the head of a subordinate organization The nationality requirement has already been removed for some positions Eleven other prefectures have hired clerical and technical staff without regard to nationality Gunma town will allow foreign residents to be civil servants Gifu hospital hires diverse staff to help foreign patients Nurse shortages raise concerns in quake-hit Noto Peninsula area Banks changing with the times by ditching female-only uniforms Vice governor in Gifu ‘too busy,’ had to smoke in office for years Police confirm 6 cases of inappropriate questioning of foreigners MITO — A carpet of pale blue nemophila flowers has reached peak bloom delighting visitors to the Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka the flowers bloom every year and to a diameter of about 3 centimeters Around 5.3 million nemophila flowers are planted over a 4.2-hectare hill the flowers will stay at their peak until early May “We hope that visitors will enjoy the spectacular view of the blue hues of the sky along with the nemophilas,” said a park worker Two earthquakes rocked Ibaraki Prefecture and surrounding areas early on Aug prompting authorities to warn residents to stay alert for strong tremors over the next week A magnitude-4.7 quake hit the northern part of the prefecture at 12:48 a.m. followed two minutes later by a temblor of magnitude 5.1 at the same location according to the Japan Meteorological Agency The second quake registered a seismic intensity of lower 5 on the Japanese scale of 7 in Hitachi the JMA warns of possible earthquakes with maximum intensity of lower 5 for the next week The depth of the second earthquake was 8 kilometers It caused a seismic intensity of 4 in Takahagi Tokai and other municipalities in the prefecture experienced a seismic level of 3 Tochigi and Saitama prefectures also recorded a seismic intensity of 3 Quake damages Wakayama after tremors rattle Mt Quakes now shaking island in Kagoshima Prefecture Earthquake that hit Mie shook faraway Ibaraki and Fukushima Ishikawa bracing for more quakes as JMA warns of landslide risk Strong quake rattles the Noto Peninsula and nearby areas 12 arrested a Chinese national suspected of impersonating a celebrity in the biggest online investment scam perpetrated against a single individual in Japan is suspected of stealing 83 million yen ($535,000) from a 71-year-old female company executive in Ibaraki Prefecture The suspect and his accomplices allegedly used the Line messaging app to contact the victim between October 2023 and April this year Wen is accused of impersonating renowned economist Takuro Morinaga and his assistant to persuade the woman to invest in gold promising an unrealistic 85 percent monthly return The victim handed over the money to the suspects on two separate occasions in December last year at a train station in southern Ibaraki Prefecture prefectural police reported that the same woman had been defrauded by individuals posing as famed entrepreneur Takafumi Horie The total losses suffered by the woman amount to 809 million yen making it the largest known case of online investment fraud against one person in Japan Fukushima prefectural police arrested Wen in connection with a separate fraud case Evidence seized during that investigation led to the discovery of Wen’s involvement in the Ibaraki case Police officer accused of illegal use of fraud victim’s e-money Text address of murder victim on phone connected to another attack 6 arrested as police target Chinese-run Line scams Suspect in Tokyo acid attack spoke of ‘troubles’ with victim in past Man imprisoned for decades on false charges dies of cancer at 76 MITO (Jiji Press) — An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in the town of Yachiyo This is the 16th outbreak in the country this season about 1.1 million egg-laying hens will be culled The prefectural government received a report from the farm on Saturday and simple tests found eight out of 10 birds positive for the virus The infection was later confirmed by genetic tests a total of about 12 million chickens were kept on farms as of February this year a total of about 1.67 million birds have been culled in 15 outbreaks in 11 prefectures across the country Tuesday | May 06 2025 | In a strategic move to combat its growing labor shortage Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture has initiated a recruitment drive targeting skilled professionals from India The local government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Amity University in India focusing on attracting young talent to fill vacancies in sectors like manufacturing has been facing a serious labor crunch due to a declining and aging population which is impacting its industries and economy the prefecture is offering competitive salaries and a vibrant working environment to appeal to young Indian professionals The partnership with Amity University aims to provide specialized skill training to Indian graduates preparing them for roles in Ibaraki’s key industries This initiative is not only an attempt to meet immediate labor needs but also an effort to foster long-term economic ties between India and Japan With high unemployment rates among India’s youth and a growing demand for skilled labor in Japan this collaboration is expected to be mutually beneficial The program promises opportunities for cultural exchange and career development helping Japan meet its workforce challenges while providing young Indian professionals with valuable international experience The move highlights Japan’s continued effort to globalize its workforce as it grapples with demographic changes The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar programs in other Japanese regions facing similar challenges Abdulla Mazumder9871609348Abdulla@businessworld.in Aparna Sengupta 9958000128aparna@businessworld.in Bilquis Naqvee 9910382910Bilquis.naqvee@businessworld.in Vinod Kumar 9810961195Vinod@businessworld.in Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on our latest news The Future of AI and Buddhist Teachings (Dr 60th Anniversary of Normalization of Japan-South Korea Diplomatic Relations: Pre.. Ibaraki Prefecture Launches New Campaign to Promote the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail to International Visitors Copyright © 2015- Foreign Press Center Japan Ibaraki Prefecture--City officials here may end up doing desk work on weekdays and serving as golf caddies or greenskeepers on weekends Tsukubamirai city is now discussing a side-job system that would allow personnel to work at golf facilities expected to take effect next fiscal year at the earliest will help to alleviate labor shortages at popular golf courses the Tsukuba Country Club and the Toride Kokusai Golf Club The four courses have convenient access to expressways railroads and other traffic infrastructure “We have difficulty finding applicants when posting new jobs,” explained an insider Tsukubamirai summoned the golf resorts’ managers to city hall where they signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement to attract more people to the city via golf and reinvigorate local communities the city and the operators will work together toward establishing Tsukubamirai as a “town of golf.” They will also address challenges facing the golf industry civil servants are prohibited from holding secondary jobs under the Local Public Service Law mayors and other authorities can allow public workers to participate in social contribution activities civil servants can harvest crops during peak farming seasons as part of work style reform Tsukubamirai said its side-job endeavor is rare because it caters exclusively to local golf courses The municipality expects its personnel will take the secondary jobs primarily on their off-duty weekends Tsukubamirai city plans to design its side-job system in a way that gains the understanding of staff members It will refer to other local governments’ programs to set limits on side-work hours and to clear labor management issues “We will be weighing the system to provide a good opportunity not only to change our staff’s work style but also to raise awareness of job chances at golf courses among citizens,” said a Tsukubamirai representative Nationality not the only issue at exclusive golf clubs in Japan learn a job skill and start afresh upon release Former rural golf courses now sites for sea of solar power panels Hunters demand higher pay to risk lives against Hokkaido’s bears Golf industry hoping to cash in on Matsuyama's win at Masters Nippon Steel had high hopes for the $14.1 billion takeover of U.S the biggest Japanese steelmaker will be forced to consider next steps for rapid growth The bid for the once-fabled American company ran into a maelstrom of political opposition in the U.S in the run-up to the presidential election President Joe Biden is planning to formally block the acquisition before the end of the month it was reported this week.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); which aimed to boost crude steel production capacity by 30% with the U.S was aimed at reducing its dependence on the waning Japanese market and helping it compete with the big mills in China whose excessive output and surging exports have sparked a trade backlash around the world The prefectural government's intends to expand the apron and taxiways at Ibaraki Airport Japan -- Japan's Ibaraki Airport is trying to cement its status as a third hub in the Kanto region centering on Tokyo Deliberations are underway to draw up plans in time for the airport's 15th anniversary in March served some 750,000 passengers in fiscal 2023 close to the target of 810,000 set when it began operating Management hopes to raise the airport's capacity increasing the number of international flights it handles and expanding the terminal building following similar moves by Narita and Haneda A fishing boat reported at around 2:10 a.m Monday that a purse seine fishing boat appeared to have capsized in the sea about 30 kilometers east of Kashima Port in Ibaraki Prefecture According to the Choshi Fire Department in Chiba Prefecture and other authorities and 17 were rescued and taken to the hospital Four Japan Coast Guard patrol boats and other vessels are searching for the missing persons According to the Kashima Coast Guard Station the capsized boat is the 80-ton Daihachi Ohama Maru belonging to the Otsu Fishing Cooperative the boat gradually tilted because of the large number of fish caught in the net.” Weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear with a west wind of 2 meters and waves 0.5 meters high and the fishing boat was believed to have been out fishing for sardines MITO--An unprecedented contest was held here to address the seeming lack of high-profile gourmet food in Ibaraki Prefecture Although the prefecture is the top producer of various ingredients it does not have what could be called a “signature” gourmet dish The prefectural government organized the Oct called “Shin Ibaraki Meshi Sosenkyo 2024” (New Ibaraki food general election 2024) The contest was the first attempt to have all municipalities in the prefecture come up with ideas for a gourmet food to represent Ibaraki Forty-one municipalities submitted entries in the general cooking category towns and villages entered the sweets category They were required to create completely new dishes using locally produced ingredients or add new twists to existing local gourmet food The grand prizes went to “Shin Ibaraki agesoba” (New Ibaraki deep-fried noodles) from Goka town in the general cooking category and “Daiya monburan” (Diamond Mont Blanc) from Omitama city in the sweets category The event was held in front of the prefectural Sannomaru Building in Mito and drew around 64,000 visitors The two categories each had 10 finalists chosen through prior polling and voting at the venue “Shin Ibaraki agesoba” features deep-fried Hitachi aki soba noodles topped with locally produced vegetables and thickened sauce “Daiya monburan” is inspired by the sun setting behind Mount Tsukuba and features sweet potato ice cream topped with cream and macaroon The winning municipalities said they created the original dishes through trial and error They are both thinking of commercializing their winning works “We were able to prove Ibaraki’s potential by showing that we can create such wonderful dishes if we join forces,” Ibaraki Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa said Get pickled with ‘Japan’s best pickle’ at bar in Fujisawa TASTE OF LIFE/ Boscaiola spaghetti: Mixing Italian Japanese styles in pasta offers infinite potential Court injunction on Tokai nuclear plant cites poor evacuation plans ASAHI HAIKUIST SPECIAL/ 10th Matsuyama Photo-Haiku Contest Results Japanese Prince Hisahito attended the entrance ceremony at the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture on Saturday "I am grateful that I can learn in various academic fields including those that I have been interested in," the 18-year-old son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko told reporters before the ceremony.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); "I also want to enjoy activities other than academic work," said Prince Hisahito the nephew of Emperor Naruhito who is second in line to the throne became a student at the College of Biological Sciences of the university's School of Life and Environmental Sciences but I will cherish each and every experience I have from now on," he said "I plan to ride my bicycle to get around the campus between classes." Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko did not attend the ceremony They said in a statement that they hope that Prince Hisahito will broaden his horizons deepen his fields of interest and lead a fulfilling college life Prince Hisahito rented an apartment near the university he will commute by car to the university from his residence at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo Businesses in Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture are facing a serious labor shortage the prefecture is looking to India for talented young workers MITO — In an effort to address the shortage of workers in various fields the Ibaraki prefectural government has begun to focus on accepting workers from India By Eri Shimamura / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer Facing low birth rate and aging population concerns the prefecture is experiencing a marked decline in population Amid intensifying global competition for human resources the prefecture has turned its attention to India as an “untapped” source aiming to discover skilled and talented workers ahead of other prefectures about 50 people from welfare business operators and other businesses in the prefecture attended an online seminar held at the prefectural government office on the potential of Indian workers in the field of nursing care An official of an agency that dispatches people to Japan from India explained that the strength of India lies in areas such as finance and information technology and they are preparing to be able to send advanced human resources to Japan regional characteristics of India were also explained southern India is home to many Japanese companies and many people there have a positive attitude toward Japan director of social welfare corporation Seishukai in Tsuchiura “I learned that there are many motivated people in India I definitely want them to work at our facilities,” Hiratsuka said According to the prefectural government’s labor policy division and the Japan External Trade Organization’s Ibaraki office They also said people in India are highly capable and have a strong desire to work overseas competition for employment in India is becoming fierce among highly skilled university graduates due to rapid population growth The unemployment rate is also said to be higher than in other countries many of foreign workers in Ibaraki Prefecture are from Southeast Asian countries But there have been concerns about their losing interest in working in Japan in recent years because of increased wages in their own countries That is the reason the prefecture has turned its attention to India Kazuhiko Oigawa visited India and signed a memorandum of understanding with Amity University and released a joint statement with RV University to cooperate in dispatching human resources from India to Japan This is believed to be the first time for a prefecture in Japan to sign a memorandum of understanding with an Indian university regarding the acceptance of workers from India there were 352 “highly skilled foreign professionals” from India in the prefecture including university graduates with specialized knowledge and skills an increase of around 1.7 times over two years There are said to be many people in India hoping to work in Japan because of Japan’s cleanliness and safety “We want to create an environment where foreign nationals can live comfortably and help them settle in,” an official of the prefectural division said Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Ibaraki — About 800 varieties of autumn rose are in full bloom throughout Ibaraki Flower Park in Ishioka The park prunes the stems of the roses that bloomed in spring so that they bloom again in autumn Autumn roses are deeper colors than in spring The roses bloomed earlier than usual this year due to the intense heat in the summer They are expected to remain at their peak until early November illuminates the roses and marigolds from 5 p.m “We want visitors to enjoy colorful roses in the daytime and enchanting roses at night,” said the park’s spokesperson Hiromi Ushioda Ibaraki — A work of art in the shape of a giant snake has appeared on the grounds of Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture 600 kochia trees and other materials collected from throughout the park were used to form the Chinese zodiac’s sign for the year 2025 The artwork is 32 meters long and 30 meters wide and is said to have taken three weeks to create so the park set up the artwork in the hope that visitors will make changes that help them advance in the direction of their dreams MITO--“Cracking open a cold one” is a tradition among baseball fans in the stands but a 234-year-old sake brewery here in Ibaraki Prefecture is gunning to serve the next drinks at Dodger Stadium is now on the VIP seat menu for a hefty $90 (14400 yen) per 720-ml bottle a location that is not particularly famous as a sake-producing area,” said 12th-generation proprietor Hiroyuki Yoshikubo “We are happy to win recognition along with the fine performances of the Japanese players.” The sommelier-authorized selection purposefully coincides with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers According to the 43-year-old company president tasting process to bring Japanese flavors to the concessions stand this season and we are small in scale as a sake brewery,” Yoshikubo said Mito city is home to both the brewery and the rice it uses The sake also relies on extra soft water drawn from Kasahara town These local elements translate into a fruitiness and a distinct taste of rice But how exactly is that supposed to pair with ballpark staples like the Dodger Dog Yoshikubo Brewery’s hopes to charm the international market are imbued into its sake It currently exports around 40 percent of its products and began its international foray 20 years ago Ippin’s strong rice flavor was created to match richly flavored dishes of other countries The bottle’s label also got a makeover around 10 years ago after the brewery sought opinions from overseas friends red and gold design is inspired by Japanese armor and the “kabuto” helmet The “ume” plum blossom branch is often associated with Mito and is a nod to the city the brewery named white wine its “rival” and believed “Japanese sake will not enjoy widespread popularity until it breaks into this huge market.” its sake won the top gold award in an international wine competition The brewery believes making it onto Dodger Stadium menu encapsulates its overseas strategy and that this same strategy also created the foundation that made the honor possible but Dassai sake maker persists in New York Bottle of sake made from finest rice auctioned for 840,000 yen Gunma sake brewery polishes trophies instead of rice grains Floral sake fermented with wisteria yeast on sale in Niigata Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a delicious gift from Mayor Kazuo Kishida of Hokota City Mayor Kishida presented Prime Minister Kishida with two varieties of melons native to Ibaraki Prefecture Kishida's face lit up as he tasted the melons "Not only are the taste and aroma unique but so are their colors The melons presented to PM Kishida included Quincy celebrated for its refreshing sweetness.  Mayor Kishida offered words of encouragement to the Prime Minister: "When you feel tired I hope you'll eat the world's best melons and keep pushing forward." He added (Read the article in Japanese.) You must be logged in to post a comment Leave a rating/comment#Ceramics / Lacquer#Craft / FolkcraftBack to ArticlesSHARE A bento vending machine that has operated for at least 52 years in a tranquil countryside of Ibaraki Prefecture is drawing nationwide attention The machine is located in an unmanned shop called Araiya Oto Kona (Araiya auto corner) in Inashiki city along Route 51 with a view of Lake Kasumigaura sits on the border with Chiba Prefecture across the Tonegawa river The site exudes the retro feeling of the Showa Era (1926-1989) a delivery company worker and a couple touring on a bike stepped inside the shed The machine offered seven types of bento: “yakiniku” (grilled meat); “kara-age” (fried chicken); “hire-katsu” (breaded and fried pork tenderloin); “menchi-katsu” (breaded and fried ground meat patty); mixed fries; hamburger steak; and a daily special The warm and tasty box lunches cost just 330 yen ($2.2) each And the shop emphasizes it only uses ingredients produced in Japan “We used to make vending machines for a few years after the war nor can we repair them,” a spokesperson for the manufacturer of the machine said “Since it is hard to imagine that the machine is operating in its initial state someone may have updated the inner machinery.” who restocks the lunches by monitoring sales from his home-kitchen next door He can tell when a group of visitors or cars have arrived from their sounds Suzuki offers about 100 lunches on weekdays and about 250 on holidays with help from a part-timer machines selling udon and soba noodles were also available he asks an acquaintance familiar with vending machines to fix it The machine does not display product samples and instead shows handwritten signs for the menu Many notes with instructions are pasted on the machine saying Another note says: “The sold-out lamp does not work so if nothing comes out after pressing the button Customers are also asked to use five or fewer 10-yen coins when buying a bento kept warm at 60 degrees will fall with a thud a 53-year-old delivery worker from Kashima “The main dish tastes good and the rice is so tasty I also like the lunch because it isn’t too filling,” he said Suzuki said the media began covering the vending machine around 2010 “I keep on selling because many people come for the rare vending machine,” he said Although the price has increased by only 80 yen in 52 years we have no choice but to raise the price soon,” he said The shop has irregular holidays and is open from 8 a.m Places and Events/ Retro vending machines: Insert coins and relive memories of old New banknotes mean big bills for ramen shops Vending machine snap goes under hammer for 4.5 million yen Vending machine with sweet ‘body parts’ a hit in Osaka Prefecture Coca-Cola offers cheaper vending machine drinks to subscribers In-flight meal makers find new market on the ground MANILA – Dwight Ramos served as Levanga Hokkaido’s spark off the bench as they cruised to a 78-60 victory over Ibaraki Robots in the Japan B.League Division 1 at the Hokkai Kita-yale The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay finished with 19 points and two assists in 20 minutes of play to lead Levanga which secured their third consecutive victory for a 9-13 win-loss slate Ryan Kriener finished with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds while Thomas Welsh also had a double-double contribution of 11 points and 13 boards for Levanga and there are about two-thirds of the season left and each player is showing their skills,” Ramos said after the game “If we can improve our team chemistry even more I I think we’ll continue to get better in the future.” Jehyve Floyd tallied a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Robots and Chehales Tapscott had 11 markers apiece as they dropped to a 7-15 record and a rebound as Osaka Evessa (12-10) scored a 77-68 victory over Saga Ballooners (7-15) at the Ookini Arena Maishima Matt Bonds had a near triple-double of 21 points Volodymyr Gerun had a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds and Ryan Luther ended with 12 for the Evessa and two rebounds in his return to starting lineup as Yokohama B-Corsairs (8-14) dominated Fighting Eagles Nagoya (8-14) and one assist as Nagasaki Velca (10-12) pulled off a tight 77-73 triumph over Shimane Susanoo Magic (15-7) and one steal as Kawasaki Brave Thunders (4-18) faltered to Nagoya Diamond Dolphins (11-11) and website in this browser for the next time I comment The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday announced that almost all produce from five Japanese prefectures affected by the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant disaster would now be allowed into Taiwan The only items that would still be blocked from being imported into the nation are those that are still banned from being circulated in Japan the meat of wild birds and other wild animals and koshiabura” (foraged vegetables) would now be permitted to enter Taiwan along with the other produce permitted since 2022 All food items imported from the five prefectures must be accompanied by radiation and origin certificates and undergo batch-by-batch inspections FDA Deputy Director-General Lin Chin-fu (林金富) said The amendment to the regulations permitting the imports was made known to the public 60 days ago to allow for feedback The FDA did not receive any comments of note during the period dairy products and baby food imports from areas outside the five prefectures would only be required to present origin certificates Radiation certification would no longer be necessary Taiwan banned all food imports from the five prefectures for almost 11 years following the disaster in Fukushima Forestry and Fisheries Tetsushi Sakamoto said he “welcomes the move as a positive step toward promoting the recovery of disaster-hit areas.” The ministry statement said it would continue to push for all remaining restrictions to be lifted “The Japanese government has used multiple opportunities to assure the Taiwan authorities of the safety of our products based on scientific evidence but we will continue our persistent efforts so that import restrictions such as certificate submission can be scrapped swiftly,” it said This cool cat gets along with her family's dog we meet a shy cat at a surfboard and skateboard shop The Tokyo High Court basically upheld Wednesday a lower court ruling ordering the government to pay damages to residents in Ibaraki Prefecture hit by the 2015 Kinugawa river flooding residents in flooded areas along the river claimed that the government's inadequate river management caused the vast disaster seeking damages totaling about ¥220 million.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); determined that the government is partially responsible and ordered the payment of some ¥28 million in damages to the plaintiffs down from about ¥39 million ordered by the Mito District Court Nakamura acknowledged that water overflowed from the river in the Wakamiyado and Kamimisaka districts of the city of Joso due to torrential rain caused by a typhoon The judge pointed out that the Wakamiyado flood damage should be attributed to the government's failure to protect a dune that was acting as a natural embankment from being excavated in a private-sector development project But he reduced the compensation order after reevaluating damage to household chattels Nakamura brushed aside the plaintiffs' claim that the government should take the blame for delaying its levee-raising work "Nothing particularly unreasonable was found in the levee renovation program." "I feel like we're losers because the high court's ruling is worse than the district court's," Kazumi Katakura expressing intention to appeal to the Supreme Court An infrastructure ministry official in charge of the lawsuit said the ministry will appropriately respond to the latest court decision after consulting with other parties concerned Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.