Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version Copyright THE MAINICHI NEWSPAPERS. All rights reserved. The city of Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, has been known for its high-quality jade for centuries. In fact, it's considered one of the oldest jade-producing areas and its jade has been used since the prehistoric Jōmon period, long before the Olmec and Maya cultures. Even today, it remains the most notable location in Japan where jade can be found. This is believed to be due to the city's geological position, where the Fossa Magna and the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line meet. A plethora of minerals formed 20 to 500 million years ago were brought from the mountain ranges in the east, carried by such rivers as the Himekawa. As a result, many of these stones ended up on the coast of Itoigawa, often smoothed over by the current. In 1994, the Fossa Magna Museum opened not very far from one of the beaches. Many specimens from Itoigawa are exhibited here, including many pieces of raw jadeite from the Jade Coast. The Museum also offers a free service of identification and authentication of minerals found on the Jade Coast, so be sure to check it out if you wish to find out whether your jade is jadeite or nephrite. The Jade Coast proper is split into three beaches. While the most notable of these is the Itoigawa Beach (also known as the Jade Coast), which is 25 minutes by walk from Itoigawa Station, you can also find jade on the Oyashirazu and Ichiburi Beaches. There is a 10-minute bus ride from Itoigawa Station to the Fossa Magna Museum. At the museum visitors can also experience a fossil excavation for 300 yen. These four small islands contain unique hexagonal rock formations. An underground spring in a labyrinthine cave system, decorated with stalagmites and stalactites. A walk along this white sand beach creates a symphony. A series of magical limestone formations along the coastline of the country island of Antigua. At the base of Peña de Bernal, a small business keeps evidence of alleged extraterrestrial visitors on display. Come for the springs; stay for the mud bath. A beachside monolith shaped by years of waves crashing against hard quartz. An unlikely beach paradise of giant sand dunes lies between two lakes just a few minutes from Michigan's cherry country. Learn about the best spots for leisurely lakeside cycles Before the launch of Japan’s New Golden Route train line the striking scenery between Tokyo and Osaka would pass by most travellers in a 185mph blur of blue-green and grey Opting to instead book a Hokuriku Arch Pass visitors will have easy access to Japan’s countryside roaring waterways and wide woodlands scattered across Honshu Partake in these activities on your journey to get hands-on with some of Japan's most beautiful regions The Minakami region tucks itself into the north of Gunma where the great Tone River begins its rushing journey south to Tokyo The Tone’s source is in Minakami’s Eco Park a UNESCO biosphere where colliding climates from the Sea of Japan and the Pacific bring heavy snowfall in the winter perfect for skiing and snowboarding and also Japan’s best rafting during the summer season raft through 15 miles of grade four white waters and close tree-lined canyons Canyoning helped put Minakami’s waning onsen resort back on the tourist map; now it’s internationally recognised by adventurers with jumps and slides into the breathtaking falls and rivers Details: Book half-day, full-day and combined tours with the aptly named Canyons Itoigawa’s small station on Niigata’s south coast is the gateway to Japan’s remarkable Jade Coast The jade doesn’t actually start life on the shore but in the deep Kotakigawa and Omigawa gorges these valleys are Japan’s largest jade producer Shards of mint and shamrock-coloured stone wash down the rivers to settle on the coastline Have your coastal collection appraised at Itoigawa’s Fossa Magna Museum where you can learn about this prized stone that’s helped form Japan’s history The country has the oldest jade culture in the world and has such a connection with its people that it was voted the national stone in 2016 Details: Fossa Magna Museum’s fossil jade and mineral hub operates free appraisals for beach-combed jade Japan's seasons are extreme: the springs are pink Exploring Niigata's Jade Coast and the Kotakigawa Jade Gorge is a different experience each month.PHOTOGRAPH BY ITOIGAWA CITY TOURISM ASSOCIATION3 Learn about agriculture in the Noto PeninsulaSoaring northwards remarkably rural Noto Peninsula juts out into the Japan Sea Noto has a unique farming method recognised as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System Known as satoyama (mountainscape) and satoumi (seascape) they’re a co-existing miscellany of remote villages wild nature and agricultural land that produces extraordinarily fresh Step off the train at Wakura Onsen and join a cycle tour around Notojima an island known for its sustainable agriculture and slow-paced lifestyle First connected to the mainland by bridge in 1982 the island is a time capsule where you can chat to local fisherman and farmers before tucking into their renowned produce Details: Join Noto Note’s local guides on 3.5-hr cycle tours You barely glimpse the glittering Five Lakes pulling into Mikata station and Fukui’s Wakasa Bay waterscape opens up this quintet of shaded wetlands form part of Wakasa Wan Quasi-National Park and their quirks continue under the surface a striped sedimentary rock that marks the passing years like the rings of a tree Lake Suigetsu’s perfect conditions have earned it the nickname ‘miracle lake’ by geologists who have tracked 70,000 years of unbroken varve in its depths Tour the lakes two ways: a guided kayak course on Suigetsu’s placid waters or take the cable car to the Rainbow Line’s terraces overlooking the undulating islets and pine-blanketed promontories Details: Join Attractive Japan’s kayak and museum course with English-speaking guides Stop along the journey around Mikata's Five Lakes for spectacular seasonally-shifting viewpoints.PHOTOGRAPH BY MIKATAGOKO RAINBOW LINE SUMMIT PARK TERRACE IN THE SKY 三方五湖レインボーライン山頂公園　天空のテラス5 ShigaBefore giving way to Kyoto’s temple-strewn streets the rail route sidles around the shores of Lake Biwa Biwako (Japan’s largest lake) is so big it nearly carves the country in two and its vast stretch is an idyll for cycling and watersports Hiring a bike at one of the JR stations en route lets you tackle as much of the Biwa cycle as you like — known locally as Biwaichi Experienced cyclists can go around its entire scenic 145 miles in two days but day-trippers should look to its smaller southern basin botanical gardens and Biwako’s grandiose bridge Details: Self-tour Biwako by reserving a bike by the hour, day or multi-day at Otsu Station Tourist Centre Book your trip on the New Golden Route by getting the Hokuriku Arch Pass This seven-day ticket covers 13 prefectures between Tokyo and Osaka Follow National Geographic Traveller (UK) on social media Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace Public access to information is a key component of UNESCO's commitment to transparency and its accountability. Based on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the 2005 Convention ultimately provides a new framework for informed, transparent and UNESCO’s e-Platform on intercultural dialogue is designed for organizations and individuals to learn from shared knowledge or experiences from infl Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO. To recovery and beyond: The report takes stock of the global progress on the adoption and implementation of legal guarantees on Access to Info Addressing culture as a global public good For almost 75 years, the UNESCO Courier has served as a platform for international debates on issues that concern the entire pla Lifelong learning is key to overcoming global challenges and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr Masao Nagasaki has fished the waters off Itoigawa City Setting out from Tsutsuishi fishing village the 77-year-old recalls a time when his nets brimmed with fish and shellfish 'Our waters were once teeming with life,' he said through an interpreter and human activities have drastically altered marine biodiversity Even as Japan’s first UNESCO Global Geopark Itoigawa is not immune to the twin threats of climate change and oceanic plastic waste the local community is responding—transforming their Geopark into a hub for sustainability By taking an active role in the Geopark’s conservation people in the community feel more connected to their heritage Conservation fosters 'pride and love for the land where they live which becomes the driving force for further activities.' It is this whole-of-society approach that made Itoigawa City a key destination for a study visit in November 2024 organized by UNESCO under the Sustaining Our Oceans project, funded by Fast Retailing Co., Ltd The visit brought together educators and conservation officials from three South-East Asian countries to learn from Japan’s marine conservation education programmes and community-driven sustainability practices Their efforts are now inspiring educators and conservation leaders from Indonesia and Viet Nam to implement similar strategies in their own UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserves: Wakatobi Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia and Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve and Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An Biosphere Reserve in Viet Nam.  'By engaging directly with the Itoigawa community educators saw firsthand how conservation is woven into daily life—from sustainable fishing practices to youth-led environmental initiatives,' says UNESCO Sustaining Our Oceans project lead Rika Yorozu 'These insights will help shape localized ocean education activities that reflect the realities and challenges of their own UNESCO designated sites.'  Three students of Niigata Prefectural Kaiyo High School showcasing the Saigo-no-Itteki salmon sauce  Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU)Students leading the chargeItoigawa’s sustainability model places young people at the forefront A striking example comes from students at Niigata Prefectural Kaiyo High School who developed Saigo-no-Itteki ('The Last Drop') Launched in 2013 after three years of research the project embodies sustainable aquaculture by utilizing every part of the locally farmed salmon.  'I want to keep working in a sustainable way connecting natural resources to industry without waste,' said Mr Masamune Koyanagi one of the students presenting the project to the participants.  The Sustaining Our Oceans project follows a similar philosophy equipping young people across South-East Asia with practical conservation knowledge and skills Through immersive activities in biosphere reserves students gain firsthand experience in marine biodiversity and sustainable practices that link conservation to local economies By fostering a deeper understanding of ocean stewardship the initiative aims to prepare communities to protect their marine environments for future generations.  Participants collecting plastics waste from a beach near Tsutsuishi fishing village in ItoigawaAsia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU)Tackling plastic pollution through educationBeyond fisheries Itoigawa’s community is also addressing marine plastic pollution Plastic waste does not biodegrade but instead breaks down into microplastics Chiba Institute of Science Associate Professor Satoko Tezuka who led the study trip’s participants on a beach cleanup activity shared her research survey and analysis findings on microplastics around Choshi Geopark on the Pacific coast 'Even the smallest human activities contribute to this crisis which is why ocean education is crucial,' she said.   The head of the Secretariat at Viet Nam’s Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An Biosphere Reserve said that the process of extracting microplastics from sand had given him a keener understanding of how microplastics impact local ecosystems.   Participants meeting with Japanese Geoparks Network and Itoigawa Geopark Council to kickstart the study visitAsia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU)Looking ahead: Ocean education for South-East Asia For the participants from Indonesia the study visit was more than an exchange—it was a blueprint for action.  which in 2024 completed an analysis of Ranong Biosphere Reserve’s learning materials on ocean education and identified educational needs is already developing an innovative virtual reality game that immerses players in the reserve’s ecosystem the visit to Itoigawa also reinforced the importance of hands-on learning.  'Seeing how conservation is integrated into daily life at Itoigawa Geopark gave me new ideas for interactive learning at Ranong We want students to not just study the ecosystem but experience it firsthand—through field activities and engaging with local communities,' said Ms Poonsri Wanthongchai Director of Thailand’s Mangrove Research and Development Institute.  the trip was an opportunity to reflect on how similar education models could be applied closer to home 'The visit to Itoigawa showed me how conservation efforts can involve everyone we plan to integrate these approaches by sharing good practices related to the impact of plastic waste with fellow teachers at my school and teacher community in Wakatobi district to improve waste management at our schools.' To amplify the impact of Sustaining Our Oceans the education packages developed for each Biosphere Reserve will be promoted through UNESCO Associated Schools aligning with global sustainability goals.  By 2050, oceans could contain more plastic than fish a stark warning that underscores the urgency of conservation efforts the livelihoods of fishers like Mr Nagasaki—who once set out from Tsutsuishi to nets full of fish—may become a distant memory But through education and community-driven action a different future is possible: one where young people across South-East Asia and beyond have the tools to protect the marine ecosystems that sustain the future for all.  The study visit to Japan was made possible with support from Fast Retailing Co. the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO and Associate Professor Tezuka of Chiba Institute of Science.  #SustainingOurOcean #LifelongLearning #MarineBiodiversity This article is related to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals Dr. Yoshinori Takano and Dr. Atsushi Urai, Biogeochemistry Research Center of the Research Institute for Marine Resources Utilization of JAMSTEC(President: Hiroyuki Yamato), identified the molecular species of the main component of the gas (video) that is actively seeping from Lake Suwa in collaboration with Shinshu University and the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute of the University Tokyo Lake Suwa is a fault lake located on the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line(ISTL), which itself is located on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian Plates (Fig. 1), with active seeping gas being confirmed at multiple locations in the lake. This “geological hotspot” forms big holes in the midwinter season (Fig. 2) which then influence the lake ice heterogeneity the overall understanding of the biogeochemical cycle including the main components and origins of these gases and their dynamics after being released into the surface hydrosphere In the present study, the researchers focused on the molecular species present in the gas and conducted a precise molecular-specific stable carbon isotope ratio/radiocarbon isotope ratio (*1) analysis These results showed that the main component of seep gas was methane These results also involved a quantitative evaluation of the previously-unknown contribution of deep seeping gas and the surface hydrosphere to the carbon cycle; in the future these are expected to enable the elucidation of the carbon cycle in fault lakes and the food chain in aquatic ecosystems This research represents joint research between JAMSTEC and Shinshu University The results will be published in the specialized academic journal ACS Earth and Space Chemistry which is published by the American Chemical Society Fig.1 Positional relationship between the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line and Median Tectonic Line (top) and an aerial view of Lake Suwa (bottom) (referenced from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan) Lake Suwa is a fault lake formed on the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line and is located at the intersection with the Median Tectonic Line Fig.2 Presence of a big hole that appears in Lake Suwa in midwinter (January 2022) Discharge of fluids from the deep sub-surface has been identified in several locations and big holes with a diameter of at least 40 m form even when the lake is completely frozen in midwinter Please activate JavaScript function on your browser Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting the area affected by the fire Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving an explanation at the area affected by the fire Photograph of the Prime Minister encouraging people affected by the fire at the affected area (1) Photograph of the Prime Minister encouraging people affected by the fire at the affected area (2) Photograph of the Prime Minister exchanging views at the Itoigawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (1) Photograph of the Prime Minister exchanging views at the Itoigawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2) Photograph of the Prime Minister exchanging views at Itoigawa City Hall (1) Photograph of the Prime Minister exchanging views at Itoigawa City Hall (2) Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the letter of request from the Governor of Niigata Prefecture and the Mayor of Itoigawa City Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Niigata Prefecture to observe the state of damage caused by the large-scale fire that occurred in Itoigawa City on December 22 After observing the area affected by the fire the Prime Minister exchanged views with people affected by the fire; Mr at the Itoigawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Itoigawa City Hall I would like to express my sincere sympathy to everyone affected by this disaster Earlier I observed the state of damage in the affected area with the Governor of Niigata Prefecture as well as centers of people’s livelihoods and daily lives have all been reduced to ashes by the fire I have reaffirmed the gravity of the situation With the stance of doing everything that can be done the Government has decided that the Act on Support for Reconstructing Livelihoods of Disaster Victims will be applied to a fire for the first time we are doing everything we can to provide funds for maintaining business operations and support for the removal of debris earlier I heard requests from people affected by the disaster which included the view that they would like to make Itoigawa an even livelier and better town than it was before the disaster have launched the Itoigawa Reconstruction Promotion Council so that the people can move forward with the dream and hope of developing Itoigawa into an even livelier and better town than it was before the disaster I would like to collect the views of the residents and those affected by the fire and reflect them in the plans for the town in order to provide the fullest possible support we will mobilize national government personnel who are knowledgeable about post-disaster reconstruction and town planning The Government will do everything that can be done and work together with you to advance the town planning the mouths of hammerhead sharks have receptors that equip the animals to sense bitter tastes The receptors that allow people to perceive the bitter taste of drinks such as hoppy beer and coffee were already present in some fishes 450 million years ago, researchers have found1 Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01031-6 Download references Vision: protecting and restoring a prized sense HT is an interdisciplinary research institute created and supported by the Italian government whose aim is to develop innovative strategies to pr.. UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus Department of Energy and Environmental Materials and advance cancer research in a leading translational institute Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute We are seeking a tenure-track associate professor to promote interdisciplinary research in nanoprobe life sciences or related interdisciplinary field Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science Wind-whipped fire torches Japanese cityAssociated PressTOKYO — A restaurant fire whipped by high winds spread to at least 140 buildings Thursday in a small Japanese city on the Japan Sea coast The blaze started in the morning at a ramen shop in Itoigawa city Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said it had reached about 140 houses and other buildings by mid-afternoon one woman who inhaled smoke and another who fell Authorities issued an evacuation advisory for about 300 households The cause of the fire is under investigation TOKYO (AP) — A huge fire that spread to about 140 buildings in a small city on Japan’s western coast was brought under control Thursday night after authorities called in extra firefighters to fight the blaze The fire started in the morning at a ramen shop in Itoigawa city Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Fanned by winds gusting to 56 kilometers (35 miles) per hour the fire had reached about 140 houses and other buildings by midafternoon Fire and rescue units from nearby prefectures were brought in to help and the blaze was finally brought under control late Thursday Authorities issued an evacuation advisory for more than 740 people at 360 homes designated as high risk The ramen shop was in a shopping arcade northwest of the city’s main train station Itoigawa is on the Japan Sea coast in Niigata prefecture about 260 kilometers (160 miles) northwest of Tokyo Stay secure and make sure you have the best reading experience possible by upgrading your browser Captivated by the natural environment and culture of Itoigawa City in Niigata Prefecture American Theodore Brown has been working as a city official promoting the Geopark and the city’s other attractions both within Japan and abroad 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 regional growthLocal governments and private sector team up to lure visitors TOKYO -- Japanese local communities are promoting geoparks to revitalize their regions by highlighting their unique geology and combining this with sustainable tourism and education Serving to protect and celebrate natural wonders like volcanoes geoparks are popping up across the country Since the Japan Geopark Committee began certifying sites in 2008 the number of designated "Japanese National Geoparks" has grown to 47 with many making the designation a cornerstone of their branding efforts Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information Vox Populi Vox Dei is a daily column that runs on Page 1 of The Asahi Shimbun perched atop a small rock jutting out in the Sea of Japan was the object of my recent trip to the city of Itoigawa in the northern Japanese prefecture The shiny white color of the tower stood out against the backdrop of the red of a bridge the blue of the sea and the green of pine trees The national government put the lighthouse on a list of candidates to be decommissioned but passionate calls for keeping the facility in service within the local communities prompted the municipal government to buy it three years ago to continue its operation the lighthouse was built by the government of the former Nou town for local fishermen We negotiated with the Japan Coast Guard (which operated the facility) with the determination to preserve it at any cost,” says Koichi Isogai the head of the Joetsu fishermen’s cooperative Lighthouses used to be vital facilities to guide seafarers safely near the coast even small ships can navigate safely through dangerous areas without relying on lighthouses thanks to GPS fishermen say lighthouses are something special for them “When we spot the light of the familiar lighthouse while sailing toward the port we feel relieved that we have returned safe and sound to our port,” Isogai explains “Lighthouses offer emotional crutches for seafarers.” There are currently more than 3,000 lighthouses in service across the nation A total of 129 have been retired in the past 10 years A small number of lighthouses designated to be decommissioned have survived as tourist attractions in Kochi and Ishikawa prefectures a lighthouse is nothing but a mark for maritime navigation But lighthouses appear to uniquely appeal to people's emotions Standing alone as it is beaten by the waves a lighthouse seems to embody the beauty of solitude The way it works all night makes it seem to have inner steel There is something about lighthouses that tempts us to personify them The day was selected because the construction of Kannonzaki Lighthouse in Kanagawa Prefecture Looking at a lighthouse while enjoying the breeze that comes from the sea takes my mind off my cares for a moment Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture Lighthouse lit up by sunrise seen by staring into your soy sauce Wish upon a shooting star as Perseids dazzle over Wakayama VOX POPULI: Europe in grip of a second wave VOX POPULI: Author Tatsuhiro Oshiro showed Okinawa’s woes continue today VOX POPULI: Curling up with a book offers oasis from monotony of lockdown life 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 National Report Global warming has increased the frequency of extreme snowfall events in the Hokuriku region by five times while decreasing overall snowfalls in Japan “People will need to be more vigilant for avalanches and traffic disruptions in mountainous areas with higher risk of heavy snow,” said Hiroaki Kawase a senior researcher at the Meteorological Research Institute a division of the Japan Meteorological Agency Heavy snowfalls of 52.1 millimeters or more per day occurred more frequently in Hokkaido and mountainous areas in eastern Japan between November 2021 and March 2022 according to the institute’s report released on Oct Meteorologists used to call snowfalls of such intensity a “once-in-a-decade” event warmer temperatures have caused more seawater to evaporate adding moisture to the atmosphere and allowing more snow clouds to form While these clouds will bring rain in warmer coastal areas they can cause extreme snowfall events in inland mountainous areas with colder temperatures The JMA forecasts warmer temperatures and fewer snowfalls this winter it also warns of heavy snowfall events caused by occasional cold snaps and snow clouds Fuji’s summit hits 3 days later than normal VOX POPULI: Heavy snowfall means it’s time to check over your disaster plans Sapporo Snow Festival returns after 2-year COVID-19 hiatus Snowfall causes transportation chaos across much of Japan Japanese version A huge fire that spread to about 140 buildings in a small city on Japan's western coast has been brought under control after authorities called in extra firefighters to tackle the blaze The fire started at a ramen shop in Itoigawa city Fanned by winds gusting up to 35mph per hour the fire had reached about 140 houses and other buildings by mid-afternoon Fire and rescue units from nearby prefectures were brought in to help and the blaze was finally brought under control more than 10 hours after it was detected There were two reports of minor injuries: one woman who inhaled smoke and another who fell The ramen shop was in a shopping arcade north-west of the city's main train station please register for free or log in to your account A restaurant fire has spread to at least 140 buildings in a small Japanese coastal city the blaze had reached about 140 houses and other buildings by mid-afternoon please register for free or log in to your account.