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Tokyo Kanagawa and Saitama have discount stores offering big brands at low prices Shopping is definitely an exciting experience especially when it doesn't bore a hole in your wallet all you need to do is make an easy day trip out to these outlet malls and discount stores near Tokyo – namely in Chiba we've collected the best outlet malls and shops where you can get the most bang for your buck From discounted designer fashion – think of luxury brands such as Armani Loewe and Seiko – to high-quality tableware and home décor these shopping destinations have everything you're looking for with a price tag your bank account will thank you for RECOMMENDED: 11 best department stores in Tokyo The Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu in Chiba – Tokyo’s neighbouring prefecture across the bay – is the largest outlet mall easily accessible from the capital Hop aboard the direct shuttle bus at Shinjuku or Tokyo Station and treat yourself to an extensive shopping spree The outlet park is designed to look like a resort and it houses Japanese and international luxury labels Saint Laurent and Beams all usually discounted by 30 to 60 percent – and up to 80 percent during sales There are over 300 shops, but the highlights here are a Disney store and a Pokémon outlet store selling bargain plushies and merchandise for a limited time. It’s only a 50-minute ride on the highway bus from Tokyo Station, or you can take the train to Sodegaura Station and transfer to a local bus to get to the mall. Photo: Gotemba CityDecember-February 10am-7pm; March-November 10am-8pm daily The Gotemba Premium Outlets is so near to the iconic mountain that you can get a marvelous view of it on a clear day from the mall’s East Zone entrance Which goes some way towards compensating for the 90-minute direct bus ride from Tokyo Station By far Japan’s most popular outlet mall this Gotemba venue is laid out like an old American town with 290 shops spread across two zones connected via a pedestrian bridge The directory here reads like a list of the world’s most coveted brands: Acne Studios You can get to Gotemba Premium Outlets from Tokyo Station in around 90 minutes by bus or just under two hours from Shibuya. Closed on the third Thursday of February Photo: Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama BaysideShopping 10am-8pm this outlet mall at Yokohama Bayside is your best friend for bargains with a good mix of casual and designer labels From Shinagawa Station, catch the Keihin-Tohoku line to Shinsugita Station and transfer on the Seaside line to Torihama Station to get here Photo: Karuizawa Prince Shopping PlazaShopping 10am-7pm The sprawling Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is located right next to Karuizawa Station and is home to shops selling popular fashion and luxury brands, outdoor goods, sportswear, kitchen utensils, children’s clothing and more. You’ll also find a number of cafés and food courts. Most attractions in Karuizawa close around 5pm, but Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is usually open until around 7pm, so it’s a perfect place to visit in the evening. From November to March, the mall boasts a large illumination event with about 100,000 lights. You’ll have great views from the New East Deck, where the tree-shaped illuminations are reflected on the surface of the shopping centre’s large pond. To get here, take the Hokuriku shinkansen from Tokyo Station and alight at Karuizawa Station. The journey takes about an hour. Photo: Fukaya Hanazono Premium OutletShopping 10am-8pm One of the newest outlet malls just outside Tokyo is Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlet in Saitama prefecture It has 130 stores selling the likes of designer fashion You’ll find high-end international brands like Boss and Armani as well as major Japanese stores such as United Arrows It’s not all about shopping as there are more than 30 restaurants in the outlet mall with options ranging from casual coffee shops to restaurants serving the likes of sushi there's a children's play area inspired by the iconic GariGari Kun ice cream bar with go-karts ball pits and a mini drop-n twist tower ride It’s easy to reach Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlet as it’s just a three-minute walk from Fukaya Hanazono Station which is around two hours from Shinjuku Station take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku line to Kumagaya and change to the Chichibu Railway line for Fukaya Hanazono Station Closed on the third Thursday of February restaurant opening hours vary by outlet but generally around 10am-9.30pm Although Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari isn’t the biggest, it’s definitely the easiest one to get to from central Tokyo. It has big name brands like Coach, Furla, Levi’s and Gap and is just a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo Station Mitsui Outlet Park in Iruma has a wide range of shops selling clothing You can expect popular brands such as Coach To start shopping, take the Seibu Ikebukuro line to Irumashi Station and catch the Seibu bus which will take you to the outlet in around 15 minutes Photo: fb.com/xpopremiumoutlets10am-8pm daily (February 10am-7pm) restaurant opening hours vary by outlet but generally 10am-8pm Saitama’s premier mega-mall has sportswear brands like Adidas and Nike, designer labels like Diesel and Beams and even high-end brands like Bally and Coach To get there from Tokyo Station, take the Musashino line to Koshigaya-Laketown Station, which takes just under an hour. The outlet mall is located only a seven-minute walk away from the station. Photo: Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main StoreFrom food to fashion – everything you need can be found at Tokyo’s vast variety of department stores Photo: アトモス ピンク フラッグシップ 原宿店Find sneakers from major international and Japanese brands in Tokyo, including special editions and cult classics Photo: Keisuke TanigawaWhere to shop for artisanal long-lasting and made-in-Japan denim that won't go out of style Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us Live out your Formula One dreams at one of these premier locations By Thrill-seekers of all skill levels and ages are welcome to live out their wildest Formula One dreams at Harbor Circuit, Japan’s premier venue for go-kart racing. The multiple venues across Tokyo and Chiba include the outdoor Harbor Circuit at AEON Mall Kisarazu, and the newly opened outdoor Makuhari Shintoshin track besides AEON Mall Makuhari Shintoshin The newest location is adjacent to the multi-storey car park on the Active Mall side of AEON MALL Makuhari Shintoshin The track operates under a ride and drive concept Simply check online to see what space is available (there are 10 adults karts 7 junior karts and 4 kids karts to choose from) The Makuhari location has a 110m kids racer course making it a perfect day out for all the family and it is the first course in Japan with an outdoor grade separation. Check out the nearby Costco or AEON Mall after your races for a fun-filled day trip to Chiba.  The venues offer tournament-style races for those visiting with a group of five or more if you’re looking for an action-packed activity to include at a birthday party You can even race in the rain to practice your wet weather driving skills as the venue remains open to visitors rain or shine If it’s your first time go-karting or perhaps your first time driving at all you’re in luck: the venues don’t require a driver’s license to enjoy go-karting and friendly staff will help out with covering the basics of safety rules and safety equipment Rest assured that the machines offer ample protection Harbor Circuit’s SodiKarts feature state-of-the-art crash prevention brake lamps as well as remotely-operated kill switches there’s a “Kid Racer” plan (Kisarazu: ¥800/4 min) These mini two-seaters have a 120-kilogram limit meaning adults can accompany their little ones on the track For seasoned speed racers seeking to improve their lap times a performance printout with daily and monthly rankings is handed out after each session So you to see how well you stack up against other track rivals The outdoor track at Harbor Circuit Kisarazu adds authenticity to the go-karting experience visitors can relax and indulge in a plethora of dining and shopping options available in the vast AEON mall conveniently situated right next to the circuit AEON Mall KisarazuMon – Fri 12pm – 9:30pmSat Sun & hols 10am – 9:30pmTel: 0438-53-8055harbor-circuit.com/kisarazu.asp Makuhari Shintoshin(AEON Mall South Flat Parking Lot)Mon – Fri 12pm – 9:30pmSat Sun & hols 10am – 9:30 pmTel: 043-441-3243harbor-circuit.com/makuhari/ info@harbor-circuit.com From purple sweet potatoes to wild horse sightings here’s how to make the most of Okinawa’s tropical escape Explore the best local brands shaping Tokyo’s fashion scene From vintage clothing to Hawaiian-themed goods here’s what’s worth checking out before it’s gone From buying and registering a bike to key rules of the road Collagen staples for beauty and health in Japan Our handpicked list of the best events going on this month and the untold tales of Japan’s queer community Everything you need to know before and during a natural disaster Stay up to date with Tokyo news and events Glass spheres with four small blades inside line Kanedaya Lichtmuhle an experimental tool developed in the 19th century to measure the energy of light Their simple forms are now loved interior decoration items.The blades in the center of the low-pressure glass sphere are black on one side and silver on the other The black side absorbs more light and is warmer It is believed that the temperature difference between the front and back sides affects the air inside creating the force that makes the blades rotate They are said to rotate well under sunlight or incandescent light which contain infrared rays.Hirotaka Hasegawa “I can feel the power of nature and it calms my mind when I look at it.” The store carries about 250 German-made radiometers called “Lichtmuhle” in German.The store mainly handles products made by Lichtenheldt-Glas a company with an established reputation for craftsmanship The store is brimming with a large variety of radiometers such as stand-type or hanging-type designs 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 By Akio Oikawa / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer Their simple forms are now loved interior decoration items The blades in the center of the low-pressure glass sphere are black on one side and silver on the other The store mainly handles products made by Lichtenheldt-Glas The radiometers come in various shapes and sizes Some glass surfaces are decorated with plant shapes and other patterns One with several glass balls in a row elegantly decorated the window where light was shining through Hasegawa said that he checks all of the items for any issues when they arrive at the store and polishes the glass surfaces if necessary The last few years have seen fewer radiometers with a shortage of good quality mica and glass for the blades said to be the cause The radiometers are popular with both men and women and are great as gifts “It is interesting that the speed of the blades’ rotation changes depending on the sunlight I hope people will enjoy it as an interior decoration that changes,” Hasegawa said The store used to sell miscellaneous Western goods It had been operated by a pharmacy that Hasegawa’s family had run since the Edo period (1603-1867) as a “signboard building,” which has a flat The Western-style design and decorations create a retro atmosphere with the lattice ceiling also being a distinctive feature of the building but Hasegawa renovated the building and it is still standing today The store sells a variety of antique items he opened an antique store selling radiometers in Hachioji Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Colossal Undulating grass mounds at Kurkku Fields camouflage a meditative enclave for reading and rest. Opened last month in Kisarazu City, Japan, “Underground Library” is the project of Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects who designed the study center so that it nestles into the ground and seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscape A radial skylight allows natural light to pour into the otherwise concrete and wood space along with large glass windows that line the building’s perimeter showcasing a selection of the 3,000 books on the shelves many of the titles explore the natural world through poetry Halls wind throughout the circular space and lead to cozy reading rooms some of which have narrow shelves carved into the walls that hide volumes for surprise discoveries “Underground Library” is one of many projects from Nakamura and his team that embeds architecture into the landscape, and you can explore those works on the firm’s site Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member now Join more than 200,000 subscribers and get the best of art and visual culture from Colossal Copyright © 2025 Colossal. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page 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 Bell Boeing has delivered the first V-22 Osprey aircraft to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF) Camp Kisarazu in Japan The V-22 Osprey departed from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni This makes Japan the first international operator of the V-22 helicopter after the US military Boeing Tiltrotor Programs vice-president and Bell Boeing deputy programme director Shane Openshaw said: “The delivery of the first Japanese V-22 is an important milestone and represents our strong partnership with the Government of Japan “The Osprey’s ability to carry out the toughest missions in the most challenging operating environments will reshape what is possible for the JGSDF.” tiltrotor aircraft improves mission efficiency and reduces logistic costs with its V-22 capabilities Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis It is configured according to customer communication system requirements The corrosion-resistant design of the helicopter reduces its long-term maintenance cost Prior to the delivery of their first V-22 Osprey service members of JGSDF underwent training with US Marines last month the Osprey has completed 500,000 flight hours during safe US Navy and US Air Force to perform missions V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) programme manager Marine Corps Colonel Matthew Kelly said: “We have had the pleasure of working with the JGSDF state-side to produce train and maintain their initial fleet of aircraft “This arrival marks a key step in standing up its V-22 fleet the continued collaboration between our nations.” Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network Registration for the Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna B.C. is now open! Click here to learn more. Japan Self-Defense Force began V-22 flight operations at Kisarazu Air Field November 6 marking the first international partner to fly the U.S  “The JGSDF [Japan Ground Self-Defense Force] is taking a big step toward integrating the V-22’s unique capabilities into its mission,” said Col program manager for the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) “Beginning with Japan’s selection of the V-22 in 2015 it has been an honor working with our international ally and partner to make this program a reality.” The flight followed a ceremony earlier in the week marking Japan’s V-22 program activation The activation of the JGSDF’s Transportation Aviation Group flight operations is a major milestone for both the Japanese and V-22 Joint Program Office and follows a key success this summer: delivering the first aircraft to Japan the PMA-275 international team continued to work closely with the JGSDF completing required maintenance and expediting spares and support equipment deliveries ahead of these initial flight operations various members of the V-22 community came together including Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni “The PMA-275 team coordinated with our partners across the globe to ensure the JGSDF had the resources to ensure long-term success for its V-22s,” Kelly said “I am proud of the entire team’s achievements and dedication especially during this challenging time– it was a true “Team Osprey” effort!” the CV-22 supports long-range infiltration The Marine Corps’ MV-22B provides assault support transport of combat troops supplies and equipment during expeditionary The CMV-22B is the Navy’s carrier onboard delivery replacement aircraft PMA-275 manages the cradle to grave procurement sustainment and disposal of the tiltrotor program for the DoD and the JGSDF and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Bell 525 Walkaround: The First Commercial Fly-by-Wire Helicopter Bell 505 Contact seller for price Year: 2022 Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible Have a story idea you would like to suggest Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force resumed Thursday flights of its Ospreys near Tokyo almost four months after suspending them due to a deadly crash of a U.S military Osprey off a southwestern Japanese island forces resumed Osprey operations in Japan following their lifting of a worldwide flight ban on the tilt-rotor aircraft March 8 without offering a detailed explanation about the cause of the Nov 29 accident that killed all eight airmen on board A V-22 transport plane took off around 11:30 a.m from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo a temporary deployment site for the GSDF's 14 Ospreys Amid lingering concern over the safety of the aircraft senior GSDF officers on Monday informed the city government of Kisarazu of the resumption plan with Defense Minister Minoru Kihara having pledged to give an advance briefing to local authorities Air Force CV-22 into the sea near Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture during a drill was the deadliest involving Ospreys since their combat debut in 2007 while the United States grounded all of its Ospreys across the world on Dec military started flying them again at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture The Japanese Defense Ministry aims to relocate the GSDF Osprey fleet from Kisarazu to Saga in southwestern Japan by 2025 Ospreys are capable of taking off and landing like a helicopter but cruising like a plane U.S. forces resume Osprey flights in Japan amid local safety concerns Japan's GSDF fails to determine cause of helicopter crash in 2023 U.S. forces lift ban on Osprey flights after Nov. crash in Japan To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible innovative “fashion theme park” working to address the fashion industry’s biggest environmental problems Opened in the summer of 2023 in Kisarazu city Kisarazu Concept Store provides an entirely new type of retail experience one that’s deeply rooted in the concept of sustainability located next to the vast Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu takes an innovative approach to tackling the environmental issues that plague the fashion industry Kisarazu Concept Store doesn’t sacrifice style for the sake of its mission is bursting with creative and unique designs giving visitors ample opportunities to discover and refine a personal style that suits them perfectly.   more and more consumers are becoming aware of the dire environmental effects associated with careless purchasing practices It’s not enough to shop stylishly; shoppers want to know that they’re getting their clothes responsibly with an eye toward sustainability and ethical consumption.  What sets Kisarazu Concept Store apart from other retailers is its fundamental commitment to this mission In order to reduce problems associated with overstock the store specializes in items that would lie unsold in the warehouse colloquially known as “deadstock,” include irregular items and unsold inventory they’re rediscovered and given a second chance to shine thereby reducing the amount of clothing that ends up discarded.  a portion of which goes directly to organizations working toward social change Kisarazu Concept Store feels less like a traditional retailer and more like a fashion theme park — a massive interactive wardrobe where visitors can spend all day trying on as many outfits as they please at the complex’s spacious Fitting Studio where consumers order clothing they’ve never actually seen or touched before with the click of a button Kisarazu Concept Store emphasizes the idea that you can’t truly know a piece of clothing until you’ve tried it on.  Kisarazu Concept Store also offers various interactive and customers can partake in workshops to experience them firsthand workshops with a focus on farming are on offer at the Circular Farm which takes advantage of cutting-edge technology to recycle clothing into soil upcycling brands and companies specializing in sustainable manufacturing can introduce their products and initiatives.  recharge and enjoy a meal between shopping and the other experiential aspects of the store at the Open Cafe which also embodies Kisarazu Concept Store’s commitment to sustainability; based on the Japanese concept of “mottainai,” a word conveying a sense of regret over something going to waste it features a number of menu items made using food that might otherwise be wasted repurposed into stylish and nourishing fare.   Kisarazu Concept Store addresses the concern of sustainability holistically bringing together various disparate aspects of the supply chain: retail experts and organizations can all come together under one roof here and work together toward an environmentally minded future that’s well within reach This venture doesn’t only address existing issues related to deadstock and unused inventory; it also helps to fund research that will help us establish a more sustainable society in the years to come funding research and development of green technology including efforts to recycle clothing into eco-friendly fuel Direct buses connect Haneda Airport and major train stations in the Tokyo area with the neighboring Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu Those planning to drive to Kisarazu Concept Store can use Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu’s parking lots For more information about Kisarazu Concept Store, visit the website TOKYO — Japan’s military resumed flights of its V-22 Ospreys on Thursday Marines flew theirs again and nearly four months after the fatal crash of a U.S An Osprey of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force took off from Camp Kisarazu following maintenance and other safety measures Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a news conference I have been told that a Ground Self-Defense Force Osprey hovered within the facility at Camp Kisarazu from around 11:40 today and then flew in the airspace around Kisarazu airfield,” Hayashi said Thursday Japan grounded its 14 Ospreys following the Nov 29 crash of an Air Force Osprey off the southern Japanese coast It was assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo Hayashi said Japan’s other Ospreys will return to the air in stages starting with those that have undergone the necessary safety measures whose military operates the tiltrotor aircraft took delivery of its first Ospreys in May 2020 The revolutionary aircraft type is manufactured by U.S Air Force and Navy returned their Ospreys to flight status after Naval Air Systems Command lifted a three-month flight ban on March 8 The Marines on Okinawa were first to report an actual flight in Japan by hovering an Osprey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on March 14 “The MV-22 Osprey is back to full flying operation,” Maj spokesman for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on Okinawa a spokesman for the 374th Airlift Wing declined to comment on when the Ospreys there may resume flight we do not comment on specific aircraft movements,” Master Sgt “The timing for the 21st Special Operations Squadron to resume flight operations is based on operational requirements unique to the unit’s mission profile Any decision to return to flight will fully implement all necessary maintenance Allen said the resumption of Osprey flights by U.S forces in Japan will be closely coordinated between the governments of Japan and the United States The loss of the Osprey crew — call sign Gundam 22 — and the return of Osprey pilots and crews to the skies over Japan is treated with sensitivity it’s important to emphasize that the safety of operators and the effectiveness of operations are top priorities,” he said “Every step towards resuming CV-22 flights has been done with the diligence necessary to ensure that the return to flight operations is conducted with the utmost regard for the safety of aircrew members and surrounding communities.” An Air Force investigation into the fatal crash just off Yakushima the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands found “a material failure of a V-22 component.” The Defense Department has yet to identify the failed component or release a report of the accident investigation which takes off and lands like a helicopter but flies like a fixed-wing plane had been plagued by a problem called hard clutch engagement that can result in catastrophic loss of control Japanese communities have expressed concerns about the Osprey’s safety Denny Tamaki met Thursday with the III Marine Expeditionary Force commander to say he is concerned about the resumption of Marine Osprey flights Turner told Tamaki he is sure that Ospreys can operate safely on Okinawa Stars and Stripes reporter Jonathan Snyder contributed to this report The Ground Self-Defense Force has temporarily grounded its V-22 Osprey fleet based at a camp east of Tokyo after the U.S Air Force halted flights of its fleet over safety concerns The suspension of flights for the tilt-rotor aircraft stationed at Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture came after the Air Force directed a "safety standdown" of its CV-22 fleet on Tuesday due to a clutch malfunction inside the plane's gearboxes File photo shows a Japanese Self Defense Forces V-22 Osprey in flight over Kisarazu U.S. Air Force grounds Ospreys over safety concern, including in Japan The ministry's Kyushu Defense Bureau said it is confirming the details of the safety issues and doing additional inspections of the V-22 aircraft in Japan No timeline has been given for when operations will restart which take off and land like a helicopter but cruise like a plane have a record of accidents and mishaps in Japan and abroad The Japanese government has been acquiring the aircraft as part of the nation's efforts to improve its ability to defend its remote islands amid increasing instability in the Asia-Pacific region Nine V-22s have arrived at Camp Kisarazu since 2020 Compatibility tests for radio and other Japan-specific equipment were completed at the end of last year then Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi boarded one of the planes The ministry plans to acquire a total of 17 V-22s for the GSDF and preparations are going ahead with a view to permanently deploying them at Saga airport in the southwestern prefecture of Saga by 2025 Air Force has idled CV-22s at Yokota Air Base in the west of Tokyo Marine Corps has deployed a fleet of MV-22s at Air Station Futenma in the southern prefecture of Okinawa and appears to be continuing to operate them even after the Air Force move Denny Tamaki has called for the fleet to also be grounded for safety checks if the aircraft are afflicted with the same issue For book lovers, few things can beat a quiet reading nook surrounded by nature. Paying tribute to this noble pastime, Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects have designed Library in the Earth an “underground library” at Kurkku Fields in Kisarazu City This elegant design seamlessly blends in with the surrounding greenery creating a relaxing yet immersive space for anyone who wants to study The team's clever design makes the most out of the landscape The library is burrowed under the sweeping grass mounds The radial skylight and the large windows that line the building allow natural light to flood the library—creating the perfect reading conditions books and their shelves provide the structure for the building and the wooden finishes of the decoration create a warm environment to get lost in The Library in the Earth also functions as a restoration project from what was once a dry land covered in construction debris “We aimed to restore the lush valley that leads to the pond that farmers called Mother Pond and believed that the architecture should not occupy the cultivated soil layer but rather exist humbly under the flourishing of plants and microorganisms in the soil,” the team writes in a press release The unique design also gives them the chance to balance irrigation and water retention according to the season which helps give the area its damp and fresh look the Library in the Earth is home to a large selection of nature-oriented titles the dimensions of which were determined by the hill's slant the designers gave young readers a cozy area suited to their size Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects: Website My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects National Library of France Completely Transformed After a 15 Year Renovation This Supermarket-Turned-Library Has Aisles and Freezers Stocked With Books There’s a Secret Library That Opens Up When You Pull a Special Book in This Hotel Room Helsinki’s Oodi Library Serves as a Giant Symbol of Finland’s Highest Global Literacy Rate Want to advertise with us? Visit My Modern Met Media Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening * Information contained in this news release is current as of its date of announcement Be aware that information contained herein is subject to change without notice a leading global real estate company headquartered in Tokyo announced today that it will hold a grand opening for the expanded MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU which will have been enlarged through completion of the third stage expansion plan (I) Enhancement of store lineup - 17 stores opening outlets in Japan for the first time 308 total stores with a rich lineup packed with personality * All images are shown for illustration purposes only 73 new stores will be opened and 30 stores will be relocated or renovated for a total of 308 stores in the entire facility MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU is moving towards becoming the outlet mall with the most stores in Japan With 17 new stores as the first outlet stores of their kind in Japan visitors can look forward to an exclusive outlet shopping experience The outlet will also acquaint customers with high-quality and rare brand lineups fulfilling the desire not only for luxury brands but also lifestyle shops that richly embellish everyday living * The number of new stores and relocated stores may differ between the stores listed in Attachment 1 and those listed above in terms of store openings In the first stage grand opening in April 2012 MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU focused on operations that created a spacious resort-style facility based on the concept of BOSO CITY RESORT with excellent access from such places as the Tokyo metropolitan area MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU will now focus on creating a new atmosphere that allows visitors to spend their time in utmost comfort The outlet will provide visitors with a more enjoyable stay by improving rest spaces and cafes a Garden Terrace surrounded in natural beauty and a Service Lounge that works as a base for a variety of services The third stage expansion will also complete the facility as a full-scale walking mall including the first and second stage areas customers will notice the striking difference in enjoyment when shopping and strolling around inside the distinctly-decorated complex Aside from the services introduced as the main features for the third stage grand opening a variety of other services and initiatives that address societal issues and needs will also be implemented such as the improvement of employee satisfaction *The number of stores in the first stage and second stage changed after completion of construction Back to index of News Releases in 2018 Print (1.89MB) Top of Page News Releases Global Initiatives ESG / Sustainability Investors Kisarazu says farewell to the CH-47J Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 1st Helicopter Brigade (1 Herikoputadan) at Kisarazu waved off its last CH-47J Chinook This last example of the non-radar nosed Chinook version All four Kisarazu Chinook units now operate the improved CH-47JA version build by Kawasaki Heavy Industries at Gifu The two versions can be distinguished by the much larger sponsoons and the black radar nose on the CH-47JA the serial range of this version starts at 52951 The first five were either built in the USA by Boeing-Vertol or delivered in kit form to Gifu for final assembly four were converted to the CH-47JA version (serials 52902 Another five are in use as instructional airframe and only one is confirmed as stored at the Kanto Depot at Kasumigaura Four units still operate the oldest Japanese version of the Chinook 12 Herikoputatai from Soumagahara (XIIH coded) 3 Hikotai of the Chubu Homen Herikoputatai from Miho (MH) Kyoiku Shien Hikotai from Akeno (SD) and the training unit Kasumigaura Kou (SK). Unfortunately the fate of a few former Kisarazu CH-47Js remains unknown l/n August 2013 so probably withdrawn from use 52906 As a member you get access to all our premium content and benefits learn more 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. had its first harvest this spring of bananas featuring an edible skin grown without pesticides Although Kisarazu Farm was hit hard by typhoons two years ago The farm also donated about 2,200 bananas to elementary schools in the city and to medical workers combating the pandemic The farm was established after the solar power generation company Uni Root purchased farmland and land for power generation in the Mariyatsu district of the city The Osaka-based company began growing chemical-free bananas in 2018 as a certified business operator under the city’s agricultural management improvement plan but their production in Japan began in recent years using seedlings grown using the “freeze-thaw awakening method.” The method uses selective breeding to enable the seedlings to grow even in colder climates and was developed by an agricultural corporation in Okayama City domestically grown bananas can be grown chemical-free Kisarazu Farm grows the popular Gros Michel variety which have a high sugar content and are regarded as a luxury fruit for the taste The farm started growing its first bananas in autumn 2018 after buying seedlings grown using the freeze-thaw awakening method the vinyl greenhouses where the bananas were growing were completely destroyed by typhoons in the autumn of 2019 the farm grows about 200 banana trees in vinyl greenhouses covering 1,200 square meters a by-product of bamboo charcoal production in the Mariyatsu district of the city The vinegar allows the bananas to grow without using any pesticides about 40,000 bananas were harvested at the farm this season about 1,200 bananas were given to medical workers at Kimitsu Chuo Hospital while another 1,000 were given to 18 city-run elementary schools “This is the first time for me to eat a banana with the skin still on It’s crunchy and has an unfamiliar texture,” said Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe after tasting the banana at a banana donation ceremony recently held at the Kisarazu city government office “We’d like to use the bananas to educate children about nutrition.” the chief of the medical corporation that administers Kimitsu Chuo Hospital expressed his gratitude for the banana gift “Such thoughtfulness will be a source of our energy for tomorrow as many staffers are exhausted mentally and physically due to the fight against the coronavirus and disheartening rumors” targeting them regarding the virus “We’d like to arrange the planting times so we can harvest bananas all year round,” Sakata said Top Page > Press Release 2017 > MOL-operated Car Carrier Serving Africa Makes First Call at Port of Kisarazu - Loads 800 Used Vehicles - (MOL; President & CEO: Junichiro Ikeda) today announced that on August 31 the MOL-operated car carrier Swan Ace (capacity: 6,400 standard passenger cars) called at the Port of Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture and loaded 800 used vehicles It was the first call for MOL-operated car carriers of Japan – East Africa trade and other guests attended a commemorative ceremony at a hotel in Kisarazu City Vast used vehicle export yards are clustered around the Port of Kisarazu It has grown rapidly over the past few years and Port of Kisarazu is one of the ports that export used vehicles most in Japan; it is third in the Kanto region following the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki Used vehicles also represent a huge potential market since Japan exports about 200,000 used vehicles a year mainly to East African countries such as Tanzania and Kenya MOL continues to take a proactive stance in effectively meeting the demand for used vehicle transport Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information a saltwater fish-farming factory sits atop a hill covered in thickets full of chirping birds in Kisarazu Salmon trout are produced at the factory there ocean-free technology to grow seafood on land.” Microbes are adopted for the corporation’s specialized water treatment so that the sea creatures can be raised from eggs on land under a closed water circulation system Water for the pool to cultivate salmon trout is circulated within the works meaning none is released into the seas and rivers This makes water quality control easier too eliminating the need to rely on antibiotics or other chemicals the water temperature needs to be kept at a constant 18 degrees or lower making electricity bills the largest expense for most in the business said that is not the case with her company whose temperature can reach up to 30 degrees during the summer,” she said “Fish can be put out for the full year with no cooling costs that way.” Fish at the factory are also not exposed to parasites from the ocean much to the delight of consumers seeking seafood that is safe to eat raw the salmon trout carries the brand name Okasodachi (Land-farmed) As many as 10,000 fish totaling 30 tons are annually made and sold to supermarkets as well as conveyor-belt sushi restaurants and other eateries primarily in the Kanto region around the capital A new plant is also being constructed with investments from partners such as trading house Mitsui & Co The ultimate goal is to culture 3,500 tons per year--the level at which FRD Japan’s farming project will turn profitable This sort of farming can be erected anywhere if sites of appropriate sizes can be procured Setting up one close to where seafood will be consumed might also help slash the carbon dioxide emissions linked to transportation and the long working hours of truck drivers An increasing number of major trading companies are expanding into farming salmon on land There are limited areas suited for salmon farming in the world’s two top-producing nations of Norway and Chile despite the species’ global popularity as a sushi ingredient That puts salmon in short supply on a continual basis put in place a joint venture with food manufacturer Maruha Nichiro Corp. looking to embark on constructing a semi-closed circulation facility for commercial purposes in Toyama Prefecture by the end of fiscal 2024 has initiated a fish-farming project at the foot of Mount Fuji The first shipment of seafood produced there is scheduled for this year with its yearly output estimated to reach 5,300 tons teamed with a company headquartered in the United Arab Emirates They are building one of the biggest plants in Japan in Tsu As water covers 70 percent of the Earth’s surface many might mistakenly think resources from the oceans and seas are unlimited and infinite Though the global natural fish catch is stable global demand for seafood continues rising Total seafood consumption throughout the world doubled over the past half-century 35 percent of aquatic resources are being excessively utilized according to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Japan’s latest white paper on fisheries compared with 90 percent half a century earlier fish farming has been playing a significant part in catching up with ballooning demand conventional oceanic farm operators are seeking ways to make a sustainable form of fishing a reality pitched “AI Yellowtail” and “AI Cherry Bass” on its menu in 2022 Kura Sushi is incorporating a smart feeding system mounted with image recognition technology driven by artificial intelligence The timing and amount of food given is determined by AI keeping in mind the movements and states of the fish As farmers can check operation reports on their smartphones they no longer have to head out to sea on boats three times a day to feed fish food expenditures have been cut by 10 percent Fewer leftovers are likewise expected to result in a lighter environmental burden on the oceans The costs of the system are borne by Kura Sushi “Farmers tell us that the framework allows them to reduce working hours and loads while still ensuring stable earnings,” explained Akihiro Tsuji manager of Kura Sushi’s publicity department “They now feel secure about their children taking over their business.” Kura Sushi is also turning to fish farming to minimize the volume of seafood discarded after it is hauled ashore These efforts include the corporation raising fish caught in the wild that are too small to be sold in the market until they reach tradable sizes Consumers’ awareness of fisheries is alike changing the globally renowned Michelin Guide to fine dining started publicly commending chefs and restaurant operators that go to great lengths for environmental preservation and sustainable gastronomy with “green stars.” The 2023 food possibility award was presented by Gurunavi Research Institute Inc to fish raised through land-based aquaculture a director of a group called Chefs for the Blue which stages promotional campaigns regarding the sea and its food culture recounted the attraction of artificially farmed fish “Cultured fish these days are marked by a great flavor and stable quality,” Yonezawa said “They are not a mere substitute for natural seafood They are rather among viable options as an independent source of food.” the director urged caution at the same time “It should be noted that powdered fish flesh is used as food for farmed fish “An era is arriving in which both chefs and consumers must pay due attention to prevent the overfishing of seafood.” Competition among salmon farms intensifies in north Japan sea cucumber prices fell after China banned imports Russia start possibly testy talks on salmon Researchers use subtle smell to determine freshness of fish 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 The first of 17 Osprey transport aircraft to be eventually used by the Ground Self-Defense Forces arrived for temporary deployment at Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture outside Tokyo on July 10 tilt rotor aircraft was to have arrived on July 6 to Camp Kisarazu from the U.S where two Ospreys were inspected and maintained after being unloaded from a U.S But heavy rains in western Japan delayed the departure of the Osprey until July 10 The Ospreys were due to be permanently deployed to Saga Airport on the main southern island of Kyushu but those plans were scuttled by local fishermen who own land needed for the facilities and refuse to sell up The temporary deployment to Camp Kisarazu is for a maximum five-year period following an agreement reached with the city government effective as of July 10 17 Ospreys will be temporarily deployed there Defense Ministry officials said they still had no idea when the second Osprey will arrive at Camp Kisarazu Local residents are opposed to the deployment on grounds of the aircraft's safety record and loud noise when it is in operation There are also concerns that the temporary deployment will end up being of a more permanent nature The government approved acquisition of the Ospreys in 2013 to handle transportation of amphibious mobile units based in Sasebo to defend the island chain off the southwestern cost of Kyushu they will not be able to fulfill that mission Ospreys are designed to land and take off like a helicopter about double that of the CH-47 helicopter now used by the SDF for transport purposes The Osprey also has a maximum flying distance of around 2,600 kilometers about three times the capability of the CH-47 (This article was written by Nobuyuki Yoshie and Yoshitaka Ito.) Deployment of Ospreys off to a bad start; too far to be effective Unloading of SDF’s 1st Osprey in Iwakuni met by small protest A factory located just across Tokyo Bay can be attributed to the success of the PlayStation The factory line is completely automated with machines built by Mitsubishi Electric and is capable of building a new PlayStation 4 in 30 seconds This factory is operated by Sony’s manufacturing arm Sony Global Manufacturing & Operations While assembling a delicate console like the PS4 is a task in itself for a machine the attachment of wires is perhaps next to impossible the Kisarazu factory and Mitsubishi Electric have created and assigned 26 out of 32 robots just for wiring purposes "There's probably no other site that can manipulate robots in this manner," said an engineer Every process -- all the way to final packaging -- is automated The blend of robotic and human labor is painstakingly optimized with a priority on return on investment "I created profitable production lines," said Hiroyuki Kusakabe This kind of mass producing can be traced all the way back to the original PlayStation wanted to create a game console that could be easily mass produced The PlayStation 4 has sold over 100 million units since launch The first Osprey aircraft to be deployed by the Self-Defense Forces will be provisionally stationed at Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture but too far for them to be of any use for their intended defense role The deployment does not sit well with local residents due to the spotty safety record of the Osprey and its history of crashes and emergency landings Defense Minister Taro Kono announced at a July 3 news conference that the first of the two Ospreys would be deployed to Camp Kisarazu as early as July 6 Plans call for the eventual deployment by the SDF of 17 Ospreys tilt rotor aircraft are intended to transport amphibious mobile units to defend the island chain off the southwestern cost of Kyushu Camp Kisarazu is located about 1,000 kilometers from those islands which means the Ospreys will not be able to fulfill that role until agreement is reached on a closer deployment The Defense Ministry had planned to permanently base the Ospreys at Saga Airport in Kyushu but local fishermen threw up numerous obstacles to the move Discussions between the local fisheries cooperative and the Saga prefectural government remain at a standstill Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe grudgingly agreed to the deployment of Ospreys to his city on the condition that it will be temporary and last no longer than  five years Watanabe pointed out that having Ospreys in his city offered zero benefit to the nation's defense capability and made clear that his five-year deadline was the absolute limit He called on the Defense Ministry to assume responsibility for implementing the deployment of the Ospreys in Saga Prefecture numerous roadblocks remain to the deployment of the Ospreys to the southern prefecture The local fisheries cooperative has an iron-clad pollution prevention agreement with the Saga prefectural government that also contains a provision rejecting the joint use of Saga Airport by the SDF Saga Governor Yoshinori Yamaguchi has asked the fisheries cooperative to renegotiate the agreement The area around Saga Airport is famed for its seaweed highly sought after in Japan for use in various dishes and local fishermen say they don’t trust the central government to stand up for their interests Individuals connected to the local fisheries cooperative also own the land on which the Defense Ministry wants to build a base next to Saga Airport there is no telling when or if those owners will decide to sell A high-ranking Defense Ministry official noted that negotiations for a land deal would take time even more time would be needed to construct the base it will become harder to stick to the 5-year deadline (for Kisarazu),” the official said the amphibious unit now based in Nagasaki Prefecture would have no means of flying quickly to respond to an emergency in the southwestern island chain which extends for about 1,200 kilometers from Yonagunijima island in Okinawa Prefecture to the Osumi islands of Kagoshima Prefecture Many of the islands are too small to build a runway But Ospreys can land and take off vertically like a helicopter making it the perfect tool to transport SDF members to far-flung places The amphibious unit is based at Camp Ainoura in Sasebo Saga Airport is located about 60 kilometers away The amphibious unit was established in 2018 and initial plans had called for Ospreys to be deployed by the SDF the same year But there has already been a two-year delay and now there is no telling when the Osprey can be deployed to Saga (This article was compiled from reports by Nobuyuki Yoshie Today's print edition Home Delivery With cashless payments finally gaining some ground in cash-loving Japan amid the COVID-19 pandemic some municipalities are hoping to take the momentum to the next level — community-specific digital money Regional virtual currencies can be used in a specific city or ward and are intended to stimulate local economies that have been battered by the pandemic But another goal is for users to become more attached to their community through the use of local money while hoping to turn the new digital tools into vital community infrastructure in the long term.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); But could localized money really take root given that consumers already have other 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 Tokyo; President and Chief Executive Officer: Masanobu Komoda) and LaLaport Management Co. Tokyo; President: Tadashi Ando) have decided to name the 12th facility of the MITSUI OUTLET PARK series of outlet malls MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU and to conduct the grand opening of the first stage of the project with 171 stores (including 148 outlet stores) and a total store floor space of about 28,000 m2 on April 13 MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU has been under development on a designated site within the Kaneda Higashi Special Development Zone in Kisarazu City Mitsui Fudosan plans to expand the facility into one of Japan's largest outlet malls hosting some 200 to 250 stores with a total store floor space of roughly 40,000 m2 Mitsui Fudosan presently operates 11 MITSUI OUTLET PARK facilities across Japan Shanjing Outlet Plaza-Ningbo (Zhejiang Province This was the Mitsui Fudosan Group's first participation in an overseas retail facility development project Mitsui Fudosan will continue to actively develop additional MITSUI OUTLET PARK facilities while enhancing the appeal of existing facilities List of Stores (PDF: 205 KB) Back to index of News Releases in 2012 The facility is designed around the concept of “An Outlet Mall in Harmony with the Environment.” The expanded-facility opening will include a 440 kW increase in the solar-power generation capacity of the facility from 660 kW to 1,100 kW in total This puts the facility in the “mega solar” class as the largest solar power generation facility in a retail property in Japan List of Shops in the Second Stage Expansion(PDF:61KB) Back to index of News Releases in 2014 Japanese version today announced that it has decided to initiate the second-stage development plan for Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu The second-stage expansion will increase the number of shops from 174 stores to approximately 220 stores making it one of the largest outlet malls in Metropolitan Tokyo with the second-stage opening scheduled for summer 2014 Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu opened its doors on April 13 easily accessible location close to the Kisarazu Kaneda IC where the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line connects with Chiba Prefecture Located at the entrance to tourist destinations in the southern half of Chiba's Boso Peninsula the mall attracts a large number of diverse customers from the Kanto region including from Tokyo and Yokohama across the bay in addition to the many local residents of Chiba Facility sales in the first year of the mall's opening have far exceeded the initial target of ¥41.0 billion The expansion announced today is aimed at garnering even more patronage from customers The second-stage expansion will add popular brands from Japan and abroad fashion accessories and general merchandise to cater to an even wider diversity of customer needs the bustling food court integrating food from famous restaurants in Japan will be enlarged 50% in spacewith new offerings Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu is a facility designed around the concept of “An Outlet Mall in Harmony with the Environment.” Smart facilities developed in the first stage feature the largest installation of solar panels of any shopping facility in eastern Japan generating approximately 600 kw in electricity and the active introduction of environmentally friendly fixtures and equipment such as LED lighting.Mitsui Fudosan plans topromote smart facilities further in the second stage of development including installing additional solar panels generating approximately 200 kw in electricity Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu second-stage expansion (perspective) Back to index of News Releases in 2013 Pedal to the metal in Harbor City Kisarazu Japan’s premier venue for go-kart racing has carved out a solid reputation for quality and safe racing over at its indoor circuit located inside Chiba Sports Plaza near Chiba Station Now racers can plump for a bit of added authenticity and experience the thrill of speeding around with backsides mere centimeters from the ground at Harbor Circuit’s brand new outdoor facility perfect for children who need that little bit of extra support Individual sessions last six minutes each and pumping in lap after lap trying to better lap times is an addictive pursuit. A performance print out with daily and monthly rankings is handed out after each session for you to see how well you stack up against other track rivals Harbor circuit Kisarazu is open regardless of the weather so if you’re feeling extra brave and fancy and an extra challenge head down and test your wet weather driving skills SodiKarts have crash prevention brake lamps to avoid racers being caught off-guard A remotely operated kill switch can also be engaged if necessary TOKYO: An earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of upper 5 jolted Chiba prefecture around 4:16 on Thursday but caused no tsunami The epicenter of the quake was in southern Chiba Prefecture under the Boso Peninsula near the city of Kisarazu with an epicenter depth of about 40km and an estimated magnitude of 5.4 No reports of injury or building damage been made according to Kisarazu police A seismic intensity of 5-lower was observed in the southern Boso peninsula and seismic intensities of 2 to 4 were observed in districts next to Tokyo Bay in Chiba The remainder of the Southern Kanto region largely experienced seismic intensities of 2 and 3 Kisarazu is a popular costal town for swimming and surfing during summer Thrill-seekers of all skill levels and ages are welcome to live out their wildest Formula One dreams at Harbor Circuit, Japan’s premier venue for go-kart racing. Harbor Circuit at AEON Mall Kisarazu offers a fun friends and office or school get-togethers The outdoor venue offers tournament-style races for those visiting with a group of five or more you’re in luck: the venue doesn’t require a driver’s license to enjoy go-karting For seasoned speed racers seeking to improve their lap times — which easily becomes quite the addictive pursuit — a performance printout with daily and monthly rankings is handed out after each session for you to see how well you stack up against other track rivals Harbor Circuit Kisarazu’s outdoor track adds authenticity to the go-karting experience Back to index of News Releases in 2010 Japanese version Japanese version Japanese version PlayStation 4 units come off the assembly line at a pace of about one every 30 seconds white building towers over an otherwise suburban landscape visitors are greeted by the whirring of motors as dozens of robots seamlessly churn out PlayStation 4 consoles Japanese version A moderate magnitude 4.5 earthquake hit 39 km (25 mi) away from Tokyo, Tokyo,  Japan The quake had a moderate depth of 88 km (55 mi) and was felt widely in the area Kisarazu has a very high level of seismic activity Based on data from the past 25 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900 there are about 2,300 quakes on average per year in or near Kisarazu Kisarazu has had at least 5 quakes above magnitude 7 since 1900 which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently probably on average approximately every 23 to 27 years The quake had a very shallow depth of 29 km (18 mi) and was too small to be felt by people Kisarazu has had 26 small quakes up to magnitude 1.9 The quake had a very shallow depth of 22 km (14 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so).