People Town Gourmet Representative of Hokkaido Design Code LLC Currently active in two locations: her hometown of Kushiro and Tokyo While supporting companies in promoting digital transformation and startups "Minatomachi Base 946BANYA," on the second floor of Fisherman's Wharf MOO Kotoe's Kotoraji delivers a variety of information with a focus on spreading the appeal of eastern Hokkaido located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean from Kushiro is a famous restaurant that has it all: location you can enjoy creative cuisine made with plenty of ingredients from eastern Hokkaido The wine and sake pairings selected by the owner and sommelier The lunch plate includes four kinds of freshly baked bread that you can eat all you want There is also a stylish interior shop attached to the cafe and they pay special attention to the tableware and interior design and since it is close to the bus stop for Kushiro Airport why not stop by for breakfast while you wait for the bus "BUKUBUKU Awaya" is popular for its high-quality sushi that will impress even the most discerning gourmets and the snack bar's unique light atmosphere makes the sushi even more delicious Enjoy the "snack bar gastronomy" that is unique to Kushiro ■ Click here for Kotoe Kimura's Domingo local player page Domingo presents "That Person's Special Book" "That Person's Favorite Things" can also be found in "HAC MAGAZINE" an in-flight magazine published every other month by Hokkaido Air System (HAC) the "wings of Hokkaido." It introduces the "favorite things" of wonderful people in Hokkaido Hokkaido Air System Official Website "It's too good..." Record of a trip to the northernmost remote island of Japan Video filmed by university students becomes a hot topic: "It's youth" Expanding the circle of exchange in Minami-ku a community market created by students together with the local community "Amazing view..." It's like another world A photo taken in the "city of steel" Muroran is a hot topic: "It's overwhelming" "As long as the fish is tasty...?!" The welcome party for a new recruit from Hokkaido is too difficult "They're the kind of people who sprinkle salmon roe on top." Three "specialties" in Morimachi the "successor of the Southern Hokkaido Sugi canoe technique" Winter Biei photos become a hot topic for being "too beautiful" → The photographer is aspiring to be a farmer to protect the scenery "I want to be one of the people who create the landscape of this hill" Seasonal “news” of Hokkaido can be checked by category You can check the information of your “town” in one place Events” held throughout the province are easy to find and can be saved This page has been automatically translated by Google Translate service Seeing vacant buildings and houses in disrepair in Japan is becoming more commonplace with the aging and decline of the country's population The phenomenon is being acutely felt in some small and midsize regional cities struggling to cope with a continuous outflow of population a fishing port city located on the Pacific Ocean coast of the northern main island of Hokkaido With commercial facilities switching to suburban areas the area around JR Kushiro Station has lost much of its vitality with many buildings abandoned and left to go to seed due to a lack of funds for their demolition a huge vacant six-story building is stained with graffiti a department store that once symbolized the city's prosperity but closed in 2006 The panels of the sheathing are peeling off a company from the prefectural capital Sapporo acquired the land and building before conducting exterior wall work in an attempt to open a new commercial facility The city has been sending letters to the company since around 2016 asking that it properly manage the property "I remember Kushiro as a city full of people and growing so it is really sad to see all the ruins," said Hiroaki Kimura an 84-year-old local tour guide who used to work in the same building Experts warning of the problem of "ghost towns" spreading around the country are calling for legislation to make it mandatory for building owners to factor in demolition costs when constructing large buildings In addition to being a blight on the landscape there is also concern in the case of Kushiro that abandoned buildings could pose an added danger in the event of a major earthquake and tsunami hitting the coastal city an earthquake around the Japan Trench or Kuril Trench where the Pacific plate collides with the Eurasian plate and we need the government to get started tearing them down," Kimura said there were 19 vacant buildings around Kushiro Station have been designated as "special vacant buildings" of high risk there are no plans to forcibly demolish the buildings through "administrative subrogation," which allows the city authorities to take the measure when the owner does not comply with an order "It is difficult for government to get its hands on private property," a city official acknowledged "Outside explanations and procedures are needed" to fully convince the people involved to take such action The city also faces the problem of the huge costs of demolishing buildings which can run into the billions of yen for a single structure and there is a fear that the money will be unrecoverable even if the owner is billed a professor of urban policy at Meiji University noted the importance of preventing the emergence of more abandoned buildings "There will be no choice but to demolish some of the vacant buildings now abandoned in various locations under administrative initiatives," she said "It is necessary to legislate not only the rights of owners but also their 'duty to manage,' for example by requiring them to set aside the demolition costs when constructing large buildings," Nozawa added Kimura says that he is often told by people to whom he gives tours of the city from around Japan that they too have many decaying abandoned buildings and vacant houses in their own hometowns Nozawa warned that with the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters half-destroyed buildings only act as a hindrance to relief efforts 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 Another useful and easy-to-use tool presented by 3D Artist and Add-on Maker Kushiro 3D Artist and Add-on Maker Kushiro has presented a new add-on for Blender called Quick Fillet a nice tool for creating curved surfaces (quads) using cross-section edges even though errors won’t occur if they are flat and the tool calculates and presents the quads in no time But be sure to select an even number of edges and all the edge sets are supposed to have the same number of edges Kushiro has created many other great plug-ins available to make modeling so much easier In addition to those mentioned above, you can find a full list of all 48 useful tools for modeling and procedural graphics created by Kushiro here 80 level 80LV logo are registered trademarks of 80LV LLC We use cookies on this website to make your browsing experience better. By using the site you agree to our use of cookies.Learn more Sign In Register Burnaby officials will take an international “friendship” trip to Japan later this year despite a previous council decision to cancel a longer Asia trip due to cost concerns The trip to Japan will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Burnaby and Kushiro Kushiro invited Burnaby delegates to attend a gourmet event called Kushiro Tairyo Donpaku in September, according to a staff report read by council Tuesday Sister cities and “friendship cities” are international partnerships intended to foster economic development In December, council cancelled plans for a larger trip to friendship cities in Japan South Korea and Taiwan due to poor optics and budget concerns.  Pietro Calendino said the 60th anniversary of the Kushiro sister city relationship is a “landmark year.” He said the group was waiting for Burnaby to approve the trip to Kushiro and would not come to Burnaby if it wasn’t a reciprocal exchange “The Japanese are very much tied to protocol and the protocol requires that if they visit the exchange visits should be done as well,” Calendino said Sav Dhaliwal added: “We want to share best practices we want to share cultural and other things that we have in common.” He said the trip is a “once-in-a-decade kind of thing.” Richard Lee tried to amend the proposal to have Burnaby delegates pay for their own accommodations and meals but no other councillors supported his amendment Lee said he would vote in favour of the trip but would not accept a subsidy for his meals or accommodations The money for the trip will come from the city’s gaming reserve which comes from the local casino and not taxpayers Estimated costs for a seven-day trip to Japan per delegate are between $4,750 (for economy travel) and $6,750 (for business class) a hosting dinner and a token of appreciation Maita Santiago said she’s mindful of the tough economic climate but added the trip can show the local community that the city values its relationship with Japan “Where some countries are increasingly being very isolationist I think it’s all the more reason for us as a city to pursue these relationships,” she said But other councillors said the money could be put to better use Alison Gu said the cost of the trip is “just exorbitant,” and said even if the money comes from the gaming reserve the city could spend it on something local like a playground She added the world has changed since the friendship cities program was established “I ultimately think that we need to be looking at how we can strengthen our local relationships including with people of Japanese descent in our own community.” “There’s no disrespect to anyone but I just cannot justify spending this kind of money at this time.” Daniel Tetrault and Joe Keithley opposed it Delegates from Kushiro will come to Burnaby in July; the city also plans to rename Hawthorne Lane, a walkway near the Nikkei Centre, to Kushiro Lane or Kushiro Emmott Lane. The estimated cost of the Kushiro delegation coming to Burnaby is $67,200. Record snowfall has blanketed Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Record snowfall has blanketed Japan's northern island of Hokkaido causing widespread travel disruptions and prompting calls for assistance from stranded motorists deemed record-breaking by the Hokkaido prefectural government has particularly impacted the island's eastern regions Local authorities have been inundated with calls from drivers whose vehicles became trapped in the snow The severe weather coincides with the start of Sapporo's renowned snow festival in southern Hokkaido While the festival itself has not experienced significant disruption the broader impact on the island is evident Television footage has captured scenes of residents battling the elements shovelling snow and assisting stranded drivers no injuries or major damage have been reported a record-breaking snowfall of 129 centimetres (4 feet) was detected on Tuesday The Japan Meteorological Agency said two powerful low pressure systems are moving on both sides of the Japanese archipelago The agency predicted up to 100 centimetres (3.2 feet) of snowfall in northwestern Japan and 50 centimetres (1.6 feet) more snowfall in Hokkaido over the next 24 hours through Wednesday evening The prefecture said parts of highways and main roads were closed and train services in the affected areas were suspended Runways were closed due to snow at Obihiro and Kushiro airports while dozens of flights in and out of Hokkaido were cancelled About 370 schools cancelled classes Tuesday across Hokkaido The snow also caused closures of post offices and other distribution services, delaying deliveries within Hokkaido and to destinations across Japan. Hokkaido officials called on the residents and visitors to carry shovels and warm clothes in their vehicles in case they stall in the snow. People remove snow from a street in Kushiro, Hokkaido Editor's note: This letter incorrectly states that the Burnaby school board will be part of a delegation travelling to Japan to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Burnaby and Kushiro The school district has confirmed no representatives from the school board or district will be part of the trip Re: Burnaby agrees to Japan trip despite concerns over 'exorbitant' costs I think this is a particularly egregious waste of taxpayer money during an economic crisis (also amidst years of above-inflation property tax increases which contribute to more than 50% of Burnaby's operating budget and a massive overstep of city council's aims as a municipal government).  Particularly shocking was that during the debate Sav Dhaliwal argued that this was “not taxpayer money” as it came from the gaming reserve I believe it is well understood by the council (and anyone with an understanding of fund or non-profit accounting) that whether it comes from the general revenue fund or a separate (gaming) fund is frankly irrelevant Every dollar spent from any fund or area represents another dollar that needs to be made up in the largest revenue source (property taxes) or which could otherwise represent a tax decrease or be used for any other worthy city initiative The sister city concept is outdated and has no impact on local residents.  I would implore city council to better consider the needs of local residents rather than fluffy goodwill trips which make good photo opps but have no impact locally Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report Hokkaido--Motorists driving westward through a wetland region in Kushiro city can quickly spot numerous solar panels on both sides of the Doto Expressway are each covered by more than 10 large and dense solar panel arrays Locals call this area a “sea of mega solar farms.” Environmentalists describe it as an essentially law-less land that threatens to destroy endangered species Their concern lies in the fact that the Kushiroshitsugen National Park lies just 1 kilometer north of this wetland area the park became the first Japanese site registered in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Listing means habitats for precious creatures there must be protected carefully Although the solar farms lie outside the designated protected areas of the park and the city government is planning tougher restrictions on the installation of the solar farms Kushiro city is known as the “town of fog” because of the frequent mist that emerges from early spring autumn is often characterized by sunny days while its winters experience relatively few snowfalls The municipality receives 2,000 hours of sunlight a year land in the swampy zone can be bought for reasonable prices because the peat-filled area has been difficult to use for agricultural and other purposes A representative of a power station operator in Hokkaido installed photovoltaic panels in Kushiro a few years ago whereas snow typically poses the gravest problem on Hokkaido,” the official said the level ground sits in close proximity to the power distribution network.” The park is home to a nest of Japanese cranes a registered natural treasure of Kushiro city and a designated endangered species on the Environment Ministry’s Red List The boundary of the national park is not marked nor sectioned off and significant natural features extend beyond the reserve and these rare amphibians could be affected by nearby development projects Concerns are growing that the recent introduction of mega solar power stations around the park will harm the natural environment in the neighborhood are not subject to regulations under the Natural Parks Law Specialized restrictions are imposed on construction of solar power facilities inside national parks but they do not apply to locations outside their borders The area around the Kushiro national park is a designated “non-urbanization zone,” where buildings cannot be erected But solar panels can still be set up because that type of structure is not regarded as a “building” under the Building Standards Law Kushiro city’s scenery ordinance also stipulates that plans to introduce structures 8 meters or greater in height must be reported beforehand Depending on their electricity generating capacities environmental assessments of planned power plants are required to check their potential effects on local ecosystems But the evaluation criteria are as lenient as those for facilities planned in urban areas no extra procedures are required when building solar power stations adjacent to the Kushiroshitsugen National Park The lack of restrictions and the ease in purchasing the land have made plots around the park popular candidate sites for large-scale solar farms Similar mega solar projects are under way in other areas adjacent to national parks such as the Aso region in Kumamoto Prefecture and the Azuma mountain range of Fukushima Prefecture According to the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy 10-kilowatt-plus solar power production facilities had been installed in Kushiro city in 631 cases by September 2023 nearly eight times higher than 82 as of April 2014 The total installation number for Kushiro town increased from 50 to 301 over the past decade as well At the request of a nature conservation group Kushiro city worked out guidelines on construction of solar power farms in June 2023 and the standards went into effect the following month Areas around the Kushiro wetland and other locations in the municipality are specified as “zones inappropriate for construction of power farms,” according to 25 relevant laws and ordinances Hokkaido’s water resources preservation rules The latest guidelines call for strict reviews on proposals to build solar stations in these restricted zones Operators are supposed to hold thorough discussions and explanatory sessions for residents in advance The solar plants should be promptly demolished if decisions are made to close them for good Kushiro city’s environmental conservation department said it had received applications from 16 companies by Sept Two requests suggested running power stations within the restricted zones and one proposed project has already changed the installation point One problem is that violators of the guidelines face no penalties a designated important swamp in Kushiro city a Tokyo-based mega solar farm operator dug a water channel without obtaining permission from the Hokkaido governor under the Forest Law The city notified the operator of its possible violation of municipal guidelines Kushiro city is now looking to implement a dedicated ordinance that would be stricter than the current guidelines presented to the municipality’s environment committee proposes designating roughly the same zones in the guidelines as “control areas” under a new framework But no plans were included in the draft to regulate the entire non-urbanization zone And the issue became a campaign topic during the Kushiro city mayor election in October who advocates “directly restricting the non-urbanization zone,” won the election The municipal government is now considering further strengthening its crackdown to stop environmental destruction (This article was written by Morikazu Kogen and Kai Ichino.) Companies are breathing new life into old mega solar farms Many light up at renting out apartment roofs for solar panels Former rural golf courses now sites for sea of solar power panels Disposal of used solar panels a problem left by green power 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 Mayor Mike Hurley and Burnaby City Council are pleased to present the Kushiro Cup to Henry Wakabayashi and Ken Shinozaki This award honours Burnaby residents who make tremendous contributions in creating a connected The Kushiro Cup has been awarded since 1982 when the cup was first presented to the City of Burnaby by its sister city Henry Wakabayashi: Henry’s vision and leadership sparked the creation of the sister city partnership between Kushiro and Burnaby Henry was approached by city officials who wanted to create a sister city relationship with a Canadian city Recognizing the potential for cultural and economic exchange Henry connected the Mayor of Kushiro with the City of Burnaby This resulted in a partnership that has flourished for six decades Henry provides guidance on projects at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre and Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society He was also pivotal in creating the Japanese garden with cherry blossom trees at Nikkei Place in celebration of sister city partnership’s 60th anniversary Ken Shinozaki: A resident of Burnaby for nearly 40 years His generous donations to the Nikkei Home assisted living facility and Burnaby Hospital along with his active community volunteer work Ken also was key in creating the 60th anniversary Japanese garden at Nikkei Place His nominators praised Ken’s dedication to Nikkei Place and his invaluable contributions as an advisor on the project committee Ken's leadership has been instrumental in navigating site restrictions ensuring the garden meets cultural and aesthetic expectations making it a meaningful gift to Kushiro.  The City of Burnaby is proud to recognize these outstanding individuals whose efforts embody the values that strengthen the community Learn more: Burnaby.ca/VolunteerAwards  Each Nation has distinct histories and distinct traditional territories that fully or partially encompass the city We encourage you to learn more about the Host Nations whose ancestors have occupied and used these lands The search is on for Burnaby’s most outstanding citizen of the year Locals can nominate a “special someone who’s volunteered a heroic amount of time in the community” for two different awards: Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Local Heroes The Outstanding Citizen wins the Kushiro Cup awarded to local leaders who have made significant contributions to culture recreation and other non-elected civic activities in Burnaby The Local Heroes awards honour residents who have made a long-term contribution to the city through their commitment to volunteerism Last year’s Kushiro Cup winner, Len Soet, was recognized for “countless hours” of volunteer work at multiple non-profits including Journey Home and the Society to End Homelessness Dennis Baker won the 2023 Kushiro Cup for his full-time volunteer work refurbishing bicycles and donating them to families in need when a delegation from Burnaby's sister city Kushiro Nominations for the 2024 awards will close Sunday, Feb. 16. The nomination application is available on the city’s website Mayor Mike Hurley was the first council member to say he opposed the trip during the meeting.  “I will start this out by saying that I’m opposed to this at this time although I would love to keep our sister city relationships going and they’ve been going for a long time; I just don’t think that this is the right time to be traveling given the constraints on budgets that we’re going to see moving forward here,” Hurley said.  and Maita Santiago followed the mayor in opposing the trip due to its high cost and the fact that Burnaby residents are currently struggling to make ends meet.  “It just seems very out of touch with what people are facing and people are struggling to pay their own bills and rent and us going on a trip that costs $15,000 a head just doesn’t seem right,” Tetrault said “I also do think it’s worth re-looking at our whole sister city policy and analyzing future trips whether it merits the cost for not only council and also use of staff and council time.”  Gu said the trip would also be high in emissions Three councillors approved the trip and wanted it to occur: Sav Dhaliwal Dhaliwal spoke at length about the many benefits of the sister cities program and how these types of trips can help develop the city and bring new ideas and other benefits and opportunities to Burnaby Dhaliwal added that the sister cities program is “priceless.”  “When we embarked on this journey of having friendship and sister cities it was with the intention of creating some worldwide harmony and having to share our cultures,” Dhaliwal said “I had the opportunity to go to Japan once many years ago to the Kushiro sister city and I marvel at what we learned and what we have gained from that relationship.”  said he was disappointed in the opposition to the trip.  “I’m a little bit disappointed at the reaction of the councillors and yourself We’ve been discussing this for almost a year,” Calendino said which are to be used for a one-time activity.” Calendino added that while the cost seems excessive in the report there are options for travel that do not include business-class airfare and may reduce the cost.  Lee wanted to direct staff to look into alternative funding sources and explore the possibility of councillors paying a portion of the trip expenses out of pocket Gu requested that Lee put forward a formal motion about it.   “I would appreciate the opportunity to actually vote on that because staff resources are quite limited and I wouldn’t want us wasting time on something if there wasn’t actually council support for something,” Gu said.  and the majority of council members voted against the trip.  This piece was made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative. Local news, events, food, and people. A weekly newsletter made for Burnaby by Burnaby. A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido at 4:01 p.m according to the Japan Meteorological Agency 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 agency said that the temblor measured an intensity of 4 on the Japanese seismic scale of 7 in the cities of Kushiro and Nemuro in Hokkaido Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun but it still featured some interesting discussions and a possible controversy.  “That the City of Burnaby prepare a comprehensive annual financial report (starting from  the 2024 calendar year) that details the total compensation received by Council members who serve on regional or provincial/national organizations and that this report be made accessible to the public,” Lee’s motion said “That the annual financial report provides a complete itemization of each Council member’s base salary and benefits and any other compensation associated with their roles.”  The reasons mentioned in the report include improving transparency and public trust and as a benchmarking tool to help compare compensation with other municipalities and organizations.  The motion died before any discussion could occur when no other council members “seconded” it.  2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Burnaby’s sister-city relationship with Kushiro but some councilors changed their minds this time The trip will be funded from the city’s gaming reserve funds which Burnaby receives from gambling and gaming activities the gaming reserves are also used for projects that benefit Burnaby residents and other public projects. Cutting Taiwan and Korea out of the trip reduced the cost by almost half “I really think that the cost of this type of trip is just exorbitant and while it may come from the gaming reserve which is money that we get from the casino in our community that’s still money that we could be spending on a playground or any other list of items and priorities that we have at the city Santiago said that while she is mindful of the economic climate this visit is special because of the 60th anniversary of the sister-city relationship with Kushiro we talk a lot about how we’re in these unprecedented times when some countries are increasingly being very isolationist I think it’s all the more reason for us as a city to pursue these relationships,” Santiago said.  Bus in front of Metrotown SkyTrain station Lee’s motion fizzled out and died without a word of discussion Santiago introduced a motion requesting that the mayor correspond with the other orders of government to support transit in Burnaby.  Last weekend, a rally occurred in front of the Metrotown SkyTrain station to protect Burnaby buses. Metro Vancouver Transit Riders (Movement) organized the rally on Sunday “We’re organizing a rally in order to save our buses to make our voices heard and tell the government to address TransLink’s operating budget shortfall before it’s too late,” the group said on its website.  Santiago mentioned the rally in her introduction to the motion.  While all the other council members welcomed the idea they said that the provincial and federal governments must step up and support transit in Burnaby.  so we’re not going back every year or every two years and begging for more funds to keep buses running.” This piece was made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative. Today's print edition Home Delivery Public prosecutors indicted the president of a tour boat operator on Wednesday over a fatal sinking incident off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido in April 2022 The Kushiro District Public Prosecutor's Office charged Seiichi Katsurada with professional negligence resulting in death.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The Japan Coast Guard arrested him last month over the loss of all 26 people aboard the sunken Kazu I tour boat It alleged he neglected his duty as the person in charge of the Kazu I's operation to give appropriate instructions to the boat captain resulting in seawater gushing in through a hatch due to high waves Katsurada let the Kazu I operate after deciding with the captain that the boat would return if the weather worsened He is believed to have told investigators after his arrest that the sinking could have been avoided had the captain turned back Katsurada's trial is expected to focus on whether the accident was foreseeable The sinking occurred near a waterfall in the peninsula on April 23 A total of 20 passengers and crew were confirmed dead while the remaining six are listed as missing 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 Gourmet "Izakaya O-chan" where you can enjoy a heart-warming moment where you can enjoy the traditional taste of Kushiro zangi You can also buy a boxed lunch at Yam Yam Yam Showa Store 4 Zangi recommended by a professional "Lava Grill Kojare 5 If you want to make a black-and-white decision on Zangi 6 Newcomer in 2021 "Kushiro Zangi Umami Chan 7 A variety of cocktails can be enjoyed together at "Cocktailbar JiZi TMG4 A writer born and raised in Hokkaido who loves delicious and interesting food After working on various writing projects for the online skills market "Coconala," she became a freelance writer searching for interesting places and delicious restaurants [7 minutes walk from Sapporo Station] Enjoy hot springs A comfortable stay at the 605-room "Sapporo Hotel by Granbell" Running a "Neo Community Center" where people and things from Kushiro come together | Kotoe Kimura recommends three "special things" in Kushiro [2025 Latest] Top 15 ramen shops in Sapporo recommended by locals The hot soup with the aroma of dried sardines will soak in your mouth Try the "Eifukucho-style Chinese noodles" at "Daikokuken" in Nanae-cho Sapporo's lunch buffet (5) Not only the food but the view and service are also top-notch The ever-evolving classic buffet JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo Restaurant & Bar "SKY J" It looks delicious!" Did you know that in Sapporo you can only get "Rokkatei's fresh cakes" at their directly managed stores? And Kushiro joined this club of new-wave Japanese restaurants back in June 2024 when it opened on Fitzroy's buzzing Brunswick Street This is Yvonne Cheng's second Kushiro outpost with the first located inside Hong Kong's legendary Peninsula Hotel but while the Hong Kong Kushiro is a traditional omakase diner befitting its five-star-hotel setting Melbourne's version is significantly more low-key and has a distinct izakaya feel don't think that means the quality here has also been taken down a notch with Kushiro Hong Kong's Executive Chef Jan Chung in Melbourne to personally ensure the new offer is just as impressive as the original Chung has worked in a slew of Michelin-starred restaurants so you should rightfully expect top-quality eats with a lot of creative flair You'll find him serving up a luxe scampi tartare with lobster bisque panna cotta; a less-than-classic char siu made with beetroot-marinated pork belly that's been tenderised with papaya and glazed with a sticky and sweet sauce; and a 12-hour slow-roasted short rib with barley the team is pouring Kushiro's own Japanese-made sake as well as classic and signature cocktails International talks on Pacific bluefin tuna catches began in Kushiro with Japan calling for catch quotas to be drastically increased in light of recovering stocks Japan is seeking a 2.31-fold increase in the annual quota in the central and western Pacific for large bluefin tuna weighing 30 kilograms or more and a 30% increase in that for smaller fish.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); "It is necessary to increase the quotas to reflect the current situation of tuna stocks." the annual quota for large tuna is 7,609 tons According to a survey by the Fisheries Agency in 2022 the average wholesale price of refrigerated bluefin tuna was ¥2,700 per kilogram higher than about ¥1,700 for bigeye tuna and about ¥500 for albacore tuna the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission's Northern Committee and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission will hold a joint working group meeting until Saturday and the Northern Committee will hold a two-day meeting from Monday The conferences will draft specific quotas for next year and beyond The Japanese agency is expected to announce the results as early as Tuesday night Spots Cherry Blossom・Autumn Leaves there are many spots where you can enjoy barbecues and outdoor activities with the cherry blossoms and you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at your leisure with your family and friends we will introduce 8 cherry blossom and flower viewing spots near Obihiro and Kushiro that are perfect for this coming season There are also places where you can see late-blooming cherry blossoms so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long period of time by combining them with other areas This park is loved by many as the latest cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan At the Cherry Blossom Festival held every May you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while watching local performing arts and other events There is a management building with a shop A campsite surrounded by a forest that is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring It is equipped with bungalows and a barbecue area that can accommodate up to 60 people There is a mountain stream nearby where you can fish and splash around in the water so you can enjoy outdoor activities in addition to cherry blossom viewing The adjacent "Fureai no Mori" is a scenic spot that has been selected as one of the Otobetsu New Eight Views and the autumn leaves are also spectacular was built as if it were embraced by Cape Barasan The grounds of Kokutai-ji Temple are one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Hokkaido the old cherry tree with the most intensely colored flowers is the one that blooms and has long branches that spread out in all directions this park has over a thousand Siberian cherry trees (Ooyamazakura) making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot In addition to Siberian cherry trees and Yaezakura trees It is also the venue for Akkeshi's signature events such as the Cherry Blossom and Oyster Festival in the spring and the Oyster Festival in the fall located on a small hill near the Tokachi Ohashi Bridge is a popular spot for cherry blossoms in spring you can also see the pretty and delicate lily of the valley flowers The park is surrounded by nature and is home to wild birds and Hokkaido squirrels This park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Obihiro City and is beautiful with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall You can also see a rich variety of wildlife There is also a Wildflower Garden where you can observe about 380 species of plants native to Tokachi and an 8-hectare lawn area called Green Park where you can enjoy a sense of openness that you can't experience in the city located on a hill overlooking Shimizu city including beautiful cherry blossoms in spring There is also a park golf course with a spectacular view of the Tokachi Plain and the park is bustling with people who come to experience a variety of outdoor activities [Updated for 2025] A complete guide to accessing Daiwa House Premist Dome (Sapporo Dome) and nearby hotels "So cute it's unfair" - Feel the healing power of a sleeping miniature horse [Information on the early opening on April 25th] Sapporo Odori's newest attraction Floor details and highlights of "4PLA" opening in summer 2025 A hotel in the center of Sapporo with a superb sauna and large public bath Experience the warmth that is unique to Hokkaido at "Danyuki Sapporo" [2025 Edition] 7 recommended cherry blossom spots in the Kitami and eastern Hokkaido areas Enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the great outdoors A new long-distance hiking trail showcasing some of Japan’s rarest and most unspoiled natural environments has opened in eastern Hokkaido An initiative of the Ministry of Environment the path is designed to increase the appeal of the area among inbound and domestic visitors amid increasing interest in physical activity particularly among international travellers Japan is the third most popular destination for adventure travellers globally according to the 2023 Adventure Travel Industry Snapshot report released by the Adventure Travel Trade Association trekking or walking were in the top five trending activities Hokkaido’s 410km route links the three national parks of Kushiro-Shitsugen an expansive area that includes Japan’s largest wetland and largest caldera lake It links Kushiro in the south-east to Rausu in the north-eastern tip via Teshikaga farmland and the coastline to showcase the local environment Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site renowned for its rich ecosystem that supports globally endangered bird species visitors can also spot the red-crowned crane According to the Hokkaido East Trail Management Office the walking trail “will serve as a pillar of the trail network concept allowing people to enjoy the national parks’ nature at their own pace over an extended stay and to enjoy a wider range of walking trips” Seafront stays and heritage charm at Penang Marriott Hotel Is Your Business Listed On TTGmice Planner Online The best way to spend two days in East Hokkaido’s fascinating hub It’s not every day that you are able to see the end of the world Kushiro is a port city covered in fog most of the year That mist hides a treasure of natural beauty and rich food emerald green expanses and frozen white lakes It can be accessed by train from Sapporo or by plane at Kushiro Airport Here’s the best way to spend 48 hours in Kushiro you can observe their elegant mating dance in the field located behind the center this place is truly a paradise for bird watchers Follow Route 240 in a straight shot for just over an hour, and you’ll reach Lake Akan. Part of the expansive Akan-Mashu National Park, Lake Akan is an onsen town that provides activities year-round. Home to a large Ainu Kotan you can buy hand-crafted goods from local artisans a rare natural phenomenon that occurs only under specific conditions Ride on sightseeing boats or speedboats for a thrill Hot springs in Lake Akan provide breathtaking infinity pool views of the tranquil lake stay at the local campground and relax in the ashiyu (foot bath) visit the local Ainu theater for productions based on Ainu storytelling and folklore Near the lake, walk through the Bokke Forest, a short loop with no elevation gain. It starts and ends at the nature center You’ll see woodpeckers and noble Yezo (also known as Ezo) sika deer resting under the canopy At the farthest end of the loop is a bokke rent snowshoes or cross-country skis for a day and navigate the same loop Lake Akan freezes over completely in deep winter from early February you can enjoy the Lake Akan Ice Festival Rent snowmobiles for a short or long course and ice fish for wakasagi (a fish of the smelt family) Higher up in the mountains is the Meakan Onsen located at the base of the Mount Meakan trail There’s a four-hiking loop that takes you up to a breathtaking panoramic view you can enjoy a 90-minute cruise through the Kushiro Port culminating with an unobstructed view of the Kushiro sunset the cruise’s cancellation will be announced in advance giving you plenty of time to make backup plans The Kushiro sunsets are said to be one of the best in the world By the river is a long outdoor area called Ganpeki Robata It is open from the end of May until October offering the chance to experience fresh seafood while seated outdoors you will need to buy food tickets from the first vendor Each ticket is worth ¥1,000 and can be separated into smaller values It is important to note that these tickets are non-refundable so it is recommended to buy them as you go instead of purchasing a large number upfront as they will still be valid until the end of the season you will need to purchase additional tickets for the specific food categories offered by separate vendors the entertainment district located just across from Kita-odori The Akachochin Yokocho (say that five times fast) has many small spaces For better chances of enjoying a nice brew East Hokkaido is home to a new craft brewery a fantastic location that marries nature and clean flavors for a refreshing drink If you are looking for a late-night dive bar tucked away in the side street next to Daniel 2 Strike up a conversation with strangers at Hot Sauce while listening to an impressive collection of records Located near downtown in the historic district Thin noodles are cooked to perfection in a flavorful bonito-based soup making it a surefire way to warm up on a cold day It’s wise to get there early as this spot is popular with both locals and tourists Please note that Maruhira is only open from 9:30 a.m Just up the hill from Maruhira in Yonemachi Park you’ll find a lighthouse that overlooks Kushiro you can enjoy impressive views of the Hidaka Mountains in the distance Behind the lighthouse is the Itsukushima Shrine which boasts an impressive complex with a beautiful courtyard A short walk from Itsukushima Shrine is Mon Coeur a local bakery that’s perfect for enjoying a cup of fresh coffee and some artisanal bread The Norokko and the Fuyu-no-Shitsugen trains depart from Kushiro Station in the morning and head into the beautiful wetlands during summer and winter You can purchase tickets for these trains at the counter located at Kushiro Station The Norokko Train offers an open carriage with stunning views of mountains you have the opportunity to see magnificent wild animals such as the Yezo deer and red-crowned cranes the Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train is a steam locomotive that is enclosed making you feel like you’re on a train headed to Hogwarts Both trains offer snacks and other refreshments for purchase you can also enjoy warming up with seafood snacks and hot sake Enjoy viewing a wild paradise throughout the seasons The wetlands are covered in verdant green foliage in the spring and summer deep auburn and yellow colors in fall and blanketed in snow throughout winter The red-crowned cranes can be found near Otowa Bridge and the bridge itself is perfect for photography the Hokuto Observatory greets you with a delightful walk through the forest The Kushiro Marsh Observatory features a gift shop and provides a 360-degree vantage point of the wetlands and Kushiro itself You can witness the sunset from Hosooaka Observatory which is located at the far end of the park and can be accessed by train from Kushiro Shitsugen Station A short distance from the station is Washo Ichiba a rice bowl covered with morsels of seafood you choose from 50 different vendors it is a source of pride for the citizens of Kushiro Bowls of rice start at a base of ¥100 to ¥400 and seafood purchased to your liking you might be surprised to know that Kushiro’s most famous contribution to the culinary world is arguably fried chicken Zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken) was born in this foggy port city back in the late 1950s Two shops specialize in making it: Torimatsu both within the downtown entertainment district Zangi is when fried chicken has its batter seasoned before frying but the recipe varies from one shop to the next it’s a fantastic soul food to warm you up on a frigid Hokkaido winter night A solitary port city offering sweeping vistas of marshlands contrasted by noble mountains Kushiro is a great escape from concrete jungles It’s a wonderful retreat to see primeval forests and to discover Ainu culture view one of the grandest sunsets while enjoying seafood along the river 2024 is shaping up to be one of the hottest years on record with abnormal spring temperatures in the Tokyo area already worrying scientists and residents alike Escape from the metropolis’ heat may seem impossible the Daisetsuzan and Hidaka mountain ranges form a spine isolating the eastern stretches of Hokkaido from the rest of the prefecture The frigid Oyashio current flows along the coast regulating temperatures and creating a near-omnipresent fog in the summer months.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Kushiro now aims to capture the hearts of tourists seeking escape from sweltering urban jungles for a misty paradise Kushiro is famed for her sunset: a natural treasure often hidden in the 100-plus days of foggy weather the high mark it represented would prove unsustainable.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Kushiro laid claim to the title of Japan’s largest port — meaning there was no shortage of fish to drop on unsuspecting truck drivers businesses shuttered and the population grayed the Kushiro the “Truck Guys” knew is no more What remains is a community fighting to keep its traditions and It’s a fight that’s being waged in many regions of the country Lifestyle Animal The posted video shows a herd of Ezo deer crossing the road What's even more surprising is that the leading Ezo deer carefully checks both sides before starting to cross which seems to be following the traffic rules has attracted the attention of many people The Ezo deer behind him looks cautiously from side to side witnessed this scene in the parking lot of a convenience store during her break from work "I took this photo while I was eating a cream puff and waiting for customers," and added a humorous comment to the post "#Waiting for customers #I'm not slacking off." Commenters expressed surprise "That's so amazing," "They're all there," and "It's funny how they keep looking left and right." is rich in nature and it is not uncommon to see Ezo deer even in urban areas Mayutan had previously encountered an Ezo deer crossing a road While it's heartwarming to see a herd of Ezo deer crossing the road it also comes with the risk of car accidents Please keep this in mind when driving in Hokkaido but this post was heartwarming and a sight unique to Hokkaido 5 easy-to-participate social good events in Hokkaido [May 2025] "They're so cute!" I feel comforted by the baby goats growing up healthy on a farm in Hokkaido "What a cute creature" - A baby seal growing up quickly is soothing Seeing it moving around so hard makes people say "It's like an angel" and "Grow up big" Event It is precisely because of this season that Hokkaido is packed with special experiences that can only be had there Winter festivals and events are held all over the prefecture where you can enjoy not only the beauty of the snow and ice Here are 30 recommended winter events that take advantage of the unique characteristics of each region of Hokkaido Enjoy seasonal spring gourmet food and Golden Week 10 recommended events in Hokkaido [May 2025] 5 recommended events in Sapporo [May 2nd - 6th [2025 Edition] 16 Flower Events in Hokkaido: Cherry blossoms 【札幌駅徒歩7分】温泉＆夜景＆朝食ビュッフェが充実！全605室「札幌ホテルbyグランベル」で快適ステイ 「良すぎる…」日本最北端の離島で過ごした旅の記録！大学生らが撮影した映像が話題に「青春だ」 釧路のひと・ことが集う“ネオ公民館”を運営 | 木村琴絵がオススメする、北海道釧路市３つの「とっておき」 札幌南区で広がる交流の輪！学生が地域と共につくりあげるコミュニティマルシェ「八百カフェ」とは 【2025年最新】大和ハウス プレミストドーム（札幌ドーム）へのアクセスと周辺ホテル完全ガイド！遠征・ライブ宿泊にも便利 【4月25日先行オープン情報も】札幌大通の新名所！2025年夏オープン「4PLA」のフロア詳細や見どころについて ナイトレースに名物グルメも！ホッカイドウ競馬2025開幕＆“馬のまち”日高町おすすめスポットガイド 【2025年版】函館近郊・道南エリアおすすめ桜スポット20選！北海道内で一足先に花見を満喫 【2025年版】北海道の花イベント16選 桜や菜の花、つつじ、チューリップが咲き誇る 【2025年版】旭川近郊・道北エリアおすすめ桜スポット10選！花見をしながらアウトドア 【2025年版】帯広・釧路近郊おすすめ桜スポット8選！家族や仲間とゆっくり楽しむ花見 【2025年版】登別・洞爺湖近郊・道央エリアおすすめ桜スポット10選！絶景とともに楽しむ花見 【2025年版】帯広・十勝近郊おすすめドライブスポット20選！絶景や食の魅力がいっぱい 【2025年版】札幌近郊おすすめドライブスポット20選！日帰りで楽しめる定番から穴場スポットまで 【2024年版】北海道の絶景に囲まれた秘湯・名湯15選！旅行で訪れたい絶対おすすめ温泉スポット 【2024年最新】ホッキョクグマやアルパカたちがお出迎え！北海道で動物たちと出会える＆触れ合えるスポット10選 【2024年版】一面の紫色に魅了される！北海道のラベンダーが楽しめるおすすめ観光スポット10選 「こんな素敵な所があったとは」まるで魔法学校！？釧路で撮影された幻想的な1枚がかっこいい！「アロホモラしたい」 札幌の味噌ラーメンを代表する超人気店『すみれ』 時代と共に進化する「味噌ラーメン」の味の秘密とは 宮の森の“完全予約制隠れ家サロン”で本格アフタヌーンティーを楽しむ 札幌「afternoonTEA afternoonALCOHOL」 札幌シメパフェ巡り（２）住所非公開＆会員制！札幌の“秘密のパフェバー”「Remake easy」に潜入 「素晴らしい景色…」まるで異世界！“鉄のまち”室蘭で撮影された一枚が話題に「圧倒される」 「もう廃棄するしかない」ももクロのイベントが中止になり販売できなくなった大量のホットドッグ→その後のファンの優しさに出店者が感動！「本当にモノノフっていいな」 島の“温泉ソムリエ”小島有貴がオススメする、奥尻島３つの「とっておき」＜あの人のとっておき帖＞ 地域からの恩恵に自覚的でいたい。５周年を迎えたドット道東が辿り着いた「ローカル事務局」という役割 オホーツクの海を愛する村井克詞がお薦めする、紋別３つのとっておき / あの人のとっておき帖 「新しい消費」と「関係人口」が創り出す、十勝と全国をつなぐ新たなライフスタイルの形とは 十勝シティデザイン創業者、柏尾哲哉さんインタビュー 北海道最小の村から全国へ！全国から注目される「おといねっぷ美術工芸高校」とそれを後押しする「おと高応援団」とは Kushiro, a Melbourne offshoot of a Japanese restaurant of the same name at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, is now open on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. The restaurant is housed inside the restored 100-year-old heritage building that was previously home to Shannon Martinez’s Smith & Daughters “We found this space early in the year and discovered the building has been around for over a century,” restaurateur and co-owner Yvonne Cheng tells Broadsheet “It’s a beautiful parallel to Kushiro’s sister venue in Hong Kong Inside, there’s now a mural of a Japanese fishing village in the venue’s namesake town of Kushiro, painted by Chinese Australian artist Shawn Lu travel spots and more – curated by those who know Chung oversees the menu at both iterations of Kushiro But while the Hong Kong Kushiro is a traditional Japanese omakase restaurant the team says the Melbourne iteration is more casual and has more of an izakaya feeling The dishes at the opening reflect a fusion of Japanese techniques with global influences “Our venue has always been about offering a unique twist by incorporating various international cooking styles into our traditional Japanese techniques,” says Chung “It’s about adapting to the flavours and ingredients that are abundant and local.” There’s scampi tartare paired with a lobster bisque panna cotta and a take on char siu that uses beetroot-marinated pork belly exemplified by the signature tofu panna cotta (a mainstay of the Hong Kong menu) The silky panna cotta is topped with caramelised milk and soy sauce-infused caramel Sake is the main focus when it comes to drinks and the list includes a lightly carbonated Kushiro-brand junmai daiginjo sake kushiro.com.au Bakeries and Restaurants That Opened or Closed in April 32 of the Hottest Dishes and Drinks in Melbourne Right Now Menu Reveal: Five Things To Order at Junda Khoo’s Ho Liao First Look: Filipino Pop-Up Palay Moves to Fitzroy for Good SAPPORO — A committee to study the improvement of air traffic in Hokkaido plans to offer trial sightseeing tours from Nov connecting local airports and nearby tourist spots by helicopter The committee — which mainly consists of Hokkaido Airports Co. Trade and Industry and four Hokkaido cities (Kushiro Sapporo and Chitose) — aims to attract wealthy tourists from Japan and abroad with sightseeing plans that will enable people to enjoy Hokkaido’s natural beauty without having to spend a long time in transit The trial tours will be based out of four airports: Kushiro a helicopter will take participants from Kushiro Airport to the Kushiro Wetland and Lake Mashu and back will take visitors to the areas including the Hidaka mountains 28’s trip will leave New Chitose Airport and stop in several places Sapporo Okadama Airport and the town of Niseko it takes about three hours to travel from New Chitose Airport to Niseko by car in winter but the same trip can be covered by helicopter in just 30 minutes As similar helicopter tours centered on Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture and other airports have been well received the committee hopes to launch such a service in Hokkaido Nine-passenger helicopters will be used for the trial tours and members of the general public will be able to sign up “The strength [of the tours] is that passengers will be able to take a flight to the airport and then move smoothly over to the helicopter,” a committee member said “We want to use these trial tours to find issues that we need to deal with.” SAPPORO — Moves are being made throughout Japan to utilize salmon farming to address potential shortages arising from recent poor autumn salmon catches By Koichiro Kikuchi / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer The nation’s more than 120 salmon farms have generated intense regional competition the ocean’s cold temperatures should provide fishers with salmon catches after shipments of Honshu salmon have dried up recent ocean warming in recent years has brought up unexpected obstacles November last year saw the first catch of experimentally farmed rainbow trout at Kushiro Port in Hokkaido a research institute and others named the fish Kushiro Akane Salmon in the hope of giving the fish its own brand Behind the expansion of salmon farming around the nation is a slump in catches of major fish species According to the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency the number of autumn salmon that returned to the nation’s coasts and rivers in fiscal 2023 was 22.85 million a quarter of the 88.79-million peak in fiscal 1996 “The days of good catches coming to those who just wait are a thing of the past Fish farming is becoming more and more important,” said Shigeki Himori Farmed salmon is fatty and makes for good sashimi In addition to the global fish-eating boom the growing demand for salmon in Japan and abroad at conveyor-belt sushi restaurants is another reason why fish farming is taking off in various regions The number of sea- and land-based salmon farms in Japan as of April was 126 researcher at the agency’s Miyako office in Iwate Prefecture According to the Hokkaido prefectural government serious moves to implement salmon farming began around 2019 in southern and eastern parts of Hokkaido which prefer relatively cold water temperatures of 8 to 20 C is caught by spring in western Japan and until summer along the Sanriku coast of the Tohoku region there were hopes that salmon could be grown in large enough numbers to be shipped until autumn when the supply of salmon from Honshu drops so Hokkaido salmon can be sold at high prices the maximum water temperature at Kushiro Port rose to 23.9 C in the summer of 2023 and the fish did not grow well as a result Only 2,086 of the 5,600 fish in fish tanks were harvested The rise in water temperature is believed to have been caused by the northward movement of the warm Kuroshio Current and the ocean heat wave that followed the retreat of the Oyashio Current a phenomenon that in recent years has occurred frequently off the eastern coast of Hokkaido the council will take remedial measures when they try again in fiscal 2024 to cultivate rainbow trout in Kushiro Port Their juvenile fish will be grown to 800 grams about twice the same size as the previous year and moved into tanks when they become strong enough to withstand high water temperatures director of the Hokkaido Research Organization’s Mariculture Fisheries Research Institute in Muroran said it is important to create added value when selling Hokkaido salmon as competitive pricing is expected to intensify with farmed salmon from other regions in Japan and imported salmon The institute has been providing guidance on cultivation techniques and cost reduction measures for the branding of Kushiro Akane Salmon and other marine products Efforts have also begun in various areas to add regional color such as by mixing citrus fruits into fish food “Success in this competitive environment depends on offering salmon unique to your region,” Yamazaki said Hokkaido — The Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train a tourist train on the JR Senmo Line that runs through the Kushiro Wetland The first train departed on that day from Kushiro Station in Kushiro and covered the 27.2-kilometer section to Toro Station in Shibecha The train slowed down in a scenic spot along the Kushiro River allowing passengers to enjoy the magnificent scenery and feel the breeze “My daughter said she really wanted to see the wetlands We were lucky to be able to ride on the opening day It was great to see the beautiful scenery,” said a 43-year-old man from Kobe who visited with his family “It’s so exciting to see the skunk cabbage and Ezo deer!” which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year has carried 2.15 million passengers since it began operations in 1989 The seasonal tourist train will run until Oct allowing passengers to see the beautifully colored sky over the wetlands Serials The popular collaboration project between "Jyoshin-chan Dropkick X Mame Anime (Hokkaido)" and Domingo has only two episodes left The theme for the 11th installment is "Marimo" it is well known that marimo grows in Hokkaido Marimo is a type of green algae that lives in the water and belongs to the family of green algae which means that it is at the highest risk of extinction It has been found in lakes and marshes in Honshu as well as in Hokkaido Lake Akan is the only lake in Japan where large spherical marimo grow in clusters Lake Akan is the only lake in Japan that has all the environmental factors that allow marimo to grow Photo courtesy of the NPO Akan Tourism Association Community Development Promotion Organization The Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Chu-Urui Island is a facility where you can learn more about the ecology of the marimo It can be visited by a sightseeing boat or a high-speed boat there is a large water tank that reproduces the bottom of Lake Akan where you can closely observe natural marimo you can sometimes see surprisingly large marimo Photo courtesy of Akan Tourism Association Community Development Promotion Organization The marimo was designated as a national natural monument in 1921 and as a special natural monument in 1952 Akan Tourism Association Community Development Promotion Organization (NPO) Location: 2-6-20 Akanko-onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido Contact: 0154-67-3200 Official website: https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/ Facebook: https: //www.facebook.com/lakeakannInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/akan_tourism_association/ Kushiro City Board of Education Marimo Laboratory Location: 1-1-1 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido Contact: 0154-67-4660 Official website: https://www.city.kushiro.lg.jp/kyouiku/shougaigakushuu/bunkazai/1010.html Prior to the airing of the full-length version in July, "Mame-Anime (Hokkaido version)" was broadcast on Hokkaido Bunka Hoso from April 6! In the video, Evil God and his group visit various places in Hokkaido, and Hatsune Miku, who is an expert on Hokkaido, makes an appearance. The video is linked to " Domingo (Crypton Future Media)," a media company that introduces the attractions of Hokkaido and viewers will be able to learn more about the local governments introduced in the video Broadcasting station: Hokkaido Bunka Broadcasting (UHB) Date & Time: Weekly broadcast from 26:10 on April 6 2022 (Wednesday) *The first broadcast will be moved back 10 minutes Click here for the official website of "Jyakami-chan Dropkick X Salmon Trout Run: The Baton of Life Being Passed on [Tomohiro Nakamichi's Shibecha Biyori (12)] (in Japanese) Brown Bears, Gods of the Mountains: Their Ecology and Their Powerful Lives [Hokkaido's Tiny Wilderness (3) Bekambe collecting" at Lake Tangji in Shibecha Town [Tomohiro Nakamichi's Shibecha Days (11)]. The largest lake in Kushiro Marsh, Lake Tangji, is a popular attraction in Kushiro Marsh! Serialization "Tomohiro Nakamichi's Shibecha Days" (10) What is the charm of Mt. Nishibetsu, the symbol of Shibecha Town [Tomohiro Nakamichi's Shibecha Days (9)]. Let's dance joyfully for both children and adults! Furano "Hokkai Navel Festival" [Evil God Girl Dropkick X Mame Anime Collaboration (12) Seasonal “news” of Hokkaido can be checked by category! You can check the information of your “town” in one place! Events” held throughout the province are easy to find and can be saved! This page has been automatically translated by Google Translate service. Hokkaido — Japan’s northernmost island — offers plenty of scope for an adventurous escape charming coastal villages and some of the best seafood in the country northernmost island — has earned its reputation as one of the most desirable destinations in the country Hokkaido has been the native homeland of the Indigenous Ainu people for centuries 150-plus years of fast-tracked development have added a contemporary character to the island and motorways have sprung up across the expansive prefecture facilitating convenient travel between formerly far-flung towns and cities From the buzzing neon lights of Sapporo to the sacred settlement on the shores of Lake Akan here’s four of the best destinations to visit across Japan’s second-largest island where visitors can choose their favourite sashimi and create their own seafood rice bowl visit one of the various izakaya (laidback Japanese bars) offering robatayaki (fresh local seafood grilled over charcoal) Held from late April to late October and from early December to mid-March these performances are used to express respect and gratitude towards their ancestors and the kamuy (Ainu gods) which takes in meadows and old-growth forest in the shadows of Mount Tenchosan After a day of exertion, take a soothing soak in the mineral-rich waters at any of the town’s traditional onsens, such as Akan Yuku no Sato a resort and spa which provides a luxurious spin on the classic Japanese ryokan (traditional inn) experience There’s a large communal bath and a rooftop with panoramic views of Lake Akan Culinary epicentre Sapporo is the place to sample local specialities bowls of umami-rich miso ramen and sizzling grilled mutton.Photograph by Sean Pavone Alamy Stock PhotoSapporo The capital of the island and Japan's fifth largest city Sapporo is a destination where visitors can appreciate an alternative more modern Hokkaido — one that features hip wineries and a plethora of art galleries and museums awash with revellers under its buzzing neon lights a covered shopping street divided into blocks The seventh block (nana-chou-me) has become a recent local hotspot for its variety of gourmet options an outdoor park of various art installations and pathways spread across undulating hills and pine forest Standouts include a glass Louvre-like pyramid a sculptural playground of more than 126 gem-coloured installations and a sandy beach for the warmer months outdoor camping Camping is a classic outdoor activity to enjoy the magnificent nature of Hokkaido you can enjoy an extraordinary experience in the scenery of each of the four seasons we will introduce 23 campgrounds near Kushiro and in the Nemuro area including campgrounds where you can also enjoy hot springs and lakeside campgrounds with spectacular views Kushiro Yamahana Park Auto Campground is located in a large 570-hectare park that stretches to the west of Kushiro Marshland Facilities include spacious and private tent sites and Kushiro City Fureai Horse Park are located adjacent to the park offering a full range of leisure facilities A campground in an area where tourist facilities such as a roadside station are gathered There are athletic facilities and a railroad museum The adjacent 36-hole park golf course is also popular There is also a menu of hands-on activities such as "woodcraft" to make a red-crowned crane clip and "potato digging" at a farm in the fall This campground with full facilities is surrounded by forest and is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring where you can spend a quiet and relaxing time in the rich nature Nearby is a mountain stream where you can fish and play in the water selected as one of Otobetsu's eight new scenic spots for its magnificent autumn foliage This campground is located on the shores of Lake Tatsukotake It is a great place for marshland exploration where you can observe marshland flora and fauna Visitors can also enjoy walking along the wooden path around the lakeside With private deck sites overlooking the lake this campground is a safe place for beginners to spend time and other activities are also nearby and can be enjoyed in combination with camping This campground is equipped with grass-lined tent sites a nearby animal house where you can meet small animals walking trails where you can spend time among plants and nature making it a fun place for the whole family which looks like a cow when viewed from above has a campground as well as playground equipment and hands-on facilities where visitors can experience ice cream and sausage making This campground is adjacent to a fun "sunayu" (sand bath) where you can quickly create your own outdoor bath by digging in the sand visitors can enjoy playing in the water and canoeing while camping in summer There are many hot springs of different qualities in the vicinity making it a perfect base for visiting hot springs This is an auto campground with a great view of Kunashiri Island on a clear day as well as a cooking building and restrooms A quiet campground dotted with trees and grass The log cottage-style footbaths with covered natural hot spring baths in the grounds are spacious and relaxing The campground is also close to the Lake Akan hot spring resort area making it easy to take a day trip and enjoy sightseeing at Lake Akan This campground is located in a park on a small hill near the city center In addition to free sites in a soft grass area including auto sites with a power supply for a more private feel Nearby there is a roadside station with a direct sales shop and a walking trail where wild birds can be observed The Tsuru-no-sato Camping Field is attractive for its large grass field (about the size of five soccer fields) and convenient accessibility Although adjacent to Kushiro Marshlands National Park it is also close to Tsurui Hot Springs and downtown Tsurui Village making it easy to get in touch with nature in Tsurui Village The Tsuru-no-sato Camping Field offers camping all year round Nijibetsu Auto Campsite is a well-equipped campground with a cooking building and flush toilets as well as a barbecue house It is also recommended as a base for sightseeing in East Hokkaido beautiful green lawn with a comfortable feeling of openness and is bordered by a small slope and the campground is surrounded by a pleasant breeze and is also a good place to see stars it is also a convenient base for touring the popular East Hokkaido area for riders This campground is located on the lakeside of the Wakoto Peninsula which is attached to the south side of Lake Kussharo you can pitch your tent close to the edge of the surf There is also a free outdoor hot spring near the campground which attracts many repeat visitors and locals This campground is located at the southernmost tip of Hamanaka Town on the Kiritappu Peninsula and is surrounded by the sea on all sides creating a fantastic atmosphere as a veil of mist covers the magnificent cape landscape Visitors can enjoy camping in a rich natural setting while fully appreciating the view of the cape surrounded by flowers A campground where you can enjoy a different atmosphere from everyday life in a quiet place surrounded by nature It is also possible to stay for consecutive nights A small river and a large open space make it a perfect campsite for children this campground is surrounded by deep forest and full of wild nature Other than the cooking facilities and restrooms allowing you to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest Each tent site has a fire pit where you can warm yourself by the fire and enjoy the unique time that passes in the forest at night Near the campground is a hidden hot spring surrounded by the calm Notsuke Bay and quiet forests bungalows with the gentle scent of wood and free tent sites are available so that you can enjoy outdoor life as you wish you can see colorful flowers such as skunk cabbages and Japanese rosebushes A campground on a hill with the best view of the sea auto sites and free sites facing the Sea of Okhotsk A selection of rental items is also available where you can enjoy Hokkaido's unique fishing depending on the time of year Especially popular are pink salmon and chum salmon fishing which lasts from August to October each year The campground is located in Nakashibetsu Midorigaoka Forest Park It is a 30-minute walk from the city center and there is an open space and playground equipment in the center of the site Most of the park is an unspoiled natural forest and a variety of trees can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons Tangji Motomura Campground is located about 1 km from National Highway 391 along the lakeside It borders the shore of Lake Tangji and is a scenic spot suitable for experiencing the great nature All information is current as of April 2024 Please check the official website for details The 21 recommended campgrounds in the Goshi area near Lake Toya Family-oriented camps with a variety of fun activities and Kamikawa Area: 22 Campgrounds Recommended for the Year 2024 Camping in contact with nature and animals Recommended 13 campsites near Hidaka and Erimo The 21 recommended campsites in the suburbs of Rumoi and Soya area for 2024 Camping to enjoy the ocean and spectacular views all around The 20 best campgrounds in the Tokachi area near Obihiro Camping to see the star-filled sky from the vast land East of Japan’s northernmost island lies the Kushiro marshland it is the largest such area in the country It is a destination of choice for ornithologists and bird watching enthusiasts because it is the only place in the world where Japanese red-crowned cranes The Kushiro marshland has various hiking trails running through it that allow visitors to observe the cranes of whom there were only around a dozen in 1920 but whose numbers have increased to a little over a thousand as of 2020 But the marshland is also known for housing other species like the Steller’s sea eagle in winter and Japanese snipes in summer Visitors to the park can go to the Hosooka Observatory that offers a panoramic view over the marshland and the Kushiro River that winds through it. Two stops can be made before or after the visit: one in one of the many onsen in the town of Shibecha and another in the city of Kushiro to visit the fish market where the fishermen hold an auction every morning the recommended option for those visiting the marshland is to hire a car to be able to move around without difficulty Kushiro can be accessed by plane from Tokyo It is also possible to get there by train (4 hours 30 minutes) or by bus (5 hours 30 minutes) from Sapporo a steam train runs from Kushiro or Shibecha More information about the Kushiro marshland can be found on the Japanese Ministry of the Environment’s website Culture and Food Highlights in Eastern Hokkaido Getting Closer to the Ocean to Sustain Life Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos The series 'Hysteric Ten' by photographer Sawatari Hajime revisits one of the most sulphurous relationships in Japanese art Nagisa Oshima made Sada Abe the heroine of his film defying the codes of 'pinku eiga' that make men the focus of attention This rice soup seasoned with miso is served by a monk to Ashitaka one of the heroes in Hayao Miyazaki's film we interviewed its founder and chief representative The red-crowned crane that also called "Japanese crane"* was once on the verge of extinction but in 1958 a nature reserve for this rare species was established in Hokkaido with the aim of protecting and propagating it We interviewed reserve staff about the ecology of red-crowned cranes and the reserve's activities the northernmost prefecture of the Japanese archipelago about a 10-minute drive from Tancho Kushiro Airport there is a nature reserve where red-crowned cranes are bred the staff of the Kushiro Crane Reserve in Kushiro City about the reserve's activities "The Kushiro Crane Reserve was established specifically for the red-crowned crane which is one of the rarest species in the world we achieved the world's first successful artificial hatching of Japanese red-crowned cranes in 1970 The nature reserve offers visitors the opportunity to observe the red-crowned crane a species designated as a special natural monument Chicks are born annually from April to June and visitors can also watch the cranes raise their young," says Takashima and the red-crowned crane was not a rare species in the late second half of the 19th century land cultivation advanced and wetlands were converted to farmland these developments pushed the red-crowned crane to the brink of extinction within 20 to 30 years they had disappeared from view and were considered to be extinct But in 1924 more than a dozen were discovered in Kushiro Marsh the following year the area was declared a no-hunting zone and a national conservation policy was initiated The red-crowned crane is the only crane species that breeds in Japan It is a rare species with a total population of about 3,000 birds worldwide more than half of which live primarily in the eastern part of Hokkaido." The red-crowned crane was designated a national natural treasure in 1935 and a special natural treasure of Japan Local people also began conservation activities more than 80 years ago and their work led to the opening of the Kushiro Crane Reserve in 1958 in cooperation with Kushiro City "We keep and breed more than a dozen red-crowned cranes at any given time and when their numbers in the reserve increase We also protect the eggs in incubators to increase the hatching rate." who is in close contact with red-crowned cranes for the purpose of breeding them "The charm of red-crowned cranes lies not only in their beautiful appearance they look around cautiously as if they were humans The contrast between their graceful appearance and their human-like behavior is fascinating." A particularly large number of overseas visitors to the nature reserve come from East Asia "The red-crowned crane is considered a lucky animal in Asia so they seem to enjoy it a lot," says Takashima The nature reserve has information brochures in English and other languages to accommodate overseas visitors "The red-crowned cranes that soar gracefully over the wetlands are the pride of our homeland We cherish them and commit to continue our efforts to breed them." The Kushiro Crane Reserve is a rare place where visitors can observe the red-crowned crane and is well worth a visit if the opportunity arises * The red-crowned crane is also known as "Japanese crane" in English Its Latin-based scientific name is Grus japonensis which also means "Japanese crane." 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 Event And summer means fireworks in the night sky we will introduce 10 recommended fireworks displays held in Hokkaido 2022 Time: 19:40~ (start of launching) Venue: Minami Ohashi For more information about the "2022 Doshin-UHB Fireworks Festival," click here. 2 Kachimai Fireworks Display 2022 (Obihiro City) 2022 Time: 19:30 - (launch begins) Seating Information: This year there will be no general admission seats available for free admission and viewing Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter and view the event Tickets for paid spectator seats are no longer available Venue: Tokachi-gawa riverside special site Click here for more information about "Katsumai Fireworks Display 2022 3 The 41st Toyako Long-Run Fireworks Display (Toyako Town) For more information about the 41st Toyako Long-Run Fireworks Display, click here. 4 Kushiro Grand Fishing Donpaku Fireworks Display (Kushiro City) 2022 Time: 19:00-19:50 Venue: Kushiro International Center Click here for more information about the Kushiro Tairyo Donpaku Fireworks Festival 2022 Time: 16:00 Doors open / 19:00 Fireworks display Fee: (Admission ticket only) Premium seats / ¥8,000 / only a few left Lawn area / ¥4,000 / sold out (Access bus tour with admission ticket)Premium seats/¥10,000～ For more information about "Moerenuma Art Fireworks", click here. 6 FIREWORKS illusion Iwamizawa Park Fireworks Display 2022 (Iwamizawa City) 2022 Time: 20:00- (launch start) Admission fee: Special fee for the fireworks display will be charged from 17:00 Adult/Child 500 yen Free pass ticket: Adult 3,000 yen For more information about "FIREWORKS illusion Iwamizawa Park Fireworks Display 2022", click here. 7 Yunokawa Onsen Fireworks Display (Hakodate ) 2022 Time: 19:40 - 20:40 Venue: Yunokawa Hot Spring Resort For more information about the Yunokawa Onsen Fireworks Festival, click here. 8 The 32nd Tokachi Port Marine Fireworks Display (Hiroo Town) 2022 ■Time：19:30-20:30 (Fireworks display) Venue: Tokachi-port Pier 4 For more information about the 32nd Tokachi Port Marine Fireworks Display, click here. Doshin Noryo Fireworks Display (Asahikawa City) 2022 Time: 19:45 - 20:30 (Fireworks display on August 4) Venue: Asahikawa Heiwa-dori Shopping Park For more information about the Asahikawa Summer Festival and Doshin Noryo Fireworks Display, click here. 10 Mage-cho N oryo Fireworks Display (Mage-cho) 2022 Time: 19:45~ (start of launching) Venue: Around Mashige Port For more information about the "Mashige Town Noryo Fireworks Festival," click here. All information is current as of July 2022 Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker whistled as it departed Kushiro Station just after 11 a.m attracting many railroad fans along the line Railroad fans take pictures of the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen train in Kushiro TOKYO – A sightseeing steam locomotive that runs the 48-kilometer-long stretch on the JR Senmo Line between Kushiro and Shibecha stations in Hokkaido began its annual winter service on Saturday The SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen train passes through the snow-covered Kushiro Wetlands who boarded the first train with her family “The powerful smoke rising from the locomotive looked so cool.” and a total of over 320,000 passengers have boarded the train since then This season’s operations will run through March 20 Metrics details The amount of water drainage from Kushiro Coal Mine in Hokkaido Japan decreased on the day of all M ≥ 7.5 earthquakes with epicenters within 300 km of the mine during the monitoring period and increased after these earthquakes This is a valuable finding which would give us a clue to understand pre- and post-seismic rockmass behaviors and contribute for progress in earthquake prediction in future 3 months before the earthquake and the water level was increased after the earthquake 2015 and it decreased on the day of all M ≥ 7.5 earthquakes with epicenters within 300 km from the mine and increased thereafter This phenomenon is reported here because such phenomena may be important for understanding the changes in rock mass conditions before and after large earthquakes and might give clues to earthquake prediction together with the above case studies The water flowing into Kushiro Coal Mine is only groundwater from the land All M ≥ 7 earthquakes in the period of monitoring around Kushiro Coal Mine (source: Japan Meteorological Agency website, http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqdb/data/shindo/index.php) orange and red denote focal depth > 100 km Daily average drainage for the whole monitoring period. Variation in the amount of water drainage with each earthquake The time when each earthquake occurred was set as time zero Tohoku 2011 was centered far from Kushiro Coal Mine and is shown for comparison The drainage amount was accumulated from 7:00 JST to 7:00 JST on the next day and regarded as the value at 19:00 JST in the case where an earthquake occurred on 17:30 JST the datum will be plotted on 1.5/24 = 0.063 (days) The pattern was checked (see Methods) for the entire monitoring period and only those for #1 and #2 were detected GPS solution for Kushiroshi GPS station at N42.96° The displacements for #5 earthquake were clear and that in longitude shows an opposite motion, which might be related to the pre-seismic decrease in drainage, just before #5 (Fig. 5a). GPS solution for Kushiroshi GPS station 15 days before and after each earthquake The GPS solutions are given as daily average values in UTC and regarded as the values at 12:00 UTC in the case where an earthquake occurred on 17:30 UTC the datum will be plotted on −5.5/24 = −0.229 (days) For earthquake #7, even the largest permanent displacement in longitude was unclear (Fig. 5b) Displacements for Tohoku 2011 earthquake were mainly transient and far-field ones in which permanent displacements were very small The above characteristics are in harmony with the drainage observation in which the decreased and increased pattern was not obvious but observed for #5 and that was not observed for #7 or Tohoku 2011 earthquakes Effects of the magnitude and epicentral (a) and hypocentral (b) distances on the variation in the amount of drainage water The cause of the change in the drainage amount from Kushiro Coal Mine cannot be clarified at this stage because the 1-day time resolution of the drainage data as well as the GPS solutions are not small enough and also more data including geological it is estimated that a decrease in groundwater pressure due to dilatancy before the earthquakes and an opening of discontinuities due to stress relief after the earthquakes would have played a significant role as a part of the mechanisms for the changes in the drainage It would be very difficult to predict when earthquakes will occur from those observations the decreases in drainage at Kushiro Coal Mine began on the day of the each earthquake and it would rather be easier for immediate predictions of large earthquake occurrences There are many deep mines in the world and it is expected that they can work as much larger sensors for pre-seismic changes of rockmass conditions by recording the amount of drainage etc without spending huge costs than newly drilling small diameter drill holes from the ground The authors fully recognize that the pre-seismic decrease itself cannot be used to predict earthquake at this stage and hope that data accumulation from observations at a shorter sampling time at deeper mines will contribute to clarify the drainage pattern at large earthquakes and to develop earthquake prediction methods in future Firstly, the average values Qave1 and Qave2 for the period 14 of days prior and succeeding a day are defined (Fig. 7) Then the pre-seismic drainage decrease ΔQ1 is defined as where Qp is the drainage amount on the day The post-seismic drainage increase ΔQ2 is defined as Schematic figure showing definitions of the variables to check the decrease and increase pattern. Pre- and post-seismic change in drainage ΔQ1 (the red solid line) and ΔQ2 (the blue solid line) with thresholds for the decrease (the red broken line) and increase (the blue broken line) pattern They can be considered as average daily coordinates of the site Wakita, H., Nakamura, Y. & Sano, Y. Short-term and intermediate-term geochemical precursors. Pure Appl.Geophys. 126, 267–278, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00878999 (1988) Orihara, Y., Kamogawa, M. & Nagao, T. Preseismic changes of the level and temperature of confined groundwater related to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Scientific Reports 4, 6907, https://doi.org/10.1038/srep06907 (2014) Fujii, Y. et al. Mechanical properties of abandoned and closed roadways in the Kushiro Coal Mine, Japan. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 48, 585–596, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2011.04.012 (2011) Proposal of characterization of fossil seawater–chemistry Isotope and age of groundwater in Kushiro Coal Mine Download references We express our gratitude to the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan Yoshihisa Ichihara & Hiroyuki Matsumoto and H.M.; writing and original draft preparation: Y.F The authors declare no competing interests Publisher’s note: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-34931-5 Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: a shareable link is not currently available for this article Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information Workers at the century-old facility in Kushiro are passing on skills and technologies to groom a new generation of coal miners By Yoshiaki Nohara The students had come from Vietnam to learn from master miners who explained how to safely assemble a wooden structure to protect against falling rocks: Watch your surroundings “They’re like kids to us,” says 62-year-old Ikeda The last-of-its-kind mine and its government-funded program for overseas workers At least not according to the spirit of international climate commitments and the economic logic that’s put the rest of Japan’s mines out of business Climate scientists and researchers at the International Energy Agency are clear that coal infrastructure needs to go extinct soon More than 200,000 next-generation miners who have passed through the Japanese training program on their way to jobs in China Indonesia and Vietnam need to have short careers if the world is to avoid the worst effects of global warming But Japanese politicians and executives have done everything they can to keep the mine running insisting a net-zero future can accommodate the world’s dirtiest fossil fuel reflected in the billions of yen in subsidies KCM receives Japan has pledged to virtually eliminate planet-warming carbon emissions by 2050 but it refused to join a pledge to end the use of coal by 2030 which accounted for more than half of the $6.6 billion G-7 nations invested in coal in 2019 also got the group to agree to a loophole that allows it to invest in some coal facilities at home and overseas as long as they are fitted with emissions-reducing technologies The Japanese government plans for coal — mostly imported — to make up almost a fifth of the country’s energy mix by 2030 Its leaders argue that Japan needs coal and gas to serve as backup energy sources and mixing it with other fuels such as wood and ammonia and nuclear power still faces opposition after the Fukushima disaster a city of about 160,000 on the northern island of Hokkaido are more ambivalent about the continued reliance on coal Ikeda is proud to pass his skills to his Vietnamese students; he also wants his son to stay away from a physically punishing industry that’s in decline traces the coal mine’s improbable longevity to the local community’s determination strategic reinvention and a couple of lucky breaks helped fuel Japan’s post-war economic ascent and thrived during the 1973 oil-price shock But cheaper imports from countries such as Australia and the US were a constant threat dozens of local businesses pooled money to revive it Kushiro officials got the government to formalize the training program securing subsidies that today total 1.4 billion yen ($9 million) a year KCM found a new lifeline at the end of 2020 just as the Covid-19 restrictions shut down Kushiro’s crucial tourism industry started up next to its former slag heap and became its biggest customer To abide by the government’s rules that new coal plants have to be more environmentally friendly the facility burns coal alongside wood pellets from Vietnam and palm oil shells from Malaysia and Indonesia the trees that produced that fuel absorbed carbon dioxide before they were cut down lowering the total emissions from the plant But experts question the wisdom of burning so-called biomass for energy The process still generates CO2 and it can take decades to replace the trees that were chopped down — not to mention the pollution created from transporting the alternative fuels from overseas Still, Japan is banking on this kind of co-firing to meet its climate goals. It’s also betting that ammonia, an alternative fuel that’s still too expensive to be used on a large scale Japanese companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. are helping to construct coal plants capable of handling both fuels in Vietnam Residents of Kushiro have struggled to find an economic driver to replace coal Evidence of the industry’s decline is everywhere including in overgrown grass outside the mine helps to support trainees when they’re off the clock He stands in an apartment used to house the students used to be filled with local miners and their families but today are mostly empty except for foreign visitors A photo at the coal-mining museum on the hill overlooking KCM shows a group of coal miners at a festival in Kushiro That rowdy atmosphere has become a thing of the past — the shrine and people are long gone a gymnasium and empty funeral home remain nearby He spent almost four decades working at the mine commuting 90 minutes underground every day to extract coal “There’s plenty of coal left as long as we import them from abroad,” he says “That’s why we teach others through the training program.” A stone monument shows where the shrine used to be The barren area used to house an entertainment complex called Sky Land which had a swimming pool the former economy ministry official who runs the Kushiro plant acknowledges that trying to mitigate emissions from burning coal But he says it’s a necessary compromise for resource-poor Japan “It’s impossible to quit coal completely under the current circumstances,” he says Kikuchi estimates that there’s enough coal in the ground below the Pacific Ocean for KCM to remain open for another six decades it will be closer to 30 years as emerging nations push it out of the market which totally makes sense,” says the 66-year-old Kushiro native But “we can carry on with a mission to provide our skills to China and Vietnam.” Naoe Kiyota wonders if the next generation of coal miners knows what they’re getting into an entertainment complex built by the mining company that included a swimming pool But the 2002 layoffs hit the community hard Many of those who lost their jobs suffered from depression the hilltop overlooking KCM is barren — all that remains is a gymnasium a museum dedicated to the history of coal mining Kiyota is frustrated by the many workarounds devised to keep the mine open “It all comes down to addiction and obsession” with coal The latest effort is a government-subsidized pilot project to return carbon to the ground with coal ash and water to make a slimy substance and uses it to plug old mine tunnels new power plant and now this carbon-storage project have kept the town from charting a new future She isn’t convinced that the fumes emitted from the plant are any less toxic and the building blocks the view of the sunset from her cafe shakes as trucks carrying coal and wood pellets rumble by it bothers her that KCM is setting up young miners in poorer nations for the same fate as laid-off miners in Kushiro as the mine cuts its output and young people migrate to bigger cities One young worker quit because he wasn’t allowed to use his smartphone underground Kiyota’s concerns led her to Hideto Koyama who was elected to Kushiro’s city council this year on an anti-coal platform Walking along the river in downtown Kushiro Koyama points out hotels and buildings left empty by the decline of coal the main street bustled with tourists as people chanted to the rhythm of whistles and children carried a portable shrine to celebrate a summer festival a high-ranking national lawmaker of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Her posters are plastered all over Kushiro alongside those of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and her father Muneo Suzuki Suzuki has been a vocal supporter of the Kushiro coal mine for years and helped secure 550 million yen in subsidies for the project to bury CO2 She says the training program helps make mining abroad safer and that Japan wants a diverse energy mix that includes coal and emissions-cutting technologies Suzuki stopped to take some questions from me about the future of the mine and referenced an upcoming trip to Tokyo where some residents will accompany her to make the case for more funding “The budget for KCM comes from the economy ministry,” she says “I’m going to lobby for more soon with Kushiro’s people!” On one side sits an empty department store building; on the other a painting of locals with a coal miner and the message: “Past I realize how strongly the town supports coal,” Koyama says It may be impossible to beat it during my lifetime.” On the outskirts of Kushiro sits a sprawling marsh that helped lure more than 8 million tourists a year before the pandemic When three typhoons hit within a single week in August 2016 the wetlands soaked up runoff water and helped protect communities downstream a researcher of small creatures who runs a local nonprofit environmental organization That protection will be increasingly important as rising temperatures lead to more frequent heavy rains despite their conviction that Kushiro needs to find a greener alternative to coal local activists like Terui are also conflicted over a renewable energy push that’s encroaching on the marsh thousands of solar panels stand in neat rows on a green field Terui points at the elevated ground beneath the panels — it indicates new dirt was brought in for the project “I’m not saying solar-panel builders shouldn’t be making money,” Terui says but he argues that the local government needs to do a better job of managing the land and balancing the demands of nature conservation and renewables deployment which has struggled to put in place a cohesive strategy for ramping up green energy The country has relied heavily on solar to clean up its energy mix while lagging on offshore wind power — a potential game-changer given the vast oceans that surround Japan renewables only account for about 20% of the nation’s energy mix Kushiro’s conundrum is a glimpse of the future for Cam Pha, the coal-rich Vietnamese region from which KCM’s trainees hail. The Southeast Asian nation has pledged to phase out coal in order reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Solar is already booming in Vietnam as international banks Yet there is one source of funding that’s still going strong: Japanese lenders and conglomerates Part of the reason Japan invests in KCM’s training program — a common setup in the coal industry — is to build ties with coal producers overseas That helps ensure more efficient extraction of the type of coal found in places like Cam Pha which Japan needs for steel-making It also provides a steady pipeline of coal construction projects for Japanese companies and a growing market for its emissions-reducing technologies The July training sessions had their desired effect on Nguyen Bui Hung one of the seven workers overseen by Ikeda and his colleagues The 34-year-old manages more than 100 miners back home and was impressed by the machines in Kushiro that reduced physical labor He works at a mine controlled by state-run mining giant Vinacomin whose chairman Ngo Hoang Ngan also trained at KCM years ago Everything Nguyen learned in Japan reaffirmed his decision to stay in the industry there will be ways to minimize its pollution His job will enable him to build a better life for his daughter “There’s plenty of demand for coal,” he says but I’m not worried about the near future.” —With Shoko Oda and Aaron Clark Visual media produced in partnership with Outrider FoundationPhoto editing by Yuki Tanaka Hokkaido--With a puff of black smoke and the toot of a whistle SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train (The winter wetland steam engine) of Hokkaido Railway Co (JR Hokkaido) is full steam ahead again after two years A demonstration ride was provided on the morning of Jan heading to the snow-covered Kushiro wetlands 2 through 4 underwent a facelift to decorate the interior with red-crowned cranes and Ezo shika deer The cars are warmed with signature coal stoves with which passengers can cook dried “surume” squid and other foods while aboard cheese and other local specialties from areas along the line are also available on board a diesel locomotive pulled the five-car sightseeing steam engine because of malfunctioning parts in the steamer The sightseeing service will operate one round trip All seats are reserved and require reservations For a detailed schedule, visit (https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/travel/sl/guid.html) 'Prince' of rails to start 'purple reign' in far north in May Coast Guard to widen its rescue areas after tour boat’s sinking Zoo veterinarian crafts prosthetic legs for injured Japanese cranes The local meteorological office in Kushiro announced the appearance of cherry blossoms in the city on Friday marking the last bloom of the season among the observation sites monitored by the Japan Meteorological Agency The year’s first blossoms were spotted on Okinawa Prefecture’s Miyako Island on Jan Over the next four months they spread across the country before reaching Kushiro this week A staff member at the Kushiro office confirmed at about 3:30 p.m on Friday that more than five flowers had opened on a designated specimen cherry tree at a park in the city This is 13 days earlier than usual for Kushiro and marks the second earliest final bloom since 1972 a luxurious Japanese restaurant stationed at The Pennisula presents a new Chef's Recommendation Table Menu on April 21 featuring French-inspired Japanese fine dining is exclusively offered to guests sitting at the dining tables (sushi bar tables not included) this menu is designed to spoil guests with the finest gastronomic indulgence The Chef's Recommendation Table Menu is limited to 4 tables per day with a minimum of 2 guests per table (5 or more guests will enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a VIP room Reservations must be made in advance; please indicate your choice of the Chef's Recommendation Table Menu when making a reservation every 4 guests who enjoy the Chef's Recommendation Table Menu will receive a 2022 Kushiro limited edition 720ml sake (valued at HK$1,080) is a large and plump sea urchin from Japan that comes in a lighter shade of orange; hence the name The uni has a clean taste with a delicately sweet and briny flavour Widely recognised as the best type of sea urchin Shrio uni is a seasonal ingredient that is typically only available in the summer Kushiro actively selects quality and luxurious ingredients transforming them into an unparalleled culinary experience for guests the fine dining restaurant has been bidding every day for auction-graded Shiro uni from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market making it a highlight in the dinner menu which showcases five renowned uni brands including Hatachi please contact +852 2957 8838; WhatsApp +852 6202 6666 The official website for the city of Kushiro in Hokkaido prefecture confirmed its collaboration with Dropkick on My Devil! X, the third season of the anime adaptations of Yukiwo's Dropkick on My Devil! (Jashin-chan Dropkick) manga The anime will have an episode set in the city The second season of the anime also previously had a "Chapter Chitose" episode that featured Chitose City native voice actress Miharu Hanai The episode was funded by Chitose's hometown tax program in which taxpayers can donate to city programs in exchange for tax breaks and other incentives The third season is slated to premiere in 2022 which will be the 10th anniversary of the original manga A campaign backer pledged 1.1 million yen (about US$10,000) to coin the title of the new season and explained the title expresses affection for the hope that "Yurine and Jashin-chan will continue to cross each other and fight forever." Backers also pledged 220,000 yen (about US$2,000) to name each of the season's 10 episodes and 20 backers pledged the same amount to voice background characters The anime's website previously acknowledged production of the new season will take at least a year The dilemma for the staff members is that they want to keep on providing content for fans to enjoy until then but do not have the promotional budget to do so The crowdfunding campaign aims to let the staff work on making a full-length television anime series while still providing content to fans every month or so beforehand The original comedy manga by Yukiwo centers on Yurine Hanazono Now they must live together in a run-down apartment in Tokyo's Jinbōchō district Jashin-chan gets to go back to the underworld The first anime season premiered in July 2018. The anime is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video inside and outside of Japan Amazon Prime Video premiered the final bonus episode in October 2018 The second season, Dropkick on My Devil!! Dash, premiered in April 2019 with 11 episodes. Crunchyroll streamed all 11 episodes of the season Yukiwo launched the manga in Flex Comix's web magazine Comic Meteor in April 2012 Sources: Chitose city's website, Dropkick on My Devil! anime's website via Ota-Suke