there's another Hachiko statue in the city of Ōdate in Akita Prefecture Hachi was born among eight puppies on November 10 He was selected to be sent to Tokyo as requested by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno Hachi arrived in Tokyo and spent a year with Ueno before he died of a cerebral hemorrhage though often bullied and abused by passersby After his story was published in the newspaper he became a beloved icon and a statue was erected in his honor in 1934 the Akita Inu Preservation Society founded a museum in Ōdate a new statue of Hachiko was installed outside this museum It reuses a pedestal once occupied by a bronze statue of Hachi which was lost during World War II Titled Homesick Hachiko or Hachiko Longing for Home it depicts Hachi looking up as if to welcome the long-awaited return of his master The statue stands in front of the Akita Dog Museum (not to be confused with the Akita Dog Visitor Center) It is not the only Hachi-themed public artwork in Ōdate; see the city's official website for more information This statue honoring the most decorated dog of World War I stands in a Connecticut park Known as the “Official Greeter of Juneau,” this dog still welcomes ships and their passengers to Alaska war-tested mascot of a Union regiment graces their battlefield monument Statues of two of Srem's most well-known animals Strange rumors surround the artist who created these solemn metal guard dogs This statue pays homage to a group of kids's childhood companion who once called the park home A memorial to the only dog ever officially enlisted in the Royal Navy This sculpture commemorates Edinburgh's sister city and their respective celebrity dogs Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp there are several airports in cities including Aomori A recommended trip will be flying from Tokyo to Aomori to explore Aomori and Akita prefectures then returning to Tokyo from Akita or Odate-Noshiro (in northern Akita) Check out the curated itinerary below to find out more The flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Aomori Airport (AOJ) takes just over an hour while one from Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) to Aomori Airport is approximately 1.5 hours Start your journey by renting a car at Aomori Airport, then set off to discover amazing Aomori City About Rental Cars in Japan About Miso-Curry-Milk Ramen Experience one of Japan's most famous festivals, the Nebuta Festival here at this museum any time of the year and you can try your hand at taiko drumming About Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse check out a wide variety of gourmet foods and traditional crafts made in Aomori Don't forget to savour “AOMORI CIDRE" which is brewed locally and has won a gold medal at an international sake competition About A-Factory the Aomori Museum of Art has actively hosted exhibitions concerts and workshops featuring Aomori-native artists and performers About Aomori Museum of Art The prefecture is famous for its delicious apples so you should enjoy Aomori's apples at the only roadside station in Japan featuring a scenic apple orchard Visitors can delight your palates in the Apple Blossom Festival in spring and partake in apple picking during autumn About Roadside Station Namioka Apple Hill Located just a 30-minute drive from Aomori City Asamushi Onsen offers peaceful hot springs and beautiful ocean views This charming town is perfect for a relaxing escape where you can soak in traditional baths and enjoy the surroundings About Asamushi Onsen Following a scenic 45-minute drive from Asamushi Onsen, indulge in the expansive vistas of Towada-Hachimantai National Park while ascending the Hakkoda Mountains with ease aboard a cable car About Hakkoda Ropeway Indulge in Bara-yaki, a beloved local beef BBQ dish renowned in the eastern region of Aomori prefecture About Towada Barayaki Originating from Lake Towada that borders both Aomori and Akita prefectures the Oirase Stream meanders through the picturesque Oirase Gorge immersing yourself in the intricate beauty of your surroundings About Oirase Gorge Unwind at a traditional Japanese ryokan nestled near the entrance of Oirase Gorge The hot spring here has been well-loved for centuries and makes this inn a hidden treasure of Aomori About Tsuta Onsen Situated in the lush forests by the picturesque Lake Towada Towada Shrine offers a tranquil retreat where ancient traditions and stunning natural landscapes blend seamlessly immerse yourself in a unique spiritual experience amid breathtaking scenery this sacred site offers Savour the refined taste of Himemasu (Red Salmon) for lunch this local delicacy holds the distinction of being recognised with a regional collective trademark flavourful flesh that reflects the purity of Lake Towada’s pristine waters A must-try for all and even the discerning visitors to the region As you journey from Aomori to Akita stop at the Hakka Toge View Point to take in panoramic views of stunning landscapes this viewpoint offers a perfect escape with its picturesque scenery Experience the splendour of nature while creating lasting memories Embark on a fun and scenic adventure with the Odate-Kosaka Rail bike You can pedal along a charming old railway track through the beautiful Japanese countryside while enjoying stunning views of lush landscapes and seasonal colours a delightful museum and park dedicated to the iconic Akita Dog breed This attraction offers interactive exhibits and insights into the breed's history and culture Enjoy a heartwarming experience and learn about these loyal and majestic dogs in a beautiful Treat yourself to Kiritanpo Nabe, a beloved dish from Akita where grilled rice sticks are simmered in a hearty hot pot Inspired by the region's plentiful rice harvests and the locals' adaptability towards chilly winters this dish beautifully showcases Akita's agricultural roots and culinary creativity offering a taste of cherished local tradition Discover the artistry of Odate-Magewappa at this charming workshop, where master artisans create exquisite bentwood boxes and utensils by hand. Witness the meticulous process up close and even try your hand at crafting your very own Magewappa piece. Uncover the beauty of woodworking and take home a unique, handmade treasure from Odate Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Akita at Odaiko no Yakata Japan's only and largest Odaiko drum museum This vibrant museum showcases Akita's rich history and traditions Experience the essence of Akita through captivating storytelling and hands-on activities all centred around the craftsmanship of the world's finest Odaiko drum Be sure to grab some local souvenirs like a Magewappa Bento Box or Iburi Gakko (Akita's famous smoked daikon radish pickles) before you board If you have an extra day to explore more of Akita Prefecture experience the unique hospitality of Noshiro City through its variety of hotels each offering a blend of comforts and local charm many set against the beautiful backdrop of Akita’s landscapes Journey just an hour from Noshiro City to the Namahage Museum where you'll dive into the vibrant history and culture of the Oga Peninsula's iconic Namahage ritual Witness the intriguing tradition where masked figures call out "Are there any crying children?"—and even try on a real Namahage costume yourself for a truly memorable experience Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information Akita Prefecture—A rookie candidate who turned to insect breeding after struggling to find work in his hometown is now the youngest mayor in Japan He vowed to address the urgent challenge of halting the rapid decline in population in this northern Japan city Ryosuke Takashima remains Japan’s youngest-ever mayor according to the Japan Association of City Mayors Ishida was asked what it means to become the youngest mayor in the nation so I will take advantage of that to promote Odate’s attraction across the country.” surrounded by cheering supporters: “Winning is not the goal I will work together with residents to gradually improve the city of Odate.” the city’s population stood at around 66,000 down by more than 10,000 from 10 years ago More than 40 percent of Odate’s residents are 65 or older the population is expected to drop below 40,000 He moved to Aomori at the age of 6 because of his father’s job and lived there until high school He returned to Odate seven years ago after working in Tokyo Ishida spent six months looking for work in the city through an employment service center He and his twin brother later founded a company that raises beetles by feeding them organic waste Ishida ran in the city assembly election in spring last year and secured the most votes he felt limited in what he could achieve as an assembly member “I want to become mayor so I can influence the budget and make personnel decisions for real change in Odate,” he said Ishida announced his candidacy for mayor in December last year and ran as an independent he focused on tackling population decline and the challenges facing an aging society with a low birthrate He also proposed policies to create jobs that would appeal to young people and bring in outside talent to alleviate the city’s labor shortage Ishida’s youth was a key part of his appeal “Being young means having the drive to act,” he told voters on the streets (This article was written by Takashi Takizawa and Hiroaki Abe.) ‘Green frog’ train exhibited in Akita before 3rd life as tourist attraction Tsukuba mayor to let residents vote on his retirement bonus online Chichibu mayor’s race comes down to pledge to slash salary the most South Korea’s opposition party wins 2 key local elections 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 The dome boasts a lavish height of 52 meters running 178 meters along the major axis and 157 meters along the minor axis. It is built of a combination of steel and wood, its ground floor left uncovered to reveal the columns that carry the dome and create a sense of transparency between the interior and the surrounding. Even the glass facade on the ground floor is pushed inside so that the dome appears to hover above the space it shelters. © Flickr User abby.enscoeAita Japanese cedar wood was used, which is grown in the region and was transported in modern efficient methods. The 25,000 laminated wood planks are glued together and harvested and processed in an efficient manner for the construction of the dome. The focus of the interior is on the space created by this sheltering dome, in which the wood plays a crucial role, the comfort and warmth it brings along beautifully embracing by the space. the dome is interpreted by Toyo Ito not as a structure to merely host an event but rather as a space tailored to welcome large amounts of people and assure them comfort and pleasure The building hosts sports games including baseball and soccer It receives a reasonable amount of natural light ventilates in summer and averts monsoon winds in winter and most importantly speaks to its surrounding through a transparent ground floor level that subtly but reassuringly carries the structure above it You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information But perhaps no creature is more constitutionally fit for the job of tour-group leader than the domestic dog: Man’s (actual) best friend possesses a curious nature and an innate determination to never leave you behind Which brings us to Asuka, Ako, and Puuko. The three furry Akitas have been tapped to bolster tourism in the northern Japanese city of Odate, said to be the original birthplace of one of Japan’s most popular canine breeds. With 360-degree cameras strapped to their backs, the trio have created a Google “Pup-View” tour of local attractions in their home prefecture A Japan-based society for Akita dogs has begun issuing digital pedigree certificates for the highly popular breed in an effort to combat forgery and people losing their paper-form documents The Akita Inu Preservation Society based in Odate is employing highly secure blockchain technology to issue pedigree certificates which until now had only been issued in paper form and had suffered logistical problems including documents getting lost in transit when being shipped to overseas recipients According to the society for the northeastern Japanese dog breed overseas membership increased from about 300 people in 2022 to around 500 in 2023 The society also said it had received a report a few years prior of a forged pedigree document in China The blockchain pedigree technology was developed jointly by IT firm Meta Akita Inc. Blockchain technology is known for its security and is often used for cryptocurrency transactions The issuing of digital certificates via blockchain also drastically reduces the time it takes for dog owners to receive them as opposed to paper documents sent by mail Those wishing to obtain a certificate can apply directly from the preservation society's website The digital certificates are issued via a smartphone app to society members "In addition to the convenience of digitalization we hope that owners will also have peace of mind in knowing that their dog is purebred," society board member Yuki Shoji said FOCUS: Law change puts traditional Japanese daikon farmers in a pickle 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 you will see a belt of light purple and pink that stands out from the side of the mountain Fresh green leaves and wisteria flowers are reflected in the glassy surface of the newly planted rice field Known in Japanese as “Tonose Fuji no Sato” (which means Tonose home of the wisteria,) it is located in Odate City which is on the northwest side of Japan’s main Honshu island this spot has gained popularity on social networks Locals say that 25 years ago, a local farmer, Hiroshi Tsushima, planted a wisteria garden as a hobby in a field used for cultivating hops a raw material sometimes used to make beer.  The wisteria spot became known among locals When Hiroshi died in 2017 at the age of 84 since it would be "a pity to abandon the wisteria." He worked with a local design company to install a parking lot and public toilets so that more people could visit the park The location closed temporarily in 2020 due to the pandemic albeit for a shorter period of 12 days.  "My father was a quiet man and he never talked to me about cultivating wisteria but I studied from scratch from books and started managing it.” He added surprised,” Who would have thought what my father started would become so popular!" his son stopped cultivating the rice paddy which was adjacent to the wisteria garden But many visitors appealed to him to bring it back saying that “It is better to have it (the rice field)." So Yoshihiro replanted the rice field next to the wisteria garden recalled her late husband’s affection for the garden: "He didn't communicate much so it would have been hard for him to build up it as a business to this point alone."  the wisteria left by Hiroshi is being carefully protected by his family.  What is your hidden wonder of Japan? Upload your picture here (Read The Sankei Shimbun article in Japanese at this link.) You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " and experts were held from March 21 to March 22 prior to the symposium This report introduces "Session 2: Artist Session," in which artists engaged in research activities and artwork production beyond borders took the stage who has experience collaborating with the participating artists Each artist discussed their perspectives and methods of conducting research and fieldwork and how they transform various findings from their processes into artwork or projects Various discussions also took place regarding current challenges and prospects ◎ Panelists:Kyun-Chome (Artist)Jieun Cho (ikkibawiKrrr)Akira Takayama (Theater Director/Artist)Hikaru Fujii (Artist) ◎Moderator:Natsuko Odate (Isshiki Office/Arts Corporation) AD Formed by Eri Honma and Nabuchi in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake the art unit Kyun-Chome views their creative activities as contemporary "prayers" and "blessings." As artists creating works in various locations domestically and internationally they introduced three key points in their research and production activities they seek encounters with people and things rather than simply meeting those they want to research or asking questions They deliberately choose abstract and circuitous routes they emphasize non-verbal communication over-reliance on words or language in an age where information from around the world is instantly accessible via the internet they value visiting locations in person and directly experiencing them rather than relying solely on online sources they endeavor to experience what the locals cherish and "install" it within themselves to output it as artwork A member of the artist collective ikkibawiKrrr Cho introduced work born from research involving conversations with female divers (haenyeo) who free-dive for sea cucumbers While the lives of Jeju Island's female divers have been extensively researched from angles such as the harsh conditions they have endured throughout history and events like the Korean War and the 1948 "4.3 Incident," Cho inquired about how these women perceive the sea and what situations arise underwater and the wisdom of life-threatening fishing techniques passed down orally Cho incorporated various fishing movements into dance choreography for each catch and presented them as performance pieces with Jeju Dance Art Center Cho discovered the unique experiences and trusting relationships among the Jeju Island divers which were then realized through performances and subsequent workshops representing significant learning experiences Akira Takayama has expanded projects beyond existing theatrical frameworks to intervene in real cities and societies worldwide recent projects like the tour-style performance in the Beitou area of Taipei which mimics the school trip and retraces the history of Tokyo have applied theatrical concepts to tourism and education based on the educational theater of German playwright Bertolt Brecht with modern and critical research being crucial A common thread in both projects is inviting "others" into the scenarios created through research the "others" are the drivers of local transportation bikes used by the participants refugees accompany the participants as guides providing insights from the perspective of "others." Local choreographers and dancers recreated a rebellion in ancient Greece based on archaeological and anthropological investigations and interviews by experts Hikaru Fujii presented The Primary Fact (2018) as an installation including reenactments Fujii overlaid histories of cultural assets rescued from museums in Fukushima and Paris with reflections and questions on narrating disasters he engaged citizens in theater and filmmaking workshops to reexamine World War II and the end of the war resulting in the art piece War Is Over (2024) Fujii's work involves researching a wide range of historical materials worldwide and presenting them as artworks that reflect on his research process his episode with archaeologists during research is intriguing "They say they only need facts and knowledge; truth is secondary because there are multiple truths based on facts." This observation suggests a significant insight into a contemporary society where hypotheses can become facts via social media and facts and capturing clues to navigate a confused society The latter part of the session evolved into a discussion while responding to questions from participants providing unique perspectives from speakers who have conducted research domestically and internationally in response to a query about handling "conflicts" with project partners Kyun-Chome mentioned that they anticipate disagreements and ensure flexibility to adapt Cho mentioned that conflicts may arise depending on priorities but are resolved or adjusted progressing towards the same goals and projects together Takayama noted that conflicts are inevitable when creating work he has become gradually better at managing them with age He expressed a willingness to challenge situations that might lead to conflicts such as collaborations with corporations or governments by handling fundraising and project launches themselves Hikaru Fujii pointed out the conflicts inherent in finished works with society from a macroscopic perspective He discussed the conflicts arising from societies attempting to erase or forget histories underlying artwork emphasizing the importance of considerations for the other party and maintaining ethical boundaries Kyun-Chome brought up a non-anthropocentric perspective highlighting how humans are inevitably powerless against conflicts with nature They suggested that artists should consider such perspectives The question about the limitations of nonverbal input and output posed towards the end of the session was unique given the multilingual nature of the discussion Cho mentioned the necessity of language for dialogue but emphasized that mutual expression and empathy occur in nonverbal situations underscoring the importance of shared experiences the term "stakeholders" was raised towards the end While all speakers acknowledged it as complex and challenging Fujii emphasized the importance of imagination while Takayama highlighted the ability to think from others' perspectives and to think beyond oneself as essential aspects of being a stakeholder The artists who participated in the session have transformed their research perspectives into artwork and presented them to society The session provided a tangible opportunity to receive their questions and triggers for imagination through their work Find more articles on the "NCAR International Symposium and Workshop 2023": "National Center for Art Research International Symposium and Workshop 2023" brought together a diverse group of artists and researchers to share insights and discuss a range of art-related topics Five reports cover the various sessions and workshops that took place during the event by Dani Deahl FacebookThreadsIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. The very best way to get directions is to have a very loyal dog leading you, and now thanks to a partnership between Odate city in Japan and Google parts of the city can be toured from the viewpoint of a very fluffy Akita The dogs are an important part of the city’s history — Shibuya station even has a bronze statue of Hachiko an Akita famous for his loyalty to his owner (he continued to wait for him at the train station nine years after his death) To honor the breed’s ties to the city and give everyone a hardy dose of cute two working Akita dogs named Ako and Asuka were brought in to capture pieces of the city from their point of view Each glimpse on Google Maps not only gives you a dog’s-eye view of the locations but since the cameras are affixed to the Akitas’ backs frames filled with their adorable poofy heads Turn around and you’ll see their floofy tails If this looks familiar, you may recall that another dog accidentally became a tour guide on street view last year, when it crashed a series of shots on Kakao’s Daum map in South Korea. Odate’s might be on purpose and to aid in tourism, but I like to think this is the beginning of a trend. More doggo guides, please. A weekly newsletter by David Pierce designed to tell you everything you need to download, watch, read, listen to, and explore that fits in The Verge’s universe. Akita — A exhibition competing the best of the Japanese Akita dog breed with 170 dogs from Poland and Japan participating At the competition organized by the Akita Inu Preservation Society burly dogs to see if they expressed features characteristic of the breed The judges scored points based on their pointy standing ears and round coiled tails and rated their standing posture and facial features The canines were judged in six age categories ranging from juvenile to adult and were also separated into male and female divisions 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 “We will work together with the administrative and various organizations to organize an exhibition showcasing Akita dogs’ appeal to the world,” said Takashi Endo two pairs of Akita dog statues — one gilded with 850 pieces of gold leaf and another of pure gold — were exhibited to the public at the Odate city hall for the first time The city had purchased them for 16.5 million yen Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun National Report the loyal Akita Inu dog that waited for his master’s return at Shibuya Station in Tokyo every day for years after his death has returned to his hometown here 100 years after his birth A hologram version of the canine’s bronze statue found outside the station in Tokyo has been installed at the Akita Dog Visitor Center to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the dog’s birth “More and more generations have no knowledge of Hachiko’s story his birthplace,” an official of Odate in the prefecture said “We want children to learn about him on this occasion.” GMO Digital Hachiko is on display at the tourism exchange facility until the end of November The image of Hachiko is modeled after the bronze statue The hologram statue is about 170 centimeters tall Visitors can use a digital panel to the right of the hologram to get the digital canine to paw at them and lie down They can also choose a background from eight countries and pick a costume for the holographic dog and take him for a walk Hachiko was born in the village of Niida (present-day Odate) in 1923 and lived in the Shibuya district until his death in 1935 The digital statue was produced in 2019 by Shibuya Ward-based GMO Internet Group Inc with the assistance of a local tourism association and other entities a commercial complex housing the information technology firm’s second main office The digital display is set up near the entrance to the in-house museum at the visitor’s center A 10-minute video about Hachiko produced by GMO is also being shown on a monitor next to the holographic statue throughout the day Loyal Hachiko continues to win hearts 100 years after birth New picture book aims to introduce Hachiko legend to kids overseas Special train celebrates loyal dog Hachiko's 100th birthday Hachiko fondly remembered 100 years after birth of canine Akita Prefecture--Long a familiar sight in front of Shibuya Station in central Tokyo the landmark "green frog" train car made the long hop more than 600 kilometers north here to entice tourists to this snowy city once paired with the iconic Hachiko statue will be shown to the public again next spring following full-scale maintenance work Local officials hope it will capture the hearts of the public and serve as a local attraction in Odate Odate city set up the Akitainu Visitor Center near JR Odate Station to show off the appeal of the municipality The tourism exchange facility was designed in the appearance of how Shibuya Station looked when Hachiko displayed his now-legendary loyalty to his master by waiting for him outside the station even after his death A Hachiko statue stands near the entrance to the center and the train car was installed at the grass field on the establishment’s grounds in August Though visitors usually cannot enter the green frog its interior was shown during the limited-time display Images of its relocation work and exchange programs of Odate and Shibuya said the unique appearance of the train car is already drawing attention as a new tourist spot “Many individuals who have ridden aboard in their student days and while they were working as company employees currently visit here to take a picture,” Sato said Called the green frog because of its green rounded body the former Tokyu 5,000 series train operated on Tokyu Railways’ Toyoko Line which connects Shibuya with surrounding areas The car deployed to Odate is one of the carriages from the first 5,000 series train and was used on a local line of what is now known as Uedadentetsu Co following the end of its operation at Tokyu Railways the train car started on its second career as a symbol of Shibuya Station it was donated to Shibuya Ward and reinstalled near the Hachiko statue Although some vandal once painted doodles on the train car it proved popular as a meeting spot in front of the station It also housed the local sightseeing information bureau where visitors could stop by and pick up information on local attractions When Shibuya Ward sought a suitable location for the train car when it needed to be relocated due to large-scale redevelopment around the station the municipality failed to find one nearby so it eventually decided to donate it to Odate Shibuya and Odate have deepened their interactions as both cities are linked to Hachiko They have signed an agreement to assist each other during emergencies Rice produced in Odate is used for school meals in Shibuya promoting interactions between children in the two municipalities “Odate city offered to make use of the train car and we willingly agreed to the plan to relocate it,” said a Shibuya Ward official the two municipalities organized a news conference in February this year to announce Shibuya’s donation of the car to Odate “The bonds between Shibuya and Odate will be boosted,” Odate Mayor Junji Fukuhara said at the news conference “Few ward residents know that Odate is the hometown of Hachiko,” Hasebe said “If they visit Odate to see the green frog our bonds of friendship will deepen further.” measuring 11 meters long and weighing 11 tons was lifted with a crane and loaded onto a truck on Aug the truck traveled slowly on conventional roads and only at night has long been suffering from rain and wind damage the rust will be removed and eroded parts repaired at a plant within the city for its reintroduction Anti-rust treatment and repainting will also be carried out to enable it to endure the harsh winters in the northern town The maintenance work is estimated to cost 11.8 million yen ($112,400) and 10 percent of the expense will be covered with the funds raised through a government crowdfunding campaign in the “furusato nozei” (hometown tax payment) program donations can be used only for predetermined objectives so those supportive of the causes will make contributions Odate will accept donations on the furusato nozei site “If the green frog is reinstalled next spring the combination of the green frog and Akita Inu will be displayed again here,” Sato said “I am confident that they will provide something extra together.” a Tokyu Railways official said the company hopes the train car “will be loved by people in Akita Prefecture as it was in Shibuya.” Shibuya Station’s new flood facility ready to defend against disaster Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version is one of the canine greeters at the Royal Hotel Ōdate in the city of Ōdate She charms guests with her cute expression Spending some time with her is a good way to unwind Created in cooperation with Cable Networks Akita.) The 34th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show which just wrapped up its March 2–6 run at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre welcomed more than 2,500 exhibitors from 39 countries and regions its International Jewellery Design Excellence Awards were a similarly global affair attracting 165 designers from 27 countries or “Champion of the Champions,” came from Japanese artist Natsumi Odate for her Rhythm necklace (pictured) designed with 3-D technology to represent wild grape leaves Take a look at the pieces that nabbed top honors 2025 © RX USA. Use of this website is subject to terms of use. Akita — Junior high school students in Odate Akita Prefecture who launched a weekly radio program at a local station in January have found fame on the airwaves hosted and produced by Hokuyo Junior High School in Odate the seventh community radio station established in the prefecture the students meet to plan the themes and structure of the one-hour program and contemplate how to best deliver the content for radio four students in their first and second years at the school gathered at the radio station near the school “Students from Hokuyo Junior High School are hosting this program.” the students covered topics that included classrooms during the pandemic and books they recommend such as a masterpiece “short-short” story written by author Shinichi Hoshi the students reported on muscle-toning exercises in baseball and track and field clubs in addition to how the brass band club is practicing for their performance in the upcoming graduation ceremony The program proceeded smoothly with topics and narratives typical of junior high school students The students even took on the role of sound mixers “I was so nervous I though my heart would pop out of my mouth.” “We have strong ties with the local community so I’d like to tell people about the community and us from the perspective of junior high school students.” “Students are contributing to the community while honing their abilities to express themselves,” said Takumi Itaba “The students can bring the skills they acquired in this hometown career education [of making the radio program] back to school and share what they learned with other students.” The students began practicing to make the radio program in November They will take turns broadcasting in three groups of four “I think [a radio program] where students are involved from planning to hosting throughout the year is rare in Japan,” said Akiko Koyama “The first broadcast was a great success thanks to their brilliant efforts,” she added Japanese version Copyright THE MAINICHI NEWSPAPERS. All rights reserved. Japan (Reuters) - On a recent weekday morning a group of men in their 70s and 80s gathered for baseball practice just down the road from a junior high school where students were arriving to start the day.At full strength the Shimohama Club baseball team's 33 players outnumber the students.Only 27 children attend the school with more than one third of its residents over 65.The prefecture's demographic woes reflect what the nation as a whole faces experts say."It's scary," said Koji Otomo a retired teacher and head of Shimohama Club "With the population declining steadily and quickly like this there is no way of painting a vision for the future."Akita's population is forecast to fall 41 percent by 2045 when half of the prefecture's estimated 600,000 residents will be older than 65 according to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.In 2015 the prefecture crafted a plan to stop the demographic decline with steps such as expanding medical subsidies for schoolchildren providing extra day care support and helping workers pay back student loans.But so far little has changed    Several cities there are redesigning themselves to provide more efficient services for the dwindling population The prefecture is more than five times the size of Tokyo but has just a fraction of the population."It is quite costly to offer administrative services in an area where the population is getting scarce," Akita Governor Norihisa Satake told Reuters in an interview "It is very difficult to maintain such communities."EMPTY STREETSAs evening falls pedestrians become scarce on the main street leading to Akita station the city's transportation hub."Let's enjoy night shopping," reads a sign at a nearby department store - but it closes its doors at 7:30 p.m.With 15.5 deaths for every 1,000 residents in 2017 the prefecture tops the country with its death rate is Japan's lowest."We now have more funeral parlors There are increased instances where an old building is torn down and a new one under construction at the site turns out to be a funeral house," said Fumika Miura a local government employee.Although labor shortfalls persist across Japan the issue is compounded in Akita: there are not enough workers to meet growing demand for elderly care.Jun Numaya said a lack of qualified caregivers have forced it to suspend operations at one of its three facilities last year."Potential clients are out there but we cannot take them because of the labor shortage That's what's happening in this industry," he said.Numaya who is also a member of Akita's prefectural assembly said Akita's problems will eventually have a direct impact on Tokyo."Children born and raised in the countryside move to Tokyo That's how things have worked since the era of Japan's post-war economic growth," he said."But the countryside is losing ability to bear and raise children and provide them (to Tokyo) because of lower birth rates," he added "If the countryside stops functioning Tokyo naturally stops functioning as well."'THEY WANT YOUNG PEOPLE'Starting this autumn must go to neighboring Odate city to give birth Universities deploying obstetricians to the region are focusing on an Odate hospital partly because there were too few pregnancies in Kazuno."Childbirth is the very foundation of any region This could become the primary factor to push Kazuno into a decline," said Daisuke Anbo a leader of a citizens' group seeking to restore labor and delivery services there.Already one-third of the prefecture's companies allow employees to keep working after 70 the highest rate in Japan.At Akita city's Asahi Taxi more than half of its 148 drivers are 65 or older."Half of us here in this company are past typical retirement ages people don't even think they are doing something special by working hard into an advanced age," said Tadashi Sato head of the company's general affairs division He is 81.Younger adults are an increasingly precious commodity in Akita.Sakura Nakamura an Akita International University student from Nagasaki realized that when she visited local companies to raise funds."I was quite frequently asked if I would be staying in Akita," she said That made me keenly realize that they want young people."NATURE'S COMEBACKAs the population has shrunk including wild bears attracted by unharvested chestnuts and persimmons and emboldened by fading signs of human activity.Twenty people were killed or injured by bears in the prefecture in the year ended in March a record high.Just outside Aniai elementary school in Kitaakita city a "Beware of bears" sign is illustrated with a menacing animal.Apple farmer Satomi Ito got first-hand experience with bears' encroachment when his neighbor was mauled last year As the sole hunting rifle owner in the mountainous hamlet he finished off 11 bears caught in traps in just three months last year."This is unthinkable It used to be just one or two bears a year at most that were captured," said Ito 66.Since Akita's population slide is probably unstoppable a senior economist at Mizuho Research Institute."The population in Akita will need to be consolidated as much as possible to one or two places," he said "As Japan's total population will likely fall by 30 or 40 million by 2060 it is unlikely every municipality will stage a sharp rebound."Metropolises such as Tokyo will not be spared but it would not be surprising if areas that are not so popular will have a lot of vacant houses and turn into slums," Okada said of how parts of big cities could hollow out.Tokyo's government expects its population to peak in 2025 at 14 million before starting a steady decline.And by 2055 it will look a lot like Akita prefecture does now: people 65 or older are expected to account for one third of its total population up from 23 percent in 2015.Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; editing by Linda Sieg and Gerry Doyle Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved Japanese version Public Relations Office, Government of Japan Home > Highlighting JAPAN > Highlighting Japan November 2017 > Washoku Akita Prefecture staple kiritampo comes into its own in Autumn taking pride of place in traditional regional hotpots kiritampo-nabe and miso-zuke kiritampo 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 Two-year-old Eito is one of the pair of Akita dogs that greet visitors to the Royal Hotel Ōdate in the city of Ōdate, Akita Prefecture. (The other is a female dog, Hina.) The two-year-old delights people with his big fluffy tail so it’s a good idea to ask a human staffer before petting him Japanese version Japanese version Japanese version Japanese version Japanese version Japan Design Firm Images & Newspost updated 18 Apr 2021 20 + 18 Mar 2013Pritzker Prize Winner 2013The 2013 Pritzker Architecture Prize winner is Toyo Ito of Japan About Toyo Ito ArchitectToyo Ito was born on June 1 His father was a business man with a special interest in the early ceramic ware of the Yi Dynasty of Korea and Japanese style paintings.He also was a sports fan of baseball and golf and his two elder sisters moved back to Japan and they all lived in his father’s hometown of Shimosuwa-machi in Nagano Prefecture After that the rest of family operated a miso (bean paste) making industry all but one sister who is three years older than Ito Ito established his own architecture office in 1971 They had one daughter who is now 40 and is editing Vogue Nippon.In his youth Ito admits to not having a great interest in architecture There were several early influences however and his father liked to draw plans for his friends’ houses his mother asked the early Modernist architect who had just returned to Japan from the U.S to design their home in Tokyo.He was in the third grade of junior high school when he moved to Tokyo and went to Hibiya High School he never dreamed he would become an architect—his passion was baseball It was while attending the University of Tokyo that architecture became his main interest he submitted a proposal for the reconstruction of Ueno Park which won the top prize of the University of Tokyo.Toyo Ito began working in the firm of Kiyonori Kikutake & Associates after he graduated from Tokyo University’s Department of Architecture in 1965 he was ready to start his own studio in Tokyo he changed the name to Toyo Ito & Associates Meiso no Mori Municipal Funeral Hall design by Toyo Ito architect:photo from architectMeiso no Mori Municipal Funeral Hall JapanHe has received numerous international awards the 22nd Praemium Imperiale in Honor of Prince Takamatsu; in 2006 The Royal Institute of British Architects’ Royal Gold Medal; and in 2002 the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement for the 8th Venice Biennale International Exhibition All of his honors are listed in the fact summary of this media kit He has been a guest professor at the University of Tokyo he hosted an overseas studio for Harvard’s Graduate School of Design the first in Asia.His works have been the subject of museum exhibitions in England Publications by and about him have appeared in all of those countries and more He holds Honorary Fellowships in the American Institute of Architects the Tokyo Society of Architects and Building Engineers and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences “The Mediatheque differs from conventional public buildings in many ways While the building principally functions as a library and art gallery the administration has actively worked to relax divisions between diverse programs removing fixed barriers between various media to progressively evoke an image of how cultural facilities should be from now on This openness is the direct result of its simple structure consisting of flat concrete slabs (which are honey-comb steel plates with concrete) penetrated by 13 tubes Walls on each floor are kept to an absolute minimum allowing the various functions to be freely distributed throughout the open areas between the tubes.” JapanRejecting the obvious distinctions between walls and opening this building is characterized by a distinctive type of abstractness The tree silhouette creates a new image with a constant tension generated between the building’s symbolic concreteness and its abstractness we (Ito and his staff) intended to create a building that through its architectural newness expresses both the vivid presence of a fashion brand and strength in the cityscape that will withstand the passage of time.” Yatsushiro Municipal Museumphoto : Tomio OhashiMunicipal Museum JapanAfter designing critically-acclaimed buildings like Sendai Mediatheque Ito became an architect of international importance during the early-2000s leading to projects throughout Asia Ito designed the Main Stadium for the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung and the under-construction Taichung Metropolitan Opera House Ito and his firm renovated the façade of the Suites Avenue Apartments with striking stainless steel waves and designed the celebrated temporary Serpentine Pavilion Gallery in London’s Hyde Park Other projects during this time include the White O residence in Marbella Chile and the never-built University of California Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive in California.Perhaps most important to Ito made more pressing by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11 The disaster spurred Ito and a group of other Japanese architects to develop the concept of “Home-for-All” communal space for survivors As Ito says in Toyo Ito – Forces of Nature published by Princeton Architectural Press: “The relief centers offer no privacy and scarcely enough room to stretch out and sleep while the hastily tacked up temporary housing units are little more than rows of empty shells: grim living conditions either way They gather to share and communicate in extreme circumstances – a moving vision of community at its most basic what we see here are very origins of architecture An architect is someone who can make such spaces for meager meals show a little more humanity, make them a little more beautiful, a little more comfortable.”World Games Main Stadiumphoto : Fu Tsu ConstructionMain Stadium the fundamental tenets of modern architecture were called into question by “Home-for-All.” He adds architecture has been rated highest for its originality the most primal themes—why a building is made and for whom—have been forgotten where everything is lost offers the opportunity for us to take a fresh look ‘Home-for-All’ may consist of small buildings but it calls to the fore the vital question of what form architecture should take in the modern era—even calling into question the most primal themes Recently, Ito has also thought of his legacy, as apparent by the museum of architecture that bears his name on the small island of Omishima in the Seto Inland Sea. Also designed by Ito, the museum opened in 2011 and showcases his past projects as well as serving as a workshop for young architects.Silver Hut Housephoto : Tomio OhashiSilver Hut House the main building “Steel Hut” and the nearby “Silver Hut,” which is a recreation of the architect’s former home in Tokyo Serpentine Galleryimage from architectSerpentine Gallery, London, UKToyo ItoLocation: Fujiya Bldg. Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects are based in TokyoJapanese ArchitectsToyo Ito Architect Background Korea (Japanese)Education:The University of Tokyo Department of ArchitectureGraduated 1965Worked:Kiyonori Kikutake Architect and Associates1965-69 Founded:Urban Robot (URBOT) studio in Tokyo1971Became Toyo Ito & Associates Architects1979Architecture AwardsToyo Ito Awards1986Architectural Institute of Japan Prizefor the Silver Hut 199233rd Mainichi Arts Awardfor the Yatsushiro Municipal Museum1997Invited to the proposal competition for The Museum of Modern Art New York“Interach ‘97” Grand Prix of the Union of Architectsfrom the International Academy of Architecture1998Ministry of Education Award for the Encouragement of Artsfor the Dome in Odate 1999Japan Art Academy Prizefor the Dome in Odate2000The Arnold W Brunner Memorial Prize in Architecturefrom the American Academy of Arts and LettersAccorded the title “Academician” from theInternational Academy of Architecture2001Grand Prize of Good Design AwardJapan Industrial Design Promotion Organizationfor Sendai Mediatheque 2002World Architecture Awards 2002Best Building in East Asia for Sendai MediathequeGolden Lion for Lifetime Achievement8th International Architecture Exhibitionat the Venice Biennale2003Architectural Institute of Japan Prizefor Sendai MediathequeHonorary Diploma of the Architectural Association2004XX ADI Compasso d’Oro Awardfor “Ripples” (wooden bench)IAA Annual Prize 2006Royal Gold MedalRoyal Institute of British ArchitectsPublic Building Award for Sendai Mediatheque2007Premios Delta ADI FADDelta de plata for “Naguisa” (urban furniture)2008ADI Compasso d’Oro Awardfor “Stand Horm 2005”6th Austrian Frederick Kiesler Prizefor Architecture and the Arts 2009Medalla de Oro from Circulo de Bellas Artes de Madrid201022nd Praemium Imperialefor ArchitectureThe Asahi Prize2012Golden Lion for Best National Participation for the Japan Pavilion13th International Architecture Exhibitionat the Venice Biennale(Served as Commissioner) Japanese ArchitectureTokyo BuildingsSANAA Architects – famous Japanese design studio RIBA Gold Medal Winner in 2006Architecture StudiosBuildings / photos for the Toyo Ito Architecture page welcome there's been a move to utilize discontinued railways as tourism resources Kosaka Railroad in Akita Prefecture (which connected Kosaka Town and Odate City) was used to transport ore and carry passengers before it was discontinued in 2009 the 22km line is being used as rail park and playground facilities See Kosaka Town and Odate City's efforts to turn the discontinued railway into fun tourist attractions This station is located in Kosaka Town in Akita Prefecture in northern Japan taking commemorative photos in front of a train seems like an ordinary scene for a rural railway visitors can enjoy rides on "trolley trains" and "rail bikes" using the rails left on site It's also a popular place for school excursions students from a local elementary school are here on a field trip Visitors can enjoy various attractions in the park and learn about the history of the discontinued railway by checking out the preserved trains on display we are taking a look at the former Kosaka Railroad in Akita Prefecture that's using a discontinued railway as a tourist resource Kosaka Railroad was a private railway company that operated on the 22.3km line between Kosaka Town and Odate City in Akita Prefecture The railroad itself was run by a mining company that transported silver and ore from the Kosaka Mine since the 1800s Kosaka Railroad operated both freight and passenger services for the employees of the mine and local residents ridership began to decline as more and more people opted to drive when Kosaka Railroad finally suspended passenger operations The line continued to run freight operations transporting concentrated sulfuric acid from the mine's refinery The mining company gave the abandoned facilities and all of the rail to the local governments of Kosaka Town and Odate City decided to use the remaining railroad to attract tourists and revitalize the town registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan It's almost exactly the same as it was when the station first opened in 1909 a timetable and a list of fares from when the train was in service hangs on the wall Visitors purchase admission tickets at the old-fashioned ticket office On the roughly 35,000 square meters of park vehicles that tell the history of Kosaka Railroad are on display This 1926 steam locomotive is coupled to a passenger car that was used exclusively by noble guests It was used even by the Japanese imperial family when they visited Kosaka Mine in 1921 It is an essential vehicle for the snowy Kosaka Railroad the vehicle is used to clear snow from the rails This diesel locomotive remained in service until the railway was discontinued The triple coupled locomotives pulled the long tank cars Visitors can also try driving this diesel locomotive an experience that's been popular since the park opened participants can start driving right away on the 500m track the vehicle used for the driving experience went without maintenance from April 2020 to February of this year because the park was closed due to the pandemic a test run of the locomotive was being conducted to check its maintenance status Kosaka Town is home to historical buildings built during the prosperous mining era This building is the former Kosaka Mine Office This playhouse was built in 1910 to entertain the mine workers Plays are still performed here every month Both have been designated Important Cultural properties of Japan Kosaka Town has been using these industrial heritage sites as tourist facilities to promote tourism there was only one hotel in town so most tourists coming on bus tours or by car could only visit for the day Kosaka Town wanted to encourage tourists to stay longer They came up with the idea of using a disused "Blue Train." The plan was to use the sleeper train as a hotel The "Akebono" was a sleeper express train that operated between Ueno in Tokyo and Aomori Stations The famous train carried many passengers over the years The town purchased four cars that were a part of the "Akebono" sleeper express from JR for 2.6 million yen Transportation costs were covered by government subsidies the hotel "Blue Train Akebono" opened at Kosaka Railroad Park One benefit of being a guest at the hotel is a short ride on the sleeper train displayed in the exhibition hall during the day to the platform where they will stay that night riding on a running "Akebono" is a rare experience There are two types of guest rooms available Type A is a private room that can accommodate two people A former JR conductor makes onboard announcements to create the atmosphere of a sleeper train the train is undergoing maintenance in preparation for its reopening We asked someone from the Tourism Industry Division of Kosaka Town for their thoughts and then the diesel train driving experience- those ones are bound to be highlights at the Railroad Park Usually they would take out the rails and sell them The rails are usually sold and also the track bed will be converted to something else like a foot path or bicycle road or something like that But removing the rails and maintaining the sites in such a way will also cost money the mining company that used to operate the Kosaka Railroad decided to make an offer to the local governments: which are the two local governments along the railway decided to accept the offer in the hope of utilizing the railway for the benefit of the local communities and this decision by these local governments made it really really easy to open this Kosaka Railroad Park So Kosaka Railroad Park is also maintained and preserved with the help of supporters let's find out what these supporters are doing Kosaka Railroad Park attracts many railfans and families people in uniform can be seen providing hospitality to tourists; working at the ticket gate Turn it this way and the train accelerates they are actually volunteers from the Kosaka Railroad Preservation Society they helped organize an event that took place after passenger services were discontinued Since some of the members are railroad workers and guide visitors around the park on a voluntary basis There's a changing room inside the park for members of the Railroad Preservation Society eight members from across Japan have gathered to help maintain and clean the premises before the summer holidays members are cleaning inside the train depot They clean the exhibits and other items that visitors can touch with their hands members remove the rust from the manual points And paint is reapplied on the buffer stops Vehicle restoration is another important activity of the preservation society had been left as it was since the railway was discontinued The preservation society spent six months restoring it to its original condition by removing rust and repairing the window in the conductor's compartment the vehicle is numbered and adorned with the newly made plate So the Preservation Society members are volunteers but it's thanks to them that the railway is preserved a long time after the line has been discontinued and utilizing these used railways is being done in many different places in Japan the walking tours along the former track beds are really popular the facility is very large in scale and also the station buildings but considering all the legal and technical requirements it's not as straightforward as one might think But it's much much easier if there is the preserved infrastructure in such a way and they're using the remaining rails for a tourist attraction just over the mountain pass and 10km into Odate City another section of the discontinued line is being used as a recreational facility A rail bike is kind of like a regular bike This facility was started by local volunteers in 2011 two years after the entire line was discontinued They established a non-profit organization in an effort to revitalize the community and to utilize the railway heritage There are pedal-powered bikes for two or four people and an electric-assist bike like this This is a trolley type pulled by a motor car It's a fun attraction that people of all ages Visitors listen while a staff member gives instructions one-way courses take visitors through a forest tunnel and across a steel bridge more than 10 meters high there are only two courses but the volunteers plan to add new courses in the future 10km west of Odate-Kosaka Railroad Bike is the former Kosaka Railway's Odate Station which used to connect to the JR Ou Main Line The "Akita Dog Visitor Center" is a tourist facility that opened in 2019 The Akita dog breed is a national treasure whose bronze statue stands in front of Shibuya Station in Tokyo This old vehicle was also located in front of Shibuya Station It was used as a tourist information center before it was relocated here passed on by Shibuya City because of its connection to Hachiko This facility has also turned the old tracks into a tourist attraction two people work the lever up and down to move the vehicle forward Although this section of track is only 500m long it's a fun ride for kids with some bumpy sections and crossings We asked Odate City's tourism manager about using the discontinued railway line looking at railways as the valuable industrial heritage I think it's best if they are preserved in running order just like many heritage railways in the UK are successfully operating And the second best will be to preserve it in the museum of some kind But I think this is also really nice because you can feel it and this experience will give you the memory that you can take back with new generations can make new memories in those areas I personally hope that Japan's railways will continue to run strong JR Hokkaido's tourist train "Furano Biei Norokko-go" began operation on the Furano Line pulled by a lavender-colored diesel locomotive The train slows down as it approaches scenic spots along the way Furano Biei Norokko-go is scheduled to run until August began running a "Wind-chime Train" to welcome the arrival of summer Tsugaru Railway installed wind chimes made of local ceramics inside its trains so passengers could listen to the cool soothing sound during the hot summer months The ceramic wind chimes make a gentle sound as the train moves Passengers enjoy views of the countryside while listening to the wind chimes Japanese version Japanese version Japanese version New York – Prey: the Light in the Dark is a Reinventing Films production “Prey: The Beginning,” this live action film will give fans of the comic a look at the potential of this franchise Prey: The Light in the Dark stars Tyler Mane (X-Men) Oded Fehr (Resident Evil 4) and Masashi Odate (The Last Samurai) is currently meeting with studios for optioning The film is focused on the character Prey (Mane) Prey can communicate with the dead and he seeks vengeance on those who have been wrongfully murdered A feature adaptation of the comic has already been drafted and it is ready for production Fans of graphic novels and fiction are invited to take an early look at the production with the first issue comic book (attached) More details on this exciting project will be released shortly More details on the film will be posted here: https://www.reinventingfilms.com/ © Horror Society - Your Voice For Indie Horror Masami Odate, who goes under the ring name, Iyo Sky is a Japanese professional wrestler. She is signed with WWE and appears on the SmackDown brand. Being a part of Damage CTRL, she was a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion along with Dakota Kai.  Odate formerly competed as Io Shirai in WWE’s developmental division NXT, where she held the titles of NXT Women’s Champion and NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion. Sky was a two-time Wonder of Stardom Champion, a six-time Artist of Stardom Champion, and a two-time World of Stardom Champion.  A post shared by IYO SKY (@iyo_sky) Iyo has had many romantic relationships in the past including one with professional wrestler Kazushige Nosawa Odate and her ex-boyfriend were detained upon arriving in Japan from Mexico after being accused of importing 75 grams of marijuana But who is the professional wrestler dating in 2023 Here’s everything you need to know about Takaaki Watanabe aka Evil has previously been romantically involved with other professional wrestlers their relationship ended a few months later After her relationship with Nosawa came to an end Iyo Sky began dating NJPW wrestler Takaaki Watanabe aka Evil They are currently engaged and share a beautiful bond together With plans of marriage and building a life the couple have always stuck to one another through thick and thin Evil (Iyo’s boyfriend) was the IWGP’s heavyweight champion If we find more information about Takaaki Watanabe we shall keep this space updated – please stay connected with us While Masami Odate has dated other wrestlers in the world of professional wrestling Her relationship with Kazushige Nosawa was pretty serious Iyo started dating NJPW wrestler Takaaki Watanabe He formerly held the IWGP heavyweight championship Masami Odate is a Japanese professional wrestler who is signed with WWE — and goes by the stage name Iyo Sky when appearing on the SmackDown brand Iyo began her wrestling career in 2007 at the juvenile age of 16 she made her Japanese professional wrestling debut Her wrestling career spanned numerous promotions in Japan and Mexico until coming to a close at WWE’s NXT in the summer of 2018 Sky made her WWE main roster debut at SummerSlam 2022 — however her debut match was held on the next episode of Monday Night Raw squared off against Asuka in a non-title contest Please stay connected with us for all the latest news and updates regarding Iyo Sky and her boyfriend and website in this browser for the next time I comment.