Sri Lanka highlights the location of the shipyard and its expanded capabilities as strategic advantages the yard draws in critical export revenues for the country which has been plagued by a financial crisis Colombo Dockyard which supplies ships and undertakes projects for India earned approximately $110 million in export revenues The current company was started in the 1970s by the government of Sri Lanka and began operations in 1974 focusing on harbor craft and smaller vessels it has the ability to handle vessels up to 125,000 dwt and provides both newbuilding and repair work.  Colombo Dockyard highlights its expanded repair work as well as involvement in building a cable layer It has been undertaking projects for Europeans but faces regional competition as India looks to expand its shipbuilding industry The shipyard company has been under severe financial pressures with revenues so far in 2024 down by a third Last year was the worst financial performance in the company’s history It recorded a loss of nearly $38 million and has a total retained loss on its books currently of nearly $26 million The company says it has informed its key creditors of Onomichi’s intent to divest its shares Onomichi which has been involved in shipbuilding since the 1940s acquired its 51 percent take in the company in 1993 from the government of Sri Lanka It was part of a privatization drive by the then prime minister and the deal also gave management control to Onomichi As part of the decision to divest its shares Onomichi’s board representation announced its resignation The board of Colombo Dockyard advises shareholders that it is in preliminary discussions for a new strategic partner It reports unidentified parties have expressed an initial interest in investing in the company but that no terms have been set for the future They look to continue the operation and have received assurances from Onomichi of its willingness to work with a new strategic buyer.  Image courtesy Tsuneishi Shipbuilding/Onomichi Dockyard ‘Bingo42’ is namesake of an innovative new 42,000 dwt bulk carrier that will be jointly developed and marketed by Onomichi Dockyard and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding a pair of historic Japanese shipbuilders.  The name Bingo 42 is derived from ‘Beyond Innovation and the initiative was driven by the recognition of a shared challenge concerning the design workload for new vessels shipyards typically undertake all stages of design This approach necessitates a substantial design workload when a new design is developed placing a significant burden on the design team This is further expected to increase in the future particularly in response to alternative fuel vessels It is therefore important to invest limited development and design resources in the most valuable vessels and technologies for customers Recognizing the advantages of their close geographic proximity Onomichi and Tsuneishi have decided that both companies can establish a cooperative system based on shared values and objectives Bingo42 is the handy size bulk carriers in both companies’ existing product ranges and the shipyards are working now to leverage previous experience to improve the vessel design including numerous discussions on how to enhance each other’s conventional hull forms The length of the conventional hull form has been increased by 3m improved cargo capacity and fuel efficiency for Onomichi’s 40BC and resulting in improved fuel efficiency for Tsuneishi’s TESS42 MT-FAST has been installed as an energy-saving measure resulting in improved propulsion performance and fuel efficiency compared to both companies’ conventional hull forms The design has achieved a reduction of more than 35% from the reference line and is also designed to be methanol dual-fueled The Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes against Yemen's Hodeidah Port on Monday a 170-year-old French family-owned company operating across a broad swath of maritime and offshore energy… Belgium-based offshore installation services company DEME has completed the acquisition Havfram Jan De Nul has kicked off the installation campaign of the monopile foundations for RWE’s Thor offshore wind farm we excel in creating stunning illuminated yacht names and logos and cutting-edge LED and fiber optic solutions Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service delivered to your Email five times per week Japan Society announce Obayashi ’80s: The Onomichi Trilogy & Kadokawa Years The teenage symphonies of Nobuhiko Obayashi (1938-2020) are wound in a melancholy nostalgia for a period indelibly lost to time neatly occupying the inexpressible gap between adolescence and adulthood Woven through visually expressive fantasias with striking formal experimentation and pop-art boldness Obayashi’s idiosyncratic cinematic language would produce some of Japan’s most beloved seishun eiga (youth films) throughout the 1980s captivating generations of filmgoers with his earnest portrayals of young love and the vanished worldviews of youth further bolstered by Kadokawa’s innovative tactics of popularizing dreamy pop idols like Hiroko Yakushimaru (Sailor Suit and Machine Gun) and Tomoyo Harada Having premiered Obayashi’s films over the course of its film department’s existence—including the largest-ever North American Obayashi retrospective in 2015 with the filmmaker in attendance—Japan Society offers a special focus on his rarely-seen yet beloved Onomichi trilogy (1982-1985) and Kadokawa work With Obayashi’s career overshadowed abroad by the oddball eccentricity of his electric 1977 debut House the 1980s would come to epitomize the height of his popularity symbolized by his endearing Onomichi trilogy—set in the filmmaker’s hometown of Onomichi Obayashi’s hometown trilogy—body-swap ATG feature I Are You timeslip romance The Little Girl Who Conquered Time (1983) and 1985’s conclusion Lonely Heart (a favorite of Akira Kurosawa’s) —present so-called “wrinkles,” as the filmmaker himself would put it Obayashi’s showcase of his provincial hometown would focus on eternal themes of lost love and nostalgia Kicking off on February 7 with a rare 35mm import of I Are You Obayashi ’80s also features a rare 16mm import screening of Lonely Heart on February 8 Series highlights include Obayashi’s Kadokawa-era productions School in the Crosshairs cosmic fantasy with extraterrestrial fascists; and His Motorbike a bosozoku (biker gang) melodrama of love-stricken thrill-seeking motorbike enthusiasts; and the middle chapter of the Onomichi films a metaphysical love story that catapulted Tomoyo Harada to superstardom Tickets: $16/$14 students and seniors/$12 Japan Society members Screenings take place in Japan Society’s landmarked headquarters at 333 East 47th Street, one block from the United Nations. Lineup and other details subject to change. For complete information, visit japansociety.org Nobuhiko Obayashi began creating films at age three after first encountering a film projector in a home storage room his independent film Tabeta Hito aka The Person Who is Eaten (1963) won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1963 Belgium International Experimental Film Festival and his 16mm experimental film Emotion (1966) played around Japan at galleries and universities to wide acclaim he directed many commercials with international figures such as Charles Bronson for the brand “Mandam” which won the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Newcomer a prestigious award presented by film critics and writers in Japan He has won many awards including the FIPRESCI Award at Berlin International Film Festival for Sada (1998) He is also the recipient of the Spring 2004 Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon and the Fall 2009 The Order of the Rising Sun Gold Rays with Rosette from the Japanese government His Motorbike, Her Island 『彼のオートバイ、彼女の島』 (Kare no otobai, Kanojo no Shima) macho biker Koh (Riki Takeuchi) skips town and hits the road on his beloved Kawasaki W3 650 he encounters the free-spirited Miyo (Kiwako Harada older sister of Obayashi favorite Tomoyo Harada) who quickly takes interest in both the leather-clad Koh and his motorbike Koh and Miyo fall in love even as Miyo’s prodigious biking talent and thrill-seeking tendencies heighten Koh’s fear that she may push it all too far Obayashi’s monochromatic dream playfully worships the biker culture of yesteryear delivering a sentimental and liberating take on young love The Island Closest to Heaven 『天国にいちばん近い島』 (Tengoku ni ichiban chikai shima) Based on Katsura Morimura’s 1966 best-selling travelogue Obayashi’s paradise-laden coming-of-age tale is an island retreat to the white sands of New Caledonia Fulfilling her late father’s (YMO’s Yukihiro Takahashi) dream to take her to “the island closest to heaven,” bookish teen Mari (Tomoyo Harada) ventures solo to the archipelago’s indigo waters in search of this mythic locale befriending a host of friendly locals in the process from islander Taro (Ryoichi Takayanagi) to footloose tour guide Yuichi filled with a sense of old school Hollywood romanticism The Island Closest to Heaven forms an affecting portrait of a young girl’s journey to self-discovery and her own piece of heaven deep within The Little Girl Who Conquered Time 『時をかける少女』 (Toki o Kakeru Shoujo) Adapting sci-fi author Yasutaka Tsutsui’s famous 1967 novel-of-the-same-name The Little Girl Who Conquered Time cast Tomoyo Harada in her feature film debut launching the Kadokawa pop idol into superstardom After suffering a fainting spell in her school’s laboratory 16-year-old Kazuko Yoshiyama (Harada) begins to experience a strange phenomenon throughout her daily life—temporal leaps backward and forward in time—disorienting her as she relives moments time and time again Kazuko’s desperate pleas to exist in the present are answered Obayashi’s second Onomichi film is a genuine expression of the filmmaker’s reflections on the poetic transcendence of love—cast across the stars for a young girl who lives in tomorrow I Are You, You Am Me (Exchange Students) 『転校生』 (Tenkousei) classmates Kazuo and Kazumi find they’ve switched bodies—a dilemma that complicates manifold as the two realize they need to live out each other’s lives A gender-swap youth film based on Hisashi Yamanaka’s novel Exchange Students Obayashi’s first entry in his Onomichi trilogy is colored by the filmmaker’s lively brand of humor as the two struggle to conform to the expected ways boys and girls must behave Obayashi’s film offers an inventive mix of formal play—8mm and color photography—all packaged within a heartfelt melodrama that functions not only as a goodbye to childhood but as an effortless evocation of the streets of Obayashi’s youth: a display of classical orchestrations accompanying the late summer hana-bi small-gauge captures of trudging tugboats and the crimson sunsets of Onomichi’s rolling hills Lonely Heart (Ms. Lonely) 『さびしんぼう』 (Sabishinbou) Lonely Heart is a nostalgic rite of passage nestled in the familiar pathways of his hometown Schoolboy Hiroki (Toshinori Omi) is an amateur photographer and hapless romantic transfixed by a sad-looking girl at his school—his self-described “Lonely Heart.” However his inexpressible feelings and longing are disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious girl in the convex of his camera lens: a mischievous white-faced tomboy who goes by the name Lonely Heart A feature that impressed Akira Kurosawa so much so that he asked his entire staff to watch it Lonely Heart is a virtuosic recollection of first love and the intrinsic emotions that bubble to the surface; its bittersweet tristesse echoing through the melancholic refrain of Chopin’s Étude Op School in the Crosshairs 『ねらわれた学園』 (Nerawareta Gakuen) Released months before lead Hiroko Yakushimaru’s breakthrough hit Sailor Suit and Machine Gun Obayashi’s first groundbreaking idol picture is a dazzling mix of special effects and blue-screen artifice—a stylistic flair perfected in Obayashi’s debut House now utilized for the onset of an alien invasion Ordinary schoolgirl Yuka’s (Yakushimaru) new term comes to an odd start when she inexplicably stops an accident by using latent psychic powers Yuka also senses a strange force start to take hold of the school with students turning into mind-controlled fascists stifling dissent and mandating the re-education of freethinkers A psychotronic fantasy forged into a young girl’s destiny to defend the planet School in the Crosshairs is a cosmic overload of extraterrestrial tyrants preternatural powers and Obayashi’s uniquely adroit filmmaking abilities underlaid with an existential cry for free will 5 PM        The Little Girl Who Conquered Time 7 PM        The Little Girl Who Conquered Time Special Thanks to Nico B (Cult Epics); Akinaru Rokkaku & Shun Inoue (Japan Foundation); Yukiko Wachi (Kawakita Memorial Film Institute); Mayumi Furuyama (Nippon Television Network Corp.); Shion Komatsu & Go Onishi (Toho) Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film Program Spurred on by the success of the 1970 Donald Richie-curated MoMA retrospective The Japanese Film: 1896-1969 Japan Society committed to making film one of its key programs in the early seventies—quickly becoming the premier venue for the exhibition of new Japanese cinema as well as career-spanning retrospectives on seminal directors and actors Japan Society established the Japan Film Center year-round program aimed at cultivating a deep appreciation and understanding of Japanese film culture among American audiences Japan Society Film has hosted numerous high-profile premieres and programs that include visits from Akira Kurosawa Japan Society Film launched JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film the largest festival of its kind in North America Four Seasons of Children: Spring/Summer © 1939 Shochiku Co. was a man in Japan who brought a new wind to cinema: Hiroshi Shimizu.” —Ryusuke Hamaguchi “Ozu and I create films through hard work but Shimizu is a genius.” —Kenji Mizoguchi New York JAPAN SOCIETY ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP FOR THE 16TH ANNUAL JAPAN CUTS: FESTIVAL OF NEW JAPANESE FILM North America’s largest Japanese film festival presents two weeks of contemporary movies from Japan including opening film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK directed by Takehiko Inoue centerpiece film UNDER THE TURQUOISE SKY directed by KENTARO ©Courtesy of Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JAPAN SOCIETY PRESENTS THE 17TH ANNUAL  JAPAN CUTS: FESTIVAL OF NEW JAPANESE FILM July 10–21 NY North America’s largest Japanese film festival presents two weeks of contemporary premieres Japan Society Announces Full Lineup for Hybrid Presentation of the 15th Edition of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film   August 20–September 2 at Japan Society   North America’s largest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema presents a dynamic slate of 38 films streaming online throughout the U.S and screening in-theater at Japan Society in… and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" @Courtesy of Peacock Poker face :Starring Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale the casino worker with an uncanny ability to spot liars the show follows her escapades as she evades the dangerous casino head of security Cliff LeGrand (portrayed by Benjamin Bratt) and uncovers various killers Charlie’s back on the lam after a new twist of… ©Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics  Director Gareth Evans has hinted that he may indeed be making a third installment in The Raid series following up on the original release in 2011 and its 2014 sequel The Raid 2.The filmmaker was quoted in Entertainment Weekly as saying,… Courtesy of Paramount Pictures Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning‘s underwater scenes were filmed by Tom Cruise and film crew members The upcoming film stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt ©Courtesy of Rolling Pictures Fighting against any obstacle in order to report the news without fear of death or reprisal is an admirable sign of the world’s most courageous journalists is a prime example of such an innovative writer Her story is chronicled in the new biographical movie,… Y"},"category":false,"taxonomy":{"active":false,"name":"category"}},"markup":{"custom_html":true,"wpp-start":"","wpp-end":"<\/ul>","title-start":"","title-end":"<\/h2>","post-html":"{thumb} {title} {stats}<\/span><\/li>"},"theme":{"name":""}} Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience We're always trying to bring you more amazing hotels But not every hotel can immediately connect their reservation system with ours we provide real-time rates and availability via a partnership with Booking.com You'll still enjoy the full fabulous MICHELIN Guide experience when you book including our legendary service and delightful style Our 20-point scale is based on post-stay ratings from verified MICHELIN Guide guests and plays a role in helping us decide whether or not a hotel should remain in our selection This hotel offers rates & availability on request only Submit a request below and a travel specialist will assist We’re not currently taking reservations for this hotel Please explore 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I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels Japanese shipbuilders Onomichi Dockyard and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding have jointly developed the Bingo 42, a 42,200 dwt methanol dual fuel bulk carrier, aiming to tackle numerous issues surrounding the vessel design process and increase market share with the joint brand name. As explained, the initiative was driven by recognizing a shared challenge concerning the design workload for new vessels. In Japan, shipyards typically undertake all stages of design, from basic design to production, on an individual company basis. This approach requires a substantial design workload when a new design is developed, significantly burdening the design team. This is further expected to increase in the future, particularly in response to alternative fuel-powered vessels. Recognizing the advantages of the shipyards’ close geographic proximity, Onomichi and Tsuneishi said they have ‘a shared understanding’ of these issues. The duo has decided they can establish a cooperative system based on shared values and objectives. The target vessel type for the collaborative development project is a Handysize bulk carrier in both companies’ existing product ranges. In the collaborative development project, Onomichi and Tsuneishi have shared their expertise, development ideas, and strategies based on each other’s previous design and construction experience. In addition, they have also held numerous discussions on how to enhance each other’s conventional hull forms. The length of the conventional hull form has been increased by 3m, and the hull form has been optimized, resulting in improved cargo capacity and fuel efficiency for Onomichi’s 40BC and enhanced fuel efficiency for Tsuneishi’s TESS42. What is more, MT-FAST1 has been installed as an energy-saving measure, resulting in improved propulsion performance and fuel efficiency compared to both companies’ conventional hull forms. The design has achieved a reduction of more than 35% from the reference line under the EEDI environmental regulations. The ship is also designed to be methanol dual-fueled. The vessel, which was developed in collaboration between the two companies, is named Bingo42, an acronym for ‘Beyond Innovation, Navigating Green Ocean’. This name reflects the fact that both companies are shipyards in the Bingo region in east Hiroshima prefecture, Japan, and that the collaboration will contribute to innovation and a sustainable marine environment. While the structural design, construction and sales will be carried out separately by each company, depending on the vessel’s specifications and each company’s facilities, the concept design will be unified to increase market share through orders and construction under the same brand. With carbon neutrality initiatives emerging, the marine industry needs to urgently improve the efficiency of research and development of alternative fuel vessels for the future, the duo believes. Starting with this new initiative, the two shipyards aim to contribute to the industry’s efforts to become carbon neutral. “We are delighted to have collaborated with Onomichi to develop Bingo 42. In addition to enhanced fuel efficiency and loading capacity, the Bingo 42 is equipped with energy-saving technology, achieving a reduction of over 35% compared to EEDI standards. Moving forward, we aim to spearhead innovation across the industry, paving the way for a sustainable future,” Nishijima Takanori, General Manager of the Design Division and Managing Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said. In November last year, Tsuneishi launched what it claimed to be the world’s first 65,700 dwt methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier, designed to operate with a low environmental impact, high load-carrying capacity, and fuel efficiency. The newbuild is based on Tsuneishi’s TESS666 Aeroline design, known as the largest class of Ultramax category with Panamax breadth. This content is available after accepting the cookies. Daily news and in-depth stories in your inbox The Pioneers of Offshore Engineering GustoMSC, part of NOV’s Marine and Construction business, is recognized for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment. 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The performance of new and existing jack-ups, vessels […] 2024The Japanese shipbuilder looks to innovation as a means of attracting new recruits to plug domestic labor shortages A producer and distributor of bulk carriers which also provides repair and design services Onomichi Dockyard was established in 1943 and recently celebrated 81 years in the shipbuilding industry life at Onomichi is becoming more and more complex Reduced building capacity allied to a shrinking domestic labor force have serious implications for the future not least when it comes to the intergenerational transfer of knowledge Onomichi President Takashi Nakabe takes up the thread: “All sorts of industries are facing what we call a technical inheritance issue predictions suggest that we will lose around 20% of our workers due to age fewer and fewer young people are entering our industry in comparison with IT industries or other tech fields.” Other challenges include the push to reach global CO2 reduction targets set about by the International Maritime Organization which is exerting pressure on shipbuilders to convert from diesel to alternative fuel sources such as ammonia methanol and hydrogen before all the details have been properly thought through Nakabe has a clear solution for at least some of these problems in mind “Onomichi Dockyard,” he confirms which is planning on producing a floating nuclear power station They are also looking to produce nuclear power for shipping.” Key here would be the floating nuclear power station’s ability to produce the electricity necessary to run a data center or store liquid hydrogen as alternative fuel which requires a huge amount of electricity Nakabe’s ambition does not stop there “At the same time as the floating nuclear power plant,” he states “we are also planning a floating data center for cloud computing and AI applications My aim is to connect the shipbuilding business with the data center business to attract more young people to shipbuilding.” in October 2023 Onomichi began a collaborative project to develop a multi-purpose vessel powered by hydrogen The vessel is to be equipped with a large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen dual fuel engine; the project which encompasses both Onomichi and other Japanese domestic shipping companies is scheduled for delivery in either beginning of 2028 that the shipping industry can be just as innovative as other supposedly more trailblazing sectors A factor that will be instrumental in Onomichi securing overseas partners in the future “It all comes down to attracting the younger generation,” Mr “This has been the number one problem in recent years and it’s time we changed our approach.”    The Japanese shipbuilder looks to innovation as a means of attracting new recruits to plug domestic labor shortages 日本の造船会社は、国内の労働力不足を補うため、新規採用者を引き付ける手段として技術革新に注目している。 尾道造船所は、ばら積み貨物船、タンカー、貨物船を製造・販売し、修理・設計サービスも提供する造船会社である。 しかし、この業界の他の企業と同様、尾道での生活はますます複雑になっている。造船能力の低下と国内労働力の減少は、世代を超えた知識の継承を含め、将来に深刻な影響を及ぼす。 尾道の中部孝社長はこう語る：「あらゆる産業が技術継承の問題に直面しています。今後10年以内に、高齢化によって労働者の約20％がいなくなるという予測があります。一方、IT産業や他の技術分野と比べて、私たちの業界に入ってくる若者はますます少なくなっています" その他の課題としては、国際海事機関が定めた世界的なCO2削減目標を達成しようとする動きがあり、造船会社に対して、詳細がきちんと検討される前にディーゼルからアンモニア、メタノール、水素などの代替燃料に転換するよう圧力をかけている。 もしこの状況が暗いものに見えるなら、中辺氏は少なくともこれらの問題のいくつかについて、明確な解決策を持っていることは注目に値する。 「尾道ドックヤードは、「最近、コア・パワーというイギリスの会社に投資しました。コア・パワーは浮体式原子力発電所の製造を計画しています。彼らはまた、海運用の原子力発電の製造も視野に入れています」。 ここで重要なのは、浮体式原子力発電所がデータセンターの運営に必要な電力を生産できること、あるいは代替燃料として液体水素を貯蔵できることである。 しかし、中辺氏の野心はそれだけにとどまらない。「浮体式原子力発電所と同時に、大量のデータを使用するクラウドコンピューティングやAIアプリケーションのための浮体式データセンターも計画しています。私の狙いは、造船事業とデータセンター事業を結びつけ、造船業に多くの若者を呼び込むことです" コアパワーへの出資に加え、尾道は2023年10月、水素を動力源とする多目的船を開発する共同プロジェクトを開始した。この船は、大型の低速2サイクル水素デュアル燃料エンジンを搭載する予定であり、尾道と他の日本の海運会社を巻き込んだこのプロジェクトは、2028年初頭に引き渡される予定である。 このプロジェクトは、尾道と日本の他の海運会社を巻き込んだもので、2028年初頭に引き渡される予定である。尾道が将来的に海外のパートナーを確保する上で、重要な要素となるだろう。 「すべては若い世代を惹きつけることに尽きます。「これが近年の一番の問題であり、アプローチを変えるべき時なのです」。    industrial and financial news about global economies with a focus on understanding them from within Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo Once a prosperous castle town, Fukuyama is proud of its past: the local Shinkansen station stands right in front of the fortress that lent the city its name. A 20-minute train ride from Fukuyama takes you to Onomichi, a shipbuilding centre and the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic 70-kilometre cycling route across bridges connecting six Inland Sea islands. Kick off your day in Fukuyama with a bus ride to the picturesque fishing town of Tomonoura. Tomotetsu bus from Fukuyama Station to Tomonoura (30 min) Tomonoura and its narrow alleys lined with traditional merchant homes served as inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s wondrous anime film Ponyo. Tomotetsu bus from Tomonoura to Fukuyama Station (30 mins) The ground floor of what was once a huge department store is now a community-focused container for a coworking space plus indie shops and cafés, including trendy grocery Need the Place. Tomotetsu bus from bus stop no. 6 at Fukuyama Station for Chitosebashi/Abuto/Tsuneishi/Utsuminokyo (on weekdays) or Miroku no Sato (on weekends and holidays), alight at Tenjinyama (30 mins) Seek out the vast grounds of Shinshoji Temple to learn about Zen Buddhism first-hand through activities like tea ceremonies, meditation and copying sutras. Tomotetsu bus from Tenjinyama bus stop to Fukuyama Station (20 mins) JR Sanyo Line train from Fukuyama Station, alight at Onomichi Station (30 mins) Photo: SuppliedYou don’t have to be a cyclist to appreciate the marine delicacies served at biking base U2’s signature eatery. The seafood platters are especially good value. After dinner, retreat to the cosy Hotel Cycle under the same roof, where all rooms are equipped with bike racks and exude a sense of cool calm. Bus for Shimin Byoin/Higashi-Onomichi Station/Shakomae from Onomichi Station, alight at Nagaeguchi (5 mins) A monumental viewing platform with spectacular vistas of Onomichi, the Onomichi Bridge and the island-dotted Inland Sea in the distance. The mostly Onomichi-related art pairs nicely with the views of the city from the picture windows on the second floor of this Tadao Ando-designed museum. 17-19 Nishi-Tsuchidocho, Onomichi / Closed Mon (Tue if Mon is a holiday). Senkoji claims a 1,200-year history and certainly feels almost as ancient as the many giant boulders its halls and pagodas stand among. We love this fermentation-focused portside canteen’s moreish burger patty, doused in a sauce made with low-sodium Fuchu miso. Plant-based options are available, too. 5-2 Higashi-Goshocho, Onomichi / Closed Mon. Photo: Shimanami JapanAll fuelled up after lunch It’s time to hop in the saddle and cycle the Shimanami Kaido Prices for rental bikes start from ¥3,000 per day 20-kilometre loop lets you get a taste of the Shimanami Kaido scenery without exhausting your energy reserves recharge with a cup of pure 100-percent juice made from the wide variety of citrus fruits grown on the islands near Onomichi reward yourself with a teppanyaki feast is best washed down with stiff citrus drinks Return to the front page of the ultimate guide to Setouchi Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us a ramshackle port in Hiroshima Prefecture that’s putting small-town Japan on the map Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information Hiroshima Prefecture--The 8th Onomichi Film Festival will kick off here on Jan 24 with movies associated with the city renowned as a cinema town The event’s opener is “Perfect Days,” directed by Wim Wenders and starring Koji Yakusho The German director is known to be a fan of Yasujiro Ozu Yakusho will attend a talk about the film when it is screened on Jan “September 1923” and other films will be showcased the following day Mirai Moriyama and Arata Iura will join the event 26 with Nobuhiko Obayashi’s “Nihon Junjo-den: Okashina Futari Monokuruhoshiki Hitobito no Mure,” which is set in Onomichi will appear on stage to conclude the festival Advance tickets for each film cost 1,500 yen ($9.50) for adults and 1,000 yen for senior high school students and younger children Visit the official website at (https://o-ff.org/2025/) Kore-eda’s new film ‘Monster’ vies for top honors in Cannes ‘Perfect Days’ picked for international feature at Oscars Cannes winner Yakusho marvels at beautiful life portrayed in film Japanese cinema proves in Cannes it’s a force to be reckoned with 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 Hiroshima — Three new wooden benches featuring cat-inspired designs have debuted in Onomichi widely known as the “Town of Cats.” The natural warmth of wood combines with the charming cat motifs to create even more inviting spaces for visitors to relax in It seems like fun to sit on each bench and see which one is most comfortable please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent By Ayako Nishidoji / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Lloyd's List is part of Maritime Intelligence This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Maritime Insights & Intelligence Limited registered in England and Wales with company number 13831625 and address c/o Hackwood Secretaries Limited Lloyd’s List Intelligence is a trading name of Maritime Insights & Intelligence Limited Lloyd’s is the registered trademark of the Society Incorporated by the Lloyd’s Act 1871 by the name of Lloyd’s For high-quality copies or electronic reprints for distribution to colleagues or customers please call UK support at +44 (0)20 3377 3996 / APAC support at +65 6508 2430 CDL made a significant lost in 2023 as it battled against Sri Lanka’s precarious financial position but the board of directors said it is confident it can steer the shipyard out of troubled waters COLOMBO Dockyard (CDL) is looking for new investors, after Japan-based majority stakeholder Onomichi Dockyard pulled out of its management agreement The Japanese shipyard informed CDL of its decision and its three nominees to the Sri Lankan yard’s board resigned from their positions Onomichi has assured the CDL board t is prepared to exit its investment in the company by “disposal of its shares to any strategic investor who would be willing to make a commitment towards the company” CDL suffered a disastrous year in terms of profit in 2023 This result was attributed to poor performance in the shipbuilding sector but also the economic crisis felt across Sri Lanka in 2023 which saw exchange rates tumble and inflation skyrocket the board said it was confident it could steer CDL back to profitability Preliminary discussions with potential investors are already underway The yard is capable of handling vessels up to 125,000 dwt and services more than 200 ships annually Last year the yard delivered two 5,000 dwt bulk carriers and was awarded contracts for four more Your username does not meet the requirements Sorry - public email accounts are not allowed An account with that username already exists Unfortunately we've not been able to process your registration Your question has been successfully sent to the email address below and we will get back as soon as possible This article has been sent to my@email.address By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Japanese director Nobuhiko Obayashi (1938-2020) took the world of cinema by storm with his 1997 masterpiece House the film set the stage for his idiosyncratic signature as an artist and director its towering influence has often eclipsed the range of his work overseas Now, Obayashi’s teenage symphonies are getting their flowers in Obayashi ‘80s, a film series presented by the Japan Society in New York running from February 7 through February 14 With six films rarely seen outside of Japan the series presents the beloved Onomichi Trilogy alongside Kadokawa-era classics evoking a bittersweet nostalgia for a yesteryear that exists just beyond reach ООО Медиа-группа "ПортНьюс" ИНН 7841028303 ERID: 2W5zFHSvr2C ООО "Газпромнефть Марин Бункер" ИНН 7838392447 ERID: LjN8KPSVp announced the joint development of the "Bingo 42," a 42,200 DWT bulk carrier This collaboration addresses the substantial design workload associated with developing new vessels especially with the increasing focus on alternative fuel ships By leveraging their geographical proximity and shared objectives the two companies aim to reduce development burdens and enhance efficiency The "Bingo 42" is an evolution of the companies' existing handy size bulk carriers The vessel's length has been increased by 3 meters optimizing the hull form to improve cargo capacity and fuel efficiency the installation of the MT-FAST energy-saving device enhances propulsion performance The design achieves a reduction of over 35% from the EEDI reference line and is prepared for methanol dual-fuel capability.​   Each company will handle the structural design and sales of the vessels based on specifications and facilities while maintaining a unified concept design to increase market share under the "Bingo 42" brand.​   Director and General Manager of the Production Division at Onomichi Dockyard "We are very pleased that Tsuneishi's needs and the development of a new type of vessel have coincided and that we have been able to develop the Bingo 42 together General Manager of the Design Division and Managing Executive Officer at Tsuneishi Shipbuilding "We are delighted to have collaborated with Onomichi to develop Bingo 42 In addition to enhanced fuel efficiency and loading capacity the Bingo 42 is equipped with energy-saving technology achieving a reduction of over 35% compared to EEDI standards."​   Onomichi Dockyard specializes in the construction and repair of various vessels The company operates a full-service shipyard and has built over 570 ships making it one of Japan's most experienced shipbuilders Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is a prominent shipbuilder with manufacturing bases in Japan and has a history of over 100 years in the shipbuilding industry 2016 issued by Roskomnadzor.Founder: PortNews Media Group LLC Editor-in-Chief: Tkacheva Kristina Viktorovna. When reprinting materials of PortNews IAA “PortNews” active reference to the agency is obligatory The use of PortNews IAA “PortNews” materials for commercial purposes is not allowed without the written permission of the agency Any use of materials is allowed only in the presence of a hyperlink to PortNews IAA editor@portnews.ru IAA “PortNews” acquaints its readers with the latest news and current trends in maritime and river shipping development of international transport corridors PortNews is the leading source of information and information on the development of international transport corridors Picture perfect: Looking out onto the Seto Inland Sea from a room at SOIL Setoda, a stylish hotel in Onomichi, Hiroshima prefecture. (SOIL Setoda) ONOMICHI, Japan -- In late October, as the autumn leaves were turning yellow, I sat on the deck of a ferry crossing part of the Seto Inland Sea, a 440-kilometer-long body of water that separates the large Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu and connects the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan. The inland sea is an important shipping channel, connecting the Pacific with the major industrial centers in Japan's Kansai region, which include the major ports of Osaka and Kobe. But it also includes the Setouchi region, a largely rural area that attracts far fewer tourists than the so-called Golden Route connecting Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka. Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp Onomichi, one of the biggest cities in Hiroshima prefecture, is well known for its therapeutic and relaxing atmosphere. It’s a little warmer here, as it faces the Seto Inland Sea, and is surrounded by the sea and mountains. Did you know that Onomichi is famous for stores housed in refurbished old private houses? That’s why the shops are so unique. Plus, there are many temples and shrines you can visit in this city. There are also plenty of events you can participate in. I’m sure you’ll love the Onomichi I’m going to introduce! I really like chilling out at this café. It only takes 5 minutes to walk here from Onomichi Station. The atmosphere is so relaxing! If you are lucky enough to make your mini Buddha on a day when there aren’t many people, you’ll be able to do it at the verandah. The experience of crafting under the warm sun really reminds me of my childhood. When you have finished, the head priest will bake your statue in a pot and ship it to you for 1,500 yen excluding shipping fee. Do note that shipping is only available locally, in Japan. Alternatively, you can pick it up from the temple a month after your visit. Or perhaps you could have a friend in Japan to help send it to you. Jiko-ji Temple is only a short 5 to 10 minutes walk from Onomichi Station, so do drop by when you are in the area. Would you like to visit the seven largest spiritual spots in Onomichi? I suggest you take the Onomichi Shichibutsu Tour! The tour takes you to different temples around Onomichi. You’ll also get to soak in the surrounding environment. So fun! What are the unique powers of each temple? Pray for longevity at Jiko-ji Temple and for healing at Tennei-ji Temple. You can ask for good luck at Senko-ji Temple, winning luck at Jōdo-ji Temple, and luck to pass examinations at Taisan-ji Temple. At Saikoku-ji Temple, you can seek the strength to walk, or pray to improve your art and craft skills at Kairyu-ji Temple. Don’t forget to purchase a book (about 800 yen) to collect shrine seals at each temple. Each seal costs about 300 yen. If you collect the shrine seals from all seven temples, you can get a seal that says “Your dream will come true successfully". What’s more, you can even get a hanging paper scroll as a souvenir. I’m sure this temple tour will make your trip to Onomichi unforgettable! One of my favorite places along Onomichi’s shopping street is Onomichi Yu-Yu. This is just an exceptional building! There used to be a 100-year-old public bath here called Yamato-yu. It was renovated into a souvenir shop and café. With remnants of the public bath still around, the place exudes an old-fashioned charm. The floor and the wall in the store are tiled. There are also retro shoeboxes, which would have been used in the dressing room of the bath. Wondering what to try at the café? The conger eel rice! It’s made with natural conger eel and comes with a drink made with honey sourced from Onomichi. Other meals on the café menu all use local ingredients and cost around 1,000 yen. Do come here to enjoy tea and reminiscence about old-fashioned public baths in Japan. If you are curious about what it’s like in a Japanese elementary school, I recommend you visit Akubi Café adjacent to ANAGO no NEDOKO guesthouse. Just 10 minutes from Onomichi Station, the café is a great place to hang out. The entire building has been renovated to resemble an elementary school in old Japan. When I visited, I couldn’t help but think of my own elementary school days. It made me feel so nostalgic. Did you know that in Japan, schools provide their students with lunch? Similarly, the menu in Akubi Café offers school-type lunches. 1,000 yen would be more than enough to dine here. I ordered the special curry and it was only 750 yen. It came with a lucky draw in the form of a flag stuck on top of your rice. If there is a red mark on your toothpick, you could get a prize! I wasn’t that lucky though. Please visit Akubi Café – it’s such a fun and playful eatery. Onomichi is a small port city, but don’t underestimate it. From visiting temples and shrines to experience Japanese culture, and to exploring shops in back alleys, Onomichi has many interesting experiences you will not tire of. I hope you’ll agree with me as you check out the spots I have shared with you! Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages The 42,200-dwt Bingo 42 features an extended hull Two Japanese shipbuilders are joining forces to develop a next-generation handysize bulk carrier. Onomichi Dockyard and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding have collaborated on the design of a 42,200-dwt bulk carrier, dubbed Bingo 42 — an acronym for “Beyond Innovation, Navigating Green Ocean”. Onomichi cited the challenges of designing new vessels and the opportunity to improve shipyard efficiency as key drivers of the collaboration. 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Read more about DN Media Group here TradeWinds is part of NHST Global Publications AS and we are responsible for the data that you register with us and the data we collect when you visit our websites We use cookies in a variety of ways to improve your experience such as keeping NHST websites reliable and secure personalising content and ads and to analyse how our sites are being used For more information and how to manage your privacy settings please refer to our privacy and cookie policies ECONOMYNEXT- Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard Plc said its Japanese majority shareholder Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited is exiting the firm and is stepping down from management amid a financial crisis K Kobatake and J Furukawa who were nominee directors of the company had resigned with effect from December 06 and L Gamlath a director of the company since 1993 has been appointed non executive Chairman “The Board of Directors is cognizant of the critical need to find a strategic investor to replace Onomichi,” the filing said “Preliminary discussions are ongoing with several parties for this purpose “The board of directors has been assured by Onomichi that it is prepared to exit from their investment in the Company by the disposal of its share to any strategic investor who would be willing to make a commitment towards the company.” Colombo Dockyard ran in to financial difficulties during a Coronavirus crisis and subsequent currency crisis after it failed to deliver vessels to an European customer RELATED Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard seeking strategic investment The firm said in a recent filing that it was looking for a strategic investor and was in discussions with banks for credit lines to finance is working capital ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s 2025 local authority voting has ended with some turnout at some districts around 60 percent according to returning officers in sharp contrast to 2018 elections which was protest vote with high turnout District returning officers in Anuradhapura Ratnapura and Mannar told Sri Lanka’s Sirasa television that turnout was 60 percent with a divided opposition and the central bank missing its 5 percent inflation target and a stable exchange rate The election was viewed as a litmus test on incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake The current administration has kept to an International Monetary Fund program The central bank has avoided its customary inflationary rate cuts and depreciation which is then followed by a stabilization crisis that had dogged all recent administrations ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 299.50/75 to the US dollar in the spot market Tuesday weaker against Monday’s close of 299.48/50 dealers said A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 closed at 8.80/87 percent A bond maturing on 15.03.2028 closed at 9.77/85 percent A bond maturing on 15.10.2028 closed at 9.82/85 percent A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 closed flat at 10.25/30 percent A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 closed at 10.68/75 percent The central bank announced an auction of Rs and an auction of Rs.80,000 million Treasury Bonds on May 9 ECONOMYNEXT – World Bank group president will visit Sri Lanka on May 07 the first visit by the head of the multilateral lender in 20 years following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake last year Banga’s trip “reflects the strong and enduring partnership between the World Bank Group and Sri Lanka which spans more than 70 years,” the lender said “His visit will focus on supporting job creation and driving an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery for the country as Sri Lanka continues its path toward economic recovery and seeks to build a more resilient and senior government and private sector leaders “These discussions will center on how Sri Lanka can overcome current challenges and seize new opportunities as it continues to recover economically and socially,” the World Bank said The World Bank Group currently supports Sri Lanka through a portfolio of projects worth 2.2 billion including both public and private sector investments We use cookies to help us improve and customize your experience. Learn more about how we use cookies in our cookie policy Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 1/1/20) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 1/1/20) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast Gain clarity on the biggest stories of the day with our daily newsletter Hiroshima — A motorcycle rental service is becoming popular among young people traveling the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido cycling road connecting Onomichi Young people appear to be attracted to the motorcycles that allow riders to easily travel long distances while cute-looking small rental motorbikes look good on social media The Shimanami Kaido road features an about 70-kilometer cycling lane for bicycles and motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc or less The road is famous as a “sanctuary for cyclists” for its beautiful views of the many islands seen from the bridges The motorcycle rental shop Shima Rider opened last spring hoping to offer visitors a new option to enjoy the sanctuary including motorbikes with an engine capacity of 125cc at five locations—near JR Shin-Onomichi Station Customers rented only 10 motorbikes in May last year but it increased to more than 100 a year later the same month 60% of their customers are young people in their 20s and 30s “The road has so many slopes that many beginner cyclists give up halfway,” said Yuya Wakamatsu “I recommend motorbikes for people who want to travel to various islands I've been thinking a lot about video game locales I was left with one conviction: there are actually not that many opportunities to experience an environment the same way a game's character does Part of it is the notion of escapism tied up with games You want to swing through a jungle of skyscrapers instead of fighting through the crowds below You want to hack your way into government offices and assassinate people at a race track using nothing but a fish Yet I've been obsessed with the juxtaposition between the normal and the leftfield that characterises so much of Japanese media, and which is evident in the locales chosen for the Yakuza series. I've written about that powerfully surreal feeling of stepping into a Yakuza game before I was curious how it would feel to visit a place with more immediate memories of visiting its virtual counterpart I fully expected Yakuza 6's Onomichi to be a condensed version of the real thing - easier to navigate and more interesting for players I realise that I'm able to find my way to the places featured in-game using the actual in-game map Upon my arrival I immediately recognised the pier from which Kiryu fishes for magnificent sea creatures Old men throw their fishing rods into the sea and the dockworkers sleep on benches nearby this town being a hotbed of Yakuza activity I eye the construction cranes a little harder It's where you'll find the temples you see in-game 25 of them dotted around the mountainside and surrounding park all standing brick to brick with the area's residential housing Onomichi was an escape for Haruka in more ways than one and the town's picturesque image fits the bill It immediately feels like the sort of place you'd go to avoid everything Onomichi selectively fights the label of a sleepy town with tooth and nail whenever the opportunity presents itself however Its claim to fame as film location - the couple at the centre of Tokyo Story perhaps Japanese cinema's most celebrated export travel from Onomichi - sprouted the motion picture museum The Literature Museum swiftly came into existence due to the Path of Literature This path is of course famous for its poem stones the only set of collectibles in the Yakuza series I gladly completed I find the only other temple location featured in the game Here I also come across the only visual discrepancy between the game and the real Onomichi I don't pray for an EXP boost with the five Jizo statues here but I enjoy a small break with a great view of the town two male Japanese students stop me and ask me to take a photo of them and the blackboard of the nearby restaurant As I turn to look at the restaurant itself I realise why - it's of course the restaurant that served as inspiration for "La Pente" the place from which you plan your clan activities in Yakuza 6 I ask them what the deal with the blackboard is I can't believe the sheer luck of actually meeting someone who might be here for the same reason as me Admitting you know about games or anime turns you into a mythical creature a beacon for the apparently unconfirmed theory that people in other countries have access to Japanese media This revelation is inevitably heralded by three words: "The foreigner knows!" They tell me I have the "aura of someone who plays games" and tell me they've come from Mie Prefecture for a day to see this As someone who frequently wishes it would be easier to meet people with similar interests From here on out there's a steep walk up numerous stairs - a walk which Yakuza 6 helpfully edits out not when I climb up to the observatory tower and not even when I reach Senkoji's peak There isn't much of a reason to linger on the scenic view in Yakuza 6 apart from taking a few in-game tourism screenshots Everyone who comes up is just silent for a moment right before the shouts of "kirei!" ("So pretty!") and the picture-taking starts Onomichi hasn't tried to capitalise on this magnificent view in any way - the entry to the observatory is free the only way to spend money is to get drinks and ice cream from vending machines or buy fried oysters or squid on rice from a family-run restaurant with peeling linoleum floor One important spot on my tour of Yakuza locales is not to be missed - no which are actually several miles away in eastern Onomichi you only get to see the tail end of a street that goes on for almost over a mile In its depiction Yakuza 6 has been accurate once again - about one in every three shops is shuttered While the street boasts a whole 6 tax-free shops where foreigners who carry their passport on them this whole street feels like it's not meant for anyone in particular Most of the shops have been family-owned for generations like the place that sells dishes and expensive lacquerware or the fruit and vegetable shop manned by the elderly woman who pulled the clementines she's sitting next to off the tree herself ("despite being 83 years old!") A shop with dusty window panes selling bedding Cables and single batteries spilling forth from an electronics shop Maybe these shops exist less to sell you single forks and more to give people an excuse to have a chat with their neighbour Younger people will likely shop at the department store in nearby Fukuyama I run into a representative of the local tourism board who asks me if I'm an English-speaking visitor if I've been to the prefecture before and how I've heard about Onomichi completely prepared for the raised eyebrow he gives me I ask if he had any idea the town was featured in one "We don't do this questionnaire that often in Onomichi," he says "We're interested in how we can get foreign tourists to spend more money in the prefecture and Onomichi..." he makes a sweeping gesture I ask him how many foreign visitors he has interviewed so far I think about telling him to capitalise hard on the connection to this perhaps somewhat niche video game High school girls queuing at a pudding place Volunteer guides in their seventies pointing out the ferry times to a single new visitor hotels almost stacked atop of each other in Tokyo Some places are just fine the way they are © 2025 Eurogamer.net a brand of IGN Entertainment No part of this website or its content may be reproduced without the copyright owner's permission Eurogamer is a registered trademark of Gamer Network Limited Dailymirror Sunday Times Mirror Edu Tamil Mirror Lankadeepa Middleast Lankadeepa Ada Deshaya Life Online Hi Online Hitad Timesjobs E-Paper Home delivery Advertise with us Print Ads WNL Home Tweets by FT_SriLanka [email protected] [email protected] All the content on this website is copyright protected and can be reproduced only by giving the due courtesy to 'ft.lk' Copyright � 2004 Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. let's take this opportunity to learn Osaka dialect from an Osaka-ben native speaker Kate Onomichi from SBS Japanese Melbourne team!The key phrase for the first episode is ‘ookini’ Do you think this is a common way of saying ‘thank you’ fun and practical.Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.SBSSBS Japanese News A city offers creative solutions for its akiya problem Onomichi is a hilly port city overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, familiar to many Japanese who know it thanks to its appearance in movies such as Tokyo Story. However, by 1997 Onomichi was suffering a massive post-growth decline, with many beautiful homes (akiya) left to rot by their previous occupants These picturesque slopes had proven to be the area’s downfall and older Onomichi residents started to abandon the area in droves It was around this time that the cat-obsessed French artist, Shunji Sonoyama, alarmed by the plight of what he viewed as a source of inspiration, devised a plan to help the city. He had relocated to Onomichi after opening the Manekineko Art Museum in Okayama and was flush with ideas In 1997, three years after opening the museum, Sonoyama opened a smaller Manekineko Museum in Onomichi Both the museum and the café are situated inside old akiya (abandoned empty houses) among winding streets in the Onomichi hills In 1998, Sonoyama began to paint fukuishi neko (lucky stone cats) and place them around the area, hiding over 108 stones and nicknaming it “Cat Alley.”  Sonoyama gradually renovated more akiya close by Cat Alley attracts thousands of tourists each year many of whom leave their own fukuishi neko along the way There are now estimated to be over a thousand fukuishi neko around the area five years after Sonoyama opened the Manekineko Museum tour guide Masako Toyota moved back to her hometown of Onomichi was shocked at the number of abandoned old houses Toyota bought her own akiya to renovate for just two million yen beginning renovations alongside her carpenter husband Toyota blogged about the renovation process and received inquiries from other people who were keen to do the same This prompted her to start an NPO specifically for Onomichi’s vacant houses in 2008, called Onomichi Akiya Saisei Project. Known locally as Aki-P, soon other activists and like-minded Onomichi residents joined the movement. In 2009, Aki-P was entrusted with Onomichi’s akiya bank a service which matches vacant houses with citizens ready to take on their own akiya project it has matched or renovated over 150 vacant houses in Onomichi The NPO itself has renovated 20 akiya to date a school house-style café and an independent shopping center Sangenya Apartment is a quaint mishmash of shops crammed into an old apartment block built in the Showa Era With no bath and only one shared toilet between all 10 rooms yet it proved the perfect formula for a tiny shopping mall Sangenya Apartment is a world away from typical department stores — a haven for independent creatives Miharashi-tei was an old villa built in 1921 at the end of the Taisho Period when tea tourism was booming in the Onomichi area With fantastic views overlooking the Senkoji Temple it was used as a ryokan from 1969-1989 before it was abandoned Period features have been retained as much as possible with the original miraido sliding doors and wooden ceiling beams intact until it was abandoned and eventually put onto the akiya bank Aki-P acquired the building in 2016 and currently uses it to host events the NPO is offering hand-painted wooden panes in the ceiling of the hall Want to explore more of the Seto Inland Sea Plucky pair have been trying to enter Onomichi gallery for two years Two cats that have spent the past two years trying to enter an art museum in western Japan – only to be politely turned away at the door – have become online celebrities with a global following willing them on in their attempts to see at least one exhibit up close Ken-chan, a black cat, attempted his first solo foray into the Onomichi city museum of art in summer 2016 during an exhibition of cat photography, but was prevented from entering by a security guard in a gentle standoff that was caught on camera “I’m guessing that Ken-chan spotted some of the exhibits through the glass and since the photos included those of black cats he must have thought he had found a new friend,” the museum’s curator Not to be deterred, Ken-chan started turning up accompanied by a ginger cat the museum staff named Go-chan “I’d seen him around so we think he must live locally Ken-chan has struck up a friendship with the museum’s security guard who playfully sends him on his way whenever he attempts to cross the threshold A post on the museum’s Twitter account from last month shows Ken-chan waiting patiently outside before making a bid for the entrance as the automatic doors begin to close Photographs and video clips of their exchanges have gone viral Some people on social media have implored the museum to allow Ken-chan in are just charmed by the interaction between the guard and his feline friend which has more than 45,000 Twitter followers recently launched a range of souvenirs featuring the two cats but is struggling to keep up with demand amid a rise in visitors and orders sent via social media Ken-chan and Go-chan, who continue to visit “most days”, are often seen together in the museum grounds, said Umebayashi, adding that despite both being male, they have never exchanged so much as a hiss “The museum is in a park so there’s no traffic to worry about,” he said “They treat the park like it’s their own garden.” Even though Ken-chan’s feline cunning is unlikely to outsmart museum staff and gain him free admission as the resident cat at a nearby restaurant at least he does not have far to walk home after yet another foiled attempt ‘LLOVE HOUSE’ designed by Schemata Architects sees a sweeping makeover of an old dwelling that is over 110 years old in Onomichi, Japan The design team stripped away the structure to revive the original charm of the house observing and trying to understand its condition Jo Nagasaka joined forces with a group of creative people with passion and enthusiasm generating a gathering space that brings creators from all over the world closer together The structure is defined by the exceptional landscape it opens onto and the architects opted to maintain this nostalgic view and restore its initial charm ‘LLOVE HOUSE is a house that Jo Nagasaka fell in love with at first sight,’ shares the team. Onomichi region prospered through trade using the Onomichi Chanel Merchants of the time built villas with a great view halfway up the mountainside to impress their guests When automobiles began to spread to households around the 1960s the region maintained secluded due to its uneven topography the lack of infrastructure has also made it difficult for the younger generation to take over the view from the building remains spectacular and the day is filled with nostalgic sights and sounds the ‘box’ stands as an exhibition space that overflows with nostalgic views The revival required a series of modifications the floorboards and the ceiling were dismantled and parts were carefully removed so as to be able to be reused somewhere else The tilted portion was jacked up and leveled as much as possible and the corner columns were thickened to reinforce the structure and the middle skin was returned to its original state we carried out repair work so that we leave this historic building for the next generation by making the details of this construction open we hope to be one of the guides for people in similar situations in Onomichi and other areas with similar conditions.’ A big challenge for the team at Schemata Architects was to maintain a low-cost construction ‘It takes time and effort for amateurs to perform DIY renovations If the work were undertaken by a construction company the costs would be significantly increased we decided to separate the construction work into different tasks and thus cut down their expenses We also sought to reduce costs further by carrying out transportation tasks on our own while getting support from part-time workers and volunteers Important support was also given by our neighbor HOTEL LOG which already had full experience in construction,’ shares the team shoji screens have been installed to divide the two rooms subtly  the Japanese-style room before construction a radical reconstruction to give new life to the interior work to make parts of newspaper wrapped in burlap to fill the gap between the roof and the girder building an open-air bath in a corner of the garden architects: Schemata Architects AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style The Ichiroku Onomichi is a 16-passenger bike that takes guests on a beer tour of Onomichi Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist with nearly two decades of newsroom experience She is also the co-founder of Be a Travel Writer an online course for the next generation of travel journalists ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard Plc said a new buyer for the equity held by Japan’s Onomichi group had been recommended but any sale decision is up to the Japanese shareholder had engaged a financial advisor to find a buyer for the Japanese held stake “Having considered the recommendations of the financial advisor, the Board of Directors of CDPLC has recommended a suitable party to Onomichi,” Colombo Dockyard said in a stock exchange filing “The ultimate decision on the selection of the party to whom Onomichi will sell its shares will be the prerogative of Onomichi since this is a private sale of shares “It will also depend on the finalization of other matters which include a commitment by the selected party to infuse additional capital and provide management and technical input to CDPLC.” Our attention has been drawn to publication(s) that appeared on the 2nd of April 2025 referring to a “divestment” of Colombo Dockyard PLC to a foreign party by the Government of Sri Lanka We wish to highlight that Colombo Dockyard PLC [“CDPLC”] is a public company that is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange The majority of the shareholders of CDPLC are private entities The interests of the Government of Sri Lanka in the shareholding of CDPLC would at most be an indirect interest in the form of shareholdings by the EPF the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and other Government institutions As it has already been disclosed to the public CDPLC is presently facing serious financial problems resulting in the shares of the Company being transferred to the Watch List since the 10th of June 2024 for the reason that the Auditor’s Report for the year ended 31st December 2023 contained an Emphasis of Matter on Going Concern As required by the rules of the Colombo Stock Exchange the Company has made monthly disclosures on its present state of affairs Ltd [“Onomichi”] which is CDPLC’s largest shareholder controlling fifty one percent of the company’s shares withdrew from its association with CDPLC terminating the management agreement with CDPLC and terminating the appointments of its Japanese nominee directors from the Board of CDPLC Onomichi also authorized the remaining Directors of CDPLC to identify a party who would be prepared to acquire the CDPLC shares owned by Onomichi and take over the management responsibilities of CDPLC commissioned a well reputed institutional investment advisor to solicit expressions of interest and recommend a suitable party which would provide CDPLC with the necessary financial and managerial input to revive the operations of CDPLC Having considered the recommendations of the financial advisor the Board of Directors of CDPLC has recommended a suitable party to Onomichi The ultimate decision on the selection of the party to whom Onomichi will sell its shares will be the prerogative of Onomichi since this is a private sale of shares It will also depend on the finalization of other matters which include a commitment by the selected party to infuse additional capital and provide management and technical input to CDPLC The Board of Directors of CDPLC will keep the public duly informed of the progress when such matters are finalized in sharp contrast to 2018 elections which was a protest vote with high 79 percent turnout The 2018 February local government elections came in the wake of the 2018 stabilization crisis In 2015 the central bank and poured liquidity into the banking system collapsing the rupee from 131 to 152 in the process the usual excuse given for currency collapses – high oil prices – were absent But the currency collapse and the stabilization crisis had shattered the credibility of the United National Party which was governing with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party The then opposition Sri Lanka Podujana Party swept to power in local authorities and subsequently won the 2019 Presidential elections with a further collapse of the currency to 184 to the US dollar under flexible inflation targeting/potential output targeting is a popular destination for denim enthusiasts looking for a pair of truly special jeans The shop is well-known around Japan and even abroad for selling premium jeans that have been worn by select members of the local community for at least one year or any other type of clothing for that matter but Onomichi Denim Project is not your average second-hand denim retailer as a collaborative effort between local designer Yoshiyuki Hayashi an organization that aims to supports local industry the minimalist boutique aims to draw attention to the city’s top-quality craftsmanship and its people in a unique way while used denim is generally sold at a discount these particular jeans actually get about twice as a expensive after being worn by somebody almost daily Denim aficionados know that jeans usually require breaking to look their best, but there’s an art to how to wear, wash and dry them to achieve that desired look. That’s what makes Onomichi Denim Project so special – they hand-pick the wearers from the local community and closely monitor their transformation over the course of one year Wearers rotate through two pairs of jeans that they promise to wear almost every day for the entire period to be laundered at a special denim processing facility which ensures that every pair retains the evidence of each wearer’s life and work Meridian Magazine reports that Onomichi Denim Project recruits wearers from various walks of life to achieve various patterns a pair of jeans worn by a fisherman has faded lines left by knee-high rubber boots a factory worker’s will feature the marks of a year’s worth of iron powder penetrating the fabric while a wild boar hunter’s jeans will have permanent traces of blood But getting people to agree to wearing one or two pairs of jeans for an entire year was tough Some were intrigued by the idea but were reluctant to wear jeans almost exclusively while others simply wondered who in their right mind would want to buy used jeans at premium prices But soon a local architect jumped at the opportunity to help boost their city’s travel industry each pair of jeans is washed according to color tagged with detailed descriptions and put on sale at the minimalist Onomichi Denim Project boutique for anywhere between ¥25,000 ($215) and ¥48,000 (415) That’s about twice as they usually cost when new It’s not clear whether some of the proceeds from the sales go to wearers but most of them are just happy to not have to spend money on jeans for a year via RocketNews24 Read More » *This article is based on the information as of November 2022 and the latest status may have changed. Here’s an overview of this 8-day long itinerary: In the second article of our three-part series about my Osaka-Chugoku-Kyushu itinerary, I am covering Days 3 to 5. On Day 3, explore the Bikan Historical Area in Okayama Prefecture while enjoying fresh local fruits, then on Day 4, cycle along the famous Shimanami Kaido around the Seto Inland Sea, and on the fifth day, visit must-see spots around historic Hiroshima. Before I got too distracted by sightseeing, I grabbed lunch at Tani, a popular Onomichi ramen place near the station. According to the manager of the place, Onomichi ramen is characterized by a soy sauce-based broth and pork fat topping on the noodles. Just smelling the scents wafting around the shop made me so excited to dig into our late lunch. An essential part of the Shimanami Kaido is the Innoshima Ohashi Bridge. This bridge has a two-tiered structure, with the upper part for high-speed traffic and the lower part for bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. It’s an incredible experience to cycle through this part of the route! A popular local delicacy is conger eel, known as anago in Japanese. I popped by Umezan for a meal of anago-meshi, a scrumptious bowl of rice topped with seasoned anago, served with a few side dishes. It was absolutely delicious, and the eel was so fresh! Here ends our fifth day! Tomorrow, I will be exploring more of the Kyushu region and its various activities. gyms and what you can buy thereLocations and items to buy by Jeffrey Parkin LinkSegaJeffrey Parkin (he/him) has been writing video game guides for Polygon for almost seven years. He has learned to love just about every genre of game that exists.Yakuza 6 isn’t just about fighting. Sometimes, it’s about remembering to pick up cat food on your way home. Luckily, there are 10 stores scattered around Kamurocho and Onomichi to help you out. You’ll find everything from snacks to healing items to new gear at these shops. Your map will show you their locations, but if you’re ever looking for something specific — a certain kind of cat food, that last piece of gear to get a trophy or booze to convince someone to join your baseball team — you need to know what each store sells. Below, you’ll find maps and lists of each store’s stock. Learn everything you need to know about the game in our Yakuza 6 guide. The best of Polygon in your inbox, every Friday. LinkJeffrey Parkin (he/him) has been writing video game guides for Polygon for almost seven years. He has learned to love just about every genre of game that exists.In Yakuza 6, there are 10 safes scattered around the cities of Kamurocho and Onomichi. Inside each of them, you’ll find a useful piece of gear. You’ll need to find the corresponding key before you can open each safe. While there’s an icon for the safes on your map, the keys can be difficult to find. Luckily, the keys are usually relatively near their safe. Below, we’ve got maps and galleries to help you unlock each of the 10 Yakuza 6 safes. Next1/3SegaThere’s an empty shop just south of this safe’s location. It’s easy to miss so look closely at your map. The key is behind some cardboard boxes in the back left corner. Head back to the empty lot to open the safe and retrieve the high-tech insoles. Next1/3SegaThe key to this safe is right inside the entrance to the building with the cat cafe. Take the key all the way to the roof to find the safe. You’ll get some rusted chain mail when you open it. Next1/5SegaAcross the street from New Serena and just a little south, there’s a building you can enter with a “sexy club” sign above it. The key is right on the stairs inside. Take the stairs or the elevator up to the fourth floor, then head into the mahjong room. There’s a door at the back of the room that will lead you to an office. The safe is in the left corner. Open it for some steel underwear. Next1/4SegaNorth of the New Serena, there’s a T-intersection at Taihei Boulevard. Turn left and watch the right side of the street for a door with a sign that says “Spunky” above it. The key is on the doorstep. Take the elevator up and head into the office on the second floor to find the safe in the back of the room. You’ll find a hunger belt inside. Next1/3SegaOn the northeast side of town, look for a set of white stone stairs on the east side of the road that leads up to Mt. Senkoji. At the top of the stairs, there’s a mailbox on your left — the key is inside. Take the key back down to the south and look for the safe under an overhanging roof. There’s a bloody binding inside. Next1/3SegaThis key is on the ground at the south end of the pedestrian bridge. Take the stairs on your left down to street level, then head into overhung area on the right. Open the safe for a romance amulet. Next1/6SegaJust to the west of the pawn shop, there’s a pair of vending machines and a ladder to the right of them. Climb up the ladder and onto the balcony. Look for the key on a shelf above a sink ahead of you. Climb back down the ladder, then look directly across the street for a narrow alley to slide through. When the narrow passage opens, the safe will be right ahead of you. Open it for a bloody fundoshi. Next1/4SegaThis key is all the way out at the end of the dock. When you reach the end, turn to the right and they key will be laying on the ground. Take it back to the main street and look for the safe just east of the Oyster Shack. You’ll find a fearless binding inside. Next1/5SegaAt the end of the Shops Alley, there’s a ladder that will lead up to the roof of the covered alley. This key is on the south edge of the roof just a little east of where you climb up. Back down on street level, take this key to the same building as the Moreno bar. You’ll find the safe on street level behind the stairs up to the bar. Open it for a stamina belt. startup seeking know-how in modular reactor tech attracts investments U.K.-based Core Power is developing a floating nuclear power plant with Japanese companies investing in the project as they search for knowhow in the field TOKYO -- Japanese companies will participate in a project led by British startup Core Power to develop a floating nuclear power plant including Onomichi Dockyard and Imabari Shipbuilding have invested about $80 million in project The reactors used in floating nuclear power plants offer several advantages over conventional reactors: They are smaller safer and potentially less expensive to build Japanese companies hope to become more involved in the technological development in areas where foreign businesses have an edge A ramshackle warehouse dating from 1943 has been given a new lease of life by local studio Suppose Design Office who opted to turn the low-lying building into a multi-purpose development comprising a hotel bar and two shops.  Sited along the port of the small seaside town of Onomichi in eastern Hiroshima the entire space has been devised to accommodate cyclists who can ride straight up to the reception desk keep their bikes on the fitted racks in their guestroom and enjoy the 'cycle-thru' counter in the café The open-plan kitchen in the restaurant meanwhile serves up a menu of pizzas topped with local ingredients as well as fresh seafood from the area The 'shima' (island in Japanese) shop sells a variety of local homemade products such as citrus fruit jams while the bike shop rents bicycles by Giant which you can use to explore the area or cycle the popular 70km trail which takes you across six bridges and eight islands within the Seto inland sea Nishigoshocho 5-11OnomichiHiroshima-ken722-0037Japan VIEW GOOGLE MAPS Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox. Originally from Denmark, Jens H. Jensen has been calling Japan his home for almost two decades. Since 2014 he has worked with Wallpaper* as the Japan Editor. His main interests are architecture, crafts and design. Besides writing and editing, he consults numerous business in Japan and beyond and designs and build retail, residential and moving (read: vans) interiors. There are 19 cats to be found in the two cities, and each of them have its own food preference. The cats can be hard to find, and their dietary requirements can be expensive. Below we’ve got maps and lists of favorite foods to help you make friends. Befriending the stray cats around town is a two-step process. First you have to find them, then you have to feed them. To feed the cats and make them like you, you have to have cat food in your inventory. You can pick up cat food from the cat cafe, the pharmacy in Onomichi, Don Quijote in Kamurocho or from any Poppo store. Each Poppo only carries one or two kinds of cat food, so you may have to do some running around to find each cat’s favorite. There are nine cats scattered around Kamurocho. There are 10 cats in Onomichi, all in main town section — not up at Mt. Senkoji. By Futoshi Mori / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior Writer Several small boats carrying people and cars pass by along the Onomichi waterway in southeastern Hiroshima Prefecture a narrow divide with Mukaishima Island on the other shore The sea shines in the sunlight and the sea breeze is pleasant I came to Onomichi excited to sample the city’s namesake ramen The basic characteristics of Onomichi ramen are soy sauce soup based on chicken stock and they compete with each other for customers Statue of Fumiko Hayashi near JR Onomichi Station A mikoshi portable shrine used for the local festival was on display in the shopping street I visited the very popular eatery Maruboshi which advertises itself as “surprisingly hot and surprisingly thirst-free.” which I have not seen in five years.” That was how Fumiko Hayashi a novelist who spent her formative teenage years in Onomichi and was active in the Showa period described the sea she saw from the train in her autobiographical novel “Diary of a Vagabond (Horoki).” After seeing the statue of Fumiko Hayashi near JR Onomichi Station I strolled along the shopping arcade for about 15 minutes I was surprised to see a long queue of more than 30 people including students on a school excursion and young couples “Our pork backfat is a blend of small and large pieces The smaller ones are melted into the hot soup while the larger ones give it a firmer texture,” explained Sato “The soup is hot because it is covered with a layer of pork fat I also want the hot food to be eaten hot.” thin noodles that are specially ordered from a nearby noodle mill The ramen arrived at my table and the toppings were simple: chashu pork the small globs of pork backfat floating in the soup caught my attention and whetted my appetite I took a sip of the soup and found it to be hot The pork backfat has a sweet and umami taste It also has a slightly crunchy texture that keeps you coming back for more I sipped the soup with a ramen spoon several times “We make a Japanese dashi [soup stock] every day with locally caught dried small sea breams and combine it with chicken and pork broth.” It seems that the Japanese dashi made from fish is refreshing Sato also said that the hotter the soup is The soy sauce used for the kaeshi source is Marukin Soy Sauce from Shodoshima Island which gives the ramen even more local flavor bringing me a plate of dried sea breams from the kitchen They were so beautiful that they looked delicious even when served on their own Dried small sea breams used for Japanese dashi thin noodles are custom-made by a noodle maker in Onomichi so they are always freshly made and delivered to the shop Sato’s policy is to use nothing unnecessary and to emphasize the natural flavor of the noodles made with flour from Hokkaido and other areas and green onions from Hiroshima Prefecture are all toppings that go well with this ramen and left me with a deep and expansive flavor without feeling heavy in my stomach Maruboshi makes Urume fish oil every day and offers a limited number of 15 servings a day of super niboshi ramen (¥850) using the oil I spotted an elderly woman working extremely hard The shop is well-supported by family members and friends who know each other well is Sato’s classmate from junior high and high school who also runs a Western-style restaurant and other businesses in Fukuyama City near Onomichi has been in the restaurant business since he was 18 years old He has managed a variety of restaurants and opened Maruhoshi in 2016 as his first ramen shop Noriko’s picture was used on the cover of Maruboshi cup noodle The ticket machine at the entrance of the shop “I had been thinking about what kind of business I can continue for the rest of my life and the conclusion I came to was ramen,” he said and I used to eat about 300 bowls of ramen a year He then decided that he wanted to dare to compete on his own in Onomichi where the competition among ramen shops is fierce The shop he moved into was in a location where two ramen shops had pulled out in a row and people around him told him that he would never succeed and he has worked very hard with other members of the staff until now The shop’s sales have reached record highs every year and it is now one of the leading Onomichi ramen shops I want people to fall in love with Onomichi.” He concluded by saying “When our shop reaches 10 years since its opening I want Maruboshi to grow together with Onomichi.” Maruboshi is located at 2-8-16 Tsuchido, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays. The shop’s Instagram account is @onomichi.maruboshi  It’s a serious battle for both the cook and the diner There are many ramen restaurants in Japan that have a tremendous passion for ramen and I’d like to introduce to you some of these passionate establishments making the best of my experience of enjoying cuisine from both Japan and around the world leads the inspection tour for Onomichi Japan MD Kunio Kobatake and CDPLC team The Managing Director of Onomichi Dockyard Company and Director of Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) recently visited Hambantota International Port (HIP) This visit follows a newly signed agreement between CDPLC and the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) to construct a state-of-the-art ship repair workshop at the port Chief Representative of CM Group in Sri Lanka and CEO of HIPG emphasised the strategic advantage of HIP's location “HIP's position along the east-west routes of the Indian Ocean makes it an ideal site for developing and expanding ship repair services The capacity to handle large volumes of repair work combined with CDPLC's expertise will make this partnership a vital part of the port’s operations.” CDPLC is investing approximately 1 million USD in a new afloat repair facility “Our collaboration with Hambantota International Port has been mutually beneficial The port's facilities allow us to offer advanced afloat repair services to a wide range of ships including some of the largest ocean-going vessels and experienced staff bode well for the future of our extended partnership We anticipate a significant increase in business with the new state-of-the-art facility ensuring that HIP becomes the premier destination for afloat repairs in the Indian Ocean region.”  “The new ship repair workshop will enhance our current services further advancing HIP’s evolution into a fully multipurpose port We eagerly await the completion of this project which highlights HIPG’s commitment to operational excellence and economic growth within the maritime industry.” Kunio Kobatake inspected the site for the new afloat repair facility and expressed optimism about the partnership's potential benefits for both parties He was accompanied by CDPLC director Furukawa The CDPLC workshop is expected to reach completion in the second quarter of 2025 Apart from enhancing the port’s ship repair capacity and afloat repair capabilities the new facility is anticipated to create numerous business opportunities for the local community involved in ship supplies “Empowering informed citizens and fostering a thriving economy through accurate while championing press freedom and media integrity.” Onomichi lies on the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture Because there is very little flat land in the town many of residential areas are built on steep hillsides The town also boasts beautiful views of the sea and the nearby islands Drawn by Onomichi's mild climate and old-fashioned atmosphere a growing number of younger people are moving there from other parts of Japan US actor Bruce Taylor explores the town's labyrinthine narrow streets discovering an area that is known for its friendly cats and meeting local people who are helping to revitalize the area Japan's Shimanami Kaido is a spectacular 60-kilometer road and bridge network The whole route has cycle lanes and offers views of the Seto Inland Sea National Park Cyclists cross the 4,045-meter Kurushima Bridge '+n.escapeExpression("function"==typeof(o=null!=(o=r(e,"eyebrowText")||(null!=l?r(l,"eyebrowText"):l))?o:n.hooks.helperMissing)?o.call(null!=l?l:n.nullContext||{},{name:"eyebrowText",hash:{},data:t,loc:{start:{line:28,column:63},end:{line:28,column:78}}}):o)+" \n '+(null!=(o=c(e,"if").call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2PreText"):l,{name:"if",hash:{},fn:n.program(32,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:63,column:20},end:{line:63,column:61}}}))?o:"")+"\n"+(null!=(o=(c(e,"ifAll")||l&&c(l,"ifAll")||n.hooks.helperMissing).call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Text"):l,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Link"):l,{name:"ifAll",hash:{},fn:n.program(34,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:64,column:20},end:{line:70,column:30}}}))?o:"")+" but the dozens of inmates hunched over rows of desks on a rain-sodden weekday morning are already starting to wilt Their jobs hardly constitute hard labour: constructing corrugated casings for lightbulbs tying lengths of wire to luggage tags and making pairs of knitted slippers The silence is broken only when another guard salutes and barks a military-style greeting to a colleague the show of authority seems as out of place as the forbidding walls that block the view of the foggy coastline a few miles away There may be no hardened yakuza gangsters here, but Onomichi's 70 or so ageing inmates nonetheless represent the biggest challenge facing Japan's criminal justice system in decades. While other developed countries debate what to do about youth offenders, Japan is grappling with a different kind of crime wave and one that demographic trends show can only get worse The over 60s are the fastest-growing group of criminals in Japan which incarcerates its pensioners at a rate far higher than any other country in the industrialised world The number of Japanese aged 70 and over charged with crimes trebled between 2000 and 2006 Last year elderly men and women were responsible for almost one in seven recorded crimes ageing criminals account for more than 12% of the total prison population prompting the government to earmark 8.3bn yen (£39m) this year to build three new prison wards that will house more than 1,000 elderly inmates many of Japan's 74 prisons will end up looking like Onomichi an ageing prison about 400 miles south-west of Tokyo that first started catering to older prisoners 20 years ago tucked away on a hill overlooking the Seto inland sea The average age of the men in the special ward is almost 70; the oldest is 89 Almost all are serving sentences of one to several years for theft - usually of food from supermarkets - small-time fraud and Almost all of Onomichi's elderly inmates have their own cell are stored in locked suitcases whenever they are not in their cells Charts on their cell doors stipulate special dietary requirements and medication regimes A handrail runs the length of the corridor and makeshift wheelchair ramps are kept at the entrance to the communal baths But the most common condition afflicting these men is loneliness Some serve their sentences without seeing a single visitor unable to cope with the shame of having a criminal in their midst the prison discreetly arranges a cremation and sends the ashes to his closest relatives," Tomohiko Ogawa "When we did a survey of prisoners due to be released not because they were regaining their freedom but because they had someone waiting for them on the outside The rise of the superannuated criminal is only partly explained by Japan's rapidly ageing population While the number of Japanese aged 60 and over grew by 17% between 2000 and 2006 the number of prisoners in the same age bracket soared by 87% Criminologists blame record levels of poverty among pensioners and a lack of professional help for those with depression and other mental illnesses Life on the outside can be unforgiving for elderly men with a criminal record "Those without family or friends are worst off," Ogawa says If they have nowhere to live they can't get a job decent healthcare and three meals a day is another stint behind bars According to a recent justice ministry study almost two-thirds of Onomichi's older inmates will walk back through its doors within five years of their release "I'm comfortable with prison life," a 76-year-old inmate told a Japanese newspaper earlier this year before the prison banned prisoners from talking to visiting journalists food and housing and I'm taken care of when I get sick Prison life is like a strict nursing home." Ogawa admits that Onomichi's 76 prison staff face a daily struggle to reconcile society's demands for retribution with their duty of care to inmates "The prisoners' health is our biggest worry and what they are going to do when they get out," he says "But while they are here we have to be seen to enforcing discipline and punishing them for their crimes people would rightly ask what their taxes were being spent on." The prisoners repay their debt by performing six hours a day of light manual labour two less than Onomichi's younger prisoners one of the men lays down his tools and shuffles to a makeshift pharmacy set up in the corner of the room where the prison doctor dispenses pills that must be washed down on the spot with tiny cups of water As many as 80% of the inmates here have high blood pressure or diabetes There is a portable mattress on hand in case anyone feels faint the noise level rises as the prisoners play table tennis chat over games of chess or belt out classic karaoke tunes read sports tabloids or flick through a meagre selection of religious and self-help texts One inmate in his late 60s who has seven months of his sentence left folds up his Buddhist newspaper and briefly breaks the prison's gagging order "We are well looked after here," he says And what is he looking forward to most of all once he gets out I can't wait to have a drink and a smoke," he confides before a guard appears and he goes back to his newspaper In 2006 Japan's prison population stood at about 80,000 About 1,000 prisoners have difficulty walking Many more have long-term but manageable health conditions Of the 46,637 people over 60 convicted in 2006 just over half were found guilty of shoplifting followed by 23% who had committed petty theft While the number of charges against juveniles increased by 2% from 2000-04 Last year there were 152 murders by over-65s including a 65-year-old woman who strangled her sick husband after "he repeatedly shouted at me over many years" Japan is far ahead of other countries in locking up elderly people 2.8% of prisoners in the UK are in the same age bracket while in the US 1.8% of prisoners are over 60 · Sources: Justice ministry; national police agency; National Institute of Population and Social Security Research; Penal Reform Trust; US bureau of justice