Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article ProCon Debate: Should the Death Penalty Be Legal? Believed to be the longest-serving death row inmate in the world Hakamada was awarded $1.4 million (217 million yen) for his wrongful imprisonment “The country committed a crime against him.” has agreed to a deal with Tokyo Gas to enter the upstream natural gas sector in North America with interest in the Eagle Ford shale formation in South Texas.  The company signed a heads of agreement with Tokyo Gas America Ltd subsidiary TG Eagle Ford Resources LP (TGER) to acquire Tokyo Gas’s 25% interest in about 33,000 acres in the dry gas portion of the Eagle Ford and other areas in Webb and La Salle counties held by a joint venture of Lewis Energy Group (operator) Negotiations ahead of a sales and purchase agreement are continuing Shizuoka Gas anticipates acquiring the interest interests for $130 million through a local subsidiary it expects to be established this year.  Tokyo Gas bought into the Eagle Ford assets in 2016 by acquiring certain interests held by Vertex Corp. as its second shale gas development project in the US, the company said in a release Feb. 21 (OGJ Online, June 21, 2016) The company said it is selling the asset after a review of its portfolio to improve asset efficiency and will subsequently focus on its TG Natural Resources business which holds assets in East Texas and North Louisiana Elliott Investment Management LP and Elliott Advisors (UK) Ltd noted the firm 'welcomed' Tokyo Gas's establishment of a committee to review its "non-core assets for divestment." The company had been under scrutiny from the shareholder to streamline its portfolio Mikaila Adams has 20 years of experience as an editor, most of which has been centered on the oil and gas industry. She enjoyed 12 years focused on the business/finance side of the industry as an editor for Oil & Gas Journal's sister publication, Oil & Gas Financial Journal (OGFJ). After OGFJ ceased publication in 2017 she joined Oil & Gas Journal and was named Managing Editor - News in 2019 She holds a degree from Texas Tech University Police are asking climbers to refrain from tackling Mt as adequate safety measures cannot be guaranteed 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 A mountaineer who became ill while climbing Mt Fuji was rescued by the Shizuoka prefectural police in late April and anyone incapacitated by altitude sickness or other factors may face a long wait for help the mountain typically opens on or around July 10 At that time the winter closure is lifted on the trails from the fifth station to the summit and many climbers from Japan and abroad arrive each year a steady stream of people attempt to reach the summit before the opening date a Chinese university student in his twenties who is living in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward became unable to descend near the eighth station on the Fujinomiya route and the police mountain rescue team retrieved him become sick and been airlifted out by helicopter He ran into trouble again when he returned to fetch belongings — including his mobile phone — that he could not carry down during the first rescue the bodies of three climbers were discovered near the crater before the season opened; all had gone missing while climbing during the offseason Fuji had 70 search-and-rescue cases in 2024 Of the six accidents that occurred while the mountain was closed snow remains near the summit and temperatures fall below freezing strong winds and other factors can make rescue extremely difficult,” an official warned “It’s nothing like calling an ambulance on flat ground.” Up-to-date information on trail openings is posted on the Shizuoka prefectural government’s website The prefectural government said it announces the end of the winter closure roughly a week in advance and urges would-be climbers to confirm the details Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun World Tea Expo returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center March 24-26, and this year, the opening of the Expo Hall will be celebrated with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Tea Capital Shizuoka attendees can gather at the World Tea Expo Hall entrance on the second floor to witness Tea Capital Shizuoka's opening ceremony which will feature a Japanese folk song as well as the ribbon cutting Shizuoka is a prefecture located in the middle of Japan that boasts the largest tea growing area in the country It is located 100 miles west from Tokyo and is home to Mount Fuji a temperature difference between the mountains Shizuoka is the best place for tea farming in Japan Tea leaves grow slower here than in other places and they absorb minerals from the rich soil which leads to the leaves containing a lot of umami Since Samurai gave up holding swords 150 years ago and it is the biggest producer as well as the biggest consumer in Japan.  Besides producing popular teas like matcha the prefecture also takes pride in its Fukamushi (long steam) technology which creates sencha tea (a Japanese green tea) with a beautiful color and rich umami flavor.  Tea Capital Shizuoka is bringing a pavilion to World Tea Expo with 10 booths showcasing everything from its various types of matcha and hojicha (a smokier Japanese green tea) to sweets made of tea materials The goal is to spread the taste of this Japanese tea and history to the world.  Here are the 10 Japanese companies exhibiting in the Shizuoka Pavilion: The Shizuoka team is also interested in organizing tours that combine exploring the prefecture with the experience of the local tea processing industry "Shizuoka has opened a research facility specializing in tea and promoting the improvement of tea plant varieties," said the Shizuoka team "We would love many people to come to Shizuoka and experience the taste of tea and culture behind it." Plan to Attend or Participate in World Tea Expo To learn about other key developments, trends, issues, hot topics and products within the global tea community, plan to attend World Tea Expo, March 24-26, 2025 in Las Vegas, co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo. Visit WorldTeaExpo.com To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at World Tea Expo or to inquire about advertising and sponsorship opportunities at World Tea News Phone: +1-212-895-8493; Email: [email protected] Looking for professional tea education, certifications, and more? Visit World Tea Academy and register for courses today Also, be sure to stay connected with World Tea Expo on social media for details and insights about the event. 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Tokyo A popular day-trip destination in Shizuoka prefecture Izu Panorama Park is perched atop Mt Katsuragi in the city of Izunokuni At the base you’ll find an Italian restaurant and a gift shop but take the 1.8km-long ropeway and you'll reach the Ao Terrace at the summit Here you’ll be greeted by a stunning panorama of Suruga Bay Mt Fuji standing proudly amidst the mountainous landscape makes full use of its sky-high vantage point a circular deck with a sweeping aerial view of the surrounding nature There’s even a new photo spot where you can snap pictures that give off the illusion that you’re floating among the clouds a boardwalk that takes you on a serene stroll under the lush canopies the existing section of Ao Terrace is just as awe-inspiring Photographers will want to gather around the three pristine water basins each designed to reflect the blue sky and the surrounding vista where you can sip on a drink from the nearby Katsuragi Coffee while soaking in the stunning scenery is strategically placed to create a double image of Mt Fuji – perfect for capturing those trendy #reflectiongram shots You can also enjoy a direct sight of Mt Fuji from the free alfresco footbath and the Katsuragi Saryou café Don’t miss the historical Katsuragi Shrine founded during the Heian period (794-1185) is highly revered by locals who visit to pray for protection against disasters Izu Panorama Park makes for an enjoyable day trip from Tokyo. Check the website for more information New Tokyo City Pass combines unlimited transport, attraction tickets and special activities Catch Doraemon in 3D on two digital billboards in Tokyo and Osaka Mt Fuji has increased ticket prices for the 2025 climbing season Time Out Market Osaka: 17 kitchens and two bars featuring the city’s best chefs and restaurants Ashikaga Flower Park is home to one of Japan's most impressive wisteria festivals Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us Locals from the town of Nagaizumi in Shizuoka prefecture have been calling the space of ground at the corner of a traffic junction the “world’s smallest park.” In a ceremony on February 25 it was finally recognized by the Guinness World Records The World’s Smallest Park — its official name — was built in 1988 It was inspired by Mill Ends Park in Portland an official from the town’s city planning department a spare piece of land in the corner of a junction provided the plot for Nagaizumi’s own “world’s smallest park.” The park boasts a small tuft of grass and a tiny bench be cherished by the local community and be passed down as a globally renowned landmark for future generations.” While headlines from Japan and further afield have been overjoyed at the developments, in Oregon it is a different story. Oregon Live, Oregon’s local media site, proclaimed sadly “Sorry, Portland. The ‘world’s smallest park’ is somewhere else now.” Mill Ends Park has enjoyed the title since 1971 Nagaizumi’s park was registered at 0.24 meters Portland Parks & Recreation spokesperson jokingly said that he was “outraged.” But he added “If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery Anyone hoping to visit the World’s Smallest Park can find its Google Maps link here Mount Fuji Day is celebrated on February 23rd it still presents a wonderful chance to appreciate the iconic mountain If you’ve ever wanted to get a glimpse of Fuji-san in all its glory Shizuoka City has a number of spots where you can enjoy some excellent views Miho no Matsubara is famous for its 30,000 pine trees along a 5 kilometer stretch of coastline and it makes up part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site and the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji create a picture-perfect scene which has often featured in Ukiyo-e prints and traditional poetry About 35 minutes driving time from Shizuoka Station which is located 300 meters above sea level visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji the city lights add to the beauty of the landscape The facility’s wooden design was crafted by renowned architect Kengo Kuma and it does an excellent job of complementing the natural surroundings About 25 minutes driving time from Shizuoka Station Fuji Shimizu Minato Cruise offers exceptional views of the majestic mountain from the sea along with the Miho no Matsubara coastline The sight of snow-capped Mount Fuji framed by the clear sky and shimmering water is particularly stunning during the early spring months 4 minutes driving time from Shimizu Station About 60 minutes on foot from JR Yui Station or Okitsu Station Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Shizuoka Station Shizuoka Prefectural Office Mount Fuji Observation Lobby The Shizuoka Prefectural Office Annex features an observation lobby on the 21st floor It’s an ideal spot to take in the sweeping views of the region while also learning more about Shizuoka’s history Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan A landmark tower with a corner location near an elevated highway and high-speed rail system in the dense centrality of Ginza The office floors connect to the central core like the branches of a tree to its trunk so that metabolic architecture as we know it can be passed on to future generations which has been preserved and rehabilitated on several occasions underwent renovation of its exterior walls in 1933 and repair of the interior and exterior facilities in 1999 the intervention has consisted mainly of structural and functional reinforcement encompassing the general rehabilitation of the building and extending the building’s useful life The project consisted of a modernization of the structural system to maximise the effect of reinforcements and increase seismic resistance through various solutions such as the placement of carbon plates on the walls of the cylindrical core from the inside or the installation of thin steel plates on the lower floors as shear reinforcement achieving an increase in resistance while maintaining the original geometry of the building and the functionality of its different spaces Kenzo Tange's Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center Photograph by  Naoki Kumagai Photo Office Project description by TAISEI This project involved preserving and restoring a modernist building built in 1967 in Ginza known as an example of Metabolism architecture This building is a distinctive work by Kenzo Tange who devised a creative new form for a small site located in a place that symbolizes Japan's post-war period of rapid economic growth The cylindrical core at the center of the building houses vertical circulation routes such as stairs The office spaces protrude outwards from the core The paintwork of the exterior walls was renovated in 1993 and the interior facilities and the exterior were renovated in 1999 structural and functional reinforcement and an overall renovation were carried out to extend the building's lifespan for another several decades seismic retrofitting was planned to maximize the reinforcement effect while minimizing the space required by identifying the building's weak points through seismic response analysis Carbon fiber sheets were attached to the cylindrical core wall legs (around the first floor) from the inside as bending reinforcement and thin steel plates were installed as shear reinforcement for the lower floors (first to fifth floors.) This allowed for a significant increase in earthquake resistance while maintaining the building's original form and also ensuring the usability of the small spaces we conducted paint inspections on the walls inside and outside the cylinder to reproduce the original colors at the time of construction We checked the paint history of the inspection points and compared the colors with photographs from the construction period to identify the colors the underside of the eaves and the cylindrical shape were lit up and LED lighting was introduced in the interior This transformed the building's appearance at night and emphasized its presence as a local landmark we focused on reflecting the needs of today's users implemented business continuity planning (BCP) measures more comfortable and user-friendly working environments have been achieved The project's most significant focus was identifying the areas that needed renovation and those that needed preservation and recording each area's history before restoring it This metabolism architecture will be passed on to the next generation while adding new functions and value Original Design In 1967.-  TANGE ASSOCIATES. Lead architect.- KENZO TANGE.Renovation Design.- TAISEI DESIGN Planner Architects ＆ Engineers. Structural Engineer.- Tashiro Fujimura,Yuko Fukuta Fumihiko Nakao.Mep Engineer.- Shinsuke Takeuchi,Takaaki Kagami Shinichi Kouda.Interior Design.- Seigo Ito.Planning History Supervision.- Natsuko Sugie Ryo Tanaka.Renovation Supervision.- PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND SOLUTIONS LTD.Renovation Structural Supervision.- KOBORI RESEACH COMPLEX INC Contractor In 1967.- Taisei Corporation.Contractor renovation.-  Taisei Corporation Naoki Kumagai Photo Office, Inc., Taisei Corporation. TAISEI DESIGN Planners Architects & Engineers is a construction company based in Tokyo founded in 1873 that has undertaken a number of construction projects amidst social changes such as Japan's modernization and attractive communities and social infrastructure Archive REMODELING-RENOVATION Figurine and plastic model manufacturer Max Factory unveiled its latest Honda Power Products plastic models at the 62nd Shizuoka Hobby Show held at Twin Messe Shizuoka in Shizuoka City The Shizuoka Hobby Show attracted as many as 80,000 visitors and Honda Power Products’ plastic models attracted a lot of attention Max Factory has released "Minori with Honda Tiller F90" and “Inaho with Honda F90 Paddy Wheel” based on Honda’s tillers and “Minori with Honda Small Snow Plow HSS1170n” based on a snow plow is “Minori with Honda Outboard Motor BF350,” based on the BF350 outboard motor which was just announced in Japan in January The BF350 is Honda’s flagship outboard model the first commercially available V8 developed by Honda and boasts a maximum output of 350 horsepower The Minori series is a fusion of the original character Minori created by illustrator Shunya Yamashita The new “Minori with Honda Outboard Motor BF350” features the story of Minori maintaining the BF350 under the summer sun the BF350 is mounted on a maintenance dolly and the engine cover is removed to recreate the maintenance work It is an attractive item that allows the viewer to fully experience the elegant and dynamic functional beauty of the BF350 while building the plastic model an actual Honda BF350 outboard motor was displayed next to the “Minori with Honda Outboard Motor BF350” model Visitors were fascinated by the presence of the BF350 taking pictures with their smartphones and comparing it to the intricately reproduced plastic model and many people enjoyed the overwhelming V8 engine Pre-orders of “Minori with Honda Outboard Motor BF350” will end on June 26 and deliveries are planned to begin in January 2025 the planner and developer of the “Minori with Honda Outboard Motor BF350,” said “We have further developed the model from the prototype presented at the Japan International Boat Show 2024 in March and have completed a model that precisely reproduces the powerful modeling of the BF350 The engine cover can be opened just as on the actual outboard motor and Honda’s first production V8 engine can be enjoyed it is not easy to see what is inside an outboard motor the drive shaft is also included so that the propeller can rotate and we put a lot of effort into the design The outboard motor has a simple yet ferocious-looking mechanism I hope you will take a look at the mechanism in this plastic model.” The siblings were named “High” and “Ball,” apparently hinting at the name of the popular highball drink Baby capybaras are seen at Izu Animal Kingdom in Higashi-Izu HIGASHI-IZU – Four baby capybaras born at Izu Animal Kingdom are attracting the attention of visitors with their cute appearance They weighed about 2 kilograms at birth but now weigh about 2.5 kilograms Another pair of siblings were born on April 4 The four capybaras are being raised in an outdoor exhibition area of the zoo where visitors can touch them “They are cute and help relieve stress,” said a 49-year-old visitor from Chigasaki Tokyu Corporation and JR Central unveiled the interior of their luxurious sightseeing train, THE ROYAL EXPRESS This exclusive train offers passengers a four-day three-night journey through Shizuoka Prefecture and traditional culture surrounding Mount Fuji It is scheduled to operate six times between November 8 and December the train traveled a two-hour segment from Numazu Station to Kikugawa Station Passengers can enjoy scenic views of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji from the stylish Traditional Suruga lacquered geta (wooden clogs) are also on display and available for purchase offering a unique glimpse into Shizuoka's cultural heritage Onboard dining highlights Shizuoka's regional specialties, including Kyosui unagi — a rare eel from the renowned Unamasa restaurant in Hamamatsu — and sakura shrimp from Suruga Bay The journey begins and ends at Yokohama Station and is priced at ¥750,000 JPY (approximately $4,860 USD) per person You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Shizuoka — A long-standing tradition celebrating the region’s famed tea harvest took place in mid-April as the Kanaya tea festival showcasing a tea-picking women’s group dance drew crowds to JR Kanaya Station in Shimada The biennial festival was held on April 12 in the city known as a major tea production region featuring about 500 women and girls dressed in tea-picking attire filled the streets and captivated the audience Organized by the Kanaya tea festival preservation and promotion association which began in 1952 and was held for the 41st time featured women of all ages dancing gracefully to the folk song “Chakkiri Bushi.” They wore tea-picking costumes featuring kasuri checker-like pattern kimonos red tasuki sashes and “anesan-kaburi” head coverings a style of headdress using tenugui hand towels The festival was originally scheduled to continue on April 13 but was canceled due to forecast rain She allegedly attacked the nurse while receiving treatment following a traffic accident a 37-year-old nurse working at a hospital in Shimada city allegedly had her arm scratched and was kicked multiple times by a patient The patient identified herself as Ryoko Hirosue who is best known for her roles in the Luc Besson-produced French action-comedy and the Academy Award-winning Japanese film She was arrested at the scene on suspicion of inflicting injury on the nurse Hirosue had been transported to the hospital in Shizuoka Prefecture at approximately 6:50 p.m She was the driver of a vehicle that crashed into a trailer truck on the Shin-Tomei Expressway in Kakegawa city Suffering unspecified injuries in the accident Her manager was believed to be in the car with her It is not yet known why she attacked the nurse The incident occurred while she was waiting for treatment On Tuesday morning, Hirosue’s agency confirmed that it was her involved in the incident after she went into a state of panic. “We sincerely apologize to the victim and all those involved for the inconvenience and concern we have caused,” read the statement “As the case is currently under investigation Hirosue will refrain from all entertainment activities We would like to apologize again to all those involved and to the fans who support us on a daily basis for the inconvenience and concern we have caused.”  The popular actress also made headlines in 2023 when Shukan Bunshun reported that she was having an extramarital affair with married Michelin star chef Shusaku Toba The pair had been spotted entering the Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel together Hirosue later admitted that it was true via her official social media account her agency announced that she and her husband about three hours from TokyoThis local flower festival on the Izu Peninsula kicks off on February 1 with about 800 blooming Kawazu sakura trees The pink spectacle takes place along the Aono River in the Shimogamo Onsen area and at the nearby Shimogamo Onsen Yu no Hana rest stop About 800 Kawazu cherry blossom trees and plenty of yellow rape blossoms line the 4.2-km-long stretch along the Aono River Kawazu cherry blossoms were first discovered in 1972 in Kawazu a little town further north on the Izu Peninsula these cherry blossoms bloom earlier than any other sakura type around Japan you can hop of a rickshaw which will take you on a 20-minute cherry blossom viewing course around the area (¥3,000 per person) During the festival there'll also be an Ise shrimp miso soup service (February 16 to 23) where you can pick up a free cup of soup at the Shimogamo Shopping Street Miro parking lot. The soup will be served twice a day at 11am and again at 1pm when the sakura between Kujobashi Bridge and Maeharabashi Bridge are beautifully lit up Close to the roadside station Shimogamo Onsen Yu no Hana and at the Shiroganenoyu Bridge you’ll also find illuminated sakura trees The light-up takes place daily from 6pm to 9pm A visit to Minami Izu is doable in a day – it takes about three hours from Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station. However, if you rather take your time exploring the area, you can also turn it into an overnight trip as there are many resorts in the area like Kyukamura Minami Izu hotel Make sure to check the festival’s website for more information This article was published on January 26 2022 and updated on January 23 2025 Tokyo is ranked as one of the world’s best cities for 2025 Here's the official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2025 Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton take over Harajuku with a pop-up shop and café Waymo to begin testing driverless vehicles in Tokyo in early 2025 Announcing the first 7 chefs and restaurateurs coming to Time Out Market Osaka in March 2025 Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report SHIZUOKA—Climbers ascending Mount Fuji from the Shizuoka Prefecture side will be charged a 4,000 yen ($26) toll in this summer’s climbing season The prefectural assembly approved the entry fee on March 17 Gotenba and Subashiri trails on Japan’s highest peak The move comes after neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture which began collecting an entry fee last year announced that it would double its fee to 4,000 yen The two regions decided to standardize the charge across all routes leading to the 3,776-meter summit ensuring that climbers pay the same amount whichever side they ascend from Shizuoka Prefecture will staff the trail gates with toll collectors climbers without overnight reservations at mountain huts will not be allowed to enter the trails between 2 p.m The same policy will also apply to the trail in Yamanashi Prefecture Fuji climbers flock to Shizuoka after restrictions in Yamanashi Mount Fuji’s Yoshida trail may cost more to climb next year Climbing limits are being set on Mount Fuji to fight crowds and littering 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 With plum blossoms scent the sun is peeking out on this mountain trail Haiku by (Matsuo Basho) While Japan has always been known for its haven of cherry blossoms in springtime a couple of months before their bloom around mid-March exquisite plums start to sprout as early as mid-January in most places and white carry auspicious meanings in Japanese culture plums symbolise tolerance and endurance as they brave the chills of winter the beauty of life amidst harsh circumstances and remind Japanese of new beginnings as winter fades to welcome spring plums appear in Japanese New Year greeting cards they are often accompanied by the Japanese nightingale This image coincides with the popular Japanese saying “Ume ni Uguisu,” metaphorically indicating a “match made in heaven” between the elegant plums and the charismatic bird Among the numerous plum parks spread throughout Japan, the Atami Plum Garden commonly referred to as Atami Baien in Shizuoka Prefecture is highly reputed for its nearly 500 glorious plum trees of 40 varieties harvested across approximately 4.4 hectares of land the resort city of Atami lies along the coast of Izu Peninsula facing the Pacific Ocean; hence offering both spectacular mountain and seaside locations for enjoying the delicate blossoms one can feel the traces of history seeded since its opening in 1886 Yokohama businessman Sobe Mogi and other collaborators planted about 3,000 plum and other trees on 2.5 hectares of the current land and Japanese Sakaki or evergreen trees also abound The park became an Imperial property until its transfer to the national government in the 1950s it has undertaken continuous redevelopments over the years and has quickly attracted many visitors who are particularly eager to catch the early blooming season from mid-November to December One of the striking highlights of this picturesque garden is the group of Five Bridges: Zanka (gradual beauty) the first bridge Zanka leads to a shrine encircled by plums and redeemed poet Matsuo Basho’s haiku monument one reaches the Geigetsu Bridge over the flowing brook It is said that a perfect glimpse of the moon can be viewed from this bridge visitors often stop here to gaze at the grove of plums from behind and read another haiku by poet Oto Takeda on a stone monument one hits the eye-catching red Koufu Bridge layered by almost 400 colourful maple trees around Further ahead is the park’s prominent wooden Umezono bridge that connects the Sawada Masahiro Memorial Museum to the Japanese and Korean gardens exhibits significant works of the Atami-born artist Sawada the two country leaders proposed to incorporate a Korean garden within the premises as a mark of diplomatic friendship It utilises traditional techniques of the Joseon Dynasty and wall tiles all designed by a Korean architect Next to the Korean garden is the Nakayama Shinpei Memorial Museum He was especially known for children’s songs The fascinating Showa era two-storey wooden villa was the composer’s last resting place until his death in 1952 Korin-tei is another building lined along the Nakayama Shinpei Memorial Museum which is exclusively reserved for tea ceremonies and other special events The exquisite plum trees around it are also breathtaking Visitors can also rest at the foot bath just behind the Korean garden it has become a relaxing niche for visitors after a long stroll around the grounds to warm their feet particularly during the busy plum and maple festivals Surely unmissable is the Ume-mi no Taki waterfall which consists of a narrow path behind it so you can stand by the flowing water up close and peek through the gorgeous plum trees This cascade completes the essential elements of a Japanese landscape—trees Atami Plum Garden holds its plum festival from mid-January to early March and maple festival from mid-November to early December yearly visiting the park beyond these periods provides an equally scenic opportunity to savour Atami’s refreshing floral treasure The Shizuoka prefectural government is considering charging fees for climbers ascending Mt Fuji on three trails from next summer in a bid to restrict access following neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture Yamanashi has implemented several measures since earlier this year to deter dangerous activities such as "bullet climbing," which refers to attempts to summit the 3,776-meter peak for the sunrise without an overnight rest but Shizuoka has yet to introduce any steps Fuji straddles Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures Shizuoka has only asked hikers to submit plans through a preregistration system including the start time of their ascent and any reservation they have made for a place in a mountainside hut on the way to the peak it has been difficult for the local government to impose regulations on climbers ascending Mt Shizuoka is studying through November how it can limit access to Mt Fuji with a view to enacting a new ordinance to collect entrance fees adding the prefecture plans to earmark 37 million yen ($256,000) to estimate costs for controls on hikers a gate has been set up to close the Yoshida trail from 4 p.m to individuals without mountain hut reservations at the 5th station of the route which is the most commonly used path in the prefecture Yamanashi has also begun to collect 2,000 yen per climber for using the Yoshida trail while capping the number of hikers at 4,000 a day Japan eyes steps to limit ash fall damage in event Mt. Fuji erupts Mt. Fuji climbing season begins in full as Shizuoka trails opened Mt. Fuji climbing season starts with new fees, control on numbers To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox, subscribe here. Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription. Please check your inbox for a confirmation email. If you wish to change your message, press 'Cancel' to go back and edit. Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible. Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp Smart Aquarium Shizuoka is an aquarium that opened its doors in 2022. Located on the 7th floor of the Matsuzakaya Shizuoka Store, the aquarium offers a peaceful retreat for fatigued shoppers, commuters, and travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It is easily accessible for anyone travelling on the Japan Rail, as it’s just a short 3-minute walk via an underpass from JR Shizuoka Station.  For a small entrance fee, young travellers—such as those on graduation trips looking to expand their knowledge—can enjoy an innovative, fun, and educational experience. Here’s what awaits you at this unique hidden gem in Shizuoka.  The entire walking route is lined with interactive and immersive aquatic enclosures, thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind to spark curiosity through cutting-edge technology. The aquarium is divided into five themed zones, each providing a unique glimpse into the fascinating world of marine life. Like traditional aquariums, the Smart Aquarium also features a variety of aquatic species. Notable inhabitants include the Blue Poison Dart Frog, Lionfish, and Spotted Garden Eel. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that the aquarium hosts around 100 species of fascinating creatures! Much like a theme park, Smart Aquarium Shizuoka is designed to inspire visitors with its blend of entertainment and environmental awareness. Along your walk, you’ll encounter interactive panels and multimedia presentations that will capture your attention. Topics like sustainable fishing, plastic pollution, and coral reef preservation will be explained in immersive detail — all of which are vital to marine conservation. Take the chance to dip your hands into a crystal-clear tank for the Doctor Fish Experience, where you’ll enjoy a healing treatment. Then, head over to the archerfish tank, where you might witness the incredible archerfish’s hunting technique of shooting down its prey! Enhance your visit with a stamp rally as you explore the aquarium. The stamp book showcases Oscar, the aquarium’s adorable and charming mascot. Once you’ve completed all five stamps, you’ll be rewarded with exclusive postcards as a special keepsake from your visit! With beautiful underwater scenes and visually stunning exhibits, the aquarium offers the perfect backdrop for photos. So, while you’re enjoying all the unique experiences, don’t forget to whip out your phone to snap some social-media-worthy pictures! By the end of your visit to Smart Aquarium Shizuoka, you will be ignited with a renewed passion for conservation and a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems. As an added bonus, the Wabi-Sabi design concept woven throughout the aquarium will leave you feeling relaxed and at peace. Finally, don’t forget to bring home a special souvenir to remember your visit and the experiences you’ve had! For those short on time, the museum shop is open to everyone—even without a ticket—allowing marine enthusiasts to explore a delightful selection of ocean-inspired treasures. Whether you’re exploring solo or travelling with friends or siblings, Smart Aquarium Shizuoka is a captivating spot that proves you don’t need roller coasters to enjoy a theme park-level adventure! Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages Hamamatsu, a city with about 30,000 foreign residents in Shizuoka Prefecture, has launched an initiative to help foreign residents learn Japanese to the level necessary for daily life. To use this site, 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, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies. Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. By Kazuya Nakajima / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer This is the first time a curriculum developed by the central government has been used for such an effort. Many sectors in the country often complain of labor shortages, but many foreigners still have difficulty communicating in Japanese. The city government hopes to help such foreigners become “independent users of Japanese.” Students were taking part in a conversation class at the Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Study Support Center, learning phrases they might use when they go shopping. The instructor, an official from the Hamamatsu Foundation for International Communication and Exchange, was teaching about 20 students from their teens to 60s from six countries, including Brazil, the Philippines and China. The students are mostly housewives and part-time workers who can speak only a little Japanese. One, a 57-year-old second-generation Brazilian of Japanese descent, who came to Japan six years ago, has been unable to get the sort of job she wants in customer service. She also has trouble describing her symptoms when she goes to the hospital. “I’ve been learning conversation little by little. I want to find a job that requires communication,” she said. Of the foreign residents in the city, about 70% have a residence status that allows them to stay in Japan for a long period of time, a figure higher than the national average of 38%. Hamamatsu has produced its own teaching materials based on the “Lifestyle Can Do,” a Japanese language learning curriculum created by the Japanese government in 2022. From this fiscal year, the city has begun teaching it to students free of charge. Classes are held from morning into early afternoon, for 150 days a year, lasting for a total of 600 hours. Students learn what to say in 500 situations, such as giving their name and reservation time to a restaurant host and asking how to fill out an application form to open an account at a bank. According to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, there are about 870 Japanese language courses run by local governments across the country. The ministry hopes to provide subsidies and other support for the spread of the “Lifestyle Can Do” curriculum. “This is an effort to increase our use of capable workers from overseas and to help foreign nationals lead rich social lives in Japan,” said an official at the ministry’s Japanese language education division. Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting, readable fomat. Sign in 一般社団法人 (General Incorporated Association) Tokyo FinTech is registered as a non-profit organization in Japan, promoting the domestic ecosystem through innovation Listen Shizuoka Bank and Hitachi have completed technical and effectiveness verifications for the development of a core banking system hat operates on a public cloud jointly developed by Shizuoka Bank and Hitachi is scheduled to go live on Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2027 This will enable Shizuoka Bank to promote a cloud-first approach leading to the swift provision of higher value-added financial services and contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society through reduced power consumption Hitachi will apply this system to its open core banking package “OpenStage” and other open core banking systems and expand it to other financial institutions contributing to the promotion of DX in the financial sector it has become increasingly important for financial institutions to respond flexibly and swiftly to the diversifying and sophisticated values of end-users and rapid environmental changes there is a growing demand for environmentally conscious management such as reducing resource and energy consumption associated with business activities Shizuoka Bank initiated a “cloud-first” approach in December 2023 prioritizing the consideration of public cloud adoption for all group systems This aims to utilize advanced cloud technologies to respond more quickly to end-user needs and build a financial infrastructure that can provide higher value-added financial services more stably Hitachi has been working to provide value to customers and society through its long-standing partnership with AWS and diverse experience including the migration of mission-critical systems for social infrastructure companies Hitachi signed a strategic collaboration agreement with AWS to promote system modernization and cloud migration for customer companies and AWS have completed technical and effectiveness verifications for the public cloud implementation of the open core banking system and have officially begun system construction This system will migrate the open core banking system The open core banking system jointly developed by Shizuoka Bank and Hitachi has been packaged as “OpenStage” and is being introduced to other financial institutions It adopts advanced technologies through open architecture for easy function expansion and by revamping the application structure it achieves high development productivity and speed as well as compatibility and flexibility with the latest digital technologies Migrating to AWS is expected to yield the following benefits: Shizuoka Bank will continue to promote the swift provision of high value-added products and services by advancing its cloud-first approach It also aims to become data center-less in the future contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society in the region by reducing power consumption Hitachi aims to apply this initiative to open core banking systems including “OpenStage” and expand it to other financial institutions supporting the DX of financial institutions Please follow us to read more about Finance & FinTech in Japan, like hundreds of readers do every day. We invite you to also register for our short weekly digest, the “Japan FinTech Observer”, on Medium or on LinkedIn Should you live in Tokyo, or just pass through, please also join our meetup. In any case, our YouTube channel and LinkedIn page are there for you as well. promoting the domestic ecosystem through innovation Japan FinTech Observer | Tontines | ex-Goldman & Barclays Tech MD | 👉 Individual articles have moved to: https://www.fintechobserver.com Help Today's print edition Home Delivery On a clear spring morning southwest of Tokyo tracing the eastern coast of the scenic Izu Peninsula lift their smartphones to capture the spectacular view: quaint seaside towns rocky capes and the shimmering Pacific Ocean Yet beneath the postcard-perfect landscape lies a quiet unease This mountainous region in Shizuoka Prefecture sits near a major submarine fault where a powerful earthquake is expected to strike — one that could unleash massive tsunamis.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); known for its surf-friendly beaches and abundant nature The coastal cities of Atami and Ito are famed for their hot spring resorts while Kawazu draws crowds in early spring for its cherry blossoms Shuzenji is often referred to as the “Little Kyoto of Izu,” with its serene temple In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division and manages and operates its solar power plants This will be the first time Shizuoka Gas has developed a business in Vietnam MSHLV owns the 50MW-class mega solar power plant Myson Power Plant located in Ninh Thuan province in the central-southern part of Vietnam The plant has been in commercial operation since 2019 The power plant's projected annual power generation in fiscal year 2024 is approximately 78 million kWh equivalent to the annual power consumption of approximately 40,000 average Vietnam households demand for electricity is increasing along with economic growth but the development of power generation infrastructure has not been well developed and chronic power shortages have become a social issue To meet the ever-growing demand for electricity and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 the Vietnamese government aims to roughly double the country's power generation capacity by 2030 compared to 2022 levels and increase the proportion of renewable energy sources in the country by approximately 29 per cent by 2045 compared to 2020 levels Through its partnership with Hoan Loc Viet Shizuoka Gas will help alleviate power shortages and promote the development of renewable energy in Vietnam while contributing to sustainable economic growth Shizuoka Gas will continue to support the realisation of a carbon-neutral society and contribute to the development of local communities both inside and outside Japan A raft of transactions are still taking place in the Vietnamese market across different industries signalling improved sentiment from investors Mergers and acquisitions activity saw a decline during the first nine months of 2024 as rising inflation and economic slowdowns affected dealmaking confidence head of the Cross-border Division of RECOF Corporation spoke with VIR’s Thanh Van about how this trend is expected to be temporary dealmaking activities between Vietnam and Japan have grown significantly Japan has become one of the leading countries investing in Vietnam with billions of US dollars poured on an annual basis Japanese capital is now present in 57 out of 63 provinces throughout the country with major concentrations in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi ★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional Vietnam Investment Review under the Ministry of Finance Advertisement  | Contact us Stay at the forefront of the industrial gas industry with a gasworld subscription and get access to: Global energy business Santos has signed a 12-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply and purchase agreement with Japan’s Shizuoka Gas Santos will supply Shizuoka Gas with between 0.35 and 0.4 million tonnes per annum of LNG at plateau The deal builds upon Santos’ equity LNG portfolio and establishes a long-term relationship with the Japanese gas utility within the Shizuoka region said the contract is consistent with the company’s strategy of maintaining robust LNG pricing to continue reading you must be subscribed At a time when the world is forced to go digital more than ever before just to stay connected discover the in-depth content our subscribers receive every month by subscribing to gasworld SHIZUOKA—Long the top tea-growing prefecture in Japan dropping into second place for the first time since record-keeping began in 1959 Kagoshima was ranked second in the production of “aracha,” steamed and dried tea leaves that have not yet been processed into finished products The prefecture muscled its way into the number one spot last year by producing 27,000 tons of aracha according to farm ministry statistics released on Feb Production in Shizuoka fell to 25,800 tons—a 5 percent drop from the year before “It is a great pity that our prefecture slipped to second place,” said Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki “We want to work hard with farmers to regain the top spot.” This decline was mainly attributed to a mid-season production cutback to maintain prices Shizuoka’s first harvest was delayed by rain Farmers scaled back the second harvest to prevent further price decreases The first harvest produced 10,000 tons of aracha--940 tons more than in 2023--but the second produced 15,800 tons the growth of tea leaves remained stable in Kagoshima tea-growing areas in Shizuoka have shrunk 30 percent over the past 10 years or so while those in Kagoshima have dropped only 5 percent Shizuoka prefectural officials cited two factors that make mechanization difficult in the prefecture About 60 percent of tea farmers operate on small fields of 1.5 hectares or less and mainly in mountainous areas and on plateaus A man who established an agricultural corporation in Shizuoka city more than 20 years ago said it was predictable that the prefecture would eventually surrender its top spot He explained that many farmers have stopped growing tea due to a shortage of successors and other key workers “It’s unfortunate because Shizuoka Prefecture has billed itself as Japan’s number one in the tea world,” said Norihisa Ito the executive director of the Chamber of Tea Association of Shizuoka Prefecture “We will accept the outcome and work with the prefecture and other parties to boost the appeal of Shizuoka tea,” Ito said Shizuoka Prefecture plans to focus on exports as the domestic green tea market has been shrinking the prefectural government allocated about 450 million yen ($3 million) for tea-related programs including 220 million yen for bolstering exports “It is necessary to expand business to cater to growing overseas demand,” Suzuki said One priority will be stepping up the production of “tencha,” tea leaves used for producing matcha which has been growing in popularity outside Japan (This article was written by Yoshiko Aoyama and Miho Tanaka.) VOX POPULI: 'Tis the season for making a pot of green tea as practice wanes Global warming casts a pall over Japan’s pear and grape growers Scorching heat devastating famed cherries in Yamagata Shizuoka Prefecture is considering permitting Central Japan Railway Co to carry out a boring survey in preparation for Japan's delayed high-speed maglev train project a source familiar with the matter said Friday The move would mark a major shift in the prefecture's policy on the maglev train after the project was delayed by former Gov who abruptly resigned and was replaced by Yasutomo Suzuki in May citing concerns about the impact on water resources and the ecosystem The central Japan prefectural government is expected to convey its final decision to the railway operator as early as Tuesday after it received consent from relevant municipalities for the geological survey to take place prior to tunnel drilling The line's first leg from Tokyo to Nagoya was originally planned to open in 2027 but the company conceded in March that it had abandoned hopes of meeting the target amid long-running opposition from Kawakatsu plans to eventually extend the service of maglev trains which travel up to 500 kilometers per hour Japan's maglev project in focus as Shizuoka election campaign starts To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible SHIZUOKA—Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki on Sept 10 said the prefecture will establish entry gates on the trails of Mount Fuji and introduce climbing fees and number limits starting next summer His announcement at a news conference came on the last day of this year’s official climbing season Shizuoka Prefecture plans to reduce unsafe climbing practices on the nation’s highest peak which straddles the prefectural border with Yamanashi Prefecture Yamanashi Prefecture introduced regulations to reduce dangerous climbing including nonstop “bullet climbing,” on the increasingly crowded 3,776-meter-high mountain The prefecture will establish entry gates around the fifth station of each trail to conduct necessary checks on climbers including if there are properly prepared for the ascent It will also start discussions with the central government and local cities and towns about the new Mount Fuji policy It hopes to submit regulatory ordinance drafts to the prefectural assembly in February 2025 Yamanashi Prefecture set up a gate at the fifth station of its Yoshida trail To limit the number of climbers and prevent overnight bullet climbing visitors who had not booked accommodations in mountain huts were denied entry Yamanashi also started charging 2,000 yen ($14.19) climbing fees Shizuoka Prefecture in the summer started a registration system on its three trails where climbers provide advance information online about their climbing dates and other details About 73 percent of the climbers on the Shizuoka side for this year’s season registered but Governor Suzuki expressed the need for further regulations “Bullet climbers and climbers wearing light clothes were still observed,” he said at the news conference Yamanashi to cap Mount Fuji climbers at 4,000 per day Fuji will close this season due to the virus Shizuoka Prefecture has recorded the longest estimated average healthy life expectancy for both men and women as of 2022 Iwate Prefecture ranked bottom among the nation's 47 prefectures for both men and women at 70.93 and 74.28 years.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Every three years the ministry estimates healthy life expectancy which represents the span of a normal life without health problems based on a comprehensive survey of living conditions The first estimate was based on a survey for 2010 The nationwide average for men decreased 0.11 year from the previous survey The nationwide average life expectancy was 81.05 years for men and 87.09 years for women The gap between the life and healthy life expectancies shortened by 0.24 year to 8.49 years for men and by 0.43 year to 11.63 years for women from the previous estimate in 2019 The gap continued to shrink from the first estimate Ranked by the estimated average healthy life expectancy by prefecture for men The gap between the top and bottom prefectures in the estimated average healthy life expectancy for men grew to 2.82 years from 2.79 years in the first estimate while that for women shrank to 2.40 years from 2.95 years will sell its 25% stake in an Eagle Ford shale gas project in south Texas to Shizuoka Gas for $130 million under an asset portfolio review to improve efficiency The move will leave it to focus on its U.S which has assets in east Texas and north Louisiana Shizuoka Gas said in a separate statement that the deal marks its first acquisition in a U.S.-based business and entry into the upstream natural gas sector The volume of shale gas production attributable to Shizuoka Gas is projected at 400,000 metric tons per year in liquefied natural gas (LNG) equivalent we will consider further business development in the U.S.," Shizuoka Gas said The company has set a target to expand its overseas business to generate 14% of its recurring profit by 2030 One of our administrators will review your comment before posting it onto the website This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Shizuoka — As I walked down a narrow path on the edge of an onsen spa town in Izunokuni the sound of a shamisen floated from an old two-story house I could faintly hear Nagauta traditional chanting I opened the house’s aged glass door and was greeted by a beaming woman in a kimono By Kiyohiko Yasue / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer The Izunagaoka onsen hot spring resort area comprises two hot springs: Kona onsen which is believed to have been used from about 1,300 years ago which came into use toward the end of the Meiji era (1867-1912) According to the Izunokuni municipal government’s tourism and culture department the city is home to 39 hotels and ryokan inns which received about 600,000 guests in fiscal 2023 Banquets and events in the spa town are livened up by geigi women a cooperative organization of geisha workers It arranges the women’s party appearance schedules and provides them with a place to practice their art It also once operated the only geigi school in Japan outside of Kyoto The school’s nameboard still hangs in the cooperative’s entryway who is also an executive of the cooperative there were more than 400 geigi women active in the 1960s and 1970s such as the bursting of the bubble economy But their name plates still remain in the rehearsal room at the cooperative The COVID-19 pandemic further reduced the number of party opportunities creating what Kumi described as an “existential threat.” But then the flame of spa resort culture was rekindled by Ayame Ikueikai Local companies and individuals can become members of the group by paying annual dues of ¥50,000 per corporate member and ¥10,000 per individual member we wouldn’t have been able to cover the costs to keep the cooperative running,” she said Thanks to the support from “danna-shu” (patrons) they managed to overcome the crisis without losing a single woman they resumed the stage performance “Izu Ayame-za,” which showcases their honed performing skills “Things are finally coming back to the pre-pandemic normal This is going to be a make-or-break time for us,” Kumi said Access: Take the Izuhakone Railway to Izunagaoka Station then get off and walk for about seven minutes Note: Visitors can try on the type of kimono that geigi wear for ¥27,500 Australia's No.2 independent oil and gas producer by market cap said on Thursday it signed a deal to supply Japanese gas distributor Shizuoka Gas with liquefied natural gas (LNG) Santos will supply Shizuoka between 0.35 and 0.4 million tonnes of LNG every year for 12 years "The agreement underscores Santos' commitment to providing reliable cost-competitive energy within the Asia Pacific region," the company said the Australian government introduced a plan to enhance natural gas development highlighting strong demand from Asian partners despite the nation's pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 The city of Shizuoka's "Plastic Modeling Plan," launched by the local government in partnership with model manufacturers to highlight its local industry expertise and foster pride among its residents is going strong despite coming to the end of its fifth year local authorities have installed several striking monuments of plastic models These creations replicate plastic model parts held in frames the kind found in boxes of model kits at hobby shops and toy stores.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The monuments feature iconic designs such as parts of a Shinkansen train and the armor worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Sengoku (Warring States) period (1482-1573) Shizuoka Prefecture--A historic building that was once the home of a mining magnate is now open for business as an upscale guesthouse here Located in landscaped gardens on a large plot prices for an overnight stay start at 600,000 yen ($3,800) which forms part of the premises of the ryokan inn Ochiairo was fully booked during the year-end and New Year holidays is a three-story wooden house with 547 square meters of floor space It was remodeled from a residence for the inn’s founding family The government-registered tangible cultural property features elaborate decorations and intricate details throughout It is also fitted with an exclusive outdoor spa and a sauna Reservations for an overnight stay for two people start at 600,000 yen Maximum occupancy is 12 people and the tariff for that is 1.2 million yen per night Ochiairo was built in 1874 by Mitsutoshi Adachi to entertain people in the mining business as well as dignitaries Yasunari Kawabata and Hakushu Kitahara were among literary giants who were enchanted by the beautiful landscapes around the inn The Adachi family later sold the rights to the gold mine and made extensive renovations to the accommodation facility between 1933 and 1937 Ochiairo stands on plot that measures 13,200 square meters and is surrounded by greenery are designated as national tangible cultural assets The inn was taken over by Plan Do See Inc. a hotel and restaurant management company based in Tokyo’s Minato Ward The company spent around 250 million yen to turn the founding family’s residence into the Shakunage guesthouse hoping to create a legacy that will last for the next 100 years “It has become a place where guests can experience an extraordinary stay in a completely private space with warmth and comfort,” he added Guesthouse in Okayama serves as friendly haven for otaku culture Ryokan offers 1-year writer-in-residence retreat as literary prize New hotel boom in Fukushima capitalizing on reconstruction ‘Authentic experience’ is what foreigners seek in Japan Mitsuhiko Tatsunami and Keita Ono claimed PDC Asian Tour titles on home soil last weekend as Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung also returned to the winner’s circle The year’s second weekend of PDC Asian Tour action saw Events 5-8 take place on April 12-13 as over 130 players battled it out for silverware in Shizuoka Sakai kicked off the weekend with Event Five success on Saturday overturning a 3-0 deficit against Singapore’s darting icon Paul Lim to celebrate his maiden Asian Tour crown This was preceded by a thumping semi-final win over his compatriot Tomoya Goto while he also accounted for Leung and China’s Lihao Wen in the latter stages of the weekend’s curtain-raiser who closed out a clinical 5-2 victory against Japan’s former World Cup semi-finalist Seigo Asada to secure the second Asian Tour title of his career The 51-year-old earlier averaged 104.68 to account for Akimune Matsuyoshi in a high-quality semi-final after rallying from 3-1 down to deny Leung in the last eight Having twice succumbed to the eventual champion on Saturday Leung opened Sunday’s double-header with Event Seven glory – sealed with a 5-3 win over Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto The former World Championship qualifier landed a brace of ton-plus averages en route to the title before following up a 126 finish with a 15-darter to see off Azemoto Leung claimed a quartet of whitewash wins throughout the campaign which included a five-leg demolition of China’s premier player Xiaochen Zong in the semi-finals Leung was denied back-to-back titles by Ono who won through their deciding-leg tie in the quarter-finals before sweeping aside Sakai 5-1 to triumph in Event Eight Ono averaged 99.33 to wrap up a landmark victory and he dumped out all three of the weekend’s other winners in the process having eased past Event Six winner Tatsunami in the semi-finals the Asian Tour Order of Merit is topped by Event Five runner-up Lim as the 71-year-old eyes a return to Alexandra Palace later this year Leung has catapulted himself up to second above Lourence Ilagan and Sakai Tatsunami and Ono leading the chasing pack in fifth The 2025 PDC Asian Tour will continue next month as Events 9-12 are held on May 3-4 in Kuala Lumpur The next weekend of Asian Tour action will also feature the World Cup of Darts Qualifier, and coverage of each event will be shown live on PDCTV from the last 16 onwards Powered by Zoocha The new AMDC will feature a 5,500-square-meter facility with cutting-edge cleanrooms and advanced laboratories it supports future expansions to meet evolving industry demands Enhancing Innovation and Supporting Global Growth Building upon its established Patterning Center of Excellence in Shizuoka the company's new AMDC will enable the development of cutting-edge solutions for the latest semiconductor nodes and innovative materials that meet stringent environmental standards By expanding facilities and consolidating critical R&D activities "Constructing the new AMDC at our Shizuoka site reflects our strategic commitment to innovation and our confidence in Japan's semiconductor industry as a vital contributor to the global market," said Kevin Gorman Senior vice president and head of Patterning Solutions at Merck KGaA "As a pioneer in patterning materials innovation this investment enhances our ability to deliver Materials Intelligence to our customers worldwide supporting the growth of the semiconductor industry both in Japan and globally.” Strengthening Collaboration with Industry Partners Japan is a key market for the company's Patterning business it has established strong partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers These collaborations have been instrumental in tackling some of the industry's most complex challenges Germany is committed to further enhancing these relationships to advance the technology roadmap The AMDC aligns with the company's dedication to advancing chip technologies and promoting sustainable innovation By focusing on cutting-edge materials and solutions such as EUV (Extreme Ultra Violet) materials the AMDC aims to address environmental challenges while meeting the demands of next-generation applications our Patterning business powers next-generation semiconductor applications,” said Tomohide Katayama “Work at the new AMDC will involve exploring alternative materials and technological solutions that support sustainable manufacturing practices and deliver the high performance our customers expect.” Through these efforts the company is expanding its technological capabilities to contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future for the semiconductor industry The new AMDC is expected to commence operations in 2026 further reinforcing the company’s commitment to driving technological advancement and supporting the industry's growth Search Companies editorial@fibre2fashion.com Former professional boxer Iwao Hakamata has been found not guilty over a 1966 quadruple murder case a Shizuoka court ruled on Thursday — a long-awaited retrial verdict for the defendant and his supporters who have fought to prove his innocence since he was first arrested for the crime.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Shizuoka Prefecture—A massive display of hundreds of dolls is wowing visitors at the annual spring festival here which celebrates young girls and showcases traditional Japanese craftsmanship The highlight of the Hina no Tsurushi Kazari Matsuri festival is an elegant display of approximately 600 “hina” dolls arranged on a staggering 118-step stairway at Susanoojinja shrine This is believed to be the largest display of its kind in Japan are meticulously arranged on platforms covered in striking red felt 24 sets of colorful hanging decorations line the stairway especially for my 10-year-old daughter,” said a 46-year-old father from Hamamatsu in the prefecture This event is the town’s version of the March 3 traditional doll festival where families across the country display elaborate miniature figures of the ancient imperial court at home to wish for the well-being of their young girls The doll display at the Shinto shrine is open to the public from 10 a.m Hanging decorations can also be enjoyed until March 31 at four other locations in the town: Bunka Koen Hina no Yakata; Naburatoto; the Futatsubori tourist orchard; and Hachimanjinja shrine Admission is free or up to 500 yen ($3.34) Thousands of gorgeous hina dolls take over a city in Chiba inflation feature in special doll display this year The ordinance also includes restrictions on entry between 2 p.m to prevent “bullet climbing,” or climbing through the night to reach the summit TOKYO – The Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly has passed an ordinance that will require a ¥4,000 entry fee to climb Mt Subashiri and Gotemba trails in the prefecture and climbers will receive an entry pass after being given instructions about hiking through a smartphone app Staff will be on hand 24 hours a day to check the passes at huts located near the fifth station of each route Climbers will be required to stay overnight at a mountain lodge when beginning the climb during the restricted hours has also decided to raise its toll to ¥4,000 by amending an ordinance South Korea Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Market Analysis Capacity by company Copyright © ChemAnalyst - 2020 | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy The Shizuoka Prefectural Government is considering collecting entry fees of ¥3,000 ($19) to ¥5,000 per head from people climbing Mount Fuji from the prefecture's side The fees are designed to prevent overcrowding on trails to 3,776-meter Mount Fuji and discourage dangerous overnight attempts to scale the tallest mountain in the country.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); At a meeting with a local council promoting safe climbing of Mount Fuji the prefectural government also presented the ideas of requiring prior learning of mountaineering rules and manners and barring climbers from all three trails on the Shizuoka side during the night except for those who have booked accommodation in mountain huts the government plans to abolish the existing "voluntary conservation cooperation" fee of ¥1,000 it intends to propose an ordinance to the prefectural assembly in February next year During this year's climbing season for Mount Fuji which straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures a daily limit of 4,000 climbers and an entry fee of ¥2,000 per head were imposed by the Yamanashi Prefectural Government for the first time The Shizuoka government introduced a voluntary registration system the number of people climbing the mountain one of the country's most iconic landmarks down some 8% from the previous year's season The number of climbers at night decreased significantly on the sole trail on the Yamanashi side due to the installation of a temporary gate to ease congestion HAMAMATSU--Fifty-eight years after arresting Iwao Hakamada on murder charges Shizuoka prefectural police apologized to the 88-year-old man who spent nearly a half-century on death row for a crime he did not commit visited Hakamada's home here to apologize to him and his sister Hideko for the wrongful arrest and investigation at around 11 a.m a long period from the time of your arrest until you were proven innocent we caused you indescribable anxiety and burden," Tsuda said We will make efforts to ensure that our investigations are more thorough and fair.” We believe that everything that happened was our destiny We will not complain about anything to the police now.” Hakamada was arrested in 1966 on suspicion of murdering all four family members of an executive of a miso factory in Shizuoka Prefecture earlier that year Hideko fought over the decades for a retrial to free her brother He was released from custody in 2014 when the district court suspended his execution order and granted a retrial Hakamada was finally declared innocent in a retrial on Sept as well as the bloody clothing that he was said to have been wearing at the time of the crime were fabricated by investigative authorities Prosecutor-General Naomi Unemoto criticized the court for stating that investigators had fabricated the evidence and hasn’t apologized to Hakamada For details of Hakamada’s trial and letters that he sent to his family while on death row for decades, check out https://www.asahi.com/special/hakamadaletters/en/ Hakamada’s sister tells court time is running out for justice Tears and cheers for Hakamada after retrial appears certain No reproduction or republication without written permission.