Prefectures

Japan's Crown Prince, Crown Princess Return Home from ParaguayAugust 26, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 26 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko arrived at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Wednesday morning, returning home after their official trip to Paraguay. The trip marked the Crown Prince's first visit to the South American country in 20 years. "The country has become even more memorable to us, especially considering […]
Japanese Red Cross Worried over Kumamoto Evacuees' Health 1 Month OnAugust 26, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 26 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese Red Cross Society has expressed concern over possible health issues of evacuees nearly a month after a powerful earthquake hit the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto. In a press conference held at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Tuesday, JRCS officials said that future issues include evacuees' […]
Fukushima N-Plant Evacuees Settle with TEPCOAugust 26, 2026
Sapporo, Aug. 26 (Jiji Press)--A total of 176 people who fled Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, following the March 2011 severe nuclear accident there have reached a settlement with Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. in their damages lawsuit filed against the firm and the government. The settlement was reached on Aug. 18 at Sapporo High […]
Ukraine Pres. Zelenskyy Highlights Close Ties with JapanAugust 26, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 26 (Jiji Press)--Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a social media post has highlighted his country's close relationship with Japan. "Japan is geographically distant from Ukraine, but we are very close in terms of our values, shared principles, and our common understanding of how important freedom and independence are," he said Tuesday. Zelenskyy expressed […]
Some in CRA, CDP Call for Pushing Back Merger with KomeitoAugust 26, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 26 (Jiji Press)--Some members of the Centrist Reform Alliance and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan are calling for moving back the deadline for concluding talks on the integration of the two Japanese opposition parties and Komeito, also an opposition force. Meanwhile, some Komeito lawmakers insist that the CRA's House of Representatives members […]

With Kamakura: Traditional Snow-Country Architecture in a Sunny Seaside NeighborhoodAugust 24, 2026
The café With Kamakura is located in a unique building reconstructed from three traditional farmhouses transported across the country, and combines architectural heritage with local, seasonal dining.
Aizu-Wakamatsu’s Tsurugajō Castle: Where the Samurai Era EndedAugust 20, 2026
Tsurugajō Castle was the site of a prolonged siege during the turbulent years marking the transition from the Edo period (1603–1868) to the Meiji era (1868–1912). Today, the red-roofed castle is a symbol of Fukushima Prefecture that stands in a large park encompassing the former castle grounds. Defended to the last by loyal supporters of […]
“The Tale of the Heike”: Japan’s Military EpicAugust 15, 2026
Originally popularized by traveling musicians, The Tale of the Heike is a grand military epic known for its themes of transience.
Hiyashi Chūka: A Chilled Noodle Favorite for Japanese SummersAugust 11, 2026
When it is too hot to eat ramen, hiyashi chūka is a delicious, cool alternative.
Lantern Festivals Light Up the Evening SkiesAugust 5, 2026
Festivals in Japan present their most magical faces after dark, and the enchanting glow of paper lanterns is a key part of many events. We take a look at three leading festivals where the thousands of lanterns on display are a major part of the festivities.