Historic D51 Steam Locomotive Returns to Yamaguchi

YAMAGUCHI, Apr 22 (News On Japan) - After a two-year hiatus, the beloved D51 steam locomotive, known affectionately as 'Degoichi,' has returned to Yamaguchi, primed to resume operations on the SL Yamaguchi-go line.

The train had been out of service since May 3, 2022, due to issues with its tender, which houses coal and water.

Degoichi was sent to the Kyoto Railway Museum for repairs, which were carried out from August to September last year, including a trial run on the Yamaguchi Line. The recent completion of these repairs marks a significant milestone in the restoration of this historic train.

A visitor shared their excitement about the locomotive's return: "It makes me happy. I hope many people come to see and enjoy the SL."

With maintenance work progressing at Shin-Yamaguchi Station, the SL Yamaguchi-go is scheduled to recommence its journeys on May 3, inviting passengers to once again experience the charm of traditional steam-powered travel.

Source: 日テレNEWS

Man Arrested for Pushing Two Men onto Train Tracks

A 32-year-old man has been arrested for pushing two men from the platform onto the tracks.

Foreign Tourists Flock to New Controversial Viewing Spot

A new hotspot has emerged in Japan: The 'Fuji Dream Bridge' along Shizuoka's Route 139, where foreign tourists are risking life and limb to follow the latest TikTok craze.

Celebrity Linked to Mizuhara's Bank Fraud Splurge in Las Vegas

Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter made his first public appearance on Tuesday, two months after confessing to massive bank fraud, walking alongside his lawyer on his way to court where he formally entered a 'Not Guilty' plea in a five-minute hearing. Despite numerous questions from reporters as he walked alongside his lawyer, 39-year-old Ippei Mizuhara remained silent.

Victims in Four Prefectures Held Down in Midnight House Robberies

In the early hours of May 14, several men broke into a house in Minamiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture, tying up a woman in her 60s and stealing cash. Over the past two weeks, similar robbery incidents have occurred in Gunma, Tochigi, and Nagano Prefectures.

Driver Arrested for Deadly 7-Vehicle Accident on Tokyo Expressway

Police have arrested a man in his 20s after 3 people were killed in a collision involving seven vehicles on the Tokyo Expressway on Tuesday morning.

MORE Travel NEWS

Over 3 Million Foreign Tourists Visit Japan for Second Consecutive Month: Discovering Hidden Gems

Last month, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan exceeded 3 million for the second consecutive month. Among them, some are flocking to lesser-known spots that even many Japanese are unaware of.

Foreign Tourists Increase but Japanese Travelers Remain Low Compared to Pre-COVID Levels

The number of people using international flights at Kansai Airport during this year's Golden Week reached approximately 694,600, a 63% increase compared to last year, according to the Osaka Immigration Bureau.

Mount Fuji's Yoshida Trail Introduces Reservation System, Caps Daily Climbers at 4,000

Mount Fuji’s Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side will implement entrance restrictions, including a daily climber limit of 4,000, starting in July this year. A reservation system has been announced to prevent confusion and enhance the climbing experience.

Unprecedented Solar Flares: Seven in Three Days

For the first time in recorded history, a series of large-scale solar flares have erupted from the sun's surface, observed around the world. These explosions, captured by NASA, have not only impacted GPS systems but have also triggered stunning aurora displays far beyond their typical Arctic confines.

Manhattan Celebrates Japanese Culture with Third Annual Japan Parade

New York hosted the "Japan Parade" for the third time on Saturday, with around 100 groups showcasing Japanese culture, featuring traditional cultural performances such as taiko drumming and martial arts, along with pop culture themes, celebrating Japanese culture.