1 Dec
Major changes are slated for toll roads through some of Japan's most booming cities and areas directly affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
The temporary changes will impact people traveling in and around Tokyo, Osaka, and the northern region of Tohoku, which was affected by the March 11 disaster, Japanese government and expressway officials said this week.
From Thursday through March 31, vehicles equipped with the Electric Toll Collection system will not be charged on expressways in the Tohoku region - specifically between Aomori Prefecture and Mito in Ibaragi Prefecture, which is about 64 miles north of Tokyo. This move is being made to ease access for those assisting in recovery and reconstruction efforts and to boost tourism, according to officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. (Stars & Stripes)
12 Aug
Mito's Contemporary Art Center was forced to close its doors after suffering some damage due to the March 11 earthquake, but it has reopened for its annual "Cafe in Mito" - now in its ninth year. The event's name stands for "Communicable Action for Everyday," and its aim is to present art for the masses in an informal environment.
This year's exhibition seeks to reemphasize that original aim through a grand collaboration with a throng of creators the art center has worked with over the past 20 years. Top artists whose works are returning include ones from the visually impressive duo Christo and Jean-Claude, from Mika Ninagawa, famed for her brightly colored editorial photographs of flowers and landscapes, and examples of the intricate work of internationally renowned artist Yamaguchi Akira. (Japan Times)
Mito's Contemporary Art Center was forced to close its doors after suffering some damage due to the March 11 earthquake, but it has reopened for its annual "Cafe in Mito" - now in its ninth year. The event's name stands for "Communicable Action for Everyday," and its aim is to present art for the masses in an informal environment.
This year's exhibition seeks to reemphasize that original aim through a grand collaboration with a throng of creators the art center has worked with over the past 20 years. Top artists whose works are returning include ones from the visually impressive duo Christo and Jean-Claude, from Mika Ninagawa, famed for her brightly colored editorial photographs of flowers and landscapes, and examples of the intricate work of internationally renowned artist Yamaguchi Akira. (Japan Times)