Travel

Okinawa Sees Earliest End to Rainy Season

NAHA, Jun 09 (News On Japan) - Okinawa has entered summer faster than ever before. The Japan Meteorological Agency announced around 11 a.m. on June 8th that the region is believed to have ended its rainy season—marking the earliest such declaration since records began in 1951.

The season concluded 13 days earlier than the historical average and 12 days earlier than last year, tying the record set in 2015.

Meanwhile, the agency also announced that the rainy season has begun in northern Kyushu and the Shikoku region. Compared to the average year, the onset was four days later in northern Kyushu and three days later in Shikoku. However, both regions are nine days earlier than last year.

Due to the effects of the seasonal rain front, the agency is warning of unstable atmospheric conditions, particularly over the coming days. Residents in southern Kyushu are urged to remain alert for potential landslides and flooding in low-lying areas through June 10th, while those in northern Kyushu should exercise similar caution from June 9th to 10th.

Hermes Birkin Breaks Record as Japanese Collector Pays 1.47 Billion Yen

A first-generation Hermes Birkin bag has been sold at a Paris auction for approximately 1.47 billion yen, marking the highest price ever paid for a handbag. The winning bidder was a Japanese collector, and the sale was held by Sotheby’s.

Japan to Tighten Rules for Foreign License Conversion

The National Police Agency has announced a plan to tighten regulations on converting foreign driver's licenses to Japanese licenses—a process known as "gaimen kirikae"—by no longer allowing short-term visitors such as tourists to apply.

Massive Swarm of Dragonflies Terrifies Locals in Fukushima

A sudden swarm of dragonflies blanketed the skies over a residential area in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, stunning local residents and prompting reactions ranging from unease to delight.

Japan Deploys Osprey to New Saga Base

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UNESCO Sides with Japan on Gunkanjima Heritage Dispute

Japan’s position on its handling of World Cultural Heritage sites, including Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) in Nagasaki City, has been upheld by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which rejected South Korea’s demand for a renewed review of Japan’s efforts.

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