Kabuki Actors Parade by Boat in Osaka to Mark Start of Summer Season

OSAKA, Jul 03 (News On Japan) - Popular kabuki actors took to the waters of central Osaka on July 1st for the annual "Funanorikomi" boat procession, a seasonal tradition that signals the arrival of midsummer.

Onoe Kikugorou VIII, 47, who is set to make his debut at the "July Grand Kabuki" at the Osaka Shochikuza Theater, smiled and waved to the large crowds gathered along the Dotonbori River, drawing loud cheers from fans.

Under the intense summer sun, a boat adorned with fluttering flags and accompanied by cheerful ohayashi music glided toward Ebisubashi Bridge. As the actors in light summer yukata came into view, the crowd burst into applause and calls of support.

Source: Kyodo

Shibuya Passes Plan for 2,000-Yen Fine for Littering

Shibuya Ward has approved an ordinance that would impose a 2,000-yen fine for littering on public streets, while also penalizing shops that fail to provide trash bins. The measure was passed on December 10th and targets both individuals who discard waste and businesses near major stations that offer takeout services, raising questions about whether the approach will meaningfully reduce trash on the streets.

Six-Time Women's Shogi Champ Challenges Maternity Restrictions

Shogi player Kana Fukuma, who currently holds six women’s titles, revealed on December 10th that she has submitted a formal request calling for revisions to the Japan Shogi Association’s rule that prevents players from competing in title matches during a set period before and after childbirth.

Popular Baby Names in Japan Reveal Cultural Shift

The most popular baby names of 2025 were led by Minato for boys and Sui for girls, according to rankings released by Meiji Yasuda Life, which highlighted continued enthusiasm for certain kanji characters and showed how naming trends have evolved since the survey began in the first year of the Taisho era.

Japan Issues Warning for Potential Large Aftershock

A powerful earthquake with a seismic intensity of 6+ struck Aomori late on December 8th, prompting the Meteorological Agency to issue a temporary tsunami warning for coastal areas along the Pacific side of the prefecture. While the warning has since been downgraded, the government is urging caution after authorities announced, for the first time, a heightened possibility of another large earthquake occurring off Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast.

Japan Adjusts Plan to Raise Departure Tax to 3,000 yen

A plan to sharply raise Japan’s departure tax is taking shape as the government and ruling coalition have begun coordinating a proposal to lift the current 1,000 yen levy to a flat 3,000 yen per person in next fiscal year’s tax reform, adding new momentum to calls for expanded funding to deal with overtourism across the country.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

IKKO Reveals Facial Nerve Paralysis

IKKO, a talent and beauty professional, revealed on her Instagram account on December 1st that she had been hospitalized for facial nerve paralysis, a condition that left part of her face immobile.

Akita Looks Back on a Century of Showa Through Nostalgic Footage

On December 14th at 4:30 p.m., a special program marking the 100th year since the start of the Showa era will air, focusing in particular on the more than six decades that defined the Showa period and revisiting Akita’s collective memories through archival footage from Akita Broadcasting and a trove of nostalgic photographs.

Actor Hiroya Shimizu Admits to Possessing Marijuana

Actor Hiroya Shimizu admitted in court on December 8th to charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act after being accused of possessing dried marijuana at his home in Tokyo’s Suginami Ward in September, acknowledging the indictment by saying in court that the allegations were “not mistaken.”

Peleliu: Guernica in Paradise Theme Song by Mone Kamishiraishi

A new feature-length animated adaptation of Peleliu — Guernica in Paradise — is coming to theaters, built on a collaboration with Mone Kamishiraishi, who performs the theme song titled “A Miracle-like Thing.” The story is based on the brutal Battle of Peleliu, where only 34 soldiers survived out of an estimated 10,000, and is being released to coincide with the 80th year since the end of the war, offering a depiction of friendship forged in the midst of devastating conflict.

Japan and Saudi Arabia to Deepen Entertainment Cooperation

Japan and Saudi Arabia moved to strengthen cooperation in the entertainment sector as officials and industry representatives gathered in Tokyo on December 2nd for a bilateral forum that highlighted new avenues for cultural exchange, including competitive gaming among high school students.

Tamagotchi Leads 2025 Christmas Toy Trends

The average budget for Christmas gifts in 2025 is set to rise from 2024 as so-called age-less toys gain popularity, according to a survey released on December 2nd by the Japan Toy Association on toys people hope to give to their children or grandchildren.

Sneak Peek into Universal Studios Japan's Christmas Event

Universal Studios Japan launched its annual Christmas event on November 19th, offering visitors a lineup of character greetings, seasonal foods, and a large-scale nighttime show designed to highlight the spirit of the holiday season.

Why Superman Costumes Are Trending Among Japan’s Cosplayers

Superman is suddenly appearing far more often at Japan’s biggest cosplay events—from Ikebukuro Halloween to Comiket—and not in a casual or ironic way.

< 2 3 4 5 >