Travel

Researchers Uncover Layout of 7th-Century Imperial Ritual Site in Asuka

NARA, Nov 06 (News On Japan) - Archaeologists have uncovered new details about the remains of an ancient building in Nara Prefecture’s Asuka area, believed to have been used by emperors for imperial ceremonies more than 1,300 years ago.

The latest excavation, conducted since July at the Asuka Palace ruins in the village of Asuka, revealed the structure’s size and internal layout for the first time.

According to the Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Institute, the building measured about 20 meters from east to west and 11 meters from north to south, with a three-meter-wide passageway connecting it to the emperor’s residential quarters. Inside, the floor was carefully laid with stones and gravel, a design considered to represent the highest level of architectural refinement for political buildings of the era.

Archaeologist Shogo Kita of the Kashihara Archaeological Institute said, “It’s a place where figures once known only from the Chronicles of Japan feel vividly real. From the perspective of studying ancient history, it’s an extremely fascinating site.”

The excavation site will be open to the public on November 8th and 9th.

Source: YOMIURI

China Advises Against Travel to Japan

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory on November 14th, urging Chinese citizens to avoid visiting Japan for the time being, citing “serious safety risks” to Chinese nationals following Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks on a potential Taiwan contingency.

Fujii Becomes Youngest Lifetime Triple Crown Holder in Shogi History

Shogi champion Sota Fujii, who defended his title in the prestigious Ryuo Tournament, expressed his joy on November 11th after becoming the youngest player in history to qualify for the lifetime title of "Eisei Ryuo" (Lifetime Ryuo).

Japan Plans to Triple Departure Tax to 3,000 Yen

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy committee has drafted a resolution calling on the government to raise the “departure tax” to secure funds for overtourism countermeasures. The proposal seeks to increase the current 1,000 yen per-person levy to 3,000 yen, and to set the rate at 5,000 yen for travelers using business class or higher.

Tokyo Issues Influenza Epidemic Warning for First Time in 16 Years

Tokyo Metropolitan Government issued an influenza epidemic warning on November 13th after the number of reported cases reached the alert threshold, marking the first such announcement in November in 16 years.

Russia Bans 30 More Japanese Nationals

Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on November 11th that it has decided to impose an indefinite entry ban on 30 Japanese nationals as a countermeasure against what it called Japan’s “hostile policies” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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