Eel Imports Peak at Narita Airport Ahead of Day When Grilled Eel Traditionally Eaten
This year, the Day of the Ox takes place on July 19 and 31.
Of the 8,062 tons of eels imported into Japan last year, Narita Airport handled 6,490 tons, or about 80%, according to Tokyo Customs.
In July last year, 1,158 tons of eels were imported nationwide, and 890 tons passed through Narita Airport. Both figures were the highest for 2024.
An import company in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, purchased on Wednesday about 2 tons of Japanese eels farmed in China and Taiwan .
The president of the company said this year's market price is about the same as last year. The president also said the price, so far, has not been affected by the European Union's June proposal to regulate eel trade under the Washington Convention, which restricts the international trade of protected species.
'Even though it's hot, I want people to stay healthy by eating eels,' the company president said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Today
an hour ago
- Japan Today
Is Japan the best country to teach English? Here's how it compares
By Whitney Hubbell Teaching English is a popular and relatively easy way for English speakers to move to Japan and many other countries. However, not just any native English speaker is qualified to teach English. Japan has its own requirements for prospective English teachers, and the salary, lifestyle and career prospects are different from those in other countries. Still, Japan is often considered the best country to teach English. Experiences as an English teacher in Japan and elsewhere vary based on the position, but there are some general differences between teaching in Japan and elsewhere. Let's look at the differences between teaching English in Japan and other countries. Looking for English teaching jobs in Japan? Check out GaijinPot Jobs for listings all over the country. Teaching in Japan Teaching English in Japan can be a great way to live and work abroad, but there are a few key requirements you'll need to meet before landing a job and getting a visa. Requirements English teachers in Japan first need to obtain an 'Instructor' visa, which your employer will sponsor after you have found an English teaching job. There are some basic requirements to land a job teaching English in Japan. Applicants should generally: Be a native English speaker Hold a bachelor's degree Have a clean criminal record A TEFL certificate isn't required, but it can help you stand out—especially if you're not from a native English-speaking country. Many schools and eikaiwa in Japan do not require applicants to have an English teaching certificate, teaching experience, or Japanese speaking ability, though these will certainly help their chances of landing a good English teaching job and will likely raise their earning potential. Average Salary Most entry-level English teachers earn ¥250,000 to ¥290,000/month, with higher pay for licensed or experienced teachers. University and international school positions can exceed ¥400,000/month, while the JET Program offers a competitive salary and benefits. Cost of Living According to Japan's Statistics Bureau, the average cost of living for one person is around ¥166,773/month, though this varies widely by location and lifestyle. In Tokyo, realistic monthly costs are often closer to ¥200,000-¥250,000, while in rural areas (inaka), rent and overall expenses can be much lower. Participants in the JET Program often benefit from free or subsidized housing and reimbursed flights, making it one of the more affordable entry paths to life in Japan. Career Prospects Whether you plan to teach long-term or just use it as a starting point, it's possible to build a stable life and career in Japan. Some English teachers move on to higher-paying roles in universities, international schools or education management, though these usually require experience and additional qualifications. Others transition into fields like IT, manufacturing or translation, where there's strong demand for foreign workers —especially those with Japanese language skills. If you stay in Japan long enough, you can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship. But for anyone thinking long-term, learning Japanese isn't optional — it's essential for career growth, daily life, and dealing with bureaucracy. East Asia Shanghai, China Image: iStock Japan's closest neighbors have somewhat similar requirements for English teachers. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have a clean criminal record, and they do not need to know their native language. With constant demand for English teachers and good salaries, English teachers can build careers in these countries. However, if you want to stay long-term, you should invest time in learning the local language. South Korea South Korea is a good option for those looking to save money. Free housing, paid flights and solid public healthcare are standard benefits. The lifestyle is fast-paced, especially in Seoul, but there's a strong expat community and lots of opportunities for travel and entertainment. Requirements To teach English in South Korea, you must obtain an E-2 teaching visa, which requires a bachelor's degree and a clean national-level criminal record. After that, specific requirements vary depending on whether you're applying to public schools or hagwons (private language schools). The EPIK program, funded by the Korean government, is the public school equivalent of Japan's JET Program. Salary and Cost of Living English teachers earn around 2 to 2.5 million KRW per month (roughly ¥220,000 to ¥275,000), and up to 2.8 million KRW (about ¥308,000) for those with experience. South Korea is considered affordable, and salaries are high enough to live comfortably—even in major cities like Seoul and Busan. Many teachers also receive free housing, flight reimbursement and national health insurance. China China offers some of the highest salaries in the region. While stricter visa rules and internet censorship can be hurdles, many teachers still find it rewarding. Requirements China has one of the highest demands for English teachers. Most schools require a TEFL certificate, and native English speakers from the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are preferred. However, qualified non-native speakers with fluent English and a TEFL certificate can also find opportunities. To teach legally, you'll need a Z visa (not an X visa, which is for students). Salary and Cost of Living Teachers earn about 9,000 to 19,000 RMB per month (approximately ¥189,000 to ¥399,000), depending on experience and location. The salary is usually enough to live comfortably, even in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Many schools also offer flight and housing reimbursement, and some even provide free Mandarin lessons. Taiwan Taiwan is often described as a balance between Japan and China. It's modern, friendly, and relaxed, with subtropical weather and a lower cost of living. Requirements Most English teaching jobs in Taiwan prefer applicants from native English-speaking countries like the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. A TEFL certificate is not required for a visa, but some schools, especially international schools, may require one or expect teaching experience. Your employer will help you obtain a work visa and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). Salary and Cost of Living English teachers in Taiwan earn an average of TWD 65,000 to 75,000 per month (about ¥293,000 to ¥338,000). The pay is generally high compared to the cost of living, though prices in Taipei are higher than in other parts of the country. Some jobs may offer bonuses or paid vacation, but housing allowances are less common than in Korea or China. Southeast Asia Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Nikkei Asia
7 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
Japan eyes African trade deals to grow auto, other exports
Trade Kenya, East African countries seen as 1st candidates for agreements Motorcycle taxis in Nairobi. Japanese exports seek inroads into Africa's fast-growing consumer markets. © Reuters SHIMPEI KAWAKAMI August 17, 2025 00:18 JST TOKYO -- Japan is looking to start domestic discussions on possible trade agreements with African countries, seeking to promote auto exports and other commerce, Nikkei has learned.
SoraNews24
10 hours ago
- SoraNews24
How to try the viral 7-Eleven smoothie hack in Japan
This convenience store trend takes an already popular drink to new heights of deliciousness. Japanese convenience stores are known for selling amazing products, but recently customers have been taking these products and making them even better with secret hacks that are going viral on social media. One such hack involves 7-Eleven smoothies, or 'Seven Café Smoothies' as the chain likes to call them. These smoothies, sold in the freezer section in pre-blended form with fresh ingredients inside them, have become super popular due to their freshly made aspect, as customers blend them up using a specially designed machine at the counter. The range of smoothies has now grown to include a wide variety of delicious flavours, with loads of vitamins and nutrients to boot, but now it's becoming popular to add a little something to them from another section of the store. The secret ingredient is… ▼ …Meiji's R‑1 probiotic yoghurt drink. According to rave reviews from people following the trend on social media, the addition of R-1 yoghurt drink transforms a 7‑Eleven smoothie into a lassi, and customers have been using the mango smoothie to get the best results. Curious to see if the hack would live up to the hype, we purchased three of the smoothies to try them out, whipping them up in store before taking them home with the R-1s for the tasting. Starting with the mango smoothie, we poured the R-1 in and gave it a good stir with the straw. ▼ The smoothie costs 360 yen and the R-1 160 yen, so this hack will set you back 520 yen. The only thing left to do now was to take a sip, and as soon as we did that, we reeled back in surprise as it really did taste like a lassi. The subtle tartness was refreshing and clean on the palate, and the fruity brightness fit the flavour profile so well we almost wished we had a curry to pair with it. While the taste was fantastic, what surprised us even more was the fact that the added R‑1 fit perfectly in the cup, filling it to the rim as if it the smoothie had been measured out specifically for a little addition. It was such a great hack that we went on to experiment with two more flavours. ▼ Acai Banana Smoothie + R‑1 Light and refreshing, yet you can clearly feel the presence of the fruit. Blends together naturally with the R‑1 and has great compatibility, elevating it to the levels of a luxurious smoothie you'd drink at a cafe. The only downside was the R‑1 tended to sink to the bottom, so it took a bit of extra stirring before drinking. ▼ Strawberry Banana Soy Smoothie + Drinkable Yogurt This time, instead of R‑1, we added 7-Eleven's own-brand Yoghurt Drink to the mix. Thanks to the richness of the yoghurt, the result was super luxurious, adding extra creaminess to the drink while still allowing the flavour of the fruit and soy milk from the smoothie to shine through. ▼ The added thickness makes for a filling beverage that's particularly great for breakfast. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast option, or a fun pick-me-up at any time of the day, you might want to try the viral 7-Eleven smoothie hack. Our preferred variation was Strawberry Banana with the Yoghurt Drink, but if you prefer a lighter yoghurt flavour, then you'll want to opt for the R-1. Once you open the door to experimenting with the smoothies, you'll be tempted to explore even more options, so let us know if you find any combinations that are worth trying! Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
