Latest news with #Aichi
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Experience the magic of Tanabata festival at The Mall Lifestore
The vibrant Tanabata festival of Japan is being celebrated in Thailand for the first time during The Mall Japan Discovery 2025, which is running at M Grand Hall of The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi, Lat Phrao Road, until Sunday. Held under the theme "The Charm Of Sendai's Summer", the event features a spectacular replica of Sendai city and Tanabata streamers -- vibrant, decorative strips of washi paper that are a key feature of the summer festival. Visitors can try on traditional yukata; ride the jinrikisha (Japanese rickshaw); meet Musubimaru, Sendai's rice-ball mascot and cultural ambassador; and indulge in over 100 summer dishes flown in from Japan. Highlights include Sendai wagyu, premium beef fed with top quality rice stalks and pure water; gyutan or grilled beef tongue; Kiyo Ken steamed buns with savoury pork and sweet red bean-sesame fillings; and Aichi miso oden. Other sweet delights include Kikufuku or daifuku filled with sweet edamame cream made from Hokkaido milk; Shunda butter bread filled with fragrant sweet edamame; Shiroyama kakigori or gelato-style shaved ice topped with signature mousse; and panna cotta with Shonan Gold orange. Also available are white peaches and premium-grade seedless Shine Muscat grapes originally from Okayama. The festival will travel to The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwan from Aug 14-20, The Mall Lifestore Bangkae from Sept 25 to Oct 1 and The Mall Korat from Oct 7-14. Visit
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yomiuri Shimbun
No. 15 Maegashira Kotoshoho Seizes Chance, Secures 1st Title at Nagoya Tournament
For just the second time in his modest career, No. 15 maegashira Kotoshoho had a title within reach. This time he made sure not to let it get away. Kotoshoho captured his first makuuchi-division championship with a victory over No. 1 maegashira Aonishiki on the final day of the Nagoya Grand Tournament at IG Arena on Sunday, making him the first maegashira-ranked wrestler to win a title in eight tournaments. 'My emotions still haven't caught up with me, but I'm happy,' Kotoshoho said in the post-victory ceremony interview. The 25-year-old Kotoshoho finished with a 13-2 record for a two-win margin over a quintet of runners-up that included yokozuna Onosato, whom Kotoshoho eliminated from title contention by beating him on Day 13. 'It was the day before yesterday that I became aware that I could win,' Kotoshoho said. With the victory, Kotoshoho also gains the distinction of becoming the first champion in the newly opened IG Arena, which replaced the Aichi Prefectural Gym that had hosted the tournament for the past 60 years. It marks quite a contrast with the inaugural champion at Aichi Gym back in 1965 — the legendary yokozuna Taiho. But that doesn't imply Kotoshoho was not deserving of the Emperor's Cup. After two straight losses left him at 3-2 after five days, the Chiba Prefecture native reeled off 10 straight wins. For his efforts, Kotoshoho also shared the Outstanding Performance Award and the Fighting Spirit Prize. Kotoshoho went into Sunday's match against Aonishiki with a one-win lead over the Ukrainian. A Kotoshoho win would secure the title outright, while a loss would have resulted in a playoff between the two, with No. 14 maegashira Kusano, whose bout was up next, potentially making it a three-man affair. But Kotoshoho settled the matter quickly, driving hard from the jump-off, then pulling back at just the right moment to cause Aonishiki to fall forward onto his hands, much to the delight of the crowd that included his father, wife and young son. 'I'm not sure where they are, but I think they saw a decent performance,' Kotoshoho said about having his family on hand. It was the second time in his career that Kotoshoho, who has never risen above the rank of No. 3 maegashira and temporarily dropped to the juryo division, went into the last day with a chance to walk off with the Emperor's Cup. At the 2023 New Year tournament, he came up short in a winner-take-all showdown with ozeki Takakeisho. 'I thought just to go out as hard as I could,' Kotoshoho said in comparing the two tournaments. Kusano, who was poised to set up a three-way playoff had Kotoshoho lost, instead ended up losing himself to komusubi Takayasu to end the tournament with a still impressive 11-4 record. He shared the Technique Prize with Aonishiki, while also sharing the Fighting Spirit Prize with Kotoshoho and No. 15 maegashira Fujinokawa. Takayasu, a former ozeki, used a rapid-fire slapping attack to force out Kusano and finish at 10-5, a record that will leave no doubts about him at least retaining the komusubi rank. Takayasu had moved up to the fourth highest rank for the preceding Summer tournament, and although he ended with a 6-9 record, was allowed to keep his spot based on the circumstances of others. It was the first time such a 'non-demotion' had occurred since the 15-day tournament system was established in 1949. For newly promoted yokozuna Onosato, his disappointing debut at the sport's highest rank ended with a victory over ozeki Kotozakura, leaving him among the fivesome at 11-4 after having already securing an ignominious place in sumo history. Onosato, who had stormed into Nagoya riding back-to-back titles that propelled him to the top rank, suffered all four of his losses to maegashira-ranked wrestlers, the most-ever in a yokozuna debut in modern sumo history. For the first time in five years, there were two yokozuna competing in the same tournament, and hopes were high of a late showdown between Onosato and fellow yokozuna Hoshoryu. But Hoshoryu pulled out on the fifth day after suffering three straight losses, and in the end, it was the rank-and-filers who supplied the fireworks. Kotozakura, by finishing 8-7, has now failed to notch double-digit wins in four consecutive tournaments since he won the Kyushu tournament in November 2024 with a 14-1 record. In a battle between the two sekiwake, Wakatakakage slipped to the side at the jump-off, then shuffled Kirishima out of the ring to close with a 10-5 mark. Kirishima finished at 8-7. Also receiving the Outstanding Performance Award was No. 4 maegashira Tamawashi, who finished up an 11-4 record with a victory over komusubi Oshoma (3-12). At 40 years 8 months, he becomes the oldest ever recipient of one of the three post-tournament prizes.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Departing from Nagoya, Easily Explore the Highlights of Central Japan - Leverage Meitetsu for an In-depth Journey Through the Tokai Region
NAGOYA, Japan, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the number of inbound tourists to Japan surges, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that by May 2025, the number of international visitors had reached 10,537,300, marking the fastest breakthrough of 10 million in history. In particular, the proportion of repeat visitors from Asia has risen, shifting focus away from just Tokyo and Osaka toward a growing trend of "light travel" that explores surrounding areas and delves deeper into local regions. Located in the central Japan, Aichi Prefecture and Gifu Prefecture are well-connected by the extensive railway network operated by Nagoya Railroad (hereinafter referred to as "Meitetsu"), linking numerous charming small towns. The Meitetsu Group , based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, actively promotes tourism content and routes extending to surrounding areas, encouraging travelers to utilize its convenient transportation to experience the rich and diverse culture and scenery of the central region and enjoy local cuisine. The charm of central Japan goes far beyond just Nagoya City! - Travel Central Japan with Ease Using Meitetsu Founded in 1894, Meitetsu is one of Japan's historic private railway companies, headquartered in Nagoya City. Its network spans Aichi Prefecture and Gifu Prefecture, with a total operating distance exceeding 440 kilometers. Among its services, the airport express "μ-SKY" is the only railway line directly connecting to Chubu Centrair International Airport, while also conveniently linking cities and tourist spots such as Nagoya, Gifu, and Inuyama. Beyond railway transportation, the Meitetsu Group is involved in bus services, department stores, and tourism hotels, making it not just a mode of transport for foreign visitors but also a gateway to the multifaceted culture and landscapes of the central Japan. - Gifu City: A New Entertainment Landmark Blending Modernity with Traditional History In April 2025, the newly opened "GIFU-JO RAKUICHI" at the foot of Mount Kinka within Gifu Park became a highlight of local tourism. Once the residence of Oda Nobunaga, Gifu Castle, along with Mount Kinka, is a popular spot for autumn leaf viewing and hiking. The "GIFU-JO RAKUICHI" consists of seven wooden flat-roofed buildings, housing 11 shops including food stalls using local ingredients and craft souvenir stores, showcasing the beauty of Gifu's local culture and traditional craftsmanship. Travelers can take the Meitetsu from Nagoya directly to Meitetsu Gifu Station and then transfer to a bus to reach the site. Beyond visiting Gifu Castle and shopping, nearby attractions include the Gifu City Museum of History and the old townscape of Kawaramachi, making it an ideal choice for a stroll combining history and modernity. - Nagoya City: Central Hub and Gourmet Metropolis Taking the Meitetsu airport express "μ-SKY" from Chubu Centrair International Airport, travelers can reach the downtown of Nagoya City in approximately 30 minutes. This city is not only one of Japan's major urban centers, lined with luxury hotels and department stores, but also a key transportation hub for destinations like Gifu, Takayama, Gero Onsen, and Ise in Mie Prefecture. The Meitetsu Nagoya Station, adjacent to the Meitetsu Bus Center, offers frequent intercity railway and highway bus services, allowing travelers to use Nagoya as a base for one-day trip or multi-day trip. Additionally, Nagoya boasts cultural landmarks such as Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Art Museum, and Atsuta Shrine, along with unique "Nagoya delicacies" such as miso katsu (breaded pork cutlet with miso sauce) and unagi don (grilled eel rice), making it a city worth lingering in to explore. - Inuyama: Castle Town Charm and Nature Experience Inuyama City, one of the most popular tourist destinations along the Meitetsu Line, is just about 30 minutes from Nagoya. Inuyama Castle, Japan's oldest surviving national treasure keep, is perched on a hill along the Kiso River, offering a picturesque 360-degree panoramic view. The castle town streets retain an Edo-period ambiance, where visitors can enjoy traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets), rent kimonos, and explore historic architecture, making it a favorite among overseas tourists. Beyond its historical charm, Inuyama offers enriching outdoor experiences at the "Japan Monkey Centre" and "Museum Meiji-Mura", ideal for combining culture with family-friendly travel. A direct ride on the Inuyama Line from Meitetsu Nagoya Station requires no transfers for a delightful day trip. - Chita Peninsula: Head to Himakajima for a Tranquil Island Getaway The Chita Peninsula, with its abundant natural resources and fishing village atmosphere along the coast, features Himakajima in Mikawa Bay as an excellent spot for a short retreat. From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take a train to Kōwa Station and transfer to a high-speed boat, arriving on the island in about 1.5 hours. Known for its octopus and pufferfish, Himakajima offers fresh seafood at local inns and guesthouses, along with activities like cycling around the island and beach walks. The Island boasts a leisurely pace with distinct seasonal scenery. Summer invites water play, while autumn and winter offer fresh seafood, each season brimming with unique charm. The island is dotted with photogenic spots, making it perfect for travelers seeking a break from urban hustle to savor serene island life. - Tahara City: A Pastoral City between Flowers and the Coast Located at the southern tip of Aichi Prefecture on the Atsumi Peninsula, Tahara City is Japan's largest flower-producing region, with its seasonal flower fields painting a picturesque landscape. Take the Meitetsu train to Toyohashi Station, then transfer to the Atsumi Line to arrive. The local "Cape Irago" is a renowned sunrise spot, separated from Toba City by just a stretch of water. Spring brings rapeseed and tulips, summer offers sunflowers, and autumn and winter feature greenhouse flower exhibitions, making Tahara a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. The region is also famous for its melons, with farm-picking and beach camping experiences popular among families and young travelers. - Gamagori: A Resort Haven Combining Hot Springs and Seaside Fun Gamagori, situated along Mikawa Bay, is a renowned hot spring resort in Aichi Prefecture. Travelers can reach Gamagori Station from Nagoya Station via JR in about 40 minutes. The area features several hot spring inns with sea views and relaxing open-air baths. Beyond that, Gamagori offers family-friendly attractions like the "Takeshima Aquarium" and the seaside complex "Laguna Ten Bosch." The bridge connecting Takeshima to the mainland is a popular photogenic spot, especially stunning at sunset and night. Whether for a healing getaway or a family outing, Gamagori provides diverse options. - Handa and Okazaki: Treasures of Fermented Food Culture Handa and Okazaki in Aichi Prefecture boast a long history of miso and vinegar production, serving as key hubs for Japan's brewing and fermented food culture. Handa features the "Handa Canal," used to transport brewing products, with its black wooden buildings still lining the waterfront, preserving its original charm. The canal area also includes the "Mizkan Museum," where visitors can learn about vinegar production and culinary culture, immersing themselves in the allure of brewing. Okazaki, the birthplace of Hatcho Miso, offers guided tours and tasting experiences at "Hatcho Miso Village." Made with a 400-year-old unchanged method, Hatcho Miso provides deep insight into the art of Japanese fermented cuisine. Both Handa and Okazaki are accessible from Nagoya via the Meitetsu Kōwa Line and Main Line in about 1 hour, making them ideal for a deep travel experience combining food, culture, and learning. For more information, please visit the official website of Meitetsu "Co-machi" (Japanese): View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Nagoya Railroad Co.,Ltd Sign in to access your portfolio
South China Morning Post
10-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Japanese street gang Lucifers ends troublemaking days, disbands inside police station
A notorious street gang in central Japan has disbanded in a rare public ceremony held at a police station, a symbolic move that officials say could help break the cycle of youth violence – though some remain sceptical it will lead to lasting change. Advertisement About 30 members of the gang known as the Lucifers gathered on Sunday at Atsuta Police Station in Aichi prefecture, where they formally announced the group's dissolution after nearly three decades of notoriety in Nagoya's criminal underworld. The event was attended by gang members ranging in age from teenagers to men in their 50s, who stood in rows inside a police hall to deliver their pledge to 'never again cause trouble or distress' as well as to never re-establish the organisation. Police chief Masaki Suzuki, accepting the declaration, offered a message of encouragement. 'I officially accept the declaration of disbandment of the Lucifers today,' he said, according to Japanese broadcaster CBC News. 'I hope each of you will strive in your respective paths, whether in work or studies.' Lucifers, a Japanese street gang founded in the mid-1990s, has held an official ceremony to disband inside the Atsuta Police Station in Aichi prefecture. Photo: Handout Authorities said they welcomed the gesture but would continue to verify members' reintegration through monitoring and outreach support. Police plan to offer vocational training and social assistance, particularly to the younger members. Advertisement The dissolution comes in the wake of intensified law enforcement pressure on the group, including the arrest of 25 members since May. The gang's 47-year-old leader, Daisaku Odagiri, is currently on trial for assault, and had submitted a formal notice of disbandment to authorities late last year, according to SoraNews24.
Japan Times
08-07-2025
- Japan Times
Scams involving police impersonation surge
Japan is seeing a sharp rise in scams involving individuals posing as police officers, with losses exceeding ¥31.6 billion ($217 million) in the first five months of 2025. The National Police Agency has launched a nationwide awareness campaign for such cases, warning that increasingly sophisticated means of committing fraud — involving spoofed phone numbers, social media messages and video calls — are being used to target victims. Police impersonation scams alone accounted for 3,816 recognized fraud cases between January and May this year, according to the agency. Victims span multiple generations, with cases involving people in their 20s and 30s accounting for 40% of them. Many of these cases began with a simple phone call. In one incident, a victim received a call from what appeared to be the official number for the headquarters of the Aichi Prefectural Police. The caller, a woman claiming to be an officer, said a bank account had been fraudulently opened under the victim's name and that they were now under suspicion for money laundering. The conversation was continued on a video call on a social media app, during which a man posing as a police officer displayed what looked like an official ID and instructed the victim to transfer ¥2.5 million to an account for 'verification purposes.' The victim only realized that she had been defrauded after she contacted the real police department afterward. Scammers have also been using international phone numbers and automated voice messages to initiate contact. In one case, a man received a call from an overseas number warning him that his mobile phone service would be suspended in two hours. After following a series of voice prompts, he was transferred to someone who claimed that a phone contract registered under his name had been used in a crime. The scammer then suggested that the man file a report via a messaging app. A video call soon followed, which involved an impersonator claiming to be from the Kagoshima Prefectural Police. The man became suspicious and ended the call. Other schemes have involved fake websites designed to look like official police pages. In Hyogo Prefecture, a man lost ¥2 million in a scam in which he was directed by a scammer to visit a fraudulent site resembling the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's homepage. When he entered a case number into the site's search bar, a fake arrest warrant bearing his name appeared. More recently, some of these scams have expanded to include sexual exploitation. Since January, police have confirmed at least 32 cases in which women were coerced into sending nude images or videos during video calls. The victims were told they needed to undergo 'full body inspections' by scammers who often recorded the footage to use for further extortion. The NPA has stressed that police officers do not contact individuals via social media, send images of IDs or warrants, initiate video calls, or ask citizens to move money or sign new mobile phone contracts. Police also do not instruct individuals to isolate themselves from family or check their bank account balances for investigative purposes. The agency is urging the public to be cautious and to hang up immediately if contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer, encouraging them to visit their local police station or call the consultation hotline rather than return any calls using the numbers provided by potential scammers.
