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Japan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Japan Times
Japan Times 1925: Tokyo police impose curfew on ‘social dances'
100 YEARS AGO Sunday, June 7, 1925 Police rule public dances must close at ten o'clock The curfew will ring for all public dances, including those at the Imperial Hotel, at 10 o'clock hereafter, according to a new set of regulations adopted by the Metropolitan Police Board in an attempt to combat the evils which are alleged to have grown out of the increasing popularity of the Western style of dancing among Japanese young people. The new regulations provide that all social dances held at dancing clubs, dancing schools or other public dancing places in Tokyo shall be stopped at 10 o'clock in the evening. The only exemption made in favor of the Imperial Hotel, which presents a different case on account of the many foreigners there, was in the case of the regulations against the operation of a dance hall in connection with restaurants of any kind. The management of the Hotel is negotiating with the police for a special arrangement by which the hours of dancing may be extended. 'We have been carefully studying the moral effects of the Western dancing upon the Japanese people,' said Mr. Soemi, head of the Peace Preservation Bureau of the Metropolitan Police Board in discussing the new regulations with a representative of The Japan Advertiser. 'Many instances of disorderly conduct in dance halls have been brought to our attention and it is for this reason that we have adopted new regulations.' 'The rule for setting a limit to the hour for dancing may seem rather severe to foreigners, but we believe that it will be better for all concerned. We have made certain allowances for the Imperial Hotel for the dances there are patronized mostly by foreigners. The Japanese who attend are of the higher class, but we know, however, that there are a good many young people of the best Japanese families the moral integrity of whom has not been helped by Western dancing.' Another police official was more frank in expressing his opinion of the moral effect of the Western style of dancing on Japanese youth. 'It is first necessary to recognize the difference between the social customs of the West and of Japan. Young men and women in the Western countries are brought up together and are accustomed to one another's society. In Japan they are brought up separately and are not accustomed to one another's society.' 'Western young men are accustomed to touching their young lady friends in shaking hands, helping them from tram cars and in other ways, which is far from the case in Japan. Consequently it is not to be wondered at that the effect upon Japanese young people of the Western style of dancing is far different from the effect, or lack of effect, upon the young people of other nations. 'So we are of the opinion that it will be better for the general good of the youth of this country to curb the dancing at least until Japanese young men and women become more accustomed to each other's society.' 1925 | The Japan Times 75 YEARS AGO Wednesday, June 7, 1950 24 red leaders purged; epochal SCAP directive is swiftly implemented Within seven hours after receipt of Gen. MacArthur's letter to Prime Minister Yoshida, the Japanese Government sent telegrams and letters to the 24 members of the Japan Communist Party Central Committee designating them as falling under the purge ordinance. The letters were sent out by special delivery and contents-certified mail. The speedy action followed legal procedures taken by Attorney General Shunkichi Ueda for naming the 24 men as purgees. Earlier Tuesday morning, the SCAP letter was brought to the Foreign Minister's official residence at 9:30 a.m. by Col. L. E. Bunker, SCAP's Aide-de-Camp. At the Cabinet meeting which opened at 10 a.m., the Government decided forthwith to remove the 24 designated Communist leaders from public life in compliance with the SCAP order. The purge notices gave no specifications but roundly designated the 24 Communists as amenable to the Imperial Ordinance No. 1 of 1947, concerning the expulsion of ultra-nationalist and other undesirable elements from positions of influence. 1950 | The Japan Times 50 YEARS AGO Tuesday, June 17, 1975 6,300 mourners attend former premier Sato's national funeral The national funeral for former Prime Minister Eisaku Sato was solemnly held at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Kitanomaru Park in Tokyo Monday afternoon. About 6,300 mourners including Japanese and foreign dignitaries and personal friends of the late Sato attended the funeral. The Emperor and Empress sent their emissary to the service. The Crown Princes and Princess and other Imperial Family members were among the mourners. Special envoys and other delegates came from 91 foreign countries including the United States and the Soviet Union. Sato's close acquaintances in the political, business, sports, artistic and other fields also participated in the funeral. China did not send a representative while Chang Pao-shu, secretary general of Taiwan's Nationalist Party, attended as an 'old friend' of Sato's. Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos of the Philippines led the foreign mourners in laying flowers at the altar. Among the foreign dignitaries were South Korean Premier Kim Jong Pil and Australian Foreign Minister D. R. Willesee, Soviet Ambassador Oleg Troyanovsky, head of the foreign diplomatic corps in Tokyo, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan U. Alexis Johnson, and Donald S. Macdonald, Canadian Minister for Energy, Mines and Resources. Sato's ashes in an urn held by his elder son Ryutaro, accompanied by his widow Hiroko, left his home at Daizawa in Setagaya Ward at 1:30 p.m. The procession passed by the Prime Minister's official residence, where Sato kept his office for seven years and eight months as the chief executive, and the Diet Building, where he spent more than 25 years as a Dietman, on its way to Budokan. Sato died June 3 after remaining unconscious for 15 days following a stroke suffered during a meeting with business leaders. When it reached the hall shortly before 2 p.m. the solemnity of the function was briefly broken as Prime Minister Takeo Miki was hit on the head by a man standing nearby. Miki's glasses fell off but he was unhurt. The man was later identified as an ultrarightist from Okayama Prefecture. 1975 | The Japan Times 25 YEARS AGO Wednesday, June 7, 2000 Key cult figure gets life term for role in subway gas attack Aum Shinrikyo's former intelligence chief, found guilty of involvement in the March 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system and other crimes, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison. While prosecutors had demanded the death penalty for Yoshihiro Inoue, 30, the Tokyo District Court handed down a life prison term on the grounds that he did not take part in the act of releasing the deadly gas on the subway trains and only provided backup support. Despite his lack of direct involvement, the court said Inoue played an important role in the gassing, which could not have taken place as planned without his contribution. Prosecutors pointed out that Inoue, one of Aum founder Shoko Asahara's closest aides, commanded other Aum followers who actually released the sarin on morning subway trains, killing 12 people and injuring thousands. However, presiding judge Hiroichi Inoue determined that the defendant's role in the attack was limited to 'logistic support and coordination,' saying that he had not been ordered by Asahara to take charge. In the ruling, the court said that if the nature of the heinous crimes, the feelings of the victims and their families as well as the impact on society were considered alone, then Inoue did, in fact, deserve the death sentence. The judge said the court was 'giving the defendant a ruling that will allow him to live.' The court took into consideration the fact that Inoue, who joined the cult when he was 16, showed deep regret over his crimes and that Asahara controlled his mind at the time of the crimes, he said. Compiled by Mike Fu. In this feature, we delve into The Japan Times' 128-year archive to present a selection of stories from the past. The Japan Times' archive is now available in digital format. For more details, see
RTÉ News
26-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Castlebar residents 'very angry' over dereliction in town
Castlebar residents are 'very angry' over a number of prominent buildings lying derelict it the town centre, including Mayo's most historic building - where the Land League was founded in 1879. Twenty-six properties were listed on Castlebar's derelict sites register last year, while Co Mayo had more than 250 derelict sites in total. "We've got four prime properties just off the main street in Castlebar," Independent Councillor Harry Barrett said, referring to a row of derelict properties on Ellison Street. "You can see the grills hanging off the roof to stop the slates coming down. These properties should have been developed ten years ago." The Ellison Street properties have been taken over by Mayo County Council, but due to design issues a recent application to turn them into social housing units was not supported by the Department of Housing. "We needed the money for this years ago," Cllr Barrett said. He added that construction on the new units was due to begin last November. Instead, he lamented, the vacant buildings remain an eyesore in the centre of Castlebar. "People in the town are very angry about it, councillors are getting multiple calls about it," Cllr Barret said. "We need to push on. It's not acceptable." A spokesperson for Mayo County Council told RTÉ's News at One that it is seeking a new planning permission for 13 social housing units at the Ellison Streets sites. Another prominent derelict building is the former Imperial Hotel on the mall - the central green space in Castlebar town. Michael Davitt founded the Land League there nearly 150 years ago, making it one of Mayo's most historic buildings. "We've been covering the story of the Imperial for over 15 years now," said Tom Kelly, editor of the Connaught Telegraph. The former hotel was purchased by the council in 2011, but has since fallen into dereliction. Plans by property developers to turn it into a hotel again have fallen through. "It's very annoying for people who have pride in Castlebar," Mr Kelly said. "The Imperial Hotel has become a monument to the failure to address the dereliction problem here," he added. Mayo County Council said it planned to revert to an earlier proposal to turn the building into a local innovation hub. The housing crisis is hitting Castlebar from all angles. The Castlebar municipal district said 437 housing units were needed to accommodate those currently on the housing list. Mayo County Council said that as of last week there were 49 families from the Castlebar area living in emergency accommodation. Many of these are understood to be in a homeless hub in Charlestown. Castlebar has now met the criteria to be declared a rent pressure zone by Minister for Housing James Browne. This comes as rents in the Mayo town have increased by double digits. "Castlebar is a good town with good jobs," auctioneer Marian Moran said. However, the lack of supply is pushing rents up by 20% a year. "A two-bedroom apartment will command €1,500 a month. One-bedroom will get €1,300-1,400 if it's good, and if it's town centre." On the building side, Ms Moran said: "We don't see that many new houses coming on stream. Even the price of the second-hand houses have gone up dramatically." She added that the cost of building materials and lack of funding were preventing all but a few builders from operating. Cllr Barrett called for greater autonomy for local councils and municipal districts in tackling dereliction. "We need emergency powers with dereliction in this county. There are people holding onto buildings in this county for 20 or 30 years and nothing is being said to them. "If I'm telling people they have to go to homeless shelters in Charlestown, something has to be done with dereliction," he said.
Pembrokeshire Herald
25-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
The Imperial Hotel reopens after stunning refurbishment
Tenby's iconic seaside hotel restored to its former glory THE IMPERIAL HOTEL in Tenby has reopened following a major refurbishment, restoring one of Wales' best-loved coastal landmarks to its former splendour. Now under the ownership of Crest Hotels Group, the Grade II-listed building has undergone a comprehensive transformation blending 19th-century heritage with contemporary luxury. With its position overlooking South Beach, the revamped hotel boasts redesigned rooms, a stylish new lounge, and the launch of a modern dining experience, Essence, offering sweeping views across Carmarthen Bay. Crest Hotels acquired the property in 2024 and have since delivered what they describe as a 'sensitive but ambitious' restoration. Every element of the upgrade respects the historic character of the building, while bringing it in line with today's expectations for comfort and quality. Tracy Webb, General Manager at the Imperial Hotel, said: 'Crest Hotels has given this hotel what it deserves. The refurbishment is beautiful and will have a hugely positive impact on Tenby. With the new spa and gym opening next year, it will bring something a bit different to the town.' All guest rooms have been redecorated in sea-inspired tones of blue and green, and now feature high-end fittings including Hansgrohe power showers, luxurious Sleepeezee beds, air conditioning, and high-speed internet. Substantial improvements have also been made to the bar, restaurant, and the hotel's iconic seafront façade. The new restaurant, Essence, champions Welsh produce and caters for both residents and visitors. The menu includes everything from small plates to three-course meals, with local ales, craft beers, and bespoke cocktails. The hotel is also dog-friendly, providing canine guests with dog biscuits while their owners enjoy complimentary Welsh cakes. Tracy added: 'The aim is for the Imperial to be as busy in winter as it is in summer. Tenby is such a special place — it means holidays, happiness, sunshine. South Beach has always been my favourite since childhood, so to work here with that view every day is amazing.' Jason Hiley, Managing Director of Crest Hotels, said: 'We want to reclaim the Imperial as the place to go in Tenby — a hotel that locals and visitors alike are proud of. It needed some tender loving care, and we've brought back the style and elegance it always deserved.' Tenby remains one of Wales' most popular holiday destinations, known for its colourful harbours, golden beaches, and rugged coastal walks. The Imperial Hotel offers a prime base for exploring the wider Pembrokeshire coast, including landmarks such as Carew Castle, Caldey Island, St David's Cathedral, and the National Botanic Garden of Wales. For more information or to book a stay, visit:
The Courier
19-05-2025
- The Courier
Carmyllie Pilot: Photos capture rise, fall and rebirth of beloved steam engine
Take to the rails with these images of the Carmyllie Pilot. It started life as just another Ivatt Class 2MT 2-6-0 steam locomotive. The engine achieved celebrity status when it hauled the last train to run over the Carmyllie Light Railway on May 19 1965. It still casts a powerful spell today. The story of the Carmyllie branch line goes back to May 1854. It was built as a private mineral line from Elliot Junction following agreement with Lord Panmure to transport paving stone from the Carmyllie quarries. The railway brought stone from Carmyllie. The question of a passenger service was raised locally from time to time and it was eventually made possible by the passing of the Light Railways Act of 1896. There were halts at Arbirlot, Cuthlie and Denhead and it was the steepest in Scotland to be operated by passenger train with a ruling gradient of 1 in 36. The track went from sea-level to 500 feet in five miles. It opened to passenger traffic in February 1900 on a 'red letter day'. The first train left Arbroath at 7.15am and was decorated with flags. John Aitken of the Imperial Hotel in Arbroath purchased the first ticket. Though initially busy, its traffic by the 1920s was being siphoned away by buses. Passenger numbers 'diminished to almost vanishing point' by November 1929. Passenger services were withdrawn. The Carmyllie line remained open for freight from December 1929. The line itself was jointly run by London, Midland and Scottish Railway and London North Eastern Railway, before British Railways was formed in January 1948. Its namesake engine arrived a few years later. Number 46464 was the last of a batch of five built at Crewe Works in 1950. It was one of two of that class sent north in that year to Dundee Tay Bridge Shed 52B. It spent much of its working life on the branch line from Arbroath to Carmyllie. Its predominant use working the Carmyllie goods service gave the engine its nickname. There was triumph and tragedy in equal measure. On August 2 1952 she hauled the very last passenger train from Brechin to Forfar. When the Arbroath and Forfar Railway finally closed to passengers in December 1955, its departure was marked by a mock funeral procession to Arbroath Station. A single wreath of carnations was placed in front of the Carmyllie Pilot. In happier times she took part in the 10-day rail tour in June 1960 which started at Edinburgh Waverley and ventured to nearly all parts of the Scottish system. It was organised jointly by Bill Smith from the Scottish branch of the Stephenson Locomotive Society and the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society. The Carmyllie Pilot was running chimney-to-chimney with her sister engine. They were at it again in April 1962. The Branch Line Society and Stephenson Locomotive Society organised the first annual Scottish Rambler Rail Tour over the Easter weekend. The pair hauled three stages of the tour. The fare for the four days was £7 and 15 shillings. They pulled the train from Montrose to Carmyllie. A short journey from Carmyllie to Elliot Junction followed at 4pm. The final leg was from Elliot Junction to Tay Bridge Station in Dundee. A further Rail Tour was organised by the St Andrews University Railway and Transport Society in April 1963 using the Carmyllie Pilot, which was extremely popular, The engine also had a couple of spells at Kittybrewster. She was damaged in 1964 and sent to Inverurie Locomotive Works. The Carmyllie Pilot returned to its home patch following repairs and carried potatoes, sugar beet and raspberries from the farmlands during the winter months. It didn't last. Freight had deserted to road transport, which spelt doom for the Carmyllie line. It officially closed to all traffic after 110 years of operation. The Carmyllie Pilot worked the historic last journey on May 19 1965. It left Arbroath at 8.18am and got to Carmyllie Station at 9.08am. Her train consisted of just three vehicles collecting the remaining furnishings and fittings including the Carmyllie station clock. Some of the older residents of the village came out to wave goodbye. The locomotive arrived back in Arbroath at 10.50am. The late Ian Fraser from Arbroath watched the closure of a chapter of railway history. 'The arrival of the last train at Carmyllie evoked no public interest,' he said. 'It was only too evident that the flourishing agricultural community is managing very well without the railway. 'Higher still and on the sky-line could be seen the derelict remains of the extensive quarries that over a lengthy period produced building and paving stone for notable works in many parts of the world and provided the raison d'être for the railway. 'What a marvellous procession of engines must have passed this way over the years! 'And so with a guilty sense of 'Is your journey really necessary' 46464 and her freight slipped silently away, unregarded and without even a whistle.' Mr Fraser did much to preserve and look after steam engines in the local area. Just a year later he went on to purchase the Carmyllie Pilot from British Railways. She was saved from scrap after the engine was withdrawn in 1966. He gifted her to Dundee Corporation for inclusion in a proposed transport museum but she was stored for several years in a shed in East Dock Street. It was removed from storage in March 1975 and taken to Aviemore. She was loaned to the Strathspey Railway where she hauled the first scheduled passenger train between Aviemore and Boat of Garten in July 1978. Sadly, by 1980 after a issue with the firebox, she was taken out of service. She spent a decade gathering dust. The locomotive was restored to Mr Fraser's ownership. It left the Strathspey Railway in November 1989 to return to Brechin. Mr Fraser died in 1992. The Carmyllie Pilot Company Ltd was set up by Robin Taylor, John Yule, Max Maxwell, Ian Hopley and Iain Smith and took ownership of 46464 in July 2000. The engine was dismantled. Many steel parts were replaced at Bridge of Dun near Montrose. In February 2020 the Pilot moved to the Strathspey Railway in Aviemore. Many smaller parts continued to be worked on there. The locomotive and tender were put back on their wheels after 21 years. Nathan Lightowler replaced John Yule in 2022. The engine successfully passed a final boiler inspection in April 2024. It was a double celebration. Her official return to steam in June 2024 was the occasion of her 74th birthday. She operated on many occasions in 2024. At the start of 2025 she took part in the 'whistle up' to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and will mark another special milestone next month. The Carmyllie Pilot will turn 75.
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Welsh hotel with this iconic view unveils multi-million pound transformation
Welsh hotel with this iconic view unveils multi-million pound transformation Since being taken over by new owners a year ago, extensive work has been carried out at the Imperial Hotel in Tenby, and there's much more to come..... The view from the rear terrace of the Imperial Hotel in Tenby (Image: Media Wales ) It's one of Wales' best known hotels with views to die for of one of the country's most treasured sights in what is many people's favourite seaside town. And now it has officially unveiled an extensive refurbishment which bosses hope will restore the venue to former glories which saw it become one of the most iconic in Wales for more than 100 years. The Imperial Hotel in Tenby is now 120 years old, having opened as a hotel back in 1905. Situated on the Paragon just around the corner from the Esplanade in the town centre, the hotel's rear is built above the cliff face and directly overlooks South Beach, one of the most recognisable in Wales. The hotel overlooks Tenby's famous South Beach (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The building's history actually dates back further than the start of the 20th century. It originated as a terrace of houses known as Belmont Houses, before being owned by the Earl of Limerick around 1870. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Transformed into a hotel in 1905, the Imperial has stood proudly in its idyllic spot ever since, with a lounge overlooking the cliffs and the sea below added in the 1920s. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Article continues below Inside the new and improved Imperial Hotel (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Now, the hotel is undergoing another huge transformation. Having been put up for sale last year with an asking price of £2.5m, the venue was purchased in May, 2024, by Bristol-based Crest Hotels which owns nine such venues in total in England and Wales, including the Metropole Hotel and Spa in Llandrindod Wells. With almost 60 rooms, the Grade-II listed Imperial Hotel has been the subject of ambitious plans resulting in huge upgrades to not just the guest rooms - many of which offer ocean views - but the bar and restaurant area, as well as the front of the building. One of the newly refurbished rooms (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) A year on from Crest Hotels' purchase, the new owners have launched their vision for the public to see. And there's much more to come - the multi-million pound revamp will be completed next year with the opening of a luxurious spa boasting a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and a state-of-the-art gym. 'This has always been an iconic place in Wales,' said Mark Wylde, director of guest experience at Crest Hotels. 'Both the managing director and myself know the Imperial so when the chance came up to take it over we jumped at it." Work being carried out to transform the hotel (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) He added: 'What we wanted was a four-star hotel which was accessible to all. We wanted to create a social space with that view (points outside overlooking South Beach), undisturbed, for people to come and relax and enjoy. We want to raise the bar in terms of restaurants, hotels and bars. 'We as a company always keep an eye open and think 'can we?' and then jump on the opportunity if we can. Everyone in south Wales knows of the Imperial Hotel. I'm from Cardiff and in east Wales everyone knows Tenby as a destination. We want to have something unique with a really relaxed environment and atmosphere.' One of the en-suite bathrooms (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) As well as providing THAT view, the Imperial is dog friendly and will even offer its K-9 guests a pack of dog biscuits to enjoy in their room as their owners tuck into the complimentary Welsh cakes. In the new restaurant, a comprehensive menu is on offer to guests and members of the public, ranging from small plates to a full three-course meal. The new rooms are ready to welcome guests in time for the summer season (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) 'We want to reclaim the Imperial Hotel as the place to go in Tenby that everyone knows and is proud to have here," added Mr Wylde. "The hotel has needed some tender loving care for a number of years and I think we've put the style and elegance back into it and made it the place it was always meant to be.' With the summer holiday season just around the corner, the new owners' timing could not be better in terms of its revamp launch, with Tenby proving as popular and as busy as ever after the hardship businesses in the hospitality sector endured during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The hotel's general manager, Tracy Webb (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) 'It did need some tender loving care and Crest have given it what it deserves,' said Tracy Webb, who has been the hotel's general manager since before it was bought by the group last year. 'It will have a very positive impact on Tenby. With the spa and everything else in place it will provide something a bit different in the town. I came to work here at the back end of Covid and there has been an increase in visitors to Tenby year on year, and I think things will continue to boom." People enjoying the May sunshine in Tenby, a town that promises to be as busy as ever in 2025 (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) She added: 'The aim for us is for the Imperial to be as busy in the winter as it will be in the summer, and the new spa when it opens will play a key role in that. Tenby is special because it means holidays, happiness, sunshine. "It has a vibe, it has beautiful scenery. South Beach has always been my favourite since childhood so coming to work here and having that view on my doorstep is amazing.' Article continues below The Imperial Hotel is open for business with its new restaurant, bar and lounge area, together with new and improved guest rooms. The new spa is expected to open in 2026.
