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Japan Forward
21-07-2025
- General
- Japan Forward
Historic Crested Ibis Release Set for June 2026 in Ishikawa
このページを 日本語 で読む The city of Hakui, located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, has been selected as a release site for the crested ibis ( toki ). The toki is a Special Natural Monument designated by the Japanese government. On January 1, 2024, the Noto Peninsula was struck by a powerful earthquake that claimed 625 lives, including disaster-related deaths. Residents in the affected region have long awaited the return of these iconic birds to Noto's skies — a symbol of recovery and hope. On July 16, a council made up of four cities, five towns, and the prefectural government met in a conference room at Noto Airport in Wajima City. They decided to release the ibises in the Minamigata district of Hakui, a city near Kanazawa. This will be the first time crested ibises are released into the wild on Japan's mainland. Ishikawa was the last place on Honshu (Japan's main island) where wild ibises were seen. Once common throughout Japan, their population declined sharply due to pesticide use and environmental degradation. In 1981, the government captured the last five wild ibises in Ishikawa and moved them to Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture for breeding. In 2003, the final Japanese-born ibis died, rendering the species extinct in Japan. Since then, birds gifted from China have been bred in captivity and released into the wild. The population has since grown to about 580 individuals. To establish a self-sustaining population outside Sado, the national government began searching for new release sites. Ishikawa volunteered. With support from local farmers, the prefecture started building feeding habitats by increasing populations of loaches, pond snails, and other prey species. These efforts were recognized, and in February of this year, Noto was officially chosen as a new release site. A sign marking the crested ibis release model district, created by local high school students, in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Minamigata was selected for its expansive rice paddies — sufficient to support the planned release of 15 to 20 birds — and its rich biodiversity, comparable to that of Sado. One local farmer, Eiji Hamada, has been preparing by creating biotope feeding areas in Hakui. "Twenty years ago, I dreamed of seeing ibises return to Hakui," he said. "I even printed a toki design on the rice bags I use to store my harvest. I can't believe that dream is actually coming true. It's overwhelming." Eiji Hamada practices environmentally friendly rice farming to support the crested ibis. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) To provide a better environment for the birds, Hamada cut his use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers by half. He also placed ibis decoys in the biotope, hoping the real birds will recognize them and feel encouraged to stay. He hopes other farmers will follow his lead. "The first step is helping the birds settle," he said. "Eventually, I hope rice grown in these eco-friendly paddies will command higher prices. I also hope the ibises will attract tourism like on Sado." The bag Hamada uses for brown rice, featuring a crested ibis design he created 20 years ago. He added red as a wish for the bird's release to become a reality. — Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) "I'm so glad I've lived to see the day when ibises fly over their homeland again," said Yoshio Muramoto, a Hakui resident who turned 100 this April. He has spent more than 70 years involved in ibis conservation. Muramoto last saw a wild toki nearly 50 years ago. "At the time, I feared the ibis would disappear from Japan forever. It was heartbreaking," he said. Muramoto dreams of seeing crested ibises fly again over Hakui's skies. — Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) He has worked closely with China to protect the species and even built a museum dedicated to the ibis on his property to help educate local children. In recognition of his efforts, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visited the museum in 2025. "We also get visits from rare storks here in Hakui," Muramoto added. "Just imagining the day when ibises and storks fly side by side in the skies fills me with excitement." Muramoto built a private crested ibis museum for local children. Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) He also attended the first ibis release ceremony on Sado. "I want to live to see the release here in Hakui next year," he said. The people of Ishikawa are united in their hope that the crested ibis will take flight as a symbol of their recovery. Author: Mika Sugiura このページを 日本語 で読む
Hypebeast
17-07-2025
- Business
- Hypebeast
Dickies and mastermind JAPAN Reveal FW25 Collaboration
Summary Two brands known for their enduring toughness and distinct aesthetics are joining forces once the global workwear icon, andmastermind JAPAN, Masaaki Homma's luxury streetwear label known for its signature skull motif, have confirmed a new collaboration set to drop forFall/Winter 2025. This partnership continues their history of blending rugged utility with high-end, punk-infused design. mastermind JAPAN, established in 1997, built its reputation on premium 'Made in Japan' craftsmanship, dark hues, and its instantly recognizable skull and crossbones emblem. It has cultivated a cult following by infusing streetwear staples with avant-garde details and a rebellious spirit. Dickies, founded in 1922, is the epitome of durable, functional workwear, with its 874 Work Pant and Eisenhower Jacket becoming adopted symbols across various subcultures. Previous collaborations have seen mastermind JAPAN reinterpret Dickies' classic silhouettes with their signature flair. Dickies' iconic work pants, jackets, and perhaps even hoodies and t-shirts reimagined with Mastermind's distinctive graphics, premium materials and meticulous detailing are seen in the new collection with an updated co-branded graphic that sees skulls meet stitches. This collaboration is a testament to the enduring appeal of cross-cultural partnerships that honor heritage while pushing contemporary boundaries. It allows fans of both brands to own pieces that blend American authenticity with Japanese punk-luxe precision. The Dickies x mastermind JAPAN FW25 collection is poised to be a highly sought-after release, bridging functionality with a bold, uncompromising style, featuring matching sweat suits, chore jackets, shorts trousers, jerseys and more. The collection is available starting on July 18online.
Hypebeast
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
NEEDLES and BEAMS Come Together For Special 2Tone Jersey Collection
Summary Japanese cult favoriteNEEDLESis once again teaming up with retail giant BEAMS JAPAN for a special order '2TONE JERSEY COLLECTION,' set to launch on this weekend. This collaboration brings a fresh take on classic athletic wear, blending NEEDLES' signature relaxed silhouettes withBEAMS JAPAN's keen eye for curated style. The collection is expected to feature a range of comfortable yet stylish jersey pieces, including a track jacket and pants. NEEDLES is renowned for its iconic tracksuits, and this collaboration will likely offer them in new '2TONE' (two-tone) colorways, adding a subtle yet distinctive twist to the beloved design. The brand's signature butterfly (papillon) embroidery is on the front chest as well as the pants. Other jersey apparel include t-shirts, hoodies, or mock neck tees, all imbued with the unique two-tone aesthetic and NEEDLES' relaxed fit. This collaboration continues the consistent history of tie-ups between the two Japanese brands, known for producing concise capsules that highlight brand iconography with classic silhouettes and a tastefully pared-back lineup. These special order items are highly anticipated by fans of both brands, offering exclusive pieces that blend comfort, style, and heritage. The '2TONE JERSEY COLLECTION' will be available for purchase starting June 7, 2025, through BEAMS JAPAN channels.
Japan Forward
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
NANBYO Day at Expo 2025: Taking On Rare Diseases Together, Joyfully and Inclusively!
このページを 日本語 で読む Let's all have fun thinking about it! Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, brought people together on May 23 in celebration of Japan's NANBYO Day and International Rare Disease Day (RDD Day). The event brought attention to the world's rare and intractable diseases. Supporters joined in the collaboration as patients performed songs and dances, sending out the message that "it's okay for each person to be different." Attending the event, her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Kiko joined in the singing. She also shared the words in her signature sign language, at which she excels. Afterward, she interacted with the patients and their families. Crown Princess Kiko exchanges comments with participants at NANBYO Rare Diseases Day on May 23 at Expo 2025, Osaka-Kansai. (©Sankei by Yasushi Kawamura) "For all of us, there are things we cannot do. But it's okay that we are all different," crooned singer-songwriter Ayako Ozawa from her wheelchair. She battles muscular dystrophy, an intractable disease that causes muscle weakness. Ayako Ozawa performing a song for NANBYO Day. (©Sankei by Yasushi Kawamura) Ozawa was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 20. At one time, she had given up on finding a job, getting married, and having children. However, with the encouragement of those around her, she was able to accomplish all three. She found a job, got married, and became a mother. "I can't raise my arms, and there are many things I can't do," Ozawa told the crowd. "But it means a lot to let people know that we are all the same human beings at this Expo." Soprano Mamiko Sakaida, who has been diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), an autoimmune disease, also let her voice soar from her wheelchair. Mamiko Sakaida sings onstage from her wheelchair. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Singer-songwriter Ayako Ozawa, smiling. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) "As the disease developed, I became paralyzed from the waist down," she said. "Through rehabilitation, I have recovered to the point where I can sing, but it still hurts as if I am being stabbed. There are friends in this venue who are suffering from the same disease. I want people to learn about this while they're at the Expo." Rare and intractable diseases are defined by their low prevalence and complex pathophysiology. These features often result in delayed treatment and hinder drug development. Meanwhile, there are approximately 7,000 rare diseases in the world, with an estimated 350 million patients. Many patients participated with their families. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) In 2016, an NGO focused on rare diseases was established within the United Nations. Its task: create a patient community and raise social awareness. Later, in 2024, Rare Diseases International, a rare disease patient association, was approved as an official partner of the World Health Organization. Wanting a "rare day" to bring attention to the disease annually, February 29 in leap years immediately came to mind. Taking it as a cue, February 28, the day before, was designated World Rare Disease Day. During the last week of February, special events featuring rare diseases and their victims were held around the world. EURODIS, a nonprofit alliance of rare disease patient organizations, hosted the global Rare Disease Day Event on February 28, 2022, at the Dubai Expo (October 2021-March 2022). This time, however, Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai does not include the month of February. Japan, therefore, marked its international contribution by hosting NANBYO Day on May 23 to highlight rare diseases domestically. Patients and families participated together. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Yukiko Nishimura, president of the NPO ASrid, played a key role in organizing the event. "This is the first time that an intractable diseases day event has been held at an expo in Japan," she said. "'Everyone' is the key word. It is an opportunity for patients, families, and supporters to come together and appeal to visitors. We hope people will begin thinking about intractable diseases in a more positive light." Patients, families, and high school students also participated in the NANBYO Day activities. They performed a play of their own composition and expressed their frank opinions. Takashi Hudson Naito gives his presentation at NANBYO Day. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) A high school senior from Osaka Jogakuin High School confided, "Grave's disease changed my appearance. I was trapped because people around me did not understand. "But I transferred to my current school and underwent surgery, and am now able to communicate with others," she added. "I want a society where people can have confidence in themselves and not be ostracized." Takashi Hudson Naito, a junior at Osaka's Nada High School, described his research on brainwaves using AI to determine emotional ups and downs. Naito has a chronic illness himself. "I wear a scarf on my head because I have no hair or eyelashes due to alopecia, the cause of which is unknown," he explained. His dream is to deepen his research and put it to practical use for patients suffering from incurable diseases. Participating high school students. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) The Expo is an international event that reflects the future of society. For high school students and those with rare diseases, it has also provided an opportunity to interact with other patients and their families while introducing the problem to the broader public. They want to keep the focus on "tomorrow." Meanwhile, they are spreading their optimism for discovering new treatments and solutions for rare and intractable diseases. High school students participate in a panel discussion on rare and intractable diseases on May 23 at Expo in Osaka-Kansai. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) This report was first published on May 30, on J apan 2 Earth , a JAPAN Forward website featuring Japan's initiatives on the SDGs. Author: Mika Sugiura このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Children's Day Ushers In With Colorful Carp Streamers
Kodomo no Hi , or Children's Day, is a national holiday in Japan celebrated every year on May 5. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Chinese holiday of Double Fifth, which was observed on the fifth day of the fifth month. In Japan, the holiday was originally known as Tango no Sekku , or Boy's Day. It formed a pair with Hinamatsuri, or Girl's Day, which is celebrated on the third day of the third month. However, in 1948, the holiday was officially renamed Children's Day, to reflect a more inclusive celebration of both boys and girls. Celebrating Children's Day with Koinobori in Zushi (Photos ©JAPAN Forward by Galileo Ferrari) One of the most iconic symbols of Children's Day in Japan is the flying carp streamers, or koinobori . These are hoisted up on flagpoles and flown in the breeze. The custom of flying the koinobori owes its origins to an ancient Chinese legend about a carp that transforms into a dragon after swimming up a waterfall. Celebrating Children's Day with Koinobori in Zushi (Photos © JAPAN Forward by Galileo Ferrari) As a symbol of each family's hope, the flags express the wish that their children will exhibit the same determination, vigor, and success as the carp in the legend. Each carp in the koinobori string represents a member of the family. Of course, the largest fish in the strand symbolizes the father. And the colors of the other fish correspond to the mother and the children in the family. Celebrating Children's Day with Koinobori in Zushi (Photos © JAPAN Forward by Galileo Ferrari) The result is countless, adorable lines of fish families strung up across the country. Moreover, all of these add to the festive atmosphere of Children's Day. Interestingly, Children's Day used to be exclusively a celebration of boys. But it gradually evolved into a more inclusive holiday that also honors girls. Nowadays it is seen as a time to celebrate the happiness and well-being of all children, as well as their growth and development. Celebrating Children's Day with Koinobori in Zushi (Photos © JAPAN Forward by Galileo Ferrari) In addition to flying the koinobori, families may also display samurai dolls, miniature armor, and other traditional decorations. In addition, many families traditionally prepare special dishes such as mochi rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves. Celebrating Children's Day with Koinobori in Zushi (Photos © JAPAN Forward by Galileo Ferrari) Children's Day is a vibrant and joyous occasion in Japan that further combines ancient traditions with modern celebrations of childhood. It's a time for families to come together and honor the future generations, while also reflecting on the past and the cultural heritage that has shaped Japan into the country it is today. This article was first published on May 6, 2023. Author: Galileo Ferrari
