Latest news with #JAPANESE
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Greggs mania as legions of JAPANESE fans desperate to visit UK to try firm's £1.30 sausage roll
Bemused Japanese journalists even interviewed families scoffing sausage rolls outside a branch in London LAND OF THE RISING CRUMB Greggs mania as legions of JAPANESE fans desperate to visit UK to try firm's £1.30 sausage roll Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GREGGS has won a legion of followers in Japan after Madame Tussauds displayed a waxwork version of the bakery chain's sausage roll. Japanese expat influencers have been trying the British pastry favourite and waxing lyrical about it on TikTok. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Greggs has become a surprise hit in Japan, with the store even featured on national television Credit: 4 Japanese influencers have even travelled to the UK to test out sausage rolls Credit: 4 The interest in Japan was sparked by Greggs featuring at Madame Tussauds Credit: And their countrymen are now desperate to travel halfway around the world to try one for themselves. In one video, a Japanese TikTok influencer living in the UK tells her 10,000 followers she eats Greggs twice a day and says: 'If you plan to go to England, please try this.' Another said: 'Pretty sure it's a legal requirement in the UK to eat at least one Greggs.' The Newcastle-based chain became so well-known online that Japanese news channels have run TV reports explaining what it is. On one item on the popular Nippon TV network, a reporter tells viewers: 'Madame Tussauds, the wax museum that is one of London's popular tourist attractions, features numerous wax figures of British royal family members and world-famous celebrities. 'This time, the new exhibit is not a human, but a sausage roll — a popular snack in the UK. 'June 5 is designated as National Sausage Roll Day in the UK, and Madame Tussauds has created a wax replica of a sausage roll made to look just like the one sold by Greggs, a British chain. 'Greggs' sausage rolls are a beloved snack in the UK, with around one million sold each day. "The wax figure production team spent several months completing the piece, going through trial and error to recreate the flaky pastry layers and crisp texture of the sausage roll.' Greggs taste test Bemused Japanese journalists even interviewed families scoffing sausage rolls outside a branch in London, and asked why they liked them so much. One man, identified by the channel only as 'person eating', told viewers: 'The crust is crunchy, crispy and soft. The seasoning is really good.' Greggs was asked to comment on its new-found fame in the Far East. But after the waxwork was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in central London last week, Greggs CEO Roisin Currie, said: 'Seeing our sausage roll receive the celebrity treatment is a proud and slightly surreal moment for all of us.'
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Major warning over ‘beast' invasive plant as gardens across the UK set to see ‘super growth' this month
HOMEOWNERS across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens. Advertisement 2 Homeowners across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens. Credit: Alamy 2 Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage Credit: Getty Japanese Knotweed grows quickly and can cause damage to buildings, plus it's extremely difficult to eradicate. Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage. Rain has returned to the UK recently after a prolonged dry spell, resulting in a combination of warm soil and wet weather . Sold property expert Terry Fisher warned: "These conditions can result in "growth spurts" for the invasive plant which can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners. Advertisement Garden News Mr Fisher continued: 'We've been basking in the glorious sunshine, but now the rain has made an epic return. 'This combination of wet and warm creates the ideal conditions for Japanese knotweed to thrive and even go into a super growth. "Meaning homeowners might unearth a beast in their gardens this spring," reported What does Japanese Knotweed look like? Japanese Knotweed can grow at up to 10cm a day in the summer and reach up to 7ft high. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Gardening expert, Kendal Platt, who runs 'It causes severe damage and can be as bad a Japanese knotweed,' gardeners warned over plant that can devalue your home "They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer . "Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. "They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. Advertisement They further explained that the flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. HOW TO SPOT A JAPANESE KNOTWEED HOW to spot Japanese Knotweed and what to do if you find it. GARDENING expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "Japanese knotweed shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall". They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. The flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. It spreads through its rhizomes (underground root system) which are dark brown on the outside and orange on the inside. They can burrow up to 3 metres under ground causing damage to buildings and break easily, so can be hard to remove completely. If you find it in your garden it's important to call in a specialist Japanese Knotweed removal company. They use a glyphosate based herbicide which when injected into the plant at the right time of year can kill it. It may take a few years of repeated application to eradicate the plant completely from your property which is why many removal companies recommend a glyphosate treatment programme over a number of years. How to remove Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment. Mr Fisher said: 'Avoid attempting a DIY removal as you could accidentally spread it further. "It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation. Advertisement "This is all best left to the professionals." Mr Fisher continued: "Your neighbours can seek compensation if it breaches onto their land, and you can be fined if it starts to grow in the wild. 'Whatever the case, homeowners need to act quickly if any signs of Japanese knotweed appear.' Legal Issues When selling a home, vendors are legally required to disclose if a property is, or ever has been, affected by Japanese knotweed. Advertisement Surveyors also have a legal obligation to look for it as part of their report. Mr Fisher added: 'If you're buying a house and a survey flags that a property has Japanese knotweed, you could negotiate the price or ensure the seller treats the plant before the sale goes through. "But after that, it's your job to keep an eye on your garden for any signs of the plant returning. The warmer weather can also bring a feeling of mild panic to gardeners. Advertisement Whether it is worry about having planted enough seeds or what do to with all the overgrown bits. But we have lots of This month is also the ideal time to plant certain plants, vegetables and fruits. That's why Sean Lade, a gardening expert has revealed some of the Advertisement And if you have weeds on your patio here's a Also, The Range is selling a
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Major warning over ‘beast' invasive plant as gardens across the UK set to see ‘super growth' this month
Plus, the other gardening jobs you should be tackling in June PLANT PROBLEMS Major warning over 'beast' invasive plant as gardens across the UK set to see 'super growth' this month Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOMEOWNERS across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens. Recent weather has created ideal conditions for "super growth" this month and gardeners are urged to be vigilant. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Homeowners across the UK are warned to be on the lookout for an invasive plant in their gardens. Credit: Alamy 2 Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage Credit: Getty Japanese Knotweed grows quickly and can cause damage to buildings, plus it's extremely difficult to eradicate. Finding it on your property can quickly turn into a costly nightmare that can stop you being able to sell your home or get a mortgage. Rain has returned to the UK recently after a prolonged dry spell, resulting in a combination of warm soil and wet weather. Sold property expert Terry Fisher warned: "These conditions can result in "growth spurts" for the invasive plant which can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners. Mr Fisher continued: 'We've been basking in the glorious sunshine, but now the rain has made an epic return. 'This combination of wet and warm creates the ideal conditions for Japanese knotweed to thrive and even go into a super growth. "Meaning homeowners might unearth a beast in their gardens this spring," reported The Argus. What does Japanese Knotweed look like? Japanese Knotweed can grow at up to 10cm a day in the summer and reach up to 7ft high. Gardening expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "The shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall. 'It causes severe damage and can be as bad a Japanese knotweed,' gardeners warned over plant that can devalue your home "They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. "Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. "They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. They further explained that the flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. HOW TO SPOT A JAPANESE KNOTWEED HOW to spot Japanese Knotweed and what to do if you find it. GARDENING expert, Kendal Platt, who runs Adventures with Flowers, said: "Japanese knotweed shoots look similar to bamboo shoots growing 2- 3metres tall". They are hollow and coloured red in the Spring and turn green in the summer. Their leaves which appear in Spring are shield or heart-shaped with a pointed tip and grow at staggered intervals along the length of the shoots. They can grow up to 20cm long and die back in winter leaving just the brown dead looking canes above ground. The flowers appear in late summer as bunches of creamy white flowers growing in amongst the leaves. It spreads through its rhizomes (underground root system) which are dark brown on the outside and orange on the inside. They can burrow up to 3 metres under ground causing damage to buildings and break easily, so can be hard to remove completely. If you find it in your garden it's important to call in a specialist Japanese Knotweed removal company. They use a glyphosate based herbicide which when injected into the plant at the right time of year can kill it. It may take a few years of repeated application to eradicate the plant completely from your property which is why many removal companies recommend a glyphosate treatment programme over a number of years. How to remove Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment. Mr Fisher said: 'Avoid attempting a DIY removal as you could accidentally spread it further. "It requires a multi-pronged approach, often involving herbicides and potentially excavation, depending on the extent of the infestation. "This is all best left to the professionals." Mr Fisher continued: "Your neighbours can seek compensation if it breaches onto their land, and you can be fined if it starts to grow in the wild. 'Whatever the case, homeowners need to act quickly if any signs of Japanese knotweed appear.' Legal Issues When selling a home, vendors are legally required to disclose if a property is, or ever has been, affected by Japanese knotweed. Surveyors also have a legal obligation to look for it as part of their report. Mr Fisher added: 'If you're buying a house and a survey flags that a property has Japanese knotweed, you could negotiate the price or ensure the seller treats the plant before the sale goes through. "But after that, it's your job to keep an eye on your garden for any signs of the plant returning. The warmer weather can also bring a feeling of mild panic to gardeners. Whether it is worry about having planted enough seeds or what do to with all the overgrown bits. But we have lots of June jobs to get you organised in the garden. This month is also the ideal time to plant certain plants, vegetables and fruits. That's why Sean Lade, a gardening expert has revealed some of the best things to plant right now. And if you have weeds on your patio here's a 30p trick that will blitz them for good – and it's safe for your garden. Also, The Range is selling a charming £2.99 buy to brighten up your garden that will add a touch of whimsy to your summer parties.
Arab Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
New bilateral pacts fortify Kuwait-Japan partnership
KUWAIT'S CROWN PRINCE MEETS JAPANESE EMPEROR NARUHITO, PM TOKYO, May 29: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met in Tokyo, Thursday morning, with Japanese Emperor Naruhito. His Highness the Crown Prince conveyed greetings and best wishes of welfare from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Emperor Naruhito and the Japanese people. The meeting focused on the close historic relations between the two countries in the past six decades, which saw great leaps in various fields, reflecting the aspirations of people in both countries. Later, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah held an official round of talks Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, in Tokyo. The talks were preceded by an official reception ceremony for His Highness the Crown Prince by the Japanese Prime Minister, which included a military parade and the playing of the national anthems of the countries. During the reception, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and conveyed the best greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to Japan and its friendly people. His Highness affirmed Kuwait's desire to enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries to reach the level of a strategic partnership. Further, His Highness lauded Japan's supportive stance for Kuwaiti rights during the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, recalling the historical relations that have bound the two friendly countries since 1958. In turn, the Japanese Premier welcomed the official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince, praising the depth of the historical relations that bind the two friendly countries and peoples. The latest regional and global developments were touched on during the talks. The talks were attended by the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Crown Prince. A signing ceremony was held during the visit, where Kuwait and Japan formalised several agreements and Memoranda of Cooperation (MoCs), overseen by His Highness the Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The ceremony reflected the two countries' keenness to strengthen and develop the existing bilateral cooperation between them in various vital fields. Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and members of the official delegation attended the event. The State of Kuwait and Japan agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership,' which reflects the depth of the relationship and opens new horizons for cooperation. The agreement is a fruit of the official visit by His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan on May 28-31, a press release from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. His Highness the Crown Prince has held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on ways to strengthen the relations in various vital areas and serve the mutual interests of both nations amid regional and international changes. They agreed that upgrading the bilateral relations in the political, economic and humanitarian fields materialises both nations' shared commitment to enhancing security, stability and prosperity on regional and international scales, the statement noted. To conclude the day's engagements, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a banquet in honour of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation, in Tokyo. Kuwait and Japan are tied with historical bonds that started with the economic field in the fifties when the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al- Sabah agreed in 1958 to grant Japan's Arabian Oil Company Ltd the concession to explore oil at the Submerged Area or the Neutral Zone. Three years later, Japan was in the forefront of those countries that had recognized Kuwait's independence through a cabinet decree on December 8, 1961, in spite of Iraqi economic sanctions on Japanese exports. The Japanese move was based on balanced interests with Kuwait, particularly after Japan had obtained the concession to use Kuwait's oil share in the divided zone with Saudi Arabia. The concession came to an end in September 2001 under a memo of understanding. The Kuwait Gulf Oil Company then started operating in the joint offshore oil fields. Bilateral diplomatic ties were forged in February 1962, when the first Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan, Sulaiman Mohammad Al-Sanea, arrived in Tokyo, and the Japanese embassy was inaugurated in Kuwait in March, 1963. Japanese commercial missions had been present in Kuwaiti markets since 1961 to study markets of Gulf States. Afterwards, both sides commenced cooperative relations in several areas, including cooperation between Kuwait Gulf oil Company and Arabian Oil Company by signing agreements for providing Japan with part of the production of the divided area and helping Kuwaiti companies make use of the Arabian Oil Company's expertise and a Japanese financing agreement. Based on this cooperation, the Arabian Oil Company Ltd had helped in establishing Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) in 1967. In the following decades, relations between the two countries were based on mutual benefit, especially in commercial aspects, where Kuwait was one of the main sources of crude oil and its derivatives for Japan, while Kuwaiti markets saw an abundance of Japanese products. Japan's position on the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 was so supportive that it stood by Kuwaiti rights and supported international conventions condemning occupation, calling for return of sovereignty. Japan also contributed USD 13 billion for the liberation of Kuwait. In January 1995, the then Heir to the Emperor's Throne, Naruhito, and Princess Masako, visited Kuwait, where the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah granted him the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer in appreciation of Japan's support for Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion. In return, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah paid an official visit to Tokyo in October of the same year in order to voice gratitude to Japan for having supported Kuwait during the liberation from the Iraqi invasion. In March 2012, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah visited Japan, where he had met with Emperor Akihito, Crown Prince Naruhito and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on ways of promoting relations between both countries in a bid to serve their mutual interest. In August 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Kuwait in order to bolster his country's partnership with Kuwait, mainly in economic and scientific matters and promote bilateral dialogue to ensure joint stability and prosperity. On December 23, 2024, Kuwait and Japan held the fourth round of political consultations, with both sides having voiced a willingness to further expand their economic partnership covering food security, cybersecurity, renewable energy, oil and petrochemicals. The Kuwaiti-Japanese businessmen's committee, formed in 1995, held its first meeting in Kuwait in November of the same year. In 2011, Kuwait granted Japan five million barrels of crude oil worth roughly USD 500 million, in addition to USD five million in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that hit its eastern coasts. (KUNA)
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
All eyes on Johor's economic potential
Leong (second from right) presenting a memento to Natazha at the Forest City Special Finance Zone International Investment Law Conference. Looking on are committee secretary Raymond Low (right) and committee member Rumi Amjed. — THOMAS YONG/The Star JAPANESE companies will be able to evaluate Johor's economic potential and opportunities when Nikkei Forum Medini is held in Iskandar Puteri this month, says Invest Johor chief executive officer Natazha Harris. He said the annual forum, a global platform, would be held outside Japan for the first time. 'This is a huge honour for Johor as this shows that Japan recognises the potential and growth of the state, especially the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ),' said Natazha. The forum, to be held on June 18 and 19, typically hosts events and conferences that bring together leaders and experts to discuss opportunities and critical issues in Asia and provides a platform for cultivating partnerships in South-East Asia. On the JS-SEZ, Natazha said 328 enquiries had been received to date, with some RM48.1bil in potential investments. He said of the 47 potential investors, 40 were foreign while seven were domestic. 'At least five have confirmed that they will be investing in Johor,' Natazha said in an interview after opening the 1st Forest City Special Finance Zone International Investment Law Conference. He said most of the enquiries about the JS-SEZ came from Singapore, China and European countries. 'Most of them are from digital economy and advanced manufacturing sectors,' he said, adding that the state government was also actively promoting Johor via trade missions. According to Natazha, delegations had also visited China, South Korea and two countries in the Middle East. He said investors usually asked about incentives offered, available talent and the ease of movement for captains of industry. 'Most of the companies' front offices are in Singapore while manufacturing and operations are in Johor. 'They want to know about ease of check-point clearance,' he added. Meanwhile, Natazha said the JS-SEZ blueprint should be out by September. 'It is important for us to know where the RM5bil announced by the government for infrastructure development will be spent in the state. 'Although Economy Ministry is coming up with the JS-SEZ blueprint, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) and the state government sit on the committee,' he said, adding that the blueprint was a priority for Johor. During the Special Finance Zone International Investment Law Conference, its committee chairman Jeff Leong said the forum was important as lawyers played a vital part in the international foreign direct investment (FDI) ecosystem. The lawyers, he said, advised clients on where to invest as well as risk assessments. 'We are happy that there were many participants, not just from Malaysia but also Asean, China, India, countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council and even BRICS+ countries,' he said. Leong said forum participants would be taking their understanding of Johor, especially the JS-SEZ and Forest City Special Finance Zone, to their clients upon returning to their respective countries. He added that these major projects were game changers, making Johor one of the hottest spots to invest in Asia.
