Latest news with #Japanese-themed
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Japan-themed events face backlash ahead of Liberation Day
With the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule just around the corner, a Japanese-themed festival at a theme park here is fueling heated debate online. Nijimori Studio in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, has been holding a summer festival since July 26, which runs through this Sunday. The festival offers visitors a chance to experience Japanese culture through activities such as trying on traditional attire, attending samurai duel performances and watching parades of portable Shinto shrines, officials said. What sparked controversy are the programs planned for Friday, which include a samurai duel performance and a kimono contest. This falls on the same day as National Liberation Day, a national holiday that marks Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule (1919-1945). Seo Kyung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University in Seoul and an outspoken activist on issues related to South Korean sovereignty, wrote in a Facebook post that 'holding such an event on National Liberation Day goes against the national sentiment.' Nijimori Studio is a commercial facility repurposed into a theme park from a former film and drama set. Some online users, however, argued that historical issues and cultural consumption should be seen separately. 'Should every Japanese restaurant just shut down? If we start rejecting cultural exchange because of a country's past wrongdoings, what's the point of diplomacy?' one Facebook user wrote. The theme park responded to the controversy by introducing programs to mark National Liberation Day, including the reading of a celebratory message and a lantern-floating event honoring independence activists. A similar controversy erupted earlier last week when the professional baseball team LG Twins announced plans to invite 'Tanjiro' and 'Nezuko,' characters from the hit Japanese anime Demon Slayer, to throw the ceremonial first pitch at their game against the Hanwha Eagles on Saturday. The team ultimately canceled the plan amid mounting public criticism. Demon Slayer is set during Japan's imperial era, and the pattern on the main character's earrings has long drawn backlash for resembling the Rising Sun flag, a symbol linked to Japanese militarism. Amid the ongoing controversy over Japanese cultural events on National Liberation Day, demand for travel to Japan has remained steady. More than 9 million passengers traveled on flights between Korea and Japan as of July 17, marking a 9.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Incheon International Airport Corporation.
The Irish Sun
05-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
The McDonald's that's one of the world's most beautiful with pretty outdoor courtyard and volcano views
Plus, one of the most unique McDonald's where you can sit in a disused plane CHIP IN The McDonald's that's one of the world's most beautiful with pretty outdoor courtyard and volcano views GOLDEN arches and red seating, it's safe to say that most McDonald's generally have the same look - apart from this one. In Guatemala there's a restaurant of the fast food chain that looks nothing like you'd expect, and has been called the 'prettiest in the world'. 5 This McDonald's has standout views and even a fountain Credit: Tripadvisor 5 There are shaded areas in the courtyard too Credit: Tripadvisor Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here McDonald's Antigua, Guatemala has ditched the usual McDonald's design for a beautiful courtyard, and incredible views. The restaurant is in the central highlands of Guatemala - so if you look out you get views of the enormous Agua volcano. It has a large beautiful cobbled courtyard full of lush green trees, bright flower, and tables with sun umbrellas surrounding a huge fountain. Some videos on social media even show off live music outside. You don't forget it's a McDonald's, though, when you spot a huge Ronald McDonald statue on a bench. It has made an impression with visitors too, one wrote on Tripadvisor: "I guarantee you won't have seen a McDonald's like it." Another said: "The McDonald's here is amazing. Because of the city's historical preservation rules, you won't know that McDonald's is there unless you happen to walk by and look inside." A third commented: "You can eat some burgers or ice cream with a beautiful view of mountains." It even has a swing set integrated into its design which has appeared multiple times on Instagram and TikTok. McDonald's new menu taste test 5 The McDonald's is the same as any other when it comes to food Credit: Tripadvisor 5 Visitors remember it's a McDonald's when they spot the statue of Ronald Credit: Tripadvisor McDonald's knows what they're doing, as there's one very quirky restaurant in New Zealand that's inside a decommissioned DC-3 plane. On the aircraft-turned fast-food restaurant in Taupō, New Zealand, you have to climb the original plane stairs that lead into the restaurant. Inside there's not a lot of room, but 20 diners can sit across 10 tables. There's also the cockpit, which has been preserved behind a glass wall. The outside of the plane has been repainted, and the previous airline name has been replaced with the McDonald's logo of course. The tail end of the plane features the classic McDonald's golden arches and outside, there's a playground for kids as well. Here are more of McDonald's restaurants around the world that are both beautiful and unusual, from former banks to UNESCO sites. Plus, inside the world's most tranquil McDonald's with Japanese-themed tea garden and serene river.
7NEWS
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
As Holly Valance splits from billionaire husband, a look into their property empire
Holly Valance, the Australian actress and singer who rose to fame on Neighbours, has reportedly split from her husband of 13 years, British billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy. In the 1990s, together with his brother Christian, Mr Candy began building a formidable property empire, which has since been punctuated by record-breaking developments like the £1.2 billion (AU$2.502 billion) One Hyde Park in London's ritzy Knightsbride. The couple, who share two daughters, met in 2009 and were engaged two years later. They married in a lavish AU$6 million ceremony in Beverly Hills in 2012. Naturally, the family have enjoyed quite the luxury lifestyle, with a property portfolio that spans some of the world's most exclusive locales. So if you've ever wondered where luxury property developers like to call home, we take a look at the notable properties they shared during their marriage. One Hyde Park Penthouse, London At the pinnacle of their property portfolio is the duplex penthouse at One Hyde Park, one of London's most prestigious addresses and 'one of the most exclusive and secure residential developments in the world,' according to the Sotheby's International listing. Spanning 18,000 square feet over the 10th and 11th floors, the ultra-luxury home features five bedrooms, an eight-metre-high reception room, a Japanese-themed kitchen, private spa, gym, cocktail bar, home cinema, and a wraparound terrace with uninterrupted views over Hyde Park. The principal suite alone covers 2,300 square feet, complete with dressing rooms and twin bathrooms featuring Jacuzzi-style pools. Despite its grandeur, the couple reportedly spent only about 20 days a year at the penthouse. In 2018, Candy sold the property for £160 million (AU$333.6 million) to offshore companies under his control so he could remortgage it with an £80 million (AU$166.8 million) loan. The penthouse was listed for £175 million (AU$364.9 million) in 2021 and remains on the market, making it one of London's most expensive apartments. Gordon House, London Another impressive residence is Gordon House in the coveted south-west borough of Chelsea, a Grade II-listed property built in 1809. Set on acres of grounds that form part of Chelsea's Royal Hospital, the property was acquired by Christian Candy in 2012 along with two neighbouring properties. He began renovations and then gifted the soon-to-be mansion to Nick Candy in 2014, who lived there with Ms Valance and their girls. The estate underwent extensive renovations to turn it into a luxury home, including the addition of a 14,000-square-foot subterranean lifestyle complex - essentially a basement featuring Europe's first private IMAX cinema, a wine cellar, and a leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna, cold plunge, dance studio, treatment rooms and even a bowling alley. The entire property now spans 40,000 square feet of internal space, including a two-storey guest house with a double-height courtyard and retractable glass ceiling. Cotswolds estate, Oxfordshire, UK In 2021, the couple purchased a £10 million (AU$20.85 million) Georgian heritage estate in the Cotswolds, described as a 'home sweet home' in the Oxfordshire countryside. The stately seven-bedroom property is a short drive from trendy private members club Soho Farmhouse, where Meghan Markle held her three-day hen's party before marrying Prince Harry in 2018. Set on nine acres, it features a Grade II-listed main house, guest cottages, pool, stables, tennis and squash courts, plus its very own chapel. Mr Candy told UK Mail Online in 2021 that he, Ms Valance and their children had been yearning to live in the countryside and were thrilled with the purchase. 'We have been looking for years to get something in the Cotswolds for the family, and finally, a year ago, we found a gorgeous family home in a wonderful village,' he said. 'We're very immersed in our quiet country life at weekends and adore the friendly and welcoming village.' The area is no stranger to wealth and celebrity status. High-profile personalities who have also bought in the area include Kate Moss, Lily Allen, Hugh Grant, and famously, David and Victoria Beckham. Beverly Hills mansion, Los Angeles The couple's Beverly Hills pad is the epitome of a glamorous, international lifestyle in luxury real estate. The modernist mansion in LA's Holmby Hills is known as The Reserve, designed to reflect 'tranquility and peace'. Beyond the swaying palms, you'll find ceilings that are 14-feet high, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and the 50-foot swimming pool. Other highlights include a lush master wing, wine room, elegant Art Deco Hollywood bar and plush 1920s French Regency-style cinema. There is also a pretty spectacular kid's play room. Of course, there is also a separate 10,000-square-foot, three-storey guest house, which hardly fits the definition considering it has five bedrooms, a gym, spa and carport. According to Mansion Global, many of these luxurious features were added by Mr Candy, who bought the estate from his brother in 2018. He paid US$28.5 million (AU$43.3 million), according to Zillow. Mr Candy listed the property for US$85 million (AU$129 million) in 2022. It is still on the market, after a US$10 million price cut in 2024, and a further US$10 million cut this June to US$65 million (AU$98.8 million). Ms Valance found fame on Neighbours as Felicity 'Flick' Scully before launching a career as a pop star after moving to the UK in 2002. Her debut album 'Footprints' produced three hits, including Kiss Kiss, which charted at number one in the UK. The actor, singer and model then turned her sights to Hollywood, appearing on TV series like Prison Break and Entourage, and even landing a role in the Liam Neeson film Taken.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
OYO's SUNDAY opens first Japanese-themed hotel in India
Synopsis Oyo has launched India's first Japanese-themed hotel under its premium SUNDAY brand in Gurugram. The 217-key hotel, the largest SUNDAY Hotel in India, features traditional Japanese elements like an Ofuro, a 20-seater Japanese restaurant, and a dedicated wing for long-term stays.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Inside the world's most tranquil McDonald's with Japanese-themed tea garden and serene river
Scroll down to read more about quirky McDonald's locations MC-BREATHE Inside the world's most tranquil McDonald's with Japanese-themed tea garden and serene river WHILE your local McDonald's is likely located on a high street or in a shopping centre, others have a more unique backdrop. And one McDonald's in Singapore has even been named the world's most tranquil due to its stunning location. Advertisement 5 Singapore is home to the world's most tranquil McDonald's, which is located inside a Japanese-themed tea garden Credit: x/@AnimeAlchemy24 5 McDonald's patrons can enjoy the scenic Japanese-style garden while enjoying their meal Credit: 5 The iconic McDonald's is located on a pavilion in the middle of Singapore's famous Ridout Tea Garden Credit: x/@marklincadet The McDonald's at Ridout Tea Garden in Singapore boasts zen vibes on a Japanese-style pavilion overlooking a serene river. This unique eatery a has been a prominent landmark in the area since 1989. It was established inside the country's first Japanese-themed community garden and offers picturesque views for diners. Ridout first began as Queenstown Japanese Garden, which was opened in 1970. Advertisement It became a popular leisure venue for the nearby residents and consisted of 23 shops that sold everything from furniture and sports equipment to clothes and electronic goods. And of course, food and beverages could be purchased at the garden's singular restaurant called Queen's Garden Restaurant, which offered both Western and Chinese cuisines. However, a fire destroyed the property in June 1978, with almost all the shops going up in smoke. The local government invested in rebuilding the location, which was renamed Ridout after the nearby roundabout. Advertisement But despite the scenic remodel, the space lacked the crowds of Queenstown due to the limited retail and dining options. So in 1981, Kentucky Fried Chicken set up shop in the garden, attracting crowds to the park. McDonald's CEO reveals major 'menu news' as fans cry for snack wrap return McDonald's eventually replaced the fast food outlet in 1989, becoming one of the country's oldest outlets. Open 24 hours, Ridout Tea Garden's McDonald's shares a premises with a Thai restaurant, which closed during the Covid pandemic, and a plant nursery. Advertisement The single story pavilion features large sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views for customers while dining. It has established itself as a beloved location with residents of the area. Football fans even crowded into the fast food outlet to watch their teams play via a live telecast during the 2010 World Cup. Advertisement The locations has become popular with tourists too, after going viral on Instagram. Described as "tranquil" and a "hidden gem", this McDonald's has a unique outdoor area for families to explore. You can even visit the turtles and fish that inhabit the pond. And of course, Western tourists will be excited to try the different menu options available. Advertisement You can opt to dine indoors or in a covered over outdoor area with fans during your visit. And this isn't the only awe-inspiring McDonald's out there, you can visit one that has taken up residence inside an abandoned plane. Or if you want to stay closer to home, why not check out the McDonald's built inside a historic pub right here in the UK? 5 The McDonald's is one of Singapore's oldest, having been established in 1989 Credit: Advertisement
