Latest news with #Merlion
SoraNews24
a day ago
- SoraNews24
Fukuoka woman arrested for drunk bicycle riding
It's a more serious crime than you may think. You don't hear much about DUI charges involving bicycles, but despite not being as potentially destructive as their motorized counterparts, bicycles are moving at fast enough speeds to cause serious injury. Perhaps it's just because the police's attention tends to be on other matters that drunk cyclists manage to slip under the radar unless they're doing something really conspicuous. This brings us to 21 May, when a 38-year-old woman was arrested for drunk bicycle riding while riding down Fukuoka City's Rocket Park St., which, despite its dynamic name, is a fairly quiet residential area. ▼ Rocket Park St. At about 10:30 p.m. on the same day, the woman was spotted by an officer in a patrol car riding her bike while vomiting at the same time. Seeing that and worried about her physical condition, the officer called out to her to offer assistance. Her reaction was to flee the scene on her bicycle so the officer gave chase and after stopping her administered a breathalyzer test. Found to have a blood alcohol level about four times the legal limit, she was immediately arrested. At first, she denied the charge, but perhaps after sobering up later on, she confessed that she was on her way home after drinking beer at an izakaya. Police are currently investigating how much beer that was. Many of the readers of the news online were so unaccustomed to hearing about someone getting caught drunk bicycling, they wondered what would happen to this woman. 'Getting caught drunk cycling is some advanced drunkenness.' 'If she'd only just stopped her bike and went into the trees to throw up, she'd be just another drunk person.' 'I'm a little impressed she can ride a bike while vomiting.' 'Does this affect her driver's license if she has one?' 'The penalties for even operating light vehicles drunk are severe. Just don't do it.' 'All she had to do was get off the bike and walk, but I guess she was too drunk to even think of that.' 'Can you imagine the smell?' 'I wonder if it was erupting like the Merlion.' 'What is the penalty for this? Fine? A ticket?' I was wondering about that last one myself, so let's take a look. According to Japanese law, anyone found operating a bicycle while demonstrably too intoxicated to do so, regardless of their blood alcohol level, is subject to a prison sentence of up to five years and/or a fine of up to one million yen (US$7,000). The fact that she was puking while riding would probably satisfy the condition of being 'too intoxicated' in this instance. Often if the person shows remorse and is a first-time offender, there's a fair chance this will end up as a suspended sentence, allowing her to go free as long as she doesn't do it again. However, an interesting caveat to this law is that many accessory charges apply much like they do with drunk driving. For example, if the izakaya was found to have served her alcohol with the knowledge that she would use a bike afterward, they are also liable and could face penalties of up to three months in prison or a maximum fine of 500,000 yen. ▼ 'Excuse me, sir. I'm required to ask if you will be operating a bicycle before serving you.' And as we reported earlier, laws regarding drinking and biking recently got even stricter. A revision to the Road Traffic Act made 'cycling under the influence' a crime punishable by up to three years in prison or a maximum fine of 500,000 yen. To be charged with this, one only needs to be caught riding a bicycle with a breath alcohol content of 0.15 mg/L or more, roughly equivalent to less than an hour after a single beer for an adult male. Needless to say, Japan does not play at all when it comes to drinking and bicycling. Even though arrests for it seem to be rare, they do happen and you do not want to be on the receiving end of these charges, so just play it safe and stumble home on your feet like an honorable, law-abiding drunk. Source: Fukuoka TNC News, Itai News, Kyodo News, Japanese Visa/Naturalization Application Support, Asahi Shimbun Top image: Pakutaso Insert image: Pakutaso ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
The Mainichi
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
News in Easy English: Cute mascots from around the world popular at Osaka Expo 2025
OSAKA -- Many visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, love taking photos with cute and interesting mascot characters from different countries. These mascots are becoming very popular with visitors. In Japan, mascots called "yuru-chara" are well-loved. People like them because they feel friendly and relaxed. In front of Germany's pavilion, visitors met a mascot called Circular. Circular is round, soft and cute. The theme at this Pavilion is "circular economy," and the mascot is based on Japan's "kawaii" (cute) style. One woman from Osaka said, "I am happy they know about Japanese culture." At Czechia's pavilion, there is a mascot called Rene, who has many eyes. Rene looks a little strange. Rene is a friend of Myaku-Myaku, the Expo 2025mascot. People were seen taking photos far away from Rene because he looks unusual. Singapore has a mascot named Merli at their pavilion. Merli comes from the Merlion, a famous symbol of Singapore. Many people in Japan love Merlion. Merli meets visitors three times every day. Canada's mascot is called Parka. But Parka appears only on special days. People say this makes Parka even more popular. At Expo 2025, visitors usually must check carefully about what time mascots will appear. Many mascots only meet visitors at certain times. (Japanese original by Takehiko Onishi, Osaka Photo and Video Department) Vocabulary mascot: a friendly character, often a cute animal, person or thing, used to cheer up or interest people. pavilion: a special building at a large event where each country can show its culture or ideas. culture: the ideas, ways of acting, and things special to a group or country. friendly: nice and easy to talk to, makes you feel comfortable. circular economy: a system where things are used again instead of thrown away.
AsiaOne
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
The Untamed actor Wang Zhuocheng in Singapore, visits Merlion and Jewel Changi Airport, Entertainment News
Here's another celebrity who was in town recently. In an Instagram post uploaded on May 24, Chinese actor Wang Zhuocheng shared pictures of his recent visit to Singapore. The 28-year-old, who portrayed Jiang Cheng in the 2019 Chinese TV series The Untamed, stopped by the Merlion Park and Jewel Changi Airport, where he took pictures with the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands and the Jewel Rain Vortex. In one of the pictures, Zhuocheng did the iconic pose where he "drank" from the Merlion's mouth earning cheeky reactions from fans in the comments. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marius 汪卓成 (@marius_cheng) One wrote: "Welcome to Singapore. Stay longer please." With Lady Gaga's recent Mayhem tour stop in Singapore, fans also wondered if he had made the trip to attend the pop icon's show. He also shared the photos on his Xiaohongshu account, where he remarked in his caption: "Walking, walking, walking in Singapore. The greenery here is really beautiful! But I perspired a lot after walking just two steps." Zhuocheng stars in the upcoming Chinese drama Love and Crown, which will be broadcast on Youku. [[nid:718386]]
Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Stunning Singapore locations that star in BTS Jin's new music video, ‘Don't Say You Love Me'
Marina Bay Above BTS member Jin at an apartment in Marina Bay, Singapore for the music video of 'Don't Say You Love Me' The scene then shifts to the pair's apartment in Marina Bay, Singapore's premier waterfront district. This area is known for housing tourist hotspots like Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion and Gardens By The Bay—but it forms a melancholy backdrop for Jin's relationship to fall apart. The space, though cluttered with mementos of their shared life together, becomes proof of their estrangement from one another. National Gallery Singapore Photo 1 of 3 BTS member Jin at the National Gallery Singapore for the music video of 'Don't Say You Love Me' Photo 2 of 3 BTS member Jin at the National Gallery Singapore for the music video of 'Don't Say You Love Me' Photo 3 of 3 Jin and Shin Se Kyung at the National Gallery Singapore for the music video of 'Don't Say You Love Me' Jin explores the National Gallery, hoping for the spark between him and Shin Se Kyung to return. The expansive collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian modern art look on as the pair explore the space, leaving viewers wondering if the pair will reconnect amid such grand surroundings. In case you missed it: Escape the heat: 9 cool-climate places in Southeast Asia Gardens By The Bay Above BTS Jin at Gardens By The Bay Singapore for the music video of 'Don't Say You Love Me' The theme of hopefulness continues as Jin explores Gardens By The Bay, a Singapore landmark where natural light pours out over lush greenery. This urban park in Singapore is the perfect place to bring a date—the Supertree Grove has a dazzling light show, while the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are not to be missed. Still, the space is not enough to keep Jin and Shin Se Kyung together. Anderson Bridge Above BTS Jin at Anderson Bridge Singapore for the music video of 'Don't Say You Love Me' Jin runs across the Anderson Bridge to escape the heaviness of his emotions, unable to find a better way out of the situation. Though the bridge is only 70 metres long, its neoclassical design makes it a memorable backdrop for Jin to explore the feelings of his relationship falling apart. Singapore Flyer Above Jin and Shin Se Kyung at the Singapore Flyer for the music video of 'Don't Say You Love Me' One of the last Singapore landmarks in Jin's music video is the Singapore Flyer, a 165-metre tall observation wheel that offers panoramic views of Singapore's breathtaking skyline. The pair sit with their backs facing each other, finally accepting their fate and looking to whatever lies ahead for them. NOW READ Luxury car brands transforming skylines: How Porsche, Bentley and Bugatti are redefining ultra-luxury living The ultimate bucket list for discerning coffee lovers: 9 best travel destinations to visit Dolly de Leon and Jon Jon Briones join the cast of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Credits Photography: Big Hit Music
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Wiggle Wiggle in the Sky – World's First Wiggle Wiggle-Themed Observation Wheel Experience Lands at the Singapore Flyer
SINGAPORE, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Look up, Singapore! The iconic Singapore Flyer is about to get a whimsical makeover as Wiggle Wiggle takes to the skies with the world's first Wiggle Wiggle-themed observation wheel experience. From 23 May to 28 September 2025, five of the Singapore Flyer's capsules will be transformed into a dazzling ride of retro colours and fun designs —165 metres up in the air. Wiggle Wiggle capsules are not your regular Flyer ride - it is an exclusive experience. With each purchase, guests enjoy a full 30-minute rotation inside a specially themed capsule - one of the five unique Wiggle Wiggle designs filled with playful surprises and photo worthy moments. And adding to the whimsy, Merli - short for Merlion - will also be joining in the fun! Merli is a heart-warming and whimsical illustration of Singapore's mythical national icon. Young at heart and full of energy, Merli embarks on delightful adventures to showcase Singapore's unique experiences and hidden gems to friends and visitors from around the world. As a friendly local guide with a passion for food, exploration and nature, Merli brings a charming quality to the Wiggle Wiggle experience. For those who cannot get enough of the sky-high experience, the Double Experience Pass at S$90 lets you enjoy two separate rotations on the Singapore Flyer in two different themed capsules. It is double the delight with even more time up in the sky! Unlike standard tickets, the Wiggle Wiggle Capsule tickets allow you to board via Singapore Flyer's VIP lounge, making it an adventurous premium experience from start to finish. On the ground, step into the vibrant and cheeky world of Wiggle Wiggle through t wo distinct retail experiences at the Singapore Flyer. The Pop-up Store on Level 1, located at the main entrance, is your destination for lifestyle favourites—from cult-classic tumblers to playful everyday accessories. Meanwhile, Singapore Flyer Gifts, Singapore Flyer's souvenir store located at Level 3, is where collectors and fans can discover Wiggle Wiggle X Singapore Flyer merchandise exclusive to Singapore, available from July 2025 onwards. Explore both and experience the full Wiggle Wiggle universe. Wiggle Wiggle fans can enjoy interactive moments, including: Tickets are now available at S$50 per person. Each ticket includes: Details: Location: Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Ave, Level 3, Singapore 039803 Date: 23 rd May – 28 th September 2025 Time: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (last admission at 6:30pm) Tickets can be purchased at: Singapore Flyer website, WeChat Mini Program, onsite ticketing kiosks and counter Wiggle Wiggle Pop-up Store at the Singapore Flyer Location: Singapore Flyer Retail Terminal Building, unit #01-06D Date: 23 rd May – 28 th September 2025 Time: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm To find out more about Wiggle Wiggle and its upcoming releases, follow us on: Founded in 2014 by design company Artshare, Wiggle Wiggle is a trendsetting Korean brand known for its bold, playful aesthetic and unique design philosophy. Having gained a strong foothold in Korea, the brand has successfully collaborated with major corporations and built a devoted following among the MZ generation. With over 100 creative partnerships across diverse global brands, Wiggle Wiggle continues to expand its cultural impact and brand presence both in Korea and internationally. Wiggle Wiggle's flagship stores across Korea, China, and Japan have consistently drawn large crowds, with its offline store in Korea attracting 500,000 visitors per month and online sales reached $2 million per day during a key four-day campaign period. Wiggle Wiggle continues to make waves internationally—its Harajuku store was recently featured on Japanese national TV, while its Shanghai flagship secured a spot in the esteemed "POP SHANGHAI TOP 100" ranking. For more information about Wiggle Wiggle, visit our website at and follow us on Instagram #wigglewigglesingapore ABOUT SINGAPORE FLYER Singapore Flyer is one of the most iconic landmarks in Singapore, offering a magnificent view of the idyllic Marina Bay and the Garden City from 165 metres above. Aboard one of the world's largest observation wheels, guests can enjoy a scenic flight enhanced by the FLYER360 augmented reality app or elevate their experience with a suite of premium offerings – from Premium Champagne and Singapore Sling experiences to private capsule packages and an exquisite dinner at Singapore's highest revolving dining experience, 165 Sky Dining by Singapore Flyer. Singapore Flyer was acquired by Straco Corporation Limited in November 2014 through Straco Leisure Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Bay Attractions Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Straco Corporation Limited and WTS Leisure Pte Ltd. Singapore Flyer is Straco Corporation's flagship project in Singapore. For more information, please visit
