Latest news with #Niigata
Japan Times
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Japan Times
Number of gas stations in Japan fell for the 30th consecutive year, data shows
The number of gas stations across Japan as of the end of fiscal 2024 fell 1.5% from a year earlier to 27,009, according to the industry ministry. The total fell for the 30th consecutive year, the ministry said Wednesday. It decreased to less than half of its peak of 60,421, which was marked at the end of fiscal 1994, due to vehicle electrification and improved fuel efficiency. By prefecture, Tottori had the fewest gas stations, with 191, followed by Nara, with 240, and Fukui, with 248. The number declined the most in Niigata, by 29, and Hokkaido and Osaka followed, by 27 and 21, respectively. The number of gas station operators decreased 2.4% to 12,113 — less than 40% of the total number of 30 years ago, as many operators in underpopulated areas have closed down due to poor business performance.
NHK
5 days ago
- Politics
- NHK
Japanese ex-abductee collects signatures calling for return of other victims
A man who returned to Japan after being abducted to North Korea has collected signatures calling for the government to take concrete action to bring back all abductees as soon as possible. Hasuike Kaoru was abducted on July 31, 1978, along the Niigata Prefecture coast and returned home in 2002 after a Japan-North Korea summit. He took part in Saturday's signature collection campaign near the site where he was abducted, ahead of the 47th anniversary of his abduction. People passing by responded to his call for signatures, some of whom said they are supporting him. The Japanese government says at least 17 of its citizens were abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. Five returned home in 2002, but the other 12 remain unaccounted for. After abductee Arimoto Keiko's father, Akihiro, died at the age of 96 in February, abductee Yokota Megumi's 89-year-old mother, Sakie, is the only surviving parent of the recognized victims. Hasuike said it is important to send a message to North Korea that the Japanese people have not forgotten the abduction issue. He said he wants the Japanese government to seriously consider how to make progress in the issue and take action, regardless of the political situation following the Upper House election.
Japan Times
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
JT picks: What not to miss at Fuji Rock 2025
Summer festival season is here — and The Japan Times team is heading to the mountains of Niigata Prefecture for a weekend of blistering riffs, hypnotic grooves and unforgettable moments at Fuji Rock Festival. From high-octane punk to Mercury Prize-winning rap and viral TikTok hits, here are some of the acts we're most excited to catch. Philip Brasor, contributing writer Mdou Moctar (Friday, 3:50 p.m., White Stage): There's an abundance of skilled guitarists this year, but if you're mainly into shredding, then this Niger singer-songwriter is the act to see. As a master of so-called desert blues he leans psychedelic, with a clear, dense tone that cuts through metal. His singing and politically charged Tuareg poetry are just as heavy. Little Simz (Sunday, 5 p.m., Green Stage): Of the three Mercury Prize-winners at Fuji '25, this London rapper is the biggest sales-wise, not to mention the most personal. Her beats scan rock as much as they do Afrobeat or R&B, but it's the melodic nature of her flow that pulls you in. If she's in the right mood, she could be the festival highlight because that's what personal's all about. The Hives (Sunday, 8:10 p.m., Red Marquee): Howlin' Pelle Almqvist and his Swedish garage rockers first appeared at Fuji when they were neophytes and now qualify as this year's legacy act. They haven't changed their rock 'n' roll burlesque shtick over the decades, while miraculously maintaining a raw capability for crunchy, tuneful riffs. Too bad they're playing at the same time as the excellent Hitsujibungaku, so if you have to choose, remember: The Hives are much funnier. Johan Brooks, contributing photographer Creepy Nuts (Sunday, Green Stage, 3:00 p.m.): Still riding high on their viral, chart-smashing hit 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born,' hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts are set to unleash an eccentric rampage on the festival's main stage. kanekoayano (Sunday, Red Marquee, 6:00 p.m.): Now appearing as kanekoayano, singer-songwriter Ayano Kaneko shifts from being a soloist backed by a band to fronting a unified project that gives her longtime collaborators room to shine as they perform their rich, emotional sound. Radwimps (Sunday, Green Stage, 7:00 p.m.): From this longtime album charts fixture, you can expect a set that'll feel like a scene out of a Makoto Shinkai anime film. Alyssa I. Smith, staff writer Vaundy (Friday, Green Stage, 7:00 p.m.): One of Japan's biggest hitmakers of the 2020s, Vaundy brings his genre-blurring pop to Fuji Rock's main stage ahead of headliner Fred Again.. With 17 songs topping 100 million streams, the Gen Z singer-songwriter's gift for addictive melodies promises emotional highs and a soundtrack for your summer memories. Balming Tiger (Saturday, White Stage, 2:00 p.m.): Landing right in the middle of the Fuji Rock weekend, Balming Tiger delivers a burst of pure infectious fun that will have you dancing in no time. This 11-member South Korean collective defies K-pop conventions with a chaotic, genre-hopping blend of hip-hop, pop, rock and electronica. Bolstered by wacky choreography and creative visuals, their live shows are gleefully unpredictable. Hitsujibungaku (Sunday, White Stage, 8:10 p.m.): This year marks the fourth time alt-rock trio Hitsujibungaku has played Fuji Rock, having first appeared on the Rookie A Go-Go stage back in 2016. Known for their slow-burning rock, the band has shifted from the indie circuit to become a rising international name with tours in the U.S. and U.K. this year. Expect a stirring nighttime set made all the more cinematic thanks to the surrounding forests of Naeba. Patrick St. Michel, contributing writer Summer Eye (Friday, Orange Echo, 12:25 p.m.): Former Siamese Cats vocalist Tomoyuki Natsume's solo project brings a tropical breeze and dance-ready pulse to rock. Live, he's unpredictable and always eager to head into the crowd to bring the coastal vibes closer to listeners, making this a great set to enter the first day's afternoon. mei ehara (Saturday, Field of Heaven, 11:30 a.m.): Singer-songwriter mei ehara crafts hypnotic grooves that can be laid-back and enveloping in equal measures. Ahead of a new album this fall, this set at the Field of Heaven offers a chance to see what she's been cooking up. If it's too early, though, catch American artist Faye Webster's performance later in the day at the White Stage, as the two have collaborated and ehara is bound to make an appearance. TV Tairiku Ondo (Monday, Rookie-A-Go-Go, 1 a.m.): Close out your Fuji Rock with a reminder that the kids are alright. The Sapporo group went viral while still in high school thanks to the fidgety rock onslaught of 'Ore ni Shinjitsu o Oshiete Kure!!' ('Tell Me the Truth!!'), the most unlikely TikTok hit of the decade. Save a little energy for the group's whirlwind live show late Sunday night. Mark Thompson, staff writer Otoboke Beaver (Friday, 12:10 p.m., White Stage): Skip the cappuccino. Get the adrenaline shot you need to start the day with this riot grrrl-inspired hardcore quartet, who rarely play songs over two minutes. Stomping in the footsteps of Shonen Knife and Afrirampo, their high-energy thrash mixes the raw power of garage and punk with generous dollops of Kansai humor. Be prepared to laugh and mosh. Hyukoh & Sunset Rollercoaster (Friday, 5 p.m., Green Stage): Torrents of creativity cascade out of this recently formed Taiwan-South Korea collaboration. Little is predictable about this 10-piece conglomeration, who blend city pop, yacht rock and psychedelia, projecting a vibe that is smooth and sometimes goofy but rarely self-indulgent. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso (Saturday, 11 a.m., Green Stage): Ever since their Tiny Desk Concert went viral, the star of this Argentine duo has been skyrocketing. Having zipped around the international festival circuit this spring and summer, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso will open for Kendrick Lamar on the Latin America leg of his Grand National tour this fall. Their genre — trap, hip-hop, funk — isn't important; the groove's the thing, and it's extremely well honed and bolstered by a large yet tight band. With their Python-esque stage productions, Ca7riel & Paco are bound to make their Japan debut a memorable one. Fuji Rock Festival takes place at Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture, from July 25-27. For more information, visit
Japan Times
19-07-2025
- Japan Times
What to pack if you are heading to the Fuji Rock Festival
With Fuji Rock happening next weekend, a few essential items will go a long way in making your festival experience a rousing success. As of July 19, the forecast for Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, is looking good (if not a little on the hot side). Keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can change quickly and it is typhoon season in Japan, so be prepared for anything. Before you head out, here's a checklist of things to squeeze into your bags: Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or rain boots are recommended. You're likely to spend a lot of time hoofing it between stages, so your feet will thank you for wearing shoes that are comfortable to walk in. Plus, you'll want to keep the mud out after a downpour. Experienced festival-goers usually add comfy insoles to give their feet extra protection. Rain gear: Umbrellas are prohibited at the festival. You can go all out with the Gor-tex everything, but in general, ponchos are adaptable because you can simply throw them on and off (the rain has a habit of coming down sporadically) and can cover any gear you have. Ponchos can also make ground cover if you need a quick snooze. Long-sleeved light jacket: You can go through an entire night at Fuji Rock in just a T-shirt, but it's best to be ready if the temperature plummets. Extra clothes: If it rains, though, you'll be happy you brought some extra socks and a fresh shirt. Power charger: You don't want your phone to die in the middle of snapping a selfie at the Green Stage or while trying to meet up with friends at the other end of the festival. While there might be charger rentasl Keep your electronic devices charged and ready for use, especially when the sun goes down and you might want to use your phone as a flashlight. Head-mounted light: Not a necessity, but if you're carrying a beer in one hand and a yakitori skewer in the other, it's handy to have a light on your head or around your neck as you traipse along a crowded fores trail. Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, portable fan: You can find shade here and there, but you're going to be out in the elements for much of the festival. Towels: A small towel can help protect your neck from sunburn and wipe away any sweat or rain. Tenugui are also recommended for dunking in the cold river and wrapping our your neck when it gets hot. Toilet paper/tissues/wet wipes: Useful for mopping up spilled drinks and visiting the facilities. First-aid kit/painkillers: Moleskin or the elastic waterproof variety of Band-Aids offer an extra layer of protection in the battle against blisters. And there's nothing worse than facing a day of ear-piercingly loud music with a splitting headache brought on by one too many drinks the previous evening. Ear plugs: If you're planning to be hanging out in front of the larger speakers, your future self will thank you for wearing these. They're also handy in case you're camping and the people around you decide to pull an all-nighter. Small collapsible chairs: This is a controversial addition and not for everyone, but having a sitting spot up off the mud and gravel can be welcome for some. Small tarp or plastic bags: You're definitely going to need to sit down throughout the day, so at least be sure to take a small tarp or even a plastic bag because logs, rocks and chairs can often get wet. Cash: Most food stalls and vendors will have cashless payment systems, but it's still a good idea to have some cash on hand. There are ATMs at the Naeba Prince Hotel as well as an ATM set up outside the festival entrance. Fuji Rock ticket/wristband: You would be surprised to learn that some people have actually shown up in Naeba without this absolutely essential accessory. Don't be that person. This story has been updated since it was last published in The Japan Times in July 2019.
Japan Times
13-07-2025
- General
- Japan Times
U.S. minesweeper makes port call in Niigata
A U.S. minesweeper has made a port call in the city of Niigata as part of moves to enhance bilateral cooperation. The USS Warrior arrived at the port on Saturday and is scheduled to stay in the city for several days. It is the first time since 2018 that a U.S. warship has visited Niigata. The 68-meter-long USS Warrior can accommodate more than 90 personnel, according to the U.S. Navy. It is deployed at the Navy base in the city of Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. Lt. Cmdr. Raymond Piana, the commanding officer of the Navy mine countermeasures ship, said that he is honored to visit Niigata as a symbol of U.S.-Japan friendship. The U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone for maintaining the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Piana said, adding that he hopes the alliance will become stronger. He also said he wants to enjoy the culture and specialties of Niigata.
