Latest news with #TochigiPrefecture
Fox News
23-07-2025
- Fox News
Police officials host 'bear drills' following string of bear attacks
A string of bear attacks have spread across towns in Japan, prompting officials to host practice drills. Last month, a bear attacked a man in his 70s near an elementary school in Nasushiobara City, Japan's public media organization NHK reported. The nearly five-foot bear wounded the man's neck and head, leaving non-threatening wounds. Another attack took place in Morioka City with a bear attacking an 81-year-old man's head, according to NHK. A school in Aibetsu, Hokkaido, canceled its outdoor classes over what appeared to be bear footprints spotted in the school yard. The events have sparked police in Tochigi Prefecture to partner with a local hunters club to conduct "bear drills," according to The Associated Press (AP). In the drills, a man is seen wearing a bear costume as he runs and chases police armed with shields and helmets. The drill included medical response training following the simulation. The National Park Service (NPS) shares guidelines with park visitors on its website on best practices in a bear encounter. "Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal," says the NPS site. "Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms." If a bear stands up, NPS reminds visitors that "a standing bear is usually curious, not threatening." Park visitors should not allow the bear to access their food. Visitors should not run from the bear — nor should they climb a tree. "Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route," NPS says on its site. The Associated Press contributed reporting.
NHK
16-06-2025
- Climate
- NHK
About 200,000 Japanese irises at peak bloom in park north of Tokyo
About 200,000 Japanese irises in full bloom have created colorful flower carpets in a park north of Tokyo. The irises, called "hana shobu" in Japanese, began to bloom in early June at the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture. The park says the irises have been blooming earlier in recent years due to high temperatures, but they have opened at the usual time this year because of the chilly weather in early spring. Visitors to the park on Sunday enjoyed viewing the white and purple flowers and took photos. A woman in her 60s from the neighboring prefecture of Gunma says she was surprised to see far more flowers than she had expected. She says they are elegant and beautiful. Park official Koike Tomoko says Japanese irises are among the flowers that match the rainy season. She says she hopes as many people as possible will enjoy them. The park says the irises will be at their best until around late June.
Al Bawaba
13-03-2025
- Al Bawaba
Japanese Airi Sato stabbed to death during live stream in Tokyo
Published March 13th, 2025 - 07:12 GMT ALBAWABA - A Japanese streamer was stabbed to death during a live stream in Tokyo on March 11, local media reported. Airi Sato, 22, who lived in Tama city, was confirmed dead by doctors after she was subjected to a stabbing attack. Doctors said she was stabbed in the neck and stomach. The Metropolitan Police Department in Japan announced arresting the attacker quickly at the crime scene in the Takadanobaba district of Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. According to media, the police in Tokyo received an emergency call at 9:55 a.m. and responded rapidly. Japanese Influencer Murdered While Livestreaming on the Street "Japanese influencer Airi Sato was live streaming a series of train rides when she was murdered. More than 6,000 people had tuned into Sato riding the rails on March 11. Just before 10 am, local time, she screamed.… — TheGamingNation (@TheGamingNAT) March 13, 2025 The attacker was named Tochigi Prefecture and lives in Oyama, police added. He was caught with multiple knives in his possession. Police quoted the suspect: "I got to know the woman through her video streaming, and I started meeting her three years ago by visiting the restaurant where she worked." Tochigi Prefecture also mentioned: "I had money troubles with her. I saw a notice about her livestreaming schedule and came to Tokyo on the morning of that day." He noted: "Then, I identified her location by watching the live video she was streaming." © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
