Latest news with #TokyoSkytree
Metropolis Japan
3 days ago
- Metropolis Japan
Yakatabune in Tokyo
Cruising through Tokyo in style By Tamatha Roman shinnji / It's officially summer. In Japan, this means the inevitable rainy season, followed by months of pit stains and people constantly remarking how hot it is. But another more welcoming custom of summer is the yukata, the cotton version of the kimono. Though these are worn predominantly for special occasions like attending a fireworks display or visiting a temple or shrine, another chance to be immersed in a sea of these garments, while wearing your own, is … well, at sea. During the summer, enjoy Tokyo via an evening booze cruise around the bay. There are many types of cruises out there, ranging from super luxurious to the bare minimum. But many people opt to celebrate the season in festive—and often drunken—fervor aboard either a traditional yakatabune, or with the Tokyo Bay Noryosen. The first and more expensive option is the yakatabune, a traditional Japanese tour boat that seats around 70 people. Inside, low tables sit upon tatami matting, while an upper deck provides passengers with prime real estate to the sights along the Sumida River, including Tokyo Skytree. Perhaps you've seen these boats cruising slowly down the Sumida, decked with miyoshi (curved bows) and colorful red lanterns providing a night light for those to see from afar. It's all very reminiscent of the Edo Era from which they stem. Back then, the boats were popular among the aristocrats who would lounge around inside, discussing politics with samurai. You might also be interested in our article on Japanese water spirits in Edo folklore. Though it's possible to ride a yakatabune year-round, summertime is the most popular season. This is based on the laid-back atmosphere, dress, and chance to see fireworks. (Reserve ahead of time for the big events.) Each cruise lasts for about two and a half hours. This gives enough time to eat, drink, and have a merry time above and below deck. Dinner consists of a multi-course meal, usually with tempura and sashimi, and a free-flowing menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Just make sure not to get too inebriated and fall off the boat as you gawk at the other colorful yakatabune parked around the Rainbow Bridge. Prices vary based on the food or drink course you choose, but most are around ¥10,000 and some as low as ¥5,000. Some cruises are more English-speaking-friendly than others, so just make sure to indicate your preference when you book. If you're lucky, you may end up on a boat that doubles as a karaoke booth. So prepare yourself for the drunken antics of passengers! The overall experience is very izakaya-like. Special vegetarian requests and off-the-menu drinks were procured. Ice cream was even delivered straight to our window—from a floating Häagen-Dazs boat! For more things to do in Tokyo this summer, check out our Roundup of Top Events in August. For a cheaper version of the above experience with the same beautiful scenery along the way, yukata-clad individuals may wish to partake in the Tokyo Bay Noryosen two-hour summer cruise around Tokyo Bay. Unlike the yakatabune, this cruise typically runs between July and October, departing every night from Takeshiba Passenger Terminal. The ship, which usually transports individuals to and from the Izu Islands, does a loop around the bay. It turns around near Haneda Airport. If you show up in yukata, you'll get a discount on your ticket, but only during weekdays. Your ticket gets you unlimited drinks in the form of cheap beer and refrigerated wine. Snacks are available for purchase, but most partygoers attempt to get their money's worth in booze alone. The majority of the crowd spends its time dancing around the stage area. 'Yukata dancers' provide rather cheesy but still fun entertainment. Unlike the yakatabune, which tends to cater to an older crowd with a steady income, the Noryosen cruise sees more college students and those in their early 20s. Whatever your choice, your summer night is bound to be memorable aboard an evening booze cruise. Gather some friends, learn how to tie an obi (belt), and come sail away in style. Metropolis
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Automotive
- GMA Network
Trump tariffs split Japan Inc. as Toyota cuts forecast while Sony, Honda raise
A general view of Tokyo's skyline is pictured from the Tokyo Skytree's lightning observation research site, October 7, 2024. As Trump's levies on global shipments into the US kicked in on Thursday, Japan's top companies offered a mixed picture of the impact of his signature economic policy and of the stronger yen on his country's fifth-largest trading partner. Philip Fong/ AFP TOKYO — US President Donald Trump's tariffs are cleaving Japan Inc., as some big exporters like Toyota Motor slash their profit forecasts while Sony and Honda are among those saying the impact will be less than they had feared. As Trump's levies on global shipments into the US kicked in on Thursday, Japan's top companies offered a mixed picture of the impact of his signature economic policy and of the stronger yen on his country's fifth-largest trading partner. Uncertainty over the tariffs and their erratic implementation have unnerved companies globally as governments work feverishly to strike deals and avert a crisis for their big exporters. While glimmers of optimism have emerged for Japanese companies, the outlook remains overshadowed by uncertainty over when Trump will lower his tariffs on Japanese automobiles and new questions about duties on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. A Trump broadside on semiconductors, with 100% tariffs on some chip imports to the US, hit Japanese chip supply-chain firms on Thursday, while shares of companies elsewhere with US expansion plans jumped. Tokyo urged Washington on Thursday to swiftly implement last month's bilateral agreement lowering tariffs on US imports of Japanese cars to 15% from the 27.5% in total levies in place since Trump raised tariffs in April. Two weeks after Trump announced the deal, which he said included $550 billion in Japanese investment and loans in the US, Tokyo is scrambling to clarify specifics, complicating business planning for the nation's biggest firms. 'Difficult to predict' "It's honestly very difficult for us to predict what will happen regarding the market environment," Takanori Azuma, head of finance for Toyota, the world's biggest automaker, said on Thursday. Toyota cut its operating-profit forecast for the business year to March by 16% to 3.2 trillion yen ($21.7 billion), citing the tariffs and the yen. The company will keep making cars for US customers regardless of any impact from the tariffs, Azuma told a briefing on the business results. "Even at this point, incentives are very low and inventory is limited, so many customers are waiting. That's true not only in the US, but also in Japan." Japan's carmakers are among the hardest hit in the trade war as they resist raising prices, squeezing their profit margins. In contrast to Toyota, Sony raised its full-year profit forecast by 4% to 1.33 trillion yen ($9 billion), with the impact from US tariffs now expected to be 70 billion yen, down from the 100 billion yen it forecast in May. Subaru Corp said the tariff impact on its vehicles has been reduced but remains significant. Made in USA exemption Toyota shares fell 1.5%, while Sony jumped 4.1% and Subaru rose 2.6%. Honda on Wednesday cut its expected tariff impact by 31% to 450 billion yen but said "there are still many unknowns." On chips, Trump offered a big exemption: the 100% tariff will not apply to companies that manufacture in the US or have committed to do so. While Japan is the largest foreign investor in the United States at $819 billion at the end of 2024, according to US government data, its chip industry has shied away from making big US investments. Shares of Japan chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron fell 2.7% and chip-testing equipment maker Advantest dropped nearly 1% on Thursday. Chipmakers with big US expansion plans, however, jumped, with Taiwan's TSMC up 5% and South Korea's Samsung rising 2.5%. Japan has said the US agreed not to give it a worse tariff rate than other countries on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Tokyo ran a bilateral trade surplus of nearly $70 billion last year on US-Japan trade of nearly $230 billion. — Reuters
NZ Herald
31-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Mimaru Hotels: Spacious, affordable family stays in Tokyo
We wanted self-contained accommodation in a neighbourhood that made exploring easy. That meant being close to a train line, so we weren't spending half our holiday trying to find subway stations, but also not so central that we'd be kept awake by neon and nightlife. Knowing how partial my kids are to snacks, we also wanted to be within walking distance of a good 'konbini' (convenience store). On every family travel forum I scoured, one hotel brand kept popping up as highly recommended – Mimaru Hotels. This fast-growing apartment hotel chain has become a go-to for antipodean families. With 27 locations across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it's easy to see why: instead of squeezing into a tiny twin room, you get a proper apartment with a kitchen, dining table and laundry – perfect for families wanting comfort and flexibility without a luxe price tag. Even better, each Mimaru is within easy walking distance to train stations, convenience stores and pharmacies. Mimaru Suites in Asakusa. Photo / Supplied After two delayed flights, we finally arrived in Tokyo close to midnight, tired but congratulating ourselves for booking a car from the airport instead of navigating the trains at that hour. At Mimaru Suites Asakusa, a friendly staff member was waiting at the front desk to check us in, hand over slippers and toothbrushes, and guide us upstairs. Stepping into our suite felt immediately comfortable. Instead of four of us lined up in a single room, we had two separate bedrooms with low beds that felt instantly Japanese and a lounge space with a proper sofa where we could actually stretch out. The apartment was spotless, the air-con was on and there was ample storage for our suitcases and souvenirs-in-the-making. There were two bathrooms – one with a deep bath for soaking away the last of the flight, both with showers. Mimaru Suites in Asakusa. Photo / Supplied Within minutes, the kids had claimed their beds and had fallen asleep. It felt like we'd discovered the ultimate Tokyo hotel, where the traditional family room – in which everyone has to go to bed at the same time – gets a very welcome Japanese upgrade. Mimaru Suites in Asakusa. Photo / Supplied Over the next four days, we explored the best of Tokyo from our Asakusa base, wandering Senso-ji Temple's bustling streets, grazing on street snacks and taking day trips to Shibuya's famous scramble crossing, Tokyo Skytree and TeamLab Borderless art museum. Each time, our apartment was an excellent home base, and on the mornings where we weren't in the mood for a traditional Japanese breakfast, we made bowls of porridge in our kitchen. When the kids needed a break from ramen and sushi, we cooked meals with produce from a local supermarket. As for the area, Asakusa proved to be the perfect spot. Despite being so close to some of the city's busiest attractions, the neighbourhood itself feels like a slice of old Tokyo: tiny izakayas with red lanterns swaying out front, locals riding bikes and endless food options (like the iconic Age.3 which serves fried sandwiches filled with everything from chocolate cream and strawberries, to egg and fried noodles). Age.3 fried ice cream sandwich in Asakusa. Photo / Lindy Alexander Even after dark, the neighbourhood felt safe and welcoming, the kids trailing behind us as we wandered quiet backstreets, discovering late-night ramen joints. On our last night in Tokyo the owner of a tiny 10-seat restaurant we'd just had dinner at came running after us to generously give us her umbrella as it started to rain. As we walked back to our apartment, the four of us huddled under one umbrella, we felt like we'd really found a little corner of Tokyo we could call home. A tiny 10-seater restaurant where the owner gave us her umbrella. Photo / Lindy Alexander The writer was a guest of Mimaru Hotels.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
8.8-magnitude earthquake exposes global risk: Here's how Japan's buildings use shock tech, smart paint, & insurance to stay safe
A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula sent tsunami warnings across parts of Japan, the US, and Russia. While some regions braced for disaster, Japan's buildings largely stayed safe and undamaged owing to decades of planning, evolving construction laws, and smart engineering. This isn't new for Japan. The country has developed one of the world's most earthquake-resistant building systems, and here's how it works. Japan's construction laws were made stricter after the 1981 earthquake Most modern Japanese buildings are incredibly resistant to earthquakes. That's largely because of the Building Standard Law of 1981, which was a game-changer. All buildings constructed after this year are required to follow upgraded seismic resistance standards. In simple terms: the law ensures new buildings are built to sway with quakes instead of snapping. #earthquake #tsunami #Russia #Japan #Hawaii #AlaskaMassive 8.7 magnitude earthquake shook RussiaOne of the deadliest earthquake of the centuryAlert of Tsunami The law hasn't stayed still either. It has been updated several times, with the latest changes made in 2021. These continuous updates help structures stay prepared for modern-day earthquakes, including ones as strong as magnitude 8 or 9. New buildings must pass earthquake resistance tests Newly built houses and buildings in Japan aren't approved casually. They must pass strict inspections and be officially marked as 'Earthquake-Resistant Buildings'. To sell such a building, a property developer must share a certified inspection report or a certificate of conformity to government standards with the buyer. This makes it harder to skip safety steps or cut corners. Old buildings must be retrofitted or declared unsafe What about older buildings? Anything built before 1981 is considered at risk. If someone wants to sell such a structure, they must first check its earthquake resistance levels. If it fails, it either needs to be retrofitted—which means upgraded with new technology—or the buyer must be informed that it doesn't meet safety standards. Retrofitting support: From free diagnosis to government grants To encourage retrofitting, Japan's government provides financial support. Local municipalities often offer free diagnosis services to check older buildings for earthquake resistance. If a building fails, the government provides financial assistance for the cost of retrofitting it. Some insurance companies even offer up to 50% discounts on premiums for buildings that meet modern earthquake-resistance levels. Tokyo's Skytree can withstand a magnitude 9 quake Japan doesn't just build homes this way—it builds giant towers and skyscrapers with earthquake resistance too. Take the Tokyo Skytree, for example. It's Japan's tallest tower and the third tallest structure in the world. It can reportedly withstand an earthquake as strong as magnitude 9.0. Its secret lies in its base. The tower sits on a thick rubber foundation, and its central column is built like a traditional pagoda, which naturally resists shaking. Add in oil dampers that absorb shocks, and the Skytree becomes one of the safest tall structures in the world during an earthquake. The sheer intensity and energy exploding from this quake. 😳8.7 mag earthquake in #Russia. Tsunami warnings and watches. #earthquake #sismo #tsunami #breaking New buildings use oil and wall dampers that act like shock absorbers Modern buildings across Japan use seismic isolation technology. This includes oil dampers, wall dampers, and other tech that acts like shock absorbers during earthquakes. These features help absorb the energy that would otherwise shake a building violently. For instance, the under-construction Mori JP Tower in Azabudai Hills will have multiple kinds of dampers and isolation structures. This ensures that even luxury high-rises have quake-ready architecture. A new paint can prevent buildings from cracking or collapsing Japan is also using cutting-edge materials. One such technology is the Aster Power Coating, a flexible paint-like material. Applied to the exterior walls of buildings, this special coating is designed to prevent cracks or falling masonry during earthquakes. It's especially useful for homes and small buildings. Interestingly, this product is also being widely adopted in Taiwan, which faces similar seismic risks. Builders and homeowners are beginning to use this as an affordable safety upgrade. Earthquake insurance discounts encourage safer construction To promote earthquake-safe living, insurance companies in Japan offer discounts to people who live in buildings certified as earthquake-resistant. Depending on the rating, people can receive up to 50% off their earthquake insurance premiums. This makes building or retrofitting homes with quake-resistant features even more appealing. Japan right now as Tsunami waves massive OMGPray for everyone 💔 🙏 #Tsunami #earthquake #Japan #ไทยกับกัมพูชา #RevengedLove #LoveIslandUK #bbtvi #Hawaii #HawaiiTsunami #BREAKINGNEWS #earthquake #Russia Earthquakes will happen, but collapses don't have to Japan is located along the Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent seismic activity. Despite this, Japan sees fewer casualties and less structural damage during quakes than many other countries. Why? Because it invests in engineering, awareness, strict laws, and constant innovation. The recent 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia proved once again that Japan's approach to construction works. Buildings stayed intact. People were safer. And the country's decades of investment in smart design paid off.
Barnama
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Toy Story Takes Over Tokyo Skytree In 30th Anniversary Sky-High Celebration
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Tobu Tower Skytree Co Ltd, operator of Japan's iconic Tokyo Skytree, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Toy Story" with a special event titled 'To the Sky Beyond Imagination TOY STORY SKY IN TOKYO SKYTREE'. The commemorative event, which began on July 17 and runs until Oct 31, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Toy Story through themed exhibitions, decor, merchandise, and exclusive experiences throughout the observation decks, according to a statement. Located at a height of 450 metres, the Tembo Galleria has been transformed with Toy Story-inspired decorations and displays, offering fans a chance to interact with scenes and characters from the film.
