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Metropolis Japan
29-05-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Kumagaya
Surrounded by Tokyo's vast sprawl, it's easy to miss the rich history just north of the capital. Welcome to Kumagaya, located in the northern part of Saitama Prefecture and home to one of the Kanto region's biggest festivals. It's the birthplace of Kumagae Naozone, a famed warrior-turned-monk, whose equestrian statue graces Kumagaya Station. The city, once a trading post on the famous Nakasendo Highway, thrived as a prosperous hub of the silk industry. These days, Kumagaya's travel credentials have been revitalized after the destruction of World War II. The city is a bonafide regional hub for central and northern Saitama serviced by the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train lines, the JR Takasaki Line and the private Chichibu Main Line. Having become a much easier jumping-off point for any number of adventure destinations, Kumagaya offers beautiful nearby nature experiences. You can go river cruising in nearby Nagatoro on the scenic Arakawa River that also runs through Kumagaya. Or go hike in the ever-popular Chichibu mountains. Image Credit: Menuma Shouden Kangi The Uchiwa Matsuri, Saitama's largest annual festival and one of the largest in the entire Kanto region, is Kumagaya's festive claim to fame. A massive 750,000 people pour into the city in late July, completely transforming Kumagaya's usual population of 200,000. The festival dates back to 1750, but got its name about 50 years later from an early 19th-century marketing campaign. Free uchiwa (hand-held fans) were handed out to attract customers during the sapping summer heat. Coinciding with a boom in the local silk industry, the festival soon developed intense levels of energy. Merchants attempted to outdo each other in appeal and wealth with parade floats and music. Kumagaya lies just north of the Tone, one of Japan's top three largets rivers, with the Arakawa running just south. Once a wild waterway prone to flooding, the now gentrified Arakawa is one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom-viewing spots. With its Sakura Tsutsumi bank of 500 trees stretching out for over 2km, it's easy to see why. The Arakawa also plays a central role in Kumagaya's festival culture. Almost half a million people gather to witness the spectacular Kumagaya Fireworks Festival every second Saturday in August. With over 10,000 fireworks lighting the sky, Kumagaya proudly shows its love for festivals and welcoming visitors. Cherry blossom trees are in bloom at Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi. A more sedate experience can be had within the expansive grounds of the Menuma Shodenzan Kangi-in Temple. Established in the 12th century by Lord Sanemori, the temple underwent a facelift five hundred years later. Master builder Hayashi Masakiyo began work on the main building, and his efforts resulted in the temple becoming Saitama Prefecture's first National Treasure. The level of detailed craftsmanship has to be seen to be believed. Each carving is animated through life-like detail and features various stories, including adults strategizing over traditional games, children playing with toys and even sumo wrestlers doing what they do best. The work is stunning and rivals that of any other temple or shrine in Japan, even going so far as to be nicknamed the 'Nikko of Saitama.' In contrast to its festive extravagance, the cuisine of Kumagaya is a much simpler affair. Udon noodles, made from Kumagaya-grown wheat, are highly prized, while a most humble offering is the signature dish of the Menuma Shodenzan Temple, inari zushi . Made from vinegared rice and pickled vegetables wrapped in deep-fried tofu, the temple's inari zushi is much larger than the usual variety and keeps to a non-meat Buddhist ethos. Kumagaya is also known for tripe, the internal organs of pork and beef. Grilled and served with a strong sauce, tripe is a popular street stall evening snack. Gokabo is the Kumagaya confectionery of choice. Made using techniques carried over from the Edo period, these soybean powder and rice rolls are a classic rustic delight. As a hub in the north, there is plenty of time in Kumagaya for famous Buddhist temples, cherry blossoms and humble fare. But for anyone wishing to explore festive fun, the city explodes with exuberant life thanks to some of the most massive crowd-drawing festivals in the country. An easy escape from Tokyo's hustle, Kumagaya's relaxed ambiance is only interrupted by its residents' love of festival fun. Want to read about other day trip destinations you can reach from Tokyo? Read our guide to Kawagoe, a city full of historic streets, sweet shops and Edo-era charm. Or, head to our guide to Yokosuka, with top places to visit and things to do when visiting the city.
Boston Globe
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Red Sox manager Alex Cora still roots for Chris Sale, but wasn't Friday at Fenway
If they had won, the job would've gone to David Price and Cora would've brought Sale out of the bullpen. The Sox came from behind, thanks to a five-run rally in the Advertisement Price gave the Sox seven innings of one-run ball in Game 5 then handed a 5-1 lead to Joe Kelly , who threw a scoreless eighth. Then it was up to Sale. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'I still remember how loud it was in Dodger Stadium when those gates opened,' Cora said. 'That guy coming in, it was like, 'OK, this is what it's all about.' ' Sale threw a perfect ninth to seal the series for the Sox. The championship season forged a bond that was strong Friday — when Sale returned to Fenway Park for the first time since being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2023 — as it was seven years ago. 'I root for him,' Cora said. It helps that Sale and the Atlanta Braves play in the National League, Cora joked. But Sale spent six seasons in Boston, made 115 starts and won 46 games Advertisement 'As a person, we went through a lot,' Cora said. Of course, '18 towards the end, he posted. I don't know how he did it, but he posted.' Related : Sale has thrived since leaving Boston. He had the best season of his career in 2024, his first season with the Braves, going 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and winning the NL Cy Young Award. From afar, Cora was still proud, not only because Sale took home pitching's highest honor, but because he won a Gold Glove at the same time. 'It was amazing,' Cora said. 'And the Gold Glove, that's the one that I really love because whenever he made a play, he would point at his glove. I was like, 'No freaking way, bruh. You got that one.' ' Parting ways with Sale was a difficult decision, Cora said, especially because Sale connected with the city. 'Just a relentless guy that cares,' Cora said. 'He cares about this place. He was here during the winter. He went to see the Patriots, he went to see the Celtics. He's still got his place here. They love it here. Just happened that, at that point, we needed to do what we needed to do.' Sale got a chance to face his former team last year in Atlanta and he buzzed through the Sox lineup, piling up 10 strikeouts in six innings in a 5-0 win. Cora braced for the same thing this time around. 'I know he's ready for this one,' Cora said. Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock had anothr rough outing Tuesday, giving up three runs in one inning of work in the loss to the Tigers in Detroit. Paul Sancya/Associated Press Some Whitlock perspective Cora said he hadn't seen any of the videos circulating social media suggesting that Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock might be tipping his pitches with his glove, but grinned and said, 'We'll check it out.' Advertisement Whitlock gave up three runs Tuesday in the sixth inning of the Sox's 10-9 loss to the Tigers. He's allowed multiple runs in four of his 15 outings this season. Cora said he needed to have some perspective when it came to evaluating the righthander. 'One of the things that we forget is that he had surgery last year, right?' Cora said, reminding himself of Whitlock's UCL operation in May 2024. 'Yeah, his recovery was amazing and he's posting, but even me, I forget about that part.' Whitlock has given the Sox at least two innings in eight of his appearances. Cora said, as a manager, he has to stick to the plan they've laid out for Whitlock's recovery between starts. Cora called on him in back-to-back games on May 8 at home against Texas then May 9 on the road against Kansas City. Before that, Whitlock hadn't thrown on consecutive days since September 2023. 'Honestly, what we need to do is stay disciplined,' Cora said. 'I think we pushed the envelope two weeks ago, he went back-to-back outings and that's a no-no. 'Obviously you're in the business of winning games, and at that moment we needed him to do that. But I think getting back to being disciplined. If he goes one, he goes one day off, two, two days off. I think he's gonna benefit from that.' Positive news for Houck After going on the injured list Wednesday with a strained right forearm flexor, Tanner Houck underwent an MRI Thursday that revealed no no structural damage. Cora said he's getting treatment to deal with the inflammation. Advertisement Houck gave up 11 runs on 9 hits in 2⅓ innings Monday against the Tigers. Cora said he let the team know immediately that he felt discomfort beyond the normal post-outing recovery. In nine starts this season, Houck is 0-3 with an 8.04 ERA, and Cora said beyond the injury there are issues to work out on the mound. 'Just go to the lab and take a look at it and see what's going on as far as the delivery and the action of his pitches and all that,' Cora said. 'Hopefully when he comes back from IL, he's ready to go.' Working their way back Richard Fitts , on the injured list since April 13 with a right pectoral strain, went home to Alabama to tend to a family situation. Cora said Fitts will continue to throw there and could begin a rehab assignment when he returns next week … Kutter Crawford (patellar tendinopathy) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list and threw a live BP Friday. Julian Benbow can be reached at
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jeton Ranks #374 on the Financial Times List of Europe's 1,000 Fastest-Growing Companies
LONDON, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeton has been included in the Financial Times' 2025 FT1000-hyperlink list of Europe's fastest-growing companies for the second consecutive year, marking another key achievement in the company's ongoing growth. Last year, Jeton ranked in the top 10% of the fastest-growing companies, and this year, it continues to demonstrate its growth trajectory. The company ranked 374 on the list, reflecting its ongoing success and impact in the payments industry. The FT1000 list, compiled by the Financial Times in collaboration with Statista, ranks the 1,000 companies across 31 European countries with the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue. To be eligible for inclusion, companies must achieve a minimum average growth rate of 34.8%. The list has become a key benchmark for Europe's top-performing businesses, recognizing those that have thrived through dynamic and challenging market conditions. Jeton's inclusion follows a year of continued growth, including a strategic rebranding that has strengthened the company's position in the global payments landscape. Since its founding in 2018, Jeton has expanded its offerings, providing a comprehensive range of services and establishing a strong presence in markets such as the UK, Cyprus, and the Commonwealth of Dominica. "We're proud to secure a spot in the FT1000 for the second consecutive year," said a spokesperson at Jeton. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and the ongoing support of our partners. Our rebranding has opened up new opportunities, and we're excited to build on this momentum moving forward." Jeton's success is also reflected in its global reach, with over 20 currencies supported and more than 27 countries served. The company offers over 50 payment methods, providing a variety of secure and convenient transaction options. In addition, Jeton has strengthened its brand through strategic partnerships, including ongoing collaborations with athletes like Alexis Mac Allister and Kou Itakura, as well as with West Ham United, Legia Warsaw, and previous agreements with top Premier League football teams. About Jeton Jeton, founded in 2018, is a global payment service that provides secure and easy payment solutions for users and merchants. It supports over 50 payment methods, 20+ currencies, and operates in 20+ countries. Key products include the Jeton Card for online and offline purchases and Jeton Cash, which keeps users' financial data safe during online transactions. Social media links ContactMarketing JetonDennis Photo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Jeton Sign in to access your portfolio
South China Morning Post
09-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Meet ONE Championship's hydration king who helps elite fighters make weight
Peter Miller, known as the 'Condition Nutrition', has quickly become one of the most sought-after names in combat sports nutrition. Advertisement Based in Bangkok, though originally from Liverpool, UK, he has helped some of ONE Championship's biggest names make weight safely – without compromising performance. Weight cutting is a normal part of combat sports, but in ONE Championship there is a twist: fighters must also pass a hydration test. 'In ONE Championship, you have to make weight and also pass a hydration test,' Miller said. 'It's a double challenge: you've got to make sure you've got enough fluids in your body to pee a hydrated sample, and then also you've got to make the weight.' But it is in this added complexity that Miller has thrived. His guidance has helped turn around the fortunes of some of the best fighters, including Rodtang Jitmuangnon. 'At first, it was a challenge,' Miller said. 'I think Rodtang had this reputation of potentially being difficult to work with.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB) Sees Key Leadership Resignation Amid 11% Weekly Decline
LyondellBasell Industries experienced a significant executive change with the announcement of Chukwuemeka A. Oyolu's resignation as Chief Accounting Officer, to be succeeded by Matthew D. Hayes. This leadership shift comes amid broader market volatility, with the Dow Jones falling sharply by 4.1% amidst concerns over new global tariffs announced by President Trump. Simultaneously, the Nasdaq entered bear market territory, exacerbating investor caution across all sectors. These external pressures likely contributed to the company's 11% decline last week, reflecting broader economic apprehensions rather than being solely driven by internal corporate developments. We've identified 4 weaknesses with LyondellBasell Industries and understanding the impact should be part of your investment process. These 11 companies survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. Discover why before your portfolio feels the trade war pinch. The last five years have seen LyondellBasell Industries achieve a total shareholder return of 45.44%. This period encompassed various strategic initiatives and market challenges that influenced its performance. For instance, the company's focus on its Circular & Low Carbon Solutions and MoReTec plants is set to drive future revenue growth with high-margin opportunities. Despite earnings pressure from slow global growth and regulatory changes, strategic reviews of European assets and the transformation of their Houston refinery are expected to enhance EBITDA margins. Collaborations, such as the one with Cyclyx International, aim to improve recycling rates, further underpinning the company's commitment to sustainability. Financially, the company's earnings and profitability faced challenges. 2024 saw a decrease from previous periods, with sales declining to US$40.3 billion from US$41.1 billion in 2023, and net income reduced to US$1.36 billion. The expanded buyback program and consistent dividend payouts reflected a commitment to returning value to shareholders, although LyondellBasell underperformed the U.S. Chemicals industry over the last year. These factors collectively shaped the company's longer-term shareholder returns. Learn about LyondellBasell Industries' future growth trajectory here. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:LYB. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
