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Japan Forward
14 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Gunkanjima: An Island Frozen in Time
このページを 日本語 で読む The only sound that echoed was the crashing of waves against the pier. On this once-sealed island, it felt as if time had stood still. Gunkanjima, officially known as Hashima, is a small island about 1,200 meters (3,937 ft) in circumference, lying off the Nagasaki Peninsula. Once a thriving undersea coal mining site, it is now part of Nagasaki City. The island earned its nickname — meaning "Battleship Island" — because its silhouette resembles the warship Tosa. Remnants of what were once apartment blocks. Tourism and Global Recognition In April 2009, after 35 years of closure, Gunkanjima reopened to tourists. It has since appeared in several films, most notably the 2012 James Bond movie Skyfall. The island gained further recognition in July 2015, when its coal mine was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution." Tourists on Gunkanjima. Gunkanjima's history dates back to the early Meiji era. Before the mine shut down in 1974, approximately 15.7 million tons of coal had been extracted, with mining operations reaching depths of 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) below sea level. At its peak, the island was home to around 5,300 residents — making it the most densely populated place on Earth at the time. The buildings are now in a state of ruin. Prosperity Amid Hardship Coal mining was grueling, but life on the island was relatively prosperous. Goro Kumasho, who spent his twenties there, recalled: "We always bought the best — televisions, washing machines, everything," he said. "Every week, we'd take the ferry to Nagasaki just for fun." No matter how much overtime someone worked elsewhere, he added, they couldn't out-earn a coal miner. Today, what were once schools, hospitals, high-rise apartments, pachinko parlors, and movie theaters lie in ruins. The island that once bustled with life now stands abandoned. Yet its role in Japan's modernization is undeniable. (All photos and videos in this article are from 2015.) Advertisement RELATED: Author: The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Former Princess Mako Gives Birth to First Baby
On May 30, the Imperial Household Agency announced that Mako Komuro, 33, has given birth to her first child. The news was shared by Naomasa Yoshida, Grand Steward of the Crown Prince's Household, during a regular press conference. Mako is the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, and the niece of Emperor Naruhito. She has two younger siblings, Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito. According to Yoshida, they are delighted by the news and wish her family continued happiness. Mako hugs her sister, Princess Kako, as their parents look on, before leaving the family home at the Akasaka Estate on October 26, 2021. (©Sankei by Noriaki Sato) In 2021, Mako married Kei Komuro, a former college classmate and a commoner, thereby relinquishing her royal status as required by Japan's Imperial House Law. The couple later moved to New York, where Kei Komuro now works as a lawyer. The agency has not disclosed the baby's gender or the exact date of birth. Mako and Kei Komuro on September 3, 2017, at the Akasaka East Residence. (©Sankei by Kengo Matsumoto) ( Read the related article in Japanese . ) Author: The Sankei Shimbun
Japan Forward
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Sanrio Plushies: The Love That Brings Its Characters to Life Sponsored
Sanrio plushies offer more than just something to cuddle — they bring your favorite characters to life, whether you're at home, traveling, or simply looking to add a little joy to your daily routine. In a recent interview, Shino Ito, Senior Manager of Sanrio's Product Development Department, shares insights into the affection and vision behind the Pitatto Friends and Standard Dolls series. Pitatto Friends are plush toys with magnets in their feet that can stand upright on a metal base, while Standard Dolls are fluffy, plushies that come in various sizes, each machine-sewn and carefully finished by hand. It might come as a surprise to some that these plushies are becoming increasingly popular with adults. The Standard Dolls series, officially launched in 2007, remains a cornerstone of Sanrio's plush collection. Each doll represents a character in their most iconic form. Think Hello Kitty in her classic overalls, My Melody in her hood, or Cinnamoroll with his signature floppy ears. Ito gently lifts up Cinnamoroll's furry ears. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "This is exactly what it would be like if she appeared right beside you in real life," says Ito, holding up a delightfully fluffy Cinnamoroll plush. The attention to detail in each Standard Doll is remarkable — from My Melody's tiny paw pads to Keroppi's delicate webbed fingers. They are lovingly crafted tributes to each character, and this level of detail doesn't happen by accident. "Bringing a character from 2D to 3D in plush form is actually quite challenging," Ito explains. "We collaborate closely with the character designers to ensure their unique traits are preserved. Then, we work hand-in-hand with the manufacturers' pattern makers to bring the design to life. No feature is overlooked." Holding a Pochacco plush in hand, the soft texture is instantly comforting. Its plump cheeks are irresistibly squeezable, and the rounded bottom — complete with a tiny tail — makes it look as if it's about to waddle off at any moment. Standard Dolls of Pochacco (left) and Pekkle. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) Available in a range of sizes from large, huggable versions to smaller, travel-ready ones, Standard Dolls are also popular among international fans. The smaller plushies include pellets so they can sit upright comfortably, making them perfect companions. Another characteristic of Standard Dolls is that each one has its own unique expression. Despite their "standard" label, the dolls have evolved with the times. Much like the characters themselves, they remain true to their essence while adapting to each new generation. The Standard Dolls capture each feature of Sanrio's popular characters. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "At Sanrio, some of our characters have been loved for over 40 or even 50 years," explains Ito. "One reason they've remained beloved is that we make subtle updates over time — tweaks to facial shapes or expressions that reflect the trends of each era." "For the latest line of Standard Dolls, we've made the faces slightly larger and the eyes a bit bigger to create a more baby-faced, kawaii look that's popular today." You can find Standard Dolls in Sanrio shops around the world. And when it comes time to choose your plush, Ito offers a piece of advice: "Look into their eyes, and bring home the one you feel a special connection with." Another one of Sanrio's popular plush lines is Pitatto Friends, which is all about interaction. Designed for Japan's popular nuidori trend — plush photography — these toys are made to go places. Pitatto Friends can stand firmly on their own. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) The word "pitatto" in Japanese is an onomatopoeia that suggests something sticking firmly or staying in place. True to their name, Pitatto Friends are equipped with magnets in their feet and attachable metal bases. They can stand securely and pose confidently for photos — no more rolling off surfaces or getting dirty. Their hands feature rubber loops that allow them to hold tiny props, adding to the fun. My Melody with her tiny frappuccino and camera. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) My Melody's prop set includes a frappuccino cup, a miniature camera and bag, and even a strap that can connect to both. The charm truly lies in the details. Ito showing the props set for My Melody. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) Rubber loops are attached to their hands for holding small props. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "It's like making memories with a friend," says Ito. "People post photos online, take them on hikes or to lunch." On social media, Sanrio fans post photos of their plushies on trips, sharing meals, or capturing scenic views by the sea. "It's heartwarming to see Pitatto Friends joyfully joining in on these adventures. It feels like they're traveling the world," Ito reflects. Kuromi in a ninja costume, Hello Kitty in a kimono, and Pochacco in a Shiba Inu costume. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) What's more, in 2024 Sanrio released a special clothing line for Pitatto Friends, featuring a kimono, a Shiba Inu costume, and a ninja ensemble. These costumes fit any of the characters and make for perfect souvenirs — or simply a fun way to remember your trip to Japan. Hello Kitty looking adorable in her kimono. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) In Japan, inanimate objects hold a unique place in the culture. "I think there's a cultural belief in Japan that even inanimate things can have a spirit or heart," Ito explains. Until recently, many adults may have felt embarrassed about carrying plush toys in public. But that's changing. Today, it's not uncommon to see people proudly displaying plushies on their bags in Japan. This shift is part of a broader cultural trend known as oshikatsu — the act of supporting and celebrating your favorite characters or idols. Plush toys have become a form of self-expression. Even men are increasingly open about owning plushies, contributing to the growing trend. Standard Dolls and Pitatto Friends. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "Using plushies as bag accessories has become a trend among young people," says Ito. "So I think plush toys have become more accepted among adults, and that shift has helped fuel their popularity." As an increasingly recognized form of self-expression and individuality, plushies have become a way for people to show who they are and what they love. As Sanrio continues to grow globally, fans can look forward to exciting updates. Coming in June, the medium-sized Pitatto Friends will be upgraded with poseable necks and arms, making them even more flexible for photography. Cinnamoroll will also get an upgrade — his ears will be adjustable, allowing you to pose him as if he's flying. Cinnamoroll, in the upgraded medium-sized Pitatto Friends version coming this June, looking ready to take flight. (© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD.) "Plush toys have this special way of comforting you in unexpected moments," Ito says, holding up a Cinnamoroll plush. "Just making eye contact with one feels like it's encouraging you, like it's saying, 'You've got this.'" "I hope people experience that kind of comfort by living alongside Sanrio characters in plush form. I'd be so happy if having a Cinnamoroll at home feels like having a friend — one who quietly keeps you company in daily life." And sometimes, that's exactly what we need. This article is published in cooperation with Sanrio Company Ltd. All Sanrio characters and character images: ©️ 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. Author: Miruka Adachi
Japan Forward
a day ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
MLB Stars Ohtani and Suzuki Wielding Powerful Bats
Reporting on MLB sluggers Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki, the upcoming participation of the Utsunomiya Brex in Asia's Basketball Champions League and more. Shohei Ohtani (left) and Seiya Suzuki (©KYODO; GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO) Heading into the weekend of May 30-June 1, Japanese sluggers Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki lead MLB in two of baseball's most significant batting statistics ― home runs and RBIs, respectively. Ohtani, a three-time MVP (twice with the Los Angeles Angels in the American League and the reigning winner in the National League), is No 1 in Major League Baseball with 20 home runs. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar bashed his latest homer on May 27 against the Cleveland Guardians, a two-out, two-run blast in the fourth inning. LA won 9-5. Reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani (Brad Penner/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS) In May, Ohtani has hit 13 homers, reminding everyone that his power display in 2024 (54 round-trippers) was no fluke. And twice this month, he's homered in three consecutive games. His 20th homer was also noteworthy from a historical context because he became only the third Dodger to slug at least 20 round-trippers in the team's first 55 games. The others: Cody Bellinger (20 in 2019) and Gil Hodges (21 in 1951). Chicago Cubs star Suzuki, who is batting .273, leads MLB with 51 RBIs. He also has 14 homers. Suzuki was 11-for-27 in his last seven games, including four homers and eight RBIs. In May, he's hit seven homers and amassed 26 RBIs. Suzuki was named NL Player of the Week on May 26. And what a week it was for Suzuki, who batted .480 with three homers and four doubles in six games from May 19-25. He also drove in 10 runs in that span. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is impressed with Suzuki's continued growth as a hitter. "His ability to hit and to continue to develop hitting premium velocity has been really important," Hoyer said, according to "I just see a guy that's more aggressive both in demeanor and also in counts. He was a little bit more passive at the plate before. He's got guys on base and he's looking to do damage, and he has." Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki bats against the Colorado Rockies on May 27 at Wrigley Field. (GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO) Now in his fourth season with the Cubs, Suzuki is striving to be a productive player. For the most part, he's pleased with his play of late on offense. "I don't know if I can say it's the best [stretch of my career]," Suzuki said through an interpreter, reported. "But I feel like I've been doing really well. Obviously, I'm going to have moments where the performance isn't as good, and I'll talk to the coaches and see what adjustments I need to make. But I'm happy with how it's gone so far." The Utsunomiya Brex, the 2024-25 champions, celebrate their title-clinching win on May 27 at Yokohama Arena. (KYODO) After winning the title on Tuesday, May 27, the Utsunomiya Brex celebrated their glorious achievement. But their offseason has not yet begun. The Brex will participate in the Basketball Champions League Asia, which will be held June 7-13 in Dubai. It will consist of eight nations' domestic champions plus the winner of the FIBA West Asia Super League. East Asian representatives include the Meralco Bolts (Philippines), the Changwon LG Sakers (South Korea) and the Zhejiang Lions (China). First-round action will feature three groups, with round-robin competition in each group. Finals: Utsunomiya Rallies Past Ryukyu to Capture the Title Following the Ryukyu Golden Kings' 73-71 loss to the Brex in Game 3 of the Finals, veteran forward Vic Law shared his thoughts on the team's disappointing finish. Law's shot on the last play of the game was blocked, ending the possibility of overtime. "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened," Law wrote on Twitter. "Heartbroken we couldn't win the championship but extremely proud of our team. No one believed we could make it there and we proved everyone wrong. Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way." The Golden Kings reached the championship round for the fourth consecutive season, an unprecedented streak since the was launched in 2016. Hiroki Yanagita (center) wins the men's 100-meter final at the Asian Athletics Championships on May 28 in Gumi, South Korea. (KYODO) Four Japan national team representatives have secured gold medals at the ongoing Asian Athletics Championships (May 27-31) in Gumi, South Korea. As of Friday, May 30, Japan's event winners are Hiroki Yanagita in the men's 100 meters (10.20 seconds, a season-best time), Kazuto Iizawa in the men's 1,500 (3:42.56, a personal-best time), Paris Olympian Rachid Muratake in the men's 110-meter hurdles (13.22 seconds), and Nanako Matsumoto in the women's 400 (52.17 seconds, a personal-best mark). Yanagita, a 21-year-old athlete, had mixed feelings about his performance in the men's 100. "I did manage to win consecutive victories [at the Asian Athletics Championships], but I wasn't satisfied with the results," Yanagita was quoted as saying by the Tokyo Broadcasting System website. He added, "I was hoping that I could win consecutive victories by breaking the participation standard for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships (10.00 seconds). But I'm disappointed that I couldn't break the standard I had in mind the most." For Matsumoto, her triumph in South Korea was satisfying. "Winning a competition that I entered with the goal of winning gives me a lot of confidence," the 28-year-old said, according to TBS. ASICS' New Marathon Shoe Weighs Only 129 Grams Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Japan Forward
a day ago
- General
- Japan Forward
Reintroducing Wolves: A New Hope for Japanese Ecosystems
During a recent visit to the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden in Sapporo, I found myself standing before two haunting figures: the taxidermied remains of the now-extinct Ezo and Honshu wolves. Preserved behind glass, their forms felt frozen in time, ghosts of a lost species that once ruled the forests of Japan. Their absence, however, is anything but silent. In recent decades, deer, wild boar, and even bears have surged in numbers across Japan. They have disrupted ecosystems and damaged crops, edging ever closer to human settlements. It's within this context that the Japan Wolf Association (JWA) proposes an audacious solution: Bring back the wolves. A taxidermied Japanese wolf (courtesy of the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences / Faculty of Agriculture). The JWA was founded in 1993 by Associate Professor Naoki Maruyama, who was then teaching at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. According to Kunihiko Otsuki, a current director at the Association, the idea was born after Maruyama attended a conference in Poland. "He happened to see a wolf on the grasslands," Otsuki told me. At the time, Maruyama had been researching the effects of deer overpopulation on Japan's forests. That single encounter made him realize what was missing in his work: a natural predator. He returned to Japan convinced that wolves were the key to restoring balance to the nation's ecosystems, and rallied fellow researchers to form the JWA. "In the beginning, we were starting from zero," said Otsuki. The notion of reintroducing wolves to Japan was met with skepticism and fear. For many, wolves were still the villains of old folktales, dangerous beasts better left in the past. Yet over the years, the Association's persistence has paid off. Between 2006 and 2016, public support for their reintroduction rose from 17.4% to 43.3%. During the same period, opposition fell from 30.2% to just 11.0%. These numbers, Otsuki believes, reflect the cumulative impact of the Association's outreach: books, symposiums, a robust online presence, and educational campaigns. However, progress has since stalled. "Support has plateaued since 2016," Otsuki said. "The biggest barrier now is the government." Japan's Ministry of the Environment remains opposed to the idea of reintroducing wolves. Without political will, the JWA finds itself at a crossroads. "We believe we've entered a phase where political lobbying is necessary. Ultimately, we must move the national government." Tibetan wolves in the enclosure at Osaka's Tennoji Zoo (courtesy of Tennoji Zoo) What would the return of wolves mean for Japan's environment? Otsuki laid it out in ecological terms: deer populations, particularly Sika and Ezo deer, are causing widespread damage to forests and farmland. The government has responded with increased hunting allowances, but the effects have been minimal. Wolves, as apex predators, could offer a more sustainable solution by naturally regulating deer and boar numbers. "By restoring the food chain's natural order, wolves would allow vegetation to recover," said Otsuki. This, in turn, would support the return of birds and small mammals, halt soil erosion, and slowly revive entire ecosystems. "Ultimately, we see this contributing to the recovery of healthy forest systems and the mountain–river–sea continuum." So, where would reintroduction be viable? According to the Association, mountainous regions across Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu are all technically suitable. Wolves, with a natural fear of humans, could be imported from overseas, and would likely avoid populated areas, said Otsuki. Potential sites include Shiretoko, the Daisetsuzan range, the Japanese Alps, the Kii Peninsula, the Chugoku Mountains, and Mt Aso. Each of these areas has sufficient prey and land area to support multiple packs — roughly 100 to 300 square kilometers per territory. Even in national parks with tourist traffic or rural communities, human activity wouldn't necessarily pose a significant obstacle. "If Japan's intensive livestock model is maintained, wolf attacks on farm animals would likely be rare," Otsuki explained. Still, he acknowledged the need for systems to mitigate risk: "Subsidies for livestock protection and compensation schemes must be in place to reassure farmers." Moreover, geography isn't the only factor. "Local government consent and political decisions will greatly influence which sites are selected," he said. "That's why we can't name a concrete location ourselves at this stage." Public fear remains a formidable challenge. "The biggest misconception is fear — what we call 'Little Red Riding Hood syndrome,'" said Otsuki. People also conflate wolf reintroduction with the introduction of invasive species, or worry that wolves will disrupt ecosystems rather than restore them. To change minds, the JWA has used every tool at its disposal, including books, lectures, exhibitions, art, and social media. One notable publication, The Maligned Predator: Rethinking Wolves in Japanese History ( Ookami Enzai no Nihonshi in Japanese, Impress Books), directly rebuts the idea that wolves were historically dangerous to humans. A taxidermied specimen of the Japanese wolf (courtesy of the National Museum of Nature and Science). The Association also shares accident statistics, research from Europe and North America, and even produces children's stories with wolves as protagonists. "We share voices from communities already coexisting with wolves," said Otsuki. Could Japan follow in the footsteps of Yellowstone National Park or Europe? Otsuki thinks so. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in the 1990s is often cited as a success story. Wolves restored balance to the ecosystem, reducing elk overgrazing and allowing plant and animal life to flourish. The European example is different but equally valuable. Protected under the 1979 Bern Convention, wolves in Europe have expanded naturally from neighboring countries into old habitats. "It's not exactly reintroduction, but more like a comeback," said Otsuki. He highlighted a framework Japan could emulate: protect wolves legally, create compensation systems for damages, and permit controlled hunting once populations stabilize. "Public education, like websites explaining that wolves aren't dangerous, is also key." Finally, I asked Otsuki what reintroduction would mean for Japan, not just ecologically, but culturally and spiritually. "It would be a big step for biodiversity," he said. Japan is classified as a biodiversity hotspot (rich, highly threatened ecosystems) by Conservation International. "Wolves could help reverse the decline of vegetation, birds, insects, soil life — even reduce sediment buildup in rivers and dams." Culturally, wolves once held sacred meaning in Japan. Shrines, such as Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama Prefecture, still honor them, and legends abound about wolves that protected and guided humans. "These stories show that wolves were once part of a vibrant spiritual worldview," Otsuki explained. Their return could reignite that relationship. In a time when balance feels increasingly out of reach, the howl of a returning wolf might signal something far greater than its own survival. It could mark the first step toward restoring Japan's ecological soul. And perhaps most profoundly, reintroducing wolves would force a reckoning with the natural world. "Seeing a wolf hunt a deer might strike some as cruel," said Otsuki, "but it reminds us of nature's laws. It helps us reflect on what life means, and what it means to live as a human in harmony with nature." Author: Daniel Manning
