Minaminihon Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (Japanese: 株式会社南日本放送), also known as MBC, is a Japanese radio and television station.
Minaminihon Broadcasting was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Kagoshima, Japan. It commenced radio broadcasting in 1953 and started television broadcasting in 1959.
This section describes the Meteorological Agency's Nase weather station in Amami City. When we discuss the weather in Amami, the Nase Weather Station often comes up. It is a small weather station that provides forecasts and observations for the Amami region. Until about 30 years ago, there were about 100 of these 'weather stations' throughout the country, but now there are only two—in Naze and Obihiro, Hokkaido .
The Nase weather station was recently relocated from its current location for the first time in 130 years, and I went to Amami to cover the event. Unravelling the weather station's history also revealed its 'relationship' with post-war education in Amami.
Yokohama-shi examines large-scale library maintenance in the next fiscal year including the location place.
December 12, 2024 broadcast
Yokohama-shi was found to maintain a new large library in the city. In the next fiscal year, I am going to examine location places in earnest.
City Board of Education devised "a library vision" indicating the directionality of the future library from the viewpoint of improvement of the service and new town planning in this March.
The Yokohama-shi Board of Education has a role to scatter the distribution functions to the regional library which I loan it out, and there is any place other than return and Nishi-ku of the book which a central library of Nishi-ku carries about a new large library in the Standing Committee of 12th.
Furthermore, it includes the new feature of the interchange, experience type and allows you to cope with a variety of media including the electronic book.
I am going to examine a location place and the scale of the new large library, the opening time in the next fiscal year.
In addition, I plan the re-maintenance of the regional library, and it is said that I start the deterioration measures of the Kohoku library more than 60 old.
Our Pride is Sausage! A French-style Bistro Run by a Couple, with Home-Made Sausages by a French Husband Who Sought the Climate of Shinano.
A French husband who used to live in Paris and his wife from Kobe moved to Yamanouchi-machi, Nagano Prefecture , seeking a place suitable for making sausages. This fall, they opened a restaurant, fulfilling the husband's long-held dream, and are working hard to become a part of the local community.
[in a deterioration citizen pool a savior]
Street or ...I want to keep a civic pool for 600 million yen contribution children.
Aichi, Owariasahi-shi
A civic pool of Owariasahi-shi, Aichi. 45 years passed from opening, and deterioration was serious, but it was decided that I repaired it. The appearance cause of the expense of 600 million yen is to be the contribution from "an individual" how.
[2024.12.10 broadcast] Chukyo TV NEWS
Tenants flock to "Tsukimidai Housing," an abandoned building in the sky that has been repurposed as a residence and store. Rents range from 50,000 to 80,000 yen. The building is in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
An old, single-story house stands on a hill overlooking the sea.
With no residents, it soon became known as the "Ruins in the Sky."
But now, it's flooding with tenants.
We uncovered the secret behind its popularity.
The "It!" reporting team headed to Yokosuka City, Kanagawa.
The ruins in the sky were at the top of a steep, winding hill.
Tsukimidai Housing stands quietly as if time had stopped.
Built in 1960 as a municipal housing complex, it was bustling with residents for about 60 years, from the Showa era to the Heisei era.
But two years ago, it was abandoned due to deterioration and is now vacant.
People who live nearby say, "It's a shame. The view is nice, and you can see the sea. It would be dangerous if there were no people around..."
There is not a single store in the surrounding area, let alone a convenience store.
This "ruins in the sky" is now attracting attention.
On the 19th, people were seen at Tsukimidai Housing, where no residents should be.
The city and a local real estate company have teamed up to renovate about 60 vacant municipal housing units.
They plan to reuse the properties as rental properties that can be used as residences and shops so that people can easily do business from the eaves of their own homes.
When they started looking for tenants in the summer of 2024, they were flooded with applications. About 80% of the spaces are already filled.
A man looking at the property said he was considering opening a ramen shop.
A man who plans to open a ramen shop:
It would be nice if it had a hidden ramen feel.
The rent would be around 50,000 to 80,000 yen, and he plans to open a cafe, second-hand clothing store, motorcycle shop, etc.
He also said he is considering setting up a dog run and sauna facilities.
A woman dreams of opening a cafe in an old house and entertaining customers with homemade sweets.
A woman who plans to open a cafe in an old house:
I want to make and sell sweets. It means we can make it here and serve customers through this window. I don't know how it will be reborn, but I look forward to it.
You say you will rent this house as a second home...
Woman planning to open a cafe in an old house:
(Q. Does your family know?) I haven't told them yet. I want to announce it soon officially.
Nearby residents have welcomed it, saying, "If there was a cafe or something, we could talk. It would be stimulating. It would be exciting," and "I think it would liven up the town, so it's good."
Renovation of the Showa era heritage "Ruins in the sky."
The person in charge is also whole of expectations.
Takasai Yuki, Business Planning Department, Enjoy Works:
Even if we tried to recreate it in a new building now, I think there is an atmosphere that cannot be created. When you come here, you think, "Isn't there something more we can do here?" I feel there is a lot of potential, just like everyone thinks.
Tenants flock to "Tsukimidai Housing," an abandoned building in the sky that has been repurposed as a residence and store. Rents range from 50,000 to 80,000 yen. The building is in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
It perched on the shoulder of a foreign tourist traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo, but was captured and handed over to the police (August 20, 2024)."
During the summer homecoming rush, passengers on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen witnessed a single parakeet sitting neatly on the backrest. Could it be that a passenger's pet had escaped? Security personnel waiting inside the train searched for the owner, but there was no sign of them. Where did this bird board the train? The answer to this mystery was observed by the person who filmed it. According to the filmer, the parakeet boarded at Kyoto Station by hopping onto the shoulder of a foreign traveler, and it did so without being noticed, thus boarding the train together.
The journey from Kyoto to the final destination, Tokyo, is about 500 kilometers. Just as one might think the lost parakeet's grand adventure was beginning, it was captured almost immediately by two crew members after boarding. Subsequently, the lost parakeet was handed over to the police station at Tokyo Station. The owner of the parakeet is a woman living in Kyoto, who had posted on social media the day before the video was filmed, saying, "I am looking for my lost parakeet." When comparing the posted image with the parakeet seen on the Shinkansen, the similarities are striking: a red face and a green body. It is indeed the same parakeet.
Did the owner and the lost parakeet manage to reunite safely? The parakeet's owner stated, "I believe this miracle happened thanks to the many people who cooperated in various ways. I think we were able to meet because of everyone's help." The call for information on social media led to the successful "miraculous reunion." Currently, the parakeet is said to be in good health and living energetically, but the owner is now cautious about letting it roam freely indoors, which was the reason it escaped in the first place. Careful attention is necessary when keeping birds free-range.
Castle enthusiasts from all over the country gather! The largest castle event in Japan, 'Castle EXPO 2024,' will be held.
The largest event in Japan for castle enthusiasts from all over the country has opened. A PR team dressed as samurai and celebrities who love castles have made appearances, creating a lively atmosphere at the venue. The samurai team, raising their battle cries, is not heading into battle but rather to this event. In 2024, the ninth edition of Japan's largest castle event, "Castle EXPO 2024," is taking place. A record 114 organizations from across the country are exhibiting.
One of the highlights is the PR booths from local governments that have castles. Visitors can gather the latest information that serves as hints for castle tours during their travels, as well as castle-related merchandise. Additionally, a special stage features a talk show by Atsushi Tamura, known for his love of castles.
Talent Atsushi Tamura stated, "Everyone who loves castles is here, right? Of course! I don't approach it from the perspective of a lord. I visit castles as if I were a foot soldier. The charm of a castle is fully packed into the journey to the main keep, so when you think like a foot soldier, you can understand where it would be easy to attack and how the castle is being defended."
Visitors were intrigued by Tamura's unique way of enjoying castles as he presented his own slides, with comments like, "I was surprised at how knowledgeable he is about castles."
At the ninja experience booth, children are trying their hand at being ninjas. They move silently, using the stealthy footwork characteristic of ninjas, but it seems the children are struggling with this new experience. The children who participated said things like, "It felt like I was a trickster!" and "It was harder than I expected."
As a memento of their visit to the castles, attendees can obtain "Castle Seals." Long lines formed for the limited edition of these seals. One person, who enjoys collecting them from various places, had a stamp book filled with stamps from Ueda Castle and Himeji Castle . Those who purchased the limited edition seals commented, "The limited ones can go for 1,000 yen," and when asked if it was okay for their budget, they replied, "Yes, I'm working hard for that."
This year, for the first time, a castle from Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered significant damage from the Noto Peninsula earthquake and flooding, is also exhibiting.
Mr. Makoto Umatori, Board Member of Castle EXPO 2024
"It is packed with elements that people of all ages, from young to old, can enjoy. Truly, it can be called a comprehensive department store of castles, and I hope you take the time to enjoy it thoroughly."
FNN Prime Online
The "Castle EXPO 2024" is being held at Pacifico Yokohama North until today.
Kumamoto local news
"Golden Exhibition" Shines Amid Rising Gold Prices: Showcasing Items Worth 3 Billion Yen, Including a Pure Gold Kumamon, in Kumamoto City Until December 22"
The "Golden Exhibition," showcasing dazzling gold products to bring good fortune for the New Year, has begun at the Tsuruya Department Store in Kumamoto City.
I am translating content into English using ChatGPT. Is the content being translated accurately?
Rare Snowfall at Unprecedented Speed in 29 Years: Severe Cold Keeps Monkeys from Leaving the Onse.
[TV Asahi news]
■ Severe Cold: Monkeys Unable to Leave the Hot Spring
This year, snowfall has been increasing at an unprecedented speed.
In Sukayu, Aomori Prefecture, snow has already piled up to nearly half the height of buildings, completely covering entrances. Having over 2 meters of snow this early in the season is the fastest in 29 years.
One reason for this is the unusually high sea surface temperatures in the Sea of Japan. In Akita Prefecture, snowfall rapidly increased on the night of the 16th, prompting heavy snow warnings to be issued.
Additionally, in Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido , snowfall has reached three times the average amount for this time of year, leaving residents unable to keep up with snow removal.
Local Resident:
"Wow, it's tough this year. We've never had so much snow in such a short period before."
Transportation has also been affected. All local bus services have been suspended, and JR Hokkaido has canceled 69 trains, including two express trains.
Local Resident:
"When the buses stop, it's hard to even get to the hospital and places like that."
In Hakodate City, Hokkaido, light snow was falling. On the morning of the 17th, temperatures dropped to -8.6°C. Yet, enveloped in steam, monkeys at the hot springs seemed unfazed.
Tourist:
"Humans and monkeys alike love hot springs, huh?"
"They even bathe the same way!"
The colder it gets, the harder it seems for them to leave the warm water.
Ichiro Suzuki, Director of the Tropical Botanical Garden in Hakodate:
"They're in the baths from morning until night. Just like humans, there are those who love baths and those who don't. The bath-lovers are in there 24/7."
■ A New Winter Tradition? Kotatsu + Shaved Ice
This season, the nationwide lowest temperature of -20.5°C was recorded in Hobetsu, Mukawa Town, Hokkaido, on the 16th, and updated to -20.7°C on the 17th.
Mukawa Town Resident:
"When it gets this cold, you can wake up in the morning and enjoy seeing diamond dust. That's something to look forward to."
Phenomena like "diamond dust," "sea smoke," and "shiga," where partially frozen rivers form ice flows resembling drift ice, have also been observed.
Winter scenery can also be enjoyed indoors.
Shohei Matsushita, Owner of Café Macchan:
"Here in Maniwa City, it gets really cold, so we want people to enjoy a relaxing space."
The kotatsu setup is particularly popular among women and children.
Out of over 100 menu items, the café offers 14 types of shaved ice, its signature item. Among them, the white peach shaved ice is the best-seller, accounting for 70% of shaved ice sales.
Meanwhile, about 100 citrus fruits, including "San Tsukumi," grown in Tsukumi City, Oita Prefecture, are floating in the flowing hot spring waters of Beppu Onsen. From the 16th, the "Citrus Foot Bath" has begun.
The Citrus Foot Bath is available until 7 PM on the 17th. From the 18th, visitors can look forward to enjoying Yuzu baths.
The Winter Solstice in Japan: "Warmth of a Month Ago" Felt as Christmas Events Take Place Across the Country [Super J Channel] (December 21, 2024)
The Winter Solstice in Japan: "Warmth of a Month Ago" and Christmas Events Across the Country [Super J Channel] (December 21, 2024)
December 21 marks the Winter Solstice, the day with the shortest daylight hours of the year. Due to southerly winds, areas along the Pacific coast experienced temperatures reminiscent of those a month earlier.
Warm "Month-Ago" Weather Across the Archipelago
At Meiji Jingu Gaien in Tokyo, one of the largest Christmas markets in Japan welcomed visitors.
With the last weekend before Christmas, many enjoyed gourmet treats and shopping, and even dogs dressed in festive outfits made an appearance.
Visitors' comments:
"It's warm today, isn't it?"
"This is an outdoor event, but it feels really nice today."
"It's so warm that I can enjoy a cold beer—it's been a lot of fun."
After a stretch of cold weather through the 20th, central Tokyo saw temperatures rise to 16.5°C on the 21st, matching mid-November levels.
A visitor from Chiba: "It's lively and really nice here, but I bet it'd be even more beautiful at night."
At "Fuji Children's World," located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Christmas festivities began on the 21st. Children were overjoyed playing in artificial snow with Santa Claus and receiving treats.
Yuzu Baths and Pumpkin Dishes for the Season
December 21, the Winter Solstice, is a day to enjoy traditional yuzu baths.
In Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, the morning started with subzero temperatures, but the calm weather made the yuzu baths refreshing and enjoyable.
At Tosho Onsen, 3,000 yuzu fruits were added to the bath, far exceeding the 2,025 planned to match the upcoming year.
Kimura Minoru, President of Tosho Onsen: "We added 3,000 yuzu this time. I hope everyone stays healthy with yuzu baths next year."
At Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a yuzu bath featuring large "shishi yuzu" (lion yuzu) was a unique highlight. These rare fruits, weighing about 1 kg each, are cultivated by around 10 farmers in Yamakita Town, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Visitor's comment: "I want to challenge myself with new things and make next year a fun and fulfilling one."
Winter Solstice also calls for eating pumpkin dishes. At Ikune Shrine in Osaka City, pumpkin with red beans, believed to bring good health, was served to visitors.
Visitors' comments:
"I want to feel energized. I microwave it and eat it right away."
"It feels like a year has come to an end, and I'm ready to welcome the new year."
However, starting in the afternoon on the 21st, a cold wave is expected to hit Japan. Heavy snow and blizzards are forecast, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast, through December 24.
[TV Asahi News]
Tokyo's Small Factory Develops 3-Meter-Tall Exoskeleton Robot: "Amplifying Human Movement" Experience the World of Robot Anime [Good Morning!] (December 23, 2024)
A small factory in Tokyo has created an impressive 3-meter-tall exoskeleton robot, allowing users to experience the world of robot anime by amplifying human movement. The groundbreaking development showcases the innovative spirit of local manufacturing.
The robot is designed to mimic and enhance human actions, offering an immersive and futuristic experience reminiscent of iconic scenes from Japanese anime. While initially conceived for entertainment purposes, its potential applications range from construction to disaster relief and beyond.
This achievement highlights the possibilities of combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge robotics, placing small factories in Tokyo at the forefront of technological innovation.
[KTN] The hobby of a woman reaching her 80th birthday is sports cars. Her beloved car is a Mazda RX-7.
KTN Television Nagasaki
A woman who is turning 80 this year has a hobby of "cars." Her name is Naoko Nishimoto, 79 years old, and she lives in Nagasaki City. In December 2024, she will celebrate her 80th birthday. Throughout her life, there has always been a beloved car by her side. Her current car is the silver Mazda RX-7, a sports car equipped with a rotary engine, which is especially popular among younger generations today. She purchased it when she was 55 years old and has carefully driven it for 24 years.
Moreover, she has already made a decision for her next birthday... She plans to return her driver's license and part with her beloved car. The recipient of the RX-7 has already been decided, and it will be preserved as a publicity car at Mazda's headquarters.
(Originally broadcast on September 16, 2024)
Grateful for 25 years with the RX-7: On her 80th birthday, she parts with it and returns it to its manufacturer, Mazda, choosing 'a return to its hometown' from 400 transfer requests.
NBC Nagasaki Broadcasting
Naoko Nishimoto, 80, who lives in Nagasaki City, bid farewell to her beloved sports car, the RX-7, on her 80th birthday, December 18. After a quarter-century of companionship, she decided to part with her car and return her driver's license. The RX-7, which came into her life through a "fateful encounter," has led her to an unexpected second chapter in her life.
A Promise at 80
Naoko Nishimoto, who lives in Nagasaki City, had decided two years ago that she would return her driver's license when she turned 80. December 18, her 80th birthday, was the day she made that promise a reality. On that day, she took her beloved RX-7 for a final drive to say goodbye. The RX-7 had been her companion for 25 years, truly a "partner" she had spent daily time with, from Monday to Saturday. She cherished its design, its stance, and the distinctive "moon..." engine sound, which made her feel one with the car.
Naoko Nishimoto:
"I love this rear section, the shape of the whole car."
"It's been my constant companion."
Whether she was happy, feeling down, or just a little frustrated, the RX-7 was always there for her. After deciding to return her driver's license, Naoko Nishimoto thought carefully about what would happen to her beloved car. The "fateful encounter" and her "decision" led to a remarkable turn of events.
The Fateful Encounter and Decision
After her decision to part with the car was announced through media outlets, Naoko received about 400 inquiries. One of those came from Mazda, the manufacturer of her RX-7. The company offered to take the car back, and it was decided that the RX-7 would be preserved as a promotional vehicle at Mazda's headquarters.
On her birthday, December 18, a special ceremony took place at Mazda in Nagasaki City, where Naoko handed over the keys to her beloved RX-7.
"I'll entrust the keys to you."
Naoko Nishimoto: "Goodbye, keys."
25 Years and 77,500 Kilometers
The RX-7 had been with Naoko for 25 years, covering a distance of 77,500 kilometers. At the farewell ceremony, over ten media outlets gathered, and a message was read on behalf of Mazda's president, Katsuhiro Kegoro.
(Mazda's Domestic Sales Director, Kosuke Doi, read the message aloud):
"When you chose that silver RX-7, the joy you felt then must still be vivid in your memory. If the RX-7 has brought color to your life, we, as Mazda employees, feel deeply honored."
Saying Goodbye and Starting Fresh
Naoko Nishimoto:
"When I came here, I came in the '7' (RX-7), but now I'm leaving alone. It's been my companion for 25 years. I've enjoyed driving it, so I have no regrets in parting with it. I want to say thank you to the '7' for 25 years."
Having returned her driver's license, Naoko Nishimoto said she felt "a sense of relief" and appeared refreshed.
A New Chapter Ahead
Now that she has parted ways with the RX-7, what's next for Naoko?
Naoko Nishimoto:
"I'm thinking of starting a YouTube channel for reading aloud. There are many exciting things ahead of me."
With a new hobby and a full tank of enthusiasm, she's ready for the next chapter in life. Meanwhile, the RX-7, now separated from Naoko, will undergo maintenance in Hiroshima and then head to Yokohama, where it will continue to be active in events and media appearances.
[KTN] The hobby of a woman reaching her 80th birthday is sports cars. Her beloved car is a Mazda RX-7.
KTN Television Nagasaki
A woman who is turning 80 this year has a hobby of "cars." Her name is Naoko Nishimoto, 79 years old, and she lives in Nagasaki City. In December 2024, she will celebrate her 80th birthday. Throughout her life, there has always been a beloved car by her side. Her current car is the silver Mazda RX-7, a sports car equipped with a rotary engine, which is especially popular among younger generations today. She purchased it when she was 55 years old and has carefully driven it for 24 years.
Moreover, she has already made a decision for her next birthday... She plans to return her driver's license and part with her beloved car. The recipient of the RX-7 has already been decided, and it will be preserved as a publicity car at Mazda's headquarters.
(Originally broadcast on September 16, 2024)
Grateful for 25 years with the RX-7: On her 80th birthday, she parts with it and returns it to its manufacturer, Mazda, choosing 'a return to its hometown' from 400 transfer requests.
NBC Nagasaki Broadcasting
Naoko Nishimoto, 80, who lives in Nagasaki City, bid farewell to her beloved sports car, the RX-7, on her 80th birthday, December 18. After a quarter-century of companionship, she decided to part with her car and return her driver's license. The RX-7, which came into her life through a "fateful encounter," has led her to an unexpected second chapter in her life.
A Promise at 80
Naoko Nishimoto, who lives in Nagasaki City, had decided two years ago that she would return her driver's license when she turned 80. December 18, her 80th birthday, was the day she made that promise a reality. On that day, she took her beloved RX-7 for a final drive to say goodbye. The RX-7 had been her companion for 25 years, truly a "partner" she had spent daily time with, from Monday to Saturday. She cherished its design, its stance, and the distinctive "moon..." engine sound, which made her feel one with the car.
Naoko Nishimoto:
"I love this rear section, the shape of the whole car."
"It's been my constant companion."
Whether she was happy, feeling down, or just a little frustrated, the RX-7 was always there for her. After deciding to return her driver's license, Naoko Nishimoto thought carefully about what would happen to her beloved car. The "fateful encounter" and her "decision" led to a remarkable turn of events.
The Fateful Encounter and Decision
After her decision to part with the car was announced through media outlets, Naoko received about 400 inquiries. One of those came from Mazda, the manufacturer of her RX-7. The company offered to take the car back, and it was decided that the RX-7 would be preserved as a promotional vehicle at Mazda's headquarters.
On her birthday, December 18, a special ceremony took place at Mazda in Nagasaki City, where Naoko handed over the keys to her beloved RX-7.
"I'll entrust the keys to you."
Naoko Nishimoto: "Goodbye, keys."
25 Years and 77,500 Kilometers
The RX-7 had been with Naoko for 25 years, covering a distance of 77,500 kilometers. At the farewell ceremony, over ten media outlets gathered, and a message was read on behalf of Mazda's president, Katsuhiro Kegoro.
(Mazda's Domestic Sales Director, Kosuke Doi, read the message aloud):
"When you chose that silver RX-7, the joy you felt then must still be vivid in your memory. If the RX-7 has brought color to your life, we, as Mazda employees, feel deeply honored."
Saying Goodbye and Starting Fresh
Naoko Nishimoto:
"When I came here, I came in the '7' (RX-7), but now I'm leaving alone. It's been my companion for 25 years. I've enjoyed driving it, so I have no regrets in parting with it. I want to say thank you to the '7' for 25 years."
Having returned her driver's license, Naoko Nishimoto said she felt "a sense of relief" and appeared refreshed.
A New Chapter Ahead
Now that she has parted ways with the RX-7, what's next for Naoko?
Naoko Nishimoto:
"I'm thinking of starting a YouTube channel for reading aloud. There are many exciting things ahead of me."
With a new hobby and a full tank of enthusiasm, she's ready for the next chapter in life. Meanwhile, the RX-7, now separated from Naoko, will undergo maintenance in Hiroshima and then head to Yokohama, where it will continue to be active in events and media appearances.
Wow. It's great that she knows when to stop driving and didn't try to keep going until she killed someone. But she doesn't have to return her license. She just needn't drive. My mother still has a license at 92 even though her driving days are a few years behind her. But we use drivers licenses for IDs in the U.S.
Wow. It's great that she knows when to stop driving and didn't try to keep going until she killed someone. But she doesn't have to return her license. She just needn't drive. My mother still has a license at 92 even though her driving days are a few years behind her. But we use drivers licenses for IDs in the U.S.
Mandatory license surrender for elderly drivers is essential. There have been numerous tragic incidents, such as the one in Ikebukuro where a mother and child were killed due to a senior driver's error, as well as a rise in accidents involving elderly drivers causing injuries and fatalities. My father, now 91 years old, refused to surrender his license until he was 80. After causing an accident at an intersection near our home, we had to force him to give up his license. However, even after surrendering it, he forgot that he no longer had a license and attempted to drive without one. As a result, we had to dispose of the car entirely, even though I had kept it for use during my visits home.
[Elderly drivers] Accidents occurring one after another...
Challenges and new services for "returning driver's licenses"
Ehime NNN Selection
The topic highlights the challenges and new services related to elderly drivers surrendering their licenses, amid a series of accidents involving senior drivers in Ehime Prefecture. NNN Selection explores the growing concern over road safety as accidents caused by elderly drivers continue to occur, emphasizing the need for proper measures to address this issue.
One of the main challenges is the reluctance of some elderly drivers to give up their licenses, as driving often represents independence and a means of mobility. In response, local governments and organizations in Ehime have introduced support systems and incentives to encourage license surrender. These include offering discounts on public transportation, access to taxi services, and even alternative transportation options for daily needs.
Moreover, new services have emerged, such as community shuttle buses and programs tailored to assist seniors in maintaining their independence without relying on private vehicles. The report also highlights the emotional and practical difficulties faced by families in convincing their elderly loved ones to stop driving, especially when cognitive decline or memory issues are involved.
By addressing these challenges and promoting safer alternatives, Ehime's efforts aim to balance road safety with the dignity and independence of its aging population.
In Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, local residents took part in test rides of autonomous vehicles as part of a demonstration experiment conducted by the city, Suzuki, and other collaborators. This initiative aims to explore the potential of self-driving cars as a safe and reliable transportation solution for the elderly, who often face mobility challenges.
The test vehicles operated on predetermined routes, showcasing technologies that enable them to navigate traffic, stop at designated points, and avoid obstacles. Participants, many of them elderly residents, expressed their impressions of the ride, noting the comfort and potential convenience of autonomous transportation in their daily lives.
With an aging population and increasing concerns about accidents caused by elderly drivers, the experiment is seen as a promising step towards addressing mobility needs while ensuring road safety. Hamamatsu City and Suzuki are collecting data from these trials to refine the technology and assess its feasibility for broader implementation.
The project also highlights the importance of integrating autonomous vehicles into community-based transportation systems, potentially offering an alternative to traditional driving and helping seniors maintain their independence.
It's because I make a big fuss searching for the keys. Every day my memory is erased, so I keep searching for the keys and causing a commotion. Right now, I live with my parents, so I buy a new car and take them to shopping and medical appointments in the car.
Thanks to COVID-19, I am now able to work remotely, and also due to the recent trend of companies becoming more accommodating to caregiving.
Since I work for a company in Tokyo while living in Fukuoka, I have the longest commute for work in the company.
From Western countries, people visit to learn under an 84-year-old master potter... A one-month stay-in "pottery class" leaves three foreign students thoroughly satisfied with their experience of Japanese culture.
#HO-CA" in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, is a pottery school where students live in for a month to learn the craft, attracting many visitors from Western countries.
On their days off, participants also get a chance to experience Japanese culture through activities like visiting historical sites in the city and practicing zazen meditation.
The instructor, an 84-year-old master potter, is committed to serving as a bridge between Tajimi and foreign countries through these cultural
"European Flat Oyster" Found Living in the Waters of Iwate: A Beacon of Hope for Sanriku's Aquaculture Industry Struggling with High Water Temperatures.
December 4, 2024 | IBC Iwate Broadcasting - 6BOX
"Scallops, abalone, and sea urchins... none are thriving." Sanriku's aquaculture industry has been struggling with declining harvests due to high water temperatures and various other factors. Even the commonly farmed Pacific oyster (Magaki) is now being affected. Amid this challenge, attention is turning to the European Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis). Once brought to Japan after World War II but abandoned as a commercial venture, this "phantom shellfish" has remarkably survived in the waters of Iwate. This report highlights the efforts of fishermen in Yamada Town as they rise to the challenge.
Between the late 1960s and early 1970s, France's oyster farming industry suffered devastating losses due to the spread of parasites and viruses, plunging oyster production into a severe crisis.
To address this situation, in 1970, juvenile Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, were exported to France, where efforts to cultivate them locally began.
Japanese Pacific oysters proved to be highly resilient, adaptable to French waters, and resistant to diseases, allowing France's oyster production to gradually recover.
Today, many of the oysters distributed in France are derived from these Japanese-origin Pacific oysters.
Furthermore, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 caused catastrophic damage to oyster farming facilities in Miyagi Prefecture, French oyster farmers extended their support to help restore the facilities as a gesture of gratitude for past assistance.
This long-standing partnership in oyster farming between Japan and France continues to thrive to this day.
【Shio-buri market】 A year-end tradition that has continued since the Edo period—New Year's dishes with good fortune from the Hida region, Takayama City, Gifu.
December 24, 2024 - Chukyo TV News
At the wholesale market in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, the traditional year-end "Shio-buri Market," which has been held since the Edo period , took place, and the lively auctioneers' voices echoed through the air.
"Shio-buri" originated in the Edo period when, due to the lack of refrigeration, yellowtail caught in Toyama Bay was salted to preserve it and transported to the Hida region to be eaten as part of the New Year's dishes.
This year's yellowtail, with a bountiful catch not seen in 15 years, had a good fat content, and some were priced at around 180,000 yen for those weighing over 10 kilograms.
Luxury Fish, Tiger Pufferfish: Bountiful Catch Leads to "Fugu Rice" in School Lunches, While Salmon Roe Prices Soar... Osechi Ingredients in Crisis (December 26, 2024)
Large Haul of Tiger Pufferfish off the Coast of Fukushima, Leading to "Fugu Rice" in School Lunches; Prices of Salmon Roe Skyrocket... Osechi Ingredients in Crisis (December 26, 2024)
A massive catch of tiger pufferfish is currently being landed off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture , with the catch volume 18 times higher than it was 15 years ago. At the same time, the prices of seafood essential for New Year's osechi dishes are soaring.
Tiger Pufferfish Catch 18 Times Larger: Fisherman Says, "East to Soma"
Known as the "king of pufferfish," the tiger pufferfish has seen a sharp increase in landings of wild fish off the coast of Fukushima in recent years. At the auction house in Soma City, Fukushima, tiger pufferfish were lined up in abundance.
The fish are sold for around 5,000 yen per kilogram, with 70% of the catch being shipped to Tokyo's Toyosu, Osaka, and Kyoto. Annual sales now exceed 130 million yen.
Fisherman Masahiro Ishibashi
"Before, catching even one or two tiger pufferfish a year was considered rare. The types of fish we catch have changed, and now this is the current situation off the coast of Fukushima."
The catch of tiger pufferfish off Fukushima's coast was less than 2 tons 15 years ago, but it surged to around 30 tons between 2021 and 2023.
Ishibashi
"We hope to make it a major consumption area, like the west in Shimonoseki and the east in Soma, Fukushima."
Local fishing cooperatives and tourism associations have been branding the wild tiger pufferfish from Fukushima as "Fukutora" to promote its market presence.
A local kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) restaurant that has been serving pufferfish dishes for around 40 years switched to using only wild tiger pufferfish from Fukushima's waters about five years ago.
Koji Suzuki, Owner of Kaiseki Yamashita
"Wild pufferfish needs to be this thin, as it has a strong, chewy texture. The flavor is unique and irresistible. Once you taste it, you'll want to eat it again. For those who want to experience the true taste of pufferfish, I think coming to Soma is the best option."
So Many Caught, "Fugu Rice" Served in School Lunches
Last month, tiger pufferfish appeared on the menu of school lunches in 13 elementary and junior high schools in Soma City. Around 3,000 servings of "fugu-meshi" (pufferfish rice) were served to students, made by simmering bones to create broth, adding the fish meat, and seasoning with soy sauce and mirin.
Additionally, local seafood processors who have obtained pufferfish chef licenses are making products such as pufferfish hot pot sets, fried pufferfish, and sashimi.
Takuya Mori, Representative of Loop Foods
"Bringing wild pufferfish closer to everyone. Now it's more accessible for people to try."
Processed products are sold at markets near the port, attracting customers from outside the prefecture as well.
Customer from Miyagi Prefecture
"We came from Miyagi to buy it. It's caught nearby, so it's fresh, and we really wanted to try it."
Customer from Yamagata Prefecture
"We came for the pufferfish. We thought if we wanted to eat the best, we would have to go to Yamaguchi or Tokyo."
According to the Fukushima Prefecture Fisheries and Marine Research Center, the surface water temperature off the coast of Fukushima has risen by 2°C over the past 50 years.
Yoshiharu Nemoto, Deputy Director of Fukushima Prefecture Fisheries and Marine Research Center
"The Kuroshio Current, which originally passed near Fukushima, has been shifting northward and has now reached the area off Sanriku. This has raised the water temperature along Fukushima's coast."
While pufferfish used to be mainly caught in Yamaguchi Prefecture, the rise in ocean temperatures due to global warming has led to an expansion of their habitat, with large hauls now being made off Fukushima.
Salmon Roe Prices Skyrocket; "In 10 Years, We Might Not Be Able to Eat It"
While the tiger pufferfish catch has surged in Fukushima, the price of "ikura" (salmon roe) is soaring, creating concerns for the upcoming New Year.
Takashi Morikawa, General Manager of Hichikyo, a restaurant in Sapporo
"To be honest, I'd like to increase the price by 1.5 to 2 times, but we're trying to keep the price hike as minimal as possible."
At this restaurant, which uses 10 kg of ikura per day, the price of ingredients has risen 1.5 times compared to last year, and the popular "Tsucco-meshi" rice bowl will increase by 1,190 yen starting this month.
The sharp rise in ikura prices is due to a historic shortage of autumn salmon caught off Hokkaido . Last month, salmon catches were only about 80% of last year's amount.
A seafood processing company in Erimo Town, Hokkaido, which makes salted salmon popular for New Year's gifts, is also feeling the effects.
Koji Kasashima, Section Chief of Maruden Erimo Factory
"Normally, we'd process about 2,000 fish, but this year, due to the lack of fish, we're only able to process about 1,000."
The salted salmon production, which typically continues until the end of December, ended early this year in late November due to a shortage of fish.
Customer
"Ikura and herring roe are expensive, and sashimi is pricey too. Our New Year's food costs are going to be cut back."
Similar concerns have been raised by customers at ikura-don (salmon roe rice bowl) specialty stores in Tokyo.
Shinya Kawamo, Owner of Ikura-don "Nami no"
"I predict that in the near future, ikura prices will continue to rise, and in 10 or 20 years, we might not be able to eat it anymore."
Ten years ago, a high-end ikura-don made with Hokkaido salmon cost 680 yen, but prices have continued to rise, and it is now being offered for 2,750 yen.
Rising Seafood Prices... Osechi Costs on the Rise, Hitting Consumers' Wallets
These price hikes are also affecting New Year's osechi dishes.
Tetsuya Uesugi, Head of Sales at Bell Foods Service
"We manufacture osechi here."
At a factory that makes about 63,000 osechi sets for major department stores and online sales, prices for essential osechi ingredients like salmon and ikura have risen.
Uesugi
"Salmon, ikura—these items have been rising in price. Especially ikura, which has doubled in cost."
The cost of salmon has risen by about 30%, and eggs, impacted by bird flu, have gone up by about 60%. As a result, the price of osechi sets will increase by about 3% to 5%.
To mitigate these price hikes, they had contracted to purchase ingredients in bulk last year, hoping to keep costs down.
Uesugi
"We want to make it as affordable as possible for consumers. We've been doing our best to keep costs down, but it's a very tough situation."
(From the "Hatori Shinichi Morning Show" broadcast on December 24, 2024)
They should switch to fake ikura and reduce the price. A few years ago on that new years celebrity program with Gackt where they test celebrities' tastes against gourmet vs cheap ingredients many people could not distinguish between real ikura and the manufactured fake stuff. Gackt got it correct of course.
It seems that ikura (salmon roe) is mainly consumed in Japan and Russia. The foreign-produced ikura sold in Japan is primarily from Russia, with some also sourced from the United States. While Norway has become well-known for salmon farming in recent years, Japan also imports farmed salmon from Chile.
Will the day come when Norwegian salmon roe becomes a trend in Japan? [Catch of the Day! Fisheries Manager's Fish Topics]
Norway Begins Ikura Production, but Challenges Remain
Meanwhile, Japan is facing a poor salmon harvest, with an annual production volume of only about 75,000 tons from both wild and farmed sources. In recent years, the autumn salmon fishery has struggled, leading to skyrocketing ikura prices. In response, Norway has begun producing salmon roe, something that was rarely done until now.
A fish farmer in Norway shared, "We are preparing for salmon roe production and have already set up production lines at the processing facilities." Although still in the trial-and-error stage, the farmer hinted at ambitions for large-scale production in the future.
However, there are challenges in producing ikura. According to the farmer, raising salmon for roe requires about two additional years in fish farms compared to usual practices. Another farmer revealed, "When salmon carry eggs, their fat content decreases, and the flesh becomes paler and too soft, which reduces its quality."
If the flesh cannot be sold, it results in losses, making it difficult to allocate many fish for ikura production. Nevertheless, with Norway's large-scale salmon farming, even a small success in ikura production could lead to significant quantities.
At Toyosu Market, a seafood auctioneer commented, "Due to the situation in Ukraine, the market price of sashimi-grade salmon has risen by more than 20% compared to before, but salmon's popularity has remained strong even during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Depending on the progress of ikura production, the day may come when we see Norwegian salmon "oyakodon" (salmon and ikura rice bowl) served in Japan
News About Salmon That Caught My Attention
[Salmon] The World Has Realized Its "Versatility"! Imported Products See Price Hikes Due to Yen Depreciation... Meanwhile, Japan Enters the "Local Salmon Warring States Era" with Farming Operations in Over 100 Locations Nationwide (June 3, 2024)
"Salmon" Prices Are Rising Now
We explored the reasons behind this price increase, what kind of fish salmon really is, and the "local salmon" being farmed in Japan. Here's a summary of the various information we gathered.
The Japanese bacon is just not interesting. Secrets of supreme smoked salmon & bacon by a former chef of the Danish royal family. | Smoked | RØGKOKKEN |
"We spent five months closely covering this story, which begins in the small port town of Ujina in Hiroshima. This time, we explore the world of authentic Nordic smoking, crafted by a former chef of the Danish royal family.
In Denmark, the homeland of shop owner Allan, smoking is a cherished traditional method essential for surviving harsh winters. It has been a familiar part of life for him since childhood. Despite the time and effort required, Allan is deeply committed to recreating the authentic flavors of his homeland.
His earnest dedication and sincere approach to his craft were truly inspiring. We would be delighted if you could take the time to watch this story." Store information
Store name: Smoked food workshop "Hoikokken" | RØGKOKKEN
Address: 13-7 Motoujina-cho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima
MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YzQ1sMumZ2fn2...
Website: RØGKOKKEN（ホイコッケン） | スモークサーモンが美味しいお店
Online shop: オンラインショップ | RØGKOKKEN（ホイコッケン） SETOUCHI BOX | 瀬戸内ボックス
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Minaminihon Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (Japanese: 株式会社南日本放送), also known as MBC, is a Japanese radio and television station.
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