Latest news with #EmbassyofJapan
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Japan extends assistance to BARMM's fisheries sector
The Japanese government provided support to the development and sustainability of the fisheries sector in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). In a press release issued Wednesday, the Embassy of Japan in Manila said the aid was through the Development of Sustainability Fishery Value Chains in BARMM Project. According to First Secretary Akasaka Hidenori of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, this program aims to help fisherfolk improve their livelihoods through technical assistance. 'This project will improve the efficiency and sustainability of aquatic food value chains, strengthening market linkages and building the capacity of small-scale producers through entrepreneurship, alternative species, and value-added processing in BARMM,' Akasaka said. During an inception and planning workshop, Akasaka focused on empowering fisherfolk with resilient aquaculture and post-harvest technologies. The Japanese official also proposed enhancing fish stock monitoring and management. 'We look forward to a BARMM fishery sector that thrives on local ownership, independence, resilience, and long-term self-reliance—even beyond the duration of this intervention,' he said. Funded by the Japanese government, the project is implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the BARMM Government. Recently, Japan also promised to help the region in promoting the digital birth registration of individuals. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
Muscat Daily
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Manga exhibition open at OSFA till July 22
Muscat – A travelling Japanese art exhibition, titled Hokusai Manga: Approaching the Master's Compendium from the Perspective of Contemporary Comics , is running in Muscat till July 22 at Omani Society for Arts (OSFA). Organised by the Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and supported by OSFA, the exhibition traces the evolution of manga by connecting the historical works of 19th century Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai to modern manga. The exhibition, which arrived in Oman from Jordan, will later travel to Armenia. Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, H E Kiyoshi Serizawa, Ambassador of Japan to Oman, said the event aims to foster dialogue and cultural exchange between the two nations. He referenced the recent visit of H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, to Japan in April, when he visited the pavilion of Oman at Expo 2025 Osaka and met Emperor Naruhito. Serizawa noted the growing interest in manga among Omanis, calling it a 'powerful bridge between nations and a vibrant medium of cultural expression'. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of H E Khalid Hashil al Muslahi, Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs at Foreign Ministry. Historically, the term manga referred to a broad collection of drawings. Today, it denotes Japanese comics and animation widely recognised across the globe. The exhibition features reinterpretations of Hokusai's work by several contemporary manga artists, including Ichikawa Haruko, Igarashi Daisuke, Kyō Machiko, Nishijima Daisuke, Okadaya Tetuzoh, Shiriagari Kotobuki and Yokoyama Yūichi.
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
One of world's friendliest countries plans to charge tourists more than locals
In 2024, Japan set a new tourism record as visitors from across the globe flocked to the island nation. The rising number of tourists has led to a "new challenge" One of the friendliest countries in the world is planning to charge tourists more than locals in restaurants. Japan is developing a strategy to manage its booming tourist industry. In 2024, the country smashed its previous tourism records as international travellers swarmed the archipelago. The nation was voted Best Country for a second year running in last year's Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, and it secured sixth place as the friendliest country globally with an impressive score of 93.25. Despite these accolades, Japan faces a "new challenge" due to the overwhelming tide of tourists. Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, told Fox News Digital of the challenges facing the country. "Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community. So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists." A potential solution cited in the report may involve a "two-tier" pricing model at eateries, theme parks, and attractions, placing a higher price tag on those coming from abroad. READ MORE: Tiny unspoilt Greek island which rivals bustling Santorini and Mykonos Mr Asano remarked: "The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel - the price is also increasing. So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism. But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists." Mr Asano noted that last year's tourist figures hit 36 million, revealing that Japan aims to almost double its visitor numbers within the next five years, reports the Express. Across the world, a number of countries are grappling with the booming tourism trade and attempting to work out how best to manage demand. Earlier this month, protesters hit the streets in nations across Europe, demanding legislative changes to lessen the impact of tourism on locals. READ MORE: Brits avoid Spain after protests and warn 'we won't go if we're not wanted' While the campaingers in Spain have been grabbing most of the headlines, there is a growing overtourism protest movement in Italy. At the start of June campaigners came out in full force in Venice. The watery city has been at the sharp edge of overtourism issues for years, with locals selling up and moving out of the limited supply of homes on the central island, and holiday let landlords moving in. 'We've been emphasising for a couple of years now that there are more tourist beds than registered residents,' said Remi Wacogne of Ocio, a civic observatory on housing. 'Tourism is physically and practically taking over homes.' In Venice, a couple of dozen protesters unfurled a banner calling for a halt to new hotel beds in the lagoon city in front of two recently completed structures, one in the popular tourist destination's historic centre where activists say the last resident, an elderly woman, was kicked out last year. The upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jezz Bezos in the city has also become a point of tension among overtourism protesters.
Edinburgh Live
22-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
World's 'friendliest country' to make tourists pay more than locals in restaurants
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info One of the world's most cordial nations, Japan, is devising a strategy to cope with the burgeoning tourist numbers. In 2024, the country set a record for tourism as international visitors thronged to the archipelago. Japan clinched the title of Best Country for the second year running in last year's Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, also scoring high on the friendliness scale at an impressive 93.25, placing it sixth worldwide. Nevertheless, this tourist boom presents a "new challenge" for authorities grappling with the situation. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D. C., acknowledged: "Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community. So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists." READ MORE - Prince Harry's blunt words of advice from Prince Philip ahead of 'mission' READ MORE - Princess Diana's nickname for Harry and why she thought 'he'd be a better King' A potential "two-tier" pricing system is being considered, posing different charges for tourists versus locals at eateries, theme parks, and attractions, potentially making services pricier for visitors, reports the Express. Mr Asano remarked: "The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel - the price is also increasing. So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism." He elaborated, "But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists." Mr Asano revealed that last year's visitor numbers hit 36 million and Japan aims to nearly double this figure within five years. He further stated: "In 2030, we want [to reach] the goal of 60 million people. We need to share our manner[s] [with those who] visit tourist destinations." He expressed his wish for visitors: "So we would like [them to] understand [about] bringing back his or her own trash."
Scoop
07-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Enhancing Rural Resilience: Lumiboso Village Benefits From New And Improved Water System
Press Release – Habitat for Humanity Fiji Prior to this intervention, Lumiboso Village had no access to a government water supply system and relied on a single, unprotected water source. The initial WASH infrastructure constructed in the late 80s had deteriorated following years of service … Suva, Fiji (June 5, 2025) – A total of 111 residents across 23 households in Lumiboso Village, in the Cakaudrove Province, Vanua Levu, now have access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation, thanks to the 'Improvement of Water Supply and Sanitary Environment' project. Habitat for Humanity Fiji, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Fiji, delivered a comprehensive upgrade to the village's water supply system funded through Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. The funding support of over FJD300,000, enabled us to construct a new dam catchment at the community's water source, install fittings and distribution pipelines, and secure the placement of water tanks on concrete bases. Infrastructural challenges were overcome by suspending pipes across stream crossings, extending the reticulation line to newly established village boundaries, and installing household water connections. In addition, nine new Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities were constructed, each equipped with septic tanks and soak pits, providing safer sanitation options for the community. To increase household access to safe drinking water, rainwater harvesting systems with first flush devices were also installed, offering an alternative during dry periods. To ensure long term sustainability and community ownership, Habitat for Humanity Fiji conducted maintenance and operational training sessions that included basic plumbing and financial literacy, equipping residents with the knowledge to manage and maintain the new and improved infrastructure. Prior to this intervention, Lumiboso Village had no access to a government water supply system and relied on a single, unprotected water source. The initial WASH infrastructure constructed in the late 80s had deteriorated following years of service and a lack of maintenance. 'The successful completion of the water and sanitation project in Lumiboso Village marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions of vulnerable communities in Fiji. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is fundamental to public health, human dignity, and sustainable development. We are grateful for the partnership with the Embassy of Japan whose generous support has enabled this critical intervention. We remain committed to supporting the Government of Fiji's development priorities, particularly in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, by delivering impactful and sustainable solutions at the grassroots level', says Sangita Kumar, Head of Regional Development, Habitat for Humanity Fiji 'This WASH project is not only expected to significantly contribute to improving the living standards of the people in Lumiboso village, but also to strengthen the relationship between Fiji and Japan. Access to safe water and sanitation is fundamental to people's health, education, and economic activities. Through this project, we hope for a brighter future for the children of this village', says Chika Inoue, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan. 'At the same time, this project will be an important step in deepening the friendship between our two countries. This project, realized through the cooperation of both countries, is a joint effort toward sustainable development for the future, and we hope it will become a symbol of friendship between the people of both nations', she adds.
