Latest news with #GunmaPrefecture


Motor 1
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
There's a Reason Why Subaru WRX Sales Are Way Down
People aren't buying the Subaru WRX, or so it would seem. Through June of this year, the company has only sold 6,431 examples of its iconic sports sedan, marking a 30.8 percent decrease from last year. In June, only 350 of them made their way to buyers—a significant 74 percent drop compared to last year. But it's not just that people aren't interested in the new WRX (although the numbers would indicate that many buyers are shying away from the latest generation). According to Subaru, in a statement to CarBuzz , WRX sales are down largely due to production shifts at the automaker's Gunma Prefecture manufacturing facility in Japan. Photo by: Subaru According to a spokesperson, Subaru has reduced WRX production to meet the demand of the Forester and Forester Hybrid models. The Forester is Subaru's best-selling vehicle of 2025 so far, with 95,972 units moved. The recent arrival of the Forester Hybrid means that even more customers will be eager to get their hands on the brand's compact SUV. Subaru also cites "very low inventory levels" for WRX. The company notes that "there are fewer than 500 units of WRX on the ground at the moment." The silver lining for the WRX is that Subaru will soon shift production of the Forester to its Lafayette, Indiana, manufacturing facility alongside other SUVs like the Ascent, Crosstrek, and Outback. That could, in theory, make room for higher WRX production numbers in Japan. Photo by: Subaru These sales figures from June only compound the WRX's struggles in 2025. In May, sales were down a whopping 71.2 percent, with just 482 examples rolling off dealer lots. That marks a 23.6 percent year-over-year. Subaru as a whole has seen its sales decrease slightly in 2025, with the entire brand down 10.4 percent in May, and down still by 0.2 percent in June. That said, the Crosstrek, Forester, and even the BRZ sports car are all on pace for sales increases in 2025. The Latest From Subaru We're Not Getting Another WRX STI. But That's Okay Subaru Is Teasing a New Performance Model. Could It Be an STI? Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: CarBuzz Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

Associated Press
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
GUNMACHAN Heads to Anime Expo 2025
The Official Mascot of Gunma Prefecture Returns to Los Angeles to Showcase Japanese Culture, Tourism and Kawaii Energy: Over 6,000 GUNMACHAN Masks are Prepared to Be Distributed - Helping to Turn Anime Expo Into a Sea of Smiling GUNMACHAN Faces LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Gunma Prefecture is excited to announce the return of GUNMACHAN, the beloved official mascot and anime star of Gunma, to Anime Expo 2025, North America's largest Japanese pop culture convention, held July 3-6, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.A Lively Scene From GUNMACHAN's Booth at Anime Expo 2024 This marks GUNMACHAN's third appearance at Anime Expo, following highly successful showings in 2023 and 2024. This year, fans can expect dynamic dance performances, exclusive merchandise, and a booth designed to immerse visitors in the charm and culture of Gunma Prefecture. BOOTH OVERVIEW: TWO MODES, ONE ADORABLE MISSION GUNMACHAN's booth will operate in two exciting formats: Over 6,000 GUNMACHAN masks are prepared to be distributed - helping to turn Anime Expo into a sea of smiling GUNMACHAN faces. PROMOTING GUNMA, JAPAN - ONE HUG AT A TIME GUNMACHAN is more than just cute - they're the Official PR Director of Gunma Prefecture. In addition to highlighting the colorful cast of the GUNMACHAN anime series (currently streaming on Crunchyroll), the booth will introduce visitors to Gunma's top travel destinations. Booth graphics and giveaways will showcase scenic hot springs, local delicacies, and cultural experiences unique to the region. Anime fans, families, and Japanophiles alike are invited to connect with the heart of Japan - and maybe grab a plushie or two while they're at it. WHO IS GUNMACHAN? GUNMACHAN is known across Japan for their cheerful personality and gentle spirit. Now they're ready to win hearts across America. FOLLOW GUNMACHAN ONLINE Official Website: Instagram: @gunma_gunmachan X (Fan Updates): @gunma_gunmachan X (Official Info): @gunmachan_info TikTok: @gunmachan_official Contact InformationNobuyuki Takaya PR DirectorGunma Prefecture Media Promotion Department SOURCE: Gunma Prefecture Government, Japan Related Images press release


NHK
16-05-2025
- Climate
- NHK
'Submerged forest' captivates tourists at lake in Japan's Gunma Prefecture
The sight of a "submerged forest" at a lake north of Tokyo is attracting tourists. Lake Okushima in Gunma Prefecture is a dam reservoir with a circumference of about 4 kilometers. Each spring, as melted snow flows into the lake, trees on the shore and shallows are submerged, making it appear like the trees are growing out of the lake. This enchanting scene is visible for only two months. Visitors are captivated by the contrast of the green forest and the lake's bright blue water, known as "Shima Blue." A couple from Saitama Prefecture said the yellow, green and blue colors are very beautiful. They added that next time they want to ride a canoe to get a closer look. An official of the dam management office says water discharge began on Thursday and people can enjoy the view until next week when the water level drops.