Latest news with #NationalDayof
Tokyo Weekender
16-06-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
Unlicensed Taxi Drivers Target Foreign Visitors at Haneda Airport
The number of unlicensed taxis at Haneda Airport continues to increase as drivers look to take advantage of the record-breaking surge in international tourist arrivals. The police are aware of them. Catching them in the act, though, is not so easy. A journalist from the weekly magazine Friday recently asked an officer why arrests weren't being made when it was clear that unlicensed taxis were operating there. 'To arrest them, we need to prove that they transported passengers for a fee,' replied the frustrated officer. 'In that case, we must tail the car, catch the passengers when they drop them off, and get the passengers to say that they paid. We can't do that on our own.' Unlicensed Taxi Driver Says Regulations Are 'Lax' The journalist also spoke to an unlicensed Chinese taxi driver, who was there to pick up a customer from Tianjin. He runs a restaurant but decided to start unlicensed taxi driving as a side job in 2023. He said he earns a monthly income of around ¥400,000 from the illegal activity. In the months around the Chinese New Year and the National Day of the Republic of China, he can sometimes earn more than ¥1 million. At the airport, the driver was asked to get out of his vehicle by an officer, who used a flashlight to check the inside of the car. Following a short inspection, the officer moved on to the next vehicle. 'If you say you're here to pick up a friend, they can't do anything more. The regulations here are lax,' said the driver, before heading off with his customer. Moving inside to the second floor of Terminal 3, the journalist spotted men in white shirts with signs in their hands that they never held up. The men, who exchanged brief words with each other in Mandarin, approached foreign guests coming out of the arrival gate. They then negotiated using a translation app. One couple was quoted ¥10,000 for a taxi to Ginza, which is around ¥2,000 more than a regular fare. White Taxis In February 2024, five individuals from China and Japan were arrested for operating unlicensed taxi services, targeting foreign tourists from Haneda Airport. They were accused of violating the Road Transportation Law. A Class 2 driver's license and a business permit are required to transport customers for a fare in Japan. Unlicensed taxis are known as shirotaku or 'white taxis' due to their white license plates. Commercial vehicles usually have green license plates. Related Posts Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi: Touring the City in a Variety of Routes A Guide to Taxis in Japan Need a Ride? Hop on Tokyo's First Autonomous Taxi
See - Sada Elbalad
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt-Russia Friendship Association Celebrates Russian National Day
Nada Mustafa - Basant Ahmed Egypt-Russia Friendship Association, headed by Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, will celebrate National Day of Russian Federation at 3:00 PM on Monday, June 2, at the Exhibition Hall of Russian Cultural Center in Cairo. As part of the celebration, a special event titled "Egyptian-Russian Tea Night" will be held in collaboration with the Dr. Mai Al-Batran Foundation for Sustainable Human Development. The event aims to highlight the tea cultures of Egypt and Russia and their positive influence on fostering social cohesion. Russia is famously known for the presence of the samovar, a traditional water boiler for tea, in nearly every home, especially during gatherings and visits. In line with the tea-themed celebration, a caricature exhibition curated by artist Fawzi Morsi, Secretary-General of the Egyptian Caricature Association and founder of the tea celebration idea, will showcase 65 works by caricature artists from 25 Arab and foreign countries, including Russia. The festivities will also feature a congratulatory speech from Dr. Ibrahim Kamel addressed to Russian friends on their national day. Additionally, Ambassador Ezzat Saad, Vice President of the Friendship Association and Egypt's former ambassador to Moscow, will deliver a lecture highlighting key milestones in Egyptian-Russian cooperation and achievements. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thandiswa Mazwai on the power of music and the celebration of African heritage
As May unfolds, a month that serves as a vibrant ode to African culture, heritage, and ancestral legacies, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai takes centre stage, reflecting on the vital role these elements play in her life and artistry. As May unfolds, a month that serves as a vibrant ode to African culture, heritage, and ancestral legacies, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai takes centre stage, reflecting on the vital role these elements play in her life and artistry. As May celebrates the beauty of African culture and heritage, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai reflects on her enduring commitment to African culture highlighting the profound role it plays in her life and music. With Ancestors Day earlier this month leading the charge, Mazwai tells Saturday Star that embracing her cultural heritage is more than just remembrance; it is a lively revival of the African people's stories, music, and spirit, which is rooted in every aspect of her artistry. "For me, celebrating history means more than remembering the past - it's about reviving the stories, sounds, and spirit of our people. It's about using music and tradition as powerful tools to reconnect with who we are and where we come from," she says. In a collaboration with Castle Milk Stout, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), Mazwai says they aim for Ancestors Day to achieve official recognition as a National Day of Commemoration in South Africa. The music sensation explains that this initiative, sparked in 2021, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of honouring ancestors nationwide. 'Castle Milk Stout and I have been partners for many years, grounded in a shared commitment to celebrating African culture and heritage. Together, we are amplifying the call to give Ancestor's Day the national recognition it deserves,' she emphasises. With this month, infused with the essence of heritage, she says it is also a reminder of the importance of daily celebration. 'Heritage is a living, breathing thing and should be engaged and celebrated every day. A dedicated month is pivotal, as it helps draw attention to some disappearing cultures and cultural practices. Ancestors are lineage. It is important to have some knowledge of what one's bloodline has endured and survived and what they may have invented. As stated in one of my songs, 'andihambi ndedwa'. The award-winning musician also reflects on her three-decade journey in the music industry, during which time she has had the privilege of working with iconic figures such as Hugh Masekela, Busi Mhlongo, and Miriam Makeba. 'I have been in the industry for 30 years and worked with many of my heroes. People like Hugh Masekela and Busi Mhlongo, who were not only mentors but dear friends. Also great legends like Miriam Makeba. I have been truly blessed.' While discussing her creative intentions, Mazwai elaborates on the distinct desires guiding her recordings versus her live performances. 'The intention of the recording is different from the intention of the live performance. One hopes to create peace and healing while the other hopes to inspire exuberance and a sense of freedom. But all of it hopes to inspire pride and self-worth for the African child.' Saturday Star
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thandiswa Mazwai on the power of music and the celebration of African heritage
As May unfolds, a month that serves as a vibrant ode to African culture, heritage, and ancestral legacies, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai takes centre stage, reflecting on the vital role these elements play in her life and artistry. As May unfolds, a month that serves as a vibrant ode to African culture, heritage, and ancestral legacies, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai takes centre stage, reflecting on the vital role these elements play in her life and artistry. As May celebrates the beauty of African culture and heritage, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai reflects on her enduring commitment to African culture highlighting the profound role it plays in her life and music. With Ancestors Day earlier this month leading the charge, Mazwai tells Saturday Star that embracing her cultural heritage is more than just remembrance; it is a lively revival of the African people's stories, music, and spirit, which is rooted in every aspect of her artistry. "For me, celebrating history means more than remembering the past - it's about reviving the stories, sounds, and spirit of our people. It's about using music and tradition as powerful tools to reconnect with who we are and where we come from," she says. In a collaboration with Castle Milk Stout, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), Mazwai says they aim for Ancestors Day to achieve official recognition as a National Day of Commemoration in South Africa. The music sensation explains that this initiative, sparked in 2021, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of honouring ancestors nationwide. 'Castle Milk Stout and I have been partners for many years, grounded in a shared commitment to celebrating African culture and heritage. Together, we are amplifying the call to give Ancestor's Day the national recognition it deserves,' she emphasises. With this month, infused with the essence of heritage, she says it is also a reminder of the importance of daily celebration. 'Heritage is a living, breathing thing and should be engaged and celebrated every day. A dedicated month is pivotal, as it helps draw attention to some disappearing cultures and cultural practices. Ancestors are lineage. It is important to have some knowledge of what one's bloodline has endured and survived and what they may have invented. As stated in one of my songs, 'andihambi ndedwa'. The award-winning musician also reflects on her three-decade journey in the music industry, during which time she has had the privilege of working with iconic figures such as Hugh Masekela, Busi Mhlongo, and Miriam Makeba. 'I have been in the industry for 30 years and worked with many of my heroes. People like Hugh Masekela and Busi Mhlongo, who were not only mentors but dear friends. Also great legends like Miriam Makeba. I have been truly blessed.' While discussing her creative intentions, Mazwai elaborates on the distinct desires guiding her recordings versus her live performances. 'The intention of the recording is different from the intention of the live performance. One hopes to create peace and healing while the other hopes to inspire exuberance and a sense of freedom. But all of it hopes to inspire pride and self-worth for the African child.' Saturday Star
Leaders
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Taif Parks Overflow with Eid Festivities, Welcoming Over 200,000 Visitors
During Eid Al-Fitr, Taif's parks came alive with joy and celebration, offering a variety of entertainment events and activities that delighted visitors of all ages. Organized by the Taif Municipality, the festivities catered to diverse audiences, including tourists and residents. The celebrations featured the governorate's renowned traditional arts, cultural performances, and vibrant displays, captivating over 200,000 attendees. Spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky, enchanting crowds with dazzling colors and adding to the festive atmosphere. Related Topics : Wadi Al-Arj in Taif: Harmony of Nature, History, Culture Taif Municipality Expands Green Areas to 8m. Sqm for Environmental Sustainability Enhancing Afforestation: Saudi Green Initiative to Incorporate All Environmental Projects On the 92nd anniversary of National Day of Saudi Arabia: Kingdom moves toward Non-oil Economy Short link : Post Views: 38 Related Stories
