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Miyazaki : Carp with ‘Human Faces' Swim in Pond in Front of City Office
Miyazaki : Carp with ‘Human Faces' Swim in Pond in Front of City Office

Yomiuri Shimbun

time4 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Yomiuri Shimbun

Miyazaki : Carp with ‘Human Faces' Swim in Pond in Front of City Office

NOBEOKA, Miyazaki — Carp bearing patterns that resemble human faces have been spotted in an artificial pond in front of the Nobeoka city office in Miyazaki Prefecture. Out of about 50 carp in the pond, 15 have patterns on their heads that resemble human eyes and noses, the city said. They became popular after a picture of them was posted on social media. This type of carp, dubbed the 'human-faced fish,' was once popular in the early Heisei era (1989-2019) after they were spotted across Japan. They have appeared again 30 years later in the Reiwa era. 'The Reiwa ones are cuter,' said a 60-year-old Fukuoka photographer who in the Heisei era took a photo of a human-faced carp which was published on the front page of a newspaper. He said the Heisei ones had a larger nose and more distinct facial features. The pond attracts people who wish to see the fish, and the Nobeoka city government offers free fish food.

Experts issue warning as beloved staple food could be wiped out: 'It's quite possible'
Experts issue warning as beloved staple food could be wiped out: 'It's quite possible'

Yahoo

time20-07-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Experts issue warning as beloved staple food could be wiped out: 'It's quite possible'

Experts issue warning as beloved staple food could be wiped out: 'It's quite possible' As a country whose history has been closely tied to rice cultivation, Japan's current "Reiwa rice crisis" is worse than just a dietary inconvenience. The staple crop shortage has put farmers, consumers, and politicians on edge as they worry that its entire future is under threat, the Guardian reported. What's happening? A perfect storm of factors have combined to trigger, and exacerbate, the crisis. Record-breaking temperatures made for a smaller-than-usual 2023 crop, so stockpiles were already lower than usual. Then, high numbers of tourists put a heavier-than-usual demand on the supply. Finally, a surge of typhoon and earthquake warnings earlier this year sent consumers into panic-buying mode, depleting what little stock was left. Now, prices are soaring and politicians are scrambling to address concerns across the board from farmers and consumers. The crisis is also exacerbated by the fact that Japan has long scorned the idea of importing rice, which means that as their supply dwindles, prices keep rising. Why is this crop shortage particularly concerning? Because the initial supply shortage was triggered by high temperatures, and because demand has been exacerbated by frequent and intense storms, many experts and climate advocates are pointing to the involvement of global heating in the Reiwa rice crisis, named after the current era of Japan. This is concerning, they say, because it may portend similar situations for other crops around the world. In fact, this pattern has already been playing out in many countries. In Pakistan, mango crops shrunk by over 40% as heat waves destroyed entire groves; in France, prized pink garlic plants were obliterated by enormous, unseasonal hail storms. It's all an unfortunate aspect of the reality of climate change: A warming atmosphere means changing weather patterns, and agriculture is highly susceptible to changes in weather. What options will Japan have in the future? Japan's current administration has tried several approaches, including releasing older rice bags from stockpiles and even importing foreign rice. While both of these offer more affordable options — about 50% and 10% cheaper than Japanese rice, respectively — they have yet to be widely accepted by consumers. The Guardian quoted an anonymous official from the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, who said, "We have never seen this much stock of imported rice brands on supermarket shelves. We are concerned that customers will turn away from domestic rice and choose imported options in the future." But as Kunihiko Osafune, a food expert and writer, explained, there may be no other option. "It's quite possible that in the near future we will no longer be able to eat Japanese rice," Osafune warned. However, scientists around the globe are also experimenting with ways to maintain crop stability despite surging atmospheric temperatures, from engineering drought-resistant varieties of staple crops to using high-tech drones to improve efficiency during planting. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword

Rumiko Takahashi's "MAO" to be Adapted into Anime, Set to Air in Spring 2026!
Rumiko Takahashi's "MAO" to be Adapted into Anime, Set to Air in Spring 2026!

Kyodo News

time16-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Kyodo News

Rumiko Takahashi's "MAO" to be Adapted into Anime, Set to Air in Spring 2026!

"MAO," the manga series by Rumiko Takahashi serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday" (Shogakukan) since 2019, is confirmed for an anime adaptation! It has been announced that the series will start airing in spring 2026. The animation production will be handled by Sunrise, marking their first collaboration on a Rumiko Takahashi original work since the Inuyasha series. Along with this announcement, a teaser visual, teaser PV, handwritten comment from original creator Rumiko Takahashi, character and cast information, synopsis, and main staff details have all been released at once. Comments from the cast members Yuki Kaji-san, Natsumi Kawaida-san, Hiro Shimono-san, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga-san have also arrived. ▲The teaser visual Teaser PV Released! Introduction In the Taisho era lives Mao, a mysterious exorcist cursed to live for 900 years. Centuries later, in the Reiwa era, we meet Nanoka Kiba, a middle school girl and the sole survivor of a tragic family accident. One fateful day, as Nanoka revisits the site of the accident—a gate within a shopping district—she is inexplicably transported to the Taisho era. This is a time where supernatural entities known as ayakashi freely roam. There, she encounters Mao, who utters a chilling revelation: "You're an ayakashi, aren't you?" With Mao's words, Nanoka begins to understand the unsettling truth of her own condition. It seems both Mao and Nanoka are linked by the very same "curse." Together, they must confront this shared burden. Now, Rumiko Takahashi's latest creation, "MAO," is finally being adapted into an anime! Prepare for an immersive dark fantasy, intertwined with a captivating time-travel mystery, as a "curse" that devours time itself begins to unfold. Staff & Cast ■ Original Work "MAO" by Rumiko Takahashi (Serialized in Shogakukan's "Weekly Shonen Sunday", Licensed by Viz) ■ STAFF Director: Teruo Sato Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma Art Directors: Hiroshi Kato, Izumi Hoki Color Design: Masumi Otsuka CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara Editor: Kazuhiro Arai Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta Music: Shu Kanematsu Animation Production: Sunrise Production: "MAO" Production Committee ■ CAST Mao: Yuki Kaji Nanoka Kiba: Natsumi Kawaida Hyakka: Hiro Shimono Kamon: Toshiyuki Toyonaga Original Author Rumiko Takahashi Sends Handwritten Congratulatory Message for "MAO" Anime Adaptation! Thank you so much for the anime adaptation! It has turned out just as we hoped, with outstanding performances from the voice actors. I'm confident that everyone will thoroughly enjoy it. Please be sure to check it out! Character Information and Comment from Cast Published! Mao (CV: Yuki Kaji) An exorcist who has been alive for 900 years. He's pursuing a cat demon that can manipulate lifespans. Mao confronts various mysterious incidents related to curses. ■ Comment from Yuki Kaji I'm Yuki Kaji, and I'm overjoyed to finally announce that I'll be voicing Mao in the anime adaptation of "MAO"! It's been a long journey: five and a half years since my first interview about this project, four years since I first voiced the character, and a year and a half since recording began. I'm incredibly grateful to be involved in a work by the esteemed Rumiko Takahashi-sensei. I've poured my heart into portraying Mao in every episode, and I can confidently say that under Director Teruo Sato, this series has been crafted with immense love and passion. The final product is exceptional! Please look forward to it and stay tuned for the broadcast! Nanoka Kiba (CV: Natsumi Kawaida) A third-year middle school student living in the modern Reiwa era. She lost her parents in a sinkhole accident at the shopping district. When she passes through the gate of the accident-stricken shopping district, she somehow finds herself in the Taisho era. There, Mao tells her, "You're an ayakashi, aren't you?" ■ Comment from Natsumi Kawaida Hello! I'm Natsumi Kawaida, and I'm thrilled to be voicing Nanaka Kibasaki. Auditioning for this role was a dream come true, but being chosen to play Nanoka? I was trembling with excitement when I found out I got the part! I'm truly happy to embark on this journey with Nanoka in the world of "MAO." There's something about her that feels so familiar, not like a stranger at all. I'll be pouring all my energy and talent into this role, so please look forward to the broadcast! Hyakka (CV: Hiro Shimono) An exorcist who manipulates fire techniques. He was once Mao's senior disciple. ■ Comment from Hiro Shimono When I voiced the promotional video for the original "MAO" manga, I recall saying, "If this gets an anime adaptation, I'd love to continue playing this role!" I honestly never imagined I'd get to keep voicing Hyakka, so I was genuinely surprised and delighted! I'm also thrilled that our original cast is staying together for this project, and I'm looking forward to working alongside Kaji-kun as Mao and Toyonaga-kun as Kamon, just like we did in the manga PV. It's truly exciting! Kamon (CV: Toshiyuki Toyonaga) A handsome man from a wealthy family who takes on dirty work. He's an exorcist who manipulates wood techniques. ■ Comment from Toshiyuki Toyonaga I'm truly overjoyed to continue voicing the character in the anime, a role I first undertook for the original manga's promotional video and the manga's streaming program. It was a huge relief to learn I'd be returning! I eagerly anticipate reuniting with Kamon-sama and delving back into the world of "MAO." As an actor, I'm excited by the challenges this role presents! Thank you for your support, and please look forward to the show! About Anime "MAO" Set to air in Spring 2026 About Anime "MAO" "MAO" is the latest work by Rumiko Takahashi, the creator of numerous hit series such as "Urusei Yatsura," "Maison Ikkoku," "Ranma 1/2," "Inuyasha," and "RIN-NE." The manga has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday (published by Shogakukan) since 2019, and licensed by Viz. Set in the Taisho era (1912-1926), this dark fantasy and time-travel mystery follows the story of Mao, a young exorcist, who encounters Nanoka Kiba, a girl who has accidentally slipped through time from the present-day Reiwa era. Together, they unravel a 900-year-old curse in a tale filled with love and hatred. Now, the highly anticipated anime adaptation is being produced by Sunrise, the studio behind the Inuyasha series! Introduction In the Taisho era lives Mao, a mysterious exorcist cursed to live for 900 years. Centuries later, in the Reiwa era, we meet Nanoka Kiba, a middle school girl and the sole survivor of a tragic family accident. One fateful day, as Nanoka revisits the site of the accident—a gate within a shopping district—she is inexplicably transported to the Taisho era. This is a time where supernatural entities known as ayakashi freely roam. There, she encounters Mao, who utters a chilling revelation: "You're an ayakashi, aren't you?" With Mao's words, Nanoka begins to understand the unsettling truth of her own condition. It seems both Mao and Nanoka are linked by the very same "curse." Together, they must confront this shared burden. Now, Rumiko Takahashi's latest creation, "MAO," is finally being adapted into an anime! Prepare for an immersive dark fantasy, intertwined with a captivating time-travel mystery, as a "curse" that devours time itself begins to unfold. Original Work "MAO" by Rumiko Takahashi (Serialized in Shogakukan's "Weekly Shonen Sunday", Licensed by Viz) STAFF Director: Teruo Sato Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yoshihito Hishinuma Art Directors: Hiroshi Kato, Izumi Hoki Color Design: Masumi Otsuka CG Director: Tomohiro Fujie Director of Photography: Akane Fushihara Editor: Kazuhiro Arai Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta Music: Shu Kanematsu Animation Production: Sunrise Production: "MAO" Production Committee CAST Mao: Yuki Kaji Nanoka Kiba: Natsumi Kawaida Hyakka: Hiro Shimono Kamon: Toshiyuki Toyonaga TV Anime "MAO" Official Website TV Anime "MAO" Official X Account (@MAOanimation) "Weekly Shonen Sunday" Official Website Manga Website and App "Sunday Webry" Weekly Shonen Sunday Official X Account (@shonen_sunday) Rumiko Takahashi Information X Account (@rumicworld1010) ©Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/"MAO" Production Committee ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation

The Mainichi News Quiz Answer for July 10
The Mainichi News Quiz Answer for July 10

The Mainichi

time10-07-2025

  • General
  • The Mainichi

The Mainichi News Quiz Answer for July 10

Why did many couples in Japan rush to register their marriages on July 7, 2025? A) It was the national marriage registration day established by the government. B) The Japanese era, month and day all aligned with the number seven. C) It was the first day after a nationwide ban on large-scale weddings was lifted. D) The day marked the start of a special government marriage tax benefit. Correct Answer: B) The Japanese era, month and day all aligned with the number seven. On July 7, 2025, many couples in Japan rushed to submit their marriage registrations, as this was a special date when the Japanese era, month and day all aligned with the lucky number seven -- specifically, the seventh day of the seventh month of the seventh year of the current Reiwa era. Municipalities across Japan saw high numbers of couples submitting marriage documents, leading some government offices to provide commemorative gifts and set up special photo booths.

'Modern Japan's Place in World History: From Meiji to Reiwa'
'Modern Japan's Place in World History: From Meiji to Reiwa'

Japan Forward

time09-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Japan Forward

'Modern Japan's Place in World History: From Meiji to Reiwa'

Modern Japan's Place in World History (Springer Nature, open access) is an ambitious collection of essays spanning 211 pages. Edited by Masayuki Yamauchi and Yuichi Hosoya, it was published in early 2023. The volume traces Japan's journey from the transformative Meiji Restoration through the symbolic Reiwa era, offering a panoramic view of how Japan has navigated its role on the global stage. With contributions from 14 leading Japanese historians, the book zeroes in on critical junctures — wars, diplomacy, economy, and identity — with both empirical rigor and philosophical depth. The project began as a series of lectures conducted at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party headquarters from December 2015 to July 2018. They were part of a group established at the time to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the LDP (p vii). Called the "Study History, Consider the Future Group," it comprised politicians and scholars. A Japanese version of the compilation was published first in 2019, followed by this English version in 2023. Emperor Meiji Emperor Naruhito The editors organized the volume in a broadly chronological sequence, anchoring each chapter to a decisive historical turning point. While there are no subsections to the 15 chapters (including an Introduction and Afterword), key themes include: Meiji Restoration and Westernization Exploring Meiji's early drive toward bunmei-kaika (civilization and enlightenment), the essays show how Japan selectively emulated Western models in education, governance, and industry — not merely copying, but synthesizing new forms of identity and statehood. Imperial Wars and Expansion Chapters on the First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, and Manchurian Crisis examine how military victories and territorial ambitions reshaped national confidence and global perception, establishing Japan as an imperial power. The interconnected narratives of World War I and World War II illustrate how global conflicts forced Japan into alliance systems, total war, and ultimately, collapse. These provide raw material for the book's central inquiry: how Japan moved from aggressor to ally. Postwar Reconstruction and United States Occupation Reflective essays cover economic revival under American oversight, constitutional reform, and the paradigm shift from imperial empire to pacifist democracy — laying the groundwork for Japan's new alignment in the Asia-Pacific. Japan–China Relations & Regional Diplomacy The editors dedicate thoughtful space to the normalization of diplomatic ties in the 1970s, and the evolving Sino-Japanese relationship — from Cold War tensions through modern interdependence. Contemporary Japan in Global Context These concluding essays consider Japan's role in globalization, decolonization, and multilateral institutions, into the Reiwa era. They touch on soft power, technological influence, and ongoing identity negotiations. Modern Japan's Place in History shines through its integration of fresh research and historiographical self-reflection. The Japanese contributors challenge traditional Western-centered narratives. For example: The Meiji modernization is reframed as Japan crafting a hybridized identity, not merely West-mimicking, but West-informed innovation. Imperial military actions are analyzed in light of domestic political struggles and emergent pan-Asian ideologies. The postwar occupation is revisited not as a unilateral imposition, but as a negotiated transformation with shared, though unequal, agency. By weaving global history with Japanese perspectives, the book achieves a conceptual unity: Japan has been inseparable from the world — sometimes leading, sometimes following, and always adapting There are several strengths to the book, including: Each essay connects Japanese domestic developments to international forces, reinforcing the thesis that Japan has never been historically insular. With fourteen specialists — including editors Yamauchi (Musashino University / University of Tokyo) and Hosoya (Keio University), who each wrote chapters — the book guarantees scholarly depth from an entirely Japanese perspective. At 211 pages, it's condensed yet wide-ranging, suitable for scholars, students, and informed lay readers. Open access publication lowers barriers, facilitating global scholarly engagement. This is particularly valuable in current debates on intellectual equity. Introduction (Yuichi Hosoya) First Chapter: The Meiji Restoration as a Constitutional Revolution (Kazuhiro Takii) Second Chapter: The First Sino-Japanese War and East Asia (Takashi Okamoto) Third Chapter: The Russo-Japanese War and Modern International Society (Yuichi Hosoya) Fourth Chapter: World War I and the Origin of the Sino-Japanese Conflict (Soichi Naraoka) Fifth Chapter: Transformational Period in Japan-China Modern Relations (Shin Kawashima) Sixth Chapter: The Manchurian Incident and Party Cabinets (Michihiko Kobayashi) Seventh Chapter: Disarmament Conferences and a Crisis of Diplomacy in the Interwar Period (Ken Kotani) Eighth Chapter: The Southward Advance and Going to War with the United States (Atsushi Moriyama) Ninth Chapter: US Policy for the Occupation of Japan and Changes to It (Ayako Kusunoki) Tenth Chapter: Law and Politics in the Tokyo Trial (Yoshinobu Higurashi) Eleventh Chapter: Japanese Colonial Rule and the Issue of Perceptions of History (Kan Kimura) Twelfth Chapter: Postwar Japan-China Relations (Masaya Inoue) Thirteenth Chapter: The Issue of Historical Perspective from the Post-Heisei Era (Hiroshi Nakanishi) Afterword: Japan's Modern History: A Reiwa Era Perspective (Masayuki Yamauchi) In publishing in English, the editors clearly hoped the book would reach an international audience. This is hinted at in the Acknowledgments (p xi) to the English version. They seem to have in mind fellow students of modern Japan as the main audience. Additionally, this book will likely interest non-specialists curious about Japanese modern history, who will appreciate its accessible essays and rich historical arcs, as well as scholars exploring global history, war and diplomacy, cultural imperialism, and postcolonial studies. In short, the writing balances academic rigor with broader readability. The global framing helps those less versed in Japanese specifics. Book cover Title: Modern Japan's Place in World History From Meiji to Reiwa Editors: Masayuki Yamauchi, Yuichi Hosoya Publisher: Springer Nature, 2023 ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9811995923 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9811995927 Additional Information: This is an Open Access book. It is available to readers for free on the publisher's website. It is also available in softcover or hardback versions, at a cost, from the publisher or through online booksellers. Reviewed by Robert D Eldridge

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