Latest news with #TheSankeiShimbun
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Did 'new Baba Vanga' predict Japan tsunami and record-shaking earthquake?
A Japanese manga appears to have made another scarily accurate prediction after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake sparked tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Nearly two million people have been evacuated with fears waves could reach almost 10 feet after 900 quakes rocked an island chain off Japan. Beaches were deserted as people fled to higher ground, many taking refuge on building roofs, with waves already spotted on the northern island of Hokkaido. But the tremors along with the sea surges were predicted by Ryo Tatsuki – Japan's answer to Baba Vanga – who wrote down 15 dreams she had in the 1990s, many of which would come true. For the latest updates on the tsunami warnings and earthquake follow Metro's live blog She predicted a 'great disaster' on July 5, 2025, albeit making her prediction slightly early. They were published in a 1999 manga called Watashi ga Mita Mira, known as The Future I Saw in English. It became famous for its eerily accurate predictions, which included the coronavirus outbreak and the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami which killed nearly 20,000 people in Japan. 'It's very scary to even fall asleep,' one local told the regional broadcaster MBC. 'It feels like it's always shaking.' Tatsuki, 70, wrote in her diary that she had dreamed of a 'crack opening up under the seabed between Japan and the Philippines, sending ashore waves three times as tall as those from the Tōhoku earthquake'. The foreword from the publisher states: 'The disaster will occur in July 2025.' In the afterword, Tatsuki added: 'If the day you have a dream is the day it becomes reality, then the next great disaster will be July 5, 2025.' More Trending Yet in a new autobiography, The Testament of an Angel, Tatsuki distanced herself from the predictions. 'I was unhappy that it was published primarily based on the publisher's wishes,' she said, according to The Sankei Shimbun. 'I vaguely remember mentioning it, but it appears to have been hurriedly written during a rush of work.' The epicentre of the earthquake was off the coast of the Tokara island chain, around 745 miles away from Tokyo, according to the country's Meteorological Agency. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Where is the Kamchatka peninsula and why is it so dangerous? MORE: How does massive 8.8 earthquake off Russia measure against the biggest ever? MORE: The average Nintendo fan is around 30 years old according to new data
Japan Forward
3 days ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Office Cat Boosts Morale at an Ishikawa Logistics Firm
At transport company Nissho, it's part of the daily routine for Fuku the cat to wander across desks or settle into her favorite chair. She can be a bit mischievous, but the calm and comfort she brings to the office has a noticeable effect — lifting spirits and boosting everyone's productivity. Fuku proudly takes center stage as the mascot for the company's 50th anniversary commemorative goods — Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki) Based in Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, Nissho recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, the company created various promotional items — with Fuku naturally taking center stage. Employees even wear shirts embroidered with her image, adding to the office's warm and friendly atmosphere. Fuku is also featured on employees' shirts — Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki) In the middle of the office stands a cat tower, where I found Fuku napping on the top tier. I greeted her with a quick "Nice to meet you" and snapped a photo. She woke up with a big yawn and glanced around, almost as if checking on her coworkers' progress. The affectionate way the employees looked back at her was full of warmth. Fuku on her cat tower. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki) President Yunosuke Otani described the company this way: "There's none of the rough atmosphere you often find in this [logistics] industry. That's all thanks to Fuku," he said with a gentle smile. Fuku lives a healthy and happy life despite losing her right front paw. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki) When I asked Chairman Tsukasa Ishihara for a photo with Fuku, she curled up inside a document case by the desk. "This is her usual spot," the chairman chuckled. Fuku often takes over a box intended for documents on Chairman Tsukasa Ishihara's desk — Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki) President Yunosuke Otani and Fuku — Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki) Throughout the shoot, the staff watched over Fuku and me with warm smiles the whole time. You can catch glimpses of Fuku's everyday life on Nissho's official Instagram (@nissho_1974). Executive Director Ayumi Shimizu, who keeps the closest eye on her, has captured moments that first-time visitors like me simply couldn't. As a true cat fan, I promised myself that next time I visit, I'll get closer to Fuku and capture the spoiled side of her that she only shows to the employees. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Shuji Ozaki, The Sankei Shimbun
Japan Forward
3 days ago
- General
- Japan Forward
James E Auer Honored in Memorial Service at Sea as 'A Bridge Between Nations'
On July 12, a memorial service was held for James E Auer, a United States Navy officer and scholar who dedicated his life to strengthening the Japan-US alliance. He passed away on May 16, 2024, at the age of 82 in Nashville, Tennessee. Auer made continuous contributions to US-Japan security policy, leveraging the extensive network and knowledge he gained during his time in the US Navy. He was also a prominent member of The Sankei Shimbun 's Seiron column and won the Seiron Prize in 2015, becoming the first foreigner to receive it. On the deck of the JS Bungo, JMSDF buglers play taps following the commitment of his ashes to the Sea of Japan. (©JMSDF) The ceremony was held off the coast of Maizuru City in Kyoto Prefecture, marking the first-ever joint burial at sea of an American by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the US Navy. Auer had requested in his will that his ashes be scattered at sea by a JMSDF minesweeper in the Sea of Japan. About 60 family members and others influenced by his work attended the service. The ceremony took place on the deck of the JMSDF minesweeper tender, JS Bungo . Surrounded by his eldest son and family, Auer's urn was quietly cast into the Sea of Japan, under the Stars and Stripes held by JMSDF personnel. With his extensive experience in the US Navy and research on the JMSDF, Auer made significant contributions to minesweeping operations. This made the setting especially fitting for honoring his legacy. At the ceremony, Admiral Akira Saito, Chief of Staff of the JMSDF, praised Auer's former students. He noted that they now play a central role in Japan's maritime defense strategy. Rear Admiral Ian Johnson, Commander of the US Navy in Japan, also expressed his sorrow at Auer's passing. Auer was a trusted bridge between the US Navy and the JMSDF, he proclaimed. Akihisa Nagashima, one of Auer's former students, also spoke. He is now Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on national security. Nagashima praised Auer for "directly addressing critical issues, such as the legal framework for collective defense and the role of US forces stationed in Japan." He also highlighted Auer's significant contributions to the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region. Member of the Diet and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Akihisa Nagashima pays respect to his mentor, Jim Auer. From the deck of the JS Bungo. (©JMSDF) (Read the article in Japanese.) Author: Hideki Yoshimura, The Sankei Shimbun
Japan Forward
22-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Rapidus Ushers in New Era with Operational 2nm Chip Prototype
このページを 日本語 で読む On July 18, Rapidus, the company spearheading Japan's efforts to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, hosted a customer event at a hotel in Chitose, Hokkaido. The venue was located near the site of the company's semiconductor manufacturing facility, which is currently under construction. Speaking at a press conference beforehand, President and CEO Atsuyoshi Koike announced that the pilot production line, launched in April 2025, was running smoothly. He also revealed that the company had successfully confirmed the operation of a prototype 2-nanometer semiconductor chip. This marks a major milestone in Japan's semiconductor ambitions. Chairman Tetsuro Higashi of Rapidus, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki, and Chitose Mayor Ryuichi Yokota also attended the press conference. President Koike underscored the significance of the achievement, calling the 2-nanometer prototype Japan's first and a groundbreaking milestone. "We achieved this at an unprecedented speed," he said. Looking ahead, he stated that Rapidus will continue refining the chip with the goal of entering mass production by 2027. Attendees at the press conference (from left) Rapidus Chairman Tetsuro Higashi, President and CEO Atsuyoshi Koike, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki, and Chitose Mayor Ryuichi Yokota. July 18, Chitose City, Hokkaido (©Sankei by Takahiro Sakamoto) Governor Suzuki expressed strong optimism, stating, "Today marks a major milestone in the history of Hokkaido's semiconductor industry." He also affirmed his commitment to ongoing support. On the same day, members of the media were given a tour of the new IIM-1 factory, which is now approximately 80% complete. The customer event at the hotel drew around 200 participants, including suppliers and prospective business partners from around the world. Author: Takahiro Sakamoto, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
19-07-2025
- General
- Japan Forward
A Triangular Building with a 20-Degree Angle
Not far from Nerima Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, in a quiet residential corner of Tokyo's Nerima Ward, I came across an unusual building. It's a five-story structure with a basement, painted in bright yellow and orange. The bold colors stand out, but what really caught my eye was the shape. The building is a narrow triangle — so thin from certain angles that it barely looks like a building at all. I took a closer look at the sharpest point. The wall there was only about 60 centimeters wide. Using Google Maps' aerial view, I measured the interior angle — it came out to just 20 degrees. The Nerima Triangle Building has five floors above ground and one basement level. Old signs show it used to house small bars. Curious about what the inside of that narrow tip might look like, I took the opportunity to go in. The basement had been converted into a multipurpose rental space, so I was able to take a look around. Entrance to the basement rental area | Stairs leading to the basement Just inside the door was a spiral staircase. It was steep and narrow, like something out of a cave or hidden passage. I carefully made my way downstairs, ducking my head as I went. To my surprise, the space below was warm and inviting. It looked like it could comfortably host a small party of about five people. In the back, there was space for a fridge, a kitchen sink, a washing machine, and even a shower room. "Please enjoy the space like your own secret base," said Mio Aoki, who manages the rental. The basement rental space. The space includes Wi-Fi and a projector. I headed toward the narrowest part of the building. There, neatly tucked beneath the spiral stairs, was a toilet. According to floor plans I found on a housing website, it seems every floor has a toilet in the same spot. The toilet in the corner of the basement space. The building is certainly one of a kind. I wondered what else it was used for beyond the rental space. According to Aoki, the upper floors are occupied by residents. Before the basement was converted, it served as a storage area. Old signage on the side of the building suggests it once housed a snack bar or izakaya. As for living in the basement, Aoki laughed and said, "That would take a bit of courage." From the front, it looks like a relatively normal building. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Ikue Mio, The Sankei Shimbun
