Over-40 recluses top 613k

Over-40 recluses top 613k

A first-ever survey shows more than 613,000 'hikikomori' over 40 years old living as social recluses in Japan.

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New Imperial era name coming Monday

New Imperial era name coming Monday

Japan's government will announce the name of its next Imperial era at 11:30 A.M. on Monday.

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Cashless rebates rise on Premium Friday

Cashless rebates rise on Premium Friday

Special campaigns boosting benefits for cashless transactions are underway on Japan's Premium Friday.

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 Koto heartland fights the odds

Koto heartland fights the odds

Makers of the ancient musical instrument the koto battle declining interest to transmit their art to the future.

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Iwate from the air

Iwate from the air

Aerial footage showing how much Iwate has rebuilt since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011.

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Tokyo hanami: Yasukuni Shrine

Tokyo hanami: Yasukuni Shrine

The JMA's index tree that defines Tokyo's hanami season is located at Yasukuni Shrine.

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Tokyo hanami: Inokashira Park

Tokyo hanami: Inokashira Park

Inokashira Pond is a great place to pop into a boat and observe cherry blossoms.

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Tokyo hanami: Kunitachi

Tokyo hanami: Kunitachi

Cherry trees planted in 1934 to celebrate Emperor Akihito's birth are growing old.

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Tokyo hanami: Ueno Park

Tokyo hanami: Ueno Park

Ueno Park's cherry blossoms inspire picnics and daytime drinking.

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Govt has shortlist of new era names

Govt has shortlist of new era names

Japanese learn the name of their new Imperial era in just five days.

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