Tourist spots are undergoing a "spring makeover."

In Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, lanterns have been installed in preparation for the cherry blossom viewing season.

Shopkeeper
"Since we had a lot of snow in Hokuriku this year, it finally feels like the signs of spring are appearing."

Shopkeeper
"The cherry blossom viewing is about to start, so I’m looking forward to it. We have many foreign visitors this year as well, so I hope they will enjoy it."

While the forecast for the cherry blossoms to bloom is still a bit further away…

Over here, reports of students finding their “full bloom” have arrived a little early.

"Did you pass? Congratulations!"

At this cram school in Kagoshima City, phone calls are coming in from students reporting their high school entrance exam results.

Teacher
 "Congratulations!"

Some students even came in person to report their results.

They shared in the joy together.

Student who passed
 "I think it’s because of the support from my junior high school teachers and cram school teachers, and also because my friends and I encouraged each other while studying."

Reporter
 "What do you want to work hard on in high school?"

Student who passed
"Study, of course, but I also want to talk a lot with friends, play a lot, and truly live out my youth."

It is the season of meetings and partings.

At a junior high school in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 114 students celebrated their graduation today.

Graduate Representative
We will use what we have learned so far in our future and work hard toward our dreams.

In Hyogo Prefecture, it is time to say goodbye to items filled with memories.

Wallets, bags, and school backpacks sent from all over the country were lined up...

A Bag Memorial Service “Kaban Kuyo” was held.

The event is held to coincide with March 12, "Wallet Day", and the items honored will either be disposed of or recycled.

While it is "Wallet Day," there is a succession of painful news for people’s wallets.

JR East will raise fares starting March 14, 2026.

Within the Yamanote Line, one-way fares will increase by a maximum of 70 yen, and one-month commuting passes will rise by a maximum of 2,190 yen—a price hike exceeding 20%.

Excluding increases related to consumption tax, this is the first comprehensive price hike since privatization in 1987.

Water bills are also rising.

Starting April 1, Chiba Prefectural Waterworks will raise rates by an average of 18.6%, and Saitama Prefectural Waterworks will raise rates by 21%. Reasons cited include aging infrastructure and soaring commodity prices.