How quickly this spring is passing. In the traditional Asian koyomi almanac, yesterday marked the start of the Seimei, one of 24 fifteen-day periods used to divide and follow the solar year. Spring has been creeping along slowly for nearly two months, but during the Seimei, which runs through April 19, the natural world just explodes into vibrant life. (the-japan-news.com)
Beloved cherry blossoms, nectar-loving birds mark arrival of Seimei
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Gov't to mull welfare, stimulus measures to boost economy
The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe started discussions Monday about welfare and stimulus measures aimed at promoting economic growth ahead of the upcoming Group of Seven summit scheduled to be held in Japan in May. (Kyodo)
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Students' English skills differ greatly among Japan prefectures
The English skills of students in the third and last year of public junior high and high schools in Japan vary significantly from prefecture to prefecture, an education ministry survey showed Monday. (Jiji Press)
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Kabukiza theater to increase days with 3 shows
The famous Kabukiza theater in Tokyo will offer more dates with 3 shortened kabuki performances a day. It's an effort to attract foreign visitors. (NHK)
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Largest bus terminal opens in Shinjuku
Japan's largest expressway bus terminal opened at the south exit of East Japan Railway Co.'s Shinjuku Station in central Tokyo on Monday.
(the-japan-news.com)
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Hotel floor area ratios to be relaxed
The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry plans to relax the floor area ratio of buildings so that larger hotels can be built on sites with the same areas when hotels are newly built or rebuilt, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
(the-japan-news.com)
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Japan eyes shopping vouchers to kick-start consumption
Japan's government hopes to give its flagging economy a shot in the arm through such steps as distributing child care vouchers and shopping coupons to encourage consumer spending. (Nikkei)
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Subway train drags empty baby stroller stuck in door despite emergency stop alert
An unoccupied baby stroller got stuck between the doors of a Tokyo subway train Monday and was dragged on the platform before it hit a platform barrier. (Japan Times)
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Himeji the most visited castle in Japan in FY 2015
The newly-renovated feudal-era Himeji Castle was the most popular fortress destination in Japan last fiscal year. (NHK)
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Diet debate on Pacific trade deal commences
The Diet started deliberations Tuesday on a Pacific Rim free trade deal, with the ruling parties looking to have it ratified and related legislation enacted during the current session ending June 1. (Kyodo)
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Tokyo taxi firm applies to cut minimum fare to 410 yen
Tokyo-based major taxi operator Nihon Kotsu Co. applied to the transport ministry on Tuesday to revise its minimum taxi fare to 410 yen for about one kilometer from 730 yen for 2 kilometers, hoping to attract demand for close-distance travel. (Jiji Press)
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Japan aims for one-third cut in use of antibiotics by 2020
The Japanese government on Tuesday adopted an action plan to reduce the use of antibiotics to two-thirds of the current level by 2020, in efforts to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. (Jiji Press)
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Blogger meets keepers on helping lonely Tokyo elephant
A Canadian blogger, known for her post deploring the circumstances of Hanako, a 69-year-old female elephant living without any companion in a concrete enclosure at a Tokyo zoo, came to Japan in March to exchange opinions with the animal's keepers. (Jiji Press)
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Western Japan utilities plan nuclear safety tie-up to curb costs
Four nuclear power plant operators in western Japan are joining forces to strengthen safety measures and reduce costs, the first broad tie-up by major utilities in the area, sources close to the matter said Tuesday. (Japan Times)
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Kyoto Imperial Palace opens to public
The Kyoto Imperial Palace has opened to the public for its annual spring showing. (NHK)
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Japan to print more high-denomination banknotes
The bank of Japan is set to print an additional 180 million of its highest denomination banknotes as the population hides them away from a rainy day. (insidejapantours.com)
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Japan retreat leaves rare metals at Beijing's mercy
As Japanese companies begin stepping away from rare metals due to slumping prices, China is beginning to boost its presence in the market. (Nikkei)
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Toyota wants to sell data on your driving habits
Toyota Motor is getting a hand from Microsoft in setting up a new company dedicated to big data collection and analysis. (Nikkei)
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104 taken to hospital for acute alcohol intoxication during Tokyo 'hanami' season
More than 100 people were taken to hospital to be treated for acute alcohol intoxication after drinking too much at "hanami" (cherry blossom viewing) parties in the Tokyo metropolitan region between March 19 and April 3, according to the Tokyo Fire Department.
(Japan Today)
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Stickers may help foreign tourists get around tattoo ban
The Japan Tourism Agency has compiled measures to be taken by ryokan inns and bath facilities to reduce the number of cases in which foreign visitors are refused admittance to bath facilities because of their tattoos. (the-japan-news.com)
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