All articles tagged with #tokyo
Hana Kuraki, a 25-year-old Japanese adult-film star, was found dead in a Tokyo apartment in the city’s red-light district; reports say she died by suicide. Kuraki had recently paused her work after a hiatus and was linked to a volatile relationship with her partner. Police statements have not yet been publicly released.
American Airlines will launch spring-summer 2027 one-stop international connections from Kansas City International (MCI) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) via ORD starting March 19, Porto (OPO) via PHL starting March 28, Vienna (VIE) via PHL starting May 6, Reykjavik (KEF) via PHL starting May 27, and Barcelona (BCN) via CLT starting May 27, with MCI–ORD service 5x daily, MCI–PHL 4x daily, and MCI–CLT 2x daily; tickets go on sale Aug. 31.
Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, famed for her polka-dot motifs and immersive installations, died at 97 in Tokyo. A towering figure in global art, Kusama helped redefine contemporary art through expansive, experiential works and influenced generations of artists worldwide.
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture near Tokyo, injuring at least 37 people (one seriously) and causing limited damage, including a damaged building in Saitama and regional train disruptions in Tokyo. There was no tsunami threat; Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged vigilance and continued damage assessments as authorities monitor aftershocks.
An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck eastern Japan early Sunday, centered near Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 68 km. It was felt across Tokyo and nearby prefectures, injuring more than 20 people and disrupting rail services, with some lines halted or running slowly until morning. No tsunami warnings or nuclear plant issues were reported. Authorities urged vigilance for aftershocks in the coming days as crews inspected infrastructure and services began to resume.
A magnitude-5.9 earthquake struck the Tokyo area, injuring more than 20 people; authorities did not issue a tsunami warning.
Record-breaking rainfall across Japan, including the Chiba area east of Tokyo, triggered floods that killed at least five people and disrupted travel and transport nationwide, with ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Three female lions at Tama Zoo in Tokyo died from suspected heat-related illness during an extreme heatwave; autopsies showed dehydration and multi-organ failure, with two other lions still ill but receiving fluids and cooling care as the zoo implements measures to reduce heat exposure.
Extreme heat across East Asia has been linked to the deaths of three lions at Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo within a week; Mugi died July 28, followed by Ichigo and Luena, with four other lions recovering and three still ill. Autopsies will confirm the cause, but dehydration and organ failure were suspected. Japan logged five consecutive days with temps around 40 C in some areas—the longest heat streak on record—while South Korea also faced record heat as part of a broader pattern tied to a developing Super El Niño.
Tokyo’s government is pushing a 'Cool Biz' casual-wear policy that includes shorts to beat the summer heat, but reaction is mixed: some see the relaxed rules as welcome, while others – especially some women – cite discomfort over exposed legs and a phenomenon dubbed leg-hair harassment; Gorilla Clinic’s June survey found 53.5% opposed shorts and 46.5% in favor, with women more resistant, and clinic head Akifumi Funatsu noting more clients seeking laser hair removal as social etiquette. The policy builds on two decades of energy-saving campaigns and comes amid a record heat season that has seen heatstroke deaths and thousands of hospitalizations. Officials say the aim is to offer more options as long as attire isn’t offensive, reflecting Japan’s broader move toward casual workplace dress while heat remains a pressing concern.
Tokyo's Cool Biz policy now allows shorts in offices to ease summer heat, but the shift draws mixed reactions: some welcome the comfort and social shift, while many women cite unfair expectations and 'leg hair harassment' from visible male leg hair; a June Gorilla Clinic survey shows a roughly split public opinion as Japan faces record heat and energy concerns.
A powerful offshore earthquake measuring 7.2 magnitude struck off Japan’s northeastern coast near Iwate, at a depth of about 30 miles, upgraded from an initial 6.9 reading. The Japan Meteorological Agency said there is no tsunami danger, a position echoed by the USGS. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage; some rail services were paused for safety checks and Tokyo felt a mild tremor. Officials urged vigilance for aftershocks while monitoring facilities like Fukushima Daiichi.
A fire at a Tokyo elementary school forced around 300 students and teachers to evacuate or be rescued, as firefighters worked at the scene to control the blaze.
Even as Typhoon Jangmi battered Tokyo, tourists braved the rain in Shibuya to queue for two unlikely draws—the Hachiko statue and the retro Dotonbori Theater—illustrating how weather can’t dampen curiosity and how Shibuya’s energy endures.
Shibuya Ward in Tokyo has begun enforcing a 2,000-yen on-the-spot fine for littering as part of an anti-littering campaign amid a tourism boom; fines can also be issued to food-and-beverage operators who don’t install waste bins, with up to 50 officials patrolling the area to enforce the measure.