First forecast reveals when cherry blossoms will bloom across Japan
The Japan Weather Association released the official "2025 Cherry Blossom Bloom Forecast'' on the 29th of January.
Category News
Sumo sensation Hoshoryu crowned 74th Yokozuna
On January 29th, sumo wrestler Hoshoryu was officially elevated to the prestigious rank of 74th Yokozuna.
Kyoto Animation arsonist’s death sentence confirmed after appeal withdrawn
Shinji Aoba, who was sentenced to death in the first instance for setting fire to the Kyoto Animation studio, resulting in the tragic loss of 36 lives, has withdrawn his appeal.
Start spring with Starbucks new sakura drink!
Get ready to sip on spring with Starbuck's new sakura drink!
Shogo-in Temple Setsubun Festival
Setsubun is a time of seasonal change, and is known for the custom of throwing beans saying "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" ("Demons out, good fortune in") to drive away evil and bring in good fortune.
Osaka’s citywide smoking ban takes effect, vaping also included
Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, has significantly expanded its smoking ban, prohibiting smoking on all city streets as of the end of January 2025.
Yotsugi Jizo Grand Festival
The Yotsugi Jizo Grand Festival is an annual event held at Jotoku-ji Temple, which is known as a place to pray for conception and safe childbirth.
Ryugen-ji Temple Setsubun Ceremony
On Setsubun, a ritual is held to ward off evil spirits and bring in good fortune.
Fushimi Inari Shrine Hatsu-uma Festival
The Hatsu-uma Festival is a grand festival commemorating the first enshrinement of the god Inari-Okami on Mt. Inari.
Yutate Kagura Shinto Ritual
A ritual in which holy water boiled in a cauldron is sprinkled on bamboo leaves, this is a Setsubun event that heralds the arrival of spring.