Japan is a land of extremes. Situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, this archipelago still bears the scars of a tumultuous birth. This living, volcanic land thrust up from the ocean depths. Its tormented Nature brought forth masterpieces and has swallowed up numerous enigmas.
First of all, we will go to Yonaguni, a little island of 29 square km in the westernmost part of Japan. Shotaro Maja was born and bred here and this remote island holds no secrets for him. His father, a professional diver, discovered an extraordinary underwater site in 1984. He’s totally convinced that it is an archaeological ruin. Now it’s up to Shotaro to solve Yonaguni’s underwater mystery.
Then we will go and discover a little-known and dangerous discipline: the ice climbing, with its best ambassador, Nae Yagi, champion of Japan. Nae is preparing an expedition in the area of Nagano to a risky and unknown climbing site. At 31, Nae is at the peak of her discipline. She has been able to confront her doubts to rise to the top of an extremely demanding sport.
Lastly, we will stretch into the Ondekoza’s daily life. For 46 years it has also been the name of a group of virtuoso musicians; they play the traditional Japanese drums, the taiko. Naoto Kinoshita is the youngest member of this troup living in community. The Ondekoza percussionists are internationally well-known for their talent but also for their athletic conditions. The members of Ondekoza follow a particular life code, the Soga Kuron, a philosophy that combines music and running. Indeed their concerts are real performances that require the same physical and mental effort as a marathon.
Celebrations relatively restrained as Halloween returns to Tokyo
Japan Times – Oct 31
The streets were full and the pubs and clubs packed Saturday night as central Tokyo welcomed Halloween revelers back in large numbers — but the celebrations remained muted in comparison to the pre-pandemic years, with memories of a costumed assailant’s 2021 stabbing spree still fresh.
Hong Kongers flock to Japan for ‘revenge travel’
Nikkei – Oct 31
Japan has again become a popular travel destination among Hong Kongers after the government on Oct. 11 eased its COVID-related travel curbs and started accepting independent tourism, while Hong Kong also has scrapped its hotel quarantines for those arriving.
Amazing Quest: Stories from Japan
Free Documentary – Oct 31
Japan is a land of extremes. Situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, this archipelago still bears the scars of a tumultuous birth. This living, volcanic land thrust up from the ocean depths. Its tormented Nature brought forth masterpieces and has swallowed up numerous enigmas.
THE TOKYO EXPERIENCE | Japanese Food & Travel Fails
Gabriel Traveler – Oct 31
Another day of exploring in Tokyo, Japan, in which I eat some interesting and tasty Japanese food, walk around the Ginza shopping area, get confused trying to navigate the subway and then take a subway train to Akihabara.
Japan hotel prices surge in hot spots as travel subsidies roll out
Nikkei – Oct 23
Japan hotel room rates have soared since the country launched financial incentives to get people to hit the road, and with international tourists expected to flood into the country in the coming months, the prices are not expected to go down any time soon.
Ghibli Park readies for Nov. 1 opening in central Japan
Kyodo – Oct 13
A long-awaited theme park featuring beloved characters and scenes from Studio Ghibli’s hit animations is set to open Nov. 1 in central Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, treating fans to the wonders and secrets of Ghibli films such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Castle in the Sky.”
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