TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) –
While mid-winter climate has once more descended on the Kanto area of Japan, with some areas now lined in snow, cherry blossom spots are already reaching their peak simply earlier than the three-day weekend beginning on February 23.

“Full Bloom” Cherry Blossom Tunnel in a Tokyo Park

Full bloom news has reached Tokyo. In a park in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, about 90 Kawazu cherry bushes are in full bloom.

Local resident: “I heard from my family that it’s in full bloom and very beautiful today. I’m on my way back from the dentist, but I decided to take a look and stroll around.”

Despite the unlucky climate…

Resident of Toshima Ward, Tokyo: “It’s better when there are fewer people because of the rain. It’s my first time coming here.”

“(Q. How did you find out about it?) I looked it up on the internet. It’s really beautiful. I prefer Kawazu cherry blossoms over Somei-Yoshino.”

Visitor from Chiba: “It’s lovely. The trunks turn black in the rain, and the contrast with the petals is beautiful.”

Tokyo’s highest temperature was 8°C. Although the season is at a standstill, it signifies that the cherry blossoms’ development is delayed, permitting us to get pleasure from them for an extended interval.

Ueno Park additionally welcomed cherry blossoms which have bloomed early. There are extra spots to go to throughout the three-day weekend beginning on the twenty third… A Mexican man wearing armor was seen with a beaming smile.

A memorable photograph with a buddy.

Mexican customer: “I just happened to pass by and found it. I heard there was a chance to wear armor, so I tried it.”

The “SAMURAI Fest 2024,” the place you possibly can get pleasure from Japanese meals, is being held with the theme of samurai tradition.

Although about 100,000 guests have been anticipated over 4 days, the turnout has been gradual because of the climate.

Mio Kato, Public Relations for SAMURAI Fest Executive Committee: “(Usually) there are people lining up when the weather is good, but today it’s sparse due to the unfortunate weather. We hope that many people will visit us tomorrow and the day after as the weather seems to hold up.”

360 Kawazu Cherry Trees in “Full Bloom” Amid Rainy Splendor

In Matsuda Town, Kanagawa Prefecture…

Full-bloom cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers appeal to many vacationers even within the rain. Petals bowing beneath raindrops provide a novel sight solely seen in wet climate.

Visitor from Tokyo: “It’s raining, but (the cherry blossoms) are cute. I’m glad we came all this way.”

The Kawazu cherry blossoms, that are a couple of week forward of their regular development this 12 months, have been 60-70% bloomed on February twelfth… Now, they’re in full bloom. How lengthy will this peak final?

Akihiro Shimoda, Park Headquarters Chief: “Since it started to cool down from yesterday, the blossoms can last a little longer before falling. As the weather seems to be good on Saturday, this three-day weekend might be the last chance to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom this year.”

Source: ANN

TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) –
On February 23, His Majesty the Emperor celebrated his sixty fourth birthday. Prior to his birthday, His Majesty held a press convention on the Imperial Palace, the place he expressed deep sorrow for the victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year’s Day.

“Many people have lost their lives, and some are still missing. Many have been forced to evacuate, and I am deeply pained by this,” he mentioned. He additionally expressed his intention to go to the affected areas with Empress Masako, saying, “We hope to visit the disaster-stricken areas to offer our sympathies once we have observed the progress of the recovery efforts and listened to the thoughts of the affected people and related parties.”

Reflecting on his function as Emperor forward of the fifth anniversary of his accession in May, His Majesty shared, “I have aimed to engage closely with the people, listening to their stories wherever I go, understanding their circumstances and feelings, and considering what the Imperial Family should do for the nation. We will continue to visit various places, always keeping this in mind.”

Regarding his eldest daughter, Princess Aiko, who has secured a job on the Japanese Red Cross Society, His Majesty mentioned, “I believe she has long held the desire to help others. While her duties as a member of the Imperial Family will increase, I hope she will continue to fulfill each of her responsibilities with compassion and gratitude.” Speaking of his nephew, Prince Hisahito, who will come of age in September, His Majesty mentioned, “I have watched him grow up since he was little, and recently, he has been fulfilling his duties as a member of the Imperial Family through visits in the regions and interactions with people from abroad, which I find reassuring.”

On the Emperor’s birthday, a common public viewers was held on the Imperial Palace, the place His Majesty, together with Empress Masako, Prince and Princess Akishino, Princess Aiko, and Princess Kako, appeared on the balcony of the palace thrice within the morning to obtain congratulations.

In celebration of the Emperor’s birthday, the Imperial Household Agency launched a video of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, filmed on the Imperial Residence on February 9. In the video, Their Majesties are seen viewing a Wajima-nuri lacquerware paper field used at this yr’s first poetry studying. Also displayed have been a Wajima-nuri ornamental tray and a Suzu pottery vase. According to an aide, Their Majesties are involved in regards to the earthquake’s impression on native industries and the tough circumstances confronted by many concerned within the conventional tradition and industries of the Noto area. During the filming, Their Majesties reminisced about their go to to Wajima’s “Asaichi Street” and mentioned the various artisans concerned in Wajima lacquerware manufacturing. The Imperial Household Agency is making preparations for Their Majesties’ go to to the earthquake-affected areas in Ishikawa Prefecture in late March.

Here is the total textual content of His Majesty the Emperor’s press convention. (Questions from the consultant of the Imperial Press Corps)

(Question 1) Reflecting on the previous yr, which included each joyful and difficult occasions such because the Noto Peninsula earthquake, may you share your most memorable moments?

(Emperor) The Noto Peninsula earthquake, which occurred on the night of New Year’s Day, struck many households gathered for the vacation season, leading to quite a few fatalities and accidents, in addition to the lack of properties. The affected Noto area holds particular reminiscences for each Masako and myself from our pupil days, and we have been warmly welcomed by the individuals of Kanazawa City throughout our go to final October. The indisputable fact that many individuals have suffered in Ishikawa Prefecture, with some nonetheless lacking and plenty of pressured to evacuate, deeply pains us. I want to categorical my heartfelt condolences to the victims and supply my sympathies to the bereaved households and people affected by the catastrophe. The chilly of winter continues, and particularly within the quick aftermath of the earthquake, many evacuees have confronted significantly harsh circumstances. We are involved in regards to the well being of the aged and others whose circumstances could worsen or who could fall unwell as a result of extended evacuation. The earthquake brought on highway networks on the peninsula to be minimize off, complicating rescue and aid efforts and resulting in remoted settlements. The issue in restoring water companies has resulted in extended water outages, forcing many to endure nice inconvenience. Amidst these harsh circumstances, I want to categorical my honest gratitude to those that have been working tirelessly day and night time on rescue and aid operations, offering assist provides, supporting the medical and well being wants of the victims, and restoring lifelines. Since the quick aftermath of the catastrophe, quite a few specialised volunteers and NPOs have begun actions within the affected areas, offering varied types of help to these affected. I’m grateful for the significance of detailed help and admire the efforts of volunteers and NPOs working within the catastrophe areas. Although many difficulties persist, I sincerely hope that with the help of many individuals, restoration and reconstruction will progress easily. The earthquake has additionally brought on vital injury to the distinctive conventional tradition and industries of the Noto area. I imagine that the area’s historic tradition and conventional industries are treasured to the residents, serving as emotional anchors. It is essential to help the preservation and continuation of those conventional cultures, with the assistance of younger individuals who inherit these conventional expertise. Regarding visiting the affected areas, I hope to go to the disaster-stricken areas with Masako as soon as we have now noticed the progress of the restoration efforts and listened to the ideas of the affected individuals and associated events. Looking on the nation as a complete, many individuals are dealing with varied difficulties as a consequence of pure disasters and rising costs, and there are aged individuals, these with disabilities, and kids from households in monetary issue who want help. I’m grateful for the various people who find themselves working to help these in socially susceptible positions and defend their lives and livelihoods. Despite the challenges, I hope that individuals will proceed to help and look after one another, overcoming tough conditions collectively. Globally, large-scale pure disasters comparable to earthquakes and floods have occurred. In the previous yr, main earthquakes struck Morocco and Afghanistan, leading to many deaths, accidents, and evacuations. There have additionally been frequent pure disasters considered related to world warming, comparable to heavy rain injury, wildfires, and extreme droughts world wide. I want to pray for the repose of the souls of those that have perished in these pure disasters and supply my sympathies to these affected. Regarding “global warming,” UN Secretary-General Guterres warned in a press convention on July 27 final yr that we have now moved from an period of world warming to an period of “global boiling.” As I’ve talked about earlier than, to construct a sustainable world, it’s urgently required that individuals world wide share their knowledge and cooperate by becoming a member of arms, and the difficulty of world warming is an pressing problem that we should handle critically. Wars and conflicts proceed to happen world wide, ensuing within the lack of many lives. There are additionally individuals affected by starvation, poverty, oppression, and prejudice, with their lives and dignity beneath risk. I’m deeply pained by the tough conditions the world faces. I’m reminded of the significance of individuals world wide striving for mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation in constructing a peaceable world. There have been additionally vivid subjects this yr. In May final yr, the classification of COVID-19 was shifted to class 5 beneath the Infectious Diseases Law. While we have to proceed monitoring the unfold of the an infection, it has been a yr wherein we will see a particular brightness within the return to regular day by day life. In the sphere of science and know-how, the H3 rocket was efficiently launched on February 17, and on January 20, the small lunar lander “SLIM” efficiently achieved a pinpoint touchdown on the moon. Following the “Hayabusa” and “Hayabusa2,” the long-cultivated area improvement know-how has come to fruition, and I respect the efforts of these concerned. Advances in AI know-how, comparable to generative AI, have been drawing consideration, however within the disaster-stricken areas of the Noto Peninsula, using autonomous control-type transportable water recycling programs that mix Japan’s glorious water remedy know-how with AI has offered companies comparable to bathing and handwashing, serving to these affected by the catastrophe. I’ve heard that these initiatives are led by corporations based by younger individuals. Including the actions of volunteers who rushed from everywhere in the nation, I hope that the vitality of younger individuals will open up new potentialities for our nation. In the world of sports activities, there have been additionally vivid subjects, such because the Japanese nationwide baseball crew’s third victory within the WBC after three tournaments and Shohei Ohtani’s choice as MVP for the second time by unanimous vote within the American Major League. In the world of shogi, Sota Fujii achieved the unprecedented feat of profitable the “Oza” title and changing into the primary participant to carry eight titles, giving us vivid goals and hopes.

(Question 2) With the change within the classification of COVID-19, backyard events have been resumed final yr, and visits to the areas by Their Majesties grew to become extra energetic. Empress Masako additionally accompanied you on a go to to Indonesia for worldwide goodwill. Could you share any episodes or memorable moments from occasions and visits, in addition to your ideas on Empress Masako, who celebrated her sixtieth birthday final yr and has been by your aspect for 30 years?

(Emperor) With the calming of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been capable of maintain backyard events in spring and autumn final yr, and I used to be delighted to welcome many visitors after a very long time. In June, we visited Iwate Prefecture to attend the National Tree Planting Festival. At the “Sea View Place” within the Takata Pine Tree Tsunami Recovery Memorial Park, I provided flowers and prayed for the repose of the souls of those that perished within the Great East Japan Earthquake whereas overlooking Hirota Bay, which was hit by a large tsunami. At the East Japan Earthquake Tsunami Memorial Museum, I listened to the tales of those that are passing on the experiences of the catastrophe to future generations and felt the significance of conveying the information and classes of the catastrophe, in addition to the experiences and ideas on reconstruction, to future generations. I used to be capable of see the “Miracle Pine” monument for the primary time and plant a seedling of the Nambu pink pine, which inherits the genes of the “Miracle Pine,” on the commemorative ceremony of the National Tree Planting Festival. At the ceremony, I additionally had the chance to take heed to a string quartet composed of devices comprised of the “Miracle Pine,” together with the so-called “Tsunami Viola,” which jogged my memory of the time I performed the viola at a live performance. While remembering the difficulties the area has confronted, Masako and I have been actually happy to see the progress of reconstruction main as much as the National Tree Planting Festival. During our go to to Rikuzentakata City, Ofunato City, and Kamaishi City, we heard straight from the affected individuals and have been touched by their unwavering efforts regardless of quite a few challenges. Listening to their tales, I felt deeply moved by the regular progress of reconstruction, regardless of many remaining challenges. I hope that the affected areas will begin constructing new communities and obtain true reconstruction, and I renewed my need to proceed caring for the affected areas. In September, we visited Hokkaido for the National Rich Sea Creation Festival, and in October, we visited Kagoshima Prefecture for the Special National Sports Festival and Ishikawa Prefecture for the National Cultural Festival and the National Arts and Culture Festival for People with Disabilities. In every area, I used to be capable of expertise the distinctive traits and really feel the richness of the nation’s nature, local weather, historical past, and tradition. As I composed on this yr’s first poem, it was a terrific pleasure to have the ability to work together straight with everybody throughout my visits. It was additionally heartwarming to have the ability to hear varied tales from individuals in every place and see their smiles. When visiting the areas, I’m grateful to the native officers who ready totally whereas taking measures to forestall an infection, and to the various prefectural residents who warmly welcomed Masako and me. In June, I used to be more than happy to go to Indonesia with Masako in a memorable yr marking the sixty fifth anniversary of the institution of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia and the fiftieth anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation. It was our first official go to to a Southeast Asian nation as a pair, making it a really memorable expertise for us. During our go to, we have been warmly welcomed by President Joko and his spouse, in addition to Governor Hamengkubuwono X of the Special Region of Yogyakarta and his spouse, amongst others. We have been deeply grateful for the heartfelt hospitality we acquired from the Indonesian authorities and folks. I want to take this chance to specific my gratitude to the various Indonesian and Japanese officers who labored exhausting to make this go to potential. Through the go to, we deepened our understanding of Indonesia’s historical past and richly numerous society and tradition, and witnessed the achievements of friendship and cooperation which were cultivated between the 2 international locations over time. We additionally visited locations related to Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, such because the Bogor Palace, the Botanical Garden, the Dharma Persada University, and the Borobudur Temple ruins, and met with individuals of varied generations who’ve contributed to the alternate between the 2 international locations. We have been reminded that the pleasant relations between the 2 international locations have been nurtured by way of the tireless efforts and exchanges of individuals throughout generations, even by way of tough occasions. I felt joyful and grateful to appreciate that there are lots of individuals in Indonesia who’ve heat emotions in the direction of Japan and the Japanese individuals. In specific, interacting with younger Indonesians who’re desirous about Japanese tradition and language, in addition to Japanese kids and younger individuals dwelling in Indonesia, made me really feel the potential function that the youthful era will play sooner or later friendship and cooperation between the 2 international locations. I hope that the youthful era of each international locations will deepen their curiosity in one another by way of exchanges and play a big function in additional deepening the mutual understanding and cooperative relationship between the 2 international locations. If this go to has served as a possibility to deepen mutual understanding between the individuals of Japan and Indonesia and additional develop the pleasant and cooperative relationship between the 2 international locations, I might be more than happy. Masako has continued to work exhausting this yr, attending ceremonies in Tokyo and finishing all scheduled visits to Iwate, Hokkaido, Kagoshima, and Ishikawa prefectures. I used to be additionally relieved and happy that we have been capable of efficiently full the lengthy abroad goodwill go to to Indonesia collectively. This yr, the variety of occasions on the palace and residence in Tokyo has elevated. Although Masako continues to be on the highway to restoration and experiences fluctuations in her situation, with fatigue lingering after main occasions or a sequence of occasions, I hope she’s going to take sufficient relaxation throughout such occasions and proceed to steadily accomplish what she will be able to with out overexerting herself. I want to categorical my gratitude to the individuals of the nation for his or her heat help and ask for his or her continued heat help for Masako’s restoration. Since our marriage, Masako and I’ve skilled many issues collectively, supporting one another and sharing joys and sorrows. Masako is a crucial presence who helps my day by day actions whereas watching over the expansion of our daughter Aiko. She can be a very good advisor in each private and non-private issues. I’m grateful for her help and need to proceed to help her as a lot as I can. Having spent 30 years collectively, I need to convey my gratitude to Masako and ask her to proceed to be with me sooner or later.

(Question 3) This yr, Princess Aiko will begin working as a contract worker on the Japanese Red Cross Society after graduating from college, and Prince Hisahito of the Akishino household will come of age. Could you share with us Princess Aiko’s current state, memorable occasions from her college life, discussions with your loved ones concerning her employment on the Red Cross, and your ideas on her public actions and marriage? What are your ideas on the expansion of Prince Hisahito, who’s second in line to the throne, and what do you anticipate from him sooner or later?

(Emperor) Aiko has been capable of go to the college campus this tutorial yr because the scenario with COVID-19 infections has calmed down. She appears to be having fun with a satisfying pupil life, learning diligently at college and spending time together with her lecturers and buddies. When writing her commencement thesis, she labored exhausting on her paper, gathering supplies from the college library and the Japanese Language and Literature Department’s archives after class, with steerage from her lecturers. As commencement approaches, I hope she’s going to spend the remainder of her college life meaningfully. I’m actually grateful to the lecturers, employees, and buddies who’ve warmly guided and befriended her. During her college life, Aiko broadened her horizons by attending not solely specialised programs within the Japanese Language and Literature Department but in addition liberal arts programs and courses from different departments, comparable to Japanese historical past, Oriental historical past, Japanese conventional performing arts, and welfare. In specific, she appears to have cherished the irreplaceable experiences of speaking straight with lecturers and buddies on campus and having the ability to train collectively from this tutorial yr. She additionally loved exploring varied locations on campus. Regarding her employment on the Japanese Red Cross Society, Aiko appears to have lengthy held the will to assist others, as she talked about in her coming-of-age press convention, saying, “I was very impressed by the disaster volunteers who work hard to help others, regardless of whether it is their own town or not.” In that context, Aiko attended a presentation by the Japanese Red Cross Society final yr with Masako and me, the place we realized about varied actions carried out by the Red Cross, and visited an exhibition on the Red Cross headquarters showcasing aid and medical actions through the Great Kanto Earthquake. Through these experiences, she appears to have developed a powerful need to contribute to society by being concerned within the actions of the Red Cross, and after discussing it with our household, she expressed her want to work on the Red Cross. We are very grateful that the Red Cross has kindly accepted her. I hope that Aiko will proceed to work exhausting to assist many individuals as a member of the Red Cross from April, and although there could also be difficulties in getting into society, I hope she’s going to overcome them and develop as a member of society. I hope that Aiko will proceed to study from varied individuals, accumulate experiences, broaden her perspective, deepen her ideas, and punctiliously fulfill her duties as a member of the Imperial Family with compassion and gratitude. If there may be something we will focus on together with her within the course of, we want to achieve this as a lot as potential. I’m actually grateful to everybody for his or her heat emotions in the direction of Aiko to date, and I hope that you’ll proceed to look at over her warmly. Prince Hisahito will flip 18 this yr and are available of age. I’ve watched him develop up since he was little, and not too long ago, he has been fulfilling his duties as a member of the Imperial Family by way of visits to the areas and interactions with individuals from overseas, which I discover reassuring. When we meet, he talks vigorous about subjects comparable to dragonflies, vegetable cultivation, and taking part in badminton, which is a part of his membership actions, so I feel he’s spending fulfilling days. I imagine he will even get thinking about his path to school. He should have pursuits and issues he needs to study and do, so I hope he could have a fruitful highschool life whereas specializing in his future.

Source: NHK

TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) –
The J1 League is ready to kick off on Friday, with eyes not solely on the title race between completed groups such because the defending champions Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F. Marinos but additionally on the efficiency of newly promoted groups like FC Machida Zelvia and Tokyo Verdy, which is making a return to J1 after 16 years.

The J.League, marking a brand new begin after its thirtieth anniversary final season, will begin with a match between Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Urawa Reds on the new “Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima” stadium in Hiroshima City at 2 PM on the twenty third. This season, J1 has expanded to twenty groups from the earlier season and can contest 38 rounds till December to determine the champion.

Defending champions Vissel Kobe, aiming for back-to-back titles, boast key gamers like final season’s MVP and prime scorer Yuya Osako, and Hotaru Yamaguchi, who was chosen for the Best Eleven. They are joined by skilled members comparable to former Japan nationwide group midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi.

Yokohama F. Marinos, who completed second final season, are recognized for his or her overwhelming offensive energy, main the league with 63 objectives. With Anderson Lopez, who shared the highest scorer title with Vissel’s Osako, their potent assault stays intact as they intention for his or her first championship in two seasons.

Urawa Reds, who completed fourth final season and received the ACL (Asian Champions League), are aiming for his or her first J1 title in 18 seasons with their league-best protection and newly strengthened assault.

Also value watching is how the newly promoted groups will fare, together with FC Machida Zelvia, led by the famend highschool soccer coach Tsuyoshi Kuroda, Jubilo Iwata, and Tokyo Verdy, returning to J1 after 16 years. The first spherical of J1 may have two matches on the twenty third, six on the twenty fourth, and two on the twenty fifth. The J2 and J3 leagues will kick off on the twenty fourth.

Featured Matchups for J1 Round 1:

[February 23 (Friday)] – Hiroshima vs. Urawa 14:00 @ E Peace – Nagoya vs. Kashima 18:00 @ Toyota Stadium

[February 24 (Saturday)] – Iwata vs. Kobe 13:00 @ Yamaha Stadium – Fukuoka vs. Sapporo 14:00 @ Best Amenity Stadium – Tosu vs. Niigata 14:00 @ Station Stadium – Machida vs. G Osaka 15:00 @ G Stadium – Shonan vs. Kawasaki F 15:00 @ Lemon Gas Stadium – C Osaka vs. FC Tokyo 15:00 @ Yodoko Sakura Stadium

[February 25 (Sunday)] – Kashiwa vs. Kyoto 14:00 @ Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium – Tokyo V vs. Yokohama FM 14:00 @ National Stadium

Source: NHK