Tag - o-bon

 
 

O BON

A satellite image from Wednesday afternoon shows Tropical Storm Ampil south of Japan
JAPAN
Aug 14, 2024
Typhoon to force railway closures as it nears Kanto on Friday
The storm is expected to peak in intensity between Friday and Saturday, prompting the closure of the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya.
A beach closed due to a megaquake alert in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, from Friday to Thursday.
JAPAN / Society
Aug 13, 2024
Japan's tourism industry hit by cancellations after megaquake alert
Concerns over a potential disaster have prompted many visitors to cancel their plans and city's to cancel events.
High water levels in the Nagauchi River in the city of Kuji, Iwate Prefecture, on Monday 
JAPAN
Aug 12, 2024
Tohoku on alert as Tropical Storm Maria moves over region
Level 5 is the highest alert level, indicating a life-threatening situation and that residents should take immediate action to protect their lives.
The platforms at Tokyo Station were packed with passengers on Saturday morning.
JAPAN
Aug 11, 2024
Bon holiday visits in full swing amid increased quake fears
Train stations have been crowded with passengers, with some travelers aiming to take extra precautions.
A boy skateboards past Yanaka Cemetery in Tokyo’s Taito Ward. A perfectly peaceful spot the rest of the year, it becomes a place children may test their courage during the Bon holidays.
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Aug 8, 2024
Japanese cities turn into ghost towns during the Bon holiday period
As people return to their hometowns to pay their respects to their ancestors, children may try to test their nerves with a "kimodameshi."
Visitors enter a haunted house at the Namjatown indoor theme park in Tokyo on July 30.
LIFE / Travel
Aug 7, 2024
Japanese beat the heat in 'liver-chilling' haunted houses
A visit to a haunted house is seen as a refreshing respite in Japan from the summer's heat and humidity.
The Torchin series of table lamps, made by Yame 'chōchin' (paper lantern) artisans Shiraki Kougei and produced in collaboration with Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten and design unit Tent, combine contemporary design with traditional lantern-making techniques.
LIFE / Style & Design
Jul 20, 2024
Celebrate o-Bon in style with these elegant crafts
As o-Bon approaches, On: Design looks at industry mainstay Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten’s latest initiatives to honor the dearly departed.
Passengers queue to board a shinkansen bullet train at Tokyo Station in Tokyo on Friday.
JAPAN
Aug 13, 2023
Typhoon Lan set to crash Japan holiday week
Typhoon Lan is expected to make landfall Tuesday in central Japan, with warnings of heavy rain and flooding during the annual Bon summer holidays.
Tomohiko Sato (center) wrote a book titled "Yamakei Shinsho Tokyo Bon Odori Tengoku Odoru Meguru Tanoshimu" ("Tokyo Bon Dance Heaven").
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Aug 12, 2023
Tomohiko Sato: 'The only rule is to dance the way the locals do'
Tomohiko Sato may be Japan’s only “Bon-bassador,” and his love for the Bon dance makes him a true representative for this summer tradition.
Heavy rain and strong wind hit the city of Fukuoka on Thursday as Tropical Storm Khanun approached the Kyushu region.
JAPAN / Society
Aug 10, 2023
Strong storms likely to affect Bon holiday plans
Plans to travel or meet with friends or family may need a rethink as strong storms approach Japan.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 11, 2023
Bon Curry sets Guinness Record for selling period dating back to 1968
Since the brand was launched 55 years ago, cumulative sales of Bon Curry products have topped 3 billion packs.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Nov 7, 2021
Meet the unofficial mayor of New York’s ‘Little Tokyo’
With little fanfare, since the 1980s Bon Yagi has helped transform New York's grungy East Village into a trendy hub for Japanese cuisine. His motto? “Visit Japan without airfare.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Aug 15, 2020
COVID-19 ruins plans to spend time at the beach (among other things)
Going to the beach in Japan has never been so complicated.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 11, 2020
Tokyo logs 188 COVID-19 cases, as Aichi falls below 100 infections for first time in 15 days
Several prefectures reported a decline in infections from recent highs amid a heat wave in the middle of the Bon summer holiday period.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Aug 8, 2020
Chilling Japanese ghost tales with contemporary twists to help you beat the summer heat
Here's a look at modern takes on Japanese ghost stories that will give you chills and thrills during Japan's spookiest time of year.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Aug 8, 2020
Telework gives Japan's dads time to help kids with homework over summer break
In recent weeks, you may have noticed fathers standing with their children in your neighborhood inspecting the trees that sit beside the road with various nets in tow.

Longform

Sociologist Gracia Liu-Farrer argues that even though immigration doesn't figure into Japan's autobiography, it is more of a self-perception than a reality.
In search of the ‘Japanese dream’