Latest news with #Gifu


NHK
11 hours ago
- Health
- NHK
One person dies from suspected heatstroke in Japan, 100 hospitalized in Tokyo
The heatwave gripping Japan has turned deadly. Officials in the central prefecture of Gifu say one person has died from suspected heatstroke. A 90-year-old man was found lying in a field in the town of Ikeda on Thursday afternoon. He was rushed to a hospital but later pronounced dead. Meanwhile, Tokyo Fire Department officials say that as of 9 p.m. on Thursday, 100 people in the capital aged between 11 and 97 had been taken to hospital during the day for suspected symptoms of heatstroke. The officials say one of them is in critical condition while two others are in serious condition. The Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Examiner's Office says two people in their 70s who died in the capital this month are believed to have suffered heatstroke. It says they were not using air conditioners at the time of their deaths.


NHK
a day ago
- Climate
- NHK
Heatwave continues over much of Japan
A heatwave has continued to grip much of Japan. The mercury reached 35 degrees Celsius or higher on Thursday for the third consecutive day in some places. The Meteorological Agency says a high pressure system prevailed over a wide area. The agency says the rainy season appears to be over in the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture. That is ten days earlier than average and three days earlier than last year in the region. Temperatures soared across the country due to intense sunshine. A daytime high of 36.9 degrees was recorded in the city of Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture, while Kiryu in Gunma Prefecture reached 36.7 degrees, and Nagoya and Kofu registered 36.3 degrees. Temperatures of 30 degrees or higher were logged at 598 locations, or about two-thirds of more than 900 observation points across Japan. Temperatures of 35 degrees or higher were recorded at 56. High temperatures are also expected on Friday, mainly in western Japan. Toyooka City in Hyogo Prefecture and Kyoto City may have a daytime high of 37 degrees, while Tottori and some other cities are forecast to reach a high of 35 degrees. Central Tokyo is expected to show a high of 32 degrees. Heatstroke alerts have been issued for Okinawa's main island region. Some people have died with symptoms of heatstroke over the past several days. Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue through the night. People are advised to use air conditioners as needed, take liquids and salt, and rest frequently during outdoor activities. Meanwhile, atmospheric conditions are unstable in Tohoku, Kanto-Koshin and other regions, and rain clouds are developing in some parts. Officials are calling for caution against lightning strikes and strong gusts such as tornadoes through late Thursday night.


Japan Times
a day ago
- General
- Japan Times
Valiant is a playful, princely Hokkaido dog
This prince of a dog was rescued in Gifu Prefecture along with a whole pack. The offspring of Hokkaido dogs, they congregated at a temple and roamed the hills in search of food. Like the other rescues, this dog's name starts with a 'V' — for Valiant, in his case. True to his name, the 9-year-old Valiant is handsome and strong. And true to his breed, he's extremely cautious and perhaps even 'somewhat moody.' Caution was requisite for survival in the wild, and Valiant's caution is directly linked to trust. Once he is convinced that you are trustworthy, he becomes affectionate and sweet. Valiant loves walking and loves food even more. He knows a few commands, but what he really wants is to have fun. When he's completely comfortable with you, his playful side will come out. Having lived in the wild for so long, Valiant is cautious around new people at first, but reveals a playful side when he gets comfortable. | Kana Matsutani Take note that Valiant isn't wild about other dogs, or cats for that matter. He will do best in a home all his own, where he can hold court undisturbed. For the touch of royalty he'll surely bestow on your household, Valiant is a dream come true. If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at Tokyoark@ or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web:


NHK
2 days ago
- Climate
- NHK
Heatwave continues to grip Japan
Sweltering heat continued to grip much of Japan on Wednesday. The mercury reached 35 degrees Celsius or higher in many places. The Meteorological Agency says a high pressure system prevailed over wide areas. A daytime high of 37.6 degrees was recorded in the city of Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture, while Toyota in Aichi Prefecture reached 37.5 degrees and Nagoya 36.8 degrees. Kyoto registered a high of 36.5 degrees and Kofu 36.2 degrees. Fukushima and Maebashi both topped out at 36 degrees. Central Tokyo had a high of 34.4 degrees. Firefighting authorities in Mie Prefecture say a woman in her 70s was taken to hospital for suspected heatstroke, and was later pronounced dead. Authorities in Kanagawa Prefecture also say that a woman in her 90s in the city of Odawara was found collapsed on her bed and later confirmed dead. They suspect she suffered heatstroke. The Tokyo Fire Department says that as of 3 p.m., 57 people aged between 15 and 94 were taken to hospital with suspected heatstroke. High temperatures are also expected on Thursday. The cities of Nagoya and Gifu can expect a daytime high of 37 degrees, while a high of 36 degrees is forecast for Kyoto, Nara and Okayama. Takamatsu, Kofu, Maebashi and some other cities can expect a high of 35 degrees. People are advised to use air conditioners as needed, take liquids and salt and rest frequently during outdoor activities.


NHK
11-06-2025
- General
- NHK
Sacred wood for historical ceremony transported to Ise Jingu shrine in Japan
Sacred logs were transported to Ise Jingu in central Japan's Mie Prefecture in preparation for a centuries-old ceremony to rebuild the shrine's structures. The timber will be used for the "Shikinen Sengu" ceremony, a tradition that dates back about 1,300 years. Once every 20 years, the shrine buildings are completely rebuilt at a site adjacent to the main sanctuary. The current relocation is scheduled for completion in 2034. The first sacred logs for the new structures were transported into the shrine on Monday and Tuesday. The wood was cut from forests in Nagano and Gifu prefectures and will be used to create vessels that house the shrine's sacred objects of worship. On Monday, about 300 people in black coats and straw hats pulled the logs destined for the Naiku, or Inner Shrine, upstream along the Isuzu River. They hauled the large Japanese cypress logs for about 1.5 kilometers, singing traditional work songs. A visitor from Hiroshima Prefecture said it was impressive to see the huge logs from national forests, and that it is amazing that the tradition has continued for 1,300 years. On Tuesday, a ritual was held to carry another set of sacred logs into the Geku, or Outer Shrine. Around 400 people pulled the logs for about 2 kilometers through the streets of central Ise City. A local spectator said he hoped the "Shikinen Sengu" would continue for future generations, so his grandchildren could see it. Another visitor said she was happy to see the ceremony for the third time, and that it was pleasant to hear the participants' voices in unison.