Latest news with #Shinto
Metropolis Japan
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Metropolis Summer Issue 2025
Our Metropolis Summer 2025 Issue is out now and the theme is Water! In this issue, we explore water in the city and beyond. From koi streams in shopping arcades to poolside cocktails, sacred rivers to cooling translucent food art, this issue is a love letter to Japan's most captivating element. We trace its symbolic roots in Shinto, its transformation through Tokyo's subcultures and its pure sensory joy at beaches, matsuri and bubbling cafés. Whether you're wading through lantern-lit festivals, sipping cream soda by the bay, or uncovering the stories of sea women and river gods, every page offers a moment of cool in the summer heat. We showcase local businesses to help international residents, top spots for tourists to visit, trendsetters in the spotlight and much, much more in Metropolis Summer 2025. Whether you're a new reader or you've been picking up Metropolis since we first launched, we wish you a warm welcome to our Issue. If all that's still not enough for you, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for the very latest updates on our articles and Tokyo news. Ama Divers: Legendary Women of the Sea Tokyo Events | Fireworks, Festivals, and Fun Good Eats | Where Water Holds You Tokyo | The 'Venice of the East' From the Cheeky to the Horrific | Water Spirits in Japanese Folklore Summer Escapes | The Hottest Destinations to Cool Off Stay Smart this Summer with our Essential Cooling Guide Katsu Kaishu | A Naval Legend to Japan, Forgotten Overseas Some of our favorite spots are: Book 1st Shinjuku Full list Have a great season! Stay tuned for our Autumn Issue 2025.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Malayalam movies like Alappuzha Gymkhana to watch on OTT that take you on a fun ride
The Malayalam film Alappuzha Gymkhana, starring Premalu-fame Naslen in the lead, recently made its way to OTT on SonyLiv and OTTplay Premium. Khalid Rahman's sports comedy follows a bunch of laid-back youths as they plan to secure college admission by competing in state-level boxing competitions. With its breezy approach and witty dialogues, Alappuzha Gymkhana won over audiences both during its theatrical run and upon its OTT premiere. If you are looking for other Malayalam movies like Alappuzha Gymkhana, check out Maranamass, Chotta Mumbai and more on OTTplay Premium that promise to take you on a fun ride. Watch all the latest hit Malayalam films like Alappuzha Gymkhana, Maranamass and more on OTTplay Premium After Shinto, the goody boy of the family, goes missing, his younger brother sets out to find him. Shinto's friend Shabeer, his ex-girlfriend Aishu, ethical hacker Hariharasudhan and local goon Courier Babu join him in this quest as they head to Coorg to find Shinto. The lively banter within the group, especially in Aishu's Kasaragod slang, adds to the fun quotient of the film. Arjun Ashokan, Mathew Thomas, Mahima Nambiar, Kalabhavan Shajohn and Premalu actors Sangeeth Prathap and Shyam Mohan play the vibrant cast. Also read: Bromance review: Sangeeth Prathap steals the show as Arjun Ashokan and Mathew Thomas-starrer oscillates between fun and chaos Luke PP, who is already proving to be a headache to his townsfolk, once again comes under the radar when a serial killer targets elderly people. In an interesting turn of events, Luke, his girlfriend Jessy, the serial killer, and a corpse all end up on a bus one fateful night. Malayalam actor-director Basil Joseph leads this film along with Anishma Anilkumar, Siju Sunny, Suresh Krishna and Rajesh Madhavan in other key roles. Minnal Murali-fame Tovino Thomas co-produced this film, helmed by Sivaprasad. Also read: Maranamass movie review: Basil Joseph's dark comedy is a bumpy ride, but one packed with laughs Malayalam actor Dileep stars in the titular role of CID Moosa. The film revolves around Sahadevan who decides to become a private detective after he fails to become a police officer. Director Johny Antony's film has a cartoonish vibe to it, with oddball characters, their misadventures and chaotic fun. The scenes between Sahadevan and his brother-in-law SI Peethambaran (Jagathy Sreekumar) are a hoot. Harisree Ashokan, Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar, Captain Raju, and Oduvil Unnikrishnan play other hilarious roles. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal headlines this vibrant film as Vasco or Thala, as his friends call him. Thala and his motley gang of friends spend their time in Fort Kochi, making money through minor but fraudulent activities. Bhavana appears as Lata in this 2007 film, which is now creating waves at theatres upon its re-release. Songs such as 'Thala', 'Vasco Da Gama' and even the yesteryear 'Chettikulangara', featuring Mohanlal in a fluorescent pink, are still popular. The trio of Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya and Indrajith lead this film as happy-go-lucky chaps from Kochi. The Nadirshah directorial tracks the youths as they try to woo girls, juggle odd jobs and dream of going to Pattaya. With an ensemble supporting cast, including Namitha Pramod, Saju Navodaya, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Meenakshi Anoop, Srindha, KPAC Lalitha, and Abu Salim, the film features several laugh-out-loud moments.
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
From Bangkok To Brunei: 10 Stunning Asian Capital Cities You Should Visit At Least Once
photoDetails english 2917752 Updated:Jun 18, 2025, 01:00 PM IST 1 / 12 Asia, the largest continent on Earth, is a kaleidoscope of cultures, cuisines, landscapes, and legacies. From buzzing metropolises to serene spiritual hubs, Asia's capital cities offer travelers a chance to explore rich traditions, modern wonders, and unforgettable experiences. If you're planning your next international trip, here are 10 Asian capital cities truly worth the flight. Bangkok, Thailand 2 / 12 A heady mix of tradition and modernity, Bangkok charms visitors with its golden temples, floating markets, and vibrant street food culture. Whether you're exploring the Grand Palace, cruising down the Chao Phraya River, or shopping at Chatuchak Market, Thailand's capital guarantees sensory overload—in the best way. Highlights: Wat Arun, Khao San Road, Thai massage, tuk-tuk rides Tokyo, Japan 3 / 12 One of the world's most futuristic cities, Tokyo is where ancient Shinto shrines stand beside skyscrapers. From the orderly chaos of Shibuya Crossing to peaceful moments in Ueno Park, Tokyo offers a dynamic experience for every kind of traveler. Highlights: Sushi bars, Mt. Fuji views, anime culture, cherry blossom season New Delhi, India 4 / 12 India's heart beats in New Delhi, a city layered with history, politics, art, and colour. Whether you're admiring Mughal architecture, sampling street food in Chandni Chowk, or strolling through Lutyens' leafy avenues, New Delhi is both chaotic and captivating. Highlights: Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, bustling bazaars Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 5 / 12 A modern skyline punctuated by the iconic Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural hub where Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures harmoniously collide. With delicious food, world-class malls, and cultural sites, it's perfect for urban explorers. Highlights: Batu Caves, street food at Jalan Alor, KL Tower Seoul, South Korea 6 / 12 Where K-pop meets Buddhist temples, Seoul is a high-energy city with deep roots. The blend of cutting-edge fashion, digital innovations, and ancient palaces make it a must-visit for culture and tech lovers alike. Highlights: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong shopping, Korean BBQ Hanoi, Vietnam 7 / 12 With a centuries-old history and colonial architecture, Hanoi is the quieter, more reflective counterpart to Ho Chi Minh City. Its old quarters, scenic lakes, and cultural richness make it a city for slow, immersive travel. Highlights: Hoan Kiem Lake, water puppet theatre, Vietnamese coffee culture Jakarta, Indonesia 8 / 12 Jakarta is a city in motion—pulsating with traffic, energy, and diversity. As the economic and political center of Indonesia, it offers a look at the country's multicultural roots and emerging future. Highlights: Kota Tua (Old Town), National Monument, street fashion scene Manila, Philippines 9 / 12 Set along the bay with colonial architecture and contemporary nightlife, Manila is a chaotic but compelling city. It reflects the resilient spirit of Filipinos, blending Spanish heritage with Southeast Asian charm. Highlights: Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, local jeepney rides Kathmandu, Nepal 10 / 12 Cradled by the Himalayas, Kathmandu is a spiritual epicenter for trekkers and seekers alike. With its temples, stupas, and centuries-old alleyways, the city offers soul-stirring moments amid rustic beauty. Highlights: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square, trekking launch pads Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei 11 / 12 Often overlooked, Brunei's capital is a treasure for travelers seeking tranquility and grandeur. Lavish mosques, serene water villages, and untouched rainforests make it a unique gem in Southeast Asia. Highlights: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Kampong Ayer, Royal Regalia Museum 12 / 12 Each of these capital cities paints a different portrait of Asia—vast, vibrant, and diverse. Whether you're craving history, spirituality, street food, or ultramodern experiences, these destinations promise a journey that's more than worth the miles. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and prepare to fall in love with Asia's capitals—one flight at a time.
The Mainichi
3 days ago
- The Mainichi
Steady-handed Japan prison guard remembers faces of condemned
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- His hands never trembled, not even as he slipped the noose around the necks of several condemned men. But now, years later, their faces return to him -- uninvited, every day. Currently in his 70s, a Japanese man who worked as a prison guard for many years at a detention center in eastern Japan, remains anonymous for privacy reasons. One morning in the 1990s, he was informed he was to be that day's "noose handler," assisted by four other prison officers and several staff in the task of hanging death row inmates. "I knew this was a road I'd have to go down eventually if I worked at a detention center," the man said in an interview with Kyodo News. "You don't have any power to veto the decision." In Japan, more than 80 percent of people surveyed by the Cabinet Office believe "the death penalty is unavoidable." However, there have been no executions in nearly three years. To clarify what actually happens in a Japanese execution, the former prison guard provided his account. The man explained that the hangman's knot is always placed on the side, never at the back of the neck. This is said to alleviate suffering. Other duties of the staff include tying the inmates' feet. "I think I would have been more comfortable with tying the feet than hanging a noose around their necks. I was determined not to embarrass myself. I didn't tremble," he recalled. He said, with the exception of some top officials, prison officers are invariably directly involved in an execution once in their professional lives. Aside from this, the man also witnessed the proverbial "dead man's walk" of a condemned felon being taken to the execution chamber around 40 years ago. That day, an official in charge got the man to release the prisoner from his cell, saying the prisoner had been called by a senior official. From there, the guard saw the prisoner off to the gallows. There is no Japanese law requiring prior notice of executions, but it is believed that until at least the 1970s, inmates were informed by the day before. Today, they are typically notified only one to two hours before the execution. Although he had been trained on how to handle condemned prisoners if they resisted, he said, "As far as I'm aware there has never been a person who has put up a fight." When asked about his overall experience at the detention center, the man said, "I was able to separate my feelings since it was my job. I support the use of the death penalty." However, he added, "I also feel it's not a good thing for the people who actually have to carry it out." He revealed that every morning when he clasps his hands as a gesture of respect in front of his Shinto and Buddhist altars at home, "The faces of the death row inmates I was involved with flash before my eyes." He does not know why. In photos of the Tokyo Detention House released in 2010 via the media, the execution chamber could almost pass for a conference room with bright wood paneling, except for the very conspicuous apparatus used to carry out the sentence in the middle of the room. It faces a glass partition with blue curtains that open for viewing on the other side by the prosecutor, detention head and other officials who oversee the execution. For the inmate, there is no choice of a lavish "last meal," though snacks and drinks are provided. They can leave a verbal will. Inmates are blindfolded and handcuffed behind their backs. In the execution chamber, they are guided to a red square marked on the floor. A thick rope is then slipped around their neck. At the side blocked by a wall is a "button room" where the executioners do their work. On a signal from a senior official, three prison guards push their buttons simultaneously -- one of the three causing the red square-marked floor to fall open, exposing a hole through which the person falls out of sight and hangs until pronounced dead by a doctor. Although there have been no executions in Japan since July 2022, the topic has been widely discussed due mainly to the sad case of Iwao Hakamata. In October 2024, Hakamata, who had been sentenced to death for the 1966 murders of a family of four in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, was acquitted in a retrial, highlighting issues such as the protracted nature of the retrial system and the risk of wrongful convictions in capital cases. Hakamata was later awarded about 217 million yen ($1.44 million) in compensation for his nearly 48 years of wrongful imprisonment. In November 2024, a roundtable on Japan's death penalty system -- a group of legal professionals, parliamentarians and academics -- recommended to the Diet and Cabinet that a public panel be set up to discuss the current capital punishment system. In an interview with Kyodo News, Satoru Ohashi, 64, former director-general of the Justice Ministry's Correction Bureau, which is responsible for the management of prisons and the treatment of prisoners on death row, suggested that prison officers purposely hide their feelings about executions and simply follow procedure. "They keep a lid on their feelings and proceed with the execution procedure as if it were a sacred ritual," Ohashi said. On the death penalty itself, he said, "It is not that I am for or against it, but as long as it is in the system, it must be carried out faithfully. The most important responsibility is to ensure that those who have been sentenced to death are executed." On the other hand, he also said that "it isn't a job that any official would actively want to do." The Justice Ministry opened the Tokyo Detention House's execution chamber to media organizations in 2010, when the Democratic Party of Japan was in power. This was the last time it did so, and there has been no response to the roundtable's request for further inspections of the center. Ohashi takes the position that it is correct to keep the center largely out of public view. "The staff consider it a sacred and inviolable place. There is a psychological resistance to not wanting people to enter." The roundtable's report referred to the introduction of a life sentence without the possibility of parole as an alternative to the death penalty. But Ohashi said the reality is that inmates already die -- of natural causes and suicides -- while on death row. "Some of them are practically serving life sentences. This situation should be sorted out first," he said. Ohashi, who headed the Correction Bureau from January 2020 to July 2021, believes that "the burden on staff increases even more" as they are required to pay more attention to the treatment of prisoners on death row than in fixed-term sentences. The roundtable also said the fact that death row inmates are restricted in their contact with people on the outside is a topic that requires further discussion. Families of victims are not able to contact death row inmates via a communication system set up for the purpose, whereas families can do so if a prisoner was not handed a capital sentence. Ohashi suggested a coordinator role be considered to connect the two parties in such cases. The Criminal Procedure Code states that if the justice minister orders an execution, it will be carried out within five days, but the former prison officer pointed out that he does not know how the order of executions is determined, calling it a "black box." "Some death row inmates have been in detention for so long that they are effectively serving life sentences. If we think about the victims, it is better to carry out the executions in order (of sentences handed down)," he said.
Japan Today
4 days ago
- Japan Today
Sakurayama Shrine a spiritual ‘power spot' drawing visitors seeking protective blessings
By Rachel Crane Sakurayama Shrine, located in the center of Morioka, remains an essential part of daily life. This shrine, along with the Iwate Museum of Art, makes the perfect stop on a tour of Morioka. In 1749 the Edo lord Nanbu Toshimi established the shrine on the grounds of Morioka Castle, enshrining his ancestors as gods. All that remains of the castle itself are the foundational stone walls, but Sakurayama Shrine has endured. The earliest members of the Nanbu clan are still worshipped as deities to this day. This shrine is now considered a spiritual 'power spot', and visitors come from far and wide to seek protective blessings. Priests can perform ceremonies for the health of children and protection for people said to be entering difficult years. They will even enact rituals to bestow safety on newly purchased cars! Worshippers can also purchase omamori (talismans) and small Shinto shrines to protect the home. One notable feature of the shrine complex is the Eboshi-iwa (Guardian Rock). The rock was deemed auspicious when it was unearthed during the construction of Morioka Castle and locals continue to revere it as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Beyond its spiritual function, the shrine serves as a community event space. The Sanshuden Hall within the shrine complex features Western and Japanese-style rooms that can be hired for occasions including banquets, meetings, lectures, and exhibitions. Shrine Festivals Sakurayama Shrine comes to life most vibrantly during several festivals throughout the year. Two festivals in particular represent the shrine's unique history and traditions. The first is the annual Sakurayama Shrine Festival, held from May 25-27 each year. On the first day, warriors parade through the streets of Morioka on horseback, following the mikoshi (portable shrine) and crowds can enjoy traditional performing arts. On the second day, offerings of local seafood, mountain produce and poetry are made to the shrine. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
