Birkenstock Japan is selling a limited number of BIRKENSTOCK 2026 grab bags starting December 24. The official online only, orders are limited to four per person, and will be shipped out sequentially after January 5, 2026. All six types include two pairs of footwear. The set includes one pair from your favorite model or category…
Author: Editor in Chief
Metropolitan Expressway to raise prices by 10% (3 yen) per km, scheduled for October 2026.
On December 24, the Metropolitan Expressway Company held a press conference at its headquarters in Tokyo to announce the compilation of the proposed rate revisions. The revision is scheduled for October 2026, and will raise the fee level per kilometer by approximately 3 yen, from the current 29.52 yen to 32.472 yen (for a standard…
Expo ’70 merchandise grab bag containing a Myakmyak plush toy will be on sale! Pickup only at JR Osaka Station; lottery applications available from the 25th.
The “Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai Official Pop-up Store Ekimar a la Mode Ekimarche Osaka” operated by JR West Dairy Service Net will sell two types of grab bags filled with officially licensed products for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo by lottery. Applications will be accepted via the LINE Mini App “Mogilly lite” (digital numbered ticket system). The…
Tokyo BRT announces extension of service from Harumi to Tokyo Station, scheduled to begin operation in fall 2026.
On December 23, the Bureau of Urban Development of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced that the Tokyo BRT, a public transportation system connecting the city center and the waterfront area, has decided to extend its route toward Tokyo Station at the Tokyo Waterfront Subcenter Area Public Transportation Council Meeting. The “Tokyo Station Route (tentative name)”…
Meiji Jingu Shrine, Hatsu-mairi (New Year’s visit) guide for 2026; traffic restrictions around Harajuku Station from 31st to 3rd.
opening time of the gate December 31, 2025 from 6:40 a.m. to midnight January 1, 2026, 0:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. January 2-3, 2026 6:40am-6pm each day January 4, 2026, 6:40 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. After January 5, 2026 6:40 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. Especially from 10:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 3:00 p.m….
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo, guides admission restrictions for Hatsumode 2026. Official live-streaming of the temple precincts will be available on the official live-streaming.
Senso-ji Temple (2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo) provides information on its official website about the first visit to the temple in 2026. From the 1st to the 3rd, when many visitors are expected, a route will be prepared within the temple grounds. Admission will be restricted, and visitors may have to wait a long time to…
Kawasaki Daishi, traffic restrictions on three days in 2026. Widely closed to vehicular traffic, pedestrian-only road from Kawasaki Daishi Station and Higashimonzen Station.
Kawasaki Daishi (4-48 Daishi-machi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture) has announced on its official Web site the traffic regulations for the first visit to the temple in 2026. Vehicle traffic will be closed from 22:00 on New Year’s Eve to 19:00 on New Year’s Day, and from 10:00 to 19:00 on January 2 and 3 in…
Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, Hatsumode information for 2026. Peak crowds are from 11:00 to 13:00 on three days of the week, and traffic control from near Narita Station during January.
Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple (1 Narita 1, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture) has released information on its special website for the first visit of 2026. Naritasan traditionally decorates the halls with shimenawa (sacred ropes), kadomatsu (small pine trees), and other New Year’s decorations until January 28, the first day of the year on which Fudo Myoo (the…
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine, guiding the viewing hours for Hatsumode in 2026. Traffic restrictions in the center of Kamakura City on Sangatsu (three days of the week).
Visiting Hours December 31, 2025 – January 2, 2026: 24-hour visitation January 3, 2026: 0:00 – 20:00 After January 4, 2026: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Live camera images are available on the official website, allowing visitors to check on the crowded condition of the temple precincts from home. In addition, some of the awards…
Publication of Disciplinary Actions ｜ News & Public Relations
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has taken disciplinary action against a staff member and others. 1. Person subject to disciplinary action: Specialized temporary employee (fixed-term employee) belonging to the headquarters (at that time) 2. Disciplinary action: Warning 3. Date of disposal: December 24, 2025 4. Summary of the case: The subject of the disposition failed…