On June 25, the Metropolitan Expressway Company held a press conference featuring Yoshiyuki Aoki, who had recently been appointed as its new President and CEO. Mr. Aoki is a native of Yamaguchi Prefecture. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo in 1986 and joined the Ministry of Construction (later the…
Horticultural Expo Announces 32 On-Site Stalls and Food and Beverage Vendors. Expo’s “Just Like Portugal” Revived in Yokohama, Featuring Sakiyoken, Rapoppo, Maneki, and Convenience Stores
The GREEN×EXPO Association has announced the list of vendors for “GREEN×EXPO 2027” (the 2027 International Horticultural Exposition), to be held in Yokohama in 2027. The newly selected vendors include 16 food and beverage outlets and 16 retail stores. Details such as each vendor’s concept and menu will be released in due course. Numerous companies and…
The Dresden Tourism Board suggests a tour of the “Three Cities of German Culture”—Dresden, Leipzig, and Weimar—and offers tips on how to enjoy the Christmas markets.
To coincide with the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra’s tour of Japan, representatives from the Dresden Tourism Board visited Japan and held a roundtable discussion for the travel industry at the German National Tourist Board’s Japan office. This was the Dresden Tourism Board’s first visit to Japan in about 10 years, following the COVID-19 pandemic. At the…
Tokyo Summerland’s outdoor pool complex opens fully on July 4. It features 17 attractions, including the thrill-packed “Monster Stream” and “Decasura.”
Tokyo Summerland (600 Kamidaitsugi, Akiruno City, Tokyo) will fully open its outdoor pool area on July 4. The highlight is “MONSTER STREAM,” an adventure-themed pool that combines a wave pool and a lazy river. The course is approximately 210 meters long with a water surface area of 1,260 square meters, and guests can enjoy the…
On sale today: The August/September combined issue of *smart*, featuring a large-capacity “A BATHING APE” tote bag as a bonus. Durable and perfect for outdoor use.
Takarajimasha will release the August/September 2026 combined issue of “smart” today, June 25. The price is 1,890 yen. It will be available at bookstores and online retailers. The supplement for the summer combined issue is a large-capacity tote bag from the streetwear brand “A BATHING APE.” Featuring the new “HYBRID CAMO” pattern, it boasts a…
“Hello Kitty” Summer Basket Bags Also on Sale Today at 7-Eleven. Two refreshing styles, perfect for beach outfits and summer festivals.
Takarajimasha will release “HELLO KITTY Basket Bag BOOK” today, June 25. The price is 3,399 yen. This issue comes with a refreshing summer wicker bag featuring a sun-kissed Hello Kitty design. It comes in two versions: the “Pink Dolphin Ver.,” featuring Hello Kitty riding a pink dolphin, and the “Shell Hug Ver.,” featuring Hello Kitty…
The Shikokaze Limited Express will operate with an 8-car train during the Obon holiday, increasing the number of reserved seats. This will be in effect for a total of four days: August 8, 9, 15, and 16.
JR Shikoku and JR West have announced that on August 8, 9, 15, and 16, Car 5 of the “Shikaze” limited express (running between Okayama and Matsuyama with an 8-car formation during the Obon period) will be designated as reserved seating. While some trains are operated as 8-car trains during peak travel periods every year,…
Docomo × JAL Mobile’s “powered by ahamo” plan, which offers no additional charges even when abroad, launches today. Get 5,000 miles when switching carriers (MNP).
On June 25, JAL and NTT Docomo launched “JAL Mobile powered by ahamo.” The “Miles to Somewhere” domestic award ticket program normally requires 7,000 miles, but mobile subscribers can use it once a year for just 1,500 miles (effectively a 78% discount). In addition to retaining JAL Mobile’s standard features—such as earning JAL miles for…
I went to the countdown event for the Horticultural Expo, where Tunk Tunk made an appearance wearing a raincoat. I also tested the accessibility by taking the shuttle bus from Seya Station.
The Yokohama Flower Expo Liaison Council held “FLOWER Fes 2026 FINAL” on June 20–21 at the site of the former Kamiseya Communications Facility in Yokohama. The site of the former Kamiseya Communications Facility is also the planned venue for “GREEN×EXPO 2027,” which is set to open on March 19, 2027. FLOWER Fes was first held…
“JR Tokai ☆ Summer Unlimited Ride Pass” to Go on Sale Again in 2026. Exclusive to Shinkansen ticket holders: Enjoy two days of discounted travel on conventional lines.
JR Central will sell the “JR Central ☆ Summer Unlimited Ride Pass” in 2026, continuing the tradition from last year. The sales period is July 3 through September 6, and the validity period is July 18 through September 7. This pass offers two days of unlimited travel in non-reserved seats on local trains (including rapid…