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Earth and Space, Adventures in Living: Kokubunji's 'Koku-Vege' 10th Anniversary Experiential Project Launches

Kokubunji City's agricultural brand 'Koku-Vege' celebrates its 10th anniversary by launching an experiential project titled 'Earth and Space, Adventures in Living.' Shifting from 'eating' to 'experiencing,' the project offers opportunities to enjoy local history and culture through events with chef Shimpei Kurihara and hands-on farming activities. Supported by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, it aims to revitalize the region and create new value.

Source: prtimes.jp

Stirring up the Rice Fields and the Community? Wakayama Development Firm to Host 'Rice Field Soccer Kinokawa Cup' on June 20

Kinokawa Basin Company and FC KISHU will host the inaugural 'Rice Field Soccer Kinokawa Cup' on June 20, 2026, in Kinokawa City, Wakayama. The event aims to revitalize idle farmland and foster community interaction by having participants play 5-on-5 soccer in the mud. A crowdfunding campaign launches on May 29 to support the event and future agricultural engagement initiatives.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Hida City, Gifu] A Great Adventure Connecting 1,000m Underground to Space! "GSA2026" to be held on July 18-19. Packed with special seminars and limited events to commemorate the 30th anniversary!

Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, will host the "GSA2026" event on July 18-19, 2026, offering tours of the 1,000m-deep Kamioka Mine tunnels and the Super-Kamiokande facility. Celebrating its 30th edition, the event features seminars by researchers and Naoki Prize-winning authors. Tickets for the 800-person capacity event go on sale in late May.

Source: prtimes.jp

[June 27 (Sat)] Ishikawa UI-Turn Consultation Fair in Osaka

Ishikawa Prefecture will host the "Ishikawa UI-Turn Consultation Fair" on Saturday, June 27, at Namba Midosuji Hall in Osaka. The event features consultations, corporate presentations, seminars, and gold leaf workshops. Pre-registered attendees will receive Ishikawa-grown "Hyakumangoku" rice.

Source: prtimes.jp

TTSB Releases Investigation Report on Sanxia Car Accident, Urges Stricter Health Checks for Elderly Drivers

Following a fatal accident in Sanxia last May involving a 78-year-old driver, the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) has released an investigation report. The report attributes the accident to poor vehicle control and suggests that hyperglycemia may have impaired the driver's performance. The TTSB has recommended that the Directorate General of Highways strengthen health check-ups and cognitive tests for elderly driver license renewals.

[Saitama Prefecture] Recruitment for the Japanese Partners Saitama Recommendation Program Begins

Saitama Prefecture and the Japan Foundation have begun recruiting for the 'Japanese Partners' program, which supports Japanese language education in Asia. A total of 5 people will be sent to Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam to assist local teachers and promote cultural exchange. Applications are open to those with ties to Saitama, with an online briefing scheduled for early July. The application period is from June 1 to July 31, 2026.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Saga City] A major overhaul after 11 years! The official website has been renewed.

On June 1, 2026, Saga City fully renewed its official website for the first time in 11 years. Responding to the increase in smartphone users, the city adopted an intuitive, spacious design. In addition to a scene-based navigation system, it enhanced accessibility features like text-to-speech and 'Easy Japanese.' It also introduced a 'Public Relations Mini-App' to deliver personalized municipal information directly to citizens.

Source: prtimes.jp

30% of people lack disaster supplies; 'once every few years' is the most common check frequency

Sumaten Inc. conducted a survey on the management of disaster supplies among 70 people nationwide. The results show that 30% do not have disaster supplies, and among those who do, the most common check frequency is 'once every few years.' While checking expiration dates for food and water is common, maintenance of items essential for evacuation is lacking.

Source: prtimes.jp

Call for Nominations: The 3rd Kanagawa Decarbonization Award

Kanagawa Prefecture has begun accepting nominations for the 3rd Kanagawa Decarbonization Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding efforts toward achieving a decarbonized society by 2050. Applications are open until July 31 across three categories.

Source: prtimes.jp

Moving Toward Safe Coexistence: Reporting, Monitoring, and Removing Attractants

As the Formosan black bear population grows, human-bear conflicts are increasing. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has introduced incentive programs for reporting and monitoring, while recommending the removal of food attractants and the installation of electric fences. The government is also strengthening policies for managing 'problem bears' through negative conditioning and long-term captivity to ensure safe coexistence.

June 2026 Sendai Station Event Information!

JR East Tohoku General Service has announced event information for JR Sendai Station in June. Various events are scheduled, including a Hokkaido product fair, an Adidas FIFA World Cup store, a Sendai confectionery fair, and a Sendai beef sale, aimed at revitalizing the region and enhancing station services.

Source: prtimes.jp

Tokyo Metro x Taito Sento 'Metro Sento Stamp Rally 2026' to be Held!

Tokyo Metro and the Taito Public Bath Association will hold the 'Metro Sento Stamp Rally 2026' from June 15 to July 20, 2026. Participants can collect stamps at designated stations, public baths, and tourist spots to win prizes such as original stickers, towels, and bath buckets. The event aims to revitalize the local area; participation is free, though travel and bathing fees apply.

Source: prtimes.jp

Enjoy the Daimonji Bonfire Relaxedly from the Quiet Prefectural Office Terrace

Kyoto Prefecture is offering a special hometown tax (Furusato Nozei) plan to view the 'Gozan no Okuribi' bonfire from the Prefectural Office. The package includes a meal at the historic former main building, a night tour, and terrace access. Applications run from June 1 to August 2, limited to 40 people, with a donation of 50,000 yen. Residents of Kyoto Prefecture are ineligible.

Source: prtimes.jp

Taiwan Lowers Driver's License Renewal Age to 70, Effective May 31; Health Check and Training Mandatory

The Taiwan Directorate General of Highways announced that starting May 31, the age for driver's license renewal for seniors will be lowered from 75 to 70. Applicants must pass a physical examination and complete a 2-hour road safety course. Those 75 and older must also pass a cognitive test. The policy affects approximately 1.28 million people, with a two-year grace period provided.

Tottori Prefecture's Natural Rock Oysters 'Natsuki' - First Shipment of the Season Starts June 1st: 'If the Knife Goes In, You Win!'

Tottori Prefecture's natural rock oysters, 'Natsuki,' began their seasonal shipment on June 1st. Only high-quality oysters with a shell length of 13cm or more are shipped with the brand label. Known for their rich, creamy flavor, they are a representative seafood brand of Tottori in summer. A surreal 'How to Shuck Rock Oysters' video reflecting the local character has also been released to promote the culinary appeal.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Post-Event Report] Shimane Denco donates approx. 5,000 'security buzzers' to new first-graders in San-in region

Shimane Denco has donated approximately 5,000 security buzzers to all new first-grade elementary students in the San-in region. This initiative, which began in fiscal 2020, marks its 6th year and contributes to building a community-wide safety net for children. The presentation ceremony was held at the Shimane Prefectural Board of Education on April 10.

Source: prtimes.jp

【Why not spend a unique anniversary?】

Introducing the anniversary plan at 'Washin-mura' in Futtsu, Chiba. Animals welcome you, and benefits include room decoration, sparkling wine, and late checkout. Perfect for birthdays and proposals.

✨Reposted Shokorin's post✨

Washinmura in Futtsu, Chiba, was introduced on a live J:COM broadcast as the glamping facility with the highest degree of freedom in Japan. Attractions include interacting with goats, cats, and dogs, staying in traditional houses or tents, and firewood chopping.

[Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium] Drink Sake and Support Breweries! Nine Leading Miyagi Breweries Gather!! 'Sake Night Aquarium'

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium will host the reconstruction support event 'Sake Night Aquarium' on August 29, 2026. Nine leading Miyagi sake breweries will participate, with brewers personally sharing the charm of their sake. This is a premium adult-only event where guests can enjoy local sake while observing nocturnal sea creatures after hours.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Okayama University] JR West x Okayama University: International Students Participate in Promoting the Setouchi Area

Okayama University and JR West's Okayama Branch have produced a promotional video for the Setouchi area featuring international students, based on their comprehensive partnership agreement. The project aims to showcase the region's nature, history, and tourism resources to a global audience, contributing to regional revitalization.

Source: prtimes.jp

Kaohsiung 'Summer Fresh Market' Kicks Off, Promoting Produce Through 5 Major Events

Kaohsiung City has launched the 'Summer Fresh Market' agricultural marketing campaign. This year, it connects five major summer agricultural events, including the Lychee & Pineapple Festival and the Golden Mango Festival, running from May to September. The initiative aims to showcase the diverse charm of agriculture through marketing and tourism.

[Tour Hotels in Hyogo Prefecture and Win Luxury Prizes] Stamp Rally Campaign Underway

The Kobe Shimbun is holding a stamp rally campaign from May 11 to June 30, 2026, visiting participating hotels in Hyogo Prefecture. By spending over 2,500 yen at the facilities and collecting three stamps, participants can enter a lottery for luxury prizes such as accommodation vouchers and meal tickets. The deadline is July 17. Stamp cards can be cut out from the morning newspaper.

Source: prtimes.jp

Collaboration with Fukuoka Toy Museum: Launching 'Parent-Child Enjoy Happy Time Study Room'

Green Co-op Fukuoka, in collaboration with the Fukuoka Toy Museum, will launch a parent-child workshop series titled 'Parent-Child Enjoy Happy Time Study Room' starting June 19. The 10-session program aims to deepen parent-child bonds through play and picture books. Participation is free, and the event will be held at the Fukuoka Toy Museum (inside LaLaport Fukuoka).

Source: prtimes.jp

[Hida City, Gifu Prefecture] Mt. Tengai with 360-degree views. Program to maintain trails with participants and grow it into a 'mountain you want to visit again'

A public-participation trail maintenance program will be held at Mt. Tengai in Kamioka-cho, Hida City. The main point of this project is to use the funds from a crowdfunding campaign that reached its first goal (3 million yen) in March to purchase maintenance materials, allowing participants to protect the mountain's safety and natural environment with their own hands.

Source: prtimes.jp

Footprints Return After Half a Century: Taitung Becomes 'Bear Country' Again

After 50 years, Taiwan black bears have returned to the South Cross-Island Highway area in Taitung. With sightings increasing since 2019, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has implemented an 'Ecological Service Payment' program to foster coexistence, providing compensation and rewards for monitoring and reporting bear activity to prevent human-bear conflicts.

1+3 cat Treehouse

Announcement of a luxury giveaway campaign for a stay at a treehouse in the Boso Peninsula.

✨Recommended Glamping for GW Outings✨

At 'Washin-mura' in Futtsu, Chiba, we recommend booking for Golden Week. Diverse accommodation styles like old folk houses and Kengo Kuma-designed spaces, plus activities like bamboo shoot digging and campfires, are highlights.

Nara City Adds 'Town Guide' to Trial Migration Program!

Nara City will add a 'Town Guide' service to its 'Trial Migration Support Program' starting June 1, 2026, where accommodation owners guide prospective residents through local life. The goal is to prevent mismatches after moving by providing a realistic experience of the living environment.

Source: prtimes.jp

Pregnancy Notification Application Rate via 'Sapo-UTO' (Boshimo) Exceeds 95% in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture!

Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, announced that the online application rate for pregnancy notifications has exceeded 95% after introducing the 'Child-rearing DX' service provided by Boshimo. By utilizing the 'Sapo-UTO' app, the city has reduced the burden on pregnant women and municipal staff while improving operational efficiency.

Source: prtimes.jp

Student with Muscular Dystrophy Overcomes Physical Limits to Gain Admission to Chiayi University

Guo Jian-an, a third-year student at National Chiayi Senior Commercial Vocational School, suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy but has maintained an optimistic attitude. This year, he not only won the Presidential Education Award but was also admitted to the Department of Technology Management at National Chiayi University through the Star Recommendation program. His father's dedicated support and his own perseverance have led to this achievement.

Private Sector Promotes Multicultural Coexistence: 'Local Waste Sorting' Event Held for Foreign Residents in Takahama, Aichi

Village House Management held a waste sorting event at 'Village House Yuyama' in Takahama, Aichi, for its foreign residents. Through multilingual lectures and quizzes, the event promoted understanding of local waste disposal rules, aiming to improve living environments and foster community coexistence in a property where 80% of residents are foreign nationals.

Source: prtimes.jp

[National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba] Third Visual Unveiled on June 1st: "Connecting to the Town, to the Future, through Greenery"

The Executive Committee for the 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba released the third visual for the event, which begins on September 18, 2026. Based on the concept of "connecting to the town and the future through greenery," the design links five locations across Kameoka, Nantan, and Kyotamba. The fair aims to be a model for regional revitalization by treating the entire region as a venue, expecting 750,000 visitors.

Source: prtimes.jp

Ieiroha Co., Ltd. Holds Disaster Prevention Seminar in Miyake Town, Nara

Ieiroha Co., Ltd. held a disaster prevention seminar in Miyake Town, Nara, on May 20, 2026. Based on a disaster prevention agreement with the local government, the company educated residents on reducing housing damage and recovery systems. They shared practical preparation tips, such as checking hazard maps and documenting damage for disaster certificates, while explaining their nationwide network of reliable contractors for rapid recovery support.

Source: prtimes.jp

Tackling Youth Blood Donation Decline Through 'Design'

The Hyogo Red Cross Blood Center and Kobe Institute of Computing (Kobe Denshi) launched a collaboration project to address the decline in youth blood donors. Students designed awareness goods like 'Amulet Keychains' and 'Kenketu-chan Stamps' now used in six blood donation centers across Hyogo.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Sodegaura City, Chiba x Chiba University] Project to create a 'Special Place for Junior and Senior High School Students' kicks off!

The Hiraoka Community Center in Sodegaura City, Chiba, and the Junichi Ito Laboratory at Chiba University have launched a joint project to create a space for local youth. In the first workshop, students and university researchers used architectural models to visualize their ideal space. The project will span about a year, including design and DIY construction, with completion scheduled for February 2027.

Source: prtimes.jp

Enjoy 'Hands-Free BBQ' with Ease

Hotel Nomad Hitachi has launched a 'hands-free BBQ' service on its rooftop terrace. Open to non-guests, it allows visitors to enjoy local ingredients while overlooking the night view of Hitachi. Available year-round, reservations are required 3 days in advance. The plan costs 5,000 yen for adults, including free-flowing drinks, aiming to become a local community hub.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture] "Minamisoma Miraie" wins the 5th Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "Town Development Award (Meritorious Service Category)"!

Minamisoma Miraie, a general incorporated association in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, has won the 5th "Town Development Award (Meritorious Service Category)" from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Their achievements in comprehensive regional problem-solving through public-private partnerships, such as operating a vacant house consultation desk, supporting migration and entrepreneurship, and arranging housing for companies moving into the city, were highly evaluated as an advanced case study nationwide.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Okayama University] To realize 'Bicycle Advanced City Okayama', conducted bicycle manner guidance near 'Okayama University Entrance Intersection 2026 Spring'

On May 18, 2026, Okayama University conducted an awareness campaign near the Okayama University entrance intersection in Okayama City to promote bicycle safety. In collaboration with police and local organizations, they provided guidance on avoiding earphone use and umbrella-riding, and encouraged helmet use. This is part of a tri-annual initiative to realize 'Bicycle Advanced City Okayama'.

Source: prtimes.jp

Call for Ideas for the Renovation of 'Shinagawa Aquarium'

Shinagawa Ward is calling for ideas regarding exhibits and events for the 'Shinagawa Aquarium', which aims to reopen after renovation in fiscal year 2033. The call is open to residents, students, workers in the ward, and visitors. The deadline is June 30. A pair of tickets will be presented to 35 people selected by lottery.

Source: prtimes.jp