“I feel a little sad about it, to be honest,” a local parent remarked, reflecting on Kobe City’s decision to end school-based extracurricular activities. “But when I think about teachers being able to have personal time, I guess it’s unavoidable. Still, it’s hard for both parents and children to adapt to such changes midway. I just hope the transition minimizes disruptions to the environment they’re used to.” (News On Japan)

A wedding project led by high school students is gaining attention. Named Yacchae Bridal, this initiative involves third-year high school students planning and producing weddings as part of their coursework. (News On Japan)

As the year-end season approaches, opportunities to consume alcohol, such as at year-end parties, increase. Recently, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of women drinking alcohol. (News On Japan)

Four teenagers in Nara Prefecture, aged 14 to 18, have been arrested on suspicion of driving without licenses. (News On Japan)

Japan's problem-solving skills have been ranked the best in the world according to an international survey assessing skills needed in daily life. (News On Japan)

Long ago in Japan’s biggest pleasure quarters, there was a beautiful courtesan with a strange name. Other ladies of pleasure chose elegant, poetic names like Evening Mist and Spring Meadow, but this lady called herself Jigoku, or Hell. (Linfamy)

The rise of dual-income households has brought attention to PTA outsourcing services, offering new solutions to the challenges faced by working parents. (News On Japan)

An international survey shows Japanese students are maintaining high overall levels of academic ability in mathematics and science. (NHK)

Kejōrō is a yokai from Japanese folklore, depicted as a woman with long hair that covers her face. She is known for seducing men and then ensnaring them with her hair, which becomes uncontrollable and suffocating. (See U in History / Mythology)

This school makes special black noodles and other special treats for their Japanese school students lunch on special occasions and even do a little dress up for Halloween. (Japanese Food Craftsman)

The site of the former Tsukiji Market was opened Sunday to the public for the first time, with about 100 participants, including elementary school students and their parents. (News On Japan)

A large-scale survey conducted by an organization supporting economically challenged families raising children revealed that nearly 90% of respondents in struggling households hope for measures to make school-related expenses for elementary, junior high, and high schools free. (News On Japan)

The only Ukrainian Honorary Consulate in Japan has been established at Kobe Gakuin University in Kobe. (News On Japan)

Hi, this is Shibasaki! In this video, I’ll show you how to recreate Claude Monet’s iconic masterpiece, Water Lilies, using only 8 crayons. It’s an easy and fun way to dive into the world of Impressionist art! (Watercolor by Shibasaki)

The history of Japan continues with a new series on Sengoku Jidai. This episode describes early campaigns of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the battles of Okehazama, Inabayama, Kanegasaki, Nagashima, Tottori and Takamatsu. (Kings and Generals)

In this video we look to examine the complex history of the Imagawa clan. A family which enjoyed a storied history of prominence until their legendary downfall. Yet you may be surprised to learn how they still survived even after the death of Imagawa Yoshimoto at Okehazama! (The Shogunate)

The Kirin is a mythical Japanese creature, a symbol of prosperity and good luck. It appears in times of transition, such as the birth of leaders, indicating blessings and divine protection. (See U in History / Mythology)

What would you do if you changed from a nobody into one of the most powerful people in the country, overnight? Hojo Masako 北条政子 was the wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of Japan’s first shogunate. (Linfamy)

Education groups in Japan representing 23 organizations issued an urgent statement criticizing a proposal from the Ministry of Finance to gradually raise the 'teaching adjustment allowance' to 10% as part of work reform measures. The proposal was deemed 'unrealistic,' sparking opposition from educators. (News On Japan)

Discover how to create a realistic horse sketch using simple circles and ovals! ????In this video, Harumichi Shibasaki guides you step by step, showing how to use pencils, light, and shadow to bring your drawing to life. (Watercolor by Shibasaki)