The terrifying Licca-chan in human form. Photo by What What via www.flickr.com/people/whatwhat

• Education officials in Tokyo decided to change the date of next February’s high school entrance exams so the tests don’t fall on the same day as the Tokyo Marathon.
• After responding to a report of a hand grenade lying by the side of road, police in Kitakyushu called in a support team of 50 officers—only to discover that the device was an “authentic replica.”
• It was reported that officials at the environment ministry are drawing up guidelines for “bringing pets to shelters and temporary housing facilities in the event of a disaster.”
• Authorities in the town of Ono in Fukushima issued a residency card to popular doll Licca-chan as part of celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of a theme park devoted to the figure.

BREAKTHROUGHS

• A research team headed by a professor at the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine has figured out a way of observing live insects with an electron microscope. Previously, only dead bugs could be observed because the microscope’s vacuum sucks all the liquid from their bodies.
• A group of researchers that included scientists from RIKEN has found that soft-shell turtles possess a sense of smell “that may surpass that of dogs.”
• The Sendai municipal government and two Japanese universities have begun a project aimed at extracting “a petroleum ingredient from waste water using algae.”
• A Tokyo-based information security company has found that about 10 percent of all apps for Android smartphones should be considered “dangerous.”

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?

• The internal affairs ministry announced that Japan’s population plunged by 0.22 percent between October 2011 and October 2012—the sharpest yearly drop ever.
• Of the 127,515,000 people now living in Japan, a record-high 24.1 percent are age 65 or older and a record-low 13 percent are under the age of 14.
• What’s more, for the first time in history, every prefecture now has a higher population of elderly people than they do kids under 14.

THEY’RE BAAAAACK

• Authorities in Tokyo are taking steps to prevent the overfishing of shijimi clams at the mouth of the Tama River. The clams have made a comeback thanks to the success of environmental programs in the region.
• Über-popular novelist Haruki Murakami gave a lecture at Kyoto University—his first talk to a Japanese audience in 18 years.
• Officials at JAXA say they plan to launch a satellite “to clean up space debris” sometime in the next seven years.
• A psychiatrist has helped the NPA develop a checklist for determining “the danger level of stalkers.” The list will be distributed to police headquarters around the country.

PASSINGS

• Legendary interpreter Masumi Muramatsu, who, among other achievements, served as the translator during the live broadcast of the Apollo 11 moon mission in 1969, has died at the age of 82.
• Japan Press correspondent Mika Yamamoto was one of 88 people whose names were added to the Journalists Memorial in Washington, which commemorates reporters who have died on the job. Yamamoto was killed last year in Aleppo, Syria.
• Anxious officials south of Tokyo are concerned that the 55m-tall Yokohama Bay Bridge—built in 1989 to accommodate the largest ships in the world at the time—may be too low to handle the new breed of cruise liners and cargo vessels.
• Bottom Story of the Week: “Japan Tower Operators and Mascots Gather for 100th Meeting” (Via Mainichi Japan)

Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo Reporter, Japan Probe, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo

The group Doglegs was formed in Tokyo in 1991 when two cerebral-palsy sufferers fought over a girl—and loved it. They decided to formalize the fight club and expand as a way for all kinds of disabled participants to express themselves.

Cozens is in the final stages of post-production but needs funds to complete his film. Hence an event to raise cash while initiating guests into this brave new world.

There will be preview footage from the film, live music from Osakan band Expe, and two real Doglegs wrestling matches to behold.

• Sun, Jun 2, 6pm
• Las Chicas Aoyama
• ¥3,000 w/1d (advance) / ¥4,000 (door)
• 5-47-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
• Nearest stn: Shibuya or Omotesando
• http://doglegsmovie.com/news/event

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W. Payoon

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF…

Regarding “Sayonara Tokyo” (The Last Word, Apr 26): Nothing wrong with the innocence of a child’s view. The impression she has is nice. Everyone doesn’t see the seedy side of things. […] Go girl! Best of luck in school!—Sept922

Author Jessica Chambers responds: Thank you so much! I mean, it would be ridiculous to say that I haven’t noticed the seedier aspects of Japan, but hey—I’m leaving this place for good. Why go on a negative? Thanks so much for your positivity, some people just love a good moan.

I hate to impugn this writer because I  appreciate her perspective and I feel that everyone deserves a voice. However, is anyone else struck by the shallowness of her decade-long experience? Props for getting published as a college freshman; but what did you really accomplish though this piece beyond the stereotypical “Harajuku” and “bowing” drivel? I’d be interested to hear about her experience at a Japanese school, and perhaps a more personal account of growing up in Tokyo. Let’s give her a mulligan—try again!—hurvj

THE MADCHATTER

Regarding “808 State” (Music, Apr 12): Ironically, most of the bands in the so-called “Madchester Revolution” of 1989 were in fact guitar bands… I think that’s a false dichotomy [the author] is making, based on his personal hindsight only.—jonholmes

Most of the bands getting press coverage were guitar bands, but the number of dance remixes they released shows the scene was very much all about the rave.—Yohan Mau5

Madchester had at least three different aspects. I lived through it. There were electronic dance artists and DJs, guitar bands who were influenced by the electronic/dance scene and straight guitar bands. The Hacienda itself had overwhelmingly dance-oriented club nights, though.—Johnny Buckle

STILL DREAMIN’

Regarding “In A Japanese Dream” (The Last Word, Apr 12): Oh my god! Don’t say nice things about Japan! The grumpy gaijin brigade will be all over you! They remember the war, you see…—Johnny Rabbit

ZOOROPA

Regarding “Photo of the Week” (Upfront, Apr 26): Any photograph of an animal in a zoo is pathetic. Reminds me of a great Calvin and Hobbes strip.
Calvin: Hobbes, do you want to go to the zoo tomorrow?
Hobbes: Sure. Then, let’s visit a prison.
Please raise the bar for your photographs.—Allan

TM & © 2013 MARVEL & SUBS

Available online via Ensky Shop

Courtesy of Mani Apparel

Available from Village Vanguard and other stores in mini (12cm; ¥1,575); middle (25cm; ¥2,940) and deka (38cm; ¥7,350), and in both light and dark gray.

Credit: TBA

Sandblasting in Tottori

By Bryan Baier

Tottori is the least populated and one of the least visited prefectures in Japan.North of Okayama on the Sea of Japan coast, the place is most famous for its sand dunes, or sakyu. Walk to the dunes from Tottori City’s main train station in a little over an hour, or take a bus to the Tottori Sakyu stop—and save your legs for your desert safari. The best time to visit the undulating formations is in the morning, before visitors and camels kick up the sand. Take a break from the dust and sun at the worthwhile Sand Museum.

Sandboarding

Photo by Bryan Baier

There are some small drops on the dune face for anyone confident enough to take them. A warning to snowboarders making the transition: the sand grips the edge of your board tighter than snow does. Dig in too deep and you’re going down. Your weight will also need to be on your back foot. Get used to these two things and you’re good to go.

Those with limited or no experience in board sports needn’t worry, as the soft sand is unlikely to cause injury to anything other than your pride—though it will get it into crevices you didn’t know existed. Bring sandals and a water bottle, as well as a pair of socks, and clothes you aren’t worried about getting dirty.

While there is a ski lift at the dunes, it doesn’t serve the sandboarding area, so be ready to climb back up. A two-hour course costs ¥2,500, including board and helmet rental, plus the guidance of an instructor. The assembly point for sandboarding (and paragliding) is the Rakudaya Omiyage store across the street from the lift.

Sandboarding is a seasonal activity, offered from mid-April to the end of November. Reservations are necessary (Tel: 0857-23-1749), and a little Japanese will be of great help.

Paragliding

[pictured top]

The soft sand makes the dunes an ideal place to try paragliding for the first time. A half-day course (four hours) with Zero Paragliding School (Tel: 0857-29-9098) is a very reasonable ¥7,000. More exciting still, you won’t be flying tandem—it’s all you. Run down the slope from the top of Uma no Se (the biggest, tallest dune) toward the Sea of Japan until your feet part company with ground. Your megaphone-wielding instructor helps everything go smoothly. Touch down on the beach, re-pack your canopy, and climb back up for another go.

Getting there from Tokyo

There are four ANA flights per day from Haneda to Tottori Airport; the 75-minute flight is a costly ¥30,000 each way without advanced-booking or discounts. Shinkansen to Himeji and then the Super Hakuto Limited Express will get you from Tokyo to Tottori in five hours at ¥17,250 for non-reserved seats. Or take the “Camel” night bus from Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho to Tottori for ¥10,200. The 10-hour trip passes quickly while you sleep.

Archeology in Akita and Aomori

By Justin Velgus

Fotolia.com

Sannai-Maruyama Site

Voyage 5,000 years back in time to the Stone Age Jomon Period (14,000-300BCE), when agriculture was still in its infancy. At this dig the former inhabitants’ struggle to survive is documented, as well as the surprising advancement of Jomon society for the time, shown in dwellings, pottery, tools, graves, and even remains of roads.

The free-entry Sannai-Maruyama site lies 20 minutes from Aomori station by bus and will take about two hours to explore. Be prepared for some walking. Remains can be seen of village foundations within several of the site’s dome buildings. Make sure you find the active workshop where archaeologists reassembe pottery fragments.

Before leaving, stop at the fascinating museum. Stone tools, ancient fishing hooks and reconstructions of ancient scenes are to be explored, and visitors can even try on period clothing for photo opportunities. Near the exit a mountain of reassembled pottery towers above other exhibits with a stunning design woven into it.

Oyu Stone Circles

The Jomon settled primarily in northern Japan in the Tohoku region, leaving behind another unique sight —Akita Prefecture’s Oyu Stone Circles. By no means as large as Stonehenge, the two formations nonetheless cast a spell of mystery that has lived on for several millennia.

Different from similar structures elsewhere in Asia and the rest of the world, the design of these formations is what most impresses. Both Oyu circles have a central pillar with flat stones radiating out in a sundial pattern. Despite the circles being over 40m in diameter, their diminutive height means a winter visit could find them completely covered by snow.

Stones were carried from the nearby Akuya River, a little more than 5km away. But debate continues among researchers as to what the purpose the stone circles served. It has been suggested they were for social gatherings, or burial sites, as human remains have been found by archeologists nearby. The sundial designs suggest rituals coinciding with astrological events, and many experts believe the formations were places of religious worship. Japan’s native religion emphasizes harmonization with nature, and the ancient builders appropriately selected a picturesque setting with gentle hills in the distance.

Since daily artifacts—but no evidence of human dwelling—have been found near the circles, some have argued that the stones were used for ceremonies, perhaps to improve chances of a harvest or a hunting expedition. In reality, the sites were probably used for multiple purposes by different tribes over the centuries.

To gain a better perspective on the stone-circle creators’ daily lives, step inside the museum. Although exhibits are in Japanese, all visitors can enjoy models of the stone circles and ancient dwellings. Artifacts are also on display, as well as an interactive exhibit where you can test your pottery reassembling skills.

Getting there from Tokyo

ANA and JAL flights to Akita cost about ¥24,000 one-way, and JAL connects with Aomori for about ¥30,000. Military travelers may be able to take advantage of the Misawa Air Base—just over an hour from Aomori station by train. Shinkansen to Akita or Aomori takes around four hours and runs from ¥16,000 one-way. Night buses are a good economical option to both destinations.

Outsiders in Nagatoro

Photo courtesy of Nagatoromachi Tourist Association

Nagatoro Iwadatami

At the side of Arakawa River, rocks up to 80m by 500m are splayed out, resembling tatami, hence the name meaning—you guessed it—“rock tatami.” Japan’s first scenic natural monument was created naturally by changes in the earth’s crust, combined with river erosion.

Locomotive

Nagatoro station is a piece of civic history—it was constructed in 1911 to feature a Western-style structure that was the last word in modernity back then. The Paleo Express steam locomotive makes regular seasonal stops here.

529- 2 Nagatoro Nagatoromachi. Tel: 0494-66-0002. www.chichibu-railway.co.jp

Boating

Board a traditional Japanese boat and be punted by pole along the Arakawa River. The green and rocky Horaijima, along with the precipitous cliffs of Chichibu-Sekiheki—aka the “Red Walls of Chichibu”—provide the scenery.

Full course (6km) Adult ¥2,900/ Children ¥1,300. Half course (3km) Adult ¥1,550/ Children ¥750. Open: 9am-4pm. Nagatoro Line-Kudari. Tel 0494-66-0950. www.chichibu-railway.co.jp/line

Hodosan Jinja

At the foot of Mt. Hodo, this shrine was built almost 2,000 years ago, and has had generations of visitors come to pray for protection against disaster, theft, and hardships. Multicolored dragon sculptures come alive against the natural backdrop.

1828 Nagatoro Nagatoro-machi. Tel: 0494-66-0042. www.hodosan-jinja.or.jp

Seven Flower Temples

In case you didn’t know, the seven flowers of autumn are Japanese bush clover, Japanese pampas grass, arrowroot, fringed pink, golden lace, boneset, and balloon flower. Tour the town on foot or by bike and visit these seven temples, each of which displays one of the flowers. Tosho-in; Dokoji; Henjoji; Fudou-ji; Shinshoji Temple; Hozenji; Tahoji.

Funadama Matsuri

This annual summer festival is held every year on August 15 in Nagatoro. Its origin lies in requesting that the gods of water protect the boatmen. The event features mantosen, which are boats that carry stacks of lanterns, and 3,500 fireworks from both banks on Arakawa River.

Getting there from Tokyo

Seibu-Ikebukuro line from Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu on the (80min, rapid express), then from Chichibu Railway Ohanabatake to Nagatoro (20min). JR Takasaki line from Ueno to Kumagaya on the (60min), then to Chichibu Railway Nagatoro (50min).

Nagatoro Tourist Information. Tel: 0494-66-3311. www.nagatoro.gr.jp