UNESCO gives sake special status as Japan seeks to expand global market
Sake has been associated with Japanese culture for centuries. UNESCO internationally recognized the smooth rice wine on its “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
The special designation is something Japan has been hoping for. The Japanese government pursued the designation by UNESCO amid domestic issues such as declining consumption and a need for more skilled artisans in the craft of sake brewing.
Japan reportedly wanted to make the iconic rice-based alcoholic beverage more popular globally. Now may be the time to promote the cultural drink as tourists flock to Japan in record numbers spurred by post-pandemic travel.
The increase in travel has led to an overtourism problem. It has forced the country to move to protect cultural sites by charging visitors higher fees. Locals have complained about rude tourists. Tourists noted issues as well.
A recent survey revealed more than 30% of foreign visitors said they experienced problems linked to overtourism, and more than 60% of tourists acknowledged they would pay higher prices. The higher costs would help ease congestion and protect natural and cultural resources within the country.
How the US Space Force will work to protect Japan’s national security
U.S. Space Force Guardians are deploying to Japan on Dec. 4 in a move meant to bolster the Japanese self-defense forces against threats from Russia, China and North Korea. The United States activated its first Space Force Unit in Japan at Yokota Air Base, just west of Tokyo, on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
The unit will reportedly give Japan its first-ever space surveillance and missile warning systems.
The Pentagon said the ultimate goal is to strengthen both country’s national security and provide stepped-up regional security at a time when relations with Moscow, Pyongyang and Beijing are tense.
The White House confirmed in February that Russia is working on an anti-satellite weapon, and the U.S. Space Force said in October that China is rapidly making gains on space-based military systems as well.
Additionally, North Korea claimed to have successfully launched its first spy satellite last year, and Pyongyang is promising more will go into orbit by the end of this year in a bid to make the country a so-called “space power.”
Despite U.S. adversaries vying for space superiority, the U.S. Department of Defense maintains it is confident the new unit will deter attacks from enemies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. and Japan are also coordinating space defense with Australia, including reportedly developing low-orbit satellites to help counter hypersonic missiles, which Russia, China and North Korea all claim to have obtained.
China grants visa-free access to more countries to boost tourism
China is opening up visa-free access to more countries in an effort to kickstart its struggling economy through tourism. Beijing announced on Friday, Nov. 22, that it will expand the visa-free program to nine additional countries including Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia and Latvia.
China also announced it will be extending the possible length of stay from 15 days to 30 days for travelers from visa-free countries.
The new travel rules will go into effect on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Only three countries had visa-free privileges previously and that access was rescinded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan was one of the three countries with visa-free access before the COVID-19 pandemic and had repeatedly asked for an early waiver to restart the program.
The countries have sparred over issues ranging from Taiwanese sovereignty to the release of treated yet still radioactive water into the sea from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Meanwhile, travel agencies are reportedly preparing for an influx of tourists as the end of the month approaches.
From July through September of this year, China reported more than 8 million foreigners entering the country, and of those, nearly 5 million were from visa-free countries.
With the latest expansion, 38 countries now have visa-free access since last year.
Tokyo’s Shibuya shuts down Halloween celebrations amid crowd safety concerns
One of the world’s premiere locations to celebrate Halloween is taking steps to crack down on crowds. Tokyo’s Shibuya ward has officially “closed for Halloween” this year, as authorities move to prevent chaos experienced in recent times.
Shibuya has a reputation for street parties, drawing crowds since the early 2010s. As the crowds grew, so did the problems, with drunken behavior, vandalism and even violence during these parties.
Last year, Japanese officials took a stand. They started a campaign with signs which read, “No event for Halloween in Shibuya streets,” and this year, they’re doubling down with a new message, “Shibuya is closed for Halloween.”
A year-round overnight alcohol ban on the street around Shibuya Station was also introduced. Officials are asking shops not to sell alcohol in the last week of October.
There will be a significant amount of police also present, with extra crowd control measures in place. Interestingly, they can’t technically ban people from dressing up or walking around, but the plan is to make Shibuya as inconvenient as possible for partygoers, hoping it will drive them somewhere else.
In the past, “somewhere else” has been Shinjuku ward, and recently the two wards announced that they will be working together to lessen these crowds. The ban on alcohol consumption is in effect daily in Shibuya from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. in areas surrounding JR and Keio Shibuya stations, while Shinjuku’s ban will be in effect for 12 hours, starting at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31.
These precautions reflect the growing concern globally about the dangers of overcrowded areas, whether it’s locals or tourists. This is a fear brought into stark focus by the tragic events in Seoul in 2022.
Just last week, another police officer was sentenced to prison in South Korea for his failure to prevent the deadly Halloween surge that resulted in 159 deaths.
Tokyo to expand underground ‘cathedral’ complex to handle more extreme storms
Tokyo is upgrading its flood defense systems to counter the increasing threat of extreme storms fueled by climate change. The city’s Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel, a massive network of tunnels and reservoirs, has played a crucial role in preventing major flooding since it became operational in 2006.
In August 2024, Typhoon Shanshan brought torrential rains to Tokyo, even though the storm’s center was nearly 400 miles away.
The storm filled a vast underground chamber known as the “cathedral,” part of the discharge channel.
The system has saved Tokyo from billions of dollars in potential flood damage by diverting water from densely populated areas.
The cathedral chamber, located six stories underground, contains 59 pillars that each weigh more than 1.1 million pounds and stand nearly 60 feet tall.
These pillars support a reservoir capable of holding water equivalent to nearly 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The chamber’s drop shaft is large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty inside.
Despite the system’s effectiveness, Tokyo’s defenses are under increasing pressure as storms grow more frequent and severe.
Sudden downpours that release large amounts of rain in a short time are testing the city’s infrastructure.
To address this, Tokyo has launched a seven-year, $250 million initiative to expand and upgrade its flood defenses. This includes reinforcing levees, improving drainage, and building new reservoirs to increase capacity.
Tokyo’s current sewer system is designed to handle up to 3 inches of rain per hour, but recent storms have brought as much as 4 inches, pushing the system beyond its limits.
Officials say further upgrades to the system will be completed by 2027 to ensure it can meet the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Nintendo, Pokemon Co. sue ‘Palworld’ maker over patent infringement
Nintendo and the Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit Wednesday, Sept. 18, in Tokyo against Pocketpair, accusing the video game maker of patent infringement. Pocketpair is the company behind the popular survival adventure video game “Palworld,” known by fans as “Pokémon with guns.”
In a statement released Thursday, Sept. 19, Nintendo said, “This lawsuit seeks an injunction against infringement and compensation for damages on the grounds that Palworld, a game developed and released by the Defendant, infringes multiple patent rights.”
On its website, Pocketpair says “Palworld” is “home to over 100 unique pals, each equipped with a diverse set of skills to enhance the player’s adventure. Along your journey, you will also encounter formidable boss pals… Naturally, these boss pals are also capturable.”
As for “Pokémon, The Pokémon Company’s website said the world of Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and features “creatures of all shapes and sizes who live alongside humans. People known as Pokémon trainers form lasting friendships with their Pokémon partners, and as a team, they go on adventures, train to improve their skills, and battle in friendly competitions.”
Pocketpair said in a statement of its own on Thursday, Sept. 19, it was alerted of the lawsuit on Sept. 18.
“At this moment, we are unaware of the specific patents we are accused of infringing upon, and we have not been notified of such details,” Pocketpair said.
Pocketpair, which describes itself as a small indie game company whose goal is to “create fun games,” said it will begin “appropriate legal proceedings.”
“It is truly unfortunate that we will be forced to allocate significant time to matters unrelated to game development due to this lawsuit,” Pocketpair said. “However, we will do our utmost for our fans, and to ensure that indie game developers are not hindered or discouraged from pursuing their creative ideas.
In July 2024, Pocketpair announced a partnership with Sony to promote the licensing of “Palworld” globally in a new joint venture called “Palworld Entertainment.” Nintendo, in the meantime, said it will continue to take necessary actions against any infringement “to protect the intellectual properties it has worked hard to establish over the years.”
Phelps calls for lifetime ban for athletes caught doping after Olympic scandal
The most decorated Olympian of all time wants to ban anyone caught doping from competing in the Games. Swimmer Michael Phelps, the 23-time Olympic medalist, said the Olympics should enact a one-and-done policy for athletes who test positive for banned substances.
“If you test positive, you should never be allowed to come back and compete again, cut and dry,” Phelps said.
Phelps has been outspoken on the topic for several years. In June, he testified on Capitol Hill about doping and enacting bans.
“So with this, I urge you the members of Congress to engage in the fight against doping,” Phelps said in his testimony to Congress. “We can uphold the values and fairness and integrity that are the cornerstone of Olympic and Paralympic sports. Let us work together to ensure that every athlete regardless of where they are from has the opportunity to compete fairly and achieve their dreams.”
2021 doping scandal unveiled years later
Phelps reiterated his stance as a new Chinese doping scandal overshadowed the recently completed swimming events at the Paris Games.
While the scandal had to do with the Tokyo Games in 2021, specifics of the case were not revealed until The New York Times published its investigation in April 2024.
Two governing bodies, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and World Aquatics, acknowledged that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo Games. However, officials allowed them to compete.
Five of the athletes medaled and three won gold at the Games.
Both agencies accepted the Chinese explanation that the athletes consumed tainted food.
Doping problems persist leading up to the Paris Games
Phelps is not alone in speaking out against doping. British swimmer Adam Peaty also aired his frustration with the Chinese doping situation.
Peaty’s team came in fourth place in the men’s 4×100 meter freestyle relay at the Paris Games. China’s team won gold, and two of the swimmers on that team were athletes that tested positive for banned substances in Tokyo.
“So what is going to come out in next month?” Peaty said. “What’s the surprise under the Christmas tree? But I want to make sure that the future British swimmers and future swimmers in general around the world are racing fair and are winning fair.”
“How hard is it?” Peaty continued. “All you got to do is train harder, you don’t have to take anything, just train harder. It does get me a bit emotional. It does fill me with emotion because I know how hard I have to work for a silver or a gold medal. It’s just I want to make sure that the sport is protected. It’s coming from a place of love and also a place of anger.”
World Aquatics officials said they tested Chinese swimmers more than swimmers from any other country. On average, every Chinese swimmer has participated in 21 substance tests since the start of 2024.
However, some said the testing in Paris went too far. According to CNN, China’s national swim team nutritionists said the team underwent nearly 200 tests during the 2024 Games.
Phelps and Peaty’s comments also came as additional doping controversies involving Chinese swimmers surfaced. The New York Times’ investigation also said two other Chinese swimmers tested positive for banned substances in 2022. Again, Chinese officials said the swimmers ate tainted food. One of those swimmers competed in Paris.
Harris introduces Walz; Vance speaks to supporters during Philly rallies
Vice President Kamala Harris introduced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate while Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance spoke to supporters during separate rallies in Philadelphia. And U.S. officials say a Pakistani national with ties to the Iranian government has been arrested in connection with a plot to kill American politicians. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.
Harris introduces Walz; Vance speaks to supporters during Philly rallies
Both major political parties made a showing in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Vice President Kamala Harris and her newly picked running mate Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., held their first rally together. In a dueling rally nearby, former President Donald Trump’s running mate Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, made his first stop in the city since joining the Republican ticket.
Harris joined Walz on stage in front of thousands of people at a rally and in front of millions of voters across the country who tuned in.
Polls show 71% of Americans are not familiar with Walz. The Minnesota governor got the opportunity to introduce himself in battleground territory and took aim at the vice presidential pick on the other side.
“Like all regular people, I grew up with in the heartland,” Walz told supporters. “J.D. studied at Yale, had his career funded by Silicon Valley billionaires and then wrote a bestseller trashing that community. Come on. That’s not what middle America is. And I got to tell you, I can’t wait to debate the guy.”
At Vance’s rally, he responded to the news of Walz being Harris’ selection for vice president.
“Tim Walz’s record is a joke,” Vance said. “He’s been one of the most far left radicals in the entire United States government at any level. But I think that what Tim Walz’s selection says is that Kamala Harris has bent the knee to the far left of her party, which is what she always does.”
Vance also criticized Harris for not doing a sit-down interview with the media since becoming the presumptive nominee of the Democrat Party 17 days ago.
Harris will be hitting at least five battleground states in the days to come as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) approaches later in August.
Trump announces ‘major interview’ with Elon Musk
Former President Trump has announced he will be sitting down with Elon Musk for an interview on Monday, Aug. 12. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Aug. 6, saying, “On Monday night [Aug. 12] I’ll be doing a major interview with Elon Musk — details to follow.”
In July, the tech mogul endorsed Trump following the assassination attempt on the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Pakistani national with ties to Iran charged in Trump assassination plot
The Department of Justice says it’s arrested a Pakistani national with ties to the Iranian government in connection with a plot to kill American politicians and officials. Multiple sources said one of the main targets was former President Trump.
Asif Merchant, 46, is charged with murder for hire after DOJ officials said he flew from Pakistan to the U.S. to recruit hitmen for the plot. They said one of the so-called “hitmen” he contacted was a confidential informant for the FBI.
Trump’s security was increased in June after authorities learned of an Iranian plot to kill him. This was before the assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally and is not related to those events, according to the FBI.
Officials said there’s been dozens of aftershocks ranging in magnitude between 2.5 and 4.5 following the initial rumblings that began around 9 p.m. local time. Seismologists called it “a pretty active sequence in such a short amount of time.”
Hamas names Oct. 7 attack mastermind as new leader
Hamas has named its new leader following the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyehin Iran. Yahyah Sinwar, known as the mastermind behind the Oct. 7 attack, is now leading the terror group.
The move is likely to provoke Israel, which has had Sinwar at the top of its most wanted list since that deadly attack ten months ago. The Israeli military responded to Sinwar’s appointment, vowing to take him out as well.
Cori Bush loses Missouri primary; Michigan Senate race is set
Media projections show Democratic congresswoman and “squad” member Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., lost her primary race in Missouri Tuesday, Aug. 6. Bush has been a vocal critic of Israel in its war against Hamas, and pro-Israel groups spent upwards of $10 million on efforts to unseat her.
In Michigan, a battleground territory, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers won the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, setting him up to face Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin in the November election.
Restaurant chain Buca di Beppo files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The restaurant chain Buca di Beppo has filed for bankruptcy protection. The privately owned company says revenue never fully recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of its bankruptcy, the three-decade-old business said it began closing underperforming restaurants this year, including a dozen locations in July alone.
It will also restructure the rest of its 44 locations, but said it will continue to serve its family-size portions that has been Buca’s staple.
Hocker, Thomas bring home gold for the US on the track
The U.S. took home two Olympic gold medals on the track in Paris on Tuesday. That brings the team’s gold medal count to 24 and the overall total to 86.
First, Cole Hocker won the men’s 1,500-meter relay, coming from behind in the final seconds to set an Olympic record at 3 minutes and 27.65 seconds.
Then Gabby Thomas earned her first Olympic gold medal, winning the women’s 200-meter final after taking the bronze back in Tokyo. Thomas crossed the finish line in 21.83 seconds to give the U.S. its first gold in the event in 12 years.
Tourism problems may have you paying more in Japan if you’re a foreigner
Japan is reportedly facing an unusual problem: too many tourists. Foreigners are flocking to the country in record numbers in the first half of 2024, with 17.78-million foreigners visiting the country. The added tourism brought around $11.4 billion to Japan’s economy in the first quarter of 2024. The record-number of visitors is largely attributed to post-COVID-19 travel and a weak yen compared to the U.S. dollar.
While the rise in tourism may sound like a good thing, locals are not particularly pleased with the overcrowding and other problems millions of tourists have brought with them. Many locals have reported rude acts of littering by tourists and traffic jams created by visitors looking to add a scenic picture to their social media. Tourists are also being blamed for a disruption to the nation’s rice supply.
The plethora of issues has led to some businesses and towns considering dual pricing for locals and foreign tourists, as reported on Monday, July 29.
Himeji Castle, a popular attraction, is said to be flirting with the idea of more than quadrupling entrance fees for tourists. The Samurai fortress dates back to the 17th century. The current fee for adults is a little more than $6. The new hike would make the entrance fee closer to $30. Officials said that the higher price would pay for the repairs and upkeep that may be needed due to the increased number of visitors.
Some restaurants have already introduced two-tier pricing. One restaurant owner said he keeps four to five employees on the clock to translate the menu for tourists. He said it only makes sense to charge foreigners more for the added cost to his business.
Japanese officials also said that food supply is being impacted by tourists. The Japanese Ministry is blaming visitors for a nationwide rice shortage, and officials said that the country’s rice stockpile is the lowest it’s been in decades due to increased demand by record-tourism and an aging Japanese population.
Bad behavior among tourists is reportedly on the rise as well. Tourists trying to get a selfie in front of Mt. Fuji have regularly set up shop at a local convenience store in the town of Fujikawaguchiko. The influx of tourists trying to take a picture has led to traffic jams, trespassing, unauthorized parking and littering. This forced the town to take extreme measures and erect a barrier to block the view of the mountain.
Another issue has also surfaced in the city of Kyoto, where kimonos are a common sight. Residents have complained of unruly visitors chasing geishas to photograph them.
Locals said the neighborhood is “not a theme park” and urged the local government to take action. The city banned tourists from entering private alleys in the district.
Japan has also been impacted by tourists driving rideable electric suitcases amid the traveler surge. The country now requires a license to ride the suitcases and riders are banned from driving them on the sidewalk.
Despite the laundry list of issues, Japan’s tourism chief said that the country wants to lure 60-million tourists to the country every year — which is more than double the current level.
Hamas leader reportedly killed in Iran amid rising tensions in Middle East
A Hamas leader is reportedly assassinated in Iran as developments in the Middle East raise concerns of conflict escalating in the region. And Vice President Kamala Harris is closer to naming her running mate with plans of holding their first rally in a matter of days. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Hamas leader reportedly killed in Iran amid rising tensions in Middle East
Major developments in the Middle East, with reports of a top Hamas leader being killed in Iran on the same day Israel struck Lebanon’s capitol and killed a Hezbollah commander. The U.S. also carried out a strike in Iraq in what U.S. officials are calling a move of self-defense.
According to state media, Iran’s president said the country “will defend its territory and make those responsible regret their actions.” Fears of an all-out regional conflict have also been renewed with the Hamas leader’s death happening on Iranian soil.
Tensions are also growing in Iraq as the U.S. said it carried out a strike against a base in Baghdad used by Iraqi forces, killing four Iraqi fighters. The U.S. said the move was in self-defense, telling Reuters those militants were looking to launch drones and posed a threat to the U.S.
Some global media outlets are also reporting hopes of any ceasefire hostage deal between Israel and Hamas are looking slim to none given the escalations happening within the past 24 hours.
Kamala Harris to hold rally with vice president pick in Philadelphia next week
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate pick on Monday, August 5, as she looks to win the presidency. Then, on Tuesday, August 6, she’s expected to hold a rally in Philadelphia with her new running mate joining her on stage.
The campaign trail is heating up, with Harris holding her largest rally yet in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, July 30.
Both the Harris and Trump campaigns also released new political ads attacking the records of their opponent. And both are on the road to more events to rally their supporters.
This race will be among a handful that determine who controls the U.S. Senate this fall. Currently, the Senate is controlled by Democrats while the House is controlled by Republicans, both with slim majorities.
Riots over Venezuela’s presidential election continue
Authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro accused opposition leader María Corina Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo González of “criminal violence,” and a close ally is calling for their arrests.
Protesters are demanding Maduro make voting data from Sunday’s, July 28, election public. Venezuela’s opposition and multiple Latin American leaders are refusing to recognize Maduro’s victory.
Machado said on Monday, July 30, the country’s opposition had about 73% of the voting tallies from Sunday’s election, proving Maduro did not win.
The national electoral authority has proclaimed Maduro the winner, giving him a third term in office and extending 25 years of socialist party rule.
Boar’s Head recall expanded to include 7 million more pounds of deli meats
Boar’s Head, a company known for deli meats, is recalling an extra 7 million pounds of its products. This is because there’s an outbreak of listeria, a dangerous bacteria, that has been linked to two deaths and made dozens of people very sick in 13 states.
The recall includes various types of meats like liverwurst, ham and salami made at their Virginia plant and have sell-by dates ranging from July 29 to Oct. 17. This recall adds to an earlier one of more than 200,000 pounds of similar products.
The issue was first noticed when a liverwurst sample from Maryland tested positive for listeria. Further tests confirmed that this same listeria strain was making people sick.
Starbucks sales down as prices go up
For the second quarter in a row, Starbucks’ sales have slumped as prices continue to rise. In its latest earnings report, Starbucks’ sales dropped 3% globally and 2% in North America.
Total transactions at North American stores fell by 6%, but higher prices shorten the gap between sales and revenue as coffee chains and restaurants alike continue to struggle with bringing customers in amid high prices.
Simone Biles leads U.S. Women’s gymnastics team to gold medal
After dropping out of the women’s gymnastics team event in Tokyo three years ago and taking time to focus on her mental health, Simone Biles returned to the same event on Tuesday, July 30, in Paris. This time she led Team USA to the gold.
Biles, along with Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, won by more than five points. Italy took home the silver medal and Brazil won bronze.
With the victory, Biles becomes the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history, with eight medals.
And she’s not done yet. Biles will compete in four more individual events including the all-around final on Thursday, Aug. 1, where she’ll have a chance to add more gold to her historic record.