A police officer discovered the lower half of a human body near Sengen
Toge pass in the Nippara district of Western Tokyo’s Okutama on Tuesday.
...The droppings and footprints of a large animal were found in the
vicinity, and police are working to identify the body. They believe it
is possible the person died as the result of a bear attack or a
mountain accident.
...Starting on Tuesday morning, a team of about 30 people — including
police officers and members of a local hunting club — searched the
area, as a result of which they found the body at the bottom of a cliff
about 100 meters from the hiking trail... (click link above to read
more)
May 13,
2026 - Mizuki Shinagawa’s Aerial Silks Act Flows Like a Brushstroke -
WOW!
Amazing! I don't recall ever seeing anything like this before...
Mizuki Shinagawa’s Aerial Silks Act Flows Like a Brushstroke | Britain's Got Talent 2026
(If player above is not visible, you can view video
at YouTube.)
[Aerial silks is a performance art where artists perform acrobatics
while hanging from suspended fabric, using their strength and skill to
create impressive poses and movements without safety lines.]
April 29,
2026 - Golden Week begins TODAY!
Today, Showa Day (昭和の日,
Shōwa no Hi), is a national holiday in Japan reflecting back on the
Shōwa Era (1926–1989) and kicks off the week-long holiday period known
as Golden Week, often abbreviated simply as GW.
Well, GW has another meaning in my life.... not only my initials but
also my nickname, courtesy of my most beloved family and friends since
my childhood days. [Actually, most of my old college buddies just call
me Gee Dub. 😊]
Needless to say, GW is one of my favorite times of the year in Japan
because everywhere you look, my nickname is plastered on countless
advertising signs all over the city. It's nice to be so famous, ha ha.
😃
The sign below I spotted a few years ago at the local KFC. Yee hah, let
the fun begin! 😆
April 6,
2026 - The Freedom
CD #2 by Big Bears
This amazing group, one of the hottest rock bands in Katsushika, Tokyo,
just released their latest album on March 27, 2026. Band leader and
lead guitarist/soloist Hidekazu Okuma is nicknamed "Big Bear" because
Okuma means "big bear" in Japanese.
Lyrics & music, guitar, & vocals: Hidekazu Okuma
Bass guitar: Yukio Sato
Drums: Yoji Tanabe
Production & mixing: Yoji Tanabe
The Freedom CD #2 by Big Bears
(If player above is not visible, you can view video
at YouTube.)
0:00 抱きしめたい (I
Want to Hold You)
5:11 鎮魂歌
(Requiem)
9:44 サラリーマンブルース
(Salaryman Blues)
Mar. 28,
2026 - God's magic colorful paintbrush
It's that gorgeous colorful season again, taking me back to that old
Chicago tune, "Colour My World." 😉 And it never gets old, even after
35 years. 😲 Cheers & thanks always to the guy upstairs with the
magical paintbrush... 🥰👏🙏
God's magic colorful paintbrush
Mar. 5,
2026 - 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast
Cherry blossoms can be viewed virtually everywhere in Japan, but the
secret of catching them at full bloom is surfing the cherry blossom
front, as it progresses from southwest to northeast across the
archipelago, as seen in the map below.
The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its 6th cherry
blossom prediction on Feb. 26, 2026, providing updated blooming dates
for approximately 1,000 viewing locations across Japan. Due to
warmer-than-expected temperatures throughout February, this forecast
shows cherry blossoms arriving earlier than previously predicted across
most of Japan.
This year in Tokyo the cherry blossoms are expected to begin opening up
on Mar. 18, 6 days earlier than average, with full bloom expected 8
days
later on Mar. 26 (5 days earlier than usual). Can't wait!
Feb. 17,
2026 - Amazing Projection Mapping at the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival
One of the most impressive things I think I've ever seen...
Amazing Projection Mapping at the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival
(If player above is not visible, you can view video
at YouTube.)
0:00 "A Thoroughbred Crowned with Glory" brought to you by JRA (Japan
(horse)Racing Association). Hokkaido is a major thoroughbred breeding
region with a long history dating back to the Meiji period.
Approximately 98% of thoroughbreds produced in Japan are born in
Hokkaido, with over 7,000 being born each year.
2:26 The Aizu Tsurugajo Castle was a symbol of the Aizu Domain, a clan
ruled by many famous generals and maintaining samurai pride until the
end of the Edo period. The 2026 giant snow sculpture was produced
jointly by Hokkaido Television Network (HTB) and the 18th Infantry
Regiment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. A total of 3,800
members of the Self-Defense Forces worked on the snow sculpture over a
30-day period, from January 5th - February 3rd, 2026.
Authorities in Fujiyoshida in central Japan have canceled a spring
cherry blossom festival at a popular Mt. Fuji viewing spot, citing
residents’ concerns over congestion and nuisance behavior.
The city in Yamanashi Prefecture on Tuesday announced its decision not
to go ahead with the Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival,
an event it has held for the past 10 years, attracting around 200,000
visitors each year with its views to Mt. Fuji.
With the weak Japanese yen and social media content driving a rapid
increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan, however, the
city is struggling to handle an influx of more than 10,000 visitors a
day during the peak cherry blossom season.
Incidents of bad behavior, the city said, have become commonplace and
pose a threat to the livelihoods of residents... (continued at
link above)
A 20-year-old Chinese student who ignored a winter climbing ban on Mt.
Fuji had to be rescued by police after injuring himself, sparking
debate in Japan about charging for such rescues.
The student, enrolled at a vocational school in Shinjuku, Tokyo,
illegally ascended the mountain via the Fujinomiya trail on January 18.
While descending, he fell and fractured his right leg at the eighth
station, prompting an emergency call at midday.
Shizuoka prefectural police dispatched a 10-11 member mountain rescue
team. They located him around 8:30 pm in severe weather with strong
winds and poor visibility. The team sheltered overnight in a mountain
facility before carrying him down on foot the next day... (continued at
link above)
The U.S. Health and Human Services has unveiled a new U.S. food
pyramid, with officials calling it the "most significant reset of
federal nutrition policy in history."
The new dietary guidelines emphasize whole, nutrient-dense foods,
prioritizing protein, dairy, and healthy fats while discouraging highly
processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars. This updated
pyramid aims to guide Americans towards healthier eating habits based
on modern nutrition science.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a simple, clear message: "Just
eat real food."
New U.S. food pyramid
(photo credit: U.S.
Health and Human Services)
Jan. 14,
2026 - Elvis songs sung by Japanese pro singers
These amazing guys shared their vocal talents at a special singing
party in Tokyo on Jan. 12, 2026 in celebration of Elvis' 91st birthday!
I loved listening to these guys & hope to hear them again in the
future...
🎵🎶🎼🎹🎤🎸🪕🎻
Elvis songs sung by Japanese pro singers
(If player above is not visible, you can view video
at YouTube.)
0:00 Unchained Melody, sung by Yay-yay
3:36 What'd I say?, sung by George
Jan. 9,
2026 - Beautiful Mt. Fuji in winter
I just love it when Fujisan puts on her beautiful winter white coat, as
I offer prayers in advance for any idiots (as in years past who sadly
met their maker) who might consider attempting to scale her in winter.
😉🙏
Taken by good friend Rob from the train while passing over the Tama
River, Fri. 1/9 at 10 a.m.
Beautiful Mt. Fuji in winter
(photo courtesy: Rob
Moreau)
Jan.
5, 2026 - US cuts the number of vaccines recommended for every child
Federal health officials today outlined sweeping changes to the U.S.
childhood immunization schedule.
The changes create a new framework that keeps all currently recommended
vaccines available and fully covered while moving several vaccines into
a category designed to emphasize shared decision-making between
families and clinicians.
The new recommendations reduce the number of vaccines recommended as
routine for all children to 11 from 17, a move The New York Times
called a “seismic shift” in federal vaccine policy.
Mary Holland, CEO of Children’s Health Defense, called the change “the
most significant change in U.S. vaccination policy in recent history.”
HHS said the change follows a directive from President Donald Trump,
who issued a presidential memorandum on Dec. 5, 2025, instructing the
agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to
review whether other developed nations protect children more
effectively.
After what HHS described as a “comprehensive, evidence-based
assessment,” the department concluded that the U.S. recommends more
routine childhood vaccine doses than peer countries without achieving
higher vaccination rates or greater public trust...
US cuts the number of vaccines recommended for every child
(photo credit:
childrenshealthdefense.org)
Jan. 1,
2026 - Tokyo New Year
Countdown to 2026
2026 in Tokyo arrived 14 hours before the east coast of the United
States!! Here's how they celebrated the New Year countdown with
colorful projection mapping against the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
building (Tochō, 都庁), featuring Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (小池 百合子)
(in her long white coat):
Tokyo New Year Countdown to 2026
(If player above is not visible, you can view video
at YouTube.)
And may 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse bring you good health,
happiness, & prosperity!! 🎊🎆🧨🎍🎎🥂🗻🎉🍾⛩
2026 Fire Horse (丙午, ひのえうま)
(photo credit:
pixabay.com)
Human Lower Body Found in Tokyo; Possible Bear Attack Victim
A police officer discovered the lower half of a human body near Sengen Toge pass in the Nippara district of Western Tokyo’s Okutama on Tuesday.
...The droppings and footprints of a large animal were found in the vicinity, and police are working to identify the body. They believe it is possible the person died as the result of a bear attack or a mountain accident.
...Starting on Tuesday morning, a team of about 30 people — including police officers and members of a local hunting club — searched the area, as a result of which they found the body at the bottom of a cliff about 100 meters from the hiking trail...
Poorly prepared hikers beware: Mt. Fuji inspectors waiting on Yoshida Trail
Hikers who aspire to summit Mount Fuji on its most popular trail can expect a “strict” inspection of their clothing and gear at the entry gate for the Yoshida trail, according to Yamanashi prefecture. Inspectors from the prefecture will conduct “3-set gear checks” for hikers on the trail, according to a prefectural news release April 27. Light clothing, such as T-shirts, shorts, and sandals are significant safety concerns.
The 3 items required are hiking boots or appropriate mountain footwear, 2-piece rainwear consisting of jacket and pants, and clothing appropriate for cold weather, such as a fleece or warm jacket. Improperly dressed hikers will not be allowed past the gate. However, stores at the 5th station sell approved items...
Dutch Man Injured on Closed Mt. Fuji Route, Having Fallen While Descending, Fracturing Ankle
A 51-year-old Dutch national fell while descending Mt. Fuji between the 7th and 8th stations on Saturday, sustaining injuries including a fractured right ankle, police said. The Yoshida Route, the climbing path he took, was closed for the winter season from the 5th station to the summit.
According to the Fujiyoshida Police Station, the man began climbing alone at around 6 a.m. on Saturday and reached the summit about 5 hours later. However, he lost his balance while descending. A friend of his in Japan whom he contacted reported the event to the police, which dispatched a rescue team. The team found and rescued the man by around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday.
On April 22, 2 American nationals, a man and a woman who entered the Yoshida Route to ski, were injured on the mountain. They were subsequently rescued.
Hello Gary, I plan to hike Mt. Oku-hotaka-dake & Mt. Yarigatake in August this year. Maybe I go alone. Can you give some advice what I should prepare for
26-year-old U.S. National Falls While Climbing Mt. Fuji
A male U.S. national fell while climbing and skiing on a Mt. Fuji trail on Wednesday, dislocating and fracturing his left ankle, while a woman accompanying him broke her nose, police said. According to the police, the injured pair are a 26-year-old American male photographer and a woman. The woman said she is a 27-year-old American ski instructor, but her age and other details have yet to be confirmed.
One of the man’s friends in Japan received a call from the injured man’s cell phone and contacted the police at around 5:45 p.m. The fire department and police station’s mountain rescue team began a search early Thursday morning, rescuing them by Thursday evening. According to the police, the 2 began climbing Mt. Fuji on the Yoshida Route in Yamanashi Prefecture at around 9 a.m. Wednesday. At around 2 p.m. the man was caught in strong winds near the 9th station and fell, becoming separated from the woman.
The section of the route from the 5th station to the summit is off-limits, as it is closed for the season.
The most frequently asked questions about climbing Mt. Fuji, including info on routes, maps, videos, transport access, traffic stats, weather, and climber stories.
Japan’s Shizuoka Govt Sees Positive Results from Mt. Fuji Restriction Measures
Japan’s Shizuoka Govt Sees Positive Results from Mt. Fuji Restriction Measures; Aims to Continue to Refine MeasuresShizuoka Prefecture made entrance fees mandatory and imposed nighttime climbing restrictions on three of Mt. Fuji’s trails — Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba — for the first time last climbing season, aligning with the measures introduced by Yamanashi Prefecture for the Yoshida trail the year before...
...According to a report by the Shizuoka Prefectural Police, the number of hikers involved in accidents on the Shizuoka Prefecture side of Mt. Fuji during the climbing season (July 10 to Sept. 10) was 36, a decrease of 28 from the previous year, while the number of fatalities and missing persons was 0, compared to 6 during the last season. The police thinks the awareness of climbing safety may have increased due to the restrictions and the requirement to study the rules in advance...
Polish Man Falls on Mount Fuji During Off-Season Climb
A 31-year-old Polish man was rescued by helicopter after falling near the New 7th Station of Mount Fuji at around 11 a.m. on April 6th during an off-season solo climb, after calling emergency services to report that he believed he had broken his leg. According to police, the caller was the injured man himself, who had been climbing alone and is believed to have fallen approximately 200 meters.
Rescue teams, including the Shizuoka Prefectural Police mountain rescue unit, were dispatched to the scene, and the man was airlifted by a prefectural disaster prevention helicopter about two hours after the call. Although the man sustained injuries, he remained conscious and is not in life-threatening condition.
It's that gorgeous colorful season again, taking me back to that old Chicago tune, "Colour My World." 😉 And it never gets old, even after 35 years. 😲 Cheers & thanks always to the guy upstairs with the magical paintbrush... 🥰👏🙏
(click link to view beautiful colorful spring flowers)
This amazing group, one of the hottest rock bands in Katsushika, Tokyo, just released their latest album on March 27, 2026. Band leader and lead guitarist/soloist Hidekazu Okuma is nicknamed "Big Bear" because Okuma means "big bear" in Japanese.
Listing of Mt. Fuji Yoshida Trail mountain huts, including website URLs, phone numbers, elevations, and sleeping capacities, as well as links to the Fujinomiya trail hut sites.
Today it was reported that the same Yoshida Trail regulations from last year will be in effect again in 2026, namely a toll fee of 4,000 yen per person per entry, a gate closing time of 14:00 pm to 3:00 am the following day (excluding those staying at mountain huts), & a 4000 maximum number of climbers per day (excluding those staying overnight in mountain huts).
Also, new this year at the 5th station there will be a check of climbers' necessary equipment (warm clothing, 2-piece rain gear, and appropriate hiking boots), and only those who have all 3 of these items will be allowed to pass through the gate.
(click link to view official flyer for 2026 regulations)
Foreign climbers in critical condition after 400m fall in climbing closed Mt. Fuji
Two foreign nationals fell down 400 meters and were found in critical condition after they went climbing Mt. Fuji that was closed for the winter season. Police received a report around 3 PM on March 9 that the 2 appeared to have fallen and gone missing near the new 7th station of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture.
A rescue team of 25 police and fire personnel launched a search operation. The search was hampered by poor weather, but rescuers were able to find them around 10:40 PM. A 23-year-old Swedish woman was in critical condition, and a 51-year-old New Zealand man was reported to have suffered serious injuries.
Mount Fuji is currently closed for the winter season, and the hiking trails are blocked off.
Cherry blossoms can be viewed virtually everywhere in Japan, but the secret of catching them at full bloom is surfing the cherry blossom front, as it progresses from southwest to northeast across the archipelago, as seen in the map below.
The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its 6th cherry blossom prediction on Feb. 26, 2026, providing updated blooming dates for approximately 1,000 viewing locations across Japan. Due to warmer-than-expected temperatures throughout February, this forecast shows cherry blossoms arriving earlier than previously predicted across most of Japan.
This year in Tokyo the cherry blossoms are expected to begin opening up on Mar. 18, 6 days earlier than average, with full bloom expected 8 days later on Mar. 26 (5 days earlier than usual). Can't wait! :-)
(click link to view 2026 cherry blossom forecast map)
Mt. Fuji’s Shizuoka-side Subashiri Trail Mulls July 1 Opening to Align with Yamanashi Side
The opening date for the Subashiri Trail on Mt. Fuji is being coordinated for July 1st, aligning with the Yamanashi side, Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki revealed during the prefectural assembly plenary session on Friday.
While Yamanashi has set its Yoshida Trail opening date as July 1, Shizuoka had maintained the July 10 date due to lingering snow on all trails — Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya. However, since the Subashiri Trail, accessed from Oyama Town, converges with the Yoshida Trail near the 8th station, local stakeholders had been calling for a unified opening date.
Regarding the other 2 trails, Suzuki said, “Given the differing geographical conditions and weather patterns, it is difficult to achieve uniformity across all trails.”
He also indicated consideration of reduced or waived entrance fees for kindergarten and nursery school nature observation events, as well as educational activities for elementary, junior high, and high school students. “We will explore how to create opportunities for children, who represent the next generation, to experience the value of World Heritage site Mt. Fuji more often,” said Suzuki.
Where can I read some personal stories and opinions, both pro and con, by hikers who've actually climbed up Mt. Fuji?
- On Mount Fuji, summit udon is a lifesaver - Fuji Climbing Tour 2025: Spectacular View and Excitement of Adventure at the Summit - Climbing Mount Fuji at 80: Martyn Bould's Fundraising Ascent - Climbing Mt. Fuji: How I planned to summit Japan’s highest mountain
A police officer discovered the lower half of a human body near Sengen Toge pass in the Nippara district of Western Tokyo’s Okutama on Tuesday. ...The droppings and footprints of a large animal were f…
Amazing! I don't recall ever seeing anything like this before...
(click link to see mind-blowing video of Japanese woman performing beautiful aerial silks act)
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