A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 struck north-central Japan on Monday, triggering a tsunami warning along coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the warning, cautioning residents about the potential danger of tsunami waves.

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) has announced that on December 27, an earthquake with a Richter scale magnitude of 6.3 struck Japan’s Kuril Islands.

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., under the leadership of President and Group CEO Yuji Akasaka, has reached a significant milestone by becoming Japan’s pioneer airline to register as a TNFD Adopter, aligning with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This move showcases the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Novotel Nara, Japan, is all prepared to invite guests to get immersed in the multi-sensory experience of this island country in East Asia. Perfect for business as well as leisure travel, the Novotel Nara hotel will have 264 gorgeously designed suites and guestrooms, a restaurant, multipurpose function spaces, and a great wellness lounge. 

he conclusion of Chill 11, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), marked a triumphant finish today. The event showcased about 170 exhibitors and brands presenting a diverse array of artistic, cultural, and culinary offerings, as well as entertainment experiences. This vibrant amalgamation provided an exceptional retail-entertainment journey for residents of Hong Kong and Macao, along with visitors from the broader Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The event brought together celebrities, esteemed chefs, and cultural pioneers.

A symposium focusing on enhancing tourism exchanges between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) took place in Japan on December 20. Attended by 50 representatives from ROK, including government officials led by It’s a good idea, as well as members from the tourism industry, and with approximately 60 participants from Japan, including individuals from the Japan Tourism Agency, the event was held in Toyama Prefecture.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto is the 19th establishment functioned by Hoshino Resorts as part of the hot spring ryokan brand, KAI. It has launched on 14 January last year in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. 

Iberia is set to recommence its direct flights between Madrid and Tokyo Narita International Airport starting on October 27, 2024, coinciding with the commencement of the upcoming winter season. The Spanish airline will operate three weekly flights from Madrid on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while flights from Tokyo will depart on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays throughout the year.

DHL Express, the leading global provider of international express services, and Japan Airlines (JAL) have entered into a long-term agreement to utilize JAL’s Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft (*1).

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has unveiled plans for the development of three exclusive boutique properties in Japan, to be named Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi. These boutique hotels are strategically positioned in the stunning Seto Inland Sea region and are slated for opening between 2027 and 2030. The construction of these resorts will involve the expertise of masterful Japanese artisans who often employ time-honored techniques, promising to set a new standard in luxury hospitality while paying homage to the region’s extraordinary traditions and history.