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🌍 Earthquake Preparedness Guide Inspired by Japan’s December 8 Earthquake: Stay Safe and Enjoy a Peaceful Christmas Season

By Theodore West
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Tsunami warning issued in Japan after 7.6 magnitude quake ABC News According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:15 p.m. JST on December 8. Hachinohe City recorded a maximum seismic intensity of Upper 6 on Japan’s scale, and tsunami warnings and advisories were issued across wide areas along the Pacific coast of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. Following the quake, the agency also issued a notice titled “Warning for Potential Follow-Up Earthquakes in Hokkaido and the Sanriku Region.” This alert indicates that the likelihood of another significant earthquake has temporarily increased compared with normal periods. Seven prefectures are included in this advisory: Hokkaido , Aomori , Iwate , Miyagi , Fukushima , Ibaraki , and Chiba . People living in these areas are encouraged to review their daily emergency preparations and be ready for special disaster-respons...
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Bear Sightings Surge Across Japan in 2025: Latest Updates and Safety Alerts

By Theodore West
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This isn’t just a concern for travelers—it applies to us farmers as well! This year, the number of bear sightings and injuries has been especially high. I even carry bear spray with me when I’m working in the fields. Japan Deploys Troops to Battle BEAR ATTACKS After 12 People Killed Japan Deploys Troops to Battle BEAR ATTACKS After 12 People Killed New York Post 1. Why Bear Sightings Are Increasing in Japan Bear encounters in Japan, especially in northern regions like Hokkaido, have surged in 2025. Experts cite several reasons: Growing bear populations: Conservation efforts and reduced hunting have increased the number of bears. Food shortages: Poor acorn and nut harvests have forced bears to venture closer to towns and parks. Urban encroachment and abandoned farmland: Depopulation of rural areas has left forests and fields unmanaged, providing bears with easy access to human areas. This combination of ecological and human ...
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Tokyo Travel Guide 2025 Best Time to Visit Japan for Fall Foliage and Ginkgo Spots

By Theodore West
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 Thanks for stopping by my blog today! So, it’s my second day in Tokyo, and by evening I’ll be heading back to Nagano on the usual Azusa train. Tokyo is such a unique city where the hustle and bustle of urban life coexist with seasonal natural beauty, and every time I visit, I discover something new. Today, I want to share some of Tokyo’s charms. First, here’s a fun fact: some local governments across Japan actually designate an official “flower” for their cities or towns. These flowers usually reflect the local environment, culture, or history, and are often used for tourism promotion or as a symbol of the area. For example, Tokyo’s city flower is the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom. Kyoto also chose cherry blossoms, while Sapporo’s is the lilac. Cherry blossoms and lilacs are deeply tied to the seasons in Japan and are integral to the local scenery. Golden Ginkgo from Below One of my favorite things about Tokyo is spotting seasonal flowers and trees tucked between the buildings. Du...
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