Stories from Ishinomaki · Japan

Ishinomaki City is enhancing its 'Smile Start Package' support program starting April 2026 to promote migration and settlement. Ishinomaki is expanding its Smile Start Package in April 2026 to include a new support project for newlyweds under age 39.

Japan is considering expanding criminal penalties to cover a range of digital offenses including deepfakes, online stalking, hate speech, and doxxing. The discussion originated from debates regarding sexual violence and digital spaces.

A volunteer organization dedicated to restoring the landscape of Ura and Shima islands received the Grand Prize in the National Flower Town Development Contest.

Japan is ending a three-tier tax system that previously applied different rates to various alcoholic beverages.

Marine Plaza is relocating to the second floor of Ion Town Shiohama. The Shiohama City Information Exchange Corner will move from the first floor to the second floor on April 1.

A large-scale photography event will be held in Ishinomaki from March 6 to March 15, 2026. Ishinomaki will host a diverse photography exhibition and talk show across six locations within the city.

Japan's first canned juice, Meiji Natural Orange Juice, was released on this day in 1954. The station noted that modern cans are designed for easy opening, unlike older styles that required a can opener. This innovation has made canned beverages more convenient for consumers.

During the Edo period, Japan experienced winters 2-3 degrees Celsius colder than today, leading to frequent crop failures and famine, particularly in the Tohoku region. Farmers in Japan's Tohoku region during the Edo period faced frequent crop failures due to exceptionally cold winters, with temperatures 2-3 degrees Celsius lower than today. Temperatures during the Edo period were 2 to 3 degrees Celsius or more lower than in the present day. During the Edo period, people in the coastal areas of Shibuya River ate salted fish and preserved foods. Northeastern Japan experienced many deaths due to cold and lack of funds during the Edo period. However, records show fewer deaths from cold when funds were available, even in harsh winters. This suggests that firewood and charcoal, necessary for warmth, were more accessible in the Tohoku region compared to Kanto and western areas.

A Japanese broadcaster reminded listeners that they do not know when they might encounter earthquakes or natural disasters.

Baywave FM discussed a fan event and shared personal memories from a previous concert attended seven years ago. A radio host shared a personal anecdote about a trip to Leipzig, Germany, 30 years ago, comparing old photographs with his current appearance.