Nikkei stock index tops 42,000 mark for 1st time

Nikkei stock index tops 42,000 mark for 1st time

A financial data screen in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average topping the 42,000 mark for the first time in morning trading on July 11, 2024.

Bird flu virus detected in Miyazaki, 2nd case this winter

Bird flu virus detected in Miyazaki, 2nd case this winter

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Local officials of the southwestern Japan prefecture of Miyazaki prepare to bury all of the 42,000 chickens culled in the early morning on Dec. 29, 2014, at a farm where a highly pathogenic bird flu virus was detected. It is the second time this winter that the H5 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed at chicken farms in Japan. The photo was taken from a Kyodo News helicopter.

Bird flu virus detected in Miyazaki, 2nd case this winter

Bird flu virus detected in Miyazaki, 2nd case this winter

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Dec. 29, 2014, shows a chicken farm in the southwestern city of Miyazaki, where a highly pathogenic bird flu virus was detected. All the 42,000 birds raised in the farm were culled in the early morning the same day. It is the second time this winter that the H5 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed at chicken farms in Japan.

Bird flu virus detected in Miyazaki, 2nd case this winter

Bird flu virus detected in Miyazaki, 2nd case this winter

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Local officials of the southwestern Japan prefecture of Miyazaki prepare to bury all of the 42,000 chickens culled in the early morning on Dec. 29, 2014, at a farm where a highly pathogenic bird flu virus was detected. It is the second time this winter that the H5 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed at chicken farms in Japan. The photo was taken from a Kyodo News helicopter.

Free farmland for rent in Ibaraki

Free farmland for rent in Ibaraki

MITO, Japan - The township of Daigo, located in the northwestern corner of Ibaraki Prefecture, is offering farmland for a 20-year rent-free lease to dwellers willing to make their home there. The township has 16 lots of state-provided land, at sizes ranging from 750 square meters to 1,745 square meters. Potential renters must be under age 65 and willing to live at least 90 days a year on the farmland. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 28, and they will be screened next spring. About 600 people showed up for an on-site briefing Nov. 23, Daigo officials said, adding that the move is aimed at invigorating the local economy as the local population has been declining, from a peak of 42,000 to around 21,000 now. The photo shows a couple inspecting some of the farmland offered for free rent.