Japan: Shinkansen Makes Emergency Stop as Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Kanto Region

A strong earthquake struck a wide area of eastern Japan on Tuesday evening, June 16, registering a maximum seismic intensity of 5-lower on the Japanese scale in parts of Gunma and Saitama prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake had a magnitude of 5.5, with its epicenter in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of approximately 50 kilometers. No tsunami warning was issued. Areas recording the highest intensity included Ota City and Chiyoda Town in Gunma Prefecture, and Kazo City, Honjo City, and Misato Town in Saitama Prefecture. The footage was captured inside a Shinkansen bullet train running through Honjo City, making an emergency stop.

40-yr-old Japanese drama 'Mito Komon' to end

40-yr-old Japanese drama 'Mito Komon' to end

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese actor Kotaro Satomi, playing the leading role of TV period drama series ''Mito Komon,'' looks pensive at a press conference in Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc. in Tokyo on July 15, 2011, held to announce the termination of the series in December 2011. The 40-plus-year-long drama won popularity with its moralistic story; the protagonist based on real character Tokugawa Mitsukuni punishes evildoers at the conclusion of each episode.

40-yr-old Japanese drama 'Mito Komon' to end

40-yr-old Japanese drama 'Mito Komon' to end

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese actor Kotaro Satomi, playing the leading role of TV period drama series ''Mito Komon,'' looks pensive at a press conference in Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc. in Tokyo on July 15, 2011, held to announce the termination of the series in December 2011. The 40-plus-year-long drama won popularity with its moralistic story; the protagonist based on real character Tokugawa Mitsukuni punishes evildoers at the conclusion of each episode. (Kyodo)