National mascot contest held in central Japan

National mascot contest held in central Japan

TOKONAME, Japan - An opening ceremony is held for an annual national popularity contest for "yuru-chara" mascots on Nov. 1, 2014, at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. "Yuru-chara" translates as "loose or soft characters."

(1)Chubu Centrair airport crowded at weekend

(1)Chubu Centrair airport crowded at weekend

TOKONAME, Japan - The departure lobby of the just-opened Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya, central Japan, is jammed with travelers on Feb. 19, on the first weekend since it opened on Feb. 17 as Japan's third major international gateway after Narita and Kansai airports.

(5)Chubu airport opens as Japan's 3rd main int'l gateway

(5)Chubu airport opens as Japan's 3rd main int'l gateway

TOKONAME, Japan - The first flight to Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, arrives at the airport from Saipan on Feb. 17 as the airport began operations as Japan's third main international gateway

(4)Chubu airport opens as Japan's 3rd main int'l gateway

(4)Chubu airport opens as Japan's 3rd main int'l gateway

TOKONAME, Japan - The departure lounge at Cubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, is crowded with travelers on Feb. 17 after it opened as Japan's third main international gateway.

(5)Central Japan Int'l Airport to open Feb. 17

(5)Central Japan Int'l Airport to open Feb. 17

TOKONAME, Japan - The new IMTS transport system linking central Nagoya and Central Japan International Airport or Centrair in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, makes a final test run on Feb. 16 on the eve of the official opening of the airport on Feb. 17.