The Latest Breaking News from Hokkaido

Visitors photograph a carpet of colorful flowers in full bloom at the Shikisai-no-oka garden in Biei, Hokkaido. About 25 varieties of flowers, including salvia, marigold and cockscomb, are planted in the 14-hectare garden within sight of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. According to the facility, the flowers are growing well and…

NEMURO, Hokkaido -- Hauls of saury have begun to arrive at Hanasaki Port in Nemuro, Hokkaido, which has boasted Japan's largest saury landings for 12 consecutive years.

Japan and Russia have reached an agreement on the handover of three bodies found following the sinking of a boat in waters off Hokkaido in April, it was learned Saturday.

SHARI, Hokkaido -- Police found what appeared to be several human bones Thursday on the western tip of Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula during an intensive search for people still missing after the sinking of the Kazu I sightseeing boat in April, the Hokkaido prefectural police said.

SAPPORO -- Twelve people remain missing three months after the Kazu I sightseeing boat sank off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido with 26 people aboard.

Draft plans released Thursday in response to a fatal tour boat accident off Hokkaido call for tougher penalties for business operators and strengthening inspections, among other measures.

SAPPORO -- Delivery of unfrozen, freshly fertilized eggs of Wagyu cattle using an unmanned drone has been tested in Kami-Shihoro, Hokkaido.

KOBE -- Many households can't do without onions, but the rising retail price of the produce -- more than double that in an average year since late April -- has not only hit shoppers, but also cast a shadow over school lunches and the restaurant business.

DNA samples taken from two bodies found last month on the shores of island of Kunashiri in the northern territories match the DNA information of two passengers who went missing after the Kazu I sightseeing boat sank off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido in April, sources said.

Collection edited by Andrew McMillan and Mary Jean Chan ‘questions and redefines’ the meaning of its title

Holes and cracks have been observed on the bottom of the salvaged hull of the Kazu I sightseeing boat that sank off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido on April 23, although the damage might have been caused after the vessel sank.