Stories 5-1: The Best of JAPAN Forward 2024

Join us at JAPAN Forward as we celebrate the end of the year by reflecting on the best of 2024. Our most-read story of the year stands on its own. It was our contributor's report on the New Year's Day earthquake in Ishikawa.

This last of our top 25 features stories on Dragonball, cherry blossoms, Ubisoft, and links between India and Japan. The stories reflect the seasons and news that kept Japan busy in 2024.

Take a look to find out why your fellow readers navigated to these stories more than any others. And, once again, thanks for following JAPAN Forward!

This article highlights the top five most popular articles on JAPAN Forward in 2024. If your favorite wasn't among them, leave a message so others can check it out, too.

25 - 21 | 20 - 16 | 15 - 11 | 10 - 6 | 5 - 1

*After the New Year's Day earthquake, people walk past a collapsed building in Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture on January 2. (©Kyodo)*

5. OBITUARY | Creator of Dragon Ball Manga, Akira Toriyama Dies at 68

By Arielle Busetto

Bird Studio announced that Akira Toriyama, creator of the beloved manga Dragon Ball, died on March 1. The artist's publisher and fans are reacting to his loss.

Read the full story.

4. New Ubisoft Game 'Assassin's Creed Shadows:' Why the Criticism?

By Shinichiro Kageyama

How far should a game be allowed to misrepresent its historical settings? Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to test the line with copyright and cultural problems.

Read the full story.

3. Mahatma Gandhi: India's Greatest Symbol of Peace and His Japan Connections

By Monika Chansoria

The bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima is a powerful reminder of his message of peace, resonating in the world's first city to suffer an atomic bomb attack.

Read the full story.

2. Sakura Forecast 2024: Early Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo and Kyoto

By Arielle Busetto

Expect cherry blossoms in Tokyo as early as March 23 and full bloom on March 30, says the Japan Meteorological Corporation in its first forecast.

Read the full story.

1. New Year's Earthquake: Disaster Resilience is a Societal Responsibility

By Robert D Eldridge

The Noto Peninsula earthquake struck as families gathered to celebrate the New Year. As survivors grieve their loss, society must extend all the help they need.

Read the full story.

Thank you for reading "The Best of JAPAN Forward 2024." This was the last installment of the top 25 of the year. Which was your favorite article? Let us know in the comments below!

Stay tuned for our Top Editorials and Top Hidden Wonders of 2024

Author: JAPAN Forward