Japan is witnessing a sharp rise in bear sightings as animals emerge from their winter hibernation, with authorities warning of increased danger ahead of upcoming national holidays.

In recent years, bears have been spotted in urban areas across northeastern Japan, prompting alerts in Fukushima, Iwate and Aomori prefectures. More worryingly, bear encounters have grown increasingly dangerous, with 238 attacks last year leaving hundreds of people injured and at least 13 dead.

In a recent incident, a woman was found dead in Iwate after a suspected bear attack and a police officer was injured nearby. It was believed to be the first fatality from a bear attack this year.

In another case, police shot and killed a 100kg bear in a residential area after a prolonged standoff.

Five people were killed in animal attacks in Iwate between July and October last year, according to government data.

The last known bear attack before the hibernation period took place on 3 November in Yuzawa, in neighbouring Akita prefecture, according to the environment ministry.

This year, authorities issued a warning after at least five Asiatic black bears were seen within 10 days in Aomori. Similar alerts were issued in Iwate and Fukushima.

A town in northeastern Japan has responded to a rise in bear sightings by moving daily exercise indoors, according to Asahi Shimbun. In Kurihara in Miyagi prefecture, residents have become increasingly fearful following dozens of bear encounters last year and a fatal attack on a 75-year-old woman in October.

A local supermarket has now opened a 560m climate-controlled indoor walking course for people to exercise without the risk of encountering bears, which the paper says are appearing more frequently near residential areas.

In the face of a surge in bear attacks last year, the Japanese government had deployed the military in the Akita prefecture to help contain the problem. The warnings come ahead of Japan’s “golden week” from 29 April to 5 May containing multiple public holidays.

Last year, experts said that a shortage of beechnuts could be pushing bears into towns. This year, local authorities and residents are hoping for relief as experts predict a better crop of beechnuts, a key part of the bear diet.

The Japanese black bear, found across much of the Asian country, can grow to nearly 130kg, while the brown bear inhabiting the northern island of Hokkaido can weigh up to 400kg.

Mami Kondo, a bear-control specialist with the Akita prefectural government, told local media that a “turbulent spring” often followed a winter with an unusually heavy presence of bears.

This pattern was apparent after the end of 2023, which recorded the second-highest number of bear attacks since 2006, according to Ms Kondo.

“I have significant concerns this spring as well,” she said.

Bears appearing near human settlements in spring may stay around until late autumn or early winter, feeding on persimmons and other crops. They may even hibernate nearby and reappear in the spring.

Shinsuke Koike, an ecological professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, warned of a “potential hike in bear sightings this spring”.

Mr Koike said people collecting edible wild plants in the mountains were particularly at risk of attacks, since bears also fed on these plants after coming out of hibernation.

“It’s particularly important to implement preventive measures from spring so that bears cannot access any human food sources,” Mr Koike said.

“These steps include, for example, locking up warehouses containing edible items and not leaving anything to eat under eaves.”

HMRC has reminded workers to check their payslips are correct following the increase

Workers have been reminded to take a closer look at their payslips this month and make sure something is different. It comes as new minimum wage rates came into effect nearly a month ago, increasing the hourly rate employees should be earning across the UK.

The National Minimum Wage is set as an hourly rate and applies to all eligible employees, regardless of their pay schedule. This means that, whatever payment method is used, people must still calculate their equivalent hourly rate to confirm they are receiving the minimum wage.

Since April 1, workers and their bosses need to be aware of the legal adjustment that will see account balances rise as employees become entitled to an improved minimum wage. The new rules came into effect this month, so workers need to check that everything has changed properly.

What is the new National Minimum Wage in 2026?

HMRC recently announced on X that the National Minimum Wage had risen from the start of April 2026, reports the Express. Anyone employed in jobs paying this rate should notice an uplift to their basic hourly pay as follows:

• Apprentice and under 18: £8 per hour (increase from £7.55)
• 18 to 20-year-olds: £10.85 per hour (increase from £10)
• 21 and over: £12.71 per hour (increase from £12.21)

Apprentices qualify for the apprentice rate if they’re either under 19 or any person over 19 who hasn’t finished the first year of their apprenticeship. Beyond the one-year point, they must be paid according to their age (for instance, if an apprentice is 21 or over, they should receive a minimum of £12.71 per hour from their second year onwards).

If you’re already earning more than the new National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, your employer isn’t legally obliged to raise your salary. Pay rises for higher-wage employees are typically determined by company policy and often depend on individual job performance.

Employers are not legally required to offer a pay rise every year unless it is explicitly stated in your contract. While many companies conduct annual salary reviews to address cost-of-living adjustments or performance, these reviews are usually discretionary. Even with good performance, a company’s financial position may mean that it cannot offer a rise.

How to check if you are being paid correctly

Workers can check they’re being paid properly using the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator available on GOV.UK website. No specific documents are needed, though you’ll need to know some essential information.

The online tool requests details about your typical working hours and payment frequency in days. It also factors in whether employers cover accommodation or other work-related expenses. People can access the calculator here.

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The official GOV.UK website said: “If your payslip is wrong, immediately check for unauthorised deductions, incorrect hours, or tax errors, then contact your employer’s HR or payroll department informally to request a correction. If they fail to fix it quickly, formally raise a grievance, gather evidence of hours worked, or contact the Pay and Work Rights helpline.”

The Pay and Work Rights helpline offers advice for workers and employers on rights and obligations at work. Call on 0300 123 1100 between 8am and 6pm (Mon-Fri). People could also get advice on the Acas website.

A senior lecturer in Persian Studies at St Andrews University confirmed the translation to Metro. Narguess Farzad, a senior lecturer in the same subject at SOAS University in London, translated the verse: “Better than we all of us lay down our lives, than surrender our country to the foe.”

The rebrand affects the Black A Moor Inn at Bridge Hewick near Ripon Racecourse, a former coaching inn, which will become the Furlong and Furrow.

Laura Davis and James Campbell, who until this year managed the 16th Century Malt Shovel at Brearton, between Ripon and Knaresborough, have now explained their decision.

They posted on Facebook: “The name change is simply because in today’s era, some would feel the name a little insensitive due to its relations to the slave trade and European artistic trope from the sixteenth to the eighteen centuries.

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“We want our venue to be inclusive to all and to carry no unwelcomed bad relations to racism. Whilst we totally respect the history behind it, we hope that the public will understand our reasonings for this in today’s modern era.”

After questioning, the couple further explained using a description from Google.

“Black-a-moor” is an archaic, offensive term for a Black person, often labelled as a racial slur in modern dictionaries. Historically used to describe people of African origin in Tudor England, the term’s derogatory nature led to its ban in contexts like competitive Scrabble. Pubs with this name often face scrutiny for perpetuating historical racism.”

The couple added: “We’d like to avoid any associations with this for the future so we’ve chosen a name that we feel compliments its location close to the racecourse and it’s relations to farming and agriculture. We hope that the public will understand our reasonings.”

Earlier, Laura and James explained why they took over the former Black A Moor Inn, which closed on Sunday, with plans for a ‘soft re-opening’ on May 15.

They said: “Part of the reason we fell in love with the Black A Moor, is because of its stunning historical features and it’s traditional rustic charm. We promise we will be leaving that well alone and keeping it as a traditional pub and eatery.”

“The pub exterior will go back to its original historical heritage, in line with the beautiful buildings in Ripon’s historic market town. So we’ve opted for an off white with black window detail. Look out for this, is going to look stunning!

“The inside will carry its charming historical features with a good clean and freshen up. We hope to bring traditional elegance to the venue with space for both diners and a place to enjoy a good local ale.

“Initially we won’t be letting the rooms. We have plans to upgrade these to a charming boutique style incorporating local culture and character. But this is a work in progress.”

“Customers in the meantime, can expect Gastro seasonal dining. Our menus and website will be available in early May.”

“We promise to do the Black A Moor proud and look forward to new beginnings and welcoming Ripon and beyond to the Furlong and Furrow.”

Its former owner Callum Burnet is to take over the Old Red House Pub in Thirsk, which is currently closed, but he posted is due to re-open in June.

The Corinthians: We Were The Champions will be shown at The Light cinema on Thursday, April 30, with a special VIP event featuring a green, football-themed carpet, a post-film Q&A, and appearances by former players, the director, and guests.

The screening follows a successful earlier run in Bolton, where the film prompted what organisers described as an “outpouring of pride” for the team’s founder, Percy Ashley, and his daughter Doris.

Filmmakers said the reaction was sparked in part by local coverage in The Bolton News celebrating the pair’s Bolton roots, which led them to organise a return event focused on their legacy.

Directed by Helen Tither of Manchester-based production company Films Not Words, the documentary tells the story of Corinthians Ladies FC, a team formed in 1949 at a time when women’s football was banned by The Football Association.

The pic of the team in Portugal has Percy centre, Doris is front row centre, blond hair and white top with the ball. (Image: Films Not Words)

Despite the ban, which ran from 1921 to 1971, Percy Ashley – a former Bolton Wanderers scout – established the team so his daughter Doris could play, going on to train a squad that achieved major success both in the UK and abroad.

The team later beat Germany to win an unofficial European Cup in 1957 and defeated Juventus in 1970, and has since been described by the National Football Museum as one of the most successful women’s teams the country has seen.

Ms Tither said the response in Bolton had been particularly significant.

“We were really blown away by the response to the film in Bolton and how proud people were to have this Boltonian legend at the centre of the film,” she said.

“On the day our film has its first national screenings, we wanted to make the Bolton event extra special.

“Percy Ashley was what we would call a true ‘male ally’ these days.

“He founded a women’s football team against all odds, defying the establishment to help his amazing footballer daughter, Doris, play the game she loved.

“Today they are recognised as one of the greatest women’s football teams this country has ever had.

“Unfortunately, Percy and Doris never lived to see the historic apology their story has sparked from The FA, but we want to keep the memory of his contribution alive.”

She added the Bolton event would be “a real celebration”, with behind-the-scenes stories and previously untold memories shared during the Q&A..

Corinthians Ladies FC on tour at sporting Lisbon 1958 Portugal (Image: Films Not Words)

The film, told entirely in the words of 10 surviving players including Myra Lypnyckyj, Anne Grimes, Pauline Hulme, Marlene Cook, Freda Ashton, Monica Curran, Margaret ‘Whit’ Whitworth, Jean Wilson, Jan Lyons and Margaret ‘Tiny’ Shepherd, combines archive footage, animation and a punk-inspired soundtrack to bring their story to life.

It has also drawn national attention for its role in prompting an apology from The Football Association for the historic ban on women’s football, after early screenings at HOME in Manchester led to a public campaign backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

In a statement, the FA said: “Manchester Corinthians Ladies FC were pioneers of women’s football.

Through their unwavering spirit, talent and determination, they blazed a trail for women’s football around the world.

“We are sorry that a ban on women’s football was introduced in 1921 and not revoked until 1971.

“We recognise the courage of the teams and individuals who continued to play the game during this period.”

Early Corinthians Ladies FC team pic, 1958 (Image: Films not Words)

The documentary has won Best of The Fest (Feature) at NEIFF and Best Documentary at the Northampton Film Festival, and had its London premiere at the Women in Film & TV Festival in Covent Garden.

Supported by the National Football Museum and backed by England and Manchester United player Ella Toone, the project was funded through crowdfunding, along with sponsorship from BT Group and Tech Mahindra.

The Bolton screening will also mark the film’s first nationwide release, with showings planned at 14 Light cinemas across the country.

Tickets for the Bolton event are available via The Light cinema website.

The teenagers were last seen on Hambleton Way in Chilton, just before 4pm on Sunday afternoon (April 26). It is understood they had visited the Thinford McDonald’s prior.

The pair have not been seen since, and police yesterday (Monday, April 27) urged anyone with information to call 999.

Rebecca, 15, is described as 5ft 7in tall with brown shoulder-length hair. She was last seen wearing a blue zip up hoodie, black leggings and black Nike trainers.

Rebecca, 15 (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Rebecca, 15 (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Brodie, 16, is described as 5ft tall with long dark hair which is dyed dark red. She was last seen wearing a black coat with white strips on the side, blue jeans and white Nike trainers with blue detail.

Brodie, 16, (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Brodie, 16 (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

A spokesperson from Durham Police said: “If you have seen either of the girls or have any information that could help locate them, call 999.”

Met Office forecasters expect clear skies and highs of 21C in York on Friday afternoon (May 1).

Sunshine is forecast on Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures set to heat up to 16C and 17C into Friday.

Saturday will see sunny intervals with highs of 19C, the Met Office said.

Forecasters expect temperatures to drop slightly in York to 16C on Sunday and Monday.

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Clouds are forecast on Sunday and Monday with a 30 per cent chance of rain.

The Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, Tom Crabtree, said temperatures could reach 24C in central and southern areas of England on Friday.

“Into the bank holiday weekend, the weather looks more changeable, with showers at times – particularly in the north – but also some sunnier intervals,” he said.

“Details will become clearer closer to the weekend, so do keep up to date with the latest Met Office forecast.”

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI – prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

This month’s weather blew hot and cold, but looking at the products our readers loved in April, it seems you’ve been embracing spring transformations and summer dresses.

In the name of “show don’t tell,” let’s get into the 17 products you lot loved in the past few weeks:

 Located off Ringlet Way, the housebuilder says the development comprises a mix of practically designed, energy efficient two, three- and four-bedroom homes.

 Prices for the homes at Bishop’s Quarter start at £287,000 for a ‘two-bedroom plus’ Ripley house type, so called as it has an additional upstairs room offering flexibility as a live/work area.

The largest of the properties remaining is the ‘four-bedroom plus’ detached Thoresby priced at £510,000 which, like the Ripley, also features an additional room upstairs.

Wetherby-based Avant says selected plots at Bishop’s Quarter are available with a range of incentives. This includes five per cent deposit paid (worth up to £16,750) and My Move Made Easy, where the housebuilder will help a buyer sell their existing home.

 All remaining properties at the development benefit from open-plan kitchen and dining spaces with integrated appliances and classic French doors opening to the rear gardens.

 The downstairs also features a large living and a WC. Selected properties at the development also benefit from a dedicated utility room and an internal garage.  

Upstairs, all the homes feature master bedrooms with en-suites, with the other generous bedrooms served by a family bathroom.

Bishop’s Quarter is being delivered by Avant Home North Yorkshire.

The regional operating business’s sales and marketing director, Dan Hardcastle, said: “Our Bishop’s Quarter development has delivered a new thriving community in Sherburn-in-Elmet, with our homes proving hugely popular with buyers looking to move in or to the area.  

 “Located just a 30-minute drive from Leeds, with easy access to York and Selby, Sherburn-in-Elmet is an excellent choice for commuters.

 “With only 22 remaining homes at Bishop’s Quarter, any interested buyers should come speak with our sales team to learn more about making their next move to the development.”

 For more information on the development, search ‘Avant Homes Bishop’s Quarter.’

North Yorkshire Police say the 15-year-old boy who was reported missing from Fulford has now been located.

A force spokesman said: “Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal and contacted us with information.

“Your support really does make a difference and helps us bring missing people home safely.”

It followed an earlier appeal for help to find missing Sisam who had last been seen at his home at about 11.15am on Monday (April 27).

Missing teenager Sisam who was last seen at his home at about 11.15am on Monday has been found safe and well (Image: Harry Booth)