An earthquake measuring 6.1 struck the east of Hokkaido last Saturday, as hot air balloons took off from Ojiya in Niigata prefecture for the first time in four years the very same day. And in the Chiba town of Katsuura, a display of 30,000 traditional miniature dolls celebrates Hinamatsuri or Girls’ Day this year, with dolls donated from all different parts of the country. Meanwhile, with the 95th Academy Awards taking place in Hollywood next month, films such as “Small, Slow but Steady,” has been named film of the year following a screening at the Berlin International Film Festival. This year's entry was Makoto Shinkai’s “Suzume,” hi first animated film in three years and the first Japanese animated film competing for the award in 21 years, after Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” clinched the Golden Bear in 2002.

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