Prices of gold in Japan leaped to 16,078 yen (about 167 U.S. dollars) per gram on Friday, marking a historic high for the second consecutive trading day.
It came after retail gold prices surpassed 16,000 yen per gram for the first time on Wednesday, latest data released by Japan's largest gold retailer showed.
With gold prices soaring, the country's gold market is experiencing a vibrant surge.
The manager of a gold shop located in Tokyo stated that the number of customers inquiring about gold transactions has increased by 20 to 30 percent compared to the same period last year.
Among them, some customers are seeking to offload large gold items that they have cherished at home for many years, taking advantage of the current high prices.
The recent record highs in Japan's retail gold prices are primarily attributed to the uncertain outlook of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies as well as the escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have heightened investor risk aversion and led funds to flow into gold, viewed as a safe-haven asset.
Japanese media outlets noted that if the yen exhibits a trend of depreciation in the foreign exchange market, it will further drive up gold prices.
Investors in the gold market are closely monitoring future exchange rate trends in conjunction with the monetary policies of the U.S. and Japan.
Gold prices hit record high in Japan
Fuzhou, the capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, launched a cross-strait cultural carnival during the May Day holiday, attracting visitors from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to revel in the festivities.
The carnival unfolded at a historical and cultural block in Lianjiang County, Fuzhou, where an array of performances highlighted local culture and the deep ties across the Strait, serving as a rich cultural feast for holidaymakers.
"Strolling through the ancient streets, with the old buildings on both sides and intangible heritage performances all around, it feels like traveling back in time. It also reminds you that people on both sides of the Strait share the same roots and the same cultural lineage," said Zhang Chuanzhen, a Taiwan compatriot.
In addition to stage performances, the block also featured intangible cultural heritage displays, cultural and creative markets, and hands-on craft experience activities. The immersive and interactive setting invited visitors to explore the history, take in the scenery, and savor the culture.
"We are dedicated to allowing everyone to experience the breadth and depth of Chinese culture, and to strengthen the sense of shared cultural identity across the Strait. Going forward, Lianjiang County will continue to innovate forms of cultural exchanges and build a bridge for heart-to-heart communication between compatriots on both sides of the Strait, especially among the younger generations," said Ren Yong, director of the Lianjiang County Cultural Center.
Fujian holds May Day holiday cultural carnival to entertain visitors across Taiwan Strait
