Social News(2024/12/04)
Kumamoto District Court awards prefecture 61 million yen in compensation for police officer suicide recognized as work-related accident
2024-12-04 22:00:00
In a lawsuit filed by the family of a male Kumamoto Prefectural Police officer who committed suicide seven years ago, the family sought compensation, claiming that the officer had been "mentally driven to the brink by long working hours." The Kumamoto District Court recognized a causal relationship between the officer's work and the suicide, and ordered the prefecture to pay more than 61 million yen.
TOP
Former LDP President Tanigaki: "We need to improve the environment for probation officers" - Requests budget expansion
2024-12-04 20:38:00
Regarding the treatment of probation officers, who support the rehabilitation of people who have completed their prison sentences, former LDP president and former Minister of Justice, Tanigaki Sadakazu, visited the party headquarters and requested an increase in the budget, citing the need to create an environment in which probation officers can carry out their work with peace of mind, in light of incidents in which they have been victimized.
TOP
U.S. Space Command in Japan launched at Yokota Air Base, a new unit responsible for space operations
2024-12-04 20:09:00
In order to respond to North Korea and other countries that continue to launch missiles, the U.S. military has established a new unit, the United States Space Command Japan, at Yokota Air Base to handle space operations, and an inauguration ceremony was held on the 4th.
TOP
"Self-driving trucks" demonstration experiment on highways: Will it help ease labor shortages?
2024-12-04 19:39:00
As the shortage of truck drivers responsible for logistics becomes an issue, the government, truck manufacturers, and others have begun demonstration experiments on the Shin-Tomei Expressway with the aim of achieving "Level 4" autonomous driving, in which trucks will be able to drive on expressways without a driver, from next fiscal year onwards.
TOP
Lawyers call on Speaker of the House of Representatives to establish a committee to review the death penalty in the Diet
2024-12-04 19:22:00
Lawyers and academics who have been discussing the death penalty met with House of Representatives Speaker Nukaga and called for the establishment of a conference in the Diet to fundamentally review the system.
TOP
[Earthquake Alert] Earthquake magnitude 3 hits Tochigi, Gunma and Saitama
2024-12-04 19:21:00
An earthquake occurred at around 7:11pm on the 4th. There is no need to worry about a tsunami from this earthquake. The epicenter was in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, the depth of the epicenter was 50km, and the magnitude, which indicates the scale of the earthquake, is estimated to be 4.3. The seismic intensity in each city and town is as follows: Seismic Intensity 3 Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture Itakura Town, Gunma Prefecture Oizumi Town, Gunma Prefecture Urawa Ward, Saitama City Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture Miyashiro Town, Saitama Prefecture
TOP
[Earthquake Alert] Earthquake magnitude 3 hits Tochigi, Gunma and Saitama
2024-12-04 19:16:00
An earthquake occurred at around 7:11 pm on the 4th. Currently, the following areas are experiencing seismic intensity levels of 3 or higher. Seismic Intensity 3 Southern Tochigi Prefecture Southern Gunma Prefecture Northern Saitama Prefecture Southern Saitama Prefecture
TOP
Exhibition introducing Noto Peninsula crafts and other products begins at shopping center in front of Tokyo Station
2024-12-04 19:14:00
An exhibition showcasing crafts and other items from the Noto Peninsula, which was severely damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake, opened on the 4th at a shopping center in front of Tokyo Station.
TOP
"Self-driving trucks" demonstration experiment on highways: Will it help ease labor shortages?
2024-12-04 18:50:00
As the shortage of truck drivers responsible for logistics becomes an issue, the government, truck manufacturers, and others have begun demonstration experiments on the Shin-Tomei Expressway with the aim of achieving "Level 4" autonomous driving, in which trucks will be able to drive on expressways without a driver, from next fiscal year onwards.
TOP
Son arrested in Nagoya for injecting supplements into mother's IV drip, causing her death
2024-12-04 18:24:00
A 62-year-old son was arrested on suspicion of causing death by injury after he injected a commercially available supplement into the IV drip of his 85-year-old mother, who was hospitalized at a hospital in Nagoya City, with a syringe, causing her death. According to the police, the son stated during questioning that he was "trying to improve his mother's health."
TOP
U.S. Space Command in Japan launched at Yokota Air Base, a new unit responsible for space operations
2024-12-04 18:22:00
In order to respond to North Korea and other countries that continue to launch missiles, the U.S. military has established a new unit, the United States Space Command Japan, at Yokota Air Base to handle space operations, and an inauguration ceremony was held on the 4th.
TOP
Tochigi Prefecture business owner arrested for purchasing copper cables knowing they were stolen
2024-12-04 18:05:00
In a case where a group of Thai thieves was arrested for stealing copper cables from a solar power generation facility, the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a contractor in Tochigi Prefecture for purchasing the copper cables knowing that they were stolen. The police believe that the contractor purchased approximately 40 million yen worth of copper cables over 90 transactions. The contractor has denied the charges.
TOP
International Academic Achievement Survey: Japan's elementary school science ranking drops to 6th but maintains high standards
2024-12-04 18:02:00
The results of an international academic achievement survey, which tests basic knowledge of arithmetic, mathematics, and science, have been released. Japan's ranking in elementary school science dropped to 6th place from the previous survey, but the country maintained a high level overall.
TOP
"Self-driving trucks" demonstration experiment on highways: Will it help ease labor shortages?
2024-12-04 17:54:00
As the shortage of truck drivers responsible for logistics becomes an issue, the government, truck manufacturers, and others have begun demonstration experiments on the Shin-Tomei Expressway with the aim of achieving "Level 4" autonomous driving, in which trucks will be able to drive on expressways without a driver, from next fiscal year onwards.
TOP
Suspect arrested in Saitama's Tokorozawa for illegal part-time work: "20 to 30 transfers of money"
2024-12-04 17:44:00
In a robbery and assault case in October this year in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, a group of four people working illegal part-time jobs broke into the house, and the suspect who was arrested and is believed to be the "fund manager" has said, "I have handed over money to the people who carried out the illegal part-time jobs about 20 to 30 times so far," according to an interview with an investigator. All of these incidents are believed to have been instructed by the leader, and the police are investigating in detail.
TOP
Japan Fair Trade Commission launches dedicated page to gather information from sellers to clarify Amazon's real situation
2024-12-04 17:35:00
The Fair Trade Commission, which has begun an investigation into the major online retailer Amazon Japan for alleged violations of the Antimonopoly Act, alleging that the company has forced sellers to lower their sales prices, set up a special page on its website on the 4th to collect information from sellers in order to clarify the situation.
TOP
NHK and five commercial BS broadcasters will broadcast recommended 4K and 8K programs towards the end of the year
2024-12-04 16:25:00
To allow viewers to enjoy clear, immersive 4K and 8K programming, NHK and the five commercial BS broadcasters will be running a campaign to broadcast recommended programs towards the end of the year.
TOP
Nikko Shrines and Temples: 25 Years Since Being Registered as a World Heritage Site - Challenges Facing to Improve Attraction as a Tourist Destination
2024-12-04 16:13:00
On the 4th, it will be 25 years since the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" including Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture was registered as a World Heritage Site. While the number of foreign tourists is increasing in various places, the number of overnight stays in the city is stagnating, and the issue of how to improve its appeal as a tourist destination is becoming an issue.
TOP
Commemorative tickets go on sale to mark 25 years since Nikko Shrines and Temples were registered as a World Heritage Site
2024-12-04 15:15:00
On the 4th, which marked 25 years since the Shrines and Temples of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, private railway companies that operate trains to Nikko began selling commemorative train tickets at stations in the Kanto region.
TOP
Nikko Shrines and Temples: 25 Years Since Being Registered as a World Heritage Site - Challenges Facing to Improve Attraction as a Tourist Destination
2024-12-04 15:05:00
On the 4th, it will be 25 years since the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" including Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture was registered as a World Heritage Site. While the number of foreign tourists is increasing in various places, the number of overnight stays in the city is stagnating, and the issue of how to improve its appeal as a tourist destination is becoming an issue.
TOP
Market prices of medicines are on average 5% lower than the prices set by the government
2024-12-04 15:02:00
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has published the results of a survey showing that market prices for drugs are on average 5% lower than the prices set by the government. As a result, the "drug price" portion of medical fees paid to medical institutions is expected to be reduced from next fiscal year, and full-scale discussions are underway to determine the extent of the reduction and which drugs will be subject to it.
TOP
JAM, a labor union for small and medium-sized enterprises, will demand a wage increase of more than 15,000 yen per month in the spring labor offensive
2024-12-04 15:01:00
JAM, a labor union made up of small and medium-sized companies in the machinery and metals industries, has put together a draft policy for next year's spring labor offensive, calling for a monthly wage increase of at least 15,000 yen, the equivalent of a base pay increase. This is the highest amount demanded to date, and is intended to help rectify the disparity between large and small companies.
TOP
Financial Services Agency conducts on-site inspection of Nextage regarding car insurance
2024-12-04 14:50:00
It has been learned that the Financial Services Agency has begun an on-site inspection of Nextage, a major used car dealer, in order to uncover the reality of fraudulent claims for automobile insurance. The agency plans to quickly investigate whether fraudulent insurance claims, which came to light in the case of the former Big Motor Co., were rampant in the industry.
TOP
System failure at driver's license centers in 31 prefectures, impacting procedures but recovery
2024-12-04 14:47:00
On the morning of the 4th, a system failure occurred at driver's license centers in 31 prefectures across Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka, causing temporary delays in driver's license issuance procedures. All systems have now been restored, and the National Police Agency is currently investigating the exact cause. Police headquarters across the country are in the process of migrating from their respective driver's license systems to the National Police Agency's common system, and the 31 prefectures where the failure occurred had already completed the transition.
TOP
Ruling party team begins work on route selection for Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Shin-Osaka
2024-12-04 14:10:00
Regarding the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, the ruling party's project team began work on the 4th to select one of three route proposals for the "Obama-Kyoto Route." They plan to hold hearings with JR West and local governments along the line and make a selection by the end of the year.
TOP
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare estimates that raising the upper limit of the high-cost medical care system will reduce insurance premium burden
2024-12-04 13:55:00
Regarding the review of the "High-cost Medical Care System," the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has presented a trial calculation of how raising the upper limit of patients' out-of-pocket expenses would affect those who pay insurance premiums. It has estimated that a maximum increase of 15% would reduce the burden from 1,200 yen to 5,600 yen per person per year.
TOP
System failure at driver's license centers in 31 prefectures, impacting procedures but recovery
2024-12-04 13:52:00
On the morning of the 4th, a system failure occurred at driver's license centers in 31 prefectures across Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka, causing temporary delays in driver's license issuance procedures. All systems have now been restored, and the National Police Agency is currently investigating the exact cause. Police headquarters across the country are in the process of migrating from their respective driver's license systems to the National Police Agency's common system, and the 31 prefectures where the failure occurred had already completed the transition.
TOP
Four arrested for repeatedly transporting goods from Toyosu Market in white-numbered trucks
2024-12-04 13:34:00
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has arrested four men, including a former truck driver, for repeatedly transporting fruit and other items from Tokyo's Toyosu Market in a white-numbered truck without a government license to operate a trucking business.
TOP
Ruling party team begins work on route selection for Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Shin-Osaka
2024-12-04 13:18:00
Regarding the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, the ruling party's project team began work on the 4th to select one of three route proposals for the "Obama-Kyoto Route." They plan to hold hearings with JR West and local governments along the line and make a selection by the end of the year.
TOP
Ishikawa Wajima: Heavy rains cause flooding around Tsukada River; restoration work to be rushed ahead of snowfall
2024-12-04 12:37:00
Emergency restoration work is underway around the Tsukada River in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where flooding caused by heavy rains in September this year resulted in the deaths of four people. Work is proceeding at a rapid pace at the site as future snowfall is expected to cause delays to the work.
TOP
Former prosecutor Chikara Hotta dies at age 90; involved in Lockheed scandal investigation and trial
2024-12-04 12:25:00
Tsutomu Hotta, a former prosecutor at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division, who was involved in the investigation and trial of the Lockheed Scandal and who devoted himself to promoting volunteer activities and welfare activities after his retirement, passed away last month due to old age. He was 90 years old.
TOP
Niigata: Junior high school students on school trip destroy exhibit at art museum; city to pay compensation and settle case
2024-12-04 12:11:00
Last year, Niigata City announced that it had reached an agreement to pay more than 6.7 million yen in compensation to Tokamachi City in relation to a case in which junior high school students from Niigata City destroyed an exhibit at an art museum in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, during a school trip.
TOP
Metropolitan Police Department cracks down on prostitution in Kabukicho, arresting 50 people
2024-12-04 12:10:00
As prostitution in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, has become a problem, the Metropolitan Police Department has announced that it has conducted an intensive crackdown since October this year, arresting 50 people.
TOP
General affairs chief of Ishioka Fire Department in Ibaraki arrested on suspicion of handing counterfeit bills to a woman
2024-12-04 11:58:00
A 51-year-old general affairs chief at a fire department in Ishioka, Ibaraki Prefecture, was arrested last year for allegedly handing a counterfeit 10,000 yen note to an 18-year-old woman he met on social media at a hotel in the prefecture. Police are investigating the possibility that he may have used his home printer to make counterfeit notes.
TOP
Okinawa: Former Japanese military headquarters bunker beneath Shuri Castle may not be officially opened to the public
2024-12-04 11:54:00
Okinawa Prefecture had aimed to open one of the entrances to the command bunker that the Imperial Japanese Army built underground at Shuri Castle during the Battle of Okinawa at the end of the Pacific War to the public in fiscal year 2025. However, interviews with relevant parties have revealed that due to safety and other issues, the official opening may be delayed until fiscal year 2020.
TOP
September welfare applications highest in 10 years, up 0.9% from last year
2024-12-04 11:22:00
The number of applications for public assistance nationwide in September this year was 21,832, up 0.9% from the same month last year. This is the highest number for the same month in the past 10 years, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is calling on people who are having difficulty making ends meet to "do not hesitate to consult with local government offices."
TOP
[Video] Dump truck bed gets stuck on pedestrian bridge, road closure in Nagoya
2024-12-04 11:20:00
On the morning of the 4th, in Kita-ku, Nagoya, a dump truck got stuck on a pedestrian bridge, causing it to become stuck, and it has been affected by the impact of the road being blocked in the vicinity of the scene. The police are investigating the possibility that the dump truck was driving with its loading platform raised.
TOP
Former prosecutor Chikara Hotta dies at age 90; involved in Lockheed scandal investigation and trial
2024-12-04 10:02:00
Tsutomu Hotta, a former prosecutor at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division, who was involved in the investigation and trial of the Lockheed Scandal and who devoted himself to promoting volunteer activities and welfare activities after his retirement, passed away last month due to old age. He was 90 years old.
TOP
Tokyu Meguro Line resumes operation
2024-12-04 08:15:00
According to Tokyu Corporation, services on the Tokyu Meguro Line were suspended on both lines between Meguro Station and Denenchofu Station from around 6:30 a.m., but resumed around 8 a.m.
TOP
Bear in Akita supermarket may have entered through back door just before
2024-12-04 07:55:00
A bear was captured after attacking a supermarket employee in Akita City and remaining inside the store for two days. Interviews with people involved in the incident revealed that security camera footage from the store showed that the bear had entered the store through a back door, which was open for preparations before opening, just before attacking the employee.
TOP
Firefighter arrested in Ishioka, Ibaraki, for passing counterfeit 10,000 yen bills at hotel
2024-12-04 07:53:00
According to an interview with an investigator, a fire department employee in his 50s in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, was arrested last year for handing a counterfeit 10,000 yen note to a woman he met on social media at a hotel in the prefecture. Police are investigating the possibility that the employee was counterfeiting banknotes at his home.
TOP
Suspect believed to be a financial manager in Tokorozawa, Saitama, may also be involved in the Kokubunji incident
2024-12-04 07:50:00
In connection with the robbery and assault case in which a group of four illegal part-time workers broke into a house in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture in October this year, it has been learned from investigators that cash believed to be part of the proceeds from a robbery and assault that took place the previous day in Kokubunji, Tokyo, had been transferred to the account of a suspect in his 20s who is believed to be the group's "financial manager" and was arrested on the 3rd.
TOP
Shohei Ohtani achieves 50-50 in this year's "Search Awards" for the second consecutive year
2024-12-04 07:29:00
The major Internet search sites announced the "Search Grand Prize," which recognizes the person or work that has seen the biggest increase in search numbers this year. Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers, the first player in Major League Baseball to achieve the "50-50" record of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, was selected as the grand prize winner for the second year in a row.
TOP
Nomura Securities faces a series of scandals, calling for review of organizational culture
2024-12-04 07:17:00
Following the indictment of a former employee of Nomura Securities on charges of attempted murder and robbery and arson, the company held a press conference on the 3rd, where President Kentaro Okuda voluntarily gave up his executive compensation, but revealed his intention not to resign. With the continued scandals at the largest securities firm undermining trust in finance itself, the company is likely to be heavily questioned not only about creating a system to prevent such incidents from happening again, but also about how to review the corporate culture.
TOP
Tokyu Meguro Line: Service suspended on both inbound and outbound lines between Meguro and Denenchofu
2024-12-04 07:04:00
According to Tokyu Corporation, Tokyu Meguro Line has suspended operations on both lines at Meguro Station and Denenchofu Station since around 6:30 a.m. due to a person stepping onto the tracks. Operations are expected to resume around 8 a.m.
TOP
Aomori: Harvesting of "Owani Onsen bean sprouts" flourishes using hot spring heat
2024-12-04 05:49:00
In Owani Town, Aomori Prefecture, the harvest of "Owani Onsen bean sprouts," a local specialty grown using the heat from hot springs, is in full swing.
TOP
The winter-only "Sennin-buro" open-air bath made by damming a river is popular in Wakayama
2024-12-04 05:45:00
At Kawayu Onsen in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, an open-air bath called "Senninburo" has been built by damming the river only during the winter, and it has been enjoyed by tourists.
TOP
JR East to soon apply for a 10 yen increase in starting fares on the Yamanote Line and other lines
2024-12-04 02:58:00
JR East has been considering a fare increase for March 2026, and is expected to soon submit an application to the government to raise the minimum fare for tickets on the Yamanote Line and other lines by 10 yen.
TOP
Trading company that has not paid overtime work submits measures to prevent recurrence to Japan Fair Trade Commission
2024-12-04 02:03:00
A Tokyo-based housing equipment trading company that was subjected to an on-site inspection by the Fair Trade Commission on suspicion of violating the Antimonopoly Act for failing to pay overtime wages to a shipping company it had outsourced to deliver products has submitted a plan to the Fair Trade Commission that includes measures to prevent a recurrence, according to interviews with people involved.
TOP
