Social News(2025/05/26)
NHK survey finds more than 1,600 dilapidated hospitals nationwide "over 40 years old"
2025-05-26 21:53:00
With an increasing number of hospitals now facing financial difficulties, aging buildings have become a major issue. An NHK survey found that there are over 1,600 hospitals nationwide with wards that are over 40 years old, exceeding the statutory useful life. Although buildings can continue to be used even after their useful life has expired, experts point out that "construction costs and other factors are soaring, and there is a risk that hospitals will continue to be unable to rebuild even when they are old."
TOP
Three arrested for introducing acquaintances to Cambodia-based fraud ring
2025-05-26 20:11:00
Three people in their 20s and 30s were arrested for sending an acquaintance to Cambodia, introducing him to a fraud group, and making special fraud calls. The company employee who was the caller explained to the police that "the base was like a town surrounded by a wall," and the police are currently investigating the actual situation of the overseas-based special fraud group.
TOP
Government presents outline of "Basic Policy" to promote regional revitalization to realize growth-oriented economy
2025-05-26 19:54:00
The government has put together the outline of this year's "Basic Policy." It states that it will promote regional revitalization to realize a growth-oriented economy based on wage increases, and will mobilize all policies, including support for small and medium-sized enterprises, to ensure that wage increases exceed inflation.
TOP
Okinawa's "Cornerstone of Peace" plaque with 342 new names inscribed on it installed
2025-05-26 19:42:00
Ahead of Memorial Day on the 23rd of next month, which commemorates those who died in the Battle of Okinawa and other battles, a plaque has been installed at the Cornerstone of Peace in Itoman, where the names of those who died in the war are inscribed. The plaque contains the names of 342 people who have been newly declared dead over the past year.
TOP
Iwate's Ofunato forest fires continue three months after the disaster, as fisheries prepare to make up for lost time
2025-05-26 19:40:00
On the 26th, it will be three months since a large-scale forest fire broke out in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture. The fishing industry, which is the main industry in the region, has been affected by the fire, and set net fishing, which would normally have already begun this year, has not been able to start, so fishermen are making preparations to make up for the delay.
TOP
A man in his 70s was stabbed in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, and was rushed to hospital. A man was arrested near the scene, and related cases are being investigated.
2025-05-26 19:29:00
On the afternoon of the 26th, a man in his 70s, the president of a real estate company in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, was stabbed in the stomach and back with a knife and taken to the hospital. He was conscious when he was taken to the hospital. A male suspect was arrested near the scene for assaulting a police officer during a routine questioning, and police are investigating whether this is related to the incident in which the man was stabbed.
TOP
Gifu hospital to refund 4.5 million yen in medical fees after staff member smokes at smoke-free hospital
2025-05-26 19:20:00
Gifu Red Cross Hospital has decided to refund approximately 4.5 million yen in medical fees related to the smoking cessation clinic to patients and others, after 16 staff members were found smoking around the wards and other areas, despite having opened a "smoking cessation clinic" and implemented a completely smoking ban on the premises.
TOP
[Q&A] Readings of names in family registers now in effect - check the "notification"
2025-05-26 19:12:00
A new system to include readings of names in family registers began on the 26th. Postcards with readings of names are to be sent to each household from the local government where the person's registered domicile is located, and local governments are scrambling to keep up.
TOP
Ishikawa Prefecture adds 17 rivers in Noto region to "important flood control areas" to strengthen measures
2025-05-26 18:38:00
Ahead of the rainy season and typhoon season, a disaster prevention council was held in Ishikawa Prefecture, and in response to last year's heavy rain disasters, the council confirmed its intention to strengthen measures by adding a total of more than 65 kilometers of 17 rivers to the list of "important flood control areas" that require intensive patrols and inspections during heavy rains.
TOP
First meeting to review "High-cost medical care system": "Direction to be set by this fall"
2025-05-26 18:36:00
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare held the first meeting of a specialist committee to consider the state of the "High-cost Medical Care Fee System," which aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of patients who have incurred high medical expenses. After holding hearings with patient groups, the committee will summarize the direction of the review by the fall of this year.
TOP
First hearing for defendant in Saitama Tokorozawa illegal part-time job robbery and assault case
2025-05-26 18:30:00
The first hearing of the 43-year-old defendant, who is believed to be the perpetrator of a robbery and assault case in which a group of four illegal part-time workers broke into a house in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, last October, was held at the Saitama District Court, and the defendant admitted to the charges.
TOP
Setagaya Ward Mayor holds press conference on "issuing Qualification Certificates to all National Health Insurance subscribers"
2025-05-26 18:28:00
Tokyo's Setagaya and Shibuya wards have decided to issue "qualification confirmation certificates" to all National Health Insurance subscribers, including those who have My Number insurance cards, in place of insurance cards. Setagaya ward mayor Nobuto Hosaka explained that the decision, which differs from the national policy, is to guarantee the right of ward residents to receive insured medical treatment, given that understanding of My Number insurance cards has not progressed.
TOP
Okinawa US Marine arrested on suspicion of drunk driving
2025-05-26 18:20:00
On the 25th, a US Marine Corps soldier was arrested by police in Okinawa on suspicion of hit-and-run, and another soldier was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in the early hours of the 26th. According to the police, he has denied the charges during questioning.
TOP
A man in his 70s was stabbed in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, and was rushed to hospital. A man was arrested near the scene, and related cases are being investigated.
2025-05-26 18:10:00
On the afternoon of the 26th, a man in his 70s, the president of a real estate company in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, was stabbed in the stomach and back with a knife and taken to the hospital. He was conscious when he was taken to the hospital. A male suspect was arrested near the scene for assaulting a police officer during a routine questioning, and police are investigating whether this is related to the incident in which the man was stabbed.
TOP
LDP proposes relocating government ministries and agencies to rural areas and creating regions that people want to live in to achieve regional revitalization
2025-05-26 18:09:00
In order to achieve regional revitalization, the Liberal Democratic Party has recommended to Prime Minister Ishiba that he take the lead in relocating central government ministries and agencies to the regions and creating regions that are chosen by young people and women.
TOP
Abiko, Chiba introduces child medical expenses subsidy system for outside prefectures, a first in the country
2025-05-26 18:09:00
Abiko City in Chiba Prefecture has signed an agreement with a medical institution in the neighboring city of Toride in Ibaraki Prefecture, becoming the first city in the country to introduce a system that allows children's medical expenses to be subsidized at offices outside the prefecture.
TOP
List of Japanese people forcibly removed from Northern Territories made available to those concerned, federation of former islanders
2025-05-26 18:07:00
The Kuril Islands Habomai Islands Residents Association, which is made up of former residents of the Northern Territories, held an opportunity for interested parties to view a list of Japanese people who were forcibly deported from the Northern Territories by the Soviet Union after the end of the war on the 26th in Sapporo.
TOP
Ahead of the House of Councillors election, university students discuss the relationship between politics and social media
2025-05-26 18:06:00
At an event held by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and others in an effort to increase voter turnout among young people ahead of the House of Councillors election this summer, university students exchanged opinions on the relationship between politics and social media. Some participants pointed out that while social media has the advantage of allowing people to easily gather information, there are issues with its accuracy, and comparisons with other media are necessary.
TOP
Earthquake Alert: Magnitude 4 earthquake hits Urakawa town, Hokkaido, no risk of tsunami
2025-05-26 17:58:00
At around 5:47 pm on the 26th, an earthquake measuring magnitude 4 was observed in Hokkaido. There is no need to worry about a tsunami caused by this earthquake.
TOP
Okinawa US Marine arrested on suspicion of drunk driving
2025-05-26 17:56:00
On the 25th, a US Marine Corps soldier was arrested by police in Okinawa on suspicion of hit-and-run, and another soldier was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in the early hours of the 26th. According to the police, he has denied the charges during questioning.
TOP
First hearing of 88-year-old defendant in Saitama post office hostage crisis
2025-05-26 17:51:00
The first hearing of an 88-year-old defendant charged with attempted murder and other crimes in connection with a hostage situation at a post office in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture, two years ago in which a handgun was fired, was held at the Saitama District Court.The defendant partially denied the charges, stating, "I fired a handgun, but I did not intend to kill anyone."
TOP
Readings to be added to names on family registers to begin today - Check your "notification"
2025-05-26 17:46:00
A new system to include readings of names in family registers began on the 26th. Postcards with readings of names are to be sent to each household from the local government where the person's registered domicile is located, and local governments are scrambling to keep up.
TOP
Iwate's Ofunato forest fires continue three months after the disaster, as fisheries prepare to make up for lost time
2025-05-26 17:11:00
On the 26th, it will be three months since a large-scale forest fire broke out in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture. The fishing industry, which is the main industry in the region, has been affected by the fire, and set net fishing, which would normally have already begun this year, has not been able to start, so fishermen are making preparations to make up for the delay.
TOP
A man in his 70s was stabbed in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, and was rushed to hospital. A man was arrested near the scene, and related cases are being investigated.
2025-05-26 16:30:00
On the afternoon of the 26th, a man in his 70s was stabbed in the stomach and back with a knife at a real estate company in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and was taken to the hospital. He was conscious when he was taken to the hospital. Near the scene, a man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer who was trying to question him, and the police are investigating whether this is related to the incident in which the man was stabbed.
TOP
Remains of 368 people newly interred at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery
2025-05-26 16:27:00
A memorial service to console the spirits of those who died in battles overseas during World War II was held at the Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo, where the remains of 368 people brought back by a government investigation team and others were newly interred.
TOP
A man in his 70s was stabbed at a real estate company in Atsugi, Kanagawa and taken to hospital
2025-05-26 15:46:00
According to the police, at around 1:30 p.m. on the 26th, a call was made to the fire department from a real estate company in Shimokawairi, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, reporting that a man had been stabbed in the stomach and back with a knife.
TOP
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology: "Applications for university tuition fee reduction and exemption will be accepted until June 30th"
2025-05-26 15:37:00
Regarding the university tuition fee reduction and exemption system for households with three or more children, some students are unable to apply in time for the deadline, so the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has once again notified universities and other institutions in writing to accept applications until the 30th of next month.
TOP
Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward opens schools earlier than normal to combat "morning barrier for first graders"
2025-05-26 15:22:00
As a measure to combat the "morning wall for first graders," which makes it difficult to balance work and childcare once a child enters elementary school, Tokyo's Shinagawa ward has begun an initiative to accept children at school earlier than their school start time.
TOP
Akita, Kazuno, house fire: 2 bodies found, wife and son uncontactable
2025-05-26 15:10:00
On the morning of the 26th, a fire broke out in a house in Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, and two people were found dead. According to the police, four people were living in the house, and two of them have been unable to be contacted, so the police are currently investigating the details of the incident.
TOP
Manzai duo "Showa no Iru and Koiru" Showa no Iru passes away at age 88
2025-05-26 15:06:00
Showa no Iru-san, a popular comedian who played the straight man role in the comedy duo "Showa no Iru and Koiru," passed away on the 24th at a hospital in Tokyo due to pneumonia. He was 88 years old.
TOP
[Video Explanation] What should you pay attention to when holding an umbrella?
2025-05-26 14:02:00
This year is also a season of many rainy days. It has been announced that the rainy season is likely to have begun in southern Kyushu and Okinawa. So we decided to look into how to hold an umbrella. We will explain it in a video.
TOP
U.S. Marine Corps soldier arrested in Okinawa for drunk driving
2025-05-26 13:50:00
On the 25th, a US Marine Corps soldier was arrested by police in Okinawa on suspicion of hit-and-run, and another soldier was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in the early hours of the 26th. According to the police, he has denied the charges during questioning.
TOP
Arrest warrant issued for Vietnamese suspect who ordered his younger brother in Japan to shoplift remotely
2025-05-26 12:48:00
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for a 39-year-old Vietnamese suspect and is continuing its investigation into the case, alleging that he remotely instructed his younger brother in Japan to shoplift from a drugstore from Vietnam.
TOP
Nagano: Two Gunma men missing while picking wild vegetables found dead
2025-05-26 12:44:00
On the 25th, two men from Gunma prefecture went missing while gathering wild vegetables in the forests of Yamanouchi Town, Nagano prefecture, and police and others began a search on the morning of the 26th, discovering the bodies of the two men in a nearby river. The police are currently investigating the identity of the two men, assuming they were swept away by the river.
TOP
First hearing for defendant in Saitama Tokorozawa illegal part-time job robbery and assault case
2025-05-26 12:42:00
The first hearing of the 43-year-old defendant, who is believed to be the perpetrator of a robbery and assault case in which a group of four illegal part-time workers broke into a house in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, last October, was held at the Saitama District Court, and the defendant admitted to the charges.
TOP
Posthumous letter of Kei Wakaizumi, who made "secret pact" to bring nuclear weapons into Okinawa after the return of the island, to be donated to Okinawa Prefecture
2025-05-26 12:25:00
Kei Wakaizumi, an international political scientist who was involved in the secret negotiations with the United States over the return of Okinawa and in the drafting of the "secret agreement" regarding the introduction of nuclear weapons, wrote a letter two years before his death in which he expressed his desire to take his own life out of remorse for Okinawa. This letter will be donated to Okinawa Prefecture this year, 80 years after the end of the war.
TOP
National Public Safety Commission Chairman Sakai: "Foreign Driver's License Conversion" Should be Reviewed Immediately
2025-05-26 12:04:00
Regarding the "foreign license exchange" process, which allows drivers to exchange their driver's license obtained abroad for a Japanese license, National Public Safety Commission Chairman Sakai stated his intention to ask the National Police Agency to review the process as soon as possible, including by tightening address verification.
TOP
The fourth game of the "Eiou Tournament" begins. Will Ito win the Eiou title for the second time in a row? Will Saito 8-dan keep his hopes alive?
2025-05-26 11:26:00
The fourth game of the Eio tournament, one of the eight major titles in shogi, has begun in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. Attention is focused on whether Eio Takumi Ito (22) will win the title for the second consecutive year, or whether challenger Shintaro Saito (32), 8th dan, will be able to continue his hopes for the final game.
TOP
Akita, Kazuno, house fire: 2 bodies found, wife and son uncontactable
2025-05-26 11:15:00
On the morning of the 26th, a fire broke out in a house in Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, and two people were found dead. According to the police, four people were living in the house, and two of them have been unable to be contacted, so the police are currently investigating the details of the incident.
TOP
[Earthquake Alert] Iwate and Miyagi: Seismic Intensity 3, no risk of tsunami
2025-05-26 10:10:00
At around 9:56 a.m. on the 26th, an earthquake measuring magnitude 3 was observed in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. There is no need to worry about a tsunami caused by this earthquake.
TOP
Tokyo Metropolitan Government opens consultation desk for nursing care workers regarding "customer harassment"
2025-05-26 07:14:00
In order to deal with customer harassment such as violence and verbal abuse in nursing care facilities, known as "customer harassment," the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has opened a consultation hotline for nursing care staff and is working to address the issue.
TOP
Iwate's Ofunato forest fires continue three months after the disaster, as fisheries prepare to make up for lost time
2025-05-26 06:12:00
On the 26th, it will be three months since a large-scale forest fire broke out in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture. The fishing industry, which is the main industry in the region, has been affected by the fire, and set net fishing, which would normally have already begun this year, has not been able to start, so fishermen are making preparations to make up for the delay.
TOP
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to announce details of sale of stockpiled rice through discretionary contract today
2025-05-26 04:41:00
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to officially announce details on the 26th and begin accepting applications from businesses for the sale of stockpiled rice through discretionary contracts. The ministry also plans to set up a new team to deal with rising rice prices, and the focus will be on whether stockpiled rice can be distributed to consumers as quickly as possible at the target price of 2,000 yen for 5 kilograms.
TOP
"Blooms once every 10 years" Gaimi Lily, flowers about 40cm in size, Nagoya
2025-05-26 04:29:00
At Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Nagoya, the Gaium lily, which is said to flower once every 10 years, is now in full bloom and at its best.
TOP
Nagasaki Urakami Cathedral bell restored to mark 80 years since atomic bombing and open to the public
2025-05-26 04:28:00
The bell of Urakami Cathedral, destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, has been restored to mark the 80th anniversary of the bombing and is now open to the public.
TOP
Okinawa: US soldier arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run; four injured after crash
2025-05-26 01:09:00
On the 25th, a 20-year-old US Marine Corps corporal was driving a passenger car on a national highway in Naha City when he collided with another car, injuring four people, including two children, and then leaving the scene. He was arrested by the police on suspicion of hit-and-run and other offenses. He is said to be denying some of the charges, saying, "It's not that I didn't provide first aid."
TOP
