National
Japan revises law to ban parents from physically punishing children
The Diet on Wednesday enacted a revised law banning parents and other guardians from physically punishing children following several fatal cases of abuse dealt out in the name of discipline. Another law was also amended to strengthen the ability of child welfare centers to "intervene" in abuse cases by separating… Read
EU worried about rise in whale exports to Japan from Iceland, Norway
The European Union has expressed concerns that Japan's resumption of commercial whaling in July following its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission may lead to increased exports of whale products to Tokyo from the whaling countries of Iceland and Norway. "We hope that the decision of Japan to limit its… Read
M6.7 quake strikes off northeast Japan; at least 26 injured
A strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan Tuesday night, sparking a tsunami advisory that was later lifted with no reports Wednesday of major damage. At least 26 people were injured. The Japan Meteorological Agency had warned Tuesday that a wave of one meter could hit the coast of the Sea… Read
Japan chases 300 North Korean boats out of fishing grounds
The Japanese coast guard said Tuesday its patrol boats have been pushing back hundreds of North Korean boats trying to poach in fishing grounds rich with squid off Japan's northern coast. More than 300 North Korean boats have been forced out of Japan's exclusive economic zone near Yamatotai since May,… Read
Roche wins Japan approval for personalized cancer drug Rozlytrek
Swiss drugmaker Roche's push into personalized cancer medicines hit a milestone on Tuesday with Japanese approval of a new drug, Rozlytrek, that targets patients who must be identified via genetic profiling. Japan is the first country to give its blessing to Rozlytrek, also known as entrectinib, targeting people with NTRK… Read
Japan focuses on dementia prevention, coexistence under new program
The cabinet on Tuesday approved a new program on dementia that focuses on prevention and helping patients with the illness live more comfortably. The program is aimed at curbing growth in welfare spending at a time when Japan's population is rapidly aging, with one in every five people aged 75… Read
Gov't unveils measures to prevent car crashes caused by elderly drivers
The Japanese government announced a series of measures Tuesday to prevent car accidents caused by elderly drivers, including emergency brakes and vehicle-free zones around schools, following a string of crashes involving children. One in four people aged 80 or over drives a car every day, the government said in a… Read
Nearly 50% of Japan's singles have no dating prospects: gov't survey
Almost half of singles in Japan who wish to get married are unable to find a suitable partner, with 61.4 percent of the group stating they are not doing anything to change the situation, a government survey showed Tuesday. A lack of opportunity to meet an appropriate partner, or not… Read
Court rejects call to revoke approval for nuclear reactor restarts
A district court said Monday it had found no illegality in safety clearance granted for two nuclear reactors in southwestern Japan that restarted after the 2011 Fukushima crisis, dismissing a demand by local residents and others seeking retraction of the permission. A total of 33 plaintiffs filed the lawsuit over… Read
Palau changes ocean sanctuary plan for Japanese trawlers
The Pacific nation of Palau has amended plans to create a huge marine reserve so Japanese trawlers still have partial access to its waters. Fish stocks are overexploited around the world, the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned this year, and Palau has long been regarded as a pioneer… Read
