National
Over 10% of Japan elderly will have no close relatives by 2050: research
The number of people aged 65 and over in Japan with no close relatives is expected to grow about 1.5 times in 2050 to make up over 10 percent of the elderly population, estimates by a research firm have found. Those without kin up to the third degree, including great… Read
Japan voted Best Country in world for 2nd year in a row in Conde Nast Traveler poll
Conde Nast Traveler has released the results of its Readers’ Choice Awards, and for the second year in a row, Japan has been voted Best Country. Japan finished with a score of 95.32 in the annual user survey, followed by Switzerland at 94.62 and Thailand at 92.29. A detailed breakdown of the… Read
Exhibition exploring Japan's food replica culture opens in London
An exhibit of Japanese replica foods has opened in London, with the organizers aiming to introduce Britain to the unique history, culture and craftsmanship of the artifacts. Visitors can feast their eyes on replicas, made with synthetic resin and wax, of dishes including delicacies from each of Japan's 47 prefectures… Read
Mother despairs over N Korea-abducted daughter on her 60th birthday
The mother of Megumi Yokota, an iconic victim among Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, is growing increasingly despondent over the prospects of reuniting with her daughter, whose 60th birthday was Saturday. "I'm saddened whenever her birthday comes around as it reminds me of the reality I'm in,"… Read
IAEA to have marine sampling near Fukushima plant with China, others
The International Atomic Energy Agency said Friday it will conduct a sampling of the marine environment near the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant from next week with international experts including those from China. China, a staunch opponent of the discharge of treated radioactive water from the power complex into the… Read
Tokyo approves ordinance to prevent abuse by customers
The Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly on Friday approved a draft ordinance to prevent customers from abusing workers in a first for Japan, a country where customers are famously referred to as "gods" in the service sector and enjoy a superior position. Coming into effect next April, the ordinance against so-called "customer… Read
Japan evacuates 16 people from conflict-hit Lebanon by SDF plane
An Air Self-Defense Force plane evacuated 16 people from Lebanon to neighboring Jordan on Friday amid the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, the Japanese government said. The C-2 transport airplane was on standby in Jordan for an order from Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to evacuate Japanese citizens… Read
Japanese government wants to acquire original anime and manga art for creation of national archive
For their first several decades of existence, manga and anime were largely considered little more than inconsequential disposable entertainment. Sure, some hard-core fans were keen for in-depth discussions and multiple readings/viewings of older works, but for mainstream society, and particularly among academics, the attitude was largely “Yeah, comics and animation may be fun, but… Read
Miyazaki Airport to be checked for more unexploded bombs after blast
The transport ministry said it will check Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan for unexploded bombs from World War II after one exploded on a taxiway and led to the cancellation of dozens of flights earlier this week. "This is something that could affect the safety of flights," said transport minister… Read
Tokyo Tower targets high-end foreign tourists with new luxury tour
The operator of Tokyo Tower will launch luxury small group tours this weekend offering priority access to the observation deck, in a move aimed at attracting high-end foreign tourists. The Tokyo Diamond Tour, priced at 7,000 yen per adult, will be held seven times a day from Saturday, with each… Read
