Steve comments

This is a messed-up part of Japanese law. Not surprised that custody was given to the Japanese national. It is time that Japan recognizes that kids need access to both parents whenever possible. If they don't, this problem of abduction back to Japan will continue to happen.

Someone commented that festivals are supposed to be fun, and not religious, but that is not so true in Japan. Many of the festivals contain religious activities for example carrying a mikoshi. A lot of Japanese people do not realize the religious elements in their festivals.

Surely this ‘test’ is not significant. Only 7 people. What exactly are they testing? It is more laughable than anything.

＠2020hindsights Didn't say that, but Jeans and T-Shirt was saying otherwise, so was asking where they go that. As mentioned above, if you seriously believe that there is separation between the police and prime minister, then you are pretty naive . Also, you don't call kicking a woman while she is down, brutality? We all saw what the police are capable of at the start of this protest.

@Jeans and T-shirt I believe that the police knocked over a gas burning, but it was them. Again, point me to the footage. Today's behavior went beyond mere crowd control. The police brutality (and Jacinda and her government) will not look good once this has all blown over.

@Jeans and T-shirt I am not denying there was violence from those at Parliament.. I saw the people picking up paving stones (bricks) to throw at the police. The Police however, incited the violence today, and unless you can point me to some footage that says otherwise, I will continue to believe that the police started the initial fire.

@2020hindsights I completely agree. People were fueling the fires, and there were multiple fires ground the ground. My point is that the original one was started by the police and they also incited the whole violence to start.

@Jeans and T-shirt

Which live stream? MSM? Please tell me where I can see that footage, because it makes no sense for the protesters to light a fire. The police on the other hand had a motive to do so.

@2020hindsights Not unless you have been only getting your info from MSM. The protest has been relatively peaceful until today

@Jeans and T-shirt It is a sad day for NZ. The police will many peoples respect and the ego of the current Prime Minister will continue until next election. The initial fire btw, was started by the police.

@Reckless. Yes, she can and has done a lot wrong. She is focused on getting the spotlight and trying to control other people's lives.

Unfortunately, she has caused a lot of misery for New Zealanders both inside and outside the country. She is a leader that loves the limelight and is trying to be the hero that saves New Zealand. Her Government has introduced new laws to suit themselves and despite stating that they want to be transparent, have been completely the opposite.

Yet another hit and run in Japan. This is unfortunately becoming a trend.

What an amazing series of events. Thankfully, all involved can live to tell what happened.

Tragic time for Tonga. Hope they recover fast. Nature can be so beautiful, yet so violent at the same time.

He lied about his travel, so for that it was right to deport him. Many Australians didn’t want him there. However, the vax free are no more of a danger than the vaxed. From news articles I have read, it seems to be the vaxed that are spreading this thing.

PTownsend

While your NZ friends may be comfortable with the current situation, there are plenty who aren’t. I have relatives and friends who are fine living there, but my opinion isn’t from a selection of friends and family. There have been huge protests over there like I have never seen before in NZ.

nonu6976

Do you follow New Zealand politics? Last election was before this COVID mess started. The Labour Party (current NZ government ) took a big hit in the latest poll. While still ahead, I will be surprised if they get in next election.

@PTownsend

The New Zealand Government is not in any way competent or sensible. They are a nightmare for many living there. I am from New Zealand and have family / friends there.

＠Paul It will not keep the event safe because vaccinated people can still carry and spread the virus just as much if not more than unvaccinated people.

Tragic news. Although living so high is dangerous with toddlers around, why did they leave a chair next to the balcony wall? No chair and this wouldn’t have happened.

This story is next to the one about the woman who murdered her common-law husband. It is dangerous to be a common-law in Japan.

Although the culture is different and I may never understand, Japanese schools do seem to weld an unhealthy control over students life. It would seem that some students have had enough. I wouldn't have wanted to go to school in Japan.

Imagine that. Parents actually have to look after their own toddlers. What a novel idea. I understand that parents have to work these days, but when you have kids, you have to be prepared to have your life interrupted.

Just when you thought that you have heard every excuse under the sun, a new / creative one pops up. Greed got the better of her for sure.

When will this kind of news stop! What a sick thing to do. Pretty hard to police, as it would have been assumed that he was a sibling. I hope that some good can come of this.

The Japanese criminal system may or may not be better than some other countries mentioned above, but it does not change the fact that it is generally unfair and that there is psychological torture practiced regularly. While daily life for many foreigners is not too bad, I definitely do not want to get caught up in the criminal system here.

A little childish for a 49 year old to be acting like this. He definitely needs some help.

Tragic. It looks like a big mess. Driving to the conditions is important.

I wonder if the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead with COVID19 out of control like this. Do the athletes really want to come over and compete?