EDUCATION

Osaka has been considered something of a pioneer in LGBT rights in Japan. Back in 2013, Yodogawa Ward was the first government body in the country to officially declare support for LGBT communities. While merely a symbolic gesture at first, it has spread into a larger movement of sensitivity that now includes all wards in Osaka. (soranews24.com)

Some cafes in Japan are offering college students simulated experiences, using virtual reality technology, of everyday life at work in a company. (Jiji)

The average life expectancy in 2015 for women was highest in Kitanakagusuku, a village in the southernmost Japan prefecture of Okinawa, at 89.0 years, a health ministry survey showed Tuesday. (Jiji)

A 14-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of stealing 10 million yen in cash from a friend’s house, according to police. (Japan Today)

Nearly 20 pct of job-hunting university students in Japan secured informal offers of employment next spring as of April 1 this year, a private survey showed. (Jiji)

A Japanese government survey shows the country’s population continues to shrink and age. (NHK)

The Japanese government on Friday decided as an emergency measure to advise Internet service providers to block malicious pirating websites as part of efforts to enhance the protection of copyrights on manga and anime works. (Jiji)

Japanese men and women seem to sleep as much as one hour less than people from other countries. (soranews24.com)

Japan’s largest ancient mound, Daisen Kofun, officially designated as the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, was at least about 40 meters larger when it was first constructed in the fifth century, Imperial Household Agency officials said Thursday. (Kyodo)

In a bid to increase the number of foreign workers to alleviate the country’s labor shortage, Japan will introduce a new residency status for foreign technical intern trainees as early as April 2019. (Nikkei)