An estimated 1.46 million people socially withdrawn in Japan, govt. survey finds
NHK -- Apr 01
A government survey has found that an estimated 1.46 million people aged 15 to 64 in Japan are in a state of "hikikomori," or withdrawal from society.
The Cabinet Office conducted the survey in November, targeting a total of 30,000 people aged 10 to 69 across the country. There were 13,769 respondents.
The results showed that for at least six months, more than 2 percent of people aged 15 to 64 have mostly stopped going out or have gone out only for reasons related to their hobbies.
Significant changes in the social environment during the coronavirus pandemic appear to be behind the rise, as one in five people cited the pandemic as a main reason for becoming withdrawn from society. ...continue reading
Student dies after barbecue bursts into flames
NOJ - Jun 09
A student of a beauty school in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, has died and three other injured when alcohol was sprinkled onto a barbecue they were gathered around, setting their clothes on fire, TV Asahi reports.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako mark 30 years of marriage
NHK - Jun 09
Japan's Emperor and Empress mark 30 years of marriage on Friday. They say they are grateful to people for expressing their heartwarming feelings to them.
Three people allegedly put mouths to ice cream server at karaoke shop near Tokyo
NHK - Jun 07
Three 21-year-olds have had papers on them sent to prosecutors for posting online videos of themselves putting their mouths on an ice cream serving machine at a karaoke shop near Tokyo.
4 Chinese arrested by Japan police for smuggling 700 kg drugs
Kyodo - Jun 07
Four Chinese nationals have been arrested on suspicion of smuggling about 700 kilograms of illegal stimulants from the United Arab Emirates, police and customs officials said Wednesday.
How to Understand Japanese Women's Tatemae (Flattery)
Japanese Comedian Meshida - Jun 06
Japanese women make good use of tatemae before and during a relationship. Tatemae is a form of flattery used to avoid offending the other person's feelings.
Dental clinic and firm sued for botched teeth alignment procedures
NHK - Jun 06
A group of some 150 dental patients across Japan is seeking compensation from a clinic and a firm for botched teeth alignment procedures.
Osaka transgender LGBTQ rights lawyer gets death threats online
NHK - Jun 06
A transgender lawyer in Osaka working on LGBTQ rights has received death threats online, calling them a hate crime targeting a transgender person.
Ex-Johnny & Associates members submit petition on sexual abuse to lawmakers
NHK - Jun 06
Three former members of the major Japanese talent agency, Johnny & Associates, have submitted a petition to political parties calling for revisions to the law on preventing child abuse.
Search for missing American woman in Japan suspended
wfsb.com - Jun 05
The search for a missing woman in Japan has been suspended. Patricia Wu-Murad, also known as Pattie, was reported missing by local police in Japan on April 10.
4 arrested over man’s death after street fight in Fukuoka
Japan Today - Jun 05
Police in Fukuoka said Sunday they have arrested four men over the death of a 43 year-old-man after a fight between several people on Saturday.
Couple arrested for leaving partially burned newborn baby found on Shizuoka coastline
Japan Today - Jun 03
Police in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, have arrested a 24-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man on suspicion of abandoning a newborn baby girl whose partially burned body was found along the coastline last month.
Man arrested for abusing girlfriend’s 4-year-old daughter
Japan Today - May 31
Police in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, have arrested a 36-year-old self-employed man on suspicion of abusing his girlfriend’s 4-year-old daughter.
Japanese court rules non-recognition of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
NHK - May 31
A district court in central Japan has ruled that the government's failure to recognize same-sex marriage violates the country's constitution.
Cosplayers clean up Dotonbori
NOJ - May 29
About 200 people, including "cosplayers" dressed up as characters from manga and anime, cleaned up the Dotonbori area on Saturday, Kyodo reports.
Man fatally shot in Tokyo coffee shop; one of 2 suspects turns himself in
Japan Today - May 28
A man in his 50s was fatally shot in a coffee shop in Machida, Tokyo, on Friday night, in what police believe was a gang-related shooting. The shooter fled with an accomplice but later turned himself in at a police station.
4-year-old boy dies after falling from 12th-floor apartment in Yamaguchi Pref
Japan Today - May 28
A four-year-old boy fell to his death from the 12th floor of an apartment building in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on Friday afternoon.
