Fans demand Johnny's talent agency investigate sexual abuse claims
TOKYO, May 13 (Kyodo) -
Fans of idols belonging to Johnny & Associates Inc., one of Japan's most powerful talent agencies, said Thursday they have submitted a petition with around 16,000 signatures demanding that the firm investigate allegations of sexual abuse by its late founder Johnny Kitagawa.
The supporters, who spoke at a press conference in Tokyo, launched in April a group called Penlight to protest the agency's handling of such allegations after Kauan Okamoto, a 26-year-old Japanese-Brazilian singer and songwriter, claimed Kitagawa sexually abused him on multiple occasions as a young teen.
Kitagawa was the subject of numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, with the Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun publishing in 1999 a series detailing accusations of child abuse and sexual exploitation by several boys he had taken under his wing. ...continue reading
8 horses die in fire at riding club
News On Japan - Oct 02
A fire engulfed a horse barn at a riding club in Hiroshima City on Saturday, resulting in the death of eight horses.
Monkey invades house, attacks young boys
News On Japan - Oct 01
Two young boys were attacked and injured by a monkey in Kyushu on Saturday, with a security camera capturing the primate entering a house before biting a 5-year-old boy inside.
Veteran zookeeper mauled to death by lioness
News On Japan - Sep 29
A veteran male zookeeper has died after being mauled by a lion during feeding time at a safari park in northern Japan.
Graffiti artists nabbed at Tokyo station
News On Japan - Sep 29
Two men in their twenties have been arrested on suspicion of graffiti with green and black spray paint on the walls of a commercial building near JR Hachioji Station, Tokyo.
Raccoon dog stranded at sea, residents pray for safety
News On Japan - Sep 29
A raccoon dog that was stranded on rocks off the seawall adjacent to Yamaguchi Ube Airport for over 3 days has disappeared after concerned neighbors installed a ladder to help the stricken animal escape.
Truck driver dies in massive potato spill
News On Japan - Sep 29
A truck driver has died at the scene when his trailer overturned in Konan City, Shiga Prefecture, causing a large-scale potato spillage.
Man stabs hospitalized wife, daughter to death
News On Japan - Sep 28
A 73-year-old unemployed man fatally stabbed his wife and eldest daughter who were inpatients at a neurology hospital in Shizuoka, central Japan, before turning the knife on himself Wednesday afternoon.
Japan Supreme Court hears argument on surgery requirement for gender change
NHK - Sep 28
A lawyer for a transgender individual has told Japan's Supreme Court that the requirement of surgery to remove reproductive functions for gender registry changes is unconstitutional.
Police inspector sentenced to 13 years jail for multiple sexual assaults
News On Japan - Sep 27
The Chiba District Court has handed down a 13-year prison sentence to a former police inspector who was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and other crimes against several women.
Japanese police arrest online casino-related payment agents
NHK - Sep 27
Tokyo police have arrested two Japanese men on suspicion of aiding illegal online gambling.
Man crushed to death while demolishing shrine
News On Japan - Sep 26
A 60-year-old man was crushed to death on Monday under a shrine he was demolishing in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Japan’s forgotten people～Scars of war run deep as struggle for citizenship continues in Philippines
TV Asahi - Sep 26
Before the war, large numbers of Japanese people immigrated to the Philippines and worked in the cultivation of hemp and other crops. Many of them married local Filipino women and started families.
Teen slashes random shoppers in supermarket fish section
News On Japan - Sep 25
An 18-year-old male high school student was arrested Monday after a random knife attack in a supermarket in Nagaoka City, Niigata, injuring 3 customers.
Reggae singer "CHEHON" busted for marijuana
News On Japan - Sep 25
A male reggae musician who goes by the name "CHEHON" has been arrested for possessing marijuana in Tokyo.
Woman dies after being bashed for 20 minutes in apartment
News On Japan - Sep 25
A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of repeatedly assaulting a 24-year-old woman over a 20 minute period in an apartment they shared in Kashiwa City, Chiba, leading to her death.
Japan's Princess Kako tests positive for coronavirus
NHK - Sep 25
Japan's Imperial Household Agency says Princess Kako has tested positive for the coronavirus.
