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Shogi Federation Considers Special Status for Pregnant Players

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TOKYO, Apr 01 (News On Japan) –
The Japan Shogi Association is contemplating new guidelines to deal with considerations raised by feminine gamers who’ve successfully been compelled to forfeit matches on account of being pregnant and childbirth, with a assessment committee presenting its interim report on March thirty first.

The committee, established in January to look at match laws, introduced that it’s exploring measures similar to adjusting match schedules and venues as a lot as potential if a being pregnant is reported by the 14th week, in addition to granting particular standing within the following season if changes can’t be made.

The concern stems from a rule launched in April final yr stating that if any a part of a title match overlaps with the six weeks earlier than or eight weeks after childbirth, the participant would get replaced. Kana Fukuma, a 34-year-old holder of 5 ladies’s titles who had herself skilled a default loss on account of pregnancy-related well being points, criticized the rule as unreasonable and referred to as for its revision. The affiliation subsequently eliminated the supply.

In response, the affiliation launched a assessment committee in January comprising feminine gamers, attorneys, and medical professionals. Ichiyo Shimizu, president of the affiliation, stated on the time, “We take very seriously the anxiety this has caused female players and aim to establish a sustainable system.”

The committee carried out interviews and surveys with related events and offered the findings of six rounds of discussions in its interim report on March thirty first.

Under the proposed measures, gamers would, in precept, report their being pregnant to the affiliation by the 14th week, enabling organizers to regulate match dates and venues the place potential. A six-week postnatal restriction interval would apply, with any earlier return requiring a physician’s approval.

If scheduling changes show not possible and lead to modifications to both the defending titleholder or the present challenger, the committee is contemplating granting particular standing within the following season.

The report additionally suggests distinguishing such circumstances from normal forfeits. Instead of recording them merely as default losses, match data might point out, for instance, “X wins, X losses (including X forfeits due to pregnancy/childbirth),” thereby differentiating them from strange forfeits.

The committee plans to finalize its suggestions by April.

Commenting on the interim report, Fukuma stated she had been knowledgeable that the coverage route facilities on reproductive rights and expressed hope that the committee’s suggestions would contribute to the longer term improvement of the shogi world by means of improved circumstances.

She added that she would proceed to observe how particular measures are carried out going ahead and expressed gratitude to sponsors and followers for his or her continued help.

Source: KTV NEWS

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Cyclists handed fines as much as ¥12,000 yen as ‘blue ticket’ system begins – TokyoReporter

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SAITAMA (TR) – A brand new nationwide site visitors enforcement system focusing on rogue cyclists formally kicked off on Wednesday, introducing “blue tickets” and steep monetary penalties for infractions reminiscent of utilizing a smartphone whereas using, reviews Fuji News Network (Apr. 1).

In response to the launch, the Saitama Prefectural Police carried out an early morning crackdown close to JR Omiya Station simply after 7:00 a.m.

Officers have been seen issuing verbal steering and stern warnings to a slew of commuters caught using on sidewalks or touring towards the stream of site visitors.

Over 100 forms of violations for folks aged 16 and over are coated, with the best nice being 12,000 yen for biking whereas utilizing a smartphone. Ignoring site visitors indicators or improperly using on pedestrian walkways will incur a 6,000-yen penalty.

While minor infractions like sidewalk using sometimes end in a verbal warning earlier than a ticket is issued, authorities are taking a zero-tolerance strategy to extremely harmful behaviors.

Police said that cyclists caught utilizing a smartphone or participating in acts that would immediately result in an accident might be handed a blue ticket and a direct nice with out prior warning.

At the enforcement website in Kita Ward, Tokyo, warnings have been issued to 16 individuals who have been judged to have failed to watch cease indicators by simply after 10:00 a.m.

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Japan Introduces New Divorce System

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OSAKA, Apr 01 (News On Japan) –
Japan’s divorce system is present process a serious transformation from April 1st, introducing non-compulsory joint custody and a brand new authorized framework that permits youngster assist to be claimed with out prior settlement between dad and mom, sparking each assist and concern amongst divorcees and authorized professionals because the nation adapts to a brand new period of household regulation.

Under the revised system, dad and mom will be capable of select joint custody after divorce, a big shift from the earlier rule wherein just one guardian held sole custody. In addition, a brand new “statutory child support” system permits one guardian to assert month-to-month funds—set at 20,000 yen per youngster—even when no prior settlement was made on the time of divorce.

Opinions amongst those that have skilled divorce are sharply divided. While some welcome the expanded position for each dad and mom in child-rearing, others categorical hesitation or outright opposition. One particular person mentioned they’d have thought-about joint custody as an choice, whereas one other acknowledged they’d have refused it even when proposed, citing issues that it might result in additional battle.

Legal consultants additionally acknowledge each advantages and dangers. Lawyer Ogawa, who handles round 30 divorce consultations a month, described the reform as a serious turning level. While joint custody might enable non-custodial dad and mom to stay concerned of their youngsters’s lives, probably growing interplay and emotional connection, it additionally raises issues in circumstances involving home violence or abuse. Although household courts are anticipated to disclaim joint custody the place such dangers are recognized, proving abuse stays troublesome on account of its usually non-public nature.

One girl who endured a protracted custody dispute described struggling harassment from her former husband and monetary neglect, finally divorcing after being pressured to commerce custody for youngster assist. The court docket rejected the association, and he or she now says that whereas her monetary state of affairs stays tight, she has regained emotional stability and a way of happiness.

As the emotional and logistical burdens of divorce come into sharper focus, new providers are rising to assist these navigating the method. One such initiative is a “metaverse government office,” the place customers can seek the advice of anonymously with AI counselors 24 hours a day by avatar-based interactions. Developers say the service lowers psychological boundaries by permitting customers to hunt assist with out being seen.

Another innovation is a smartphone-based divorce mediation service launched in November. Approved by the justice minister and supported by attorneys, the platform permits {couples} to schedule discussions and negotiate phrases solely on-line. The service goals to scale back the common mediation interval from round eight months to as little as two, whereas chopping prices from roughly 1 million yen to a most of about 300,000 yen.

Despite these developments, questions stay about how the brand new guidelines will perform in follow. While each day selections resembling meals, clothes, and extracurricular actions can nonetheless be made by one guardian, main issues—together with relocation and monetary administration—require mutual settlement. Legal consultants be aware that distinguishing between these classes might show difficult, notably in contentious circumstances.

There are additionally issues about how youngsters’s voices will likely be integrated into custody selections, particularly as they get older. Lawyers admit uncertainty about how the system will likely be utilized in real-world circumstances, with many questioning how courts will steadiness parental rights, youngster welfare, and unresolved conflicts resembling hidden abuse.

While the introduction of statutory youngster assist is anticipated to enhance monetary stability for some households and make enforcement simpler by authorized mechanisms, the broader impression of joint custody stays unclear. As Japan begins implementing the brand new framework, its effectiveness will rely on how flexibly and punctiliously it’s utilized throughout a variety of household conditions.

Source: KTV NEWS

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Japan Beats England 1-0 for First-Ever Win

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LONDON, Apr 01 (News On Japan) –
Japan’s nationwide soccer staff secured a historic 1-0 victory over England in a world pleasant held on March thirty first in London, marking their first win in 4 encounters in opposition to the standard powerhouse referred to as the “home of football,” and offering useful momentum forward of the FIFA World Cup set to start in June throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In entrance of roughly 80,000 spectators on the iconic Wembley Stadium, Japan took the lead within the first half by way of a objective by Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton.

In the second half, Japan withstood intense strain from England, extensively thought to be one of many favorites to win the World Cup, holding agency to protect their slender lead and seal a landmark victory.

Source: Kyodo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdyWVodNgQs

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GaijinPot Celebrates: Real Connections at Pacha Craft Beer Tacos

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GaijinPot Celebrates is our ongoing occasion sequence designed to deliver the international group collectively for networking in an informal, social setting.

For our second version, we’re heading to Pacha Craft Beer Tacos, the place we’ll be having fun with house-made signature tacos, refreshing craft beers and nice dialog!

Come as you’re. Whether you’re seeking to develop your skilled community, discover mates who get what it’s prefer to construct a life in Japan, or just have an excellent evening out with attention-grabbing folks.

There’s a spot for you right here. This is an evening the place connections can occur naturally, with none stress to be “on.”

Who’s this for?

Anyone dwelling or working in Tokyo who needs to develop their community — professionally, personally, or each. Here are some highlights from the final GaijinPot Celebrates occasion.

Whatever brings you, you’ll discover a room full of individuals in precisely the identical boat — attention-grabbing, worldwide, and genuinely open to assembly somebody new.

Event Details

What: Networking occasion for the worldwide group in Tokyo

  • 6:30 p.m.: Check-in opens
  • 7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.: Standing buffet and free-flowing drinks, networking
  • 8:45 p.m.– 9 p.m.: Short bulletins and networking exercise
  • 9 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: More socializing
  • 9:30 p.m.: Event ends

Who might be attending: Foreign and Japanese working professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and creatives from media, training, know-how, actual property and different industries. The GaijinPot group may also be there.

Date: Thursday, April 23

Time: 7 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

Venue: Pacha Craft Beer Tacos, 13F, H1O 赤坂 (Akasaka) 3-17-3, Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo (Google Maps)

Entry Fee: ¥4,000 (together with tax), standing buffet and free flowing drinks, reside music (TBD), door prize

Get your ticket right here.

NOTES: 1. Tickets are non-refundable 2. Please word that buy of a ticket doesn’t qualify the purchaser to get a visa to enter Japan and that GPlusMedia just isn’t capable of sponsor a purchaser for a visa to attend this occasion.

Image: Pacha Craft Beer Tacos

Buffet menu: Octopus and celery ceviche, salad, onion rings, chickpea fritters, buffalo hen wings, two sorts of tacos, beef steak

screenshot-2026-04-01-at-10-15-21.png

Image: Pacha Craft Beer Tacos

Audio and Visual Recording; Live Streaming
Photographs and/or audio-visual footage could also be taken and/or live-streamed throughout the occasion. Photos and movies may be revealed on GPlusMedia web sites and social media pages. Photos and movies may be recorded and may be reproduced in numerous media together with web sites, social networks, and press. By attending the occasion, you agree it’s possible you’ll seem in revealed photographs and/or movies as said above.

© Japan Today

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Blue Jays RHP Cody Ponce sprains ACL in return to majors

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(Photo credit score: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images)

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Cody Ponce has been recognized with a sprained proper ACL and can miss vital time, supervisor John Schneider mentioned on Tuesday.

Ponce, 31, made his first big-league look since 2021 on Monday evening in a begin in opposition to the visiting Colorado Rockies. He injured his knee whereas attempting to area a grounder within the third inning and fell to the bottom in ache. Ponce left on a cart because the Rockies went on to win 14-5.

The Blue Jays mentioned medical doctors are reviewing the MRI to find out the extent of the injury, together with a attainable tear.

‘I talked to him for some time final evening, up till about 1 within the morning,’ Schneider mentioned. ‘He’s received a reasonably good perspective. He’s pissed off, for positive, however I believe he has a superb perspective on it. The particular person in me simply hates it for him. His first outing, bizarre play, all of that. But he is dealing with it OK.’

Surgery is feasible, although Schneider mentioned the group is not ruling out Ponce’s return this season.

‘That’s what we’re holding onto,’ Schneider mentioned, ’till we’ve the entire opinions. I believe there’s most likely a slight probability of that.’

Ponce allowed one hit, one run and one stroll with three strikeouts, one wild pitch and one balk in 2 1/3 innings throughout his first main league look since Oct. 3, 2021, with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He spent the final 5 years pitching in Japan and South Korea.

He signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Toronto after starring within the Korean Baseball Organization. The right-hander entered the day 1-7 with a 5.86 ERA in 20 profession MLB appearances (5 begins) for the Pirates (2020-21).

Toronto’s beginning rotation already has Shane Bieber (forearm fatigue), Jose Berrios (elbow stress fracture) and Trey Yesavage (shoulder impingement) on the injured checklist.

–Field Level Media

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World Cup European roundup: Bosnia-Herzegovina shocks Italy

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(Photo credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

For the third consecutive time, four-time World Cup winners Italy can be on the surface wanting in throughout World Cup competitors.

In World Cup European playoff motion on Tuesday, Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Italy in penalty kicks to knock FIFA’s Twelfth-ranked crew out of consideration. Italy has not been a part of the World Cup area since 2014.

Bosnia, which entered the match because the world’s No. 71 facet, earned its first World Cup entry since 2014 with the 1-1 (4-1) verdict.

Italy owned a 1-0 lead when Alessandro Bastoni was despatched off with a pink card within the forty first minute. Bosnia knotted the match on Haris Tabakovic’s objective within the 79th minute.

Bosnia-Herzegovina joins Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B for the 48-team World Cup competitors that begins June 11 and concludes July 19.

Czechia 2, Denmark 2

Czechia claimed its first World Cup berth since 2006 by successful penalty kicks 3-1 in Prague.

The groups had been tied 1-1 going into further time. Czechia took the lead on Ladislav Krejci’s rating, however Denmark’s Kasper Hogh delivered within the 111th minute to pressure penalty kicks.

Czechia, which jumped from forty third to forty first within the FIFA rankings with its upset of No. 20 Denmark, collects a Group A spot. Mexico, South Africa and South Korea spherical out the quartet.

Sweden 3, Poland 2

Viktor Gyokeres scored within the 88th minute to raise Sweden to the slight upset in Solna, Sweden, and the accompanying World Cup berth.

Poland misplaced regardless of proudly owning 66.7% of possession. Poland additionally claimed an edge in pictures on objective (7-5) and nook kicks (9-2).

Sweden joins Group F with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Turkiye 1, Kosovo 0

Turkiye will take part within the World Cup for the primary time since 2004 because of its victory in Pristina, Kosovo.

Turkiye broke by means of within the 53rd minute when Kerem Akturkoglu one-timed a shot from shut vary. With the win, the facet moved up three spots within the rankings to No. 22.

Turkiye advances to take the ultimate spot in Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia.

–Field Level Media

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Second lady not prosecuted over alleged possession of meth, cocaine at Tokyo lodge – TokyoReporter

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TOKYO (TR) – Prosecutors have chosen to not prosecute a second lady who was found in a lodge room within the capital with the founding father of actual property funding firm Raysum Co., Ltd. together with a stash of unlawful medicine two years in the past, stories Fuji News Network (Mar. 31).

On June 24, 2024, police discovered Tsuyoshi Tanaka to allegedly be in possession of roughly 0.859 grams of cocaine and roughly 0.208 grams of kakuseizai (methamphetamine) along with Miho Okumoto, aged in her 30s, and a feminine college scholar.

Last 12 months, police accused Tanaka and Okumoto of violating the Narcotics Control Act and the Stimulants Control Act.

However, on Tuesday, Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office introduced the non-prosecution of Okumoto. “After reviewing the evidence, it was determined that there was not necessarily sufficient evidence to obtain a fair verdict in court,” prosecutors stated.

Tsuyoshi Tanaka and Miho Okumoto (X)

The feminine college scholar was Mona Konishi, aged in her 20s. Last week, prosecutors introduced the non-indictment of Konishi, citing “insufficient evidence” as the explanation.

Prior to the invention, Tanaka, Okukmoto and Konishiwere within the room when a male acquaintance of Konishi broke into their room. When police rushed to the scene, they searched the room and located three luggage of cocaine and methamphetamine close to the mattress.

Tanaka based Raysum in 1992. He served as chairman till 2021.

Last 12 months, the Tokyo District Court handed Tanaka a suspended jail time period for the possession of unlawful medicine.

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Wahoo! ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ ranges up the magic

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There are some stuff you may count on, even depend on, in a Super Mario Galaxy film. The introduction of the celestial Princess Rosalina? Check. A scene of her studying bedtime tales to her cute, glowing star kids Lumas? Check. A wild revenge situation that takes Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi and Toad away from the Mushroom Kingdom and into area, the place intergalactic journey requires little greater than a well-placed launch star that can hurtle anybody safely by cosmos and into the comfy, self-contained gravitational pulls of close by planets? This one may depend upon how acquainted you might be with the sport itself, first launched in 2007, however let’s say test anyway.

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which opens in theaters Wednesday, has some actual surprises (Easter eggs, if you’ll), each consequential and never. One of these, the introduction of Mario’s Nintendo peer Star Fox, has already been teased. But for me, probably the most surprising and pleasant discovery is that Bowser (voiced as soon as extra by Jack Black) and his uncared for son Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) are painters. The elder makes use of the comb as a form of remedy as he works by his demons whereas in unfastened captivity, nonetheless shrunken right down to the dimensions of a toy as we left him in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” in Princess Peach’s citadel. The youthful, so inconsequential that he’s neither seen nor talked about within the first movie, paints to destroy and win his father’s love by taking up the galaxy — a plan that Bowser would, on his uncommon night time off from conquering, learn to Bowser Jr. earlier than bedtime. Absent although he may need been for many of Bowser Jr.’s childhood, when he was there, he actually went all out with puppetry and showmanship.

This isn’t the one household drama imbued into “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” — Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) can be questioning about her origins. But fortunately Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are spared any such soul-searching. They’re simply alongside for the experience. Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, as producers, appear dedicated to maintaining issues mild and playful even whereas beholden to advancing some form of coherent, reasonably compelling story the place there wasn’t one beforehand.

On a sure stage, everybody, together with returning administrators Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic and screenwriter Matthew Fogel, understands that the many individuals more likely to come out to see a Super Mario film in all probability aren’t inquisitive about in depth backstories, significant character arcs or real-world grittiness. The pleasure of video video games like Super Mario Galaxy is straightforward and pure: The viewer is transported to a colourful fantasy the place area isn’t scary — it’s inviting, shimmering and stuffed with surprise. No one desires to see Yoshi get stabbed (which, sure, actually occurred within the 1993 film). They simply wish to hand around in the Gateway Galaxy, or really feel the actual stakes of a rotating fireplace bar.

The movie provides a slew of recent voice actors to the combo, like Brie Larson as Rosalina (sounding, maybe, slightly an excessive amount of like Taylor-Joy’s Peach) and Donald Glover as Yoshi, a chaotic and satisfying addition to the gang. As within the video games, he’s positive to be a fan favourite. It’s additionally not utterly dedicated to the worlds of the Galaxy video games, as some tremendous followers have already famous and critiqued, which appears excessively strict and unimaginative for this sort of supply materials. There is one notably creative sequence that blends a rendering of Mario in his authentic 2D 8-bit kind, blurry pixels and all, with the 3D great thing about the extra trendy iterations.

There is, in fact, one thing inherently cynical about “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which is that on a sure stage it exists primarily to earn more money off these characters, by the video games, the merchandise and the inevitable theme park rides. This movie can be very excessive on the otherworldly success of its predecessor. The Lumas are obsessive about the tales of the heroic plumber brothers. The Toads are too. One even wears Mario pajamas and carries round a Mario toy, inviting some inevitable questions on how or why this stuff have been made and the place one may purchase them. Bowser Jr. additionally has a bed room stuffed with villain toys, and bedsheets to match.

I’m not so cheerless as to counsel that the merch just isn’t a part of the enjoyable of video-game or toy-based motion pictures for its youthful audiences. But when inserted into the material of the film itself, into the storylines, it’s distracting, taking you out of the escape of this wondrous dream world and again into the realities of late-stage capitalism.

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” a Universal Pictures launch in theaters Wednesday, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for “rude humor, mild violence and action.” Running time: 98 minutes. Two and a half stars out of 4.

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials is probably not printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.

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Eurovision Song Contest is increasing with an Asian version later this 12 months

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The music spectacle Eurovision is holding its first Asian version in Bangkok later this 12 months.

The Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 has confirmed artists from not less than 10 nations throughout Asia competing: Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. More are anticipated to hitch earlier than the finale in November.

“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent,” Martin Green, the director of the competition, stated within the announcement Tuesday.

Bangkok is the right metropolis to host the competition as a result of it “has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life,” stated Chuwit Sirivajjakul, a consultant of the Thailand Tourism Authority.

The fundamental gala, run by the European Broadcasting Union, attracts greater than 100 million viewers yearly.

This 12 months’s fundamental competitors with 35 competing nations is scheduled to be held in Vienna in May. Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain are boycotting because of discord over Israel’s participation.

The contest strives to place pop music earlier than politics however has repeatedly been embroiled in world occasions. Russia was expelled in 2022 after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

It additionally has been roiled by the Israel-Hamas struggle in Gaza, stirring protests outdoors the venues and forcing organizers to clamp down on political flag-waving.

Similar tensions may emerge in Asia. Thailand and Cambodia engaged in lethal border clashes twice final 12 months.

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials might not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.

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