NAGOYA, Feb 06 (News On Japan) –
In an sudden twist to the glittering pageant world, Karolina Shiino, aged 26 and born in Ukraine, has stepped down from her prestigious title as Miss Japan following rumors of an affair with a married physician. The Miss Japan Association, on February fifth, acknowledged Shiino’s resignation, stating, “We solemnly accept the responsibility for the turmoil caused and deeply apologize to our sponsors, judges, and all stakeholders involved.”

Shiino, who gained Japanese nationality in 2023, discovered herself on the heart of controversy when allegations surfaced about her intimate relationship with a married influencer and doctor, inflicting a stir within the media. Initially, her administration and the Miss Japan Association defended her, asserting that she ended the connection upon discovering his marital standing. However, subsequent revelations admitted by her company urged the interactions continued even after the invention.

Addressing her followers on Instagram, Shiino expressed regret over the state of affairs, stating she was overwhelmed by confusion and concern, resulting in her silence. “I am truly sorry for betraying the trust of those who supported me,” she wrote.

The man in query clarified on February 1st that he had misrepresented his marital standing to Shiino, insisting their relationship ceased when she discovered the reality. Known because the “Muscle Doctor” for his achievements within the “Best Body Japan” contest, he has since claimed to be divorced.

This scandal leaves this 12 months’s Miss Japan title vacant, marking a uncommon incidence within the pageant’s historical past. Shiino, who moved to Nagoya on the age of 5 along with her Ukrainian dad and mom, had beforehand sparked debate over her identification upon successful the title. In a heartfelt acknowledgment, she had thanked the competitors for recognizing her as Japanese, regardless of going through racial obstacles up to now.

Source: 中央日報

TOKYO, Feb 06 (News On Japan) –
Despite heavy snow in a single day, main practice strains within the Tokyo metropolitan space are working usually from the primary service of the day, though the Chuo Line has suspended specific companies between Takao and Fujimi stations for the reason that first practice, in line with JR East.

Private rail strains within the capital area are operating as scheduled from the primary service.

On the roads, the Tomei Expressway has been closed between the Tokyo Interchange and the Numazu Interchange, however it’s anticipated to reopen round midday on the sixth.

The Chuo Expressway additionally continues to expertise closures between the Takaido Interchange and the Kofu-Showa Interchange.

Partial closures proceed on the Metropolitan Expressway as effectively.

In the air, ANA and Japan Airlines have introduced the cancellation of 31 flights, together with each home and worldwide routes, as a result of antagonistic climate situations.

Source: 日テレNEWS

TOKYO, Feb 06 (News On Japan) –
As demand for energy semiconductors utilized in electrical automobiles (EVs) and different functions continues to rise, main Japanese semiconductor firms are accelerating their efforts to boost improvement and manufacturing. Power semiconductors have been a powerful go well with for Japanese producers, and strengthening this sector is changing into a vital section in enhancing their competitiveness globally.

In January, Mitsubishi Electric introduced a brand new energy semiconductor product that makes use of a sturdy and energy-efficient materials often called SiC (silicon carbide). The new product is notable for its decreased measurement, shrinking to 40% of its standard dimensions, which permits for the miniaturization of parts put in in automobiles and is anticipated to increase the driving vary per cost. Shinichi Kusunoki, the top of the Semiconductor & Device First Business Division at Mitsubishi Electric, acknowledged, “To concentrate on the growing market, we are firmly launching products for automobiles.”

Alternatively, Renesas Electronics has acquired an American firm in January to maneuver in the direction of mass manufacturing of energy semiconductors that use gallium nitride, a cloth with excessive vitality effectivity. Additionally, Mitsubishi Electric, Fuji Electric, Toshiba, Rohm, and Renesas are planning to extend their manufacturing capability from this 12 months onwards.

Japan has historically excelled in energy semiconductors, however as world demand will increase, competitors with worldwide gamers, such because the main German firm Infineon, is intensifying. It is a important second to see if Japanese firms can improve their competitiveness within the world market.

Source: NHK

Ishikawa, Feb 06 (News On Japan) –
The widespread wild dolphin-watching excursions on the Noto Peninsula have been suspended as a result of affect of an earthquake, however tour guides are tirelessly working in the direction of their resumption. Satomi Sakashita began the dolphin-watching excursions in 2005, attracting almost 4,000 members yearly earlier than the pandemic. However, the earthquake has left the way forward for these excursions unsure.

In Nanao Bay, a pod of 17 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins has made its house.

Satomi Sakashita, Noto Island Marine Resort (62): “Please don’t give up, we will definitely come. Encouraged by such messages, I feel like we have no choice but to keep going.”

Although it has not been doable to verify the security of all dolphins following the earthquake, Sakashita and her staff are decided to proceed monitoring the dolphins and goal for the excursions’ revival.

Source: ANNnewsCH