Deputy Minister of Justice Mizuaki Kakizawa, who was charged with bribery in violation of the Public Offices Election Act in reference to the Koto Ward mayoral election in Tokyo held in April final 12 months, was launched on bail on the 18th.
Investigation Suggests Intentional Destruction of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle
KYOTO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
An investigation into the ruins of Azuchi Castle, constructed by Oda Nobunaga in his quest for unification of Japan, has revealed the likelihood that the fort was deliberately destroyed.
Azuchi Castle was misplaced to fireplace after the 1582 Honnō-ji Incident and has been generally known as the “Illusive Castle” as a result of lack of readability on its full construction.
A research carried out by Shiga Prefecture discovered traces indicating that somebody deliberately demolished the fort. The partitions have been discovered to be virtually uniformly shortened, suggesting that the Toyotomi clan, who achieved unification of Japan, might need intentionally destroyed the fort as a approach to present that its perform had been misplaced, in an act generally known as “breaking the castle.”
The investigation is ready to proceed over the subsequent 20 years, aiming to additional uncover the historical past of Azuchi Castle.
Source: YOMIURI

News On Japan – Jan 18
In an effort to assist younger individuals who could require emergency contraception, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced plans to launch a brand new initiative within the spring of 2024. The initiative will contain healthcare professionals, similar to nurses, accompanying people to medical services.
News On Japan – Jan 18
An investigation into the ruins of Azuchi Castle, constructed by Oda Nobunaga in his quest for unification of Japan, has revealed the likelihood that the fort was deliberately destroyed.
News On Japan – Jan 17
A 25-year-old mom has been arrested for abandoning her son, a third-grader, of their condo in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, for about two weeks.
News On Japan – Jan 16
Tokyo’s Minato Ward has determined to distribute 50,000 yen value of reward certificates per baby to assist households with youngsters affected by rising costs.
News On Japan – Jan 15
Kanzen’s new youngsters’s ebook encyclopedia collection “Visual Encyclopedia” kicks off with the discharge of “Visual Encyclopedia: Dragons” on January sixteenth. Below is the unique press launch.
News On Japan – Jan 15
Young women and men turning 20 this yr demonstrated their archery prowess on Sunday within the conventional ‘Omato’ occasion in Kyoto’s Sanjusangendo Hall.
News On Japan – Jan 14
Dengeki Online’s serialized function “Difficult Kanji” is a nook that poses a variety of difficult characters, from these so complicated that their readings are unimaginable to people who appear easy at first look however are tough to learn.
NHK – Jan 13
Applicants for Japanese universities have begun sitting the standardized entrance examinations. Special preparations can be found for these affected by the earthquake on New Year’s Day.
NHK – Jan 13
Japan’s well being ministry has launched a multilingual phone decoding service to assist medical employees coping with foreigners in areas of central Japan struck by a large earthquake.
News On Japan – Jan 12
Have you ever questioned how younger girls earn their cash and what sort of jobs they do?
newsonjapan.com – Jan 12
Are you a fan of wheels too however don’t know methods to drive them? Don’t have to fret any longer; listed below are 10 methods to study secure driving within the UK that may help you in finishing your driving check as quickly and affordably as potential.
News On Japan – Jan 11
A survey carried out by an affiliation of obstetricians and gynecologists has revealed that the variety of pregnant girls recognized with syphilis final yr was over 370, a determine greater than thrice larger than that of a survey carried out eight years in the past.
News On Japan – Jan 09
A instructor at a mixed junior and senior highschool in Tokyo has been re-arrested on costs of performing indecent acts on a male scholar and filming the incident.
CNA – Jan 09
The anime collection Oshi No Ko was undeniably one of many largest hits of 2023. The present gained vital popularity of its darkish themes and perception into the Japanese leisure trade. Its theme track, Idol by musical duo Yoasobi, was additionally extremely profitable – turning into the primary Japanese track to prime the Billboard Global chart.
News On Japan – Jan 08
Young Japanese turning twenty this yr have a good time their official ceremony of passage at varied Coming of Age Day occasions throughout the nation sporting formal fits and kimonos.
News On Japan – Jan 06
A male elementary faculty instructor has been arrested on suspicion of filming up a feminine scholar’s skirt on the faculty the place he works.
I have never taken a shower for over two weeks… “I’m coming back to life”[Voices from the disaster area, 18th]| NHK
“Everyone is full of life, and I think it was worth it.”
These are the phrases of a retailer proprietor who reopened a public tub in Nanao City, the place water provide continues to be reduce off.
18th day for the reason that earthquake.
Even although the state of affairs remains to be very tough, now we have heard from people who find themselves taking a shower for the primary time in a very long time and consuming a heat soup.
We have compiled “Voices from the disaster-stricken areas”.
Crackdown on ‘Men’s Underground Idols’ Raises Questions About Fans’ Romantic Feelings
“Men’s underground” idols, or “men-geka,” confer with male idols who usually are not affiliated with main leisure companies and earn earnings by way of small-scale stay performances and different actions.
Fans find yourself spending cash on “paid fan services” provided throughout these stay exhibits.
For instance, “Paying 1,000 yen allows you to take a two-shot photo with your favorite idol and talk for one minute.” Additionally, relying on the quantity paid, followers might obtain “autographs on personal items,” “letters from the idol,” and even “dates.”
The downside with such “oshi activities,” together with these of “men-geka,” is that some women interact in actions like “papakatsu” or compensated relationship to earn cash.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police have created a poster to boost consciousness in regards to the difficulty. According to the poster, the difficulty begins when followers, regardless of having fun with free “men-geka” stay exhibits, pay for picture classes. The sort phrases from their favourite idols make them need to take extra images or go on dates, however they do not have the cash. This leads them to interact in “papakatsu,” compensated relationship, and even taking cash from house to afford these “paid services.”
The variety of consultations about such points was round 40 in 2022 however elevated to 100 in 2023.
The content material of those consultations contains:
– “My 18-year-old daughter is obsessed with ‘men-geka’ and stays out without permission.”
– “My high school daughter is engaging in prostitution for ‘men-geka.'”
What’s the fact behind these instances?
In 2023, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested 140 girls for prostitution in Kabukicho, Tokyo, for soliciting shoppers on the streets. Out of those, over 70%, or 106 girls, had been of their 20s, and three had been youngsters. Fifteen of them said they had been incomes cash for “men-geka” actions.
Is there no method to stop this aside from elevating consciousness?
Why is regulation troublesome? Does the Entertainment Business Law apply? Is love a hurdle?
Although “men-geka” actions might doubtlessly result in crime, they’re authorized, so there isn’t any direct regulation to use.
According to a senior investigator on the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, host golf equipment entertain clients in their very own premises, so if there’s an issue, the Entertainment Business Law could be utilized for “entertainment acts.”
However, “men-geka” idols lease locations like stay homes for his or her actions, and followers are simply supporting them, so it does not rely as leisure. Moreover, minors can freely enter these venues except it is late at night time.
A serious “hurdle” is that the victims, the feminine followers, have romantic emotions for his or her favourite idols and dislike the thought of the police intervening with males they like. Thus, it’s troublesome to get cooperation from the victims.
When somebody is deeply concerned, they might change into blind to their environment, which could be particularly harmful for minors. In such instances, it is necessary for folks to know the scenario. In truth, there have been instances the place the sufferer was uncooperative, and the mom persuaded her, resulting in an arrest.
Related article: Agency Bosses Busted for Allowing ‘Underground Idol’ Grope Female Fan
Source: 日テレNEWS
“Considering disbanding the Kishida faction” introduced by Prime Minister over political funding social gathering problem | NHK
Regarding the problem surrounding the political funding social gathering of the Liberal Democratic Party’s faction, Prime Minister Kishida determined to dissolve the Kishida faction, bearing in mind that the “Koike-kai” (Kishida faction), of which he was the chairman, had not recorded its earnings and expenditure report. introduced that it’s contemplating.
Trio Dance Band ‘iScream’ Freeze in New Video Shoot
TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
The trio woman unit iScream, chosen from an audition with 10,000 candidates and belonging to LDH, launched a dance efficiency video of their tune “Heart of Gold,” a observe from their 2nd album ‘Selfie’ launched on January seventeenth.
The video was shot on the rooftop of a constructing within the freezing winter winds! The shoot, spanning from day to nighttime, noticed the three members repeatedly problem themselves with sharp dance performances within the biting chilly. The making-of footage was additionally launched concurrently.
Website: iscream official
Source: ANNnewsCH
News On Japan – Jan 18
In a case the place executives of Japan’s largest scout group, centered in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, have been arrested and indicted for inflicting severe damage to a male member, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested 5 further members on suspicion of confinement and indecent assault leading to damage.
News On Japan – Jan 18
The Japanese Communist Party has determined to nominate Chihiro Shii as the brand new chairperson, with the present coverage chief, Tomoko Tamura, taking over the function. This marks the primary time within the get together’s historical past, which spans over a century, {that a} lady will function the chairperson.
News On Japan – Jan 18
The U.S. Forces stationed in Japan have commenced catastrophe reduction operations to help these affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
News On Japan – Jan 17
A quake survivor who managed to name for assist whereas trapped underneath his partially collapsed home, recorded his ordeal on his telephone for 38 seconds, whereas he was buried alive.
News On Japan – Jan 17
Mitsuko Tottori, a former cabin attendant, will likely be promoted to the following president of Japan Airlines, changing into the primary lady to carry the place of highest-ranking govt within the firm.
News On Japan – Jan 17
The wing of a passenger plane being towed at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido clipped one other parked airplane at round 5:30 PM on Tuesday, with no stories of accidents among the many 289 passengers and crew.
News On Japan – Jan 17
The Tokyo District Prosecutor’s Office has determined to not prosecute the person often called ‘Rengoku Koroaki,’ a YouTuber specializing in citizen’s arrests, who was arrested final 12 months for unlawfully detaining one other man.
News On Japan – Jan 17
With roads nonetheless blocked as a result of landslides following the Noto Peninsula earthquake, making it unimaginable for automobiles to move, drones are being utilized to ship important provides in disaster-stricken areas.
News On Japan – Jan 16
Japan police have issued a nationwide warrant for a yakuza boss suspected of fatally taking pictures of man in Starbucks in Ehime on Sunday.
News On Japan – Jan 16
In response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the Ishikawa Veterinary Association has launched an initiative to assist evacuees with pets by providing free pet care at greater than 40 animal hospitals throughout the prefecture for one month.
News On Japan – Jan 16
Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka made her return to Grand Slam tennis on the Australian Open following the beginning of her first baby final July, however exiting the stage in straight units to French participant Caroline Garcia, ranked nineteenth on the earth.
News On Japan – Jan 16
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is on the brink of tighten the screws on Sompo Japan by issuing a enterprise enchancment order inside this month following the insurance coverage fraud scandal involving false claims by used automotive vendor Big Motor.
NHK – Jan 15
Two weeks have handed since a large earthquake struck central Japan on New Year’s Day, killing 222 folks. Twenty-two individuals are nonetheless lacking. Search operations are persevering with however they’re being hampered by dangerous climate.
News On Japan – Jan 15
Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) introduced on Monday that the unmanned spacecraft “SLIM,” aimed toward Japan’s first lunar touchdown, has been positioned in a round orbit across the Moon at an altitude of 600 kilometers in preparation for touchdown.
NHK – Jan 15
Monday marks two weeks since a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck central Japan. The catastrophe has claimed a minimum of 221 lives, with crews looking for 22 folks nonetheless unaccounted for. As reduction efforts proceed, officers worry harsh situations in evacuation facilities are posing a serious well being danger.
News On Japan – Jan 15
In a dramatic begin to their quest for Asian Cup supremacy, Japan’s Samurai Blue, eyeing their first title in three appearances, battled from behind to clinch a 4-2 victory towards Vietnam of their group stage debut.
Call for Dismissal of Entire Board of Japan Clay Shooting Association
TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
Mired by confusion and suspicions, the Japan Clay Shooting Association will maintain a common assembly to debate the potential dismissal of all administrators over suspicions of inappropriate use of funds solicited from company sponsors.
The affiliation has been embroiled in controversy after an nameless letter accusing it of misconduct was despatched to the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), alleging the misuse of funds raised from company sponsors for athlete strengthening in preparation for the Paris Olympics. An investigation by exterior legal professionals has been ongoing amidst this turmoil.
Amidst these circumstances, greater than one-fifth of the total members from the regional associations, totaling 15 people, have claimed that the affiliation just isn’t being managed correctly and have requested the dismissal of all 20 administrators. At a board assembly held in Tokyo on the seventeenth, the affiliation determined to convene a unprecedented common assembly in February to resolve whether or not to dismiss all administrators.
Additionally, there was an intensification of inner strife throughout the board, with a faction opposing the present president placing ahead a movement for his dismissal, which acquired a majority of votes. However, attributable to issues over additional turmoil, the conclusion was deferred.
Source: NHK
News On Japan – Jan 18
Mired by confusion and suspicions, the Japan Clay Shooting Association will maintain a common assembly to debate the potential dismissal of all administrators over suspicions of inappropriate use of funds solicited from company sponsors.
News On Japan – Jan 17
Shohei Ohtani, the star baseball participant, has been named because the ambassador for Konami Digital Entertainment’s baseball video games.
News On Japan – Jan 16
Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka made her return to Grand Slam tennis on the Australian Open following the delivery of her first little one final July, however exiting the stage in straight units to French participant Caroline Garcia, ranked nineteenth on this planet.
News On Japan – Jan 15
From SEGA, the favored soccer administration simulation recreation “Football Manager 2024” is now obtainable on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Netflix.
News On Japan – Jan 15
In a dramatic begin to their quest for Asian Cup supremacy, Japan’s Samurai Blue, eyeing their first title in three appearances, battled from behind to clinch a 4-2 victory towards Vietnam of their group stage debut.
Dustin Williams – Jan 14
Today is autosalon day! in as we speak’s video i take you guys alongside for our tokyo autosalon journey! We get to see a few of my favourite builds, retailers, and new components popping out of Japan! One of my favourite builds of the day needed to be the Top Secret constructed R34 GTR. The new Top Secret Gold is simply INSANE!
Fuzzy – Jan 14
Via MLB Trade Rumors: The Cubs are in settlement with NPB left-hander Shota Imanaga on a deal, as first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The contract is pending a bodily, which is scheduled for Wednesday.
News On Japan – Jan 13
Jubilo Iwata has introduced the signing of former Japan nationwide group goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who has been chosen for the nationwide group in 4 consecutive World Cups, marking his return to J.League since 2010.
News On Japan – Jan 06
As assist for victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake positive factors momentum, Shohei Ohtani, along with the Dodgers, can also be pitching in, with a donation of 1 million {dollars}.
News On Japan – Jan 02
PUMA has launched a brand new model marketing campaign video titled “Unstoppable, Break Through,” showcasing a lineup of high Japanese athletes who’re below contract with the model and excel of their respective sports activities.
NHK – Dec 28
The Los Angeles Dodgers introduced a 12-year contract with Japanese pitcher Yamamoto Yoshinobu on Wednesday.
NHK – Dec 27
Japanese boxing celebrity Inoue Naoya has turn into the second individual within the sport’s historical past to win all 4 main titles in two weight divisions.
AP – Dec 25
After the spouse of reliever Joe Kelly provided her husband’s uniform quantity to assist lure Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the two-way star responded by giving her a Porsche.
News On Japan – Dec 20
The metropolis of Sapporo has formally introduced the suspension of its bid for internet hosting the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
NHK – Dec 16
Japan’s boxing celebrity Inoue Naoya opened his coaching session to the general public on Friday, saying he has a powerful need to win his upcoming showdown in Tokyo with the Philippines’ Marlon Tapales.
Japan Times – Dec 15
Around 10:30 p.m. on a current Wednesday, in a downtown skate park below Interstate 95 in Miami, 4 wrestlers entered a hoop: Bingo, Midnight Player, Rina Yamashita and Stray Cat.
Is there a physique discovered beneath the ground of a home in Adachi Ward, Tokyo? “Couple in their 50s missing” reported | NHK
On the night time of the sixteenth, a relative reported {that a} couple of their 50s dwelling in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, was lacking, and when the Metropolitan Police Department investigated their dwelling on the afternoon of the 18th, they discovered what gave the impression to be our bodies beneath the floorboards. This was revealed by interviews with investigators. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the small print of the scenario.
Major Power Companies Prohibited from Reselling to ‘New Power’ Providers Amid Antitrust Concerns
TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
A authorities report on the transactions between main energy corporations engaged in energy era and the so-called “new power” corporations that procure and promote electrical energy to shoppers has been revealed.
It factors out that there could also be violations of antitrust legal guidelines, as some main energy corporations impose situations equivalent to prohibiting resale. Since the liberalization of electrical energy, quite a few “new power” corporations, a lot of which don’t personal energy era services, have emerged, procuring and promoting electrical energy to shoppers.
However, it has been identified that these corporations are at a aggressive drawback in comparison with main energy corporations that deal with each era and retail. The Fair Trade Commission has been investigating the precise state of affairs.
According to the report revealed on the seventeenth, “new power” corporations procure roughly 50% of the mandatory electrical energy via bilateral transactions with main energy corporations, indicating that transactions with these main corporations are essential. Furthermore, the report factors out that some contracts for bilateral transactions between the 2 events embrace situations equivalent to prohibiting the resale of procured electrical energy to different corporations or limiting the areas the place electrical energy might be bought to shoppers. Such contractual phrases could violate antitrust legal guidelines.
Major energy corporations have indicated that they plan to carry or chill out these contractual situations from the subsequent fiscal 12 months onwards. The Fair Trade Commission has acknowledged, “We want to continue to monitor transactions in the wholesale electricity market in cooperation with agencies such as the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy.”
Source: NHK
News On Japan – Jan 18
Uniqlo has filed a lawsuit towards three corporations, together with the operator of the Chinese style e-commerce web site SHEIN, within the Tokyo District Court for promoting counterfeit shoulder luggage.
News On Japan – Jan 18
The Nikkei Stock Average has seen a wave of shopping for orders over a variety of shares, with some fearing that overheating has left the market value considerably exceeded the ETF’s benchmark value, resulting in a possible threat for traders.
News On Japan – Jan 18
A authorities report on the transactions between main energy corporations engaged in energy era and the so-called “new power” corporations that procure and promote electrical energy to shoppers has been revealed.
News On Japan – Jan 17
Mitsuko Tottori, a former cabin attendant, will likely be promoted to the subsequent president of Japan Airlines, changing into the primary lady to carry the place of highest-ranking government within the firm.
News On Japan – Jan 16
In preparation for the issuance of latest banknotes this July, ATM producers in Japan are ramping up manufacturing in order that Automated Teller Machines will have the ability to deal with each previous and new notes.
News On Japan – Jan 16
Toho Cinemas, Japan’s sixth largest movie leisure firm, confirmed a 4.7% improve in internet revenue from March to November 2023, on the again of “Godzilla Minus One,” which exceeded 5.3 billion yen in home field workplace income, and the distribution of anime “Jujutsu Kaisen”.
News On Japan – Jan 16
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is on the brink of tighten the screws on Sompo Japan by issuing a enterprise enchancment order inside this month following the insurance coverage fraud scandal involving false claims by used automobile vendor Big Motor.
News On Japan – Jan 15
Following the certification fraud challenge at Daihatsu, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has made public its car collision exams.
News On Japan – Jan 15
The Nikkei Stock Average continued to rise on Monday, setting a post-bubble file excessive for the fifth consecutive day, closing at 35,901, up 324 yen from the earlier week’s finish.
News On Japan – Jan 15
Corporate bankruptcies in Japan final 12 months reached over 8,000 for the primary time in 4 years, pushed by excessive inflation and labor shortages, with the opportunity of exceeding 10,000 this 12 months as trade faces the ‘2024 Problem’.
News On Japan – Jan 15
Since 2008, a couple of third of shops in Japan have closed down, with Ichibata in Shimane the most recent to close its doorways, leaving 4 prefectures in Japan with none shops in any respect.
News On Japan – Jan 13
Yamato Transport, one in all Japan’s largest door-to-door supply corporations, has introduced it’s going to elevate parcel supply charges by a mean of two% beginning this April.
News On Japan – Jan 13
The impression of the earthquake has prolonged to livestock farming, with one Wagyu beef ranch in Ishikawa Prefecture unable to get feed delivered attributable to street harm.
News On Japan – Jan 13
The Nikkei Stock Average reached its highest degree for the reason that bubble period for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, closing at 35,422.95, surging by greater than 2,000 factors over the previous week on the again of modifications to Japan’s funding guidelines.
News On Japan – Jan 13
One of the most important annual customized automobile reveals in Japan, Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, opened on Friday at Makuhari Messe simply exterior of Tokyo in Chiba, that includes 900 idea vehicles and particular version automobiles.
News On Japan – Jan 12
Nankai Bus has been ordered to halt operations following reviews that the corporate has been overworking drivers for greater than 16 hours a day, pushed by extreme employees shortages.
Female employees dispatched to evacuation middle in Wajima, changed by male employees to fulfill wants | NHK
In response to a request from an evacuation middle in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which was affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, Ikeda Town in Gifu Prefecture determined to dispatch two feminine workers as a substitute of the initially deliberate male workers, and a ceremony was held at hand over their appointments. I did. There are instances wherein feminine catastrophe victims have considerations which are tough to debate with males, and they’ll actively search recommendation from them.


