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Japanese man, 52, arrested in Laos for youngster prostitution, secretly filming ladies – TokyoReporter

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LAOS (TR) – Local police right here have arrested a 52-year-old Japanese man on suspicion of kid prostitution after he was present in a resort room with three underage ladies, studies Kyodo News (Apr. 9).

The suspect was detained following a police raid on his lodging within the in style vacationer metropolis of Luang Prabang. During the compelled entry, authorities rescued the three ladies, who have been between the ages of 12 and 16 on the time of the incident.

According to investigative sources, the victims testified that they have been coerced into spending time with the person in trade for money. The ladies additionally alleged that he secretly filmed them whereas participating in sexual acts.

Crackdown

The arrest comes amid a rising crackdown by Laotian authorities on intercourse tourism. Child prostitution by international nationals, together with Japanese vacationers, has grow to be a critical challenge within the nation, prompting police to launch full-scale investigations into the exploitation of minors.

In June final 12 months, theĀ Japanese Embassy in LaosĀ issued a warning on its web site after posts suggesting youngster prostitution in Laos by Japanese folks had been confirmed. ā€œNot only will these be subject to crackdowns under Laotian law, but they will also be punished under Japanese law as crimes committed overseas,ā€ the embassy stated.

In the case involving the 52-year-old man, the embassy confirmed that it obtained a preliminary report from native authorities in January. The report said {that a} Japanese nationwide had been detained on December 8 of final 12 months on suspicion of the rape of a minor.

The embassy is at the moment working to confirm the complete particulars of the newest incident because the native legal investigation continues.

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Serial burglar ā€˜Unlocked Hiroshi’ nabbed at pachinko parlor over Ā„1.2 million heist – TokyoReporter

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TOKYO (TR) — Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 50-year-old serial housebreaking suspect recognized amongst detectives as ā€œUnlocked Hiroshiā€ over the theft of greater than 1 million yen from an house in Kita Ward.

Hiroshi Oshima, unemployed and of no mounted handle, was arrested by police on suspicion of trespassing and theft, experiences the Sankei Shimbun.

Upon his arrest, Oshima refused to deal with the allegations. He stated, ā€œI have nothing to speak about.ā€

Detectives dubbed Oshima ā€œMuji no Hiroshiā€ (Unlocked Hiroshi) on account of his constant modus operandi of solely concentrating on unbolted doorways and home windows.

Hiroshi Oshima (X)

According to investigators, Oshima allegedly broke into the residence of a person in his 50s by an unlocked sliding glass door on the afternoon of February 11. Before getting into the premises, he would ring the intercom to verify the occupant was away.

Once inside, Oshima made off with roughly 1.2 million yen in money, 80 reward certificates, and a number of other different objects together with a bag, police stated.

Security digital camera footage analyzed by investigators led to his identification. He was ultimately tracked down and apprehended whereas enjoying at a pachinko parlor in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture.

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Ex-plumber arrested for stealing public rest room valves in Saitama says he did it ’80 instances’ – TokyoReporter

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TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 49-year-old former plumber for allegedly stealing metallic flush valves from public park bathrooms to promote as scrap metallic, studies TBS News (Apr. 10).

Hisakazu Oba, at the moment unemployed, was caught red-handed on April 8 after swiping 4 flush valves — valued at roughly 100,000 yen — from two restrooms at a park in Soka City, Saitama Prefecture.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, investigators on excessive alert noticed Oba rising from a public rest room with an unnaturally bulging backpack. A subsequent search of his bag revealed the stolen brass parts.

Hisakazu Oba was caught red-handed on April 8 after swiping 4 flush valves from two restrooms at a park in Soka City, Saitama Prefecture (X)

Upon his arrest, Oba totally admitted to the allegations. ā€œThey are easy to remove and sell for a high price,ā€ the suspect informed police. ā€œSince last September, I’ve done this about 70 to 80 times. I used [the money] to place boat racing betsā€

Investigators revealed that Oba had labored as a plumber for over 20 years earlier than shedding his job final June. He is believed to have utilized his specialised information to rapidly dismantle the plumbing fixtures, exchanging the metallic elements for fast money at scrap sellers.

Ex-plumber arrested for stealing public rest room valves in Saitama says he did it ’80 instances’ – TokyoReporter
Hisakazu Oba (X)

Damages

The arrest comes amid a baffling wave of bathroom vandalism throughout the metropolitan space. On April 9, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported that 22 flush valves had vanished from 9 metropolitan parks — together with Koganei and Toneri parks — over a two-week interval in March alone.

Through evaluation of safety digital camera footage and interviews with metallic recycling outlets, Oba turned a suspect.

The brazen thefts have value the town roughly 1.2 million yen in damages.

Police at the moment are investigating Oba’s connection to the widespread string of comparable thefts which have plagued public parks throughout Tokyo and Saitama since final December.

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Man posing as official exploits new bicycle ā€˜blue ticket’ guidelines to swindle teen – TokyoReporter

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A person posing as a site visitors official swindled a teen in Hiroshima: ā€˜You didn’t use hand indicators’ (X)

HIROSHIMA (TR) – A person posing as an authority determine right here exploited Japan’s newly carried out bicycle site visitors legal guidelines to swindle a highschool scholar out of money, police revealed, experiences TV Asahi (Apr. 10).

The incident occurred in Kure City round 8:00 a.m. on April 4. The male sufferer, a highschool scholar, was driving his bicycle and had simply crossed the highway onto a sidewalk when he was intercepted by a lone man.

According to police, the suspect — described as being in his 50s and wearing darkish blue work garments resembling a uniform — falsely claimed the teenager had dedicated a site visitors violation beneath the newly enacted ā€œblue ticketā€ enforcement system.

ā€œYou didn’t use hand signals,ā€ the person informed {the teenager}. ā€œThe law changed on April 4, and you have to use hand signals. It’s a violation, so you need to pay 2,000 yenā€.

Intimidated by the encounter, {the teenager} handed over the two,000 yen in money on the spot. The brazen rip-off got here to mild after the sufferer later reported the incident to the Hiroshima Prefectural Police.

Man in Hiroshima Prefecture falsely claimed the teen had committed a traffic violation under the newly enacted "blue ticket" enforcement system
On April 4, a person in Hiroshima Prefecture falsely claimed the teenager had dedicated a site visitors violation beneath the newly enacted ā€œblue ticketā€ enforcement system (X)

Inconsistencies

Authorities identified a number of obvious inconsistencies within the con artist’s claims. The new blue ticket system for cyclists, which targets riders aged 16 and older, really went into impact on April 1, not April 4. Furthermore, the precise superb for failing to make use of hand indicators is 5,000 yen.

Most importantly, police harassed that officers will completely by no means gather superb cash instantly from violators in money on the road. Official site visitors penalties have to be paid by way of a chosen monetary establishment.

With the latest rollout of the brand new site visitors laws, police are urging the general public to be on excessive alert for comparable scams concentrating on susceptible people, significantly younger individuals who could also be unaware of official authorized procedures. Investigators are at present trying to find the suspect on suspicion of fraud.

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Bad connection: Security guard arrested over bento theft after dropping walkie-talkie – TokyoReporter

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TOKYO (TR) – A 28-year-old safety guard has been arrested after a dropped two-way radio linked him to a violent shoplifting try in Minato Ward that left a grocery store loss-prevention officer injured, police introduced Friday.

Yu Sasaki is accused of stealing 4 bento field lunches—valued at roughly 2,500 yen—from a grocery store within the Mita space on Thursday, experiences TV Asahi (Apr. 10).

ā€œI didn’t have any money,ā€ Sasaki mentioned in admitting to the allegations.

During his getaway, Sasaki allegedly assaulted an undercover retailer safety guard, generally generally known as a ā€œshoplifting G-man,ā€ injuring the officer earlier than fleeing the premises.

However, the suspect’s escape was shortly thwarted. Investigators recovered a work-issued walkie-talkie that Sasaki left behind on the crime scene, which served because the essential clue resulting in his identification and subsequent arrest.

Local authorities are persevering with to research the precise circumstances surrounding the theft and the following altercation.

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Trump Warns Iran OnHormuz As Key Talks Loom

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US President Donald Trump assailed Tehran for its plan for the essential Strait of Hormuz, suggesting it was dishonorable, whilst high US and Iranian officers had been as a result of collect in Islamabad on April 10 for essential peace talks.

Iran is doing a really poor job, dishonorable some would say, of permitting Oil to undergo the Strait of Hormuz. That shouldn’t be the settlement we’ve!Trump wroteon Truth Social on April 9.

“There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!” Trump wrote in a separatepost.

SEE ALSO:

State Department Urges Iraq To Prevent Attacks On US-Linked Sites

Disputes over Tehrans plans for the essential waterway, together with Israel’s large assaults in Lebanon, continued to cloud prospects for an general deal to finish the conflict, now in its forty first day.

A vital demand by Trump as a part of a two-week cease-fire deal is the free stream of transport by way of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has successfully blocked. Tehran has vowed to reopen transport, though solely with coordination with the Iranian army and thru fee of a toll.

Ships have by no means beforehand been charged to transit the strait, thought-about a global waterway and never below any nation’s authority.

World Energy Crunch

The bottleneck of oil and gasoline tankers created by Iran’s blocking of the strait has led to a worldwide power crunch and rising costs. The potential for a toll being charged has shocked leaders all through the globe.

The European Union, Britain, Greece, and others denounced Iran’s plan for a toll. Bloomberg reported that transport firms can be anticipated to pay as much as $2 million per vessel, whereas The Financial Times stated funds to Iranian authorities can be solely in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan.

During a three-day go to to the Gulf, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected the likelihood that Tehran may cost for letting ships use the important strait.

“Our position is ‘open’ means open for safe navigation,” he informed British TV. “That means toll-free navigation and vessels can get through.”

The EU’s high diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated: “We urge all involved to fully respect the cease-fire across the region, cease all military operations, and fully ensure freedom of navigation as well as free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law.”

Sanae Takaichi, the prime minister of Japan — which receives some 95 % of its oil provides from the Middle East — urged in a name with Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian that he calm tensions and make sure the security of vessels by way of the strait.

A press release attributed to Iran’s supreme chief, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, and skim out on state TV on April 9 appeared to underscore Tehrans intention to regulate the strait and regulate transport in the important thing artery.

The assertion stated Iran will certainly carry the administration of the Strait of Hormuz to a brand new stage, however didn’t present particulars. Iran shouldn’t be looking for conflict however is not going to forfeit its rights. Khamenei has not been seen because the outbreak of conflict amid hypothesis about his well-being.

US-Iran Sessions Set In Pakistan

US Vice President JD Vance, particular envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are as a result of arrive in Islamabad on April 10 for conferences with Iranian officers in what may very well be decisive talks.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and highly effective parliament speaker Mohammad BaqerQalibafwho has been vociferous in anti-US statements in current weeks –are anticipated to steer the Iranian delegation.

It was not instantly clear if official negotiations would start on April 10 or 11, however Pakistan has declared two days of native holidays within the capital forward of talks. Authorities typically declare holidays or restrictions for main diplomatic occasions for safety causes.

Despite his threats, Trump informed NBC News on April 9 he was “very optimistic” a couple of peace cope with Iran and stated Israel was “scaling back” strikes in Lebanon.

Trump stated in a phone interview that Tehran’s leaders had been “much more reasonable” in personal however added that “if they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be very painful.”

Israel, Lebanon To Talk

Separately, however practically as vital, Israeli and Lebanese representatives will meet in Washington subsequent week, a State Department informed RFE/RL.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered intensified assaults in Lebanon, the place a heavy Israeli bombardment concentrating on Hezbollah militants has shaken the US-Irancease-firedeal.

SEE ALSO:

Israel And Lebanon To Hold Talks As Strikes Cloud US-Iran Cease-Fire

Along with condemning the actions of Hezbollah — deemed a terrorist group by the United States — and Iran’s assaults all through the area, many world leaders additionally assailed Israel for the huge assaults in Lebanon which have killed greater than 300 folks over the previous two days.

The United States and Israel insist that Lebanon was not included within the cease-fire settlement with Tehran, whereas Iranian officers say it was and that additional assaults on its Hezbollah allies will possible break the truce.

The EU’s Kallas on April 9 stated that “Israeli actions are putting the US-Iran cease-fire under severe strain. TheIran truceshould extend to Lebanon.”

Israeli strikes on Lebanon are “wrong” and “should stop,” Starmer stated throughout his journey to Gulf nations.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Trump Warns Iran OnHormuz As Key Talks Loom

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Meryl Streep says she is

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New York [US], April 10 (ANI): Hollywood actor Meryl Streep has stated she is ‘completely satisfied to signify’ older girls in main roles as she returns to the large display screen with the upcoming movie The Devil Wears Prada 2. The actor, who will quickly flip 77, reprises her iconic position as Miranda Priestly within the sequel to the 2006 hit movie, in accordance with People.

Speaking at a press convention in Japan alongside co-star Anne Hathaway, Streep highlighted the dearth of illustration for older girls in mainstream cinema.

‘I do suppose that there is one thing on this one which’s uncommon, since you do not see many 70-, virtually 77-year-old girls taking part in components like this in any film or underneath any circumstance,’ she stated, including with amusing, ‘So I’m completely satisfied to signify.’

Streep additional famous that girls over 50 typically fade from on-screen visibility within the leisure business.

‘Often girls over 50, I’d say, disappear into the woodwork. Their pursuits and opinions are much less valued in our tradition,’ she stated, including that it’s encouraging to see such characters portrayed with affect and relevance.

Streep reprises one in all her most beloved characters, Miranda Priestly, within the upcoming sequel to the long-lasting 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada. The film additionally sees Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt reprising their roles because the solid reunites on the fictional places of work of Runway journal 20 years after the unique film, in accordance with People.

Based on Lauren Weisberger’s guide of the identical title, The Devil Wears Prada initially adopted Andy Sachs (Hathaway, now 43), a latest school graduate desirous to pursue a profession in journalism. Andy will get a job as a junior assistant for Miranda (Streep, 76), the editor-in-chief of Runway, a fictional high-fashion journal. Streep acquired an Oscar nomination for her efficiency within the film, and her character has been in comparison with real-life Vogue editor Anna Wintour through the years.

New solid members who will seem within the upcoming sequel embrace Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon and Broadway stars Helen J. Shen and Conrad Ricamora.

According to a press launch, actors Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman may even reprise their roles as ‘Lily’ and ‘Irv’ from the unique film. Adrian Grenier, who performed Andy’s boyfriend within the authentic film, won’t return for the sequel, in accordance with People.

Streep most lately voiced a personality in Pixar’s Hoppers and made a humorous voice cameo in Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary, in accordance with People.

According to Variety, The Devil Wears Prada 2 follows Priestly ‘as she navigates her profession amid the decline of conventional journal publishing and as she faces off towards Blunt’s character, now a high-powered government for a luxurious group with promoting {dollars} that Priestly desperately wants.’

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled for theatrical launch on May 1. (ANI)

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(SP)CHINA-NINGBO-BADMINTON-ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026(CN)

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(260410) — NINGBO, April 10, 2026 (Xinhua) — An Se Young of South Korea react after successful the ladies’s singles quarterfinal match in opposition to Miyazaki Tomoka of Japan at Badminton Asia Championships 2026 in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fei)

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Japan plans to launch further 20 days’ oil reserves from May

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Large-scale crude oil storage tanks are seen within the background at a Sodegaura Refinery in Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo Bay, Japan, April 6, 2026. /VCG

Japan plans to launch 20 days’ price of oil reserves from May, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed a cupboard assembly on Friday, to make sure a steady home provide whereas looking for non-Middle East barrels as battle within the area disrupts international provide.

Japan depends on the Middle East for some 95% of its oil. It started releasing reserves on March 16 unilaterally and in coordination with different nations beneath a plan to make obtainable sufficient oil to final 50 days. The 20 days’ price is extra.

As of April 6, Japan had sufficient oil for 230 days in its reserves, together with 143 days price in its public stockpile.

By May, Japan ought to be capable of safe greater than half of its oil imports through routes that don’t embrace the Strait of Hormuz, Takaichi mentioned, with out naming the sources.

Such routes within the Middle East embrace these from the Port of Yanbu on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast and Port of Fujairah within the United Arab Emirates.

Japan has additionally contacted suppliers within the US, Malaysia, Central Asia – resembling in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan -, Latin America – together with Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico – and Africa resembling in Nigeria and Angola.

The authorities has requested suppliers to promote gasoline on to sectors resembling healthcare, transportation and agriculture, together with inexperienced tea producers, livestock and fisheries, Takaichi mentioned.

Source: CGTN

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Japan’s opposition events urge stricter scrutiny on arms exports

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attends an intensive deliberation of the House of Councilors and stands on the lectern within the Diet constructing in Tokyo, Japan, April 7, 2026. /VCG

Several opposition events in Japan are calling for tighter scrutiny of arms exports as the federal government strikes to loosen up its restrictions on such gross sales.

According to Japan’s Kyodo News on Thursday, three main opposition events – the Centrist Reform Alliance, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and Komeito – are making ready to submit a joint proposal to the federal government. The proposal urges the federal government to uphold Japan’s constitutional pacifist rules and set up a extra rigorous system of checks and balances for arms exports.

The oppositions warn that unexpectedly altering Japan’s arms export insurance policies may harm the nation’s worldwide status and undermine its diplomatic efforts for peace. Their proposal argues that such choices shouldn’t be made unilaterally by the federal government and ruling events however ought to contain broader parliamentary debate and public dialogue.

The proposal means that the export of high-lethality weapons ought to require approval by the Japanese Cabinet. Additionally, exports above a sure financial threshold would have to be reviewed by the parliament.

The draft additionally requires complete assessments of the potential influence on regional safety dynamics and recommends imposing stricter controls on the switch of arms to nations engaged in armed battle. Furthermore, it insists that any arms export must be aligned with Japan’s constitutional dedication to pacifism and worldwide regulation.

The transfer by the opposition comes amid discussions inside Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to loosen up restrictions on weapons exports.Ā 

On Monday, the LDP reviewed a draft proposal to amend the implementation tips of Japan’s “three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology,” which might facilitate the export of weapons, together with deadly arms.Ā 

According to Kyodo News, the draft wouldn’t require prior parliamentary approval. Instead, the National Security Council would overview and approve weapon exports, with the Diet solely being notified retrospectively.Ā 

The proposal has sparked important backlash, each from opposition events and segments of the general public, who argue that stress-free these restrictions could lead on Japan down a harmful path.

Hiroshi Shiratori, a professor at Hosei University based mostly in Tokyo, cautioned that permitting the export of deadly weapons with out parliamentary approval may remodel Japan right into a “country that exports war.”

Katsuya Okada, a former international minister and senior adviser to the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, expressed issues that allowing deadly weapons exports would mark a basic break from Japan’s postwar pacifist stance. “At a time when Japan’s defense budget continues to expand, the risk of forming a military-industrial complex is growing,” Okada mentioned.

Taku Yamazoe, coverage chief of the Japanese Communist Party, accused Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s authorities of treating the army as an financial driver and looking for an general loosening of arms export restrictions.

That is tantamount to declaring Japan a army state and turning it right into a “merchant of death,” Yamazoe mentioned, including that Japan ought to keep away from turning into an arms provider and as an alternative reaffirm its identification as a pacifist nation.

Kazuko Ito, a outstanding Japanese lawyer, warned that an over-reliance on the army trade and arms commerce may have lasting penalties, making it troublesome for Japan to disengage from such dependencies sooner or later.

Source: CGTN

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