Society

Man served arrest warrant for allegedly killing Chinese sisters

Aug 11 (Japan Today) - A 39-year-old man was served a fresh arrest warrant Friday for allegedly murdering two Chinese sisters whose bodies were found stuffed in travel bags in woods southwest of Tokyo last month, police said.

Tatsuya Iwasaki, an acquaintance of the victims, had been served an arrest warrant earlier for allegedly abandoning the bodies of Chen Baolan, 25, and her sister Chen Baozhen, 22, in the woods in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Iwasaki, of Yokohama, is suspected of strangling the women at their apartment unit in the city on around July 6 before abandoning their bodies in travel bags in the following days.

Iwasaki, who was initially arrested on July 10 for suspected confinement of the women, is not speaking with investigators about the allegations, according to the police.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

First 'Rose of Versailles' Manhole Covers Appear in Chiba’s Kashiwa

Manhole covers featuring characters from Riyoko Ikeda’s popular manga The Rose of Versailles were unveiled on November 11th at three locations within Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.

USJ to Open 'Donkey Kong Country' in December

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced that the new 'Donkey Kong Country' area will open on December 11th, expanding the 'Super Nintendo World' by 1.7 times.

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