News On Japan

Niigata governor to quit

Apr 19 (NHK) - Niigata Governor Ryuichi Yoneyama has announced he's stepping down over an alleged sex scandal.

His sudden departure throws into question the future of a nuclear power plant in the central Japan prefecture. Yoneyama has been cautious about the plant operator's efforts to restart the facility.

Yoneyama held a news conference on Wednesday, the day before a weekly magazine was expected to run a story about the scandal.

Yoneyama revealed that he had tendered his resignation earlier in the day to the chairperson of the prefectural assembly.

He said he decided to resign to avoid further turmoil and take responsibility for his actions. He added that he wanted to offer his sincere apology for undermining the trust of many people.

Yoneyama was elected governor in October 2016, with the recommendation of the Japanese Communist Party, the Liberal Party, and the Social Democratic Party.

He has been cautious about the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station in the prefecture.

It is run by Tokyo Electric Power Company, the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which was crippled by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The utility has been seeking local consent to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant.

Source: ANNnewsCH

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

In Toyama Bay, known as a 'natural fish preserve,' a small shrimp called the 'yokoebi' has seen an explosive surge since the Noto Peninsula earthquake, causing significant damage to brand fish species.

A mountain lodge in Jozankei, Sapporo City, was completely destroyed by fire on Saturday night, forcing 23 hikers staying there to evacuate.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has revealed plans to project advertisements on the walls of its building through projection mapping, following criticism over the initiative’s high costs.

Yumeshima Station, the 'nearest station' to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, is set to open next spring, with a public reveal this week for the first time ahead of its scheduled January opening.

Following the main Halloween event on Thursday, Shibuya Ward's Chief remarked that while Halloween passed without significant disruption, 'engagement with foreign visitors remains a challenge for the future.' (Video Street View Japan)

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

On Culture Day, November 3rd, manga artist Tetsuya Chiba, 85, expressed his joy at receiving the Order of Culture from the Emperor, saying, 'I believe Osamu Tezuka would be the happiest for me right now.'

A 42-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stealing a business bag containing cash and credit cards from an overhead rack inside a Yamanote Line train at JR Ikebukuro Station in early August.

A man found to be cycling under the influence of alcohol has been charged in Osaka City, western Japan, becoming the first to be penalized in Osaka Prefecture under newly tightened traffic regulations. (NHK)

In Japan, idol culture is a huge part of the entertainment world. At live concerts, various teenage idol groups perform one after another, each with fans eagerly awaiting their favorite act. (Japanese Comedian Meshida)

Eleven individuals suspected of laundering money gained through criminal activities were arrested for allegedly facilitating gambling through an online casino.

A woman who repeatedly hurled raw eggs at her neighbor's house in Kawabe, Gifu, has been sentenced to prison. In court, the woman explained her actions stemmed from 'insults being hurled at her almost daily.'

Japanese ex-convict and notorious prank YouTuber Johnny Somali, born Ismail Ramsey Khalid, has made headlines again, this time for disruptive behavior in South Korea that ended in a public assault.

The Hirose River in Sendai City has turned a mysterious red, sparking local concern. Residents are puzzled, with some noting they've never seen anything like it before.