Society

Gov't to help arrange substitute nurseries after COVID closures

Feb 09 (Japan Today) - The Japanese government will provide financial support to help local governments arrange substitute facilities to look after children if their nurseries close due to coronavirus infections, the health ministry said Tuesday.

The ministry will introduce an exception to regular rules so community centers and children's centers will be allowed to accept children from nurseries even when there are not enough licensed carers for the number of children they look after, according to a set of new COVID-19 measures announced by the ministry.

Given the recent spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant at nurseries, the ministry also temporarily recommends children at nurseries to wear facial masks when possible, although it does not unilaterally require them to do so or recommend it for those aged under 2.

The changes come as a record high 777 nurseries approved by municipal governments in 43 of Japan's 47 prefectures were closed as of Tuesday, up 133 from the previous week. While the ministry urges nurseries to stay open in principle even amid the pandemic, it is up to local governments to decide whether to temporarily close them when children and staff are infected with the virus. ...continue reading

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

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.

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