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Women overtake men in exam pass rate at Japan's medical schools

Feb 16 (Kyodo) - Women overtook men for the first time in the acceptance rate at Japan's medical schools for the 2021 academic year that started in April, an education ministry survey showed Wednesday, in a sign of improvement over gender-based discrimination in entrance examinations that came to light a few years ago.

The average exam pass rate for women at the country's 81 universities with a medical faculty stood at 13.60 percent against men's 13.51 percent, marking the first time women beat men in the rate since comparable data became available in the 2013 academic year.

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The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries held an emergency meeting to address the rapid outbreak of avian influenza, urging prefectural governments to strengthen hygiene management measures.

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

Sales for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, which offers a combined prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and adjacent prizes, have officially begun.

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