Society

Govt aims to fund tourism with Y1,000 'departure tax'

Oct 26 (the-japan-news.com) - The government intends to impose a Â¥1,000 "departure tax" on tourists and other travelers when they leave Japan to raise funds for tourism promotion, according to a draft plan.

The envisaged tax would be imposed not only on foreign nationals but also on Japanese citizens leaving the country, the plan says. It would be collected at such times as when travelers purchase a plane ticket.

The government aims to introduce the tax in fiscal 2019, according to informed sources. After holding discussions on the new system within bodies such as the ruling parties' research commissions on the tax system, the government hopes to include it in a tax system reform outline to be compiled by the end of this year.

Ishiba Announces New Cabinet Lineup

New Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Ishiba is moving forward with personnel appointments, aiming to appoint former Defense Minister Iwaya as the new Foreign Minister.

Two powerful storms approaching Japan

Japanese weather officials say that over the next few days Typhoon Krathon will likely approach the southwestern islands of Okinawa Prefecture. (NHK)

Tateyama Alpine Route Awash in Autumn Colors, Set to Peak in October

Autumn foliage is advancing early in the Tateyama region of the Northern Alps in Toyama Prefecture, with vibrant red and yellow hues starting to appear.

Hakamada Case Ends With Acquittal After 58 Years

The Hakamada case, a decades-long legal struggle, ended with an acquittal for Iwao Hakamada (88), who, along with his sister Hideko, fought for 58 years. Hakamada was suspected of the 1966 murder of a miso company executive’s family.

Japan launches information-gathering satellite on H2A rocket

A Japanese government information-gathering satellite has successfully been put into a planned orbit around Earth. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Runaway Akita Dog Captured After 40-Minute Chase

A large dog was caught on camera running down a road in Yoshioka, Gunma Prefecture, with police officers wielding nets in hot pusuit.

Death of Teen Girl in Osaka Hotel Sparks Manhunt

A 17-year-old girl was found dead in a hotel in Osaka on Saturday at around 11 p.m., when a hotel employee reported, 'A woman is wrapped in bedding and not breathing.'

Three Men Break into Paris Home of Japanese Michelin Star Chef

Three men broke into the Paris home of renowned chef Kei Kobayashi, 47, who has earned three Michelin stars, on September 26th, assaulting Kobayashi's wife who suffered severe injuries. Kobayashi commented, saying, 'This is unforgivable.'

Australia nabs four Japanese for smuggling cigarettes

Four Japanese men have been caught at an Australian airport on suspicion of trying to smuggle a large amount of cigarettes into the country. (NHK)

Hakamada Case Ends With Acquittal After 58 Years

New Red Lights for Japan's Police Cars

Japan's National Police Agency is introducing new patrol cars equipped with red lights designed to assist people with hearing impairments, flashing differently depending on whether the vehicle is on an emergency run or a routine patrol.

Former 'Breaking Down' Representative Arrested in Fake Investment Scheme

The former representative of the martial arts event company 'Breaking Down,' Yugo Itagaki, along with two other individuals, has been arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on charges of defrauding a company executive out of 80 million yen.

Woman in Floral Mini-Skirt Targets Zoo Outlets with Mysterious Tape

Strange incidents involving a woman placing black tape on outlets have been occurring around zoos in the Izu area of Shizuoka Prefecture.

< 2 3 4 5 >