Society

Prosecutors drop rape case against 6 Keio University students

Nov 30 (Japan Today) - Prosecutors in Yokohama have decided not to prosecute six male students of Tokyo's Keio University, who were accused of sexual assault after coercing a female student to consume alcohol last year.

Although the prosecutors office gave no reason for their decision, Japanese media reported Wednesday that an out-of-court settlement had been reached between the victim and the defendants.

The six students - aged 18-21 - are former members of Keio University's Advertisement Society, a group that organizes the annual Miss Keio University beauty contest each November. On Sept 2, 2016, the suspects allegedly coerced their then 18-year-old victim to become intoxicated before gang-raping her at a beach house located in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The girl filed a criminal complaint, saying she was forced to drink large amounts of alcohol, including tequila, by the group, and then sexually assaulted. Prosecutors said the group gave alcohol to other girls as well on the same night at the Hayama facility.

In October 2016, after the victim filed the criminal complaint, the university cancelled the Miss Keio beauty contest, and the Keio Advertisement Society, which had a 90-year history, was disbanded. Three of the students were suspended.

Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

A new chapter opened in Japan’s political history on October 21st as Sanae Takaichi was elected the nation’s first female prime minister. Following her appointment by the Diet, Takaichi declared that her new cabinet would be one of “decision and progress,” pledging to move swiftly on policies from the very first day.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Strengthens Over South China Sea, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 201st show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Guinness-Recognized Fireworks Photo Removed After One Complaint

A photograph of fireworks soaring above the Edo River in Chiba’s Ichikawa City — forming what looked like a glowing Mount Fuji — was taken down from city hall just one day after being displayed, following a single citizen complaint.

Mako Komuro Appears in Six-Page Town & Country Feature

The October issue of the long-established American lifestyle magazine Town & Country features Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family, on the cover under the headline "Princess Ingognito," dedicating a six-page spread to Komuro and her husband Kei, exploring their life in the United States.