Society

World Cup: Japan captain Makoto Hasebe retires from national team

Jul 04 (Kyodo) - Japan captain Makoto Hasebe announced Tuesday he is retiring from the national team, a day after Samurai Blue were knocked out of the Russia World Cup by Belgium.

Hasebe took to social media to make the announcement, posting on Instagram that it is time for him to "end my time with the national team."

"Playing for the national team is different from club teams in that the players don't know when or who will be selected. So I understand I'm being self-centered by announcing this," the 34-year-old who finishes his career with 114 matches in Japan colors said.

Just a day earlier, Hasebe led Japan in a heartbreaking 3-2 round-of-16 loss to Belgium. The team gave up a two-goal second-half lead before allowing Belgian substitute Nacer Chadli to net the winner in the 94th minute.

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

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.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

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.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

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

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