Society

LDP to mull mandatory childcare leave for men

Jun 06 (NHK) - Lawmakers from Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party have launched a group to consider ways to encourage men to take childcare leave.

Japan's health and labor ministry says that as of October last year, over 82 percent of new mothers took childcare leave, while the figure was over 6 percent among new fathers.

At the group's inaugural meeting on Wednesday, former education minister Hirokazu Matsuno called for speedy efforts to change the public mindset about men taking care of their children.

The lawmakers plan to mull legislation obliging companies to give childcare leave to all new fathers, even if they don't request it.

They will also campaign for more teleworking, so that child-rearing fathers can work from their homes.

Nozomi Shinkansen to Reduce Non-Reserved Seats

JR Central and JR West plan to reduce the number of non-reserved seats on the Nozomi Shinkansen, operating on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, starting next spring, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Gold Smuggling Hits Record High in Japan

Gold smuggling into Japan has reached unprecedented levels, with smugglers employing increasingly ingenious methods to evade detection. Customs officials have uncovered gold hidden in wigs, the tips of golf clubs, and even within luggage cart components.

Japan’s Michibiki Satellite System to Revolutionize Navigation

The latest model of Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite system, Michibiki, often referred to as the Japanese version of GPS, has been unveiled.

'Digital Human' Revealed at Kansai Expo

Digital human technology, set to be featured in a pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo next April, was unveiled by media artist Yoichi Ochiai.

Perovskite Solar Cells to Become Available in Two to Three Years

A Japanese researcher behind the development of next-generation 'perovskite solar cells' expressed confidence that the product will be available to the public within two to three years.

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Father Acquitted in Stepdaughter's Death After Reversal of Conviction

A 35-year-old father, Takahiro Imanishi, was acquitted by the Osaka High Court on November 28th after being sentenced to 12 years in prison for the death of his 2-year-old stepdaughter, Noa.

Remains of Largest 7th-Century Imperial Residence Found in Nara

Remains of what is thought to be the largest building of the late 7th century have been discovered at the Asuka Palace site in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture. It is believed to have been the residence of an emperor.

Mystery Key Boxes Spark Concern Around Harumi Flag

Concerns have grown around the Harumi Flag area, the former Olympic Village turned residential complex, where a series of mysterious key boxes have been found.

Poisonous Pufferfish Sold Untreated in Aichi Prefecture, Calls for Return

Toxic pufferfish were sold without removing poisonous parts in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, prompting authorities to issue a warning and request product returns.

Trespasser Breaks Into Over 1,000 Properties for the Thrill

A man in Fukuoka Prefecture who was arrested for breaking into aafter admitting to trespassing over 1,000 times, citing the adrenaline rush as the primary motivation.

Former Official Involved in Ikebukuro Car Crash Dies in Prison at 93

Kozo Iizuka, a former senior official convicted in a 2019 car crash in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, that killed two people and injured nine others, has died at the age of 93. Iizuka passed away in October, reportedly due to natural causes.

Touchless Harassment: Man Arrested for Sniffing Schoolgirl's Hair

Touchless harassment, a form of obscene behavior that does not involve physical contact, is drawing increasing attention in Japan. Last month, Kyoto Prefectural Police arrested a man for persistently sniffing a girl's hair.

Hyogo Festival Celebrates Multiculturalism

The 'Itami Madan' festival promoting multicultural harmony across national boundaries was held on Saturday in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture, featuring the 'janggu,' a traditional Korean drum.

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