Society

Japan bans indoor smoking in public spaces

Jul 01 (NHK) - A new Japanese law took effect on Monday to prevent the spread of passive smoke, and bans indoor smoking in public spaces.

The revised health promotion law is aimed at reducing the health risks posed by the inhalation of second-hand smoke.

The prohibited spaces include schools, hospitals and offices of the central and local governments. The law allows such entities to set up outdoor smoking areas on their premises, and post signs indicating where smoking is allowed.

Managers of such facilities will face fines up to the equivalent of about 4,600 dollars if they fail to fully comply with the new rules.

People will be fined up to 2,700 dollars if they smoke in prohibited areas, and ignore warnings from those in charge of the facilities.

Smoking will be prohibited at eating establishments and corporations starting from April 1 next year.

Ishiba Shigeru elected LDP leader

Ishiba Shigeru has been elected leader of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The former LDP Secretary-General is now virtually assured of becoming the next prime minister. (NHK)

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)

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.

Over 300 New Geoglyphs Discovered by Yamagata University in Nazca

Yamagata University, which has been conducting research on the Nazca geoglyphs in Peru, announced the discovery of over 300 new geoglyphs, depicting a variety of subjects, including humans and animals.

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