Society

Japan gov't to earmark 1 tril. yen for reserve fund to fight coronavirus

Apr 06 (Kyodo) - Japan will earmark 1 trillion yen ($9.2 billion) for a reserve fund to fight the new coronavirus pandemic, according to a draft of an emergency economic package being compiled by the government.

With the fund, the government will provide an additional 10,000 yen per child for families that receive child allowances, says the draft made available on Sunday.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet is expected to approve the fund, together with a supplementary budget for fiscal 2020, in a meeting on Tuesday.

With the number of infections in Japan topping 4,500 and the domestic death toll exceeding 100, the government says the pandemic has caused "the biggest economic crisis since World War II," according to the draft.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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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Wakayama Shrine Prepares New Year’s Artwork

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