Society

Mitsubishi Motors to temporarily shut Japan plant operations amid virus outbreak

Apr 09 (Japan Times) - Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Wednesday it will lay off around 6,500 workers at three domestic factories that have been or will be temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Subject to the cuts are employees and temporary workers at the Mizushima plant in Okayama Prefecture and the Okazaki plant in Aichi Prefecture, which is set to close from Thursday. A Mitsubishi Motor's subsidiary, Pajero Manufacturing Co., located in Gifu Prefecture, will suspend operations from Monday, the company said.

Those laid off will be partially compensated while the factories will remain closed until April 23 at the latest, the automaker said.

Japan's H3 Rocket Successfully Lifts Off Carrying 'Michibiki 6' Satellite

The H3 Rocket No. 5 was launched at around 5:30 p.m. on February 2nd from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The rocket carries the government’s 'Michibiki 6' satellite, known as the Japanese version of GPS.

Actors and Wrestlers Join Setsubun at Narita Temple

On February 2nd, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture held its annual Setsubun ceremony, with actors and sumo wrestlers joining the traditional bean-throwing ritual on the day before spring begins.

Footage Shows Moment Truck Falls Into Sinkhole

A massive sinkhole swallowed a truck in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, on January 28, with dramatic footage capturing the moment the road suddenly gave way.

Tourists Flock to Hokkaido for Lunar New Year

Hokkaido is taking steps to address overtourism issues as large numbers of foreign visitors arrive during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Mahoroba Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ship Debuts, Connecting Central Osaka and Expo Site in 60 Minutes

The hydrogen fuel cell ship "Mahoroba," designed to connect central Osaka with the Expo venue in Yumeshima in approximately 60 minutes, was unveiled to the media ahead of its commercial launch during the Expo period.

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Ukai and Ama Fishing Seek UNESCO Recognition

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Yamaguchi-Gumi Members Accused of Breaking Into Mobile Store, Stealing 31 Phones

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Chaos in Akihabara: Crowds Swarm Lottery for Limited Nvidia PC Parts

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Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces Set for UNESCO Nomination as Cultural Heritage

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Death Sentence Finalized for Kyoto Animation Arsonist Who Killed 36

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'Great Cold Endurance Competition' Held at Mount Tsurumi

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Man Confesses: Gifu Stabbing Was Self-Harm, Not a Crime

Gifu Police have announced that what was initially reported as a stabbing incident in Gifu City was, in fact, an act of self-harm by the victim.

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