Society

Japan job dismissals over coronavirus top 3,000

Apr 29 (NHK) - The number of people in Japan who have been fired or otherwise had their employment terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak has surged to over 3,000.

Japan's labor ministry says 3,391 people nationwide lost their jobs, or were expected to, from the end of January through Monday. More than 2,000 did so in the past month.

As many as 12,395 companies have fired or laid off workers, or are considering taking such measures. Many are tourism and hotel businesses, which have been hit hard by decreasing numbers of foreign and domestic travelers.

Another 249 companies fired more than 30 employees from January to March for financial reasons, for a total of 9,620 lost jobs.

The firms include 113 manufacturers, 54 wholesalers and retailers, 16 hotels and restaurants and 15 medical care and welfare service firms.

Typhoon No. 24 Poses Heavy Rain Threat to Okinawa

Typhoon No. 24 is currently located over the southern seas and is expected to track westward toward Vietnam later this week, with no direct impact anticipated on Japan. As of now, the storm’s central pressure is 1000 hectopascals, with maximum sustained winds reaching 20 meters per second. Satellite imagery shows a significant cloud mass developing in the southern region, indicating intensified activity around the system.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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Woman Dies After Car Plows Into Pedestrians Near Nagoya Station

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