Society

Govt. to expand scope of coronavirus subsidies

Jun 27 (NHK) - The Japanese government will expand the scope of a subsidy program to help small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Owners of businesses that opened between January and March of this year will be eligible for the program which provides up to about 19,000 dollars in subsidies. Some freelance workers have also been included for the first time and may be eligible for up to 9,000 dollars.

New business owners whose monthly sales from April onward fell by more than 50 percent from their average before that period can apply for the subsidy.

Freelancers could apply if their sales in a particular month this year dropped more than 50 percent compared to last year.

Officials say they will take more time with the approval period because they require more documents.

The government will start accepting online applications from Monday.

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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New Red Lights for Japan's Police Cars

Former 'Breaking Down' Representative Arrested in Fake Investment Scheme

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Woman in Floral Mini-Skirt Targets Zoo Outlets with Mysterious Tape

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Japanese Households with Buddhist Altars Has Drastically Decreased

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Twelve Referred to Prosecutors for Alleged Abuse at Kuwana Festival Horse Event

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Man Attacks Female Student to Steal Phone

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Video of Penguins Chasing Butterfly Goes Viral

A group of Humboldt penguins at Tokuyama Zoo in Yamaguchi Prefecture has captured people's hearts, as they chase a butterfly that had accidentally flown into their pool enclosure.

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