Society

NTT eyes turning NTT Docomo into wholly-owned unit

Sep 29 (Kyodo) - Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. is planning to turn Japan's largest mobile carrier NTT Docomo Inc. into a wholly-owned company through a takeover bid, sources close to the matter said Monday.

NTT is considering acquiring about 30 percent of NTT Docomo shares owned by individual shareholders for some 4 trillion yen ($37.9 billion) to put the company under full control, the sources said.

The telecom giant is expected to announce the plan soon.

As Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is pushing for lower smartphone service fees and telecom companies are vying to adopt future-generation "5G" networks, NTT aims to build effective management in the mobile carrier group.

After the takeover, NTT Docomo would be delisted from the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the sources said.

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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Kato Recognized by Guinness for 65 Years of Chess Puzzle Contributions

Hifumi Kato, affectionately known as 'Hifumin,' has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for the longest-running chess puzzle column in a magazine.

Monkey Caretaker Accused of Stealing Feed at Osaka Zoo

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Osaka Strip Theater Busted for Indecency

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Wakayama Shrine Prepares New Year’s Artwork

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Sex industry recruiters in Tokyo arrested

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Human Hand Found Sticking Out From Ground at Cemetery in Nara

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Renowned poet Tanikawa Shuntaro dies at 92

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