Society

Suicides rising in Japan

Oct 13 (NHK) - More than 1,800 people committed suicide in Japan last month. Officials say the number of suicides rose during each of the last three months compared to the same months in 2019.

The National Police Agency says a total of 1,805 people took their own lives across the country in September. That marks an increase of 143, or 8.6 percent, compared to the same month last year.

The number of men who committed suicide was 1,166. That's up 0.4 percent from a year earlier. The number of women who took their own lives was 639. That's an increase of 27.5 percent.

Tokyo tops the list with 194 suicides. In neighboring Saitama Prefecture, there were 110. In Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, there were 109. In Kanagawa Prefecture, which also neighbors Tokyo, there were 95.

The Japanese government is trying to determine whether the increase in suicides is linked to the spread of the new coronavirus.

Japan’s LDP and Ishin Seal Coalition Deal

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) leader Hirofumi Yoshimura held a joint press conference in Tokyo after signing a coalition agreement. The deal aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and policy alignment on economic reform and national security.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Strengthens Over South China Sea, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 201st show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

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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