Society

Japanese gov't creates YouTube channel on North Korea abduction issue

Oct 17 (Kyodo) - The Japanese government on Friday created an official YouTube channel to provide information about North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s, with a video featuring Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowing to bring them back home promptly.

In a 58-minute video, Suga emphasized that the long-standing issue is his administration's "top priority" and said there is no time to spare to reunite abductees with their aging family members.

"There is no time to lose. We will do everything we can without missing any opportunities to ensure that all abductees return home as soon as possible," said Suga, who became Japanese prime minister last month.

The video titled "Voices of the International Community Calling for the Resolution of the Abduction Issue" also features messages from representatives of the United States, Australia and the European Union as well as families of the abductees.

The official YouTube channel also has an animated video with English subtitles about Megumi Yokota, who was abducted in 1977 at the age of 13.

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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