Society

Japan to issue new Y500 coins in November after pandemic delay

Apr 28 (Japan Times) - Japan will begin issuing newly redesigned Y500 coins from around November, the Finance Ministry said Tuesday, after their initial release in the first half of the fiscal year from April was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The new Y500 coins, minted in two colors to prevent counterfeiting, are the first redesign since 2000.

The ministry in January postponed issuance of the new coins due to delayed updates to ticket and automated teller machines amid the pandemic.

While the ministry plans to mint around 200 million of the new coins in fiscal 2021, the approximately 5 billion coins currently in circulation will still be usable.

Source: ANNnewsCH

Japanese Automakers Set to Merge

Two of Japan’s leading automakers, Honda and Nissan, are reportedly advancing discussions on a management integration. The backdrop to this significant development appears to involve growing competition from China.

Honda Unveils Next-Generation Hybrid Technology

Honda has introduced new hybrid technology that combines an engine and electric motors, as demand for electric vehicles rises in the push toward decarbonization.

Grief and Anxiety Grow After Fatal Kitakyushu Stabbing

The mourning ceremony for 15-year-old Nakashima Saya, who was fatally stabbed at a fast-food restaurant in Kitakyushu City, was held on Tuesday. The attack, which took place four days ago, left Nakashima dead and a male student seriously injured with a deep wound near his waist. Police continue to search for the suspect, who fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Sea Shepherd Founder Released After Denmark Rejects Extradition to Japan

Paul Watson, founder of the anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, who had been detained in Greenland, a Danish territory, has been released after Danish authorities rejected Japan's extradition request.

Daughter Comments on Father's Claim of Innocence at First Hearing

A woman who has come forward under her real name to accuse her father of sexual abuse criticized his not guilty plea during the first hearing, stating, "What daughter in the world would accept sexual acts from her father?"

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Japan to Accept Unusual Baby Names

Japanese 'kira-kira names,' with atypical pronunciation or meaning, could soon be partially accepted under certain conditions, according to proposed guidelines from Japan's Ministry of Justice.

Police Seize 'I Refuse Questioning' T-Shirt, Calling It Dangerous

A man arrested in Osaka Prefecture for abandoning his duty of care wore a T-shirt that read "I refuse questioning," which police confiscated, citing it as a "dangerous item," a lawyer has revealed.

Daughter Comments on Father's Claim of Innocence at First Hearing

Street Prostitution in Osaka Persists Despite Crackdown

In the bustling Umeda district of Osaka, women believed to be engaging in prostitution are often seen standing on the streets, waiting for customers. This activity, known as "standing prostitution," has reportedly been rampant in the area for over a decade.