Society

JBIC to stop financing coal-fired plants by FY2040

Aug 27 (NHK) - A Japanese government-backed lender says it is going to reduce to zero its outstanding loans for overseas coal-fired power plants.

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation has set a target date of around fiscal 2040. The policy is part of its push for carbon neutrality, as the world turns to cleaner fuels.

The JBIC says its loan balances for such plants stood at about 6 billion dollars as of the end of March. The lender has already indicated it will no longer offer financing for the projects that involve Japanese companies.

Japan's three biggest private financial groups, Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho, have announced similar plans, also with a fiscal 2040 target date.

78 Hours After Road Collapse, Bleak Weather Hampers Rescuers

A road collapse in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, has entered its 78th hour, with rescue crews battling persistent water inflows. Snow and rain expected on Sunday could further complicate efforts.

Tourists Flock to Hokkaido for Lunar New Year

Hokkaido is taking steps to address overtourism issues as large numbers of foreign visitors arrive during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Mahoroba Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ship Debuts, Connecting Central Osaka and Expo Site in 60 Minutes

The hydrogen fuel cell ship "Mahoroba," designed to connect central Osaka with the Expo venue in Yumeshima in approximately 60 minutes, was unveiled to the media ahead of its commercial launch during the Expo period.

Japanese Clinics Gaining Popularity Among Travelers

From sudden severe pain during a gourmet-filled trip to chronic illness attacks that medication cannot treat, what kinds of symptoms bring foreign tourists to clinics?

Public Smoking Ban Across Osaka, Violators Fined 1,000 Yen

Starting January 27, Osaka City has implemented a citywide ban on smoking in public areas, including heated tobacco products, as part of preparations for the Osaka-Kansai Expo set to open in April.

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Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces Set for UNESCO Nomination as Cultural Heritage

The Japanese government is set to nominate the "Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces" in Nara Prefecture for UNESCO World Heritage status, aiming for registration next summer.

Death Sentence Finalized for Kyoto Animation Arsonist Who Killed 36

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'Great Cold Endurance Competition' Held at Mount Tsurumi

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Man Confesses: Gifu Stabbing Was Self-Harm, Not a Crime

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Man Admits to Dismembering Partner's Body With Farm Tools

Tokyo police are investigating a shocking case involving the disposal of a woman’s remains on the shores of Izu Oshima. The arrested suspect, 45-year-old Sōtatsu Yanase, who operates a tatami shop, has admitted to dismembering the body of his partner, Shizuka Takase, 37, using farm tools before disposing of her bones on the beach.