Society

Japanese lawmakers visit controversial Yasukuni Shrine for first time in 2 years

Dec 08 (South China Morning Post) - A group of nearly 100 Japanese lawmakers visited the Yasukuni Shrine – a controversial symbol of Japanese imperialism and a reminder of its wartime atrocities – on December 7, 2021.

It was the first visit by Japanese politicians in two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The shrine honours 2.5 million Japanese soldiers killed in World War II, including more than a dozen convicted war criminals like General Hideki Tojo. The shrine has been a source of diplomatic tension in the past, with China and South Korea citing official visits to Yasukuni as symbolic of Japan’s ongoing refusal to fully atone for its legacy of brutality in the region.

Kyoto to Raise Lodging Tax

Kyoto City has unveiled a new strategy aimed at balancing the needs of residents with the demands of tourism, with Mayor Koji Matsui announcing plans to increase the lodging tax applied to hotels and inns within the city.

Akihabara Struggles With Litter as Tourist Numbers Soar

Akihabara, Tokyo’s iconic district for anime and electronics, is grappling with a worsening litter problem as foreign tourist numbers increase. Piles of garbage, particularly near Akihabara Station, have become a common sight, with discarded cans and bottles left around vending machines and on the streets.

Chiba to Double Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Weekend Tolls During Peak Hours

Chiba Prefecture has announced a plan to revise the toll system on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, currently being tested, by doubling toll fees during peak congestion hours from April next year.

Russian Diplomats in Japan Continue to Evade Parking Fines

The issue of diplomatic vehicles avoiding parking fines in Japan due to diplomatic immunity continues, with Russia reaching a record-high number of violations, accounting for 63% of the total.

Naomi Watanabe, Yumiko Suzuki Named Among BBC's 100 Women of 2024

The BBC has announced its 2024 edition of '100 Women,' celebrating individuals who have made a significant impact on society, selecting Japanese talent Naomi Watanabe (37) as one of the honorees.

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Crackdown in Tokyo’s Kabukicho Results in 50 Arrests

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Passerby Pledges 600 Million Yen To Restore Local Pool

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Bicycle Scissors Attacker Arrested in Wakayama

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Osaka Police Clash With Protesters During Forced Eviction

Authorities in Osaka's Nishinari Ward carried out a contentious forced eviction at the Airin General Center, a facility once central to the city’s day-laborer community, sparking protests from residents and supporters who condemned the move as a violation of human rights and dignity, while officials cited safety concerns and legal rulings as justification for the operation.