Society

Japan to allow reentry from 11 African nations

Jan 11 (NHK) - The Japanese government plans to lift its ban on reentry of non-Japanese from 11 African countries. The restriction has been in place to keep out the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

South Africa, where Omicron was first identified, was included in the ban. Reentry by all foreigners from the 11 countries, including those with residency status in Japan, has been barred.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters on Tuesday that because of changes in the situation and the need for humanitarian consideration, the government will allow foreigners with residency status from those countries to reenter Japan.

Japan has also barred new foreign arrivals in principle from all countries as a coronavirus safety measure.

Matsuno added the government is considering how to handle foreign students who are nearing graduation or advancement to a higher grade.

He said that while new arrivals will be barred in principle, the government will respond flexibly on a case-by-case basis.

Source: TBS NEWS

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Princess Mikasa passes away at 101

Japan's Princess Mikasa, whose given name is Yuriko, passed away at the age of 101. The princess was the widow of Prince Mikasa, a younger brother of the late Emperor Showa. (NHK)

A Day in TOKYO in 1975 | 昭和東京

An hour long documentary looking at the life of the Sugiura family, fish merchants and caterers living in Tokyo. Producer, director, John Nathan Explores the professional and personal lives of a Japanese family, Takes a look at the everyday life of a Japanese family living in Tokyo. (TRNGL)

More Elderly Living Alone in Japan

The number of single-person households in Japan is expected to surpass 40% by 2050, according to recent projections.

Japan's Abandoned Car Issue - Millions in Forgotten Legends

It's no secret that Japan is lined with seemingly forgotten about cars. This is the second video I dedicate to showing you guys what I can sometimes run across in my travels and as much as it is sad to see cars left to crumble away into nothingness, there's always something impossibly visual about seeing grimy decay, especially if on cars we all love so much. (Dino DC)