Society

Prosecutors drop case of dead suspect in Osaka clinic arson

Mar 18 (Kyodo) - Prosecutors on Thursday posthumously dropped an arson case against a man over charges of murder and arson at an Osaka mental health clinic last December that left him and 26 others dead.

The investigation into the suspected arson on Dec. 17 ended as the 61-year-old suspect, Morio Tanimoto, died in the hospital on Dec. 30 before police could question him. The police referred the case to the prosecutors on Wednesday.

Tanimoto was suspected of spraying gasoline and starting a fire at the clinic, killing 26 people, including regular visitors to the facility and its director, Kotaro Nishizawa, 49. He was also suspected of igniting a fire at a house he lived in just before the incident. ...continue reading

Source: Kyodo

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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Man With Snake Tattoo Accused of Theft and Headbutting Store Employee

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Wakayama Shrine Prepares New Year’s Artwork

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Sex industry recruiters in Tokyo arrested

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