Evacuation order to be lifted for part of Fukushima 'difficult-to-return' zone

May 18, 2022 | News On Japan

May 18, 2022 (NHK) - Authorities in Japan are set to lift an evacuation order for part of a district designated a "difficult-to-return" zone in Fukushima Prefecture in mid-June.

Residents of the Noyuki district, which takes up 20 percent of Katsurao Village, were forced to leave their homes due to high radiation levels after the 2011 nuclear accident.

Officials from the central and prefectural governments and the village have decided to lift the order for 6 percent of the district on June 12.

It will be the first case in which people will be able to return to their residences in what has been a "difficult-to-return" zone.

Village authorities aim to put rice paddies in the area back into use to revitalize farming, and set up a zone for residents to get together where an assembly hall used to be.

Eighty-two people from 30 households are registered as residents, but only eight people making up four households have so far expressed an interest in returning.

Source: ANNnewsCH

First Day of Extreme Heat Expected in Central Tokyo

Central Tokyo could experience its first extremely hot day of the year on the final day of the three-day weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach at least 35 C as dangerous heat spreads across eastern and northeastern Japan.

Apple Hikes iPhone Prices in Japan

Apple has raised prices for iPhones sold in Japan, with the top-end iPhone 17 Pro Max now costing more than 210,000 yen, as the prolonged weakness of the yen increases the local cost of products priced and managed in US dollars.

Research Map Shows Japan Faces Scorching Summers

Japan is likely to face increasingly long and dangerously hot summers as global temperatures continue to rise, with advanced climate simulations also pointing to more frequent torrential rain, rising seas and accelerating ice loss by the end of the century.

New Typhoon Likely to Form Far South of Japan

A tropical depression near the Truk Islands is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within 12 hours, but forecasters say it is unlikely to have any direct impact on Japan.

Protest Held Against Japan Flag Protection Bill

A protest against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was held in Tokyo's Shibuya district on July 16 as public concern grew over a bill that would impose criminal penalties for damaging the Japanese flag.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Bacteria on Nurse's Uniform Match Those Found in Slain Patient's Blood

Bacteria found in excrement on the uniform of a former nurse arrested on suspicion of killing a hospital patient by contaminating his intravenous drip matched bacteria detected in the victim's blood, investigators have found.

Alleged Ringleader in Student's Death Claims Distorted Sense of Justice

A man accused of leading a group assault that killed a university student apologized to the victim and his family in court, saying he had acted out of what he described as a "distorted sense of justice."

Yakuza Gang Accused of Illegally Clearing Hiroshima Forest

Police are investigating a yakuza gang in Hiroshima after its members allegedly cleared about 3,000 square meters of privately owned forest and used heavy machinery to build an unauthorized access road.

Nurse Searched Whether Feces Injection Could Kill

A former nurse accused of killing a hospitalized patient by mixing human waste into his intravenous drip had searched online for whether injecting feces could cause death, investigators have found.

Woman in Nightgown Found Dead on Barge at Sea

A woman believed to be in her 40s to 60s was found bleeding and unconscious on a barge moored off Osaka and was later confirmed dead, prompting police to investigate the possibility that she was the victim of a crime.

Imperial Family Strolls Through Nasu Retreat

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko began a period of rest at the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture on July 16, taking an evening stroll through the grounds in traditional Okinawan kariyushi shirts.

Beauty Influencer Reika Miyazaki Sentenced to 2 Years and Six Months Prison

Beauty influencer and businesswoman Reika Miyazaki was sentenced on July 15 to two years and six months in prison, suspended for four years, for evading about 157 million yen in taxes, while her company was fined 40 million yen.

Convenience Stores Tackle Bear Crisis

Convenience store operators in Japan are strengthening safety measures as bear-related damage grows more serious, with Lawson expanding the use of bear repellent spray and considering drone-based remote monitoring.

< 2 3 4 5 >