Japan to allow wage payments to digital wallets from April

TOKYO, Oct 27 (Japan Today) - Japan is planning to start allowing companies to pay wages to digital payment apps like PayPay and Rakuten Pay from April, the labor ministry said Wednesday, in a bid to promote cashless payments as a way to stimulate the economy.

The maximum balance of such digital wallets will be set to 1 million yen, with employees able to use the funds to make purchases or remittances directly.

The upper limit was determined amid concerns that app users cannot be protected sufficiently. Unlike banks, operators of the apps are not subject to the nation's deposit insurance system, which covers principal of up to 10 million yen in case of bankruptcy.

The ministry on Wednesday approved a draft revision to a relevant ordinance.

While the revised ordinance is expected to come into effect in April, its implementation is unlikely to begin until several months later. Screening of app operators must be completed first, and companies considering digital wage payments also have to obtain consent from employees, the ministry said. ...continue reading

Torrential downpours have left six people dead, two missing

Torrential downpours in Japan's central Ishikawa Prefecture have caused river flooding and mudslides across the Noto region. Six people are dead and two are reported missing. (NHK)

First Snow of Season Observed at Mount Rishiri

Signs of winter are already arriving. Mount Rishiri in Hokkaido recorded the first snowfall of the season on Sunday, making it the first observed in Japan this year.

Flying Car Shows Potential for Disaster Relief

A test flight for flying cars was conducted in Wakayama Prefecture on Saturday, reaching an altitude of 40 meters, demonstrating stability in windy conditions.

Ohtani Hits Milestone with 52-52 Record

Shohei Ohtani returned to Dodger Stadium in spectacular fashion, hitting a home run and stealing a base in his first game back, raising his season total to 52 home runs and 52 stolen bases.

China to Lift Japanese Seafood Ban

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says Japan and China have reached an agreement that will lead to the resumption of China's imports of Japanese seafood. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Endangered Beetle Captured in Fukuoka for First Time in 20 Years

The endangered Shimagengorou, a fast-swimming beetle known to inhabit still waters such as ponds and rice paddies, has been captured for the first time in 20 years in Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Martian Stone Discovered by Japanese Team to Be Featured at Osaka-Kansai Expo

A new highlight for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which will be held next year, has been revealed: a 'Martian stone,' roughly the size of a rugby ball, black and rugged.

Japanese Scientists Win Ig Nobel Prize for Anus Breathing Discovery

In this year's Ig Nobels, Japanese researchers have won an award for discovering that mammals can breathe through their anuses, opening a new pathway for ventilators.

The Japanese Astronaut Who Hated Space: Akiyama Toyohiro

In 1990, journalist Akiyama Toyohiro became the first Japanese astronaut and journalist in space. Too bad he had such a rough time of it. (Unseen Japan)

Fuel Debris Removal Restarts: How Dangerous Is It?

The removal of fuel debris, a crucial and highly challenging part of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant decommissioning process, has resumed. This process, regarded as the most difficult aspect of the decommissioning effort, focuses on extracting melted and solidified nuclear fuel, known as fuel debris, from the plant's reactors.