Japanese lawmakers debate bill on religious donations

TOKYO, Dec 07 () - Japanese lawmakers have started debating a bill that would regulate donations to religious entities. They include the group formerly known as the Unification Church.

The legislation would ban religious groups from soliciting donations in an unscrupulous manner. Opposition lawmakers want to revise the bill to ban donations that are made under the influence of so-called mind control.

Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Yunoki Michiyoshi said, "The former Unification Church has conducted those acts. By clearly banning them, the group's victims would be able to obtain financial relief."

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said, "In many cases, victims would be able to revoke those donations under this new legislation and a bill to revise the Consumer Contract Act."

Japan's Prime Minister also referred to cases where people donated or made promises in a confused state of mind. He said they could exercise their rights to cancel after leaving religious groups if they can prove they made donations under duress. ...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 Politics NEWS

Kishida, Biden: Japan and US remain partners for international order

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and US President Joe Biden have touted each other's contributions to their countries' bilateral ties. Kishida is leaving office soon, just months ahead of Biden's end of term. (NHK)

Japan's junior ruling coalition partner Komeito gets new leader

Japan's ruling coalition partner Komeito is getting a new leader for the first time in 15 years. (NHK)

Sources: China aircraft carrier navigates Japan's contiguous zone for 1st time

NHK has learned that a Chinese aircraft carrier briefly entered Japan's contiguous zone early on Wednesday. (NHK)

Japanese boy attacked near school in China dies, consulate says

A ten-year-old boy who was attacked on his way to a Japanese school in southern China has died of his injuries. (NHK)

Poll: Ishiba Leads as 'Next LDP Leader' with 26%, Koizumi Follows with 20%

A public opinion poll conducted by TV Tokyo and The Nikkei asked who would be most suitable to become the next leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who would effectively serve as the Prime Minister of Japan.

Japan's LDP leaders officially kick off campaign

The race to select the new leader of Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party has officially kicked off. Nine people are running, a record high under the current system. The winner is expected to become the country's next prime minister. (NHK)

Koizumi Pushes for Rapid Political Reforms

Shinjiro Koizumi has set his sights on running for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), aiming to achieve three major reforms within one year: 'political reform,' 'regulatory reform,' and 'expanding life choices.'

Separate Surnames for Married Couples: Why Japan Still Says No

The ongoing debate over the legalization of separate surnames for married couples in Japan is a topic that has polarized both politicians and the public for over three decades.

< 2 3 4 5 >