Society

Japan grants long-term visa to gay U.S. man wed to Japanese

Mar 14 (Japan Today) - Japan has granted a long-term visa to an American man who married his same-sex Japanese partner in the United States, in what his representative called on Monday a "breakthrough" move in a country that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

The designated activities visa will allow Andrew High, who has been seeking long-term residence through the legal system, to remain in Japan for up to a year. The visa was granted by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau on Friday.

"The decision was made on a case-by-case basis, but it should be established as part of the system," his representative said.

Same-sex couples are eligible for a designated activities visa if both of them are foreign nationals but not if one of them is Japanese. High had previously only been granted a temporary visa. ...continue reading

Kyoto University Targets 2030 for iPS Cell Therapy to Combat Diabetes

Kyoto University Hospital has announced plans to start a clinical trial using iPS cells for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes as early as February next year.

Price Surge Expected as New Rice Hits the Market

As the Japanese rice harvest season approaches, Tadahiko Komatsu, Chairman of the JA Zenno Akita Steering Committee, has made an emotional appeal: "We are hoping to raise rice prices to help out farmers, even if just a little."

Heavy rain may continue through Tuesday in wide areas of Japan

Localized downpours are hitting parts of northern to western Japan on Monday, while extremely heavy rain could continue through Tuesday in northern and eastern Japan. (NHK)

27-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Mayor in Japan

The mayoral election for Odate City in Akita Prefecture, which took place on the 1st, concluded with the election of former city council member Kensuke Ishida. At 27 years old, Ishida is now the youngest mayor in Japan.

Tokaido Shinkansen Resumes Operations

The Tokaido Shinkansen is scheduled to resume normal operations starting with the first train on September 2.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Ex-Wife of 'Don Juan of Kishu' Sentenced to 3.5 Years Prison

The former wife of the wealthy businessman known as the 'Don Juan of Kishu,' who is accused of murdering him, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for defrauding another man out of a large sum of money.

Elderly Couple's Car Plunges Into Nagoya Bay, Killing Both

Rescuers were unable to save an elderly couple after a local fisherman reported seeing a car plunge into the sea off Nagoya's Minato-ku on Sunday.

Tokyo Honors Korean Victims of Great Kanto Earthquake After 101 Years

A memorial service was held in Tokyo for the Korean victims who lost their lives in the Great Kanto Earthquake 101 years ago.

Girl Jumps from 12th Floor, Killing Pedestrian Below

Two women died after a 17 year-old high school student jumped from the rooftop of a shopping complex connected to Yokohama Station on Saturday evening, landing on a pedestrian in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Japan police: Nearly 4,000 who died alone at home not found for over a month

Japanese police data for the first half of this year has revealed that the bodies of nearly 4,000 people who died alone at home in the country were not discovered for more than a month after their deaths. (NHK)

Japan's New Cycling Law Targets Mobile Phones and Alcohol

Starting November 1, Japan's revised Road Traffic Act will designate the use of mobile phones and cycling under the influence of alcohol as dangerous acts, requiring violators to attend a course at a licensing center.

Tomato Spill Shuts Down Tohoku Expressway

A massive tomato spill covering the Tohoku Expressway led to a temporary road closure on the morning of August 28. The spill, estimated at around 13 tons, turned the highway bright red.

Surf School Coach Swept Away While Rescuing Students in Kanagawa

A 68-year-old surf school coach was swept away off the coast of Chigasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture yesterday evening while attempting to rescue students. Authorities are currently searching for the missing man.

< 2 3 4 5 >