Japan's national debt stands at 10.25 million yen per person

TOKYO, Aug 11 (News On Japan) - At the end of June, Japan's "national debt," which combines government bonds, borrowings, and short-term government securities, reached 1,276 trillion and 3,155 billion yen, the highest ever, as announced by the Ministry of Finance.

When divided by the population, the debt per person amounts to about 10.25 million yen.

With expected future increases in expenditures such as defense and childcare support, the possibility of the national debt continuing to grow is high.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Ishiba Cabinet Appoints Former Idols as Parliamentary Secretaries

The Ishiba Cabinet announced its appointments for vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries on November 13th, selecting Akiko Ikuina and Eriko Imai, both former idols and current members of the House of Councillors.

Japan’s Largest Escort Vessel Kaga Conducts Training with Stealth Fighters

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) recently showcased training exercises involving state-of-the-art stealth fighter takeoffs and landings on its largest escort vessel, the Kaga, which is being modified for aircraft carrier capability.

PM Ishiba apologizes to LDP lawmakers for poor election results

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has apologized to lawmakers of his Liberal Democratic Party for its poor results in last month's Lower House elections and called on them to unite. (NHK)

Land minister Saito Tetsuo to take helm of Japan's Komeito party

The junior party of Japan's ruling coalition, Komeito, is set to appoint land minister Saito Tetsuo as the new chief representative this week. (NHK)

Former Japan Ambassador to be Secretary of State?

Speculation about Trump's new administration, set to take office in January, has already begun. Among the potential appointees is Senator Bill Hagerty, a former U.S. ambassador to Japan, who is being considered for Secretary of State.

Asian leaders react to Trump's win

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru says he respects the democratic choice of the American people. Ishiba said: "I hope to further bolster the Japan-US alliance to a higher level while closely coordinating with the next president. I want to make efforts to contact Trump as soon as possible." (NHK)

Japanese politics faces uncertainty after electoral deadlock

The snap election for Japan’s Lower House on 27 October 2024 produced a hung parliament with no political party or coalition receiving a majority, throwing Japanese politics into uncertainty and potential political instability. (East Asia Forum)

North Korea announces ICBM launch, Japan and US condemn it

North Korea's state-run media has announced it launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday morning. Japan and the United States have strongly condemned it. (NHK)

< 2 3 4 5 >