Many Japanese schools in turmoil as lunch provider faces bankruptcy

Sep 07 (NHK) - A number of schools across Japan are urgently seeking ways to provide meals for their students following the sudden discontinuation of lunch catering services.

Hoyu, a food company based in Hiroshima City, western Japan, has been providing school lunches and dormitory meals. However, sources within the company revealed that it is considering filing for bankruptcy with the local district court, as its finances have worsened due to soaring food and utility costs.

This sudden development has left many high schools, special needs schools and police schools around Japan without meal services since the beginning of this month.

In response, some schools have resorted to having the faculty buy boxed lunches for the students. Others are asking students to bring their own lunches or turning to other caterers.

To assess the situation, officials from the Hiroshima Labor Bureau spent about two hours at the company's headquarters on Wednesday.

Hoyu's website says the company has 22 offices across Japan. It had 586 workers, including part-timers, as of April 2020.

Nuclear reactor in northeastern Japan restarted 13 years after 2011 disaster

The operator of a nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, restarted one of its reactors on Tuesday, more than 13 years after it suffered damage in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. (NHK)

Japan's ruling and opposition parties engage in tug-of-war for Diet majority

Political parties in Japan are jockeying to form a majority in the Diet following an election that dealt a severe blow to the ruling coalition. A vote to name the prime minister is due to take place in the legislature in a few weeks.

Election Staff in Mini-Skirt Raises Questions

A woman in a neon-colored jacket and mini-skirt was seen supporting a candidate in Japan's latest Lower House election, sparking public debate on extremely short skirts, shorts, and other revealing outfits worn by female campaign staff.

Japanese Voter Turnout Drops to Third Lowest Post-War Level

Voter turnout for Japan's lower house election on Sunday stood at 53.85%, marking the third lowest rate since the end of World War II, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Calls for Accountability Grow Among LDP Leadership

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has fallen short of its majority target, and voices questioning the accountability of the party’s leadership, including Prime Minister Ishiba, are growing.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Youth suicides in Japan top 500, govt. calls for support network

A Japanese government report shows the number of suicides by children and teens in Japan remains high at over 500 cases in 2023. The government is calling for a support network to prevent young people from feeling alienated. (NHK)

Rise and Fall of Zero: A6M and Its Struggle for Pacific Supremacy

This episode dives into the rise and legacy of Japan's iconic A6M Mitsubishi Zero fighter, which shattered Allied assumptions of air superiority in WWII. Initially, the British and Americans underestimated Japan’s aviation capabilities, but Japan’s innovative A6M Zero quickly proved otherwise. (Kings and Generals)

Exploring Japanese Traditions Through Samurai Culture and Photography

The samurai caste endured for seven centuries, from the late 12th century to the late 19th century, witnessing shifts in rulers, epochs, and values. Yet, their commitment to duty and honor remained unwavering.

Secrets of Shinjuku’s Growth Uncovered by Tokyo University

Shinjuku, Japan’s largest entertainment district, is currently undergoing redevelopment. Tokyo University's Geography Club recently delved into the secrets of Shinjuku’s unique landscape and its role in shaping the district’s history.

The Weakening Imperial State | Setting the Stage #2

The rise of Japan's warrior class is at hand. In this video we dive into the development of private warrior groups who will transition into the Bushi along with significant warriors of the capital who will forge lasting warrior clans. (The Shogunate)

Foreign Tourists Praise Japanese Clinics

Japanese clinics are increasingly being visited by foreign tourists for a variety of medical reasons. These include emergencies such as sudden illnesses, injuries, and the need for critical vaccinations.

International Menstruation Day: Event Held in Osaka to Promote Greater Understanding

Saturday (Oct 19) marked International Menstruation Day. An event aimed at fostering a better understanding of menstruation is currently being held in Osaka.

How I Learned JAPANESE (and how you can too)

Learning Japanese has allowed me to fly planes, captain boats, apprentice under legendary Japanese musicians and so much more. Studying Japanese was the single best decision of my life and has changed Everything. This is how I did it, and how you can learn Japanese too! (Tokyo Lens)

< 2 3 4 5 >