Society

Japanese Emperor Emeritus Akihito turns 90

Dec 23 (NHK) - Japan's Emperor Emeritus Akihito turned 90 years old on Saturday with celebrations being held at his residence.

His birthday celebrations were canceled or downsized following the outbreak of COVID-19. But this year he is receiving more guests than last year.

In the morning, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako as well as their daughter, Princess Aiko, visited the residence of the Emperor Emeritus and his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, at the Akasaka Estate.

Crown Prince and Princess Akishino and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio are also expected to visit the residence.

The Imperial Household Agency says the Emperor Emeritus was diagnosed with heart failure in July last year. It says his condition has remained relatively stable over the past year with treatment.

Agency officials say the Emperor Emeritus is leading a calm and well-regulated life together with his wife every day. The couple read newspapers and watch news on television. They are particularly concerned about news of heavy rains that hit many areas in Japan. The couple also take a keen interest in the issue of war and peace.

Source: ANNnewsCH

Man Arrested in Nagano Triple Stabbing

A man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of three individuals in front of JR Nagano Station in Nagano City, where one person was killed and two others sustained injuries of varying severity.

Child Welfare Centers in Japan Struggle as Staff Resignations Rise

Child consultation centers in Japan are at the forefront of efforts to protect children from abuse and make critical decisions about their care, including whether to return them to their families or place them in alternative arrangements. Despite their vital role, these centers are struggling under the weight of increasing workloads, rising abuse cases, and severe staff shortages, leading to high levels of burnout and resignations among welfare officers.

How Should Japan Navigate the Second Trump Administration?

Japan is facing critical questions about how to navigate its relationship with the United States following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president.

BOJ Raises Policy Rate to 0.5%

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has decided to raise its policy interest rate from an annualized 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent. This marks the first rate hike in six months and appears aimed at correcting the historically weak yen.

Severe Rice Shortage Looms in Japan

Japan is facing an unprecedented rice shortage, with recent data highlighting alarming supply-demand imbalances in the domestic market. The Agricultural Newspaper reported on January 10 that the DI (Demand-Supply Index), a measure of rice market balance, reached a record high of 80. This figure indicates a critical shortfall in rice availability, surpassing even last year's levels when supermarket shelves were emptied.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

'Great Cold Endurance Competition' Held at Mount Tsurumi

The annual 'Midwinter Endurance Tournament' was held at Tsurumi Mountain, standing 1,300 meters above sea level in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.

Man Confesses: Gifu Stabbing Was Self-Harm, Not a Crime

Gifu Police have announced that what was initially reported as a stabbing incident in Gifu City was, in fact, an act of self-harm by the victim.

Man Admits to Dismembering Partner's Body With Farm Tools

Tokyo police are investigating a shocking case involving the disposal of a woman’s remains on the shores of Izu Oshima. The arrested suspect, 45-year-old Sōtatsu Yanase, who operates a tatami shop, has admitted to dismembering the body of his partner, Shizuka Takase, 37, using farm tools before disposing of her bones on the beach.