News On Japan

Disaster-Related Deaths Following Noto Earthquake Remain Major Concern

Ishikawa, Jan 15 (NHK) - Monday marks two weeks since a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck central Japan. The disaster has claimed at least 221 lives, with crews searching for 22 people still unaccounted for. As relief efforts continue, officials fear harsh conditions in evacuation centers are posing a major health risk.

Officials in Ishikawa Prefecture say almost 500 people in over a dozen communities remain cut off due to blocked roads.

As of Sunday, water and power were still unavailable at hundreds of evacuation sites hosting almost 20-thousand people. 13 evacuees are now believed to have died from sudden or chronic illness after staying at a temporary shelter.

To prevent more "disaster related deaths", officials are working to relocate survivors to better accommodations, inside and outside the prefecture.

After moving to such a location, an evacuee from Wajima says he can stretch his legs when he sleeps. He says he is happy to take a bath for the first time in two weeks.

Another evacuee who arrived at the facility from Wajima says she wants to see her daughter. Her daughter arrived ahead of her.

Many of those displaced by the New Year's Day quake include the elderly or those in need of specialized care, but the staff who work with them are also struggling.

Japan's Health Ministry says it will begin deploying caregivers from other parts of the country to Ishikawa.

They'll provide reinforcements for care facilities left understaffed by the disaster.

They'll also relieve caregivers who may have been personally impacted by the quake, but have been working round the clock to support the most vulnerable.

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

JR West Japan has announced the development of a special umbrella designed to protect passengers and crew from attackers wielding knives or other weapons, with plans to equip train cars with these umbrellas.

The Japanese embassy in Turkey says six Japanese tourists were hospitalized with injuries on Thursday after their bus was involved in an accident in western Turkey. (NHK)

Japan’s recent approval and rollout of a new "Replica Vaccine" for COVID-19 has triggered widespread public concern, with some businesses imposing entry bans on vaccinated individuals. The vaccine, which began regular administration in October, has faced backlash due to its ability to "self-replicate" in the body, raising anxiety about its safety.

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has granted approval for Kansai Electric Power Company's Takahama Reactor No. 1 to operate for over 50 years, marking a first in Japan, reaching its 50th anniversary next month.

Japan is grappling with a severe sleep deprivation crisis, with economic losses estimated at 18 trillion yen annually due to reduced productivity, according to a study by the RAND Corporation.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

The complete footage of Princess Aiko's first local official duty has been released. She visited Saga Prefecture, marking her first trip to the Kyushu region. It was also her first time attending the National Sports Festival.

Japanese actor Nishida Toshiyuki, who was known for performing wide-ranging roles in popular film and drama, has died at the age of 76. He was found collapsed at his home in Tokyo on Thursday. Police are investigating details. (NHK)

A series of robberies has been occurring in the Kanto region, with two new cases on October 16th in Yokohama and Chiba, where the victims were tied up.

A former married couple got into a serious argument during a fireworks festival in Atami, resulting in both being arrested.

The 'Nada Kenka Festival,' renowned for its fierce clashes between portable shrines, took place in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, attracting large crowds of spectators.

What happened to cause over 100 people to gather at a railroad crossing in the middle of the night? Even after the barrier dropped and the alarm rang, people remained inside the crossing.

Japan has one of the lowest homelessness rates in the world, with less than 0.003% of its population living on the streets. This is a testament to the country's robust social programs and unique cultural approach to addressing homelessness. (Drew Binsky)

Are you currently dating anyone? What does love mean to you? (Asian Boss)