Elderly Make Up Half the Population in Japan's Oku-Noto Region

Feb 09, 2024 | News On Japan

Ishikawa, Feb 09, 2024 (News On Japan) - On March 8th, Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered damage from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, published the estimated population by age as of October last year. In the heavily damaged "Oku-Noto region," the proportion of the population aged 65 and over is around 50%, posing challenges such as how to promote the settlement of younger generations in tandem with recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Ishikawa Prefecture announced on March 8th that the estimated population of the prefecture as of October 1st last year was 1,109,574, a decrease of 8,253 people over the course of the previous year. By age, the proportion of those aged 65 and over was 30.7%, the highest to date, with particularly high figures in the Oku-Noto region affected by the earthquake: 53.2% in Suzu City and 49% in Wajima City.

In response to this situation, Ishikawa Prefecture Governor Chiaki Horikoshi addressed the press on March 8th, stating, "In order to draw and implement a vision for creative reconstruction, we need to listen to various voices, including those of the residents, and create an attractive region that will increase the settled population and attract newcomers."

Two Typhoons Set to Approach Okinawa and Eastern Japan

Very strong Typhoon No. 7, Mekkhala, was moving north south of Okinawa as of 9 a.m. on June 24 and is forecast to approach Miyakojima on June 25 and Okinawa’s main island around June 26 before moving east along the southern coast of Honshu, while Typhoon No. 8, Higos, is expected to move on an inner track and approach eastern Japan first, raising the risk of heavy rain across western and eastern Japan.Typhoon No. 7 was located east of the Philippines at 9 p.m. on June 23 and was moving slowly north.

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

The sale of religious corporations that operate temples and shrines across Japan is drawing growing scrutiny from authorities, who fear the transactions could be used for tax evasion and money laundering, as brokers openly advertise properties and corporate status for tens or even hundreds of millions of yen.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Nine Japanese nationals were among 17 people detained in Laos on suspicion of involvement in a special fraud operation, while Japanese authorities have sought cooperation from Cambodian police over dozens of Japanese citizens believed to have gone missing after traveling to Cambodia.

Japan Moves to Ease Thinner Shortage as Naphtha Shock Hits Builders

Japan will begin a new system on June 23 to sell paint and thinner directly from manufacturers to construction firms and other businesses, aiming to ease supply bottlenecks and curb price increases as worsening conditions in the Middle East make such materials harder to obtain.

Three Bear Cubs Seen Climbing Tree Putting Town on Alert

Three bear cubs were spotted climbing a tree in Hirogawa, Wakayama Prefecture, on the morning of June 22, prompting the town to put up warning signs and call on residents to stay alert, although no injuries or damage have been reported.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Dutch Tourist Arrested Over Drift Driving in Museum Parking Lot

A 32-year-old Dutch tourist has been arrested on suspicion of leaving tire marks on the asphalt after performing drift driving in the parking lot of the Oya History Museum, a tourist facility in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture.

Handprint Carved Into Legendary Demon Rock

A giant stone at Mitsuishi Shrine in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, said to be linked to the origin of the prefecture’s name through a legend about a demon’s handprint, has been carved by an unknown person in what appears to be the shape of a palm.

Ringleader Admits Charges in Killing of Restaurant Owner and Wife

The first trial of two men accused of killing restaurant owner Ryutaro Takarajima and his wife, Sachiko, began at the Tokyo District Court on June 22, with the 30-year-old defendant described as a directing figure admitting the charges, while the other defendant acknowledged involvement but argued that he was only an accessory.

Emperor And Empress Join Photo Shoot With Belgian Royal Family

Japan's Emperor and Empress appeared before the press with the Belgian royal family during their official visit to Belgium, joining King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and their children for a commemorative photograph at the royal residence of Ciergnon Castle.

Body of Man Found in Freezer at Kobe Apartment

A damaged and badly decomposed body of an adult man was found inside a large freezer near the entrance of a locked apartment in Kobe on June 20, prompting police to investigate the case as a possible crime.

Japan's Imperial Couple Rekindle Ties With Dutch Royal Family

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, on a state visit to the Netherlands, reunited with Princess Catharina-Amalia, the Dutch princess who was photographed holding hands with Princess Aiko 20 years ago, in a visit that highlighted the long friendship between the Japanese imperial family and the Dutch royal house.

Tokyo Elementary School Fire Injures 11 Pupils And Teachers

Eleven pupils and teachers were injured after a fire broke out at Takinogawa Daisan Elementary School in Tokyo's Kita Ward at around 11 a.m. on June 19, forcing more than 300 children to evacuate and briefly trapping several pupils on a narrow ledge outside a fourth-floor classroom.

Cargo Ship Runs Aground Off Toshima

A cargo ship carrying vehicles from Osaka to Tokyo ran aground off Toshima in the Izu Islands before dawn on June 19, creating an unusual scene in which a large freighter appeared to have docked at a part of the island with no port.

< 2 3 4 5 >