Environment Minister Apologizes for Muting Minamata Disease Victims

May 09, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Environment Minister Shintaro Ito has issued an apology for an incident involving the adjustment of microphone levels during a meeting with Minamata disease patients and victims' groups in Kumamoto Prefecture.

During a discussion meant to listen to the patients and victims' groups on May 1st, a Ministry of the Environment official reduced the microphone volume when the speaking time exceeded. Following this issue, Minister Ito, who made an unscheduled visit to Minamata City in Kumamoto, apologized to the attendees.

Ito, Environment Minister: "An extremely regrettable incident occurred where a Ministry staff member reduced the microphone volume during a speech. I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart."

He also suggested that the schedule for such meetings would be reviewed going forward.

Subsequently, Minister Ito directly apologized to Shigemitsu Matsumoto (82), whose speech was interrupted, and also paid his respects to the memorial tablets of the victims, along with Matsumoto's wife, Etsuko.

Matsumoto commented, "Rather than both parties rushing to speak, I would prefer a calm environment where we can listen and speak slowly."

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged the mishandling of the situation, which had caused discomfort among the stakeholders: "I recognize that the response was inappropriate and caused discomfort among the relevant groups."

Last night, PM Kishida criticized the Ministry's handling but stated that Minister Ito would continue in his role: "I expect Minister Ito to fulfill his duties, including proceeding with Minamata disease measures and providing careful and considerate responses to all involved."

Source: TBS

Toyota to Launch Self-Driving Taxis in 2027

Toyota Motor will begin operating fully autonomous taxis in 2027 through a partnership with U.S. self-driving technology company Waymo, marking a major step in the Japanese automaker's efforts to expand driverless transportation services.

Mount Fuji Puts on First Snowcap

Mount Fuji has received its first snowcap of the season, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced on October 30, after temperatures at the summit plunged to minus 9.4 degrees Celsius, marking the arrival of winter conditions on Japan's highest mountain.

Chinese Female Spy Suspected of Targeting Nvidia Chief

U.S. intelligence agencies suspect that a Chinese female intelligence operative developed a close relationship with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in an attempt to obtain confidential corporate and U.S. government information, according to a report published by The New York Times on October 29th.

Japan Blocks Websites Leaking GMO Personal Data

The Japanese government has asked major telecommunications operators to forcibly block access to websites believed to contain personal information stolen in a cyberattack on GMO, it emerged on October 29th, as authorities moved to prevent further exposure of sensitive data online.

Typhoon No. 31 Heads Toward Japan's Remote Islands

Typhoon No. 31 was located near Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean, as of 3 a.m. on October 30, and was expected to approach the Ogasawara Islands south of Tokyo over the October 31-November 1 weekend while maintaining very strong intensity, bringing a growing risk of dangerously high waves, powerful swells and extremely rough seas.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Bankrupt Yubari City to Complete Debt Repayment Next Year

The city of Yubari in Hokkaido, which declared financial collapse 20 years ago, is preparing to complete repayment of approximately 35.3 billion yen in debt by March 2027, paving the way for lower property taxes, improved municipal employee salaries, and a renewed focus on public services.

Japan Blocks Websites Leaking GMO Personal Data

Japan and Germany Agree to Launch New AI Dialogue Framework

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on October 28 that Japan and Germany had agreed to establish a new high-level dialogue framework on artificial intelligence following talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Tokyo, marking a step toward closer cooperation between the two countries in emerging technologies.

Japan Demands Release of Journalist Detained in Russia

Japan has confirmed that a Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper reporter detained in Russia since October 13 is in good health following his first consular visit, with the government reiterating its demand for his immediate release.

Japan Plans New Laws to Strengthen Intelligence Capabilities

The Japanese government has outlined plans to introduce new legislation requiring individuals and organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments to disclose their activities, as part of efforts to strengthen Japan's intelligence capabilities and prevent improper foreign interference.

Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Dies at 90

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who became the country's 91st prime minister in 2007 and made history as the first son of a former prime minister to hold the country's highest political office, has died at the age of 90, leaving a legacy that includes navigating a divided parliament, advancing consumer protection reforms, and securing an international agreement on climate change at the 2008 G8 summit in Hokkaido.

US Marine Charged With Robbery and Murder of Woman in Okinawa

A 20-year-old US Marine stationed in Okinawa was indicted on October 25 on charges of robbery and murder after allegedly strangling a woman to death at a hotel in Naha and stealing her backpack containing a wallet and other belongings.

Takaichi Government Marks One Year With Approval Ratings Above 60%

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marked the first anniversary of her administration on October 21 with approval ratings still above 60%, supported by her forceful political messaging and extensive use of social media, although growing dissatisfaction over rising prices and the slow delivery of economic policies is beginning to weaken support, particularly among younger voters.

< 2 3 4 5 >