Society

Man Dies After Being Thrown into Sea During Birthday Celebration; Two Arrested

Shizuoka, May 16 (News On Japan) - Two men have been arrested for throwning a friend off a pier causing him to drown during a birthday party in Yaiz, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Mitsuki Matsuura, a 20-year-old demolition worker, and Kento Hayashi, a 21-year-old construction worker, were arrested on suspicion of throwing 20-year-old construction worker Takuya Yasuda into the sea from a quay in Yaizu City around midnight on May 15th, causing his death.

According to the police, around ten people were present at the scene during the incident. One of them called the police, reporting that "a friend is drowning."

Yasuda was found submerged at the bottom of the sea and was confirmed dead at the hospital to which he was transported.

The group reportedly met through social media and had gathered to celebrate a friend's birthday.

Source: ANN

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

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