Japanese National Detained in Myanmar for Selling Rice at High Prices

YANGON, Jul 01 (News On Japan) - Four individuals, including a Japanese national, have been detained in Myanmar for allegedly selling rice at prices higher than those regulated by the government.

On June 30, Myanmar's State Administration Council, established by the military, announced the detention of four people involved in selling rice at prices above the regulated limits in 22 commercial facilities. Among those detained is Hiroshi Kasamatsu, an employee of a local subsidiary of the Aeon Group.

Since the military coup, Myanmar has experienced ongoing economic turmoil, leading to significant price hikes for essential goods such as rice and cooking oil. In an effort to curb inflation, the military regime has intensified price controls, resulting in a series of detentions of rice sellers since June.

Regarding the detention of the Japanese national, the Japanese Embassy in Myanmar stated that it is "collecting information."

Source: ANN

Snake Causes Shinkansen Power Outage

The Tokaido Shinkansen resumed service at 7:00 p.m. on April 30th after a power outage forced a suspension of operations, but major delays continued to affect the timetable.

Shizuoka Prefecture to Adopt Year-Round Cool Biz

Shizuoka Governor Heita Suzuki announced on April 30th that the prefecture will implement its “Cool Biz” dress code throughout the year starting in May 2025. Previously limited to the warmer months from May through October, the initiative encourages relaxed attire for government workers, such as going without neckties, to create a more comfortable working environment.

Vietnam Pavilion Opens 17 Days Late

Vietnam’s national pavilion finally opened on April 30th -- 17 days behind schedule -- after delays in exhibit preparations kept it closed during the April 13th launch of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Rules Tightened for Parental Leave Benefits

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

Last Chance to See Hokkaido’s Fabled Bridge as Collapse Looms

The "phantom bridge," a Hokkaido heritage site in the Tokachi region known for appearing and disappearing with the seasons, has begun drawing visitors again in 2025 as its elusive form grows increasingly fragile.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan Submits Separate Surnames Bill

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has submitted a bill to allow married couples the option of keeping separate surnames, but the initiative has little momentum in the current Diet session due to a lack of support from other parties.

Shizuoka Prefecture to Adopt Year-Round Cool Biz

U.S. Deploys B-1B Bombers to Japan as North Korea Launches New Destroyer

Tensions between the United States and North Korea have been intensifying behind the scenes, despite the recent spotlight on former President Donald Trump. On April 15th, two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers participated in a joint training exercise with the South Korean Air Force over South Korean airspace.