Society

Japan's New Cycling Law Targets Mobile Phones and Alcohol

TOKYO, Aug 30 (News On Japan) - Starting November 1, Japan's revised Road Traffic Act will designate the use of mobile phones and cycling under the influence of alcohol as dangerous acts, requiring violators to attend a course at a licensing center.

The new additions join 15 existing offenses, such as ignoring traffic signals and riding against traffic on sidewalks, that were already considered hazardous. Those caught committing these newly added infractions will be subject to a three-hour lecture at a licensing center.

The fee for this mandatory course is 6,000 yen. Failure to comply with the order to attend the course may result in a fine of up to 50,000 yen.

The National Police Agency plans to raise public awareness about these two newly recognized dangerous behaviors to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

Source: ANN

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.

First 'Rose of Versailles' Manhole Covers Appear in Chiba’s Kashiwa

Manhole covers featuring characters from Riyoko Ikeda’s popular manga The Rose of Versailles were unveiled on November 11th at three locations within Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.

USJ to Open 'Donkey Kong Country' in December

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced that the new 'Donkey Kong Country' area will open on December 11th, expanding the 'Super Nintendo World' by 1.7 times.

Japan Plans to Raise Teacher Pay

Japan's Finance Ministry presented a plan on November 11th during the Fiscal System Council to gradually increase the 'teacher adjustment allowance' --currently awarded as a substitute for overtime pay -- from its current 4% of monthly salary to 10% over a span of five years.

Satellite Malfunction Leaves Japan Weather Images Unavailable

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is currently experiencing issues displaying images from the Himawari weather satellite on its official website. Efforts are underway to identify the cause and restore normal service, but the timeline for recovery remains unclear.

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