Society

Former City Councilor Sentenced to 10 Years for COVID Loan Fraud

OSAKA, Oct 09 (News On Japan) - A former city councilor from Neyagawa City in Osaka Prefecture has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding the government of a significant sum through COVID-19 relief loans.

Mika Yoshiba, a 44-year-old former city councilor, was convicted for her involvement in three fraud cases. In January 2021, Yoshiba, along with an accomplice who has already been convicted, facilitated a public loan of 600 million yen for a medical corporation in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, from which they swindled 230 million yen as a commission fee.

Throughout the trial, Yoshiba consistently claimed her innocence, arguing that she had been deceived by the accomplice.

However, the Fukuoka District Court rejected her defense, stating that her claims were not only "unreasonable but highly suspicious." The court criticized her motives, highlighting her selfish pursuit of personal gain while serving as a public official, describing her actions as "reckless and self-centered." The court handed down a 10-year prison sentence, along with an order to pay restitution of approximately 1.98 billion yen, in line with the prosecution's request.

Source: YOMIURI

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

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Wakayama Shrine Prepares New Year’s Artwork

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Sex industry recruiters in Tokyo arrested

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Human Hand Found Sticking Out From Ground at Cemetery in Nara

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Renowned poet Tanikawa Shuntaro dies at 92

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