Society

Former Empress Begins Rehabilitation

TOKYO, Oct 10 (News On Japan) - Japan's 89-year-old former empress Michiko, who underwent surgery on October 8th after fracturing her right femur, has begun rehabilitation, according to reports.

At a regular press conference on Thursday afternoon, Imperial Household Agency Secretary Nishimura revealed that Michiko, currently hospitalized at the University of Tokyo Hospital, has started rehabilitation exercises using her left leg, which was not injured. She has been using a wheelchair and began this rehabilitation the day after her surgery to maintain muscle strength.

Nishimura also mentioned that while "the pain has greatly subsided," the timing of her discharge "remains unclear."

Furthermore, he noted, "Given her advanced age and the difficulty she was already experiencing with walking, we recognize the need to provide substantial support for her daily life after completing rehabilitation at the hospital."

Michiko was hospitalized on October 7th after fracturing her femur in a fall at her residence on October 6th.

Source: ANN

Japan Post to Lose Freight Permit

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has notified Japan Post of its intention to revoke the company’s license for freight transportation, following the discovery of improper safety checks at postal branches across the country. The ministry had conducted a special audit in April after finding that approximately 75% of post offices responsible for mail collection and delivery failed to conduct legally required checks, such as confirming whether drivers had consumed alcohol before duty.

Legionella Bacteria Found at Osaka Expo’s Quiet Forest and Water Plaza

Legionella bacteria have been detected in multiple locations at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site, prompting health and safety measures. According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, seawater collected on June 3rd from the Water Plaza, where water shows are held, was found to contain Legionella bacteria at 20 times the guideline limit.

Japan's Annual Births Fall Below 700,000 for the First Time

The number of babies born in Japan in 2024 fell below 700,000 for the first time since recordkeeping began in 1899, highlighting the nation’s accelerating demographic crisis. According to population statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 4th, the number of births dropped to 686,061—down more than 40,000 from the previous year.

Convenience Stores Nationwide to Sell Government Rice in 1–2 kg Packs

Three major convenience store chains will soon begin selling government stockpiled rice in small packages of 1 to 2 kilograms. FamilyMart will start selling rice harvested in 2021—classified as old stock—at 20 locations in Tokyo and Osaka starting June 6th. The rice will be priced at 360 yen per kilogram, excluding tax, with plans for a nationwide rollout.

Cash Storage to Be Banned in Safe Deposit Boxes

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and other institutions are moving to revise rules on the use of safe deposit boxes following a string of thefts, with the Japanese Bankers Association now working toward a ban on storing cash in these boxes.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Leader of JP Dragon Detained in Philippines, Linked to Luffy Group

The suspected ringleader of a Japanese criminal group known as "JP Dragon," which is believed to have been operating a large-scale phone fraud scheme out of the Philippines, has been detained by local authorities.

Record Number of Stalker Arrests in 2024

The number of people arrested for violating Japan’s anti-stalking law reached a record high of 1,341 in 2024, while consultations regarding the misuse of tracking devices such as Apple’s AirTag also hit an all-time high, prompting the National Police Agency (NPA) to consider new regulations.

Man Ordered to Vacate Home After Years of Harassment in Osaka Suburb

A man who repeatedly harassed his neighbors in a residential area of Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, has been ordered to leave his home following a ruling by the Osaka High Court on June 4th.

Four Arrested for Selling Elephant Ivory as Mammoth Tusk

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested four individuals, including Nobumasa Daigo, a director of an ivory sales company, on suspicion of violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Act. The group is accused of falsely labeling elephant ivory as mammoth tusk—a material not subject to trade restrictions—and selling it via online auctions.

Around 100 Dead Cats Found at Animal Rescuer’s Home

A woman involved in cat rescue activities in Kumamoto City was found to have kept the remains of around 100 cats at her residence, raising concerns over a breakdown in multi-animal care.

Japanese Nationals Killed in China in Suspected Business Conflict

Two Japanese men were killed in Dalian, northeastern China, last month, according to an announcement by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Woman Arrested for Sheltering Man After Car Fell Onto Expressway in Hamamatsu

A 34-year-old woman has been arrested in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of harboring a man who fled the scene after a car crash that left two children behind. The incident occurred on June 1st when a car veered off a municipal road and fell onto the Tōmei Expressway in the city’s Chūō Ward.

Maids Join Antigroping Campaign at JR Akihabara Station

As the number of groping incidents tends to rise in the summer months, maid café workers and local students gathered in front of JR Akihabara Station in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward to raise awareness and call for the elimination of such crimes.

< 2 3 4 5 >