Takara Tomy Recalls 40,000 Tomica Toys After Child Injuries

TOKYO, Sep 09 (News On Japan) - Takara Tomy announced on September 8th that it is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 units of the "Grand Mall Tomica Building (Tomica 55th Anniversary Special Edition)," which was released in July. The decision follows two reported cases in which children injured their fingers after they became caught in the rotating parts of the central "spiral elevator."

In addition, a product survey found 12 other instances where respondents said fingers had been caught in the same area. The company will provide refunds to customers who purchased the toy.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Japan Braces for Typhoon No. 23

As of 6 a.m. on October 10, Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) was moving northward and bringing the Daito Islands in Okinawa under its strong wind zone. Forecasts show the typhoon approaching Okinawa’s main island and Amami on October 11, southern Kyushu and Shikoku on October 12, and reaching southern Honshu and the Izu Islands on October 13 — coinciding with the three-day holiday weekend. Authorities are warning of strong winds, heavy rain, and rough seas from Okinawa through the Kanto region, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor plans.

Deadly Tick-Borne Virus Detected in Tokyo Dog for First Time

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Why Are Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 22 Leaves Hachijo Island Devastated with Roofs Torn Off and Roads Blocked

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

Japanese Teachers Still Work World’s Longest Hours

Elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan still work the longest hours among their peers worldwide, according to an OECD report released on Tuesday. While the 2024 results by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showed working hours had fallen by around four hours per week compared with the previous survey in 2018, Japan’s teachers still far exceeded their global counterparts.

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