Society

Prince Hisahito Makes First Solo Public Engagement

OSAKA, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince and Princess Akishino, began his visit to the Osaka-Kansai Expo on September 24th, marking his first solo official public engagement.

After arriving in Osaka, he toured the Japan Pavilion, where he listened to an explanation of microbially degradable plastic. Showing strong interest, he asked, "What happens to it in the end as it breaks down?" He later remarked, "I feel I have been shown how Japan’s technological capabilities will shape the future."

Hisahito also stopped by the Belgian Pavilion during his tour. Having recently reached adulthood, this marks the first time he has undertaken a regional engagement on his own. On September 25th, he is scheduled to join Prince Akishino, who serves as Honorary President of the Expo, to tour the venue together as father and son.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

A new chapter opened in Japan’s political history on October 21st as Sanae Takaichi was elected the nation’s first female prime minister. Following her appointment by the Diet, Takaichi declared that her new cabinet would be one of “decision and progress,” pledging to move swiftly on policies from the very first day.

Hokkaido Launches Mass Culling After Bird Flu Detected

Authorities in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, have begun culling approximately 460,000 laying hens after a poultry farm in the region’s Iburi area confirmed infections of highly pathogenic avian influenza, marking the first confirmed outbreak of the season in Japan.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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