Society | May 01

Japan to give Julia Gillard rare honour

Former prime minister Julia Gillard is set to be honoured by the Japanese government for her service to the nation.

Ms Gillard will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, being one of 117 non-Japanese from 46 countries to be honoured in the spring.

She told Japan’s NHK in an online interview it was “an award for the people of Australia”.

Ms Gillard was the first foreign leader to visit the north-eastern Tohuku region hit by the 2011 tsunami and earthquake.

In the immediate aftermath, Australia provided food aid packages, donations and relief teams.

But since then many reconstruction projects have been funded and Australia’s relations with Japan have considerably strengthened.

MORE Society NEWS

Princess Kako to Visit Greece

The Imperial Household Agency has announced that Princess Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family, is scheduled to visit Greece in late May to promote international goodwill.

Taiji Whale Museum Mourns Dead Marine Life

The Taiji Town Whale Museum in Wakayama Prefecture conducted a memorial service on Tuesday for marine mammals and fish that have died in captivity.

A Future Where Everyone in Japan is Called Sato-san?

A startling projection has been unveiled, suggesting that if current trends continue, every Japanese person might eventually be named 'Sato'.

POPULAR NEWS

Police Bust Syndicate Pimping Japanese Women to U.S.

Four men have been arrested by Tokyo police for allegedly recruiting women for prostitution in the United States via a website, promising encounters with affluent clients and high earnings.

Japan Launches First New Whaling Boat in 73 Years

For the first time in 73 years, Japan has unveiled a newly constructed whaling mother ship, equipped with drone technology for whaling operations in the Antarctic Sea.

LDP Youth Chief Disciplined in Bikini Dancer Crackdown

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Nara Prefecture has disciplined its former Youth Division Chief following a controversial dance party incident.

Japan's Oldest Student Dorm Becomes Battleground

Residents of Japan's oldest student dormitory, self-managed for over 100 years, are digging in as Kyoto University attempts to evict them from the premises.

Cabin Crew Injured on Melbourne-Narita Flight

A Japan Airlines flight en route from Melbourne to Narita Airport encountered sudden severe turbulence on April 1, causing injuries to several cabin crew, including a broken leg.

FOLLOW US