Society

Forever Chemicals – How the US military contaminated the drinking water for 450,000 Okinawans

Aug 16 (ANNnewsCH) - In 2016, residents of Okinawa Prefecture learned their drinking water was contaminated with high levels of harmful PFAS, aka “Forever Chemicals.”

They suspected the source of the contamination was Kadena Air Base, the largest US Air Force base in the Pacific, but the military refused to allow Okinawan officials to inspect the facility. Five years have passed; the US military continues to deny access to Kadena Air Base and it refuses to admit responsibility for the ongoing contamination. Now, this TV documentary from Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting Corporation uses records obtained via the US Freedom of Information Act, whistleblower footage and government reports to reveal the truth behind one of the worst cases of environmental damage in recent Japanese history: how the US military contaminated the drinking water for 450,000 Okinawans.

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.

Japan's Year-End Jumbo Lottery Kicks Off Nationwide

Sales for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, which offers a combined prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and adjacent prizes, have officially begun.

Japan, Canada to Establish Economic '2+2' Framework for EV Cooperation

Prime Minister Ishiba, attending the G20 summit in Brazil, held talks on November 18th with UK Prime Minister Starmer, where they agreed to establish an economic "2+2" framework involving foreign and economic ministers.

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MORE Society NEWS

Osaka Strip Theater Busted for Indecency

The operator of a strip theater in Osaka's Tenma district, advertised as "Western Japan's largest," has been arrested alongside nine others for exposing dancers' lower bodies to customers, police announced.

Wakayama Shrine Prepares New Year’s Artwork

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, has begun producing traditional calligraphy artwork for next year’s New Year celebrations.

Sex industry recruiters in Tokyo arrested

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested five people on suspicion of violating Japan's Employment Security Act. They are believed to have run a nationwide operation to recruit women via social media to work in the sex industry. (NHK)

Human Hand Found Sticking Out From Ground at Cemetery in Nara

A human hand was discovered protruding from the ground at a cemetery in Nara City on November 18th, around 1:30 p.m.

Renowned poet Tanikawa Shuntaro dies at 92

Tanikawa Shuntaro -- a renowned Japanese poet who used his keen sense of observation in creating a vast body of work -- has died of old age. He was 92. (NHK)

Prosecutors Seek Life Sentence for Ex-Wife in 'Don Juan' Murder Case

In the trial of a wealthy businessman, known as the 'Don Juan of Kishu,' who was murdered, prosecutors have called for a life sentence for the defendant.

British Man Arrested for Swapping Cash with Counterfeit Money in Gold Deal Scam

A British man has been arrested on suspicion of swapping genuine cash for counterfeit money in a gold trade scam, stealing 13 million yen from a business partner, Tokyo police revealed.

Why are there millions of empty houses in Japan?

In Japan, the number of abandoned homes - known as Akiyas - is at an all-time high, with 9,000,000 million properties sitting empty on city streets and turning rural communities into ghost towns. (BBC World Service)

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