Society

PGA golf tournament restarts in Japan

Oct 22 (NHK) - A men's PGA golf tournament restarts in Japan, after a year's absence, featuring some of the world's best players, such as Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele of the United States and this year's Masters winner Matsuyama Hideki.

ZOZO Championship 2021 started on Thursday in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, for a four-day tournament.

The Championship was inaugurated in 2019 as the first PGA tournament ever to be held in Japan. Last year, it had to be held in the United States because of travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan's Matsuyama has got off to a good start, finishing Day One in second place, at six under par.

Iwata Hiroshi, who has qualified from a Japanese tour, came on top, at seven under par.

After Day One, the Olympic gold medalist Schauffele was in 29th place. Collin Morikawa, a 24-year-old American rising star, was in 42nd place.

The tournament is allowing a maximum of 5,000 people each day on the gallery.

Japan's New Energy Policy Aims to Promote Nuclear

The government is revising its energy policy framework for the first time in three years. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, the policy has included a commitment to "reduce dependency on nuclear power as much as possible." However, it has been revealed that discussions are underway to remove this wording.

Ex-Wife of ‘Don Juan of Kishu’ Found Not Guilty in Murder Trial

The Wakayama District Court delivered a not-guilty verdict on December 12th in the trial of the former wife of a Wakayama-based wealthy man, popularly known as the ‘Don Juan of Kishu,’ who had been accused of murder and other charges.

Japan's New Cannabis Law Takes Effect

Concern about the growing use of cannabis in Japan, particularly among young people, has prompted new legislation banning the use of cannabis, starting from December 12th.

Uber Japan Launches Ride-Hailing Service for Teens

Uber's Japanese subsidiary announced on December 11th the launch of 'Uber Teens,' a ride-hailing service designed for teenagers aged 13 to 17.

HTV-X Supply Vehicle Unveiled as Successor to 'Kounotori'

Mitsubishi Electric has revealed the new HTV-X unmanned supply vehicle, designed to transport goods to the International Space Station (ISS).

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

'Gold' Chosen as Kanji of the Year for 2024

The kanji representing this year's societal trends, 'Kanji of the Year,' was announced at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, with 'Gold' chosen for 2024, highlighting Paris Olympics and Ohtani's stellar achievements.

Tokyo Makes First Arrest for Drunk Driving on Bicycle

A man in his 40s was arrested in Tokyo on December 4th for riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol, marking the first arrest in the city since stricter penalties for bicycle DUI came into effect in November.

Osaka Turns Roads Yellow to Help Curb Prostitution

A section of Osaka's Umeda district has been revamped to tackle street solicitation, a persistent issue in the area. The initiative included painting roads bright yellow and adding streetlights to discourage such activities.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nihon Hidankyo accepts honors

A Japanese group of atomic bomb survivors has received one of the world's highest honors. Nihon Hidankyo accepted this year's Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. It comes as tensions rise around the world -- raising fears over the use of nuclear weapons. (NHK)