Society

Ninety-nine percent of applications for Kyoto's 'Park and Ride' campaign fraudulent

KYOTO, Dec 30 (News On Japan) - A Kyoto City initiative aimed to reducing car congestion around tourist sites, offering 500-yen gift coupons, has been flooded with bogus applications, with 99 percent of entries deemed fraudulent.

To apply for "Park and Ride" campaign, conducted in November, it was necessary to attach an image of a parking receipt from a designated parking lot. However, there were numerous fraudulent applications, including those attaching manga images instead of actual receipts.

In just one month, there were nearly 1,300 fraudulent applications, with only 15 legitimate entries.

The city has not been able to identify the individuals who made these fraudulent applications and has not been able to recover the issued gift coupons and are considering filing a police report.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan's Agriculture Ministry Urges Nationwide Action to Combat Avian Flu

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries held an emergency meeting to address the rapid outbreak of avian influenza, urging prefectural governments to strengthen hygiene management measures.

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.

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Renowned poet Tanikawa Shuntaro dies at 92

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