As Japan faces economic challenges, including a weakening yen and rising poverty, its capital city of Tokyo has become a hub for sex tourism. Once celebrated for its economic boom and status as one of the world’s most livable cities, the capital now wrestles with the darker side of its financial struggles.

As Japan faces economic challenges, including a weakening yen and rising poverty, its capital city of Tokyo has become a hub for sex tourism. Once celebrated for its economic boom and status as one of the world’s most livable cities, the capital now wrestles with the darker side of its financial struggles. Yoshihide Tanaka, secretary-general of the Liaison Council Protecting Youths (Seiboren), told This Week in Asia, “Japan has become a poor country.” Tanaka pointed out that a park near his office has turned into a hotspot for the sex trade. Since the easing of pandemic restrictions, there has been an increase in foreign men frequenting the area. "Now we are seeing a lot more foreign men," Tanaka said. "They come from many countries. They are white, Asian, and Black—but the majority are Chinese." Also read: Jesus meets AI: Swiss church confession booth has God that 'answers' worshippers' concerns This trend overlaps with a growing number of teenagers and women in their early twenties entering the sex industry to make ends meet. Tanaka added, “It’s getting worse. Much worse. There are more kids here and more violence, but our organisation cannot do anything more than we are already doing.” 'A country where foreign men can obtain young women' Lawmakers have been vocal about the need for regulations to address the issue. Kazunori Yamanoi of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan said, “The reality is that Japan has become a country where foreign men can obtain young women and essentially buy sexual services.” Yamanoi added how this issue negatively impacts the international image of Japanese women. Data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department shows that in 2023, around 43 per cent of women arrested for street prostitution admitted to entering the trade to fund visits to host clubs and underground male idols. Of those arrested, about 80 per cent were in their 20s, while three were teenagers under 19. Loophole in law against buying and selling sex for money While Japanese law criminalises buying and selling sex for money, the ban only applies to penetrative acts. The anti-prostitution law penalises the seller, the woman, with up to six months in prison and fines of up to 10,000 yen (64.67 USD), but not the buyers, leaving a loophole in enforcement. (With inputs from agencies)

As Yen struggles and poverty rises, Tokyo turns to ‘sex tourism’ to make ends meet

Once celebrated for its economic boom and cultural influence, Japan now faces a somber reality: foreign men are flocking to Tokyo, drawn by its burgeoning sex trade.

Tokyo Sees Influx in Sex Tourism as the Economy Weakens | GRAVITAS

An American man has been arrested for allegedly carving letters into a torii gate at a Meiji Jingu Shrine in Japan's Tokyo.&nbsp;

Tokyo Metropolitan Police alleged that the 65-year-old man used his fingernails to carve five letters into the pillar of a torii gate at the popular tourist spot.&nbsp;

The suspect, Steve Lee Hayes, was arrested on Wednesday (Nov 13) on charges of property damage, a Tokyo Metropolitan Police spokesperson told CNN.

The man carved five letters, believed to be the tourist's family name into a gate pillar, public broadcaster NHK reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-create-a-conveyor-belt-road-connecting-tokyo-and-osaka-774979">Also read:&nbsp;Japan to create a 'conveyor belt road' connecting Tokyo and Osaka</a>

Police identified the suspect by reviewing security camera footage and launched an investigation.

The suspect and his family arrived in Japan for sightseeing on Monday (Nov 11).&nbsp;

A spokesperson confirmed that the US Embassy staff have visited Hayes and are providing consular assistance. However, they declined to give further details due to privacy concerns.

The suspect now faces up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($1,918) for the alleged vandalism.

Japan has been witnessing a surge in visitors from across the world. However, it becomes a problem as the country also struggles with misbehaving visitors.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan: Shigeru Ishiba To Continue As Prime Minister

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<h2>Similar incidents&nbsp;</h2>

In September, Japan's local police told CNN that a 61-year-old Austrian man was arrested for having sex on the grounds of a shrine in Kesennuma, a small coastal town about 310 miles north of Tokyo. He then faced charges of disrespecting a place of worship.&nbsp;

Later in October, a Chile-based fitness influencer faces online backlash for posting a clip of herself doing pull-up exercises on a red gate at a different Japanese shrine.&nbsp;

The woman had 139,000 followers on Instagram. She later posted an apology video on the social media platform, saying "it “wasn’t my intention to show disrespect”.

(With inputs from agencies)

An American man has been arrested for allegedly carving letters into a torii gate at a Meiji Jingu Shrine in Japan's Tokyo. Tokyo Metropolitan Police alleged that the 65-year-old man used his fingernails to carve five letters into the pillar of a torii gate at the popular tourist spot.

An American man has been arrested for allegedly carving letters into a torii gate at a Meiji Jingu Shrine in Japan's Tokyo. Tokyo Metropolitan Police alleged that the 65-year-old man used his fingernails to carve five letters into the pillar of a torii gate at the popular tourist spot. The suspect, Steve Lee Hayes, was arrested on Wednesday (Nov 13) on charges of property damage, a Tokyo Metropolitan Police spokesperson told CNN. The man carved five letters, believed to be the tourist's family name into a gate pillar, public broadcaster NHK reported. Also read: Japan to create a 'conveyor belt road' connecting Tokyo and Osaka Police identified the suspect by reviewing security camera footage and launched an investigation. The suspect and his family arrived in Japan for sightseeing on Monday (Nov 11). A spokesperson confirmed that the US Embassy staff have visited Hayes and are providing consular assistance. However, they declined to give further details due to privacy concerns. The suspect now faces up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($1,918) for the alleged vandalism. Japan has been witnessing a surge in visitors from across the world. However, it becomes a problem as the country also struggles with misbehaving visitors. Watch | Japan: Shigeru Ishiba To Continue As Prime Minister × Similar incidents In September, Japan's local police told CNN that a 61-year-old Austrian man was arrested for having sex on the grounds of a shrine in Kesennuma, a small coastal town about 310 miles north of Tokyo. He then faced charges of disrespecting a place of worship. Later in October, a Chile-based fitness influencer faces online backlash for posting a clip of herself doing pull-up exercises on a red gate at a different Japanese shrine. The woman had 139,000 followers on Instagram. She later posted an apology video on the social media platform, saying "it “wasn’t my intention to show disrespect”. (With inputs from agencies)

American tourist arrested for allegedly defacing Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine

After the iconic bullet train, Japan is now constructing a rare "conveyor belt road" which will connect Tokyo to Osaka and will probably leave the rest of the countries wondering if they can match them technologically.

The automated cargo transport corridor is also called an "autoflow road" and will spread some 320 miles between Tokyo and Osaka.&nbsp;

This road will not be a moving walkway but will facilitate the movement of robotic pallets carrying cargo from one destination to another.

"We need to be innovative with the way we approach roads," said Yuri Endo, who is a senior deputy director at Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, while speaking to The Associated Press.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-launches-worlds-first-wooden-satellite-to-test-woods-suitability-for-building-space-material-773963">Japan launches world's first wooden satellite to test wood's suitability for building space material</a>

Endo is overseeing this ambitious project. "The key concept of the autoflow road is to create dedicated spaces within the road network for logistics, utilising a 24-hour automated and unmanned transportation system," he added.

<h2>Here's how the "conveyor belt road" looks like</h2>

In the official concept video, dozens of the cargo pallets were seen moving across the autoflow road which is divided into three lands and is placed between an existing highway.

The middle lane works like a passing lane but also is the place where pallets stop while they are designing two outermost ones for opposite flows of traffic.&nbsp;

Watch: Japan To Launch World's First Wooden Satellite In Groundbreaking Green Space Initiative

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In the video, the driverless vehicles were seen automatically moving between the lanes and forming convoys on the fly with robotic coordination which is impossible for human drivers.

After the vehicles reach their destinations, automatic forklifts are expected to load and unload the cargo. According to the transport ministry, the automated network will be able to do the work of 25,000 truck drivers every day.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the iconic bullet train, Japan is now constructing a rare "conveyor belt road" which will connect Tokyo to Osaka and will probably leave the rest of the countries wondering if they can match them technologically.

After the iconic bullet train, Japan is now constructing a rare "conveyor belt road" which will connect Tokyo to Osaka and will probably leave the rest of the countries wondering if they can match them technologically. The automated cargo transport corridor is also called an "autoflow road" and will spread some 320 miles between Tokyo and Osaka. This road will not be a moving walkway but will facilitate the movement of robotic pallets carrying cargo from one destination to another. "We need to be innovative with the way we approach roads," said Yuri Endo, who is a senior deputy director at Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, while speaking to The Associated Press. Also Read: Japan launches world's first wooden satellite to test wood's suitability for building space material Endo is overseeing this ambitious project. "The key concept of the autoflow road is to create dedicated spaces within the road network for logistics, utilising a 24-hour automated and unmanned transportation system," he added. Here's how the "conveyor belt road" looks like In the official concept video, dozens of the cargo pallets were seen moving across the autoflow road which is divided into three lands and is placed between an existing highway. The middle lane works like a passing lane but also is the place where pallets stop while they are designing two outermost ones for opposite flows of traffic. Watch: Japan To Launch World's First Wooden Satellite In Groundbreaking Green Space Initiative In the video, the driverless vehicles were seen automatically moving between the lanes and forming convoys on the fly with robotic coordination which is impossible for human drivers. After the vehicles reach their destinations, automatic forklifts are expected to load and unload the cargo. According to the transport ministry, the automated network will be able to do the work of 25,000 truck drivers every day. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to create a 'conveyor belt road' connecting Tokyo and Osaka

One of Tokyo's busiest nightlife districts Shibuya has cancelled events for Halloween and imposed a new public drinking ban. This comes after the District attracted Rowdy party goers on festivals like Halloween and New Year. The authorities previously had implemented public drinking bans in a bit to curb public drinking at the iconic Shibuya Crossing and surrounding areas.

Tokyo Imposes Ban On Alcohol In Shibuya

The Japanese government accepted that a recent official photo of its new cabinet was “edited” to make members look less unkempt. This came after a lot of buzz was going around the image being manipulated by the authorities.

Photos of the cabinet, taken by local media, with new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his defence minister showed&nbsp;small patches of clothing visible under their suits. However, the official photos shared by the prime minister’s office on Thursday (Oct 3), didn’t have&nbsp;any of such loose clothing, creating online speculation.

The government spokesperson on Monday (Oct 7) said “minor editing was made” to the image, after rounds of online mockery.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-boy-goes-to-foot-spa-for-treatment-of-nail-infection-ends-up-losing-a-finger-765569">Chinese boy goes to foot spa for treatment of nail infection, ends up losing finger</a>

Spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the image had been manipulated as group photos taken by the prime minister's office "will be preserved forever as memorabilia".

He added that "minor editing is customarily performed on these photos".&nbsp;
<img alt="Original and edited image" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3b5acf9-739e-4856-b7df-a45b9f1e7108" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-10-08T161125.119.png" />
He was further mocked online for his bizarre reasoning behind the editing.

"This is more hideous than a group picture of some kind of a seniors' club during a trip to a hot spring. It's utterly embarrassing," one user wrote on X.

Another user said it was clear the cabinet members were wearing suits in the incorrect size.

Other users have been referring to the cabinet – and their trousers – as "ill-fitting", according to local media.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-rag-to-riches-sri-lankan-worker-becomes-millionaire-in-australia-doing-cleaning-jobs-765596">‘From rag to riches,’ Sri Lankan worker becomes millionaire in Australia doing cleaning jobs</a>

The photograph was taken on October 3 following the first meeting of Japan's new cabinet.&nbsp;

A few days earlier, Ishiba, 67, replaced outgoing Prime Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida, as chief of the country's ruling party. He was officially appointed to the role of prime minister on Tuesday.

Ishiba has announced plans for a snap election on October 27.

"It is important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible," he told a news conference in Tokyo, according to Reuters. The election will decide which party controls parliament's lower house.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Japanese government accepted that a recent official photo of its new cabinet was “edited” to make members look less unkempt. This came after a lot of buzz was going around the image being manipulated by the authorities.

The Japanese government accepted that a recent official photo of its new cabinet was “edited” to make members look less unkempt. This came after a lot of buzz was going around the image being manipulated by the authorities. Photos of the cabinet, taken by local media, with new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his defence minister showed small patches of clothing visible under their suits. However, the official photos shared by the prime minister’s office on Thursday (Oct 3), didn’t have any of such loose clothing, creating online speculation. The government spokesperson on Monday (Oct 7) said “minor editing was made” to the image, after rounds of online mockery. Also Read | Chinese boy goes to foot spa for treatment of nail infection, ends up losing finger Spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the image had been manipulated as group photos taken by the prime minister's office "will be preserved forever as memorabilia". He added that "minor editing is customarily performed on these photos". He was further mocked online for his bizarre reasoning behind the editing. "This is more hideous than a group picture of some kind of a seniors' club during a trip to a hot spring. It's utterly embarrassing," one user wrote on X. Another user said it was clear the cabinet members were wearing suits in the incorrect size. Other users have been referring to the cabinet – and their trousers – as "ill-fitting", according to local media. Also Read | ‘From rag to riches,’ Sri Lankan worker becomes millionaire in Australia doing cleaning jobs The photograph was taken on October 3 following the first meeting of Japan's new cabinet. A few days earlier, Ishiba, 67, replaced outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as chief of the country's ruling party. He was officially appointed to the role of prime minister on Tuesday. Ishiba has announced plans for a snap election on October 27. "It is important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible," he told a news conference in Tokyo, according to Reuters. The election will decide which party controls parliament's lower house. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's government admits editing 'untidy' cabinet photo after online scrutiny

Tokyo already boasts an extensive system of tunnels, drainage channels and storage cisterns, but like much of the world Japan is coping with unprecedented weather due to climate change, forcing it to dig once more. To fight climate-induced extreme weather events, Deep below the streets, Tokyo is tunneling to stop climate change flooding the city. Watch in for more details!

Tokyo Expands Underground 'Temple' Complex To Counter Climate Change Flooding

Tokyo already boasts an extensive system of tunnels,Drainage channels and storage cisterns, but like much of the world. Japan is coping with unprecedented weather due to climate change, forcing it to dig once more. To fight climate-induced extreme weather events, Deep below the streets, Tokyo is tunneling to stop climate change flooding the city.

Tokyo Tunnels To Stop Climate Change Flooding

The 102nd prime minister of Japan was elected by Shigeru Ishiba, the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Ishiba promised his administration would restore the public's confidence, which had been damaged by the political funds scandal, boost the nation's economy, and strengthen defenses against threats to national security.

Shigeru Ishiba Starts Term as Japan's New Prime Minister

The Operators of Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant has suspended operations to remove a sample of highly radioactive material after encountering a new technical problem. Watch in for more details!

Japan: Tokyo Electric Power Company Suspends Operations At Fukushima Plant

Japan has only 13 female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) across approximately 1,600 top-listed companies in the country, a survey by Tokyo-based Kyodo News revealed.&nbsp;

The survey highlights that the Asian country is still struggling to increase diversity among its corporate decision-makers.

According to the survey, women lead just 0.8 per cent of the 1643 firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's top-tier prime market. The data is based on investigations of fiscal 2023 financial statements released by the end of August.&nbsp;

The declining number also underlines the uphill struggle Japan's government faces in reaching its target of having women in at least 30 per cent of executive roles by the end of the decade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japan-offers-women-4200-to-marry-rural-men-quickly-suspends-plan-758083">Also read:&nbsp;Japan offers women $4,200 to marry rural men, quickly suspends plan</a>

Ryusuke Ishii, a manager at the Japan Research Institute, said that the lack of progress in appointing female CEOs is due partly to the hiring of top officers from outside businesses rather than promoting internally.&nbsp;

Even after former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that he would "create a society in which all women shine", the country continues to be low in international gender comparisons of politics and business.&nbsp;

The research further highlighted that the number of female board members exceeded 3,000, doubling from fiscal 2019. It underscores that Japanese companies have been progressing in promoting women to top roles.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Japan: Tokyo Electric Power Company Suspends Operations At Fukushima Plant

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Apart from the 29 firms that have been listed at the market's top tier for less than five years, the number of female CEOs at 1,614 Prime Market companies remained at between seven and nine for three years through fiscal 2022.&nbsp;

To further increase the number of female executives in the sector, the Japanese government has asked top-listed firms to raise the proportion of female executives to 30 per cent or more by 2030.&nbsp;

Last year, the figure increased to 16.2 per cent or 3,052 women, up from 1,502 in fiscal 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan has only 13 female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) across approximately 1,600 top-listed companies in the country, a survey by Tokyo-based Kyodo News revealed.

Japan has only 13 female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) across approximately 1,600 top-listed companies in the country, a survey by Tokyo-based Kyodo News revealed. The survey highlights that the Asian country is still struggling to increase diversity among its corporate decision-makers. According to the survey, women lead just 0.8 per cent of the 1643 firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's top-tier prime market. The data is based on investigations of fiscal 2023 financial statements released by the end of August. The declining number also underlines the uphill struggle Japan's government faces in reaching its target of having women in at least 30 per cent of executive roles by the end of the decade. Also read: Japan offers women $4,200 to marry rural men, quickly suspends plan Ryusuke Ishii, a manager at the Japan Research Institute, said that the lack of progress in appointing female CEOs is due partly to the hiring of top officers from outside businesses rather than promoting internally. Even after former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that he would "create a society in which all women shine", the country continues to be low in international gender comparisons of politics and business. The research further highlighted that the number of female board members exceeded 3,000, doubling from fiscal 2019. It underscores that Japanese companies have been progressing in promoting women to top roles. Watch | Japan: Tokyo Electric Power Company Suspends Operations At Fukushima Plant × Apart from the 29 firms that have been listed at the market's top tier for less than five years, the number of female CEOs at 1,614 Prime Market companies remained at between seven and nine for three years through fiscal 2022. To further increase the number of female executives in the sector, the Japanese government has asked top-listed firms to raise the proportion of female executives to 30 per cent or more by 2030. Last year, the figure increased to 16.2 per cent or 3,052 women, up from 1,502 in fiscal 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Only 13 female CEOs among top 1,600 companies in Japan, reveals survey

Tokyo Electric Power Company Suspends Operations At Fukushima Plant

Ukraine's ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky has been slammed on Chinese social media for visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, with some&nbsp;netizens calling it an 'insult' to the Chinese people.&nbsp;

The envoy visited the shrine, on Tuesday (Sep 3)&nbsp;which coincided with commemorations in China of the 79th anniversary of the end of what Beijing calls the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War.&nbsp;

The shrine commemorates Japan's war dead, including 14 'Class-A' war criminals. In the past, Beijing&nbsp;has been seen protesting against official visits to the shrine and performing associated rituals there.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-broadcaster-nhk-apologises-for-staffer-claiming-senkaku-islands-as-chinese-territory-751978">Also read:&nbsp;Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’</a>

Chinese social media&nbsp;was flooded with criticism after the Ukrainian embassy in Japan posted pictures of the envoy's visit on X.&nbsp; However, they deleted the post later.&nbsp;

The post stated&nbsp;that Korsunsky performed a ritual hand washing before visiting the shrine, where he left a handwritten message.&nbsp;

<h2>Visit to shrine 'disrespectful'&nbsp;to China</h2>

Niutanqin, a WeChat account affiliated with state news agency Xinhua, on Thursday said that Korsunsky’s visit was “disrespectful” to China.&nbsp;

The hashtag “Ukrainian ambassador to Japan worshipped ghosts” was also trending.

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea, China condemn Kishida's ritual offering to war-linked Yasukuni Shrine

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Meanwhile, some of the commenters said that the envoy's visit to the shrine on World Anti-Fascist Memorial Day was like adding salt to injury.&nbsp;

One of the commenters said, “The Ukrainian ambassador to Japan has insulted China. I no longer support [Ukraine] … I hope China provides more aid to Russia to defeat Ukraine."&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry has not yet commented on the envoy's visit.&nbsp;

Highlighting the Russia-Ukraine war, China has been in a neutral position and posed itself as a peace broker in the conflict.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, China, along with Brazil presented a 12-point peace plan, calling for negotiations to end the war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky has been slammed on Chinese social media for visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, with some netizens calling it an 'insult' to the Chinese people.

Ukraine's ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky has been slammed on Chinese social media for visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, with some netizens calling it an 'insult' to the Chinese people. The envoy visited the shrine, on Tuesday (Sep 3) which coincided with commemorations in China of the 79th anniversary of the end of what Beijing calls the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War. The shrine commemorates Japan's war dead, including 14 'Class-A' war criminals. In the past, Beijing has been seen protesting against official visits to the shrine and performing associated rituals there. Also read: Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’ Chinese social media was flooded with criticism after the Ukrainian embassy in Japan posted pictures of the envoy's visit on X. However, they deleted the post later. The post stated that Korsunsky performed a ritual hand washing before visiting the shrine, where he left a handwritten message. Visit to shrine 'disrespectful' to China Niutanqin, a WeChat account affiliated with state news agency Xinhua, on Thursday said that Korsunsky’s visit was “disrespectful” to China. The hashtag “Ukrainian ambassador to Japan worshipped ghosts” was also trending. Watch | South Korea, China condemn Kishida's ritual offering to war-linked Yasukuni Shrine × Meanwhile, some of the commenters said that the envoy's visit to the shrine on World Anti-Fascist Memorial Day was like adding salt to injury. One of the commenters said, “The Ukrainian ambassador to Japan has insulted China. I no longer support [Ukraine] … I hope China provides more aid to Russia to defeat Ukraine." China's foreign ministry has not yet commented on the envoy's visit. Highlighting the Russia-Ukraine war, China has been in a neutral position and posed itself as a peace broker in the conflict. Earlier this year, China, along with Brazil presented a 12-point peace plan, calling for negotiations to end the war. (With inputs from agencies)

'Disrespectful': Chinese citizens fume after Ukrainian envoy visits Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo

Japanese parents are up in arms against a practice that requires students to strip down to the waist for health examinations. Children report feeling uncomfortable and even traumatised when asked to go topless for the annual health checkup. Students, both boys and girls, as young as 5 and as old as 18 are required to comply with the directive and residents now want it to end, The Guardian reported.

“Before the exam our teacher told us we would have to lift up our tops and bra … I didn’t want to do it but I couldn’t say no," a female student told The Guardian.&nbsp;

The practice has triggered anger among parents who have demanded the education and health authorities end it before the new session begins in April.

Noriko Tabuchi, a city councillor in Matsuyama, says she has met several other girls who were told to remove their tops for the health examination. She says they feel anxiety and aren't able to share it with their parents.

However, this is not a unanimous practice since there is no unified policy on whether the students need to undress or not. Local education boards reach a consensus on the same after discussing it with visiting health professionals. While some schools let the children remain in clothes, others insist on stripping them to the waist.

<h2>Lifelong trauma</h2>

According to surveys, most teachers want it to end. As per a poll of middle schoolchildren, aged 12-16, 95.5 per cent of participants were unhappy about removing their clothes.

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“The health exams can have serious repercussions for children,” Akiyo Tanaka, a city councillor in Nishinomiya, told The Guardian. “Some of them continue to experience trauma into adulthood.”

Those campaigning for the practice to end say they face resistance from the Japan Medical Association. Education officials are also not prepared to counter the body, with one person telling the publication on condition of anonymity that &nbsp;“In some cases, doctors, who are almost always men, have threatened to stop performing the exams if they are forced to change the procedure."

"Children are in no position to refuse. The schools are really concerned about this and want something to be done.”

<h2>Why have topless health examinations?</h2>

Invasive health checkups started in some parts of Japan during the years of postwar austerity. Schools were assigned the responsibility of ensuring that children were healthy. Doctors say topless exams are essential to check for signs of atopic dermatitis, heart irregularities and other conditions.

In Yokohama, the education ministry requested boards of education to “establish a medical examination environment with consideration for the privacy and feelings of the students”. But, at least 16 primary schools continue to ask children to undress.

The notice further asked for separate examinations for boys and girls. It states the need for a partition or curtains, and for teachers and staff of the same sex as the children to be present. Parents and guardians should also be given advance notice if the practitioner requires children to raise their shirts for an accurate diagnosis. 
&nbsp;

Japanese parents are up in arms against a practice that requires students to strip down to the waist for health examinations. Children report feeling uncomfortable and even traumatised when asked to go topless for the annual health checkup.

Japanese parents are up in arms against a practice that requires students to strip down to the waist for health examinations. Children report feeling uncomfortable and even traumatised when asked to go topless for the annual health checkup. Students, both boys and girls, as young as 5 and as old as 18 are required to comply with the directive and residents now want it to end, The Guardian reported. “Before the exam our teacher told us we would have to lift up our tops and bra … I didn’t want to do it but I couldn’t say no," a female student told The Guardian. The practice has triggered anger among parents who have demanded the education and health authorities end it before the new session begins in April. Noriko Tabuchi, a city councillor in Matsuyama, says she has met several other girls who were told to remove their tops for the health examination. She says they feel anxiety and aren't able to share it with their parents. However, this is not a unanimous practice since there is no unified policy on whether the students need to undress or not. Local education boards reach a consensus on the same after discussing it with visiting health professionals. While some schools let the children remain in clothes, others insist on stripping them to the waist. Lifelong trauma According to surveys, most teachers want it to end. As per a poll of middle schoolchildren, aged 12-16, 95.5 per cent of participants were unhappy about removing their clothes. Also Read: Too stressed about quitting? In Japan, companies will resign from your job for you “The health exams can have serious repercussions for children,” Akiyo Tanaka, a city councillor in Nishinomiya, told The Guardian. “Some of them continue to experience trauma into adulthood.” Those campaigning for the practice to end say they face resistance from the Japan Medical Association. Education officials are also not prepared to counter the body, with one person telling the publication on condition of anonymity that “In some cases, doctors, who are almost always men, have threatened to stop performing the exams if they are forced to change the procedure." "Children are in no position to refuse. The schools are really concerned about this and want something to be done.” Why have topless health examinations? Invasive health checkups started in some parts of Japan during the years of postwar austerity. Schools were assigned the responsibility of ensuring that children were healthy. Doctors say topless exams are essential to check for signs of atopic dermatitis, heart irregularities and other conditions. In Yokohama, the education ministry requested boards of education to “establish a medical examination environment with consideration for the privacy and feelings of the students”. But, at least 16 primary schools continue to ask children to undress. The notice further asked for separate examinations for boys and girls. It states the need for a partition or curtains, and for teachers and staff of the same sex as the children to be present. Parents and guardians should also be given advance notice if the practitioner requires children to raise their shirts for an accurate diagnosis.

Topless health tests at schools cause outrage in Japan. 'I didn’t want to...'

Core inflation in Japan's capital climbed for the fourth consecutive month in August, data showed on Friday, comfortably staying above the Bank of Japan's 2 per cent target and supporting market expectations of further interest rate increases.

The Tokyo core consumer price index (CPI), which excludes volatile fresh food prices, rose 2.4 per cent in August from a year earlier, surpassing the median market forecast of 2.2 per cent and the 2.2 per cent increase recorded in July.

A separate index that excludes both fresh food and fuel costs, closely monitored by the BOJ as a broader gauge of price trends, rose 1.6 per cent in August from a year earlier, up from a 1.5 per cent rise in July.

The uptick in Tokyo inflation, seen as a precursor to nationwide trends, was largely driven by the gradual phase-out of government subsidies on utility bills and higher rice prices amid worsening shortages due to extreme heat.

"Some one-time factors pushed up inflation but the underlying inflation trend will continue to moderate in coming months," said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute.

However, with wage growth anticipated to support private consumption and drive up inflation, the case is strengthening for the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates further, Minami noted.

Separately, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry upgraded its assessment of industrial output for the first time since March last year after data showed output increased 2.8 per cent in July from the previous month.

Manufacturers surveyed by the ministry expect output to rise 2.2 per cent in August but decline by 3.3 per cent in September, the data indicated.

Still, an official advised caution about the outlook, noting that production plans might not be as sturdy as projected in August.

The BOJ ended its negative interest rate policy in March and raised its short-term policy rate to 0.25 per cent in July, marking significant steps away from a decade-long radical stimulus approach.

BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that the central bank would consider further rate hikes if inflation appears set to sustainably reach its 2 per cent target in the coming years, as forecasted by the BOJ board.

The central bank expects that rising wages will push up service prices and help keep inflation around the 2 per cent mark.

Core inflation in Japan's capital climbed for the fourth consecutive month in August, data showed on Friday, comfortably staying above the Bank of Japan's 2 per cent target and supporting market expectations of further interest rate increases.

Core inflation in Japan's capital climbed for the fourth consecutive month in August, data showed on Friday, comfortably staying above the Bank of Japan's 2 per cent target and supporting market expectations of further interest rate increases. The Tokyo core consumer price index (CPI), which excludes volatile fresh food prices, rose 2.4 per cent in August from a year earlier, surpassing the median market forecast of 2.2 per cent and the 2.2 per cent increase recorded in July. A separate index that excludes both fresh food and fuel costs, closely monitored by the BOJ as a broader gauge of price trends, rose 1.6 per cent in August from a year earlier, up from a 1.5 per cent rise in July. The uptick in Tokyo inflation, seen as a precursor to nationwide trends, was largely driven by the gradual phase-out of government subsidies on utility bills and higher rice prices amid worsening shortages due to extreme heat. "Some one-time factors pushed up inflation but the underlying inflation trend will continue to moderate in coming months," said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute. However, with wage growth anticipated to support private consumption and drive up inflation, the case is strengthening for the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates further, Minami noted. Separately, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry upgraded its assessment of industrial output for the first time since March last year after data showed output increased 2.8 per cent in July from the previous month. Manufacturers surveyed by the ministry expect output to rise 2.2 per cent in August but decline by 3.3 per cent in September, the data indicated. Still, an official advised caution about the outlook, noting that production plans might not be as sturdy as projected in August. The BOJ ended its negative interest rate policy in March and raised its short-term policy rate to 0.25 per cent in July, marking significant steps away from a decade-long radical stimulus approach. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that the central bank would consider further rate hikes if inflation appears set to sustainably reach its 2 per cent target in the coming years, as forecasted by the BOJ board. The central bank expects that rising wages will push up service prices and help keep inflation around the 2 per cent mark.

Tokyo core inflation rises, strengthening the case for BOJ rate hikes

In Japan, at least 54 people die annually because of overwork, revealed a government white paper. The societal attitude is such that working overtime and for longer hours is considered cool in Japan, leading to the problem of “karoshi,” which means “death from overwork” in Japanese.

Now, the Japanese government is pushing for a major change. It’s asking its companies and employees to follow a four-day workweek model. The model was first backed by lawmakers in 2021 but today only eight&nbsp;per cent of Japanese companies allow their employees to take at least three days off a week.

Data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reveal that seven per cent of companies offer just legally mandated one day off per week.

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The government’s “work style reform” campaign focuses on promoting shorter hours and other flexible arrangements along with overtime limits and paid annual leave. The ministry said it was also open to offering free consulting, grants and a growing library of success stories as further motivation.

“By realizing a society in which workers can choose from a variety of working styles based on their circumstances, we aim to create a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution and enable each and every worker to have a better outlook for the future,” the ministry wrote on its website.

<h2>Overwork problem in Japan</h2>

It’s considered a taboo to go on vacations in Japan. Employees take&nbsp;offs on those days when their colleagues are also absent, typically during the Bon holidays in the summer and around New Year, so that no one can accuse them of being uncaring.

As of now, 85 per cent of workers report getting two weekly offs but challenges remain regarding overtime hours.

The government thinks that this problem of overworking is leading to another major problem which can prove to be devastating for the Japanese economy: Declining birth rate.

The working-age population is expected to decline 40 per cent to 45 million people in 2065, from the current 74 million, according to government data.

By promoting healthy work-life balance, the government hopes to shore up birth rates and address concerns regarding the working-age population.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Japan, at least 54 people die annually because of overwork, revealed a government white paper. The societal attitude is such that working overtime and for longer hours is considered cool in Japan, leading to the problem of “karoshi,” which means “death from overwork” in Japanese.

In Japan, at least 54 people die annually because of overwork, revealed a government white paper. The societal attitude is such that working overtime and for longer hours is considered cool in Japan, leading to the problem of “karoshi,” which means “death from overwork” in Japanese. Now, the Japanese government is pushing for a major change. It’s asking its companies and employees to follow a four-day workweek model. The model was first backed by lawmakers in 2021 but today only eight per cent of Japanese companies allow their employees to take at least three days off a week. Data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reveal that seven per cent of companies offer just legally mandated one day off per week. Also read: Typhoon Shanshan lashes Japan, killing four and injuring dozens The government’s “work style reform” campaign focuses on promoting shorter hours and other flexible arrangements along with overtime limits and paid annual leave. The ministry said it was also open to offering free consulting, grants and a growing library of success stories as further motivation. “By realizing a society in which workers can choose from a variety of working styles based on their circumstances, we aim to create a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution and enable each and every worker to have a better outlook for the future,” the ministry wrote on its website. Overwork problem in Japan It’s considered a taboo to go on vacations in Japan. Employees take offs on those days when their colleagues are also absent, typically during the Bon holidays in the summer and around New Year, so that no one can accuse them of being uncaring. As of now, 85 per cent of workers report getting two weekly offs but challenges remain regarding overtime hours. The government thinks that this problem of overworking is leading to another major problem which can prove to be devastating for the Japanese economy: Declining birth rate. The working-age population is expected to decline 40 per cent to 45 million people in 2065, from the current 74 million, according to government data. By promoting healthy work-life balance, the government hopes to shore up birth rates and address concerns regarding the working-age population. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan pushes for four-day work week to boost declining birth rate

At least six people were dead as Typhoon Shanshan crept eastward through Japan on Saturday, drenching large areas with torrential rain, triggering landslide and flood warnings hundreds of kilometres from the storm's centre.

Typhoon Shanshan: Transport services disrupted across Japan

Japan on high alert: Typhoon Shanshan reaches Tokyo, 6 dead

The authorities are advising thousands of people to evacuate and have issued the highest warning level for wind and storm. Watch in for more details.

Japan's Typhoon Shanshan kills at least 6

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Typhoon Shanshan: Most powerful storm to hit Japan since 1960

Japan: Typhoon Shanshan kills at least three

Japan is bracing for typhoon Shanshan, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast, forcing airlines and railways to cancel some services over the coming days. Shanshan is expected to strike Japan's Southwestern Kyushu island over the next few days.

Japan braces for typhoon Shanshan: Japan issues emergency warning for Shanshan

Authorities in Japan have issued warnings and urged residents to evacuate as Typhoon Ampil, rated as "very strong" by the Japan Meteorological Agency, approaches the shore near the capital city.

Japan, Tokyo braces for Typhoon Ampil

Torrential rains are sweeping across Japan’s capital Tokyo, ahead of typhoon Ampil’s arrival, causing power blackouts in the middle of a major summer holiday week...

Typhoon Ampil: warnings issued, hundreds of flights grounded

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US counterpart Antony Blinken ahead of the Quad meet in Tokyo and both leaders extensively discussed bolstering coordination between India and United States collectively committing to promote a 'free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region'.

Quad Meeting In Tokyo: We need to send a message that Quad is here to stay: Jaishankar

S Jaishankar meets Blinken ahead of Quad meet, India-US affirm Indo-Pacific co-ordination | WION DNA

Quad Foreign ministers met in Tokyo on Monday for talks expected to focus on maritime security and initiatives to build up cyber defenses. Watch in for more details!

Quad Summit | Jaishankar: We need to send a message that quad is here to stay

Quad foreign ministers meet in Tokyo for talks on maritime security

Qaud Foreign Ministers' meet: India FM Jaishankar terms new era as one of 're-globalisation'

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar after unveiling the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo on Sunday (Jul&nbsp;28) restated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to Moscow amid war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"Gandhiji's message was that solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war," Jaishankar said in Tokyo, repeating what Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russia's President Vladimir Putin during SCO meeting in Uzbekistan's Samarkand.

"I know that today’s era is not the era for war," Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Putin in September 2022. "We have spoken to you many times on the phone before on this, that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue — these things help the world," he had said.

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"Gandhiji's message was that solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war..." EAM Dr S Jaishankar in Japan, restating PM's message to Moscow <a href="https://t.co/SekyfovLej">pic.twitter.com/SekyfovLej</a>
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Earlier, while&nbsp;addressing the 14th East Asia Summit's Foreign Ministers Meeting in the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic as part of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jaishankar&nbsp;maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged (with) President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible," he said earlier.&nbsp;

WION first reported that Prime Minister Modi will visit Ukraine next month for the first time since February 2022, when Putin launched Russia's unprecedented offensive on Ukraine after dubbing it as "special military operations".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-to-visit-ukraine-in-august-744593">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine in August</a>

"Without Mahatma Gandhi, our independence struggle would perhaps have taken much longer...independence of India actually decolonised the entire world, it was the starting point of a very momentous event," Jaishankar said in Japan.

"That when India became free, other parts of Asia became free, Africa became free, Latin America became free. So what Gandhiji started, today when we say India is the fifth largest economy in the world, where the world is changing, it is heading towards multipolarity, that when the G7 becomes the G20. In a way, all this was started as a result of what Gandhiji did in history," Jaishankar added.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine in August

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"I would say today, at a time when we are seeing so much conflict in the world, so much tension, so much polarisation, so much bloodshed, it's very important that Gandhiji's message was that solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war. And that message applies today as much as it did 80 years ago."

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar after unveiling the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo on Sunday (Jul 28) restated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to Moscow amid war in Ukraine.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar after unveiling the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo on Sunday (Jul 28) restated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to Moscow amid war in Ukraine. "Gandhiji's message was that solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war," Jaishankar said in Tokyo, repeating what Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russia's President Vladimir Putin during SCO meeting in Uzbekistan's Samarkand. "I know that today’s era is not the era for war," Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Putin in September 2022. "We have spoken to you many times on the phone before on this, that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue — these things help the world," he had said. "Gandhiji's message was that solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war..." EAM Dr S Jaishankar in Japan, restating PM's message to Moscow pic.twitter.com/SekyfovLej — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 28, 2024 × Earlier, while addressing the 14th East Asia Summit's Foreign Ministers Meeting in the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic as part of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jaishankar maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged (with) President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible," he said earlier. WION first reported that Prime Minister Modi will visit Ukraine next month for the first time since February 2022, when Putin launched Russia's unprecedented offensive on Ukraine after dubbing it as "special military operations". Also read | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine in August "Without Mahatma Gandhi, our independence struggle would perhaps have taken much longer...independence of India actually decolonised the entire world, it was the starting point of a very momentous event," Jaishankar said in Japan. "That when India became free, other parts of Asia became free, Africa became free, Latin America became free. So what Gandhiji started, today when we say India is the fifth largest economy in the world, where the world is changing, it is heading towards multipolarity, that when the G7 becomes the G20. In a way, all this was started as a result of what Gandhiji did in history," Jaishankar added. Also watch | Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine in August × "I would say today, at a time when we are seeing so much conflict in the world, so much tension, so much polarisation, so much bloodshed, it's very important that Gandhiji's message was that solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war. And that message applies today as much as it did 80 years ago."

Jaishankar restates Modi's Moscow message after unveiling Gandhi bust in Tokyo

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