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☆ Space One Rocket Explodes Seconds After Launch in Japan
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Yan Zhuang | More About Yan Zhuang | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The first rocket launched by the Japanese start-up Space One exploded seconds after takeoff on Wednesday, denting its ambition to become the country’s first private company to put a satellite into orbit. The Kairos solid-fuel rocket launched just after 11 a.m. local time and burst into flames less than ten seconds later, livestreams of the launch showed. The explosion left behind a large plume of smoke and set off a fire in a nearby forest that firefighters were battling to extinguish. The 60-foot-long rocket weighs 23 tons and was launched from Space Port Kii in Wakayama Prefecture on Japan’s main island, according to the company’s website. Space One did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday afternoon.

Locations: Space Port, Wakayama Prefecture

☆ Cat’s fall into vat of hazardous chemicals sparks health warning in Japan
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Dhruv Tikekar | Mai Nishiyama | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Tokyo CNN —A city in Japan is on high alert for a cat that fell into a tank of hazardous chemicals before disappearing into the night. A trail of pawprints discovered by a worker on Monday led to a 3-meter-deep vat of hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing chemical that can induce rashes and inflammation if touched or inhaled, officials said. Akihiro Kobayashi, manager of the Nomura Mekki Fukuyama factory, said a sheet covering the chemical vat was found partially torn when employees returned to work after the weekend. Hexavalent chromium, or Chromium-6, is perhaps best known as the carcinogenic chemical featured in the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich,” starring Julia Roberts. “Workers may be harmed from exposure to hexavalent chromium,” the CDC says on its website.

Persons: Akihiro Kobayashi, Nomura Mekki Fukuyama, Kobayashi, Erin Brockovich, ”, Julia Roberts Organizations: Tokyo CNN, Fukuyama City, Nomura Mekki, Workers, Factory, US Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, “ Workers Locations: Japan, Fukuyama , Hiroshima prefecture, Fukuyama, California

☆ If you've always dreamed of wandering the alleys in the famous geisha district in Kyoto, your time might be running out
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Gion, a historic district in Kyoto, is set to bar tourists from entering its private streets from April. Gion is famed for its traditional teahouses where geisha work and entertain guests. AdvertisementGion, Japan's popular geisha district in Kyoto, will be barring tourists from entering certain alleys, the news agency AFP reported on Friday. The district council comprises several residents of Gion. While Gion's private streets will be closed, tourists will still be allowed to enter the main Hanamikoji Street, which is public, per AFP.

Persons: Gion, —, Isokazu Ota, Ota, It's, Kotaro Nagaski Organizations: Service, AFP, Asahi Shimbun Locations: Kyoto, Gion, Ota, Japan, Yamanashi, Fuji

Asian productions or nominees with a predominantly Asian cast have been making headway at the Academy Awards in recent years. South Korean thriller “Parasite” made history in 2020 as the first non-English language movie to win best picture, alongside three further awards. "The Boy and the Heron" producer Toshio Suzuki speaks at a news conference in Los Angeles on March 11, 2024. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty ImagesFor others, the award offered Japan a boost after a rough start to the year. Kelts, the Japan-based author, said the second Oscar win showed the Academy had recognized Miyazaki’s artistic genius and that Japanese animation is far from solely entertainment.

Persons: CNN —, Hayao Miyazaki, ”, Huy Quan, Malaysia’s Michelle Yeoh, Heron ”, Ghibli’s, “, Roland Kelts, Miyazaki, Richard Harbaugh, Toshio Suzuki, ‘, ’ Suzuki, Suzuki, ” Suzuki, Richard A, Brooks, Tatsuji Nojima, “ Oscar, Takashi Yamazaki, Fumio Kishida, Yamazaki, ” Kishida, Hideaki Omura, Godzilla’s, Chris Hemsworth, Anya Taylor, Joy, Patrick T, Fallon, Kelts Organizations: CNN, Academy, Sony Pictures, Culture, Oscar Academy, Ghibli, Japan’s, NHK, Getty, Japan, Sunday, Gov, Hollywood, American, Waseda University Locations: Japan, America, Vietnam, ” Tokyo, Hollywood, Los Angeles, AFP, Aichi prefecture, Miyazaki, Japanese, Ishikawa, Tokyo

Tokyo CNN —Akira Toriyama, the Japanese manga artist who created the enormously popular and influential Dragon Ball series, died of a brain condition last week at the age of 68, his production studio said Friday. He made his debut as a cartoonist in 1978 by submitting a short story to manga fans’ magazine Weekly Shonen Jump. A Dragon Ball Z graphic seen at the NiceOne Barcelona Gaming & Digital Experiences Festival in 2019. Paco Freire/Sipa/APHis “Dragon Ball” series went on to be featured in the same magazine in 1984 and was front and center of a creative career that spanned more than four decades. “Dragon Ball was my textbook for life.

Persons: Tokyo CNN — Akira Toriyama, Toriyama, Son Goku, Dragon, “, Paco Freire, Goku, Shen Long, Yuji Horii, he’s, ”, Eiichiro Oda, Toriyama “, ” Oda, Ball Organizations: Tokyo CNN, Bird Studio, Capsule Corporation, Barcelona, Hollywood Locations: Kiyosu City, Aichi

☆ Why this snowy Japanese island is a food lover’s paradise
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Milly Chan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Hokkaido, Japan CNN —Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, is unlike anywhere else in the country. Chef Tomoyuki Takao in the kitchen of his eponymous Hokkaido restaurant. “I realized that the indigenous Ainu people were the most knowledgeable about the forest,” Takao says. It was the first Japanese wine ever served in the iconic restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, and is a firm favorite on Takao’s wine list. The ocean’s winter bountyVideo Ad Feedback Discover why these clams taste best in winter 06:25 - Source: CNNSeafood is an integral part of Hokkaido’s food culture.

Persons: Tomoyuki Takao, CNN “, “, ” Takao, Takao, ”, Sonoko Fukae, “ I’ve, Yu Uchida, Uchida, ” Uchida, Japow isn’t, Soga, Yoichi, Soga’s, ” Takahiko, Akio Kashiwamura, ” Kashiwamura, Kashiwamura, doesn’t, Akemi Yokoyama, Kazuki Akazawa, Akazawa, it’s Organizations: CNN, Japan CNN, Michelin, European, Ebetsu, ”, CNN Seafood Locations: Hokkaido, Japan, Sapporo, French, Honshu, Shikisai, Copenhagen, Takao, Burgundy, France, Okhotsk, ”, Notsuke, Tomakomai

☆ Mount Fuji introducing visitor cap and entry fee to prevent overcrowding
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon of Japan, is putting new regulations in place for climbers amid concerns about overcrowding. “By strongly promoting comprehensive safety measures for climbing Mount Fuji, we will ensure that Mount Fuji, a treasure of the world, is passed on to future generations,” said Koutaro Nagasaki, governor of Yamanashi Prefecture. “In order to revive traditional mountain climbing from the foot of Mount Fuji, we will gain a detailed understanding of the Fuji-ko and Oshi culture that supported Mount Fuji worship. This 2023 photo shows a crowd of visitors beginning their Mount Fuji ascents. Mathiad Cena/AFP/Getty ImagesAccording to prefectural data, five million people hiked Mount Fuji in 2019, a rise of three million from 2012.

Persons: ”, Koutaro Nagasaki, Mathiad Cena, “ Overtourism, Masatake Izumi, Tomoyo Takahashi, Takahashi, Hanako Montgomery Organizations: CNN, Mount, UNESCO, Fuji, Mount Fuji, Heritage Fuji Division, CNN Travel Locations: Japan, Yamanashi, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kasai, Kyoto, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima

☆ Seven-year-old girl drowns after small boat capsizes in northern France
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Eve Brennan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —A seven-year-old girl has drowned after a boat capsized on the Aa canal in Watten, northern France, local authorities said. The small boat was carrying 16 migrants including the seven-year-old girl’s parents, whose nationality is unknown. The small boat had likely been stolen and was not designed to carry so many people, the prefecture said. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, around 30km from the English channel. A press officer told CNN that the fatal capsizing took place between two locks, an area which is “very, very dangerous.”An investigation is underway.

Organizations: CNN, Police Locations: Watten, France, France’s prefecture, country’s Nord, Dunkirk, French

☆ Japan's factory activity contracts most in over three years
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

An employee checks gaskets after processing them in an automatic press machine at the Hamamatsu Gasket Co. factory in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. Japan's February factory activity shrank at the fastest pace in more than three years on the back of weakening demand. The au Jibun Bank's flash Japan manufacturing purchasing managers' index fell to to 47.2 in February, compared with January's 48.0 reading, indicating continued contraction in private sector business activity. The reading signals a ninth consecutive deterioration in business activity and the strongest contraction recorded since August 2020, according to au Jibun Bank. Operating conditions in the country's manufacturing sector continued to deteriorate in February.

Organizations: Japan's, Jibun Bank Locations: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

☆ Chip giant TSMC opens first Japan factory as it diversifies away from Taiwan amid U.S.-China tensions
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A general view shows the new semiconductor plant by Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (JASM), a subsidiary of Taiwan's chip giant TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), in Kikuyo of the Kikuchi district, Kumamoto prefecture on February 14, 2024. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company opened its first chip plant in Japan on Saturday as it diversifies supply chains away from Taiwan amid intensifying U.S.-China trade tensions. Paul You, chairman of First Securities Investment Corporation said last month that the global semiconductor industry including Taiwan's could be at risk from the U.S.-China chip war. Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc., the manufacturing company majority-owned by TSMC, began construction of the plant in April 2022. Japan has been striving to strengthen its semiconductor presence amid an intense rivalry with key chip making countries such as Taiwan and South Korea.

Persons: Philip FONG, PHILIP FONG, Paul You, TSMC, JASM Organizations: Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, AFP, Getty Images, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Nvidia, Apple, U.S, First Securities Investment Corporation, U.S ., Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc, TSMC, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, Denso Corporation, Samsung, Center, Strategic, International Studies Locations: Japan, Kikuyo, Kikuchi, Kumamoto prefecture, AFP, Taiwan, China, Europe, U.S, Kumamoto, South Korea

☆ Japan’s millennia-old ‘naked man festival’ ending because of population decline
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Chris Lau | Himari Semans | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

They now face a ballooning elderly population and shrinking workforce, in a challenge to fund pensions and health care as demand from the aging population surges. Participants wearing only "Fundoshi" loincloths at the Somin-sai festival at Kokusekiji Temple in Iwate prefecture, Japan, on February 17, 2024. The Asahi Shimbun/Getty ImagesThe Somin-sai festival was one of three major “naked man” or Hadaka Matsuri festivals held in the country. It took place annually on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year at the Kokusekiji Temple in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate. Participants purify themselves with cold water on Yamauchigawa river during Somin-sai festival at Kokusekiji Temple in Iwate prefecture, Japan on February 17, 2024.

Persons: Japan’s, Daigo Fujinami, Priest, “, Kikuchi Toshiaki, ” Organizations: Tokyo CNN, Asahi Shimbun, NHK Locations: Kokusekiji, Japan, Iwate prefecture, Iwate, Okayama prefecture, Kuronuma, Fukushima

☆ I bought a house in Japan for less than $45,000. I live in the peaceful countryside close to every convenience, and everything's cheaper here.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Jordan Pandy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Ned Watson bought a home in Japan that had been abandoned for two years for less than $50,000. The lack of guns and violence is one of the best things about Japan. My house was abandoned for two years, but didn't need much workI've been living in Japan since 2010, and I got this house in late 2019. I could basically live this lifestyle forever for $20,000 a year, which to me is not a lot of money. So really think about the area that the place is in, what type of personal infrastructure you're going to need to live there.

Persons: Ned Watson, Watson, I've, they're, you'll, It's, that's, it's, you've, I'm, Ned — he's Organizations: Tokyo Station Locations: Japan, Shisui, Japan's Chiba Prefecture, Australia, Georgia, America, New York City, Tokyo, Chiba Prefecture, Narita City, Narita, Watson's

☆ I made over $225,000 in a year as a 27-year-old government contractor overseas — and got paid to travel in my free time
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-18 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Symoné Berry, a 31-year-old government contractor living in Atlanta. I figured out that I needed to get a CompTIA Security Plus authorization to work in many of the overseas positions. AdvertisementWhen I started, I only had two days off every 10 days and I worked about 92 hours a week. This is money that compensates for the long hours so that staff can travel during their time off. Overseas government contract work requires at least 50 hours a week.

Persons: —, Symoné Berry, it's, I've Organizations: Service, BI, Business, Christopher Newport University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Raytheon, Osan Air Force Base, Overseas, GovTech Locations: Atlanta, Iraq, Afghanistan, Fort, snowiest, Japan, Aomori Prefecture, North Korea, Shibuya, Tokyo, Aomori, Symoné, Symoné Berry Aomori, Taiwan, California, Bali, Symoné Berry South Korea, South Korea, Seoul, —

As one of the first countries to the west of the international dateline, Tokyo is a full 17 hours ahead of Las Vegas. The two friends who secured tickets to Saturday’s last show said they started out as NFL fans and became “Swifties” after Kelce and Swift’s romance began. Roke Hiro (left) say they are originally NFL fans and became Swifties after Kelce and Swift began dating. Prior to her win of the coveted award, Swift was tied with Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon, who along with her all previously won album of the year three times. Speaking at the Tokyo concert on Wednesday, she said she had planned to announce the new album at the Grammys if she won anything – and announce it in Tokyo if she didn’t win.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Swift, Travis Kelce, that’s, Kelce, Hiro, Swifties, Roke Hiro, Saki Toi, Ari Novianti, “, ”, Levi Myers, Seiko Inoue, Tricia Mears, ” “ Travis Kelce, He’s, ” Tricia Mears, CNN Swift, Welch, Patrick Smith, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, she’s, – Organizations: Tokyo CNN —, Bowl, Kansas City Chiefs, dateline, Chicago Bears, NFL, CNN, Chiefs, AFC, Baltimore Ravens, T, “, Department Locations: Tokyo, United States, Japan, Las Vegas, Saitama, Indonesia, Kansas, Baltimore , Maryland

☆ China’s spectacular dragon dance is hundreds of years old. Here’s why it continues to dazzle
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Maggie Hiufu Wong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Grab your camera and slap on something flame resistant, it’s time to witness one of China’s most incredible displays – the fire dragon dance. Dragon dances have been documented at ceremonial events since the Han Dynasty (202 BCE to 220 CE), while fire dragon dances began appearing in records during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and in the Republican era (1912-1949). Some historians say fire dragon dances date back even further, to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Puzhai Fire Dragon, Fengshun County, GuangdongEntertainers perform a fire dragon dance to celebrate the Lantern Festival in Puzhai town, in China's Guangdong province. Tongliang Fire Dragon, ChongqingVideo Ad Feedback See a dragon dance with molten iron fireworks 00:56 - Source: CNNThe Tongliang Fire Dragon in Chongqing province is undoubtedly one of the grandest fire dragon dance performances of them all.

Persons: ”, Kwok Kam Chau, Kwok, We’ve, Liu Long Organizations: CNN, Republican, Hong Kong Baptist University, China’s, Steel Locations: Fengshun County, Guangdong, Puzhai, China's Guangdong province, Imaginechina, China, Hunan, China’s, Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan province, Huanglongxi, Sichuan, Chengdu, China's Sichuan province, Chongqing, Chongqing province, majestically, Qicaimeng, Guizhou, Dafang County, Guizhou province

☆ The world’s best beaches, according to Lonely Planet
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The dim sum capital of the worldLegacy House: Legacy House's fantastic dim sum set includes steamed spotted garoupa dumplings with salted lemon. Courtesy Legacy House Forum: This three-Michelin-star restaurant, which serves classic Cantonese dim sum dishes, is famed for its impeccable attention to detail. Tai Wai Dining Room Veggie Kingdom: Veggie Kingdom serves high-quality meat-free versions of classic dim sum dishes. Maggie Wong/CNN Spring Moon: In addition to serving delicious, classic dim sum dishes, Spring Moon's cinematic interior is an attraction in its own right. Courtesy Peninsula Hong Kong Hong Kong’s best dim sum Prev NextThis is our essential guide to Hong Kong’s best dim sum: Where to find it and how to eat it, from classic no-frills joints to Michelin-starred adventures.

Persons: Cabo San Juan del Guía, “, ”, Heen, King Heen, Nicholas Wong, Maggie Wong, Emperor, Fook Lam, Hong Kong Hong, Hong, they’ve, Amelia Earhart’s Organizations: CNN, d’Argent, JetBlue, Japan, Port, Royal, Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruise, Cunard Cruise, CDC, Hong Kong, Hong, Golden Valley, Son Locations: Rio, Sarakiniko, Greece, Baltic, Danish, Bornholm, Cabo San Juan, Seychelles, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima prefecture, Tomonoura, Port of Miami, Hong, Hong Kong, Veggie, Golden, Spain

☆ One Month on From Japan Quake, Volunteers Provide Safe Space for Kids
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

SUZU, Japan (Reuters) - One month on from a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck the west coast of Japan, volunteers from non-profit organisation Katariba play cards and other games with children in a Suzu city school classroom. Some of kids are still living in evacation centres, where it is difficult to play. Others have parents who are busy trying to deal with the task of rebuilding homes and livelihoods since the quake, so it's important to provide children with a safe place, says Katariba member Yoshiki Itashiki. After her daughter was temporarily evacuated to a different city, the service made it easier for her to come back. More than 13,600 people in Ishikawa prefecture where Suzu city is located are still living in evacuation centres.

Persons: Yoshiki Itashiki, Kanako, Sakura Murakami, Tom Bateman, Edwina Gibbs Locations: SUZU, Japan, evacation, Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture

Two idled reactors at Shika nuclear power plant on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa suffered power outages because of damage to transformers. All Japanese nuclear power plants were temporarily shut down after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster for safety checks under stricter standards. They are asking officials to freeze the screening process while damage at the Shika nuclear plant is fully examined and safety measures are implemented. Nuclear safety officials have noted that the extensive damage suffered by houses and roads in the area of the Shika plant make current evacuation plans largely unworkable. Hundreds of other residents of towns hosting nuclear plants submitted similar requests to regulators and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida earlier this week.

Persons: Susumu Kitano, Fumio Organizations: TOKYO, Hokuriku, Co, Nuclear, Authority Locations: Ishikawa, Noto, Tokyo, Kanazawa, Fukui prefecture, Niigata prefecture

☆ Japan Earthquake Survivors Battle Unsanitary Conditions With No Running Water
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Sakura Murakami and Tom BatemanSUZU, Japan (Reuters) - A month on from a huge earthquake that struck Japan's west coast, survivors are battling freezing and unsanitary conditions while tens of thousands of homes remain without running water. More than 230 people died in the magnitude 7.6 quake, Japan's deadliest in eight years, which also left 44,000 homes fully or partially destroyed while 40,000 have no running water. More than 13,000 residents are living in evacuation centres, according to the Ishikawa government. Bitter cold is also posing a challenge, especially for scores of residents who are sleeping in their cars after their homes were wrecked. Over 900 deaths from the devastating Kobe earthquake of 1995 happened after the quake, due in part to the spread of flu and lack of medical care at evacuation centres, according to public health experts.

Persons: Sakura Murakami, Tom Bateman SUZU, Yoshio Binsaki, Ishikawa, Chisa, Terashita, Tom Bateman, Edmund Klamann Locations: Japan, Ishikawa prefecture, Suzu, Kobe

☆ A government employee bought a wildly expensive sex doll to promote kimonos to tourists. Now the scandal's blowing up.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Read previewAuditors have rapped the Tokushima Prefectural Government for purchasing an "extremely expensive" sex doll to promote the city's tourism. The exhibition was meant to promote the prefecture's traditional indigo-dyeing art, so the doll was clad in an indigo-dyed summer kimono, per the Mainichi. Officials initially used a pair of cheaper mannequins — not the sex doll — at the exhibition in June 2017. AdvertisementBut in July, an unnamed male official decided to replace the mannequins with the sex doll. The auditors dismissed the prefecture's claims that the sex doll was more effective at drawing tourists than the mannequins.

Persons: —, he'd, Masazumi Gotoda Organizations: Service, Tokushima Prefectural Government, Business, Tokushima Awaodori Airport, Mainichi Shimbun, Mainichi . Officials, Mainichi, COVID, Yahoo Japan Locations: Tokushima Prefectural, Tokushima, Noto

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese transport officials raided a Toyota-affiliated plant Tuesday after the company admitted to cheating on engine testing, as Toyota Motor Corp. reported it sold over 11 million vehicles in 2023 to retain its status as the world’s top car manufacturer. In April, a whistleblower exposed that Daihatsu Motor Corp., which makes small cars and is 100% owned by Toyota, had been cheating on its testing for decades. In 2022, Hino Motors, a truck maker that’s also part of the Toyota group, said it had systematically falsified emissions data dating back as far as 2003. But production has been halted on some of the models, including the 10 models affected by the latest cheating. Sato has acknowledged Toyota group companies need better communication and education about the importance of complying with rules.

Persons: Akio Toyoda, ” Toyoda, Toyoda, Sakichi Toyoda, Kiichiro Toyoda, Akio’s, Koji Sato, that’s, Sato, Daisuke Uchida, ” Uchida, “, ” ___ Yuri Kageyama Organizations: TOKYO, Toyota, Toyota Motor Corp, Toyota Industries Corp, Lexus, Volkswagen AG, Reporters, Daihatsu Motor Corp, Hino Motors, Nikkei, Toyota Industries, Cruiser, General Motors Co, Pontiac, Keio University Locations: Hekinan, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Nagoya, Tokyo, Europe, East, Africa, Asia, North America, United States, California

☆ Toyota halts shipment of 10 models over diesel engine testing issues
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

A special investigative committee found irregularities during horsepower output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models. Ten models use the affected engines globally, Toyota (TM) said, including the Hiace van, Fortuner SUV, Innova multi-purpose vehicle and Lexus-branded LX500D SUV. The company said it would take measures such as running new engine certification tests in the presence of regulators as needed. The company holds a near 25% stake in Toyota Industries, which is a key Toyota group company. Shares in Toyota Industries sank into negative territory shortly after the news and ended down 4%.

Persons: Koichi Ito Organizations: Toyota, Cruiser, Toyota Industries, Lexus, world’s, Daihatsu, Toyota Motor, Mar Locations: Tokyo, Aichi prefecture

☆ Foreign-Born Residents File Suit in Japan Over Alleged Racial Profiling
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Chris GallagherTOKYO - Three foreign-born residents of Japan filed a lawsuit on Monday against the national and local governments over alleged illegal questioning by police based on racial profiling. It also comes amid a renewed debate over what it means to be and look Japanese, after a Ukrainian-born, naturalised Japanese citizen was crowned Miss Japan last week. The plaintiffs say they have suffered distress from repeated police questioning based on their appearance and ethnicity, which they say is a violation of the constitution. They and their legal team arrived at Tokyo District Court around midday and spoke to media outside before heading in to file their case. "I never knew what social withdrawal was until recently," he said, declining to provide his surname for fear of harassment.

Persons: Chris Gallagher TOKYO, Matthew, Syed Zain, Maurice, Chris Gallagher, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Miss Japan, Court, Tokyo Metropolitan, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Aichi, Aichi Prefectural Government, National Police Agency, Ministry, Justice Locations: Japan, Ukrainian, Tokyo, Aichi, Aichi Prefectural, Pakistan, American

More than 8.5 million abandoned homes in rural Japan are creating a "ghost town" problem. There are more than 8.5 million akiya , or abandoned homes, in rural Japan, according to the country's 2018 Housing and Land Survey, its most recent on record. The institute predicts akiya could exceed 30% of homes in Japan by 2033. As Richard Koo, the chief economist at NRI, told them at the time, the Japanese countryside has been hollowing out since the mid-'90s. Why aren't more Japanese people buying abandoned countryside homes?

Persons: —, who've, Richard Koo, There's, Chris McMorran, Koo, Douglas Southerland, McMorran, Natasha Durie, Durie, Eric McAskill, McAskill, Jaya Thursfield, Chihiro, Kurosawa, Joey Stockermans, akiya Organizations: Service, Survey, Nomura Research Institute, Business Insider's, NRI, National University of Singapore, of Anthropology, Ethnography, Oxford University, Canadian Real Estate Association Locations: Japan, Business Insider's Singapore, Gifu, Vancouver, Canada, Nagano Prefecture, England, Ibaraki Prefecture, London, North America, Kyushu, akiya

☆ These Japanese beef croquettes are so popular there’s a 43-year waitlist
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Maggie Hiufu Wong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Founded in 1926, Asahiya sold meat products from Hyogo prefecture – Kobe beef included – for decades before adding beef croquettes to the shelf in the years following WWII. An unprofitable business ideaThe highly coveted “Extreme Croquettes” are one of four types of Kobe beef croquettes available at Asahiya. The shop’s Premier Kobe Beef Croquettes currently have a more palatable four-year waitlist. Our shop only sells meat that was produced in Hyogo Prefecture, whether it’s Kobe beef, Kobe pork or Tajima chicken. Production boosted but popularity growsThe cheap price tag of the Extreme Croquettes flies in the face of the quality of the ingredients.

Persons: Asahiya, Shigeru Nitta, “, ” Nitta, Nitta, ”, Sanda –, Asahiya’s croquettes, Nitta chuckled, “ I’m Organizations: CNN, Premier Kobe Beef, ”, “, Asahiya Locations: Kobe, Asahiya, Takasago City, Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, it’ll, Hyogo, Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe city

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