Tag - affairs

 
 

AFFAIRS

A new problem was reported over Fujitsu's system that allows My Number card holders to obtain copies of residence and other certificates at convenience stores.
JAPAN
Apr 17, 2024
Fujitsu given guidance over My Number system problem
The internal affairs ministry demanded that Fujitsu report by May 15 on its investigation into the incident and preventive measures.
People applying for My Number cards are likely to be able to present digital IDs as valid identification documents when receiving the card starting next month.
JAPAN
Apr 15, 2024
Government plans to allow digital IDs to receive My Number cards
The move is aimed at broadening the scope of acceptable ID methods to encourage students and workers to sign up for the cards.
A survey of the 6,975 products with the functional food label was initiated by the government last month following the scandal over Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals’ beni kōji supplements.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Apr 12, 2024
Probe finds 18 functional food products with past reports of health damage in Japan
The survey results come as the industry reels from deaths linked to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's beni kōji supplements.
Members of the Community-Reactivating Cooperator Squad living in Tokushima Prefecture meet in the city of Yoshinogawa in the prefecture in December 2022 to learn from each other's experiences.
JAPAN / Society
Apr 5, 2024
Record 7,200 served as 'community reactivators' in FY 2023
The government aims to increase the number of community cooperators to 10,000 by fiscal 2026.
Japanese household spending fell 0.5% in February from a year earlier, down for a 12th straight month, indicating the impact of persistent price increases on spending patterns.
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 5, 2024
Japan’s households continue to cut outlays as inflation hits
Outlays decreased 0.5% in February from a year ago, sliding for a 12th consecutive month.
The Cultural Affairs Agency in the city of Kyoto
JAPAN
Mar 27, 2024
One year on, benefits of culture agency's move to Kyoto unclear
The relocation of the Cultural Affairs Agency was decided in 2016
A Sapporo municipal official uses a telephone relay service at the city office in April last year.
JAPAN / Society
Mar 14, 2024
Phone relay service helps hard of hearing government staff
The service facilitates communication for workers hard of hearing and those with speech impediments by connecting them with operators online.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs recently recommended that official romanization rules be switched from the Kunrei to Hepburn system.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 6, 2024
Romanization rules are changing. Why Kunrei won’t be missed.
Japan could soon change its romanization rules, opting for the more common Hepburn system. This would benefit Japanese people as much as foreigners.
A notice issued by the Consumer Affairs Agency on its website and elsewhere cautions consumers about "dark patterns" on the internet. The issue has seen web design tricks employed to coax consumers into parting with their money.
BUSINESS
Oct 29, 2023
'Dark patterns' deceiving online consumers in Japan
Among other tactics, some websites preselect a subscription option when users log in, leading to unintended financial commitments.
A building in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward housing the Unification Church
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 6, 2023
Unification Church objects to fine for refusing government questions
The religious organization argued that the agency's exercise of the right to question and seek answers from it was illegal.
A no trespassing sign outside the entrance of the Unification Church's Tokyo headquarters in 2022
JAPAN
Oct 1, 2023
Government to seek court order to revoke Unification Church's status
The move follows a monthslong probe by the Cultural Affairs Agency into the group over allegations of soliciting financially ruinous donations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 20, 2023
My Number ID system faces further setback with erroneous deliveries
The cases highlighted the risk that My Number cards could be abused by individuals pretending to be someone else when applying for social security or state benefits.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 28, 2023
Japan to enforce new rules on social media stealth marketing from October
The Consumer Affairs Agency has added the practice to its definition of 'improper representation,' banned under the law against unjustifiable premiums and misleading representations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 27, 2023
Relocated Cultural Affairs Agency opens in Kyoto
Located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the new office will accommodate five out of the agency's nine divisions including those overseeing world heritage sites and national treasures.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 10, 2023
Japan's consumption rebounds by most since March, despite inflation
The latest data indicates there was a rebound in consumer confidence at the start of this year despite concerns about higher prices in fuel and daily necessities.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 8, 2023
Documents scandal involving Cabinet minister an untimely political headache for Kishida
The economic security minister has come under fire for files an opposition lawmaker says is proof she was involved in pushing for a legal reinterpretation of the broadcasting law.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 8, 2023
Internal affairs ministry releases files Takaichi called 'fabricated'
The papers show how the ministry under the Abe government adopted a new legal interpretation holding that a single program could be enough to judge a broadcaster's political impartiality.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 4, 2023
Former Abe aide admits pressuring ministry to review broadcast law
In a Twitter post Friday, the former aide said that it is 'true that I exchanged opinions with the ministry over the interpretation of political impartiality when I was an adviser' to Abe.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 3, 2023
LDP's Sanae Takaichi says file pointing to political pressure on media 'fabricated'
Takaichi pledged to quit as a lawmaker if the document, made public by an opposition member of parliament, is proven to be authentic.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 5, 2023
Kyoto calling: Ancient capital prepares to be center of Japanese culture again
The relocation of the Cultural Affairs Agency has raised strong hopes in Kyoto that the move will give the city a higher profile and status.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on