National Aug 12, 2017
Relatives gather to mark anniversary of 1985 JAL disaster
Family members of those who died in the worst single-plane accident ever gather on the mountain in Gunma where JAL Flight 123 crashed 32 years ago, killing 520.
National Jun 22, 2017
Roving vans serve Japanese-Brazilian community's banking, food and other needs
by Lisa Twaronite
Japan's nearly 200,000-strong Brazilian immigrant community lives in pockets scattered across the middle of the country, clustered around auto parts factories and warehouses where they have jobs. To reach them, Brazilian companies have adopted mobile businesses, sending vans around the countryside selling traditional pastries, Portuguese-language ...
National Jun 14, 2017
Two sites in Japan to be added to UNESCO biosphere reserves
The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has added the Tone River basin north of Tokyo and a mountain range in the country's southwest to its list of biosphere reserves, the government learned Wednesday. As of March last year, 669 areas in 120 countries were ...
National / Crime & Legal Mar 17, 2017
In first, government and Tepco found liable for Fukushima disaster
by Daisuke Kikuchi
A Japanese court has ruled that the government and the operator of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant were responsible for failing to take preventive measures against the March 2011 tsunami.
National / Crime & Legal Jan 19, 2017
Three arrested for forcing Cambodian women to work at hostess bars
Two Japanese men and a Thai woman were arrested Thursday for allegedly forcing seven Cambodian women to work in hostess bars in Gunma Prefecture last year, police said. Hostess bar operator Hisao Watanabe, 44, and another Japanese suspect have admitted to violating the immigration law, ...
National Jan 18, 2017
Seven Cambodian women rescued from sex slavery in Gunma Prefecture restaurant
One victim’s desperate plea for help on the Facebook page of the Cambodian embassy leads to a rescue by officials.
National Dec 15, 2016
Media shown SDF drills simulating protection of Japanese citizens abroad
The Self-Defense Forces on Thursday partially opened to the media for the first time ongoing exercises aimed at being ready to protect Japanese citizens overseas. The training is in line with the SDF's expanded role under Japan's new security legislation, which came into effect in ...
National Dec 8, 2016
Mystery donor who posed as 'Tiger Mask' to help poor kids reveals himself
A mysterious donor who posed as a cartoon wrestler hero and triggered a wave of similar donations for underprivileged children in Japan several years ago revealed his identity Wednesday at a pro wrestling event in Tokyo and called for sustained support for youngsters. Masatake Kawamura, ...
National Sep 29, 2016
Gunma man admits to lying about France video game contest win
A 23-year-old employee of the city of Ota, Gunma Prefecture, lied that he had won an international video game contest, leading to false reports about his victory in two Japanese newspapers, it has been learned. On Wednesday, the major daily Asahi Shimbun and Jomo Shimbun, ...
National / Crime & Legal Sep 9, 2016
Takahata rape case dropped; actor says he is sorry
Actor Yuta Takahata, 22, was released on bail from Maebashi Police Station in Gunma Prefecture on Friday after prosecutors decided not to pursue rape charges over an incident involving a hotel worker in the city. "I am truly sorry," Takahata said as he bowed his ...
National Sep 3, 2016
Black belt recounts battle with black bear in Gunma
The black bear that jumped a 63-year-old karate expert in Gunma Prefecture attacked so quickly there was no time to act, its would-be victim said. Atsushi Aoki of Naganohara was fishing on the Jizo River on Thursday when what appeared to be an Asian black ...