New law to fight bias against 'burakumin' seen falling short
Overshadowed by the 11th-hour furor over casino legalization and other legislation forced through the Diet by the ruling bloc last week was the enactment of a lesser-known law that has significant implications for Japan's minority burakumin. The law enacted Dec. 9 marks a turning point ...
Revised law increases police powers to combat online stalking
The Diet enacted a revised law Tuesday to tackle online stalking in response to an increase in harassment cases involving social media. The revised law will cover a wide range of stalking acts such as repeatedly sending messages on social networking services and persistent postings ...
Civics classes a must before lowering age of majority to 18, surveys say
With plans afoot to lower the age of adulthood to 18 from 20, following the drop in the legal voting age last year, many Japanese, particularly those in their late teens, seem unprepared for the societal shift. In fact, a majority of Japan's teenagers do ...
The government moves to improve supervision of firms that accept workers from abroad amid widespread abuse.
100 YEARS AGO Friday, Sept. 29, 1916 Residents want park where 47 'ronin' buried Residents in Shiba are negotiating with the city authorities for the establishment of a park around Sengakuji, where the remains of the 47 ronin (masterless samurai) are buried. It is reported that the ...
New law eyed to improve living, education standards for indigenous Ainu
The central government might enact a law aimed at bettering living standards and education for the indigenous Ainu, who once occupied much of Hokkaido, sources say.
In referendum, Swiss voters seen rejecting expulsion of foreigners who break the law
Swiss voters were forecast to reject a referendum proposal that foreign law-breakers be deported, according to initial projections from an exit poll by Swiss broadcaster SRF on Sunday. A yes vote could have further complicated Swiss relations with the European Union, Switzerland's biggest trading partner, ...
Man facing charges for allegedly flying drone without approval
Police turn over to prosecutors their case against a man suspected of flying a drone in a crowded residential area without obtaining permission from the authorities.
Lawyer calls for government financial aid for children who strip parents of custody
The current legal system for suspending parental custody of children for up to two years has proven to be successful, with advocates saying it allows victims of abuse or neglect to seek suspension of parental custody on their own. But some experts are calling for ...
Professor leaked bar exam questions to student he was 'fond of'
A Meiji University law school professor suspected of leaking questions from this year's national bar examination to a former student said he did so because he was "fond of" her, sources close to the matter said. "I was fond of the female exam-taker, who was ...
Revamp of Japan's temp sector may create lifelong job seekers
With the bill to overhaul regulations on the use of temporary workers poised to clear the Diet this week, thousands of temps dispatched from staffing agencies worry they may lose their jobs in three years after the change takes effect. Observers say those most affected ...
Law to allow razing of abandoned dwellings seen not going far enough
Tuesday's enforcement of a law allowing municipal governments to order the demolition of hazardous vacant houses has sparked concern among local groups and activists who say the legislation is not enough to address the growing problem. While communities have been working to demolish empty houses ...
