National Jul 3, 2020
In Japan, refusal to follow coronavirus requests could become a crime
Japan looks to implement penalties for noncompliant businesses and people in coronavirus fight, while giving more power to local governments.
National May 1, 2020
First business suspension 'orders' issued to Hyogo, Kanagawa pachinko parlors
The defiant Japanese game establishments refuse to close and won't face any legal penalties either.
National / Science & Health Apr 28, 2020
Not all pachinko parlors in Tokyo shut; 600 still being investigated
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has clarified Gov. Yuriko Koike's statement that all pachinko parlors in Tokyo have complied with requests to suspend business as of Tuesday morning, after at least four were found to still be operating in the afternoon. "Of the 156 parlors we ...
Business Apr 28, 2020
Japan businesses that refuse to shut down may yet face legal consequences
Naming such businesses to shame them is ending up giving them free advertising.
National Apr 27, 2020
Osaka to keep shaming pachinko parlors defying virus shutdown requests
The continued operation of some noisy gambling halls is a conspicuous reminder of limits on the government's ability to “lock down” cities with requests rather than orders.
National Apr 24, 2020
Osaka names and shames six pachinko parlors staying open in epidemic
The Osaka Prefectural Government on Friday revealed the names of six pachinko parlors that have not followed its request to shut down in the fight against the novel coronavirus. It is the first time that the names of uncooperative businesses have been made public under ...
National Apr 23, 2020
Defiant pachinko parlors show limits of Japan’s shutdown request
As pachinko parlors continue to operate, disregarding appeals to shutter amid the coronavirus pandemic, local governments look to shame them into cooperation.
National / Science & Health Apr 23, 2020
Japanese asked to hunker down through Golden Week as virus numbers grow
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Officials worry that travel during holiday could create clusters in rural areas where the health care system is relatively fragile.
National Apr 22, 2020
Japan governors eye tougher measures as pachinko parlors defy closure requests
The government is considering issuing a stronger shutdown request for pachinko parlors as some remain open — in defiance of existing requests by prefectural governors amid the coronavirus outbreak. Experts are extremely concerned about dangers surrounding the current situation, economic revitalization minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told ...
Books / Reviews | RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN May 25, 2019
'Zainichi Literature' review: What is the nature of exile?
by Nicolas Gattig
A product of postwar Japan and virtually unknown internationally, Zainichi literature often explores the nature of exile and the conflict of identity between homes.
National Apr 2, 2019
Pachinko parlors in western Japan will hold back from installing new machines before G20 in Osaka
About 800 pachinko parlors in western Japan have decided to refrain from replacing their game machines with new ones, a measure typically used to attract customers, ahead of the Group of 20 summit in Osaka in June, an industry group said Tuesday. The decision, made ...
National Mar 8, 2019
The government said Thursday it plans to ask horse race and pachinko parlor operators to consider using facial recognition systems to restrict admission of gambling addicts. The adoption of facial recognition systems is part of a basic plan to combat gambling addiction that the government ...