Tokyo, Nov. 30 (Jiji Press)–A Japanese government panel Thursday submitted to Justice Minister Ryuji Koizumi a final report calling for abolishing the existing technical intern scheme and introducing a new program focusing on nurturing unskilled foreign workers.   The new program is designed to help foreign workers to find medium- to long-term employment in Japan in three years as part….Read more

Tomioka, Fukushima Pref., Nov. 30 (Jiji Press)–Japan on Thursday lifted its nuclear disaster evacuation order in part of the Fukushima Prefecture town of Tomioka near Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.’s meltdown-stricken Fukushima No. 1 power plant.   The order was removed for a district designated as a reconstruction base in the so-called difficult-to-return zone, where entry is strictly restricted….Read more

Tokyo, Nov. 30 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government is set to compile a revised version of its “Cool Japan” strategy in response to a recovery in inbound tourism demand in line with the easing of the country’s COVID-19-linked border control measures.   The plan to revise the strategy aimed at spreading the attractions of the country overseas was unveiled Thursday by….Read more

By NATSUNO OTAHARA/ Staff Writer   Tokyo ranked at the bottom among Japan’s 47 prefectures in the total fertility rate, the number of children a woman is expected to give birth to during her lifetime.   The rate in the capital was 1.04 in 2022, down 0.04 point from the previous year, according to an annual Tokyo metropolitan government report….Read more

Although there are differences in the content of lawmaker-initiated legislation proposed by the ruling and opposition parties, there may be no disagreement on the need to provide relief to victims who made large-sum donations. The parties should hold a series of discussions on possible amendments to find points of agreement and work toward the establishment of a law.   Deliberations….Read more

BY WAKA KONOHANA, CONTRIBUTING WRITER   Measures to support reskilling aimed at nonregular workers are included in the government’s latest economic stimulus package. The move could boost the economy and redress imbalances, but only if targeted at employers’ ability to manage human resources, rather than individual workers. Compared to regular employees, who have a direct, indefinite and full-time contract with….Read more

TOKYO — Japan’s health ministry on Tuesday approved the manufacture and sale of a coronavirus vaccine made by Daiichi Sankyo Co. that targets an Omicron subvariant, paving the way for the first domestically produced COVID-19 shots to be used across the country.   The vaccine, which will be sold under the name Daichirona and tailored for the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant, is expected to be supplied….Read more

BY TAKEHIRO MASUTOMO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER   Affluent Chinese people seeking a better life have long found a new home in countries such as the United States, Singapore and, in recent years, Thailand.   Now, they are increasingly choosing Japan. A new wave of Chinese migrants is flocking to metropolises such as Tokyo and Osaka, upending the luxury housing market and….Read more

BY TAKEHIRO MASUTOMO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER   The recent influx of Chinese immigrants to Japan isn’t limited to businessmen. Chinese intellectuals are also increasingly attracted to Tokyo’s cultural depth.   “Things look similar to what happened a century ago,” said Jia Jia, a Chinese writer now living in Japan, referring to the time when progressive Chinese intellectuals such as Liang Qichao….Read more