theTokyoBill Japan news brief

theTokyoBill Japan news brief, November 6 2024

In this episode: Body found: missing German student; British F-35 lands on Japanese vessel; Japan-designed wooden satellite sent to space; Men’s Only train carriage event promotion peters out; Police officer arrested for forgery, swindling resident

Duration:: 4m
Broadcast on:: 06 Nov 2024
Audio Format:: other

A short (3-5 min.) English language news brief; stories from in and around Japan.

Music is Motivate by Wavecont, care of Pixabay.com.

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[Music] Welcome to the Tokyo dill, a short news brief on recent events in and around Japan. [Music] The body of missing German student Claudio Worm was found near the coast of Kada Wakayama Prefecture. While the cause of death is unknown, authorities are exploring accidental and criminal possibilities. Worm went missing after moving to Wakayama Prefecture in September and failing to return home in October. His body was discovered by a local man and identified through forensic examination. Police traced his last known activities through various belongings found in different locations. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to unravel the mystery behind Worm's disappearance and death. British F-35 pilot Lieutenant Commander Nick Baker made history by landing on Japanese destroyer JS Kaga. The first time a UK pilot has landed on a Japanese platform. The landing was part of Baker's role with the U.S. Patuxin River Integrated Test Force as Japan integrates the F-35B into its naval capabilities. Japan has modified its Izumu-class helicopter carriers to support the F-35B and is acquiring 147 F-35A and F-35B jets, making it the largest international customer of the F-35. The recent trials on the HMS Prince of Wales will benefit F-35 operations for the UK, its program partners and allies. The world's first wooden satellite, Lignosat, was launched into space by Japanese researchers Tuesday, aiming to test using timber and lunar and Mars exploration. Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, the palm-sized satellite will be flown to the International Space Station on a SpaceX mission, demonstrating the potential of wood as a sustainable material for space habitats. The researchers aim to build timber houses on the Moon and Mars, with wooden satellites being more environmentally friendly when decommissioned compared to conventional metal satellites. Lignosat, made of Honoki or Magnolia, will study how wood endures the extreme space environment and its applications in data center construction. In Japan, women-only carriages are offered on commuter train lines during rush hours to prevent groping incidents. In recent years, the Japan "weak men's center" organized men's only trains in the month of November to raise awareness of male victims of sexual harassment. Unable to operate in Tokyo this year, the center attempted to organize their event in Osaka, but was apparently discouraged by the rail operator due to concerns about negative association with the event. The event has therefore been canceled, the center noting the "many restrictions" placed on them. A senior police officer from Yokosko Police Station's Community Affairs Division, Yoshihiro Sawada, was arrested for allegedly defrauding a resident of 7 million yen, or $46,000, by forging a power of attorney. Sawada, who admitted to the charges, used the money to pay off debts. He worked at a police box in Yokosko and was accused of producing falsified documents to withdraw money from the Septigenarian Victims Post Office bank account. Sawada was in his police uniform during the incident, fooling postal workers into believing he was acting on behalf of the victim. This case is the sixth arrest of a prefectural police officer this year. This has been the Tokyo Bill, these stories and more you can read at thetokobill.com, I've been, and remain, Tokyo Bill. Thank you for listening, and take care. [MUSIC PLAYING]