theTokyoBill Japan news brief

theTokyoBill Japan news brief, November 20 2024

In this episode: US Space Force unit to work from Tokyo area; New biofuel targets set for automakers; Philippines deports Japanese suspected of burglary spree; Women changing jobs, homemakers returning to workforce more frequently; Food company president arrested for undercooked beef product

Duration:: 4m
Broadcast on:: 20 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.

Your support, simply by visiting theTokyoBill.com, would be very much appreciated! :)

[Music] Welcome to the Tokyo Bill, a short news brief on recent events in and around Japan. Japan and the United States have confirmed the launch of a US Space Force unit in Tokyo in December, aiming to strengthen bilateral deterrence capabilities. The unit will be located at Yokota Air Base with about 10 staff members, focusing on coordinating with Japan's Air Self Defense Force in the growing space domain. The move is part of increased collaboration between the two countries in response to a competition from China and Russia. The Defense Ministry expects the unit to enhance interoperability and deterrence capabilities within the alliance. The Japanese government is urging automakers to make new vehicles compatible with biofuel by the early 2030s to reduce global warming gases. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Meti, plans to work with the private sector to create an action plan by next summer. Biofuel, made from plans which absorb CO2, significantly reduces emissions. Current vehicles can handle up to 3% biofuel, but new standards are needed for 20% targets. Japan's main issue is securing a stable biofuel supply as this is mainly imported. The Ministry aims for up to 10% biofuel by 2030 and 20% by 2040. Tomohiro Koyama, a suspected leader of the JP Dragon gangster syndicate in the Philippines, was deported and arrested during his flight back to Japan for alleged theft in Tokyo. He was initially arrested in the Philippines in connection to a local fraud case. However, he is believed to be connected to a group responsible for a string of burglaries in Japan. Koyama is accused of conspiring to steal 700,000 yen from a woman's bank account by accessing her cash card in 2019. Investigators also suspect Koyama, with the help of a lawyer, communicated with Kyoto Imamura, who allegedly organized the burglaries in Japan. In 2023, there was a significant increase in the number of women changing jobs in Japan, especially those in their 40s. The belief that job changes were limited to those under 35 is fading, as experience and housework and childcare is now valued by employers. Many women in their 40s are transitioning to administrative roles, IT engineering, and clerical positions. The shortage of people in the workforce is driving this trend with skills acquired in housework and childcare, now being seen as valuable assets in the job market. Recruit agent, a major human resources company in Japan, recommends individuals reflect on their strengths and efforts to effectively promote themselves during job changes. A meat processing company in OITA prefecture marketed a beef liver product as raw liver flavor, but it was found to be inadequately heated, violating food safety laws. Raw beef liver has been banned in Japanese restaurants since 2011 following numerous deaths due to E. coli infections. The product resembling raw beef liver was sold online and generated significant revenue. It was also offered as a thank-you gift in Makatsu City's tax donation program, but has been suspended after the allegations of insufficient heating. The company president and another individual were arrested for their involvement. This has been the Tokyo Bill. These stories and more you can read at thetokilbill.com I've been and remain Tokyo Bill. Thank you for listening and take care. you