theTokyoBill Japan news brief

theTokyoBill Japan news brief, November 29 2024

In this episode: China, Russia upset over US-Japan missile defense plan; Gunma man arrested for crappy cat care; Japan’s tap water overly rich in fluorine compounds; New plastics promise better environmental health; Harry Potter sword deemed an illegal weapon in Japan

Duration:: 4m
Broadcast on:: 29 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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Welcome to the Tokyo Bill, a short news brief on recent events in and around Japan. The United States and Japan plan to deploy sophisticated missiles including high-mars to Japan's non-sei islands near Taiwan to defend against possible Chinese invasion. This has angered China and Russia, with the move seen as a confrontation to China's military activities near Taiwan. The US is also deploying long-range firing units to the Philippines, part of a strategy to deter Chinese aggression in the region. These actions aim to strengthen defense capabilities of allies and counter China's assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific, as discussed in a recent meeting led by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. A 53-year-old man in Takasaki, Glumab Prefecture was arrested for keeping "cats" in filthy conditions, violating the act on welfare and management of animals. The man admitted to not cleaning his apartment since 2013, which was full of animal waste and remains. Police alleged he abused one cat by neglecting it in unsanitary conditions. The man rented the apartment, starting in 2007, but stopped cleaning it six years later. He now lives in his car and only visited the apartment to care for the cats. The situation was reported by the apartment manager and investigated by the Takasaki city government. The Japanese government released the results of a survey on organic-forming containing chemical levels in tap water, revealing that certain chemicals may be harmful. PFAS compounds, including PFOS and PFOA compounds, were found in some water treatment facilities, exceedingly provisional targets sent by the government. Despite measures taken by affected facilities, some still reported PFAS levels above half the target. The source of these chemicals in the water remains unknown. Many smaller water treatment facilities in Japan have not conducted tests or reported results, prompting the government to consider stricter regulations on water quality standards. An international team of researchers, including the University of Tokyo and Research Institute Reakin, has developed a new type of plastic that can break down in seawater to reduce environmental pollution and plastic accumulation in oceans. The material, called Supra molecular plastic, has similar strength to petroleum-based plastics and can be made from organic materials used in food additives. When exposed to salt water, the plastic quickly disintegrates into its original components and further breaks down due to bacterial action. The recyclable and non-flammable plastic is expected to have applications in precision machinery and architectural adhesives. And finally, in the Harry Potter world, Gryffindor is revered as the House of Heroes, but owning a symbol of loyalty to Gryffindor, like the Sword of Godric Gryffindor, has become illegal in Japan due to its classification as a weapon under the country's laws. The replica sword was sold for over a year before being recalled with 351 units sold during their time. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, which features Harry Potter-themed exhibits, has provided information on returning the sword for a refund. Visitors to Japan are advised to be cautious when purchasing the swords through secondhand sails. 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]