theTokyoBill Japan news brief

theTokyoBill news brief, November 25 2024

In this episode: Visa revocation consideration riles residents; Emperor and Empress visit late Princess Mikasa’s home; Japan and Korea split by Sado mine kerfuffle; Air carrier Peach to resume serving of octopus balls; Okayama residents to undergo blood testing regime

Duration:: 4m
Broadcast on:: 25 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 Bill, a short news brief on recent events in and around Japan. As economic challenges persist in Japan, individuals are struggling to pay social insurance premiums and taxes due to health or job issues. Updated immigration laws may revoke the status of permanent resident foreigners in the rears, sparking criticism from the United Nations. Concerns include the impact on long-term residents, like Emma, a pseudonym, who fears losing stability. A group called the Alliance of Permanent Residents has formed to advocate for individual circumstances in the revocation process. Older permanent residents are also worried about their arbitration application of terms like willful delinquency, raising human rights concerns and highlighting Japan's perceived, and indeed demonstrated, weaknesses in this area. Japan's Emperor Nadaito and Empress Masako paid their respects at the residents of Princess Mikasa, who passed away last week at the age of 101. The Princess, widow of Prince Mikasa, was the longest living member of the Imperial family. The Emperor and Empress visited the Princess's residence at the Okasaka Estate in Tokyo, where they said their farewells. The wake was attended by Princess Akiko and other members of the Imperial family, who offered flowers around the coffin. A funeral and Intumen's ceremony will be held for Princess Mikasa at the Toshimaagawa Cemetery in Tokyo. The controversy surrounding the memorial service for Korean laborers forced to work in the Sado gold lines has caused embarrassment for the Yu-suk-i-ol administration. Japan's decision to appoint Akiko Ikuina as their representative, despite her alleged ties to the Yasukuni Shrine, led to a request from Korea for a change in representative, which Japan refused. This, along with Japan's failure to include expressions of mourning or reflection in the eulogy at the event, prompted Korea to hold a separate memorial service. Both Korean and Japanese governments are facing criticism for mishandling the situation, with the future of Korea-Japan relations at stake if such issues are not addressed. Japanese low-cost air carrier Peach Aviation Limited will be reintroducing hot Takoyaki octopus balls on its passenger flights starting from December 1, after a five-year hiatus. The popular food item was initially removed from the menu to reduce food waste. Due to its short shelf life, surplus Takoyaki was often discarded when there were not enough orders. However, the airline has now decided to bring back the savory treat as a warm in-flight meal, priced at 900 yen for a set of five. Peach Aviation hopes that serving Takoyaki will allow foreign customers to experience a taste of Japan and Osaka during their flights. In Kibichu-ol, Okoyama Prefecture, Japan, blood tests have begun implementation for residents due to PFAS chemicals being detected in the local water purification plant. Per Flora Alkyl and Poly Flora Alkyl substances are known to persist in the environment, introduced via packaging and cookware. This is the first publicly funded PFAS testing in the country. Approximately 800 residents are expected to participate with tests measuring PFAS blood concentration, lipids, liver function, anemia, and thyroid hormone levels. Okoyama University and others will analyze the results with follow-up tests planned for five years later. This has been the Tokyo Build. These stories and more you can read at thetokobill.com. I've been and remain Tokyo Build. Thank you for listening and take care.