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SoraNews24
10 hours ago
- SoraNews24
Yamanashi student jumps from building after eating 'legal mood-enhancing' cookies sold online
Don't take cookies from strangers. In Japan, where strict anti-drug laws remain in place, you might find products that claim to give similar sensations to illegal substances but use ingredients allowed by law. Especially, in the harder-to-regulate realm of the Internet, products that claim to give 'legal highs' are sold, but who knows what's really inside them? Last May, a university student in Yamanashi Prefecture found this out the hard way, having ordered some cookies online that claimed to be made with 'mood-enhancing ingredients.' Shortly after eating some with an acquaintance, he jumped from the second floor of his dormitory. He was hurt in the fall but none of his injuries are life-threatening. The student was given a drug test by the Yamanashi Prefectural Police at the time but he was found to have no illegal substances in his system. The cookies he ate were also examined and also found to be free of illegal narcotics. However, the details of the case would strongly suggest that eating the cookies was the main factor influencing his decision to jump. According to the drug-control division of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, products sold online may claim to contain legal ingredients but actually hide illegal substances without listing them. The ministry is also finding and testing these products and adding any new substances they find, such as synthetic cannabinoids, to their list of restricted ingredients, but say it's difficult to keep up with the rate that new products come out. Readers of the news online were intrigued by how the cookies could pass known drug tests but still make a guy jump out a window. 'Maybe it's a placebo effect.' 'Sometimes just taking supplements gets me all antsy and wanting to move around.' 'What kind of cookies are these? I want to know so I can avoid them.' 'There are cookies that make you think you can fly?' 'A cookie can do that?' 'At least no one was hurt.' 'His parents must be proud for him to go off to university and do this.' 'If there really are no illegal ingredients then I guess it's buyer beware. It's like those extremely spicy chips.' 'If you have to go out of your way to say your product is legal, it's pretty suspicious.' 'It's just like the Yosuke Kubozuka incident.' Yosuke Kubozuka is a musician and actor who fell from the ninth floor of a building in 2004 and miraculously survived. He says he has no memory of the incident and no idea why he would have fallen, adding that he never had suicidal thoughts and did not use drugs. The official explanation is that he slipped while trying to take down some decorations, but there is still uncertainty about what really happened. Kubozuka's case reminds us that anything is possible, but it still seems like something was seriously up with this student's snack. So, if you want to enjoy some cookies, only buy them from a trusted store or better yet, bake your own cookies using ingredients you've purchased from the supermarket. It's fun and way better than putting your life in the hands of some shady online vendor. Source: Yomiuri Online, Twitter/@tsuisoku777 Featured image: Pakutaso ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Japan Forward
5 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Immigration in Japan: Accepting Foreigners to Secure a Workforce
このページを 日本語 で読む What is immigration, and what does it mean to be an immigrant? In her book, Is Japan Unwelcoming to Refugees? (Keio University Press, 2024), author Fusako Yanase begins with a central question. That is, "How can people of different nationalities, languages, cultures, skin tones, and eye colors work together? How can we build a prosperous life in the same society?" She explores how we might see not only Japanese citizens, but also foreign workers, international students, and even refugees as equal participants in a shared social fabric. In this second installment of a series, she turns her focus to the special residency statuses that allow foreign nationals to work in Japan. Specifically, those are the Specified Skilled Worker, Technical Intern Training, and forthcoming Employment for Skill Development programs. Second in the series. Read the series, Immigration in Japan According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as of October 2024, Japan employed 2,302,587 foreign workers. That represented an increase of 250,000 from 2023. The number of businesses hiring foreign labor also rose by 20,000, reaching a total of 340,000. By nationality, Vietnamese workers made up the largest share at 570,000 (24.8%). Chinese workers ranked second with 400,000 (17.8%), followed by Filipinos with 240,000 (10.7%). In April 2019, Japan upgraded its Immigration Bureau, formerly a division within the Ministry of Justice, into the Immigration Services Agency. This marked a significant policy shift toward welcoming more foreign workers. At the same time, it introduced a new visa category, the Specified Skilled Worker, which has now been in place for five years. To foster better integration between foreign workers and local communities, the government launched a range of support initiatives. These include improvements to living and working conditions, Japanese language education, and other essential services. From FY2022 to FY2026, the government reviews and refines these measures annually as part of a long-term strategy to build a more inclusive and cohesive society. Japan's Immigration Control Act currently defines 28 residency statuses. They cover everything from short-term stays such as tourism to international students, technical intern trainees, and spouses of Japanese nationals. Work-related categories for specialized and technical professions are also included. In 2019, a 29th category — Specified Skilled Worker — was introduced as part of a broader government policy. This new status applies to 16 designated industries, including nursing care, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and food processing. The Specified Skilled Worker visa was introduced to address labor shortages. It still requires applicants to demonstrate a certain level of expertise or technical skill through academic or work credentials. However, the requirements for Japanese language proficiency and job-specific knowledge have been somewhat relaxed. In exchange, visa holders are entitled to a range of structured support measures. These are often referred to as "targeted support." They include orientation sessions on daily life in Japan, assistance with learning Japanese, help with complaints or consultations, and programs that encourage interaction between foreign residents and local communities. Workers are also allowed to change jobs within the same industry and can access services at Hello Work, Japan's network of public employment offices. The system is designed to prevent foreign workers from being left isolated or unsupported. Above all, helping them acquire a basic level of Japanese is considered essential for their success and integration. Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau Officials introduced the Technical Intern Training program to support developing countries through skill and knowledge transfer. It was aimed at transferring skills and knowledge to workers from developing countries. Today, approximately 410,000 foreign nationals reside in Japan under this system. However, many domestic employers have used it primarily to fill labor shortages with low-cost labor. As a result, many foreign workers face harassment, unpaid wages, and poor working conditions. In March 2024, in response to these persistent problems, the government announced a complete overhaul of the program. The new framework shifts away from the original goal of foreign aid and instead focuses on training and securing foreign talent to support Japan's own industrial development. Set to launch by 2027, the revised system will be renamed Employment for Skill Development. Under the new program, foreign workers will undergo a three-year training period aimed at achieving the skill level required for a Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa. This represents a significant policy pivot from international development assistance to domestic workforce strategy. To ensure a smooth transition, the current technical intern system will continue to operate for roughly three years after the launch of Employment for Skill Development. During this period, both systems will run in parallel, giving employers and workers time to adjust. Authorities aim to complete the full transition by 2030. Beyond visa-specific reforms, the Japanese government has introduced a broad set of measures to support the integration of foreign residents and strengthen the systems that serve them. These initiatives cover all legal foreign residents in Japan, not just Specified Skilled Workers, whether they are studying, working, or in training. Fusako Yanase (right) with JAPAN Forward Editor-in-Chief, Yasuo Naito (©JAPAN Forward) Funded by the national government and implemented in cooperation with local authorities, these policies aim to promote coexistence and provide practical support across various aspects of daily life. It is important to note, however, that these support measures are not available to individuals residing in Japan without legal status. Continues in Part 3: What to Know About Entry Limits Author: Fusako Yanase In addition to being an expert on immigration, Yanase is an award-winning author and former Honorary Chair of the Certified NPO Association for Aid and Relief, Japan . このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
09-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Japan to Tighten Immigration, Welfare for Foreigners, and Land Rules
このページを 日本語 で読む Japan is moving to crack down on so-called "free-loading" by foreigners accessing its welfare and public health insurance systems. A draft of the government's Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, set for release in mid-June, calls for a sweeping review of outdated systems seen as incompatible with a globalized society. According to multiple government sources as of June 5, the proposal also emphasizes building a more "orderly and harmonious society" alongside foreign residents. The policy also outlines plans to strengthen the government's cross-agency coordination and integration for foreign labor, including enhanced ministerial oversight. It calls for improved data infrastructure at both the national and local levels to better manage information related to foreign residents. Separately, it proposes tougher enforcement of legal compliance, stricter oversight of how public services are used, and greater transparency in administrative processes. To tighten control over immigration and residency, the government plans to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system by fiscal 2028. Such a system would enable centralized management of traveler data from entry to exit. The government will also review visa and immigration-related fees, aligning them with international standards. Furthermore, the draft calls for the use of digital technology to achieve "zero illegal overstayers" through enhanced enforcement and deportation efforts. Japanese immigration points at Narita International airport (©Sankei) For foreign labor programs such as the Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker system, the government intends to define specific sectors and set intake targets. More broadly, it also plans to tighten the foreign driver's license conversion system. Stricter address verification and more rigorous knowledge and skills testing for applicants are expected. The draft policy proposes using data on unpaid premiums and medical expenses when screening foreign residents. This comes as lawmakers continue to debate concerns about "free-loading" in Japan's healthcare system. Just 63% of foreign-headed households paid into Japan's national health insurance system between April and December 2024. That information is based on data from 150 municipalities collected by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare." In comparison, the rate among all households, including Japanese, was 93%. The government plans to accelerate nationwide data collection. It aims to ensure that child allowances are used appropriately based on actual household conditions. Meanwhile, school subsidies will be reviewed to confirm they align with students' educational needs and family circumstances. Plans to "increase transparency regarding land ownership nationwide, including by foreigners," are also underway. The draft outlines efforts to enhance ownership records and databases, factoring in trends in foreign investment. It also proposes stronger measures to address criminal and nuisance behavior by tourists and short-term visitors. Author: The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
The Mainichi
07-06-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Some child care facilities in Japan replacing Father's Day, Mother's Day with 'family day'
TOKYO -- Father's Day, which falls on June 15 this year in Japan, is approaching. However, an increasing number of day care centers and kindergartens across the country are establishing "family day" instead of celebrating Father's Day and Mother's Day. This shift seems to be driven by the diversification of family structures, including the rise in single-parent households. "I was really happy that they were considerate of each family's situation," and, "Since we don't have a dad, it was appreciated," are some of the posts from single parents on social media expressing gratitude for the switch to family day. Asahi Hoikuen day care center in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, transitioned to family day three years ago. Previously, for Mother's Day in May and for Father's Day in June, children would handcraft items such as keychains and magnets with portraits of their parents and present them as gifts. Now, these activities are combined and held in late May, between Mother's Day and Father's Day. The switch was prompted by the need to revise events and activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The day care center explained, "We have both single-mother and single-father households. We considered the recent diversification of family situations. The children create gifts not only for their parents but also for their grandparents, relatives, and even mom's friends, whoever is important to them." 10% of households with kids are single-parent families According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of single-parent households increased from 947,000 in 1993 to 1,399,000 in 2003, a 1.5-fold rise. Since then, the number has stabilized between 1.3 million and 1.4 million, with 1,344,000 single-parent households in 2021. About 10% of child-rearing households are single-parent families. Poppins Nursery School, a nationwide day care chain, also has multiple facilities that have adopted family day. In late May or June, these centers organize activities such as making gifts for loved ones and displaying family photos. Meanwhile, some child care facilities continue to observe Father's Day and Mother's Day. On social media, single parents have shared diverse opinions, such as "For Father's Day, my child drew a portrait of me (mother) and made a letter for me," and, "(Though I am a single parent,) I would prefer they stick to the traditional format without catering to minority family types." There are varied perspectives, and responses from day care centers and kindergartens seem to differ accordingly. Some commercial facilities and libraries that traditionally displayed children's drawings of their parents on Mother's Day and Father's Day are now moving toward displaying "family pictures" collectively. For example, the Omori-Minami Library in Tokyo's Ota Ward has integrated these displays for Mothers' Day and Father's Day into a "family portrait exhibition" starting in 2023. They showcase family drawings created by visiting children from May to June. A library representative said, "The change reflects the fact that there are now many different types of families." (Japanese original by Shuji Ozaki, Digital News Group)
Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Japan's Birth Rate Crisis Worsens
Births in Japan fell to a record low last year, according to newly released government data, as the country faces a deepening demographic crisis. Newsweek has contacted the Japanese Foreign Ministry for comment by email. Japan's steadily declining births and overall aging population present serious long-term risks, threatening to sap the world's fifth-largest economy of vitality and strain its social welfare system. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has labeled the trend a "quiet emergency" and made reversing it a central pillar of his agenda. The number of babies born to Japanese citizens in 2024 fell to 686,061, a 5.7 percent drop from the previous year, according to statistics the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare released on Wednesday. It marked the first time since 1899, when record-keeping began, that annual births fell below 700,000. For the 18th consecutive year, deaths outpaced births, resulting in a net population loss of 919,237, the ministry said. Japan's fertility rate also declined, falling to 1.15 expected births per woman-down from 1.2 in 2023. A rate of 2.1 is widely considered the replacement threshold for a stable population without large-scale immigration. Japan is not alone. China and Taiwan face similar demographic declines, while South Korea-which has the distinction of having the world's lowest fertility rate-joined Japan last year as a "super-aged society," meaning people 65 and older make up 20 percent of the population. Kei Nishiuchi, the CEO of SoujouData Inc., a data science consultancy in Tokyo, told the Fuji News Network: "As the number of elderly increases and the working-age population shrinks, we're starting to see an impact on the economy's overall productivity. Even the very assumptions behind how our society redistributes resources-such as who pays taxes and who provides eldercare-are being called into question. "This is not a crisis that's still on the horizon-it's one that has already begun. I think we need to recognize that." Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in a parliamentary speech in October: "The low birth rate and the resulting population decline are a challenge to the very foundations of the country-a quiet emergency, so to speak." Health officials have warned that Japan has only until the 2030s to reverse course. However, measures such as childcare subsidies and fertility treatment coverage have had little effect. Some analysts have suggested that Japan's outlook may be less dire than feared, citing its heavy investment in automation technologies-such as industrial robots-to offset its shrinking workforce. Related Articles Nuclear Arms Race Warning as Warheads IncreaseUS Allies Stage War Games Near ChinaUS Sends Amphibious Warship to Pacific Front LineMap Tracks Chinese Aircraft Carrier Near US Allies 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
