News

Opposition leader Yuichiro Tamaki sparked controversy by suggesting measures to prevent foreigners from exploiting medical fee caps and advocating for the exclusive use of social insurance premiums for Japanese patients. Despite criticism for xenophobia, his remarks highlight the ongoing debate surrounding healthcare access and funding for foreigners in Japan.

A new report warns that if current trends continue, Japan could face annual heat waves that were once considered centennial events, along with more frequent extreme weather incidents. The study explores two future warming scenarios and highlights serious implications for both terrestrial and marine environments, prompting enhanced measures from central and local governments.

Japan Airlines has started using a unique riblet-shaped paint coating on part of its Boeing 787-9, drawing inspiration from the streamlined texture of shark skin. The coating, developed by O-Well Corp. with supporting simulations by JAXA, reduces air resistance and has the potential to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions significantly during international flights.

The Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) decision to field former lawmaker Mio Sugita in the upcoming Upper House election has generated significant backlash due to her past discriminatory remarks. This decision has been met with criticism from both within the party and from the public, with many expressing concerns that Sugita's candidacy could damage the LDP's image and lead to a loss of votes.

Japan is scrambling to find ways to get the United States to exempt its automakers from a ruinous 25-percent tariff due to take effect on April 3. The Trump administration has not made clear what it expects Japan to do in order to avoid the tariffs, leaving the Japanese government and automakers in a state of uncertainty.