News

Japan has deported at least 17 foreigners who applied for refugee status since stricter immigration laws were implemented in 2023, allowing for deportation after two rejections of refugee applications. Simultaneously, a supplementary protection program was introduced to aid those fleeing war-torn nations, with over 1,600 individuals certified in 2024.

Japanese companies are increasingly using bonding activities, like team-building exercises and company dormitories, to combat rising employee turnover rates, particularly among young workers. These initiatives aim to strengthen internal connections and address issues like "gaps" in expectations and workplace relationships, as revealed by recent data.

The Bank of Japan has opted to keep its policy interest rates steady at approximately 0.5 percent due to escalating uncertainties regarding the economic policies of the Trump administration. Governor Kazuo Ueda emphasized the need to monitor developments in U.S. trade policies and their potential impact on both Japanese and U.S. economies.

Fumio Kishida's office reportedly distributed 100,000 yen gift certificates to parliamentary secretaries during a social gathering, raising questions about this practice within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba later admitted to similar distributions for new ruling party members, indicating that such actions may be a longstanding custom.

Astroscale Japan Inc. successfully approached a piece of space debris to inspect it, marking a significant step towards their goal of removing space junk by 2028. The company plans to capture and de-orbit debris in the future, addressing the growing problem of space debris and its potential hazards.