On this week’s information roundup, we’ve got the newest on the easing of border restrictions as Japan prepares to just accept visa-free vacationers from sure (as but unspecified) international locations in October whereas on the similar time, scrapping the every day entry cap. We additionally report on the Okinawa gubernatorial election, the Queen’s funeral, one other Olympic bribery scandal and a stunning crime in Osaka. In sport, Munetaka Murakami edges nearer to Japan’s dwelling run document.
Japan Set to Additional Ease Its Border Restrictions
To the aid of many, Japan has been steadily easing its border restrictions in latest weeks. Nevertheless, three points stay: visa necessities for short-term guests, vacationers having their itineraries managed by journey businesses and the every day entry cap, presently set at 50,000. Deputy Chief Cupboard Secretary Seiji Kihara advised a Fuji TV program on Sunday that the federal government is contemplating easing these restrictions within the “not so-distant future.”
In line with varied experiences, that’s anticipated to be in October. “A weak yen is handiest in attracting inbound tourism. And there are the autumn leaves and powder snow. There are lots of overseas guests who need to come go to Japan,” mentioned Kihara. A report revealed yesterday by Nikkei Asia added additional weight to the declare. Vacationers might want to have been vaccinated 3 times or provide a pre-arrival take a look at end result.
Emperor and Empress to Attend Queen’s Funeral
Emperor Naruhito is ready to embark on his first journey overseas since his ascension to the imperial throne in 2019. Each he and Empress Masako will attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II scheduled for September 19. Historically, emperors don’t attend funerals, both at dwelling or overseas. The one time it occurred beforehand was in 1993, when Emperor Akihito and his spouse, Empress Michiko traveled to Belgium for the ceremony of King Baudouin.
“From my coronary heart, I declare my gratitude and esteem for her many achievements and contributions,” mentioned the emperor in a message concerning the Queen conveyed by the Imperial Family Company. He first met her in 1983 whereas finding out within the UK. In his e-book, The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxfordhe wrote about being impressed by her majesty’s laid-back method.
Tamaki Reelected as Okinawa Governor
Denny Tamaki secured one other 4 years as Okinawa governor following the gubernatorial election in Japan’s southernmost prefecture on Sunday. The 62-year-old, who was supported by the All Okinawa group and endorsed by 4 opposition events, garnered extra votes than his two challengers mixed. His victory is a blow for the ruling Liberal Democratic Celebration (LDP), who backed his principal rival, Atsushi Sakima, 58.
The central concern within the election was the federal government’s plan to relocate the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Ginowan to the Henoko district of Nago. Tamaki has lengthy been against the proposal. The federal government, nevertheless, stays decided to undergo with the plan. “We imagine relocating the Futenma facility to Henoko is the one resolution,” mentioned Chief Cupboard Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno on Monday.
Olympics Affected by One other Bribery Scandal
The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Video games proceed to make headlines for all of the unsuitable causes. On Wednesday, Kadokawa Chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, 79, was arrested on suspicion of providing bribes to Haruyuki Takahashi, 78, a former government of the Video games organizing committee. He is suspected of transferring funds on 9 events, totaling round 69 million. The cash was apparently a reward for serving to his firm develop into an official sponsor of the occasion.
The same story involving Aoki Holdings emerged a month in the past. Takahashi was arrested, accused of receiving bribes of round 51 million from the enterprise go well with retailer. Aoki’s former chairman Hironori Aoki, his brothers Takahisa Aoki and Katsuhisa Ueda had been additionally detained. On September 5, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Workplace raided the headquarters of Daiko Promoting. Investigators suspect the Osaka advert company paid Takahashi greater than ¥10 million in bribes.
Father Arrested for Bodily Abusing Daughter
Osaka Prefectural Police rearrested Rintaro Hirai, 24, on Monday on suspicion of bodily abusing his daughter. He reportedly grabbed her by the ankles and swung her the other way up earlier than smashing her head right into a desk. The incident passed off on Boxing Day of final 12 months. It left the then 2-year-old woman with a swollen face which she took round a month to get better from.
Hirai was allegedly admitted to the crime. “She was crying and would not eat her dinner, so I swung her round as punishment however by no means supposed to hit her head towards a desk,” the police quoted him as saying. The suspect was additionally arrested in August after his accomplice reported him to the police for taking pictures his youngest daughter within the abdomen with an air gun. His two youngsters are presently three and 5.
And now Munetaka Murakami has tied the nice Sadaharu Oh: 55 dwelling runs on the 12 months. One of many nice tales within the sports activities world. pic.twitter.com/PWxRNjuaPt
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 13, 2022
Murakami Attracts Degree with Oh
The Japan dwelling run document is edging nearer for Munetaka Murakami. The Tokyo Yakult Swallows slugger smashed his 54th homer of the season towards the Yomiuri Giants on Tuesday. His fifty fifth got here quickly after, placing him stage with Japanese-born legend Sadaharu Oh. He’s now simply six away from over-taking outright chief, Wladimir Balentien who hit 60 for the Swallows in 2013.
In European soccer, Reo Hatate’s deflected strike helped Celtic earn their first level within the Champions League. The Scottish champions drew 1-1 with Ukrainian aspect Shakhtar Donetsk in Group F. In Group D, Daichi Kamada was named participant of the match as Eintracht Frankfurt beat Marseille 1-0. Yukinari Sugawara scored within the Europa Convention League for AZ Alkmaar who defeated FC Vaduz 4-1. Keito Nakamura, henceforth, grabbed one other for LASK within the Austrian League.