News
Coral bleaching hits Tubbataha due to extreme heat
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, Philippines — The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) is suffering from coral bleaching due to prolonged heat brought by the El Niño phenomenon, a report from the Tubbataha Management Office said.
U.N. rights group says Japan needs to do more to counter human rights abuses
TOKYO – A group working under the U.N. Human Rights Council has issued a wide-ranging report about rights in Japan, including discrimination against minorities and unhealthy working conditions.
Japan constructs world’s 1st wooden satellite
KYOTO – Japanese researchers said Tuesday that they have successfully constructed the world’s first wooden satellite, with the tiny cube-shaped object expected to be sent into space aboard a SpaceX rocket launched from the United States, possibly in September.
Toyota set to end massive Olympic sponsorship deal; unhappy over how IOC spent funds: report
TOKYO – Vehicle manufacturer Toyota is set to end its massive sponsorship deal with the International Olympic Committee after this year’s Paris Olympics, according to reports in Japan.
Japan, S Korea to work together on tackling global issues
SEOUL – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Sunday to make efforts to further develop relations with South Korea ahead of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties next year during his talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Japan ranks 3rd among top world travel destinations after U.S., Spain: report
TOKYO – A survey of major Japanese firms showed they offered their highest monthly wage increases in 32 years at over 5 percent in the spring wage negotiations, as many sought to respond to elevated prices while trying to avoid brain drains, the country’s biggest business lobby said Monday.
Japanese firms offer highest pay hike in 32 years in spring wage talks
TOKYO – A survey of major Japanese firms showed they offered their highest monthly wage increases in 32 years at over 5 percent in the spring wage negotiations, as many sought to respond to elevated prices while trying to avoid brain drains, the country’s biggest business lobby said Monday.
SoftBank Corp to help call center workers by ‘softening’ angry customer calls with AI
TOKYO – Dealing with irate customers can be extremely stressful for call center workers but Japan’s SoftBank Corp thinks it has a solution: artificial intelligence-enabled software that softens the tone of customers’ voices.
Panatag not reached, but still ‘mission accomplished’
WEST PHILIPPINE SEA—The civilian-led supply convoy on Thursday aborted plans to sail closer to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, although organizers declared the success of their mission after another boat was able to deliver provisions to 144 Filipino fishers despite the presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in the area.
Visitors to Japan exceed 3 million for 2nd straight month in April
TOKYO – Japan welcomed more than 3 million visitors for a second straight month in April, official data showed on Wednesday, setting the stage for a potential record year for tourism.