The Liberal Democratic Party may very well be on its way out of power in Japan. With tomorrow’s election approaching fast, things look promising for the opposing side, the Democratic Party of Japan.
In Tokyo, the Democratic Party of Japan is already leading in the polls, with only three Liberal Democratic Party seats still receiving favorable ratings.
This shift will mark a very significant change in power for Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party has run the country since 1955–with the exception of a ten-month period. (more…)
In the United States, you probably wouldn’t hear people advising you not to get married–unless you are a gay couple in the Midwest or being advised by a thrice-divorced bitter man. Marriage is considered “sacred” by many in the country, though about half of married people end up divorced anyway.
In Japan, where only 27% of marriages result in divorce, people are actually being discouraged from getting married–by the country’s prime minister. (more…)
If you’re looking for a place to live where you won’t be bothered by much secondhand smoke, Japan may be your place.
Less than a quarter of the Japanese population smokes these days, according to a new survey conducted by Japan Tobacco, Inc. This is the lowest recorded rate of smoking in the country, with both the male and female population smoking less.
The survey, conducted in May, indicated that 24.9% of people living in Japan overall consider themselves smokers. (more…)
On July 19, 2008 Japanese fans of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, known as the “Walt Disney of Japan,” had a chance to witness the latest masterpiece from the critically acclaimed writer and director. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is the latest of the incredible artist’s films, and has already won the Japanese Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.
True to his usual work, Ponyo‘s central character is a strong, independent fish-girl who runs away from home, hoping to become human. (more…)
For the first time in Japanese history, the number of reported child abuse cases has exceeded 40,000. During fiscal year 2008, a record number of 42,662 child abuse cases were reported at child consultation centers across Japan.
It isn’t the first rise indicated by these studies, either; since 1990, when the statistics were first recorded, the caseload has been rising for 18 years in a row.
This is following a revision to the country’s Child Abuse Prevention Law in 2008. (more…)