Stories from Japan

Japanese researchers have initiated the first clinical trials on Gülokom patients using a cellular purification method. The research previously demonstrated a 30% increase in lifespan and the restoration of vision in mice within laboratory settings.

Polish coach Maciej Skorza has left his position at the Japanese football club Urawa Red Diamonds by mutual agreement. Rafał Janas and Majiki Hayashi are also leaving the team following a period of poor performance. The decision follows a seven-match losing streak for the Saitama-based club. Skorza's second tenure with the team began in August 2024. The team has failed to win its last seven matches in the Japanese league. Skorza previously managed Lech Poznan in Poland starting in 2022. Skorza's primary achievement with the club was winning the Asian Champions League. The departure includes staff members such as Janas. Following the announcement, fans expressed gratitude to the departing staff in online comments.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has completed her visit to Japan as part of an Asian tour. The visit focused on securing fuel supplies from key trading partners. Australia currently provides gas volumes to Japan in exchange for refined fuels. Wong is scheduled to travel to China and South Korea next.

Ishii Farm has obtained beef cattle farm certification in Kanagawa Prefecture, marking the first for the region.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong held talks with Japanese counterparts in Tokyo as part of a regional tour including China and South Korea. The tour aims to shore up fuel supplies for Australia. Wong stated she will continue to press Asian trading partners to maintain fuel shipments to the country.

Japanese immigration authorities expect daily passenger numbers to reach 2.25 million people. The single-day peak volume is projected to exceed 2.4 million travelers.

An administrator of a group home for people with disabilities in Wakayama City is accused of using users' savings for personal use.

Authorities in a Japanese city are preparing to distribute product vouchers featuring QR codes to approximately 58,000 registered residents and 28,000 households. The voucher program will cover 28,000 households and includes 301 total participating locations, consisting of 11 large stores and 290 small stores.

Authorities in Zushi are preparing to distribute gift vouchers with QR codes to approximately 58,000 registered citizens, representing 28,000 households. The distribution process is scheduled to begin preparations around April 8. The source noted that the delivery of these vouchers may take some time.

Natto production in Ibaraki Prefecture faces a shortage of traditional bamboo sheath packaging. Aging farmers and the mechanization of harvesting are making it difficult to secure natto production.