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A Japanese man in his 50s has been detained in Belarus since July for violating local laws, Japan's top government spokesman said Thursday, following reports in Belarusian media detailing his arrest.

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Belarus detains Japanese man over alleged violation of local laws

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Local media said the man in his 50s was allegedly involved in intelligence gathering on social and political conditions at the Belarus-Ukraine border.

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Japan passes a revised law allowing joint child custody for divorced parents for the first time

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Japan passes a revised law allowing joint child custody for divorced parents for the first time

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Japan’s parliament has passed a revision to the country’s civil code that will allow divorced parents the option of joint child custody, a change that brings the nation in line with many other countries.

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80-year-old man arrested for attempted bank robbery, using toy gun leading to new laws in Japan.

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80-year-old man arrested for attempted bank robbery, using toy gun

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Police in Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, have arrested an 80-year-old man on suspicion of attempting to rob a bank by using a toy gun. According to police, Torao Terasaka walked into a branch of Chugoku Bank at around 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at…

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Japan eyes law revision on foreign residents

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A committee in Japan's Upper House of Parliament began discussions aimed at revising the immigration law on Tuesday. Key points include a new program for foreign trainees to fill labor shortages as Japan ages, a move that may increase the number of permanent foreign residents, and allowing the government to revoke permanent residency under certain conditions.

New opportunities

Among the proposed changes is replacing the current foreign technical intern program with a trainee scheme for fields experiencing labor shortages as Japan ages, including nursing care, construction and agriculture.

The new scheme aims to train up foreign workers to reach the level of "specified skilled worker" in principle in three years.

The current system has been criticized for a number of reasons, including not allowing interns to change their workplaces, in principle. But the revision will permit trainees to switch employers in the same fields under certain conditions.

A foreign trainee working in nursing care

Eyes on permanent residency

Revisions would also include adding reasons for revoking permanent resident status.

These would include intentional failure to pay taxes or social insurance premiums, being imprisoned for certain legal violations such as burglary and currency forgery, or failure to comply with immigration rules such as carrying their resident card at all times.

A related provision states that living conditions will be taken into consideration in cases involving revocation of the status - a provision that has also been added to deliberations about the bill in the Lower House.

National Diet building

Officials: enhancing residency permit system

The Immigration Services Agency said the introduction of the new trainee system is expected to increase the potential number of permanent residents. Given that some permanent residents have failed to fulfill public obligations, the changes are aimed at optimizing the permanent residence system.

Sparking debate

In the committee meeting on May 28, Makiyama Hiroe, a lawmaker in the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, said the level of technical skill required to be granted permanent residency is very high and so the new program is unlikely to greatly increase permanent residents. It is therefore unreasonable to allow revocation of the status based on a wrong assumption, she added.

But Justice Minister Koizumi Ryuji disagreed.

"Whether the number of permanent residents increases or not, inappropriate actions need to be corrected," he replied.

Justice Minister Koizumi Ryuji in the May 28 committee meeting.

Koizumi said he hopes to win support for the revised legislation, which would become the foundation for appropriate immigration controls. He also said his ministry will draw up guidelines about revoking permanent residency in order to gain understanding from people concerned about the change.

Foreign resident concern

Foreign nationals who have been living in Japan for many years are voicing concerns about the revision.

The Yokohama Overseas Chinese Association, which consists of 16 organizations including people who work in Yokohama Chinatown, mainly consists of people with Chinese nationality and permanent resident status in Japan.

Yokohama Chinatown

The group sent a petition to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Justice Minister Koizumi recently, calling for the deletion of the provision pertaining to revoking permanent residence.

The petition says that even if the government says it will not revoke the status in cases of simple negligence, the law will make it legally possible.

The petition says that Chinese in Japan who are permanent residents work in Japan and pay taxes. Their lives are the same as those of Japanese.

It pointed out that Japanese citizens also may not be able to pay taxes due to sudden illness or accidents. Making it possible to revoke permanent resident status for these reasons significantly tramples on the rights of foreign residents.

Zeng Deshen, a special advisor to the Yokohama Overseas Chinese Association, says that foreign residents of course must obey Japanese laws.

"Why can't you be punished under current Japanese laws if you violate them?" he said.

Permanent residents worked hard for 10 years to get their status and have sunk roots in Japan, he said.

It is regrettable that the bill runs counter to the idea of creating an environment where people of different ethnic groups can understand each other and support each other, he added.

"Why is it necessary to impose 'double punishment' only on foreigners?"

Zeng Deshen is an special advisor to the Yokohama Overseas Chinese Association

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Japan eyes law revision on foreign residents | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

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A committee in Japan's Upper House of Parliament began discussions aimed at revising the immigration law on Tuesday. Key points include a new program for foreign trainees to fill labor shortages as Japan ages, a move that may increase the number of permanent foreign residents, and allowing the government to revoke permanent residency under certain conditions.

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Japan has almost no gun violence and, ironically, it owes its extremely tight firearms laws to the U.S.

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Japan has almost no gun violence and, ironically, it owes its extremely tight firearms laws to the U.S.

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CBS News looks at the major hoops private citizens in Japan must jump through to own a gun, and the surprising origins of the country’s firearms restrictions.

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UDON

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Japan has embraced international green building certifications and developed its own standards to encourage sustainable practices

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In the global pursuit of sustainable construction practices and green architecture, Japan emerges as a notable trailblazer, seamlessly blending modernity with tradition.
Japanese Ingenuity in Energy-Efficient Buildings:
The Land of the Rising Sun has become an inspiration for innovative solutions that prioritize environmental conservation without compromising on functionality or aesthetics.
Eco-Friendly Materials in Japanese Architecture:
Japan, a country prone to earthquakes and with limited natural resources, has championed energy-efficient buildings as a response to its unique challenges. Tokyo's Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, for instance, incorporates advanced seismic-resistant design while also integrating energy-efficient systems. The building utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as regenerative elevators and smart lighting to optimize energy consumption.
Innovative Design Solutions Inspired by Nature:
Japanese architects are increasingly turning to traditional and sustainable materials, marrying the old with the new. The Taizhou Contemporary Art Museum in Kyoto, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, is a great example. The museum features a facade constructed from bamboo, a locally abundant and renewable resource. This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also pays homage to Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Certifications and Initiatives:
Japan's architectural landscape often reflects a deep connection with nature, evident in designs that seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The Jikka House in Shizuoka, designed by architect Issei Suma, is a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese homes. Its unique circular shape maximizes natural ventilation, reducing the reliance on artificial cooling systems. The integration of a turf-covered roof enhances insulation and visual harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Disaster-Resilient Green Architecture:
Japan has embraced international green building certifications and developed its own standards to encourage sustainable practices. The Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) is a Japanese initiative that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and urban developments. This system helps guide architects and developers towards creating structures that align with the country's commitment to sustainability.
Future Outlook and Global Impact:
Given Japan's susceptibility to natural disasters, there is a growing emphasis on disaster-resilient green architecture. The Great East Japan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Fukushima, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, exemplifies this approach. The museum incorporates earthquake-resistant features and utilizes local materials, embodying a commitment to both sustainability and resilience in the face of adversity.

Japan's dedication to green architecture not only influences its own urban landscapes but also serves as a source of inspiration globally. Architects and developers worldwide look to Japanese innovations as they seek sustainable solutions. The meticulous balance between tradition and modernity in Japanese green architecture offers valuable lessons for creating environmentally conscious structures without compromising on functionality or beauty.

In essence, Japan's commitment to green building practices exemplifies how a nation can overcome challenges through innovation, embracing sustainability as a guiding principle for shaping the future of architecture. As the world grapples with environmental concerns, the lessons learned from Japan's architectural endeavors serve as a testament to the transformative power of blending tradition with cutting-edge technology in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.

What efforts are being made in sustainable construction practices in your living area?

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Japan's role in the Rise of Green Architecture and Sustainable Construction Practices

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In the global pursuit of sustainable construction practices and green architecture, Japan emerges as a notable trailblazer, seamlessly blending modernity with tradition. The Land of the Rising Sun...

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Japanese Architecture: Navigating Resilience, Sustainability, and Global Trends in a Changing World

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Japanese Architecture: Navigating Resilience, Sustainability, and Global Trends in a Changing World - Longevity Partners US

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In many cities of the world, you can find copy-paste design and concrete monoliths, but the style of Japanese buildings has remained distinct. When walking through any of Japan’s cities, […]

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Kengo Kuma’s architecture Daiwa Ubiquitous Computing Research Building.

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Buildings account for around 40% of annual global CO2 emissions , according to the non-profit organization, Architecture2030. The Japanese Cabinet's goal is to have zero-energy for newly built houses by 2030. This goal means that the Japanese government is aiming for newly built houses to consume less energy than their production of renewable energy.

Japanese architecture has long been associated with having a clean and minimal look, and taking influence from natural surroundings. Traditional Japanese homes include tatami, a mat made of rice straws that cover the floor, paper shoji screens, and wooden bamboo structures. However, as Japanese homes continue to modernize, the question arises on how eco-friendly the future of Japanese homes will be.

One way architecture has evolved to decrease the building's ecological footprint is through a construction concept called a "passive house". A passive house concentrates on how natural sources such as sunlight, shade, wind interact with the house, instead of relying solely on a heating or cooling system. One company which practices this concept of a "passive house" using solar energy, is MUJI. MUJI's "wood house" is designed with spacious windows which allow sunlight to fill throughout the room. This would reduce the amount of energy used in lighting and heating, showing how houses can be both cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.

A leading pioneer in contemporary sustainable architecture is Kengo Kuma, who has won the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture in 2016. In an interview by Great Big Story, Kuma describes how he uses local materials, mainly wood and bamboo found in the local area for his architecture projects. According to Kuma, one of the advantages of using wood as a construction material is how easily it can be replaced and repaired once it becomes damaged, while with concrete, the whole building may at times have to be replaced. Kuma also raises awareness of the relationship between the environment and human well-being through his architecture, and stresses the importance of staying in harmony with the surrounding nature.

In an interview by CNN featuring Kuma on , he says his main goal is to "How buildings can create harmony" "merge the building into the environment as much as I can." By learning to live within nature instead of clearing habitats such as forests to build homes, humans will be able to reconnect and become more conscious about their impact on their surrounding environment.

However, as the human population increases, there is going to be a higher demand for more apartment buildings. By 2050, it is projected that the proportion of the world's population desire to live in urban areas will increase to 68%, according to the UN department of economic and social affairs , which may pose a problem for the 2030 zero-energy target for newly built houses in Japan. Tokyo alone offers to sell many vacant lands to build houses or apartment buildings which will create immense impacts on our environment if not properly managed. For instance, the question of where the leftover materials from destruction of old houses and buildings will go to, the management of those wastes, and the noise and air pollution given off by construction sites will be crucial to address.

The cost to build an environmentally friendly house is also high. What people are looking for, such as solar panel residential rooftop installations, for example, may not be within an individual's personal budget. The durability of solar panels is said to degrade after 20+ years which may lead to the necessity of a replacement, causing an additional price for construction of buildings and houses.

The Japanese government's net zero goal for new buildings may seem ambitious, yet with the encouragement and support from the government, public policy makers, architects, and the public, environmentally friendly practices in architecture will become the new future in Japan.

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Buildings account for around 40% of annual global CO2 emissions, according to the non-profit organization, Architecture2030. The Japanese Cabinet's goal is to have zero-energy for newly built houses by 2030. This goal means that the Japanese government is aiming for newly built houses to consume less energy than their production of renewable energy.

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Reduced levels of human environment in Japan.

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HYDROPOWER

hydroelectric power

oil

coal