France worries about Japanese beetles after finding two
Two specimens were captured in traps on July 1 and 2 in the eastern cities of Mulhouse and Saint-Hippolyte, close to France's borders with Germany and Switzerland, they said.
The two beetles probably came to France aboard a truck, train or car, the Grand-Est regional authorities said, a phenomenon known as "hitch-hiking."
The insects, native to Japan, have been detected in Italy since 2014 and in Switzerland since 2017. Last year, a Japanese beetle infestation was discovered in Basel, Switzerland, a city close to the sites of the recent French finds.
Japanese beetles pose a threat to more than 400 species of plants, according to the French health security agency Anses, which had warned since 2022 that the beetle could make it into France.
The insects threaten plum trees, apple trees, vines, corn, soy, green beans and asparagus, among other cultivated plants, as well as trees and ornamental plants such as roses.
The Grand-Est prefecture said that it had ordered increased surveillance of insect traps, as well as visual checks, to make sure that no other Japanese beetles were present.
It also called on the public to report any sightings of the beetles.
The European Union in 2019 designated the Japanese beetle as one of 20 harmful organisms that it said member states should destroy to prevent their spreading which it said could cause billions of euros of damage.
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Japan Times
29-07-2025
- Japan Times
The world's biggest passenger plane keeps breaking down
The world's largest commercial passenger jet, the Airbus A380, enjoyed an unexpected resurgence hauling full loads of passengers when global travel rebounded after the pandemic. But keeping the aging superjumbo safely airborne is becoming an increasingly expensive headache for airlines. Two decades after its maiden flight, regulatory bulletins ordering repairs, inspections or replacement parts for the massive four-engined plane are piling up. While some are procedural, such as a demand for timely equipment checks, others are more serious. Leaking escape slides, cracked seals and a ruptured landing-gear axle feature among 95 airworthiness directives for the A380 listed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) since January 2020. That's about double the number of directives for large Boeing aircraft in the same period. With newer, more fuel-efficient jets in short supply, airlines committed to the twin-deck A380 have little choice but to keep flying it. In its youth, the A380 was a triumph of international collaboration, with 4 million parts made by 1,500 companies worldwide. Now, in old age, the aircraft's complexity is testing aviation's fractured supply chains in the post-COVID era. A Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine for the A380 is seen at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. | Bloomberg "The A380 is a complex aeroplane whose scale does make it more demanding to maintain compared to other aircraft,' EASA said in a statement. "It is very important for safety that there is no stigma attached to publishing an airworthiness directive — safety must come first.' The agency said such directives, which mandate actions to make an aircraft safe, "can vary hugely in scope and urgency.' The volume of airworthiness directives for different planes "is not a good basis for comparison,' EASA said. Stranded passengers However, with the capacity to carry 485 passengers or more, delays caused by mechanical failures can be costly and create a cascade of scheduling headaches. A Qantas Airways A380 on the flagship Sydney-London route broke down in Singapore on May 7 with fuel-pump problems. The onward flight to London was pushed back more than 24 hours and passengers accommodated in hotels. That was at least the second fuel-pump issue to delay Flight QF1 in Singapore since Qantas reactivated its A380s. More recently, Qantas passengers who were due to depart Singapore on July 14 for Sydney on an A380 were delayed for days because of technical difficulties. Plans to retrieve them sooner were complicated by damage to another A380 at Sydney airport, when an aerobridge slammed into one of the engines. The A380 has its share of fans who love its cavernous interiors and audacious scale. | Getty Images / via Bloomberg A British Airways A380 recently spent more than 100 days in Manila. After returning to London Heathrow in mid-June, the plane flew just seven days of the next 30, according to Flightradar24. Still, IAG-owned British Airways from next year will embark on an interior upgrade program, including overhauling A380 cabins, suggesting the airline will keep flying the plane for years. For airlines using the A380, large-capacity alternatives are scarce. Boeing's new 777X is years behind schedule and Airbus can't make long-haul A350s fast enough. Meanwhile, A380 operators are left with an out-of-production superjumbo that will only become more needy and more expensive to run. In online aviation forums, some services are gaining a name for breakdowns, cancellations or overnight delays. In a statement, Airbus said the A380 "continues to operate scheduled services with a high level of operational reliability, standing at 99% for the global fleet over the past 12 months. 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Travel boomed and carriers including Singapore Airlines, Deutsche Lufthansa and Qantas once again embraced the plane's unrivaled carrying power. In a statement, British Airways called the A380 "a vital part of our long-haul fleet. Through working closely with Airbus, we've seen consistent year-on-year improvements in its reliability.' Qantas said the plane "is a key part of our international network, and we'll continue to fly them for years to come. All Qantas A380s have gone through a scheduled major maintenance overhaul in recent years, as well as significant upgrades to the cabin interiors.' An A380 in storage in the Northern Territory, Australia, in 2020. Some of the aircraft's recent faults stem from prolonged periods on the ground during the pandemic, when airlines parked their A380s in the Californian desert, central Spain or the Australian outback. | Bloomberg Other A380 operators were reluctant to provide specific details. Asiana Airlines said "issues related to aircraft operations and maintenance are difficult to disclose externally.' Korean Air Lines said it "maintains its A380 fleet to the highest safety standards, in strict accordance with all regulatory requirements and manufacturer guidelines.' Singapore Airlines said its 12 A380s are important to operations but it was "unable to comment on specifics.' The company said it works closely with "Airbus and our suppliers to ensure the ongoing reliability and serviceability of our A380 fleet.' To be sure, the A380 still has fans. Emirates, which has cannibalized some A380s for spare parts, plans to keep flying the aircraft until the end of next decade. The airline's president, Tim Clark, has likened the jet to a huge vacuum cleaner capable of gobbling up passengers like no other plane. Reliability issues are the latest twist for a superjumbo that has almost always been divisive. Passengers still love the A380's cavernous interiors and audacious scale. Airlines wrestle with its logistics needs — from longer runways to extra-large hangars — as well as the mechanical dramas. Supply chain constraints have increased the price of parts, servicing and engine repairs on all major aircraft, said Eddy Pieniazek, head of advisory of aviation finance data provider Ishka. "With the A380 being of its size and having four engines, this escalation in maintenance costs has become even more noticeable,' said Pieniazek.
Japan Today
28-07-2025
- Japan Today
England's Lionesses return to heroes' welcome after Euro 2025 glory
England fans wait to welcome the Lionesses at Southend airport soccer By John WEAVER England's Lionesses returned to a heroes' welcome on Monday, less than 24 hours after their dramatic penalty-shootout victory against world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 final. Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick in the Swiss city of Basel as Sarina Wiegman's team successfully defended the European women's crown they won at Wembley in 2022. Supporters, many of whom were dressed in England kits and holding flags, cheered as they waited outside Southend airport, about 40 miles (64 kilometres) east of London. In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane, which had "Home" painted in red letters on its side. The aircraft was welcomed with a water salute from two fire engines after landing. Captain Leah Williamson and manager Wiegman were the first off, with the skipper proudly holding the trophy. Among the waiting supporters were twins Poppy and Daisy Macdonald, 11, who were holding a sign asking for a photo with star striker Alessia Russo. "We're so proud. They've won it two times in a row and they've worked so hard for it," said Poppy. "They've had a lot of injuries and setbacks but they've done really well." The Lionesses will next be whisked straight to 10 Downing Street, the working home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. An open-top bus parade will follow on Tuesday, culminating in a celebration in front of Buckingham Palace. Victory in Switzerland was sweet revenge for Wiegman's defending champions, who suffered bitter defeat against the same opponents in the World Cup final two years ago. King Charles III said the team had the royal family's "warmest appreciation and admiration" following their victory, adding: "The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can." Starmer also hailed the triumph, saying: "The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation." The Downing Street reception will hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Red-and-white St George's flags were hanging around the famous black door ahead of the team's arrival later on Monday from a rainy Zurich. Victory in Switzerland on Sunday capped a remarkable tournament packed with late drama for England. Wiegman's team were slow out of the blocks, losing their first match against France, before comfortable wins over the Netherlands and Wales in the group phase. They came back from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarter-finals before winning on penalties, and sealed their spot in Sunday's final with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy. The defending champions again fell behind against Spain on Sunday but Russo cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's first-half opener and neither side could find a winner by the end of extra time. Two penalty saves by player-of-the-match Hannah Hampton and Salma Paralluelo's miss set the stage for Kelly, who also scored the winner against Germany in the 2022 final. In total, the Lionesses led for fewer than five minutes across the entire Euros knockout stage. "I must admit that this is the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played," said Wiegman. "The players say we can win by any means, and we just never, ever give up." The Dutch coach, who has now won three European Championship crowns in a row, having led the Netherlands to victory in 2017, said she hoped England's win would boost women's football across the globe. "How I've experienced this tournament is that the level went up again, the intensity of the games went through the roof," she said. "That's what we've seen. "We've seen it in the games, but also in the data we have. I think this tournament broke every record again and that's great, and I hope that that will boost the women's game everywhere." © 2025 AFP
Metropolis Japan
10-07-2025
- Metropolis Japan
How to Live in Japan
Visas, jobs and the real way people make it work By Living in Japan long-term is possible if you really want it. Whether you're an artist, aspiring developer or just drawn to the culture, the key is understanding how visas work, being flexible with your job expectations and knowing how to network and apply for the right roles. Start With the Right Visa To live and work legally in Japan, you need a visa that permits employment. The most common entry points include: Working Holiday Visa If you're from a country like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada or select EU nations, you may be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa allows you to stay for up to a year (or 18 months for certain nationalities, such as Australians), and work to support your stay. You don't need a job lined up when you apply—you can come with a vague plan, then figure it out. People often take ski resort positions, part-time jobs and English teaching roles. But the real advantage is flexibility. You can try living in Japan without long-term visa stress, plus you're free to pivot your career plans once you're on the ground. The biggest plus is that it gives you time to build an organic network of people and companies for when you're ready to apply for a full-time role in a long-term career you are passionate about. As LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman puts it, 'Your network is the most important asset you have.' Many internationals in Japan get jobs through word of mouth. Working Visa (Standard Route) The usual route for staying long-term is through a Working Visa sponsored by a full-time company in Japan. These include categories like Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and Instructor. This requires a bachelor's degree, a job offer from a Japanese company (usually before you arrive in Japan) and employer sponsorship for your visa. This option is great for those who want to work in a Japanese office. Be aware that many jobs require you to speak advanced Japanese and have passed the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N2 or above. Some jobs with low language or English-language requirements include: English Teaching (ALT, eikaiwa, private tutoring, kindergarten) Software Engineering / Web Dev (many startups and large international companies use English for their Japan branch) Hospitality in Tourist Hubs (hostels, capsule hotels, ski resorts—especially seasonal) Modeling and Entertainment (especially for those with unique looks or language skills) Freelance Writing, Photography, Content Creation (requires visa eligibility, but can be lucrative) Startup Jobs in Tech (early-stage companies often care more about your portfolio than your JLPT level) Business Manager Visa (Start Your Own Business in Japan) If you want to run your own business in Japan, you'll need the Business Manager Visa and a lot of cash to throw at it up front. It's specifically for entrepreneurs and company founders. To qualify, you must: Establish a legal business entity (e.g., a GK or KK) Rent a physical office space (coworking spaces and online offices are not always accepted) Show a minimum investment of ¥5 million (~USD $32,000) Submit a detailed business plan, financial projections and hiring plans This visa is usually issued for 1 year initially and is renewable as long as your business remains active and legitimate. Some city governments, like those in Tokyo or Fukuoka, offer startup support programs that can help you apply for this visa even before incorporation. It's recommended to work with a lawyer familiar with starting a business. Creative or Freelance? Consider the Artist Visa For those pursuing careers in illustration, music, fashion, performance or other artistic fields, Japan offers a dedicated Artist Visa —but it's notoriously competitive. Only a few hundred are approved each year, and you'll need strong documentation of your work and income. Long-Term Goal: Permanent Residency If you're serious about staying in Japan forever, your long-term goal should be Permanent Residency (PR). Most people qualify after 10 years, but with high income, Japanese language skills or certain visa types, you can apply in as little as two. Here's how one creator got permanent residency in just two years Setting Your Expectations Your actual job in Japan might not be your dream job right away—and that's okay. Many newcomers find that Japan's job market is still very who you know and how good your Japanese language skills are, not what you apply for. That's why the real key is to prioritize networking over applications. Sign up for job boards, but don't rely solely on them. Make real connections. Attend meetups, seminars and expos. Go to co-working spaces and international events. Here are a few newsletter resources to start getting career opportunities delivered to your inbox: A Note on English Teaching One of the most common first jobs for newcomers in Japan is English teaching, for obvious reasons. It's accessible, doesn't usually require Japanese and often comes with visa sponsorship. But be cautious if it's not your long-term goal. If you're planning a career shift later (especially into tech, design or business roles), English teaching can be a double-edged sword. On a resume, it may appear irrelevant or misaligned—for example, applying for an engineering job with four years of English teaching as your most recent experience. It creates a disconnect in your career narrative. Consider leaving English teaching off your resume entirely if you're applying for unrelated roles. Manifest who you want to be in your bio at the top of your resume. 'I'm a Tokyo-based software engineer' rather than 'I'm an English Teacher' matches what you're applying for. Maintain a part-time or freelance role in your intended field while teaching, even if it's unpaid at first. There are many internships available in Japan. Even though they're not usually paid, they offer you that experience to get your foot in the door towards the career you're actually aiming for. Build a portfolio and stay current and focused in your target industry—it proves commitment and prevents gaps. How to live in Japan? In conclusion, it's smart to come with a plan, but the reality is, most people pivot once they're here. A job you take to pay rent might lead to a surprising opportunity. And the person you meet at a random event could connect you to a long-term path. In Japan, living here is often about patience, persistence and playing the long game.
