Latest news with #Jiji
41 minutes ago
- Politics
Same-Sex Partnership Systems Cover More than 90% of Japan's Population a Decade After Introduction
Japan Data A decade after the introduction of same-sex partnership systems in the Tokyo municipalities of Shibuya and Setagaya, coverage has expanded to 92.5% of the Japanese population. Growing Coverage A survey conducted jointly by NPO Nijiiro Diversity and the Shibuya municipal government in Tokyo found that 530 Japanese prefectures and municipalities have adopted same-sex partnership systems as of May 31, 2025. At present, 92.5% of the population in Japan has access to such systems, after a year-on-year increase of 7.4 percentage points. To date, 9,836 partnership certificates have been issued to couples. Under partnership systems, same-sex couples who live together can register for a certificate recognizing their relationship as equivalent to marriage. Obtaining a certificate makes it possible for same-sex partners to be recognized as family and enjoy the same administrative services as their heterosexual counterparts, such as being able to apply for public housing together. Local governments have introduced partnership systems to help compensate for Japan not legally recognizing same-sex marriages. The movement received a major boost in 2022 when the metropolis of Tokyo, with a population of 14 million, introduced its own system. This year's survey found that 33 of Japan's 47 prefectures have same-sex partnership systems in 100% of their municipalities. With the introduction of systems in Sendai, Fukushima, Matsuyama, and other cities, coverage extends to all of the country's prefectural capitals and designated cities. In 2019, same-sex couples filed lawsuits in five district courts, claiming that the current law against same-sex marriage violates the Constitution's guarantees of freedom of marriage and equality under the law. While decisions were divided in the lower courts, judgements from five high courts in 2024 and 2025 were unanimous in ruling that the current law against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Data Sources Information on same-sex partnership systems in Japan (Japanese with English summary) from Shibuya municipal government and NPO Nijiiro Diversity. (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: Lawyers for the plaintiffs and others hold boards marking the verdict that the ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional at Nagoya High Court on March 7, 2025. © Jiji.)
a day ago
- Business
Affordable Despite High Tariffs? Private Rice Imports Spike in Japan
In 1995, Japan made the decision to open up its rice market. Up to that point, there had been very few imports of rice into the country, but under the Uruguay Round Agreement, part of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, Japan agreed to import a 'minimum access' quota (currently 770,000 tons of unpolished rice each year) tariff-free. Minimum access rice is imported and sold centrally by the government in order to minimize its impact on distribution of domestically produced rice. Out of the current 770,000 tons of imports, a maximum of 100,000 tons is allocated for human consumption, which equates to approximately 1.5% of the recent annual demand for staple rice (7 million tons). When private companies import rice, they are subject to a high tariff of ¥341 per kilogram. In recent years, these private imports have generally stayed in the range of 600 to 800 tons per year. The graph below shows rice import volumes, with yellow representing minimum access rice and red private imports, which, as can be seen, were such a small amount up to 2024 that they were practically invisible. A graph of just the private imports shows a sharp increase since the start of 2025. The 1,280 tons in March exceeded the total of 1,015 tons for the whole of 2024, and this rose to 6,838 tons in April, and then 10,607 tons in May. The soaring price of domestically produced rice makes it seem that foreign rice is cheaper, even when tariffs and other import costs are taken into account. In the past, the majority of foreign rice was imported from Thailand, Vietnam, India, and other Asian countries. However, since the beginning of 2025, the ratio of rice being imported from the United States has been increasing, surpassing 70% in May. In June, the major retailer Aeon began selling 100% US-grown rice in its stores, mainly in urban areas, while restaurant chains and other establishments are moving forward with using foreign-grown rice, as well as blends of domestic rice with US and other foreign-grown rice. Data Sources (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: Karoyaka, 100% Californian-grown Calrose rice from the United States, being sold at Aeon on May 13, 2025. © Jiji.)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dandadan Season 2 unleashes the Evil Eye: Here's what to expect from the anime's darkest arc
Source: Crunchyroll The goofy, unhinged chaos of Season 1? Yeah, put that in a haunted box and seal it with a talisman because Season 2 has entered full horror 1 dropped on 3 July, and the rest of the season is coming every Thursday on Crunchyroll (with Netflix and Hulu doing their thing in select regions). So, cancel your Thursday plans—or don't, but prepare to be haunted either way. Dandadan season 2 darkest arc explained Dandadan season 2 'Evil Eye arc' Say goodbye to chasing aliens in your undies and hello to full-blown possession, bloody eyes, and 'why is the room spinning' levels of fear. This season's big bad is the Evil Eye—a demon thingy with a serious anger issue and the fashion sense of a horror movie monster. It sets its sights on poor Jiji (sweet, clueless Jiji), who ends up looking like he went 10 rounds with The Ring and lost. We're talking rage fits, glowing orbs of doom, and family secrets that make Turbo Granny look wholesome. Dandadan season 2 'The Cursed House arc' So, Jiji invites Momo and Okarun to his totally normal house. Except… surprise! The house is bigger on the inside, smells like a haunted doll shop, and may or may not want to eat them. Weird rooms that shift. Talismans peeling off the walls. And don't get me started on that shrine in the attic. Honestly, if Scooby-Doo had trauma, it'd be this arc. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo But oh, the animation. Science SARU went feral in the best way—fighting scenes switch between black and white and full-colour chaos depending on who's winning, losing, or getting emotionally obliterated. Where to watch Dandadan season 2 New episodes drop every Thursday, so lock in your Crunchyroll logins. Netflix and Hulu are streaming it in selected regions, too. Also, in a dramatic move, the first three episodes came out as a film (Dandadan: Evil Eye) in theatres. Dandadan season 2 new opening song Gone are the funky, chaotic OPs of Season 1. Now we've got 'On The Way' by AiNA THE END, and it is giving: melancholy ballet in a ghost town. Fans are divided. Half are weeping into their pillows, the other half are like, 'Where's the chaos??' But visually? It slaps. Silhouettes. Symbolism. Hidden references. You blink, you miss like five layers of trauma. Who is back in Dandadan season 2 Source: IMDB The original voice cast returns, still screaming, fighting, and flirting their way through paranormal hell: Momo = still the queen of exorcisms Okarun = still giving alien‑boyfriend energy Jiji = now the host for an actual demon Turbo Granny = still doing too much, and we love her for it Science SARU's also back, and they're clearly unhinged in the best way possible. Bless. Final thoughts : Why you should watch Dandadan season 2 Source: IMDB Season 1 gave us vibes. Season 2 is giving vibes with consequences. It's creepy, chaotic, emotional, and weird in a way only Dandadan can pull not just ghosts anymore. It's guilt. It's trauma. It's possession with a side of "are we still friends after that demon attacked us?"The relationships deepen. The tension thickens. The jump scares? They're not cheap—they're earned. And somehow, through all the horror, it still makes you laugh. Dandadan has that effect. Next episode drops this Thursday—don't say I didn't warn you. Also read| Anime of the season: The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity series begins with heart and humour
SoraNews24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Totoro and Jiji tail seat cushions blend Studio Ghibli backsides with yours【Photos】
Ghibli tails from Ghibli tales. Does anyone else sometimes forget that Totoro has a tail? Maybe it's a result of how cozy napping on the forest spirit's tummy looks in the Studio Ghibli anime classic, or because of how expressive his facial expressions are. There really are a lot of captivatingly cute points to his character design to keep track of. But sure enough, he's got a tail, and now there's an adorable reminder of that fact courtesy of Ghibli specialty store Donguri Kyowakoku. At 35 centimeters (13.8-inches) in diameter, the Totoro Tail Seat Cushion may not be big enough to accommodate Totoro's bottom, but it should work just fine for human fans. There's an embroidered-patch Medium/blue Totoro on the pad itself, and a pair of Soot Sprites make an appearance too. The big highlight here, though, of course, is the Totoro tail that sticks out for an anime aesthetic touch even when you're sitting on top of the cushion. The promotional photos show the urethane foam cushion placed on a chair for some extra padding, but it should also work great for Japanese tatami reed floormats, as well as on-the-floor seating in Western-style interiors with carpeting or hardwood floors. Speaking of Ghibli tails from Ghibli tales, there's one character that no one will ever forget has such an appendage, black cat Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service. Technically, the Jiji Tail Seat Cushion gives you two versions of the character's tail, one on the embroidered Jiji patch and the other dangling out from underneath the pad. The Jiji Tail Cushion is the same size as the Totoro one, and they're identically priced too, at 3,300 yen (US$23) each. Both can be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku online shop here. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Featured image: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Studio Ghibli Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dandadan season 2 episode 3 review and recap: Chaos, comedy, and creepy revelations
Dandadan season 2 episode 3 escalates the series' signature blend of insanity and heart. The episode delves deeper into Jiji's dark connection while balancing humor with tension. Turbo Granny's antics continue to entertain, but the episode also lays groundwork for future storylines. With dimension-bending visuals and emotional moments, Dandadan proves its ability to juggle tones. Dandadan season 2 episode 3 continues to ramp up the insanity — in the best way possible. If you thought the last episode was wild, this one takes things up a notch with shocking revelations, hilarious chaos, and a dose of heartfelt character growth. This week's episode doesn't just deliver on the action and absurdity Dandadan is known for — it also pulls back the curtain on deeper emotional you're here for Turbo Granny's madness, the budding chaos of alien powers, or just want to watch Okarun spiral into another dimension of awkwardness, this episode delivers. Let's break it all down. What happens in Dandadan season 2 episode 3 Source: Crunchyroll Spoilers ahead, obviously. Episode 3 picks up right where we left off, with Momo, Okarun, and Jiji still trying to get a handle on their bizarre paranormal lives. We get a deeper look into Jiji's connection with the evil spirit possessing him — and it's darker than expected. The episode cleverly intercuts humour with tension, as Momo juggles being the emotional glue and the group's part-time exorcist. Turbo Granny, once again, steals the show with her perfectly-timed nonsense, but don't let the laughs distract you — this episode plants major seeds for upcoming arcs. Between dimension-bending visuals, unexpected body horror, and surprisingly touching moments, this episode proves Dandadan can juggle tone like a pro. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urban Ascent by Emaar 4 BHK Apartments Starting at ₹ 5.25 Cr* on Dwarka E-Way , Near Gurugram Emaar India Get Quote Undo Dandadan season 2 episode 3 review: Is it worth the hype? Source: Crunchyroll Absolutely. What makes Episode 3 stand out is the balance it strikes — you're laughing one second, then feeling a chill the next. The animation is ridiculously clean (shoutout to Science Saru for going all out), and the pacing never lags. Even quieter character moments feel loaded with emotion and hint at future heartbreak. This episode deserves high praise for pushing the story forward while still feeling rooted in everything fans love. Whether you're a lore nerd or just here for chaos gremlin energy, you're in for a ride. Final thoughts: Dandadan is building towards something big Source: Crunchyroll Dandadan Episode 3 isn't just filler or monster-of-the-week fluff. It's setting up emotional arcs, evolving its characters, and hinting that the supernatural chaos is only going to escalate. If you haven't started Season 2 yet — get on it. And if you're watching weekly? Buckle up, because things are just getting weird(er). Also read| Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc opens to sold-out shows in Japan: Massive fan buzz, reactions, and and India release date
