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Japan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Times
Foreign residents closely follow Japan's election and party pledges
As Japan's foreign population continues to rise both in terms of quantity and diversity, one of the talking points during Sunday's election was how the country should deal with the increase of international residents. While foreign nationals do not have the right to vote unless they naturalize, as residents they contribute to the economy, pay taxes and raise families in Japan. As electoral results could impact their lives, The Japan Times asked several foreign residents to weigh in. Interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity. Mark Williams (55) United States, resident of Japan since 2006 If I could vote myself, I'd want to see stronger enforcement of labor laws. I've been lucky, but I know people in other companies who are stuck in that culture where you can't leave until your boss does. That needs to change — for both Japanese people and foreigners alike. The cost of living is another big one. There are so many middlemen in the distribution process here that it drives up prices unnecessarily. Streamlining that could make a real difference. I have definitely noticed a shift in attitude (regarding foreigners), especially online. However, if I'm being honest, I've experienced far worse back home in the U.S. than I ever have here. There are people who've always held discriminatory views — now they just feel more free to voice them. It's not that there are more people who think this way, just more who are willing to say it out loud. When people say negative things about foreigners online, my wife or daughter will sometimes point it out to me. I might not have noticed otherwise, because I'm not glued to the TV or reading comments all the time. Day-to-day, I've only ever had positive experiences with people in Japan. My coworkers have always treated me well. I've never felt unwelcome in my workplace. I judge people based on how they treat me directly — not based on what's said online or in anonymous comments. Alexander Howell-Jackson (27) United Kingdom, resident of Japan for three years Anti-foreigner sentiment has definitely been rising. You can see it with parties like Sanseito. But it mirrors what's happening in the rest of the world. When the economy's stagnant and prices go up, people look for someone to blame and often that ends up being foreigners. Most Japanese people have never had a meaningful interaction with a foreigner. That leaves a vacuum for media narratives to shape their views. It's funny to see the 'foreigners are taking our jobs' narrative appear here too. Japan has a labor shortage and a shrinking population — there are so many unfilled jobs. There's no way to tell a tourist apart from a foreign resident, so we all get lumped together. Even if I've lived here for years, I get judged by what a tourist did last week. It's frustrating — when tourists don't know the rules, we all pay the price. It's not like we have 'foreign resident' stamped on our forehead with a visa type. That's not to say everyone is falling victim to this rhetoric. Online, the most racist people are the most vocal. Just because you see those kinds of comments doesn't mean everyone thinks like that. Simon Henderson (40) Australia, resident of Japan for three years I've been following the election very closely. It feels like a pivotal moment for Japan. There's a very real possibility of a political shift, which makes this election particularly significant. Foreign nationals contribute substantially to Japan's wellbeing, including through taxes. Yet we're still excluded from voting and often from political discourse entirely. Many of us have deep roots here. We work, we pay taxes, we raise families. But without the right to vote, we remain politically invisible. It's disappointing to see major parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party, echo xenophobic rhetoric rather than challenging it. Instead of framing foreign nationals as threats, Japan's political leaders should recognize the benefits of a more diverse society. Japan isn't alone in this shift. We're seeing nationalism rise worldwide — but that's no excuse for inaction here. Japan has internationalized a lot over the past decade, but its political institutions haven't kept pace with that change. If I could vote, I'd want to back candidates that understand Japan's future depends on inclusion — not fear. Climate change is also a top concern for me. I'd also support parties pushing for human rights reforms and more generous refugee policies. Additionally, it's contradictory that 18-year-olds can vote but can't run for the Upper House until they're 30 (unlike Australia, where the minimum age to run for office is 18). That sends a clear message: young people don't belong in politics. If Japan wants to improve voter turnout and engagement, especially among youth, it needs to reform its outdated candidacy laws. Maximo Arozarena (39) Mexico, resident of Japan for seven years On the surface, (the rhetoric regarding foreign nationals) doesn't always sound that bad — but for people who understand the context, it's a little bit worrying. I'm not super alarmed personally, because I've seen this kind of thing everywhere — in the U.S., even back in Mexico. But that doesn't mean it's harmless. It's part of a global trend that worries me. I think the election last October, where the LDP took a big hit, felt more significant. But this one matters too, especially because of Sanseito gaining ground and how that will shift the tone going forward. There's a lot of stress around the economy — the yen being weak, interest rates, even the ripple effects from tariffs and the U.S. elections. It's all adding to this general anxiety, and you can feel that in the conversations people are having. If I could vote, I'd back (a candidate advocating for) more progressive social policies — equal rights, gay marriage — but also economic strategies that go beyond short-term fixes. I know it's idealistic, but that's what I'd hope for. For example, tourism is critical for Japan's economy now, but the way it's handled isn't sustainable. Locals are frustrated with overtourism, and as someone working in the industry, I feel that frustration too. We need better planning — something that supports the economy without overwhelming communities. Right now, it just feels like we're improvising. One good thing I've seen in recent elections is that Japanese people seem more and more politically engaged. Hopefully, that leads to something positive, and not just empty rhetoric.
Wales Online
13-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
North Wales bakery with 'Mold's most expensive sausage rolls' and 'sugar rush' cakes
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Cravin', the popular Mold bakery was refurbished and re-launched by new owner Shane Mellor, earlier this year. Shane used to be a stall holder on Mold Market with an artisan bread and cake stall, so is well known in the town. Shane's baking heritage goes back to 1968 and he is incredibly proud of his range of handmade products, produced at his small bakery in Neston. Cravin' is known for its old school cakes, ice cream, milkshakes and hot desserts as well as a fantastic savoury range of delicious gourmet sausage rolls, handmade pasties and tasty quiches. It's really difficult to walk past the Cravin' shop window, without gazing lovingly at the cakes. Cravin' recently caused a bit of a fuss in the town by advertising the sausage rolls as 'Mold's most expensive sausage rolls' and they even released a mug, which had the words 'I am the mug who paid £4 for a sausage roll' on them. Mold's most expensive sausage rolls may be the talk of the town, but these gourmet rolls are much bigger and tastier than your usual bog-standard sausage rolls. They are named things like 'Get Stuffed' 'Boss Hog' 'Pigin Pickle' or 'Cheesy Trotter' although they did have a traditional one called 'Olde English' as well. (Image: Mark Williams/North Wales Live) We decided to see what the fuss was about and popped into the shop. Be warned, the smell of sugar in the store, might play havoc with your sweet tooth. The head spinning cake display is worth a visit in its own right. But first, we took a gander at the controversial pork savoury snacks. We saw a sign that offered three sausage rolls for £10, which seemed like too many sausage snacks for me, but the lady behind the counter handily suggested that you can also mix and match with the fine-looking cakes as well. I decided to go with a 'Bombay Bad Hog' although I did feel a little self-conscious saying it out loud. This sausage roll included top quality seasoned pork with red onion and Indian spice, wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. This puff pastry bite had a little bit of a kick to it, but it was fairly lightly spiced compared to the ominous name. I also went for one entitled 'El Matador'. This Spanish sounding sausage roll was made with chorizo and paprika. Just by adding a tiny bit of chorizo, took this sausage rolls from standard to fabulous. The paprika added a smoky, sweet tang to the crisp red-tinged outer layer of pastry. The moist underbelly was tightly packed with tasty peppery pork. It was impossible to pick one cake from the wondrous display of sweet baked goods, but needs must. They had everything here from silky buttercreams, loaf cakes to golden sponges. Reece's or Freddo brownies and Jammy dodger tarts were all competing for your attention, alongside all manner of old school cakes. (Image: Mark Williams/North Wales Live) A lot of the cakes were taking advantage of the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio craze with Pistachio éclairs, Pistachio brownies or Pistachio lemon tarts on sale. I decided to try the Pistachio rocky road. It was a door stopper of smashed up salted green pistachio nuts, mixed with fluffy pink and white marshmallows, dense digestive biscuits and coated in a heavenly mixture of melted milk chocolate and syrup. Before you knew it, your taste buds were having an affair with a mouth-wateringly good, salted pistachio bar, full of squidgy slabs of deliciousness. In truth, it was too big for one person, so we cut into half and shared it. The sugar rush to the head was amazing. We didn't partake with any beverages but noticed that they offered 'Milkshake madness" with thick, creamy, dreamy shakes with flavours such as chocolate, vanilla or strawberry for £3.50 each or 2 for £5. You could also upgrade and create your own masterpiece using any of their chocolate bars or sweets. Think Oreo overload, Kinder chaos, Biscoff heaven or Haribo happiness, the choice is yours. They also offered tea, coffee and hot chocolate but that sounded a bit boring after looking at the milkshake machine. However, I had craved enough sugar and carbs for one day, so decided to leave the milkshake machine alone. The Mold sausage roll controversy just seemed like a bit of good marketing to me. Their super tasty gourmet sausage rolls were packed with quality pork with a variety of fun names, which could turn the head of even the fussiest of sausage roll desperadoes. Yep, in summary, it looks like Craven' is on a roll, when it comes to serving up a perfectly good baked sausage gourmet delight.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dalton Knecht News Surfaces After Missing Lakers Summer League Game
Dalton Knecht News Surfaces After Missing Lakers Summer League Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers are known more for their veterans than their young talent, but Dalton Knecht made an impact for the squad as a rookie last season. The 24-year-old notched 9.1 points on 46.1 percent shooting (37.6 percent 3 PT) with 2.8 rebounds over 19.2 minutes. He also started 16 out of 78 games. Advertisement The Lakers agreed to send Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams in February after they acquired Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. However, they nixed the deal after Williams failed his physical. As a result, Knecht is still a Laker and is a part of the team's Summer League squad. Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton KnechtChris Nicoll-Imagn Images The former Tennessee Volunteer notched 15 points (6-16 FG, 3-7 3 PT) with four rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes in Los Angeles' 87-85 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Knecht didn't play against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, but it wasn't because of injury, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Advertisement "Dalton Knecht will not play tonight against the Pelicans, per the team," he reported. "Although he had a calf cramp late in the Dallas game, this decision was based on general rest for Knecht after he also competed in the California Classic, not out of concern for the calf." The Lakers will play the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night before facing the Boston Celtics on Thursday. The Lakers took Knecht No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. He garnered multiple honors in college, including consensus first-team All-American and SEC Player of the Year in 2024. Related: Russell Westbrook Is Trending After Bucks' Move on Saturday Related: LeBron James Offered Forgiveness to Lakers After Unexpected Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
RNZ News
12-07-2025
- RNZ News
Repeat offender Mark Williams jailed for indecent assault on autistic man
By Shannon Pitman, Open Justice reporter of Photo: 123RF Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and may be upsetting to some readers. A 65-year-old with back-to-back convictions for sexual offending was released into the community after 33 years, only to indecently assault a young autistic man. Mark Williams, who was sentenced to preventive detention in the 1980s for a violent rape, has now been sent back to prison, with a judge commenting that his chances of rehabilitation are slim. Williams appeared for sentencing in the Whangārei District Court on Thursday on one charge of indecent assault of a male and one charge of burglary. The court heard Williams had a significant history of sexual violence dating back 40 years. In 1980, he was convicted of indecent assault and the following year was sent to prison for offensive behaviour. Then, in 1982, he was jailed for three years and six months for assault with intent to rape. In 1985, he committed another violent rape in Auckland that landed him a lifelong term of preventive detention. After 33 years in custody, Williams was released in 2018 to a supported living facility in Whangārei. Things had reportedly been going well, but in December 2023, Williams covered his face with a white balaclava and entered the home of a young autistic man. He then locked the door behind him. The young man was on his phone with noise-cancelling headphones and did not hear Williams enter, and on seeing him, became frightened. He yelled at him to get out of his room, but instead, Williams demanded oral sex. The victim said no and told him to leave, but Williams responded by touching the young man inappropriately. Before he left, he threatened the victim to "keep quiet, otherwise there will be trouble". When Williams was charged in 2024 for the latest offending, he pleaded not guilty and elected a trial by jury, but one month before the trial was due to start this year, he accepted the charge. Defence lawyer Jenna Johnson Aufa'i told the court her client should get a discount for an early guilty plea, but Crown lawyer Pablo Hamber challenged this. "By the time we're at a month before, we've been prepping the victim to come into court," Hamber submitted. "He's had to go through his court education, and sit there and picture what that would be like to give evidence, so while he may not have had to play the game on Saturday, he's done all of the trainings leading up to it." Judge Gus Andree Wiltens said Williams' significant history needed to be taken into account and the impact on the victim who had been adversely affected. "I have to have regard for the possibility of rehabilitation, which in this situation, appears rather slim," the judge said. Judge Andree Wiltens sentenced Williams to 35 months' imprisonment and he would be required to go back before the Parole Board for release. If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111. * This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix Suns trade for Hornets center after rescinded Lakers deal
The Hornets are trading away center Mark Williams again four months after a deal to the Lakers fell through following a failed physical. This time, Phoenix is acquiring Mark Williams from the Hornets in exchange for the No. 29 overall pick and a 2029 first-round pick (least favorable of Utah, Cleveland, Minnesota). The Lakers originally agreed to send Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first round pick and a 2030 first round pick swap in exchange for Williams back at the trade deadline in February. However, the Lakers failed Williams physical, creating an awkward situation in the second half of last season where Williams rejoined the Hornets. Advertisement Williams now heads to a Suns squad that is desperate for help at the center position. Phoenix also took big man Khaman Maluach out of Duke with the No. 10 overall pick (via Houston), building some depth in the frontcourt in the wake of the Suns trading away Kevin Durant to the Rockets last week. Williams, 23, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is set to make $6.2 million next season. He averaged a double-double last year, posting 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. However, he's been injury plagued through his career, appearing in just 106 games during his first three NBA seasons due to injuries. Charlotte now has four picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. They already selected Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 overall pick on Wednesday night. Read the original article on MassLive.
