Latest news with #Mothers'Day
The Mainichi
4 days ago
- General
- The Mainichi
Some child care facilities in Japan replacing Father's Day, Mother's Day with 'family day'
TOKYO -- Father's Day, which falls on June 15 this year in Japan, is approaching. However, an increasing number of day care centers and kindergartens across the country are establishing "family day" instead of celebrating Father's Day and Mother's Day. This shift seems to be driven by the diversification of family structures, including the rise in single-parent households. "I was really happy that they were considerate of each family's situation," and, "Since we don't have a dad, it was appreciated," are some of the posts from single parents on social media expressing gratitude for the switch to family day. Asahi Hoikuen day care center in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, transitioned to family day three years ago. Previously, for Mother's Day in May and for Father's Day in June, children would handcraft items such as keychains and magnets with portraits of their parents and present them as gifts. Now, these activities are combined and held in late May, between Mother's Day and Father's Day. The switch was prompted by the need to revise events and activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The day care center explained, "We have both single-mother and single-father households. We considered the recent diversification of family situations. The children create gifts not only for their parents but also for their grandparents, relatives, and even mom's friends, whoever is important to them." 10% of households with kids are single-parent families According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of single-parent households increased from 947,000 in 1993 to 1,399,000 in 2003, a 1.5-fold rise. Since then, the number has stabilized between 1.3 million and 1.4 million, with 1,344,000 single-parent households in 2021. About 10% of child-rearing households are single-parent families. Poppins Nursery School, a nationwide day care chain, also has multiple facilities that have adopted family day. In late May or June, these centers organize activities such as making gifts for loved ones and displaying family photos. Meanwhile, some child care facilities continue to observe Father's Day and Mother's Day. On social media, single parents have shared diverse opinions, such as "For Father's Day, my child drew a portrait of me (mother) and made a letter for me," and, "(Though I am a single parent,) I would prefer they stick to the traditional format without catering to minority family types." There are varied perspectives, and responses from day care centers and kindergartens seem to differ accordingly. Some commercial facilities and libraries that traditionally displayed children's drawings of their parents on Mother's Day and Father's Day are now moving toward displaying "family pictures" collectively. For example, the Omori-Minami Library in Tokyo's Ota Ward has integrated these displays for Mothers' Day and Father's Day into a "family portrait exhibition" starting in 2023. They showcase family drawings created by visiting children from May to June. A library representative said, "The change reflects the fact that there are now many different types of families." (Japanese original by Shuji Ozaki, Digital News Group)
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Straits Times
Tapirs top roadkill list in Malaysia
According to the Wild life and National Parks Department of Malaysia, 112 Malayan tapirs were struck down by vehicles between 2020 and 2024. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK PETALING JAYA - The Malayan tapir tops the list of large mammals most frequently killed in road accidents in Malaysia . According to the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), 112 Malayan tapirs were struck down by vehicles from 2020 to 2024. Sun bears and black panthers were second with nine deaths each. They are followed by Asian elephants (six deaths) and Malayan tigers (four deaths). Each of the five types of large mammals - the Malayan tapir, sun bear, lack panther, Asian elephant and Malayan tiger - is considered an endangered species in Malaysia. 'Many of these incidents are linked to recent deforestation or land-use change that leads to habitat fragmentation. 'The reduction in habitat size compels wildlife to encroach into adjacent human-modified landscapes. 'This fragmentation forces wildlife to cross roads to reach other patches to access essential resources such as food, water, shelter, and mating opportunities,' the department told The Star. An incident on Mothers' Day, where a mother elephant was seen grieving by her fatally injured calf in the Malaysian state of Perak , along the Gerik-Jeli Highway, touched many people. It led to growing calls to better protect the country's wildlife. In April, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that only around 700 to 800 Malayan tapirs remain in their natural habitats. Perhilitan said 2,336 wild animals were killed by vehicles nationwide from 2020 to 2024, with 522 wildlife roadkill incidents recorded in 2024 . The department said that in terms of species, the most affected by roadkill incidents over the five year-period are monitor lizards, with 548 struck down. Second were macaques (487), followed by wild boar (329), civet species (326), and cat species (118). Perhilitan said ecological factors also contribute to wildlife crossing roads. 'Wildlife may cross roads to escape areas with high human activity, noise, or pollution. 'The presence of roads may alter their behaviour, leading them to seek new, less disturbed habitats even if they have to risk their lives crossing busy roads.' While there is no consistent pattern of roadkill incidents across specific months or wildlife breeding seasons, the time of day does play a significant role. Most wildlife-vehicle collisions occur at night or in areas with poor visibility, such as sharp bends or winding roads, the department said. This is attributed to the nocturnal behaviour of most wildlife, making them less visible and more challenging for motorists to detect during night-time driving conditions. 'These incidents are largely preventable,' the department said. It urged drivers to adhere strictly to speed limits, especially when passing through known wildlife hotspots. Slower speeds can significantly reduce collision risk and give motorists more reaction time when animals suddenly appear on the road. Perhilitan said it has implemented measures to reduce wildlife roadkill incidents. They include installing wildlife crossing warning signs, solar-powered amber lights, and transverse bars on roads to slow vehicles. The department rescues and relocates wildlife to more suitable habitats and has built wildlife crossing viaducts in selected locations in collaboration with the Public Works Department. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fans fail to recognize Aaryamann Sethi but share that they see Ayushmaan often in vlogs; former asks Archana Puran Singh, 'aap pehchante ho na mujhe?'
Archana Puran Singh and her Sethi boys celebrated Mothers' Day, Aaryamann and Ayushmaan decided to give a special surprise to their mom. Both boys went for thoughtful gifts for Archana. At the beginning of the vlog, Archana's sons set out to make their mother feel special in their own distinct ways. While Ayushmaan picked over 50 mangoes from their homemade garden for her, Aryamann served her breakfast in bed, complete with her favourite savouries, sweets, and tea. After starting the day on a beautiful and emotional note, the brothers surprised their mother with a salon appointment. Before leaving for the day, Archana made sure to wish her own mother a happy Mother's Day and gave her a lovely indoor plant. Archana then joined the boys to Bastian for dinner after her makeover. As they entered the restaurant, fans gathered to click pictures. However, they failed to recognise Aaryamann and mentioned that they have seen Ayushmaan quite often in the vlogs and they know him. Aary storms inside the door, Archana then asked the people, "Isko nahi pehchaana? Isko nahi dekha vlogs mein?" The fan said, "Nahi inko nahi dekha, unko dekha hai, ache vlog karte hain aap. Aap handsome ho." Ayushmaan added, "Woh bhi vlog mein hota hai, mera bhai hai. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gạch lát sàn cao su không cần keo – xu hướng mới nhất tại Việt Nam! Gạch | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm Ngay Undo Archana ji ka bada beta." Archana then keeps consoling Aaryamann and he asked her, 'Aap pehchante ho na mujhe?' Archana then bursts laughing as she hugs him tightly. As they order their dinner, Aary makes a witty comment on Parmeet's PJs, says 'Papa mumma dono ne mujhe bahut maara, bolte the tu adopted hai, ganda hai, nahi chahiye hume.' Keep reading this space for more updates.
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
Amazon delivery driver poops on LA porch
A UPS worker delivers an Amazon package in San Francisco, California. An Amazon driver left more than just the usual packages on the doorsteps of two different homes. — Bloomberg LOS ANGELES, United States: A delivery driver dropped off more than an Amazon package on her weekend route when she stopped to relieve herself outside two different houses. Security camera footage captured the courier, wearing an Amazon vest, climbing the steps of a home in Los Angeles with a parcel in hand. When she walked away from the front porch – pulling up her shorts – a human poop was left on the bottom step. Homeowner Tamara Bedoy told broadcaster KTLA her husband was confronted with the mess when he went to get her a Mothers' Day coffee and to pick up the gift that had been delivered. "He went downstairs and was greeted by not only one package, but a second inappropriate, disgusting package, which was essentially human faeces and what looked to be urination," Bedoy said. "I was really disgusted. It was a horrible experience." Barely half an hour later, the same driver was seen on another home's security camera dropping her pants and urinating close to the package she had just delivered. A spokesman for Amazon told AFP that the driver, who was an independent contractor, was no longer delivering for the company. "We're deeply disturbed by the unacceptable behaviour of this delivery driver and apologise to the customers involved," Richard Rocha said. – AFP
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
The queens and kings of Canterbury cats
The stories behind how Canterbury cats become show queens or kings are often as colourful as their fur. Wicked, a four-month-old Birman Blue Point kitten, came via a legacy from the late Miriam Dobson of Rolleston. The little bundle of white and grey fluffiness attracted the eye of Grace Rowntree, 8, from Fernside as she looked through the wide variety of cats on show at the Longhair Cat Breeders' Association South Island annual show in Rangiora over the weekend. Dobson's friends say Wicked was special because she was so well known for breeding and showing dogs, not cats, and they were proud to show the kitten in her memory. Nearby, among the other cats of all shapes and sizes on show, was a black kitten named Ned. From rescue kitten to show cat, Ned's big day out required a lot of care and attention from his eight-year-old owner Travis Hahn. For both of them it was their first time in the limelight. Travis says Ned came into his life as a rescue kitten from Rangiora's Cat Care. ''He lovely, but he can be a bit of handful like today, but that's all the noises and smells around him,'' Travis said as he held Ned firmly for a photo. Ned's big moment came as part of a 49-strong contingent of cats from all over the country who fronted up to be inspected, probed and peered at by the judges and the over 800 owners, fanciers and enthusiasts who turned up for the one-day show. But despite Ned being a bit skittish at the cacophony of noises accompanying his first cat show, he still managed to pick up several runner-up awards as best short-haired domestic cat at the show. Show manager Coulton Finch says it was great to see so many people crowding into the hall to look at the breeds. ''We've passed last year's attendance numbers, and it has been such a good turn out on Mother's Day.'' Coulton says it was sad that cat shows are not as popular as they once used to be. ''Our twice-yearly shows are the only ones held in Canterbury now, when there used to be so many in the past.'' He says the club has been holding the annual Mothers' Day show since the mid 1970s. ''We always get a good crowd coming along because people have been out to brunch with mum and then call in to see the many wonderful cats we have on display, plus kittens and those at the cuddling corner.'' There were five judging bays to watch the invited judges showcasing how to spot a winner, a very popular cuddle corner, plus sales and a portrait area for cat fanciers in the Rangiora Bowling Club rooms. Mr Finch says the role of the club is to educate people about long haired cats, how to care for and show them. Longtime Rangiora breeder of Maine Coons Vicki Walls, says cats are a fun hobby and wonderful companions. She enjoys their company, raising kittens and passing them on to new owners. She says her best time is socialising her cats out in public every time she takes them for walks in Rangiora.
