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Straits Times
4 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
1,100 cave-ins, cavities on Japan's highways in 10 years; over 40% triggered by pipe damage
More than 1,100 cases of cave-ins and underground cavities were confirmed on national highways across the country between fiscal years 2015 and 2024. TOKYO – More than 1,100 cases of cave-ins and underground cavities were confirmed on national highways across the country between fiscal years 2015 and 2024 , according to a recent analysis by The Yomiuri Shimbun. Of this number, more than 40 per cent were caused by surrounding soil and sand flowing into damaged underground pipes, as with the cave-in that occurred earlier in 2025 in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, according to the analysis. It was also found that about 20 per cent of the incidents were caused by construction defects, such as insufficient ground compaction. Furthermore, nearly half of the cases occurred within a one-kilometre radius of a similar incident. An expert has stressed the need for the government to strengthen the maintenance and management of national highways. In the Jan 28 incident in Yashio, part of the surface of a prefectural road suddenly collapsed at an intersection, and a truck traveling along the road fell into a sinkhole. It is believed to have been caused by damage to a pipe installed in 1983, which allowed surrounding soil and sand to flow into it, creating an underground void. The sinkhole subsequently expanded to 40m wide and 15m deep. The truck driver died in the incident, and sewer use was temporarily restricted in 12 municipalities within the prefecture. To conduct its analysis, The Yomiuri Shimbun requested the disclosure of relevant information from eight regional development bureaus and the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau under the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, as well as the Cabinet Office's Okinawa General Bureau. Overall, these bodies manage 24,000km of national highways. The Yomiuri then collected documents reporting cave-ins and cavities that were detected in the 10 years from fiscal year 2015 to analyse factors including the dates and times, locations, scale, causes and repair methods. Incidents for which reports were not compiled were also included in the analysis if they had been made public. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road South sinkhole removed; road remains closed for repairs Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Thai-Cambodia border shelling continues despite Trump's ceasefire call Singapore PAP has to retain its position for S'pore to keep doing well: SM Lee Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Singapore HSA will not trace vape users who throw away e-vaporisers in disposal bins at 23 CCs Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes At least 1,157 incidents – 730 cave-ins and 427 cavities – had been reported. The prefectures with the highest number were Kochi with 78 cases; Ishikawa 63; Tottori 62; Chiba 59 and Shimane 55. A total of 509 cases, or 44 per cent, were caused by surrounding soil and sand flowing into corroded or damaged pipes, or deteriorated joints, creating cavities underground. Construction defects totaled 259 cases, or 22 per cent, with most of these resulting from insufficient compaction of the ground during road construction or pipe laying. In addition, 276 cases, or 24%, were attributed to such factors as decayed tree roots, the collapse of nearby slopes, earthquakes and typhoons. There were 521 cases in which a cave-in or cavity occurred within a one-kilometer radius of another such incident on the same highway, more than 40 per cent of the total. At the Omano intersection on National Highway Route 4 in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture, three cave-ins occurred between 2022 and 2024 due to corrosion and damage to the same drainage pipe. 'At present, the government hasn't yet been able to fully grasp the precise picture of road sinkholes and cavities,' a senior ministry official said in response to the analysis results. 'We will expedite efforts to investigate and proceed with establishing a system to quickly grasp the underground situation.' 'Many national highways are designated as emergency transportation routes in the event of a disaster. If the risk of sinkholes is left unaddressed, road cave-ins could be a frequent occurrence during an earthquake, delaying rescue and relief efforts,' said Professor Reiko Kuwano, a professor of geotechnical engineering at the University of Tokyo. 'The government needs to work with entities in charge of underground infrastructure to strengthen the maintenance and management system for national highways,' Prof Kuwano said. THE JAPAN NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Yomiuri Shimbun
18-07-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Noto Peninsula Quake-Damaged Tunnel in Ishikawa Pref. Reopens After 18 Months; Residents Upbeat About Shortened Travel Time
WAJIMA, Ishikawa —A vital quake-damaged road including a tunnel reopened on Thursday after being closed for 18 months following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Nakaya Tunnel measures 1.3-kilometers and is on National Highway Route 249 in the prefecture. The tunnel sustained damage, including the collapse of its concrete inner walls, during the earthquake. Just before the repairs were completed, subsequent heavy rains caused the surrounding slopes to collapse on Sept. 21, once again rendering the tunnel impassable. Residents, who have been eagerly awaiting its reopening, expressed hope that it would boost recovery efforts. The tunnel was part of a 5.5-kilometer section that was restored by the Hokuriku Regional Development Bureau of the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. The opening of this vital artery — the sole main road connecting the Monzen district of Wajima City to the city center — will shorten travel time by up to 20 minutes compared to the detour route. 'The roads are still damaged, but it will be easier to get to shopping and hospitals,' said a 78-year-old man from the city.
Yomiuri Shimbun
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
1st Newly Built Asuka Cruise Ship in 34 Years Unveiled as More Companies Invest in Building Cruise Ships
The Asuka III, NYK Line's first new passenger ship in 34 years, is set to go into service on July 20, becoming part of a two-ship fleet for the company alongside the active Asuka II. NYK Line unveiled the interior of the Asuka III to the press on July 11. The ship weighs 52,265 gross tons, 230 meters long and can accommodate 740 passengers. It boasts an outdoor pool, a casino and six restaurants, and all 381 staterooms include balconies providing ocean views. As part of decarbonization efforts, the ship's fuel system allows for the use of liquefied natural gas, which emits fewer greenhouse gases, in addition to conventional heavy and light oils. On its maiden voyage, the ship will embark on a seven-day tour, visiting Hakodate and Otaru in Hokkaido. The travel fare, for two people sharing a room, ranges from ¥984,000 to ¥4,786,000 per person. 'We aspire to be the flagship of Japan's cruise industry,' Captain Hisashi Kogue said during the preview event on July 11. NYK Line's primary businesses is cargo logistics, such as transporting automobiles and raw fuel. However, the company's outlook is uncertain due to disruptions from U.S. tariff measures and concerns about economic slowdown. To diversify its revenue sources, the company aims to strengthen its cruise ship business. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the number of global cruise passengers reached a record high of 34.6 million in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. It predicts this number will approach 40 million by 2027. The Japanese market is relatively small, with only 224,000 passengers in 2024. However, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has set a goal of reaching 1 million passengers by 2030. As cruise ship businesses are expected to experience increased demand both domestically and internationally, companies are focusing their efforts on this sector. In March, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced the purchase of a cruise ship from a U.S. passenger ship company, with plans to commence operations in the second half of 2026. The company also plans to invest about ¥100 billion to build two cruise ships, with the first slated for completion around 2027. Oriental Land Co. aims to commence cruise ship operations by the end of fiscal 2028. The company's long-term management strategy, announced in April, also revealed a plan to consider launching a second ship. 'Unlike theme parks, cruises have no land constraints,' said President Wataru Takahashi. 'We want to leverage our strength, which is the power of Disney, to provide enjoyment to our customers,' he added, indicating his intention to establish the cruise ship business as a growth pillar.
Yomiuri Shimbun
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Post: Organizational Laxity Invited Unusually Severe Penalty
Japan Post Co. has been forced to cease use of many of its vehicles due to widespread legal violations that disregarded safety in its postal service, which supports people's lives. The firm must prevent any similar incidents while working to reduce disruptions. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has decided to revoke Japan Post's relevant license under the Motor Truck Transportation Business Law after it was found that the company failed to conduct roll calls for delivery drivers or did not conduct them in the proper manner. About 2,500 vehicles, including trucks, that are owned by post offices nationwide will no longer be available for use. A new license cannot be obtained for five years after it is revoked. This is the most severe penalty under the law, and it is highly unusual for a major shipping company to be given such a punishment. The roll calls are intended to check on the health of drivers and whether they have alcohol in their system. This is a mandatory practice for shipping companies as a prerequisite for safe operations. However, Japan Post found in an investigation that more than 70%, or about 2,400, of its post offices nationwide offering delivery and collection services had failed to conduct roll calls properly. The ministry then conducted a special audit and found that, in addition to the problem with roll calls, many records were also falsified. Disregarding laws and regulations and neglecting measures meant to ensure safety are unacceptable. That such widespread violations were left unresolved shows just how lax the corporate culture is at Japan Post. When did this malpractice start? A thorough investigation must be conducted. What is most concerning is the effect this scandal could have on Japan Post's postal and parcel delivery services. Japan Post delivers mail and parcels via truck between larger postal offices, which serve as hubs. About 32,000 microvans and other small vehicles are used for services such as home deliveries and to collect mail from mailboxes. With the House of Councillors election and the traditional summer gift-giving season approaching, the volume of deliveries is expected to increase. The delivery of letters, postcards and other types of personal correspondence is a basic service that allows people to communicate with one another. These deliveries are subject to strict regulations, even when they are outsourced only partially. Japan Post is likely to outsource some of its services to other shipping companies for the time being. However, there is a serious shortage of truck drivers, so securing new outsourcing partners will not be easy. The ministry plans to conduct an audit on microvans and other types of vehicles in the future. While smaller vehicles must be registered, companies do not have to obtain business licenses for them, meaning there is no rule to revoke permits. However, firms may still be barred from using these vehicles if there is a serious violation. Authorities must be thorough in correcting such improper practices. With fewer letters and postcards being sent, Japan Post is facing a difficult financial situation as its postal and logistics businesses continue to be in the red. This scandal could have a growing impact on people's lives. Japan Post should once again reflect on how disregarding laws and regulations not only deals a serious blow to its business but also places a heavy burden on the people. (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 8, 2025)
Yomiuri Shimbun
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Govt, Carmakers to Join Hands on Autonomous Cars With AI; New Technology Allows Greater Adaptability, Lower Cost
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry building in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo Major Japanese automobile manufacturers are planning to jointly develop self-driving technology that uses generative AI, according to sources. The companies are expected to cooperate in developing such elements as the AI infrastructure and in the collection of driving data. The government will provide financial support. It is hoped that through this endeavor, Japan's public and private sectors will catch up with the United States and China in the development of self-driving cars. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry were to submit a strategy plan at a meeting on Thursday. Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and other Japanese major carmakers are expected to decide by this summer the fields in which they will cooperate. This move to promote cooperation in both the public and private sectors reflects concern about the changes that generative AI has triggered in the development of self-driving technology. The 'conventional' self-driving technology that Japanese carmakers have developed so far enables automobiles to maneuver the steering wheel using geographical information and driving rules that they learned beforehand. This kind of technology needs time to have the cars learn about various situations on the road, and it cannot respond flexibly to unpredictable situations. It also requires high-precision 3D maps and expensive sensors. In contrast, cars with self-driving technology that uses generative AI can ascertain their situation and independently make judgements in any unpredictable situation, based on footage taken by the dashboard camera, which functions like human eyes. Such cars can be developed at a lower cost than conventional ones. U.S. carmaker Tesla has developed high-precision self-driving technology with generative AI, and Chinese makers are accelerating their development of such cars. Japanese makers have been cautious about developing such vehicles due to safety concerns. However, with AI-supported cars expected to become mainstream, the Japanese government decided to provide financial support and support cooperation among domestic automakers in developing the AI infrastructure and collecting driving data.
