Environment Ministry gives approval to construction of more coal-fired power stations

The Environment Ministry announced that it has decided to change its restrictive policy on coal-burning power plants to one giving a green light to constructing more of these high carbon-emitting plants.

Gap in regional minimum wages weakens local economies: JCP Shimazu

Japanese Communist Party lawmaker Shimazu Yukihiro pointed out that the gap in regional minimum wages has been causing a population drain to big cities and weakening local economies.

Minister hints at possibility of ordering broadcasters to go off the air

The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications has implied that the minister may order broadcast licensees to stop broadcasting if their programs are judged to be repeatedly lacking political fairness based on the Radio Act.