Kathleen Benoza Journalist Profile

Articles

Prince Hisahito to enroll at University of Tsukuba

Dec 11, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Kathleen Benoza

Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Akishino, plans to enroll at the University of Tsukuba come April next year, sources said Wednesday. The 18-year-old, who is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne and currently a third-year student at the university’s affiliated high school, secured admission through the institution’s recommendation-based entrance exam held in November, they said.
Tokyo remains 3rd in global city index for ninth consecutive year

Dec 10, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Kathleen Benoza

Tokyo ranked third for a ninth consecutive year in the Global Power City Index released by the Mori Memorial Foundation on Tuesday. London and New York retained the top two spots, at first and second place respectively, while Paris came in fourth and Singapore, fifth, also the same as last year. The report showed improvements in Tokyo’s overall score this year, significantly narrowing the gap with New York.
Winter chill, hot baths and the risk of heat shock: How to stay safe

Dec 10, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Kathleen Benoza

Winter is approaching, bringing a frosty chill to Japan and making hot baths especially inviting — but also risky. While Japan doesn't typically experience deep-freeze conditions, the winter temperature drop increases the risk of bath-related fatalities caused by what is known as "heat shock,” a sudden change of blood pressure that can lead to fainting or strokes. If heat shock happens to someone in a bathtub, they could drown.
PayPay Bank paying big to attract deposits, with offer of 2% on dollars and yen

Dec 5, 2024 | businessandamerica.com | Kathleen Benoza

PayPay Bank is offering 2% interest on both dollar and yen deposits, many times the rates advertised by competing banks, as financial institutions in Japan scramble to attract funds in an environment where monetary policy is tightening and savers are starting to shop around. The rate applies to yen deposits of up to ¥5 million, with no limit for dollar deposits. It is effective immediately, the internet-only financial institution announced Wednesday.
PayPay Bank paying big to attract deposits, with offer of 2% on dollars and yen

Dec 5, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Kathleen Benoza

PayPay Bank is offering 2% interest on both dollar and yen deposits, many times the rates advertised by competing banks, as financial institutions in Japan scramble to attract funds in an environment where monetary policy is tightening and savers are starting to shop around. The rate applies to yen deposits of up to ¥5 million, with no limit for dollar deposits. It is effective immediately, the internet-only financial institution announced Wednesday.
Tokyo government to introduce four-day workweek to empower women

Dec 4, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Kathleen Benoza

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is planning to introduce a four-day workweek starting April next year as part of a push for work-style reform. The capital is joining a growing number of local governments introducing similar measures to improve working conditions amid a labor shortage. During a policy speech Tuesday at a Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly's regular session, Gov. Yuriko Koike emphasized the importance of flexible work-styles, especially for women.
Japan’s civic space status upgraded to highest tier

Dec 4, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Kathleen Benoza

Japan's civic space rating has been upgraded to reflect increased freedoms for civil society and peaceful protest, according to an annual international report released Wednesday. The nonprofit alliance CIVICUS has elevated Japan’s civic space rating to “open,” the highest tier on its global rights index, placing it alongside nations such as Taiwan, Canada and Denmark.
Nomura CEO takes pay cut after former employee charged with attempted murder

Dec 3, 2024 | businessandamerica.com | Kathleen Benoza

Nomura Holdings CEO Kentaro Okuda said Tuesday that he and nine other executives will return some of their pay to take responsibility over an attempted murder and robbery involving a former employee. The CEO of Japan’s largest brokerage said he and four other executives will take a 30% pay cut for three months, while the remaining five board of directors will take a 20% pay cut for the same period.
Bear that attacked Akita supermarket employee captured

Dec 2, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Kathleen Benoza

A bear that attacked a supermarket employee in the city of Akita on Saturday and remained inside the store over the weekend was captured in a box trap on Monday, police said. Authorities are now working to remove the animal, which caused significant damage to the store's back area, according to media reports. The attack occurred on Saturday at around 6:20 a.m. when a 47-year-old male employee was preparing for the store's opening.
Suspect formally arrested in stabbing of Japanese schoolboy in China

Dec 1, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Kathleen Benoza

The suspect in September’s fatal stabbing of a Japanese boy in China has been formally arrested, according to media reports. The 10-year-old student at a Japanese school in Shenzhen, southern China, was fatally stabbed on his way to school and died a about day after the attack. The suspect, a 44-year-old man surnamed Zhong, was apprehended at the scene and had been held during the investigation. Japanese media reported his arrest on Saturday, citing sources familiar with Japan-China relations.