Japan expands the definition of rape after years of protest
Japan’s parliament passed legislation to redefine rape as nonconsensual sexual intercourse – removing the provisions regarding use of force – and raise the age of consent from 13 to 16.
Japan
Japanese higher court rules in favor of marriage equality
The ruling adds pressure on the Japanese parliament to legalize same-sex marriages. Japan remains the only country in the G7 that has not legalized marriage equality.
Japan approves first abortion pill
Japanese activists have been pushing for years for approval of the pills, with similar medications made available decades ago in other countries as Japan lagged ever further behind.
In a world first, Japenese scientists use artificial DNA to kill cancer cells
By creating a hairpin-shaped pair of DNA molecules, the researchers expose cancer to the immune system’s targeting procedure, and thus stop and even reverse cancer in mice.
Tokyo begins issuing same-sex couples partnership certificates
Some hope this may be a step towards the whole of Japan embracing equality. It is currently the only country in the G7 group of developed nations which doesn’t recognize same-sex unions.
Tokyo to require that new homes have solar panels from 2025
The move will make Tokyo the first prefecture in Japan to require that solar panels be installed on all new houses.
Nintendo announces it will recognize same-sex partnerships even though Japan doesn’t
The Japanese video game company Nintendo has announced that it will extend marriage benefits to employees who are in same-sex partnerships.
Japan withdraws funding for major coal projects in Indonesia and Bangladesh, effectively canceling them
Two planned coal-fired power plants, one in Indonesia and the other in Bangladesh, have had their funding withdrawn by the Japanese government, as part of Tokyo’s decision to no longer bankroll coal projects in either country.
Japan successfully tests giant turbine that generates renewable energy using deep ocean currents
During future tests, developer IHI Corp is hoping to generate two megawatts, with the hopes of kicking off commercial operations in the 2030s, Bloomberg reports.
Fastest carbon dioxide catcher heralds new age for direct air capture
The Tokyo Metropolitan University team’s new technology promises unprecedented performance and robustness in direct air capture systems.