Children in Japan bring cheer to nursing homes by popping by for meals once a month

TOKYO: On most times, older people who reside in a treatment center housed in an apartment building in Tokyo share three meals per day. & nbsp,

But once a month, the seniors — many of whom live independently and with little help at the Sompo Care-managed home — look forward to lunchtime visits from unlikely friends— kids from the neighborhood. & nbsp,

The children’s restaurant notion, or kodomo shokudo, which was developed to reduce Japan ‘ child poverty rate, includes these meals at the medical home.

The rate of child poverty in 2017 was at about 16.3 %, or one in every six children, according to the Paris-based think tank Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ), making it one of the highest in industrialized nations. & nbsp,

Kodomo Shokudo is a community program run by volunteers that gives kids access to free or inexpensive foods. The events take place in areas like temples, shops, and community centers.

The programs vary from one kodomo shokudo to the next, with some providing extracurricular activities for kids.

For Sompo Care, it sees bringing the elderly and young together as a win-win solution for both years. Citizens enjoy hosting customers, and kids get to meet people their grandparents’ time.

Over 10,000 kids have already received invitations to the company’s kodomo shokudo activities, which are held at their senior houses all over the country. & nbsp,

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Divining Xi’s behavior: It’s all about power

Espionage laws are being tightened in In & nbsp, China, and senior officials are” disappearing ,” most recently the defense minister. The People’s Liberation Army & nbsp,( PLA ), is distributing its weight in the area at the same time.

When thinking about Communist China, keep in mind that it’s all about power and nbsp, control for the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ), and particularly for those in positions of authority. Additionally, Xi Jinping & nbsp must manage the CCP, which is still a work in progress. It often is.

One hopes that & nbsp, the CIA, and the rest of the US intelligence community, with their US$ 80 billion budget, know the answer and aren’t just speculating like we do when it comes to the” disappearing officials ,” particularly the defense minister.

But this is how I see it.

At these rates, there is probably not a solitary Chinese official who is not complicit in problem. Lavrentiy Beria, the head of the Soviet secret police, once said,” Show me the man and I’ll show you the crime ,” so even if there are a few” clean” ones.

Therefore, it is doubtful that the minister was discovered due to” problem” or that Xi is simply removing one or more corrupt officials. Corruption appears to be the contemporary equivalent of the Maoist era’s” counter – revolutionary activities ,” according to & nbsp. It’s the go-to, catch-all accusation for getting rid of people and making it appear as though they committed some sort of crime.

Why then does Xi do it?

Li Shangfu, the defence secretary, spoke on June 4, 2023, at the Asian Security Conference in Singapore. Photo: Kyodo

potential motivations

It might be the ineffective efficiency of the leaders. The PLA has skipped a few activities. And it has shown some significant flaws.

Or perhaps Xi didn’t believe he had their interest or may rely on them because they simply weren’tting taking things seriously enough.

Even. & nbsp, However, the PLA has been having issues for years, and the Chinese frequently bring them up. & nbsp, Take note of the PLA’s” peace disease” and other military shortcomings, which are frequently criticized.

I & nbsp, I believe Xi is internally concerned. In some areas, he may observe opposite forming. He undoubtedly has a large number of opponents after eliminating his foes over the years. This is the essence of autocracies and governments that use coercion and coercion to act. Even in situations where criticism does not occur, it is eliminated. & nbsp,

If you instill sufficient anxiety, it’s unlikely that anyone will remove the boss. Or so the idea claims.

Or maybe Xi wants to set up his crew of completely compliant sycophants and imbeciles. People who don’t present a hazard to him and who may obey his commands when he moves? Andnbsp, Say, against Taiwan, India, Japan, and / or Japan?

It is obvious that Xi has been working to take control of the economy as well, especially the more creative sectors that aren’t being tightly regulated by the state. & nbsp, It appears that Xi was deliberately tanking the business and doesn’t mind toughening up the middle class and the more affluent coastal regions.

This might be Xi’s rendition of” draining the lake.”

Harassing international businesses in China appears to be an action of self-harm. & nbsp, However, there is logic when you consider it in terms of combining power and control. However, it can only be done if Xi believes he may get away with it. In addition, & nbsp,

And that implies disdain for international entrepreneurs who, in Xi’s opinion, will tolerate any form of abuse if they believe they can succeed in China. & nbsp,

But in order to accomplish that, Xi must have faith in China’s ability to withstand any force or retaliation brought on by this clampdown. & nbsp,

For some time now, Xi appears to have been sanction-proofing China as well. Andnbsp, Although it hasn’t yet been sanctioned, it might not matter as much if he wants his own people to” have sorrow.”

What’s the goal in the end?

  • Obtain local dominance and control.
  • Tell a lesson to the Japanese.
  • eject the Americans from Asia.
  • And, in the end ,& nbsp, have global dominance.

Maybe Xi believes that the timing is appropriate in terms of China’s government prowess, economic power and demographics as well as the foreign control of the PRC abroad. In addition, & nbsp,

There are many other nations that are aligning with the & nbsp, PRC, despite the news that the United States and the NBP have been sort of waking up to the China threat, as well as the Europeans.

At the moment, Beijing about appears to have made a clear sweep of Latin America and Africa. The Pacific Islands and portions of Southeast Asia are either supporting China or opposing it. Recent Chinese incursions have also been seen in the Persian Gulf, the Middle East, and the & nbsp.

No more waiting and nbsp, Deng Xiaoping‘s advice on how to save time and hide, etc. & nbsp,

Xi may also enjoy what he observes the US doing to itself. He might have doubts about the US’s ability to regain its power and financial independence. and, if necessary, to get its army where it needs to be within the following five to ten years. In addition, & nbsp,

In fact, the PRC has a long history with Joe Biden and Team & nbsp. It might be relying on their propensity to back down and” talk” while making concessions to keep the Chinese from leaving the table.

Beijing didn’t mind having this masses for another four years, one might reasonably assume.

Will Xi throw the dice and began a fight? & nbsp,

I have no idea. He may, however, be strongly tempted. In addition, & nbsp,

It’s debatable what a battle may entail and where it would take place. However, Taiwan and the South China Sea appear to be good. & nbsp,

If you look at Chinese goes around Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan, even if there hasn’t been any shooting but, Xi is pushing. The PLA is acting more frequently, in more locations, and occasionally even brings its friends in the form of Russia‘s & nbsp. In addition, & nbsp,

On March 21, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, to the right, attend a formal welcome meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Sputnik, Alexey Maishev, and Kremlin Pool

Additionally, the Chinese government continues to advance its features. All of this PLA activity affects and exhausts the player, nbsp. It also enables the PLA and Beijing to assess their targets’ social resiliency to withstand Chinese stress as well as their defense responses and abilities.

Of course, it can also have the exact same result. It might spur these countries to fortify their relationships and threats. And to some degree, it is, nbsp.

Despite, Xi is giving in.

What about the US?

Additionally, it almost seems as though Xi dared the Americans to” do anything.” The fact that Chinese air and naval restrictions on US and allies’ ships and aircraft haven’t but resulted in fatalities is a mystery.

Sooner or later, the China-Philippines conflict at Second Thomas Shoal may travel to a head. And the Americans did either immediately intervene or abandon the Filipinos once more. The latter would, to put it mildly, stir the US-Philippines empire.

However, Team Biden continues to show a preference for having more conversations about fortifying America’s defence. Where is the US Navy or manufacturing being rebuilt?

Rather, as one friend put it:” It appears that the American leadership is steadfastly attempting to walk backwards against China.”

The US leadership repeatedly discusses the necessity of” stabilizing” and” responsibly managing” the US-PRC relationship through” intensive diplomacy” while negotiating with Beijing.

As if over the past 50 years, US governments( aside from one ) hadn’t tried this. Team Biden’s belief that is still feasible makes Beijing happy. & nbsp, and Xi is following suit. He’s getting prepared.

Grant Newsham is a former US minister and retired US Marine agent. When China Attacks: A Alert to America was written by him. JAPAN Forward previously published this article, and it is being republished with authority.

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10 suspects in billion-dollar money laundering case not on Interpol list; other Singaporeans, PRs being probed: Josephine Teo

Mrs. Teo pointed out that one concern raised by Members was whether Singapore collaborates with foreign governments to evaluate the data submitted by candidates for immigration passes. She claimed that where the companies have suspicions, they act accordingly, but given the volume of software, check checks cannot be done onContinue Reading

Last suspect in Orchard Towers fatal fight goes on trial for murder

Combat AT THE Buildings OF ORCHARD

On the second floor of Orchard Towers, Tan and his six co-accusations were component of a team that visited Naughty Girl Club in the early hours of July 2, 2019.

According to the prosecution, they had been drinking at different bars since the previous evening.

Tan’s class got into a fight with another group of customers as they were leaving the club at around 6.20 am. Both parties were shouting phrases from secret societies.

The club’s guards intervened, but the crowds persisted in their raucous behavior. Tan waved a little, curved-bladed blade known as the karambit.

A knife was used to reduce the face of one of the other patrons during this argument, completely disfiguring him, and another man’s hand was also cut.

Tan’s party left after a few minutes of fighting and descended to the earth floor of the store. They passed Mr. Satheesh there, who was by himself and had just descended the stairway.

The jury learned that Mr. Satheesh knew the other patrons Tan’s party had fought with outside the club.

Tan’s party was confronted by Mr. Satheesh, who enquired as to their desires. Punches were traded, and a fight broke out. Tan punched the sufferer three times in the face while holding the karambit weapon during the altercation.

Prosecutors showed closed-circuit television ( CCTV ) footage of the argument at Naughty Girl Club’s entrance and the ground-floor altercation in court on Tuesday.

Tan and his friends could be seen shouting and raising their hands in the images of the league’s access. Tan was holding a karambit tongue, as Mr. Hay pointed out.

Mr. Hay pointed out the three blows Tan delivered to the target in the battle that was captured on camera on the ground floor.

Less than a minute had passed since the fight began, and Tan’s team hastily left the structure to end it.

Mr. Satheesh was seen slowly making his way to the gate of Orchard Towers at the end of the video before collapsing.

No RECOVERED IS ALLEGED MURDER

When Naughty Girl Club director called to report a fight at around 6.25 am, the officers were made aware of the incident.

After being taken to the hospital, Mr. Satheesh was declared dead that night at around 7.25 a.m.

Tan and a few of his friends left the scene and took taxis to Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village.

Tan went to Loo’s home later that evening. He left the white shirt he had been wearing, which was stained with blood, about, and Loo threw it away.

Tan, according to the prosecution, likewise threw his boots and karambit knife into Loo’s housing complex ‘ common trash slide. The alleged crime weapon was among the things that were never found.

Tan learned that Mr. Satheesh had passed away when he went to a friend’s store later that day.

Tan’s companion contacted the police and advised him to turn himself in. Tan was taken into custody at around 2.30 p.m.

According to Tan’s medical evaluation, he had a history of adjusting problem, depressed mood, and alcohol use disorder.

However, the examination determined that Tan was not mentally ill at the time and that these problems did not have any contributing factors to his offense, according to Mr. Hay.

Tan’s case is still ongoing this week at the High Court.

Joel Tan, Siow, and Ang were all previously found guilty of & nbsp for their involvement in the fight and for intentionally hurting others. Joel Tan and Ang each received sentences of eight months and one month in prison, severally, with caning for the former.

Siow, the lone female defendant in the case, received a five-month prison term for intentionally harming someone else and mixing with someone who was carrying an offensive weapons.

Loo received a five-month prison term and an S$ 1,000 ( US$ 727 ) fine. He had recently admitted to obstructing justice by discarding Tan’s blood-stained clothing and a separate betting charge.

Tan Hong Sheng was given a four-year, nine-month prison term and was caned for violence, assaulting people in violation of the law, and having an unpleasant weapon with someone.

Chan, who didn’t take part in the altercation, was given a 12-month contingent warning for hanging out with someone who was brandishing an offensive weapon.

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B50m crystal meth packaged as durian paste seized at border

B50m crystal meth packaged as durian paste seized at border
At the Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge in Nakhon Phanom on Tuesday, packages labelled as edible spread but really containing quality A crystal meth for approximately one million baht per kilo were seized from a truck. ( Pattanapong Sripiachai, photo )

NAKHON PHANOM: On Tuesday, a truck carrying crystal meth packaged as fruits glue was stopped at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.

The criminal driver carefully made his way back to Laos. In addition, & nbsp,

Vijit Kitvirat, the assistant provincial government, as well as customs, police, and military officials, announced the border bust with fanfare.

Officials discovered 50 packages labeled as fruit powder after inspecting two fertilizer sacks on the truck’s back, according to him. They were found to contain glass meth after closer inspection. Each was one kilogram in weight.

It was quality A crystal meth, for around one million baht per kilogram, according to Mr. Vijit. The Lao vehicle driver was able to escape, he claimed. In addition, & nbsp,

Drug smugglers, according to Mr. Vijit & nbsp, were creative and used natural border crossings and border checkpoints to bring drugs into Thailand. Authorities had to be tight when inspecting cars coming into the nation.

During a press briefing on Tuesday in Nakhon Phanom, bundles of crystal meth were taken from trucks at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. ( Image: Sripiachai Pattanapong

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Former MP Pareena calls for senator Porntip’s resignation over Iceland trip

Former MP Pareena calls for senator Porntip's resignation over Iceland trip
On February 16, 2021, Pareena Kraikupt, who is currently Ratchaburi’s MP Palang Pracharath, attends a political session. The former MP demanded senator Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan submit on Tuesday over her journey to Iceland during a parliamentary session and said she would ask the anti-graft organization to look into the president’s moral behavior. ( File image )

Previous Palang Pracharath MP Pareena Kraikupt has demanded senator Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan resign over her trip to Iceland during a political meeting and may ask the anti-graft organization to look into her moral behavior.

On Tuesday, Ms. Pareena demanded that Khunying Porntip submit on her Facebook website.

” Resigning from parliamentary sessions to go on vacation!” simply because you purchased an airline ticket in progress. & nbsp, Sharing photos of the visit on social media demonstrates no embarrassment over a bad deed that damaged senators’ dignity.

The original PPRP MP said,” I want to visit on Khunying Porntip to retire as a senator so she will have time to travel and this will make room for another senator next in line with the resolve to work for the country and people to exchange her.” & nbsp,

She omitted to mention the senator’s poor deed. Andnbsp, Khunying Porntip earlier shared a picture of herself lounging on moss-covered ground on an Norwegian lava area on social media. After receiving condemnation from online users for her lying on moss in a location protected for its natural sensitivity, the picture was taken down.

Drama even erupted during Khunying Porntip’s journey to Iceland when the Thai restaurant at a Chinese restaurant chased her away.

The senator expressed sympathy for the Thai restaurant who chased her absent on Monday and stated that she had no plans to bring legal action against him.

Speaking in parliament, the lawmaker claimed that the affair, which was widely covered by social media and mainstream media, happened last week when she and her companions went to the restaurant in Iceland.

Ms. Pareena announced on her Facebook page that she would be traveling as well and had scheduled a conference with her younger sister. However, her journey was different from Khunying Porntip’s in that she didn’t make use of tax dollars. She did visit the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday after her return from the vacation.

She would request that the NACC look into the senator’s moral behavior for taking time off for an overseas trip during the a & nbsp parliament meeting.

” There have been instances where some lawmakers gave their electronic voting accounts to other lawmakers, who finally voted on their behalf.” ……….. Then, a senator took keep from an political meeting to go on vacation rather than attend his constituency. Despite the fact that she took a constitutional leave of absence, the meeting in parliament was when she did so. This is not a good example. Were her deeds unethical in nature? ‘ She penned.

The Supreme Court andnbsp forbade Ms. Pareena from running for office for the rest of her life in April for unlawfully occupying property in a jungle modesty in her home state of Ratchaburi.

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New inter-ministerial committee to review and strengthen Singapore’s anti-money laundering regime

Singapore has stated that it uses a” full of government approach” to fight terrorism funding and money laundering. Now, a high-level steering committee made up of senior members from the Home Affairs Minister, Finance Ministry, and the MAS is in charge of this.

While the recently announced inter-ministerial committee will appear at reviewing the program” with the profit” of what is being learned from the billion-dollar money fraud case and keep Singapore’s government up to date, Ms. Indranee stated that this multi-agency steering committee would continue to handle” whole-of-government” work.

To prevent abuse by criminals, we may stretch our regulations and police where gaps are found. The council will report on its findings and development in due course, she said.

Singapore’s hard-earned reputation as a trustworthy and tidy business hub will be upheld, the minister continued.

Ms. Indranee told the House,” We will continue to hold our zero-tolerance approach towards money laundering, and we will do our best to ensure a strong and robust regulation plan.”

ACRA IS GOING TO POST ADDITIONAL RULES & nbsp,

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ( ACRA ) is already taking more stringent regulations into consideration when it comes to directorships, professionals, and companies that assist companies with corporate filings.

Now, non-residents looking to establish businesses in Singapore must hire registered filing agents, also known as ACRA-authorised business service providers, to do so. & nbsp,

Like agents are required, among other things, to carry out buyer due diligence and look into the function and validity of a company structure. According to Ms. Indranee, they offer” another level of investigation, which is especially important for foreign-owned or controlled companies.”

In an effort to improve the effectiveness of Singapore’s anti-money fraud and nbsp regime, ACRA held a public consultation last year and proposed raising the penalties on accidental agents.

Additionally, it suggested a fresh Corporate Service Provider Bill that mandates ACRA registration for all organizations or individuals offering business administrative services within and outside of Singapore.

A requirement for & nbsp, corporate service providers, to make sure that people they appoint to serve as nominee directors are fit and proper and to meet certain training requirements if they hold more than the legally required number of nominee directorships, is also on ACRA’s wishlist.

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