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May 11 2026CRIME

DNA Evidence in Japan: How Judges and Public Courts Changed Its Power

Japan started using DNA tests in court cases back in 1989, the first year such science was allowed as evidence. Researchers looked at every criminal case in a major legal database from that year up until 2024, focusing on how often DNA was accepted, how many people were found guilty, and what senten

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May 11 2026FINANCE

Vietnam’s Financial Growth Gets a US$25 Million Boost

Vietnam’s small and medium-sized businesses just got a major financial lifeline. A Hanoi-based non-bank lender called EVF secured a US$25 million loan from an international fund to expand its services. The money comes from the OPEC Fund for International Development, a group that typically supports

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May 06 2026POLITICS

Vietnam Tightens Rules on Online Piracy to Dodge US Tariffs

Vietnam is stepping up its fight against digital piracy and fake goods, aiming to spot more violations before the United States threatens new trade barriers. The government announced a plan that should raise detection rates by 20% in the next month, with customs officials expected to halt more shipm

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Poland confident about Patriot missile delivery delays

Poland's defense minister made it clear this weekend that no signs point to delays in the country’s Patriot missile system deliveries. While other European nations like the UK, Lithuania, and Estonia are being warned to expect long hold-ups in American weapon shipments due to the ongoing war in Iran

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May 02 2026POLITICS

Japan’s Leader Visits Hanoi to Revive Business Ties

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will travel to Hanoi on Saturday for a meeting with Vietnamese President To Lam. The two leaders aim to strengthen their 2023 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which covers energy, technology, minerals and regional peace. Japan still ranks as one of Vietnam’

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May 01 2026OPINION

Robot Care: A New Age for Grandparents

Japan’s aging population is pushing the country toward robotic helpers, but the idea raises more questions than solutions. In recent visits to nursing homes in Tokyo, visitors were handed tiny robot dolls and plush toys that can talk, hoping they will fill the gaps left by a shrinking workforce. The

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Apr 28 2026POLITICS

Poland’s New Tax Plan: Balancing Budgets and Fuel Prices

Poland is planning a new tax on oil companies that will help smooth out the recent cuts to fuel taxes and VAT. The Finance Ministry said this move is part of a larger effort to keep the country on track with the European Union’s budget rules. The goal is to avoid falling into an excessive deficit si

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Apr 26 2026ENVIRONMENT

Wildfire Battle Near Otsuchi: Japan’s Massive Firefighting Response

Japan has sent a large force of 1, 400 firefighters and 100 Self‑Defense Force members to fight blazes that have been raging for five days on the northern coast. The flames now cover 1, 373 hectares and are spreading because of dry conditions and strong winds. The fire threatens the town of Otsuchi

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Apr 25 2026TECHNOLOGY

Japan’s financial world braces for AI-driven security threats

Japan’s government is stepping up its game against digital threats after warnings that a new artificial intelligence tool could expose major gaps in financial security. Finance officials worry that AI like Mythos might find and exploit weaknesses in banking systems faster than humans can fix them. W

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Japan Lets Itself Sell More Weapons Worldwide

Japan has changed its rules about selling weapons, a move that could change the country’s role in global arms trade. The new policy removes limits on many types of equipment, such as warships and missiles. This shift signals a break from the strict pacifist stance that has guided Japan after W

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