News Headlines - 14 April 2021

▽TEPCO banned from restarting nuclear plant over safety flaws - The Mainichi

Japan's nuclear regulator on Wednesday effectively banned Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. from restarting its largest nuclear plant due to serious safety flaws, dealing a blow to the utility's efforts to turn its business around following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority formally issued the order not to transport nuclear fuel stored at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata Prefecture or loading it into reactors until corrective actions are taken to address the complex's security breaches.
The order was the first of its kind issued to a commercially operated nuclear facility in Japan.

▽Fukushima locals criticize government for tone-deaf tritium mascot

A mascot launched by the Japanese government to coincide with its decision to release treated water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean has become the target of criticism by local residents, with many saying it is out of sync with the harsh reality of the situation.
The Reconstruction Agency on Tuesday released a flyer and video on its website featuring the radioactive substance tritium as a cute character to dispel concerns about the government's decision, but they were removed Wednesday night following the criticism.

▽Japan retailer Muji downplays concerns over Xinjiang cotton - Nikkei Asia

Muji brand owner Ryohin Keikaku on Wednesday detailed its steps to address concerns over its use of cotton produced in Xinjiang, as it looks to avoid being caught up in allegations over the use of forced labor in the western Chinese region.The Japanese retailer acknowledged receiving many inquiries about products from Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of subjecting Uyghurs to forced labor... In a statement published as Ryohin Keikaku released its second quarter financial results, the Muji brand owner said Xinjiang "is a vast production area" that accounts for 80 to 90% of all cotton produced in China.

▽Reconsider this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic games | The BMJ

The government of Japan and the International Olympic Committee are determined to hold the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer. In February 2021, G7 leaders also supported Japan’s commitment to holding the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo (Tokyo 2020) “in a safe and secure manner … as a symbol of global unity in overcoming covid-19.” While the determination is encouraging, there has been a lack of transparency about the benefits and risk, and international mass gathering events such as Tokyo 2020 are still neither safe nor secure.

▽Real Madrid team bus window smashed on way to Liverpool Champions League clash

A window was smashed on a Real Madrid team bus after objects were thrown at it on the way to the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.
The bus was attacked as it approached Anfield, en route from the Titanic Hotel in the city, with Liverpool fans lining the streets outside the stadium.
In a statement, Liverpool said: “We condemn unequivocally the actions that led to Real Madrid’s team bus being damaged during its arrival to Anfield this evening. It is totally unacceptable and shameful behaviour of a few individuals.