cash – Author Carlo Carrasco

Births in Japan Grow for the First Time in 11 Years

September 3, 2026August 31, 2026carlocarrasco

For the first time in eleven years, the number of children born in Japan grew at last with a 0.8 rise covering the first half of 2026, according to a news article by Kyodo News. 342,068 children were born in the January-June 2026 period and the figure includes births to foreign nationals.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

The number of children born in Japan in the first six months of 2026 rose 0.8 percent from a year earlier to 342,068, marking the first increase for the January-June period in 11 years, health ministry data showed Friday.

The figure, which includes births to foreign nationals, marks an increase of 2,788 from the same period in 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Japan has seen births declining since 1973, when 2.09 million babies were born in the middle of the country’s second baby boom.

The recent rise in births comes as the number of marriages recovered in 2024 and 2025, a key factor influencing births.

The number of marriages in 2025, including those involving foreign nationals, rose 1.1 percent from the previous year to about 505,000, marking the second straight annual increase. In the first half of 2026, the number of couples tying the knot rose 0.2 percent from a year earlier to 238,979.

Still, some projections suggest births will remain on a long-term downward trend due to Japan’s shrinking population of people of childbearing age and an increase in those delaying or choosing not to marry.

Births increased in 26 prefectures, with Tokyo posting the largest increase of 2,278, followed by Aichi at 517 and Fukuoka at 438. Among the remaining 21 prefectures that saw declines, Ishikawa Prefecture recorded the largest decrease, at 360.

In the six-month period from January, the number of deaths fell 6.9 percent to 778,982, resulting in a natural population decline of 436,914.

The number of births in 2025 fell to 705,000, marking a record low for the 10th consecutive year, prompting calls to expand support for those who wish to marry and have children.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think there is still hope for another increase in the number of children born in Japan in the near future? Do you think the government and the private sector can work together on solving the population decline of Japan without depending on immigrants?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Two Foreigners Arrested over Tokyo Luxury Watch Theft

August 30, 2026August 28, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Japan, police officers arrested two men from the nation of Chile over the theft of four luxury wristwatches from a store in Tokyo, according to a news report by NHK World. One of the suspects admitted that he and his partner planned to sell the stolen watches and bring the money back with them to Chile.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of NHK World. Some parts in boldface…

Japanese police have arrested two Chilean men on suspicion of stealing four luxury wristwatches from a shop in Tokyo’s Nakano Ward earlier this week. The stolen items are worth about 200 million yen, or roughly 1.25 million dollars.

Police arrested the men after they were found at a private lodging facility in the western city of Osaka on Thursday. The suspects are 23 and 33 years old, respectively.

Police say investigators found a watch of the same brand as one of the stolen items in the men’s belongings.

Police quote the 23-year-old suspect as saying the two stole only one watch. They also say the 33-year-old suspect admitted to the allegations, and told investigators that the pair planned to sell the watches and take the money back to their home country.

Police say they are investigating where the suspects traveled to after they arrived in Japan on August 21, and what led them to commit the crime.

The theft occurred at a watch retailer in the Nakano Broadway commercial facility on Tuesday. A display case was broken with a hammer. Two perpetrators were in the shop for only around 10 seconds before fleeing the scene.

For additional insight, watch the related Nippon TV news video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the two Chilean suspects are guilty of the crime beyond reasonable doubt? Do you think the investigators will be able to find more details behind the theft and how the suspects traveled all the way to Osaka after committing the theft in Tokyo? If you were in Japan during the past few years, have you ever witnessed foreigners committing violence or theft there?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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South Korean Man Who Overstayed in Japan for Decades Apprehended

August 29, 2026August 28, 2026carlocarrasco

As Japan is in the middle of reforming its immigration system and the permanent residency requirements for foreigners, a 72-year-old man from South Korea was arrested by the local authorities for overstaying in the country for a few decades already, according to a VnExpress news report. The suspect admitted he overstayed and supported himself with different jobs locally and how exactly he entered Japan will surprise you.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

A 72-year-old South Korean man has been arrested in Japan for allegedly overstaying his tourist visa for more than 26 years, police said.

Shizuoka Prefectural Police announced on Aug. 26 that the man had entered Japan illegally and continued to live in Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Police said they received a tip about the man in June and subsequently arrested him.

He originally entered Japan in September 1993 on a 15-day tourist visa, using his brother’s passport because he hoped to find better-paid work in the country, as reported by ANNnewsCH.

The man is believed to have remained in Japan since his arrival 26 years ago.

Because visa overstaying was not a criminal offense in Japan until February 2000, when a revised immigration law took effect, police arrested him on suspicion of overstaying from that point onward, according to the Japan Times.

The suspect has admitted to the allegation, telling investigators that he supported himself by working various day jobs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the person who informed the local police about the overstaying foreigner should be rewarded? Does this news make you feel concerned about the potential presence of illegal aliens in your local community? Do you think Japan has what it takes to find all of the overstaying foreigners, apprehend them and eventually deport them? If ever the suspect gets deported, do you think he could adjust to life in his native South Korea?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Higher Residence Permit Procedure Fees for Foreigners in Japan Will Take Effect on October 1

August 26, 2026August 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Starting October 1, the fees for residence permit procedures for foreigners in Japan will be hiked officially as a result of the approval by the Cabinet yesterday, according to an NHK World news article. This new development is part of the revision of the immigration control act of Japan and was set in motion over a month ago.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article NHK World. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s government has decided on a series of fee increases for residence permit procedures for foreign nationals.

The move was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and will go into effect on October 1 in line with a revision to the immigration control act.

The fee to obtain a permanent residence permit will be raised from the current 10,000 yen, or about 63 dollars, to 200,000 yen, or more than 1,250 dollars. The procedure can be carried out only in person.

The current fee when renewing or changing residence status is set at 6,000 yen, or about 38 dollars, at an official counter and 5,500 yen, or about 35 dollars, online.

For a stay of up to three months, the charge at both counters and online will be raised to 10,000 yen, or about 63 dollars.

For a one-year stay, the fee will be raised to 33,000 yen, or over 205 dollars, at a counter, and 27,000 yen, or about 170 dollars, online.

The fee for a stay of five years or longer will be raised to 75,000 yen, or about 470 dollars, at a counter, and 65,000 yen, or more than 400 dollars, online.

The government says it will reduce the fees for applicants facing financial difficulties, including those designated as refugees.

Justice Minister Hiraguchi Hiroshi told reporters that the fee hikes are necessary to ensure that the policy is implemented to promote an orderly society coexisting with foreign nationals.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that there will be no stopping the hike of the mentioned fees from taking effect on October 1? Do you think the increased fees are insufficient from a financial viewpoint? Do you think this latest immigration control move by the current government can effectively alter the direction of permanent residency in Japan? Do you think people from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey and other Muslim-majority nations will be discouraged from going to Japan for work and residency?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Availability of Cashless Payment Services for Children in Japan Grows

August 25, 2026August 21, 2026carlocarrasco

The number of cashless payment services for children in Japan is growing and already parents have the means to check their kids’ spending history and balances using digital means, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Cashless payment services for children are increasingly available in Japan, allowing parents to check their children’s balances and spending history through an app to prevent excessive spending.

They are also attracting attention as a financial education tool that helps children learn how to manage their allowances and spend money systematically as Japan becomes increasingly cashless.

In July, Seven Bank began offering a prepaid card and a dedicated app for children aged 6 or older. Parents can load their children’s allowance onto the card via the app and review their spending history.

Notifications are sent whenever the card is used. The app has a feature to send money to children as a reward for achieving goals, such as completing chores.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What is your opinion about having more cashless payment services for children? Do you think the said services will help them become more financially literate and also more disciplined on handling their money?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Time For The Philippines To Revisit Nuclear Energy Production

August 1, 2026July 28, 2026carlocarrasco

During his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., declared that it is time for the nation to revisit nuclear energy production, according to a news report by GMA News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said it is time to revisit nuclear energy production, as he touted some 200 energy projects in the pipeline in a bid to boost the country’s power supply and bring down power rates.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the administration is working to revisit nuclear energy, as it is already being used in medicine, agriculture, water filtration, and the upcycling of plastic.

“Pushing the envelope further, perhaps it is time for us to revisit nuclear energy production,” he said, noting confidence in its capacity “to reinforce our energy security and bring down the cost of electricity in our country.”

“Titiyakin nating ito ay ligtas. Titiyakin din nating maipaliwanag nang mabuti sa publiko ang magandang dulot sa atin ng enerhiyang nukleyar” he added.

(We will make sure that this is safe. We will also make sure to explain the benefits of nuclear energy properly to the public.)

According to Marcos, the administration has a pipeline covering some 200 power projects across the country that will have a combined capacity of nearly 10,000 megawatts (MW) — 45 of which have already been completed, while 31 are set to be completed this year. The remaining 124 are targeted to be completed by 2028.

These are on top of 1,700 megawatts that the projects will contribute to energy storage systems, which Marcos said will boost energy security.

“Ang mga proyektong ito ay napabilis nang dahil sa mga bagong patakaran at proseso na nagpapadali ng pagnenegosyo dito sa ating bansa, para sa mga Pilipino at dayuhang negosyante,” he said.

(These projects were expedited because of the new regulations and processes that eased doing business here in the country for Filipinos and foreign investors.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the highlighting of nuclear energy production in the State of the Nation address will lead to breakthroughs for a nuclear-powered Philippines? Are people in your local community still afraid of nuclear energy? Do you think unchecked corruption inside the government of the Philippines will derail any nuclear-related efforts?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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DTI Sees More Jobs And Investments Rising In Metro Manila Following Removal Of Ecozone Ban

August 1, 2026July 28, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the lifting of the ban on information technology economic zones in Metro Manila, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects the new investments to come in as well as new jobs to be generated, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector to generate more jobs and attract new investments after the lifting of the ban on IT economic zones in Metro Manila.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 28, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 45, which seeks to ease some of the restrictions under the broader prohibition on the processing and evaluation of applications for ecozones imposed during the previous administration.

“This major policy reform is a resounding victory for the IT-BPM sector and a decisive step forward in strengthening the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for digital services,” the DTI chief said.

AO 45, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., excludes applications for the establishment of IT centers and IT parks from the ongoing moratorium on ecozone applications.

The order maintains the prohibition on all other ecozone applications in National Capital Region (NCR), as embodied in AO 18, issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. The policy was implemented to encourage development and spur investments in the provinces.

With the lifting of the ban, Roque said the government is addressing long-standing investor demand from IT-BPM firms looking to open or expand in NCR while also creating more opportunities for real estate development.

“As we open new avenues for growth in Metro Manila alongside our continuous push to develop regional IT hubs, we are positioning the IT-BPM sector to generate thousands of high-quality jobs, attract foreign direct investments, and ensure economic growth nationwide,” she said.

The DTI earlier endorsed the proposal of the investment promotion agency (IPA) Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to lift the moratorium to provide more options for companies seeking to locate in key central business districts in the capital region.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga earlier told reporters that the ban has essentially forced firms to operate in existing ecozones, restricting their expansion plans.

“We invite our global partners and prospective investors to take full advantage of this renewed momentum and build their future here in the Philippines,” Roque said.

IT-BPM firms operate in ecozones to avail themselves of the fiscal and nonfiscal incentives provided by the government.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider Metro Manila suitable for the establish of new economic zones as well as the expansion of existing economic zones? Do you believe that the demand by IT-BPM firms for expansion in Metro Manila is real?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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America Tags Philippines With 12.5% Tariff Over Forced Labor Concerns

July 27, 2026July 26, 2026carlocarrasco

The Philippines, which is already experiencing slower economic growth, higher inflation and having trouble attracting foreign investment, saw its exports to the United States subject to a higher 12.5% tariff as the Trump administration is convinced that the country failed to prevent the entry of goods produced with forced labor, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The country’s exports to the United States (US) are now subject to a higher 12.5-percent tariff after the Trump administration determined that the Philippines has failed to prevent the entry of goods produced with forced labor.

In a notice on Friday morning, July 24 (Philippine time), the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said it is imposing a 12.5-percent tariff on the Philippines, in accordance with the directive of US President Donald Trump.

The USTR earlier included the Philippines in its investigation into the US’ top 60 trading partners as it sought to crack down on imports made with forced labor that were found to be harmful to American commerce.

In a report on the probe’s findings, the USTR said the Philippines “has failed to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition.”

Apart from the Philippines, 40 other economies are subject to the 12.5-percent tariff.

“The US has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it. It’s well past time for our trading partners to do the same,” said USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer.

“Today’s action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere,” he added.

The USTR said it would exempt certain products from the tariff, including goods that cannot be produced in sufficient quantities or at reasonable prices in the US, and products that could cause economy-wide disruptions if they were subjected to the tariffs.

Philippine goods exempt from the 12.5-percent tariff include most of the country’s major exports to the US, including semiconductors, its top export commodity. Also exempted are agricultural commodities such as coconuts, pineapples, and bananas, as well as raw minerals such as nickel ores and concentrates.

The US remains the Philippines’ largest export market, accounting for $13.46 billion, or 15.9 percent, of the country’s total exports in 2025.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines has been negligent on monitoring the entry of goods produced with forced labor? Does this new economic development dampen your trust in the government of the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Palestinian Arrested In Quezon City For Stealing Money Bag

July 26, 2026July 25, 2026carlocarrasco

For some time now, I have been monitoring the criminal acts committed by people who are present in different countries as foreigners. Here in the Philippines, a Palestinian man was arrested in Quezon City for stealing a bag containing a lot of cash from the café of a hotel, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

As it turns out, the Palestinian already has a history of committing other forms of crime. Could it be possible that, apart from violence and terrorism, theft and an obsession of committing crime are parts of the Palestinian nature?

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A 36-year-old Palestinian man was arrested after allegedly taking a money bag containing P5,020 and an empty cash box from a hotel café on Timog Avenue in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, at around 11:06 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.

The suspect, identified as “Ham,” was intercepted by hotel security personnel at the establishment’s exit after the incident was detected through the hotel’s CCTV monitoring system.

Initial investigation showed that the suspect entered the café and allegedly took the money bag and empty cash box without the knowledge or consent of the 24-year-old male cashier.

Recovered from the suspect were P5,020 in various peso bills and coins, the cash bag, the empty cash box, and a backpack.

Personnel of Kamuning Police Station (PS 10) later responded and took custody of the suspect from the hotel security personnel.

Further verification showed that the suspect had previous criminal records for estafa, unjust vexation, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, use of a fictitious name, and concealing his true name in October 2025, as well as theft in May 2026.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there a lot of Palestinians living in your local community right now? Are you aware of the fact that a lot of Palestinians follow Islamic terrorists as their leaders? How many Palestinians do you think are present all over the Philippines today? Did you notice an increase of the number of foreign Islamists in your local community over the past twelve months? Do you think the national government is secretly allowing Palestinians to enter the Philippines as high-priority refugees with immigration in mind?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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First Batch Of Tricycle Drivers Receive Cash Relief Assistance In Las Piñas City

March 22, 2026March 17, 2026carlocarrasco

Around two thousand tricycle drivers (the first batch) have received their cash relief assistance at the Aguilar Sports Complex recently, according to the social media announcement of the City Government of Las Piñas. Each tricycle driver received P5,000 as relief from the much higher prices of fuel caused by the ongoing war against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran which itself attacked multiple nations in the Middle East with missiles and drones.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The distribution of P5,000 cash payout of the AICS program for the first batch of tricycle drivers in Las Piñas City was held at Aguilar Sports Complex.

This is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s support to help drivers cope with the continuing rise of oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and other offices of the city government are working together to ensure a smooth and peaceful distribution of aid to beneficiaries.

On the first day of payout, almost 2,000 drivers from TODA groups ACAPODA, APHDA, ATODA, BFLTSODA, BFRSSCV, BFRV-VG, CCTODA, CEBMTODA and BFATODA were given cash assistance. Payout will continue in the coming days to provide all registered members of TODA.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you often ride the tricycle when moving around?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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