Tag: Japan

  • Ikigai: A Japanese technique helping Pakistani children ‘find true purpose in life’

    Hasan Ikhlaqi and his team at Umungi, a career centre, are training Pakistani students with a Japanese technique called Ikigai. Umungi offers training to children by conducting different activities in schools. Parents of the children are also involved in the training process.

    The Japanese technique Ikigai is used to find the purpose of life. The origin of the word ikigai goes back to the Heian period (794 to 1185). The word ikigai consists of two Japanese words: iki, meaning “life” and kai, meaning “effect/result/worth or benefit.”

    Explaining the technique to BBC Urdu, Ikhlaqi, creative coach at Umungi, said: “We use Japanese technique to find the true purpose in life, and to find the true purpose you need answers to the following questions: Profession, Passion, Mission, and Vocation.”

    The Umunji creative team has been conducting creative festivals in different schools for the past three years.

  • Masks no obstacle for Japan’s new facial recognition system

    Masks no obstacle for Japan’s new facial recognition system

    Japan’s NEC Corporation has introduced a new facial recognition system that identifies people even when they are wearing masks.

    As per reports, the technology firm had already been working on a system to meet the needs of allergy sufferers who wear masks — a common practice in Japan — when the Covid-19 pandemic prompted it to accelerate development.

    The system determines when a person is wearing a mask and hones in on the parts that are not covered up, such as the eyes and surrounding areas, to verify the person’s identity. Users register a photo of their face in advance.

    NEC says verification takes less than one second and claims an accuracy rate of more than 99.9pc.

  • Death by suicide killed more people in October than COVID-19 in Japan

    At least 2,153 people committed suicide in Japan in the month of October while the total number of deaths from COVID-19 is 2,087, according to the latest statistics shared by the government of Japan. As per Japan’s National Police Agency data, the number of suicide cases increased to 2,153 in October from 1,805 in September.

    The data also revealed that COVID-19 has taken a disproportionately higher toll on women than men. Suicide among women increased by almost 83% last month compared to the same month the previous year. In comparison, male suicides rose by approximately 22% over the same time period.

    Layoffs, social isolation and anxiety triggered by the pandemic are said be the key causes behind the surge in suicide rate.

    Japan is one of the few developed countries that release suicide data frequently and has the world’s second-highest suicide rate after South Korea but the suicide rate in the country was declining until the pandemic.

    Unlike, most countries impact of COVID-19 has not been very severe in Japan but the country’s existing mental health crisis has been made worse because of the pandemic.

    Earlier this year, the United Nations issued a warning that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could create a global mental health crisis. According to a survey conducted by World Health Organisation, the demand for mental health services has increased worldwide. The survey also revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% countries.

    Meanwhile, WHO has also recommended all adults to do a minimum of 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week, even more, for well-being and mental health in the COVID-19 era. It has also recommended children and adolescents to include an average of one hour of daily physical exercise into their routines and limit time in front of electronic screens.

    People of all ages must compensate for growing sedentary behaviour with physical activity to ward off disease and add years to their lives, it added.

  • Japan opens doors for trained Pakistani labourers

    Japan opens doors for trained Pakistani labourers

    Islamabad and Tokyo have signed a memorandum of cooperation, under which trained Pakistani labourers would be provided with employment opportunities in Japan, Profit reported.

    The agreement was signed in the presence of Special Assistant to PM on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfiqar Bukhari, Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and other high-level officials.

    “The newly signed memorandum will help the trained Pakistani labourers get employment in Japan,” said a statement issued by the ministry. “This is a major milestone that will further enhance bilateral ties between both countries.”

    Addressing the ceremony, the Japanese envoy termed the agreement a “special occasion” for both nations, saying that it would play a key role in strengthening the existing ties between Pakistan and Japan.

    “Japanese language and technical expertise are essential for employment in Japan; the country needs approximately 340,000 trained labourers,” he added.

    Speaking on the occasion, Zulfiqar Bukhari highlighted that 65 per cent of the Pakistan population was below the age of 35, adding that employment opportunities were present in 14 sectors of Japan.

    He urged the youth to especially focus on the information technology sector citing future needs.

    On December 20, the Japanese ambassador had met Zulfiqar Bukhari for a pre-discussion on the agreement which is signed on Monday (today).

    According to a statement issued by the ministry, the two sides had discussed a wide range of issues related to trade, tourism and manpower.

    The envoy had informed that Japan would build a network, in collaboration with language universities in Pakistan, and carry out 3 to 6 months language proficiency course with e-learning facilities for far-flung areas so as to accommodate the maximum number of Pakistanis to work in Japan.

    Acknowledging their diligence and social conduct, the ambassador showed his highest gratitude towards 25,000 Pakistanis residing and working in Japan.