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Kobayashi Pharma confirms 5th death linked to its supplements

Kobayashi Pharma confirms 5th death linked to its supplements

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. said Friday that it has confirmed a fifth death linked to its red yeast rice dietary supplements. Supplied photo shows Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co.'s dietary supplements that contain "beni-koji," which are being recalled over health problems. (Kyodo) The Japanese company has received reports of illness linked to the "beni-koji choleste help" supplements and recalled the products. The relationship between the deaths and the supplements remains unclear, and Kobayashi Pharmaceutical President Akihiro Kobayashi will hold a press conference later in the day in Osaka. The drugmaker announced on March 22 that people who took the supplements were experiencing symptoms such as kidney disease. The company has not disclosed the age, sex or address of anyone who has died. It suspects an unknown substance derived from mold may have caused the problems but is unable to ascertain a specific cause. A total of 93 people have been hospitalized after consuming the supplements, the health ministry said Thursday, adding that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical had received about 12,000 inquiries about the problems. Related coverage: 2 more deaths linked to Kobayashi Pharma supplements Japan supplements linked to health claims largely made since Sept. 2 die, 100 hospitalized after consuming Japan drugmaker's supplements

Kyodo News Digest: March 29, 2024

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Japan adds driver, railway roles to skilled foreign worker visa

The Japanese government on Friday added four new industries to its foreign skilled worker visa program as it moves to address the nation's driver shortage by allowing more people access to stays of up to five years. The Cabinet decision brings the eligible industries under the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa to 16. The expansion, covering road and railway transportation as well as the forestry and timber sectors, is the first since the system was introduced in 2019. Japan's need for foreign labor has risen due in part to its declining birthrate. There are also concerns about pronounced shortages in the transportation and logistics industries which are likely to be exacerbated once a new limit to overtime hours for drivers begins in April, in what is known as the "2024 problem." The government said Japan plans to admit up to 820,000 foreigners under its skilled worker visa in the next five fiscal years from April, more than double the number it had estimated would have been accepted in the five years through fiscal 2023 ending March. After soliciting public opinions over the reform, the government will revise related rules, including Justice Ministry ordinances, to begin accepting skilled foreigners in the four sectors. At a meeting ahead of the Cabinet decision, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi requested relevant ministers "make preparations to accept (the foreign workers) without delay and to make efforts to realize an inclusive society." Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi (2nd from L) speaks at a ministerial meeting on acceptance of foreign workers on March 29, 2024, at the prime minister's office. (Kyodo) As part of the addition of the road transportation sector, skilled foreigners will be accepted as drivers of buses, taxis and trucks by companies that have been certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. As drivers of buses and taxis often communicate with passengers, they are required to pass the N3 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, the third highest in the exam's five levels and a condition stricter than required to work in other sectors. In the railway sector, skilled workers can be accepted for roles involved in the manufacturing of train cars and maintenance of tracks. They can also take on the role of drivers, conductors and station staff. The government also added operations related to textiles, iron and steel, and printing in the manufacturing industry, a sector already covered under the program. Foreigners with the No. 1 visa must have passed a test demonstrating professional and Japanese language skills enabling them to work immediately. The No. 2 visa allows for unlimited renewals, opening the door to permanent residency, and permits workers to bring their children and spouses to Japan. As of the end of December 2023, there were around 208,000 workers in the country on the No. 1 visa and 37 with the No. 2 visa, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. The latest reform comes as the government has submitted bills to replace the controversial foreign trainee program with a new system focused on developing skills and protecting worker rights. Problems linked to the trainee program have resulted in some participants abandoning their employment due to abuses such as unpaid wages and harassment. The new program will allow trainees to switch workplaces in the same industry under certain conditions and gain skills needed for transitioning to the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa. Related coverage: Record 3.4 million foreign residents in Japan as work visas rise More foreign students set to be eligible for Japan government scholarships Japan eyes up to 800,000 more skilled foreign workers over next 5 years

Mar 29, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

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