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New Japan Post Van Bans in Hokkaido as Ebetsu Fire Spreads to Nearby Buildings

Regulatory pressure over alcohol-check lapses signals broader scrutiny of safety and governance across the region.

Overview

  • The Hokkaido Transport Bureau issued an additional administrative order suspending 15 light vans across eight Japan Post offices for inadequate alcohol checks, marking the bureau’s 14th sanction in the case.
  • A late-night blaze at a residence and motorcycle shop in Ebetsu extended to three adjacent buildings, with firefighting still underway and no injuries reported, according to local police and fire officials.
  • A special investigation report on former Fukui Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto concluded he repeatedly engaged in sexual harassment and showed a severe lack of awareness as a leader.
  • Tomakomai police reported special-fraud losses of about 35.5 million yen from January to November 2025, roughly 5.5 times the prior year, with offenders posing as officials via video calls and social media.
  • Ebetsu’s mayor announced plans to enact a child-rights ordinance with a target start in early 2027, while Ishikari’s education board reported 952 recognized bullying cases and 286 students absent from school in fiscal 2024.