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New recruits at Shionogi & Co. attend a welcome ceremony as they mark their first day of work on Thursday at its research center in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture. | KYODO
Kyodo Apr 1, 2021
Many new recruits at public offices, companies and other organizations in Japan started work Thursday, with events marking their first day at work largely held online amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year many entrance ceremonies marking the start of the new business year were canceled due to the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. But many employers resumed the seasonal events this year, while avoiding large-scale gatherings by downscaling them or adopting virtual participation.
The Latest: Myanmar Bloodbath Warning, Jimmy Lai Guilty, Pricey Airline Food Installation by Dennis Josef Meseg in Berlin, meant to protest lockdown measures. - Imago/ZUMA 2020-04-01
Welcome to Thursday, where WHO chides the EU s slow vaccination rollout, two of Hong Kong s best-known democracy leaders are convicted and Japan has a pricey solution for those missing airline food. Buenos Aires daily Clarin also has the scoop on the meat industry s beef with a former Beatle.
• Hong Kong pro-democracy activists found guilty: Seven major pro-democracy activists, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai and Hong Kong s father of democracy Martin Lee, have been found guilty of unauthorized assembly charges.
BBC News
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After the past year, you could perhaps forgive people for wanting to have a little fun this April Fools Day.
Many publications and organisations that usually take part in the tradition chose not to last April, but it seems the pranks are back for 2021.
But as anyone with a passing knowledge of the news knows, the reporting of strange events and unusual human endeavours is not limited to 1 April. Just as some of the media are having their make-believe fun, the real-life bizarre stories continue elsewhere.
Here is our round-up of some of the stranger than fiction stories around this April Fools Day:
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According to ANA, the experience came complete with crew announcements, with meals served in cabin seats, though seat belts were not required.
Demand appears strong, despite the prices - 59,800 yen (£390/$540) for first-class meals and 29,800 yen (£195/$269) for a business class offering. The tickets for the restaurant sold out in a day, a spokeswoman told AFP on Thursday, and the company now plans an additional 11 dates.
All Nippon Airways launched its restaurant with wings for just a single day on Wednesday, but with demand proving sky-high, it is now planning to expand the offering
The airline said it could extend the service further if virus restrictions are not tightened.