Latest news with #Kudo
Asahi Shimbun
22-07-2025
- Health
- Asahi Shimbun
38 teachers died from overwork in 9 years through fiscal 2023
Overwork remains a potentially deadly health hazard for many Japanese public school teachers, as long hours and excessive workloads continue to push them beyond safe limits, recent data shows. Thirty-eight public elementary and junior high school teachers died from overwork-related causes, known as "karoshi," between fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2023. The data was compiled by the Fund for Local Government Employees' Accident Compensation in Tokyo, which provides compensation and support to local government workers injured on the job or during commuting Even after fiscal 2018, when the education ministry introduced a monthly overtime cap of 45 hours, 26 such cases were recorded. Deaths are classified as karoshi when they result from work-related cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, or from suicides linked to work-related mental health disorders. According to the fund, public elementary and junior high school teachers accounted for 31 percent of all local government employees recognized as karoshi cases in fiscal 2022 and 23 percent in fiscal 2023. Sachiko Kudo, 58, head of a support group for families of karoshi victims in Kanagawa Prefecture, is calling for more effective policy responses to address the problem. Kudo, who lost her husband, a Yokohama public junior high school teacher, to a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by overwork, stressed the need for government measures to prevent similar cases, including detailed investigations of each incident. 'There are many common factors in teachers' deaths from overwork,' she said. 'Examining each case thoroughly could help prevent further tragedies.' SPECIAL OVERTIME SYSTEM FOR TEACHERS A FACTOR One underlying cause of teachers' karoshi is the prevalence of excessive working hours. Some observers point to the law governing teacher compensation as a key reason why proper management of working hours has been lacking. Under this law, teachers do not receive standard overtime pay. Instead, they are given a fixed-percentage supplement added to their base salaries. Critics argue that this arrangement discourages school administrators from taking steps to limit working hours. The system has even been described as 'unlimited work for a fixed sum.' This year, the law was amended during the regular Diet session. To improve working conditions, the revision will gradually increase the supplemental salary portion from the current 4 percent of base pay to 10 percent. It also introduces mandatory requirements for local boards of education to develop and publicly disclose plans detailing targets and initiatives to reduce overtime. During the Diet deliberations, lawmakers submitted additional amendments and the revised bill was ultimately passed into law. Among the new provisions are explicit goals to reduce average monthly overtime to about 30 hours and to implement measures aimed at achieving class sizes of 35 students in public junior high schools. These measures were included as supplementary provisions. However, throughout the Diet debate, some legislators questioned whether the compensation framework established under the law could effectively address the problem of excessive working hours, expressing skepticism about its potential to bring meaningful change. CALLS FOR ABOLISHING THE LAW PERSIST Yuji Nishimura, a teacher at a Gifu prefectural high school and a member of the volunteer group of citizens considering the future of the law on teachers' compensation, argues, 'Unless the law is abolished and replaced with a system that provides proper overtime pay, school administrators will have no incentive to reduce teachers' working hours or rein in rising personnel costs.' By contrast, the education ministry continues to defend the system, citing reports from the Central Council for Education, an advisory body to the education minister, which describe the current framework as reasonable and respectful of teachers' professional discretion. 'We are not considering abolishing this system,' the ministry states. (This article was written by Yukihito Takahama and Mayumi Ujioka, a senior staff writer.)
India Today
19-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
The Silent Fighter: How Sohail Khan put India on the Kudo World Map
Earlier this month, in a quiet corner of Sofia, Bulgaria, the Indian flag rose on unfamiliar ground. It wasn't cricket. It wasn't wrestling. There were no roaring crowds or primetime broadcasts. But inside a modest arena, on a blue mat far from the spotlight, a 25-year-old from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, did something no Indian man had ever done Khan became the first Indian male fighter to reach the final of the Kudo World he returned home with a silver medal draped around his neck, it wasn't just history—it was a statement. That even in the margins of Indian sport, in corners few care to explore, someone was still fighting. Still pushing boundaries. Still demanding recognition.A SPORT THAT FOUND HIM Before discovering Kudo, Sohail was already a decorated karateka and taekwondo athlete. But something was missing.'People often ask me—if I had already reached the national and international level in karate, why did I switch?' he says. 'Some even point out that taekwondo and karate have been part of the Olympics. But for me, Kudo offered something deeper—it teaches everything together.'The sport that would eventually define him wasn't introduced with medals or glory, but with curiosity.'Son,' his coach told him, 'there's a game where you learn punching, kicking, throwing—everything at once. It's not just self-defence—it's a complete sport.'That pitch stayed with him.'What I couldn't learn by going to different places or trying different sports,' he says, 'I was able to learn all in one place.'HOW IS KUDO DIFFERENT FROM MMA?Kudo is a Japanese hybrid martial art—a full-contact combat sport that blends safety with practicality. Unlike traditional styles that focus solely on striking or grappling, Kudo integrates punches and kicks with throws, locks, restraints, and chokeholds. Fighters wear headgear and gloves, combining aggression with discipline was founded in 1981 by Azuma Takashi, a black belt in both Kyokushin Karate and Judo. Azuma envisioned a martial art that transcended the limits of a single discipline. He merged the most effective aspects of striking and grappling to create Daido Juku—a system built around structured, competitive combat. In 2001, it was formally renamed Sohail tells people he plays Kudo, he's often met with blank stares. Most mistake it for Judo. Others assume it's a form of Karate or Kung Fu.'It's still new in India,' he says. 'A lot of people hear 'Judo' instead. Others think it's like Karate or Kung Fu—but those are completely different.'Many also compare it to MMA, but Sohail is quick to set the record biggest difference,' he explains, 'is that Kudo has structure. It's a sport—with a point system and strict safety rules. MMA is freestyle: you either win by knockout or submission. But in Kudo, even though it's full-contact, safety is always a priority.'He breaks it down: 'There are punches like boxing, kicks like taekwondo, throws like judo, and submissions from wrestling and jiu-jitsu. But it's not a free-for-all. It's controlled, disciplined, and respectful.' Sohail Khan Kudo Fighter poses with his silver medal at World Kudo Cup 2025 (Source: Sohail Khan) That balance of intensity and order is what drew him in.'Kudo gave me the thrill of combat, but also the assurance of control. It's professional. It's regulated. And it's grounded in respect.'Today, Kudo is recognised in Japan as a Budo sport—one that honours martial tradition while embracing modern sporting India, its rise began with Soshihan Mehul Vora, president of the KIFI Association. A landmark moment came during the 3rd Akshay Kumar International Invitational Karate-Do Tournament, when six All-Japan champions demonstrated Kudo techniques in India. The impact was immediate—and for young athletes like Sohail, it was KUD KAR BAN GAYE NAWAB"Once he embraced the sport, Sohail stopped being a part-time athlete.'Eventually, I became a full-time Kudo player,' he says. 'It wasn't a hobby anymore.'His resume reads like a martial arts dream: a gold at the Junior Kudo World Cup in 2017, bronze at the 2024 Eurasian Cup, and now silver at the World home, he earned a new title: 'The Golden Boy of Madhya Pradesh.' Coined by a local journalist, it stuck. He has now won 22 consecutive national championships—a staggering feat in Indian combat those medals is a story of quiet determination, working-class grit, and the enduring power of one mentor's into a middle-class household in Sagar, Sohail's path to international success was anything but smooth. His mother was a sub-inspector in the state police; his father worked as a clerk in the agriculture department. In their world, sport wasn't a career—it was a Sagar, a common refrain goes: 'Kheloge kudoge banoge kharab, padhoge likhoge banoge nawab.'(If you play, you ruin your future. If you study, you succeed.)advertisementNaturally, his parents were hesitant.'They were okay with me playing,' he says. 'But studies always came first.'That changed when the medals started coming. His coach, Dr Ejaz Khan, not only trained him but also convinced his parents that sport wasn't a detour—it was his destiny.'He told them I had the potential to go far. That made all the difference.'Institutional support came slowly. In 2018–19, the Indian government officially recognised Kudo as a sport eligible for central sports quota jobs. Sohail now works with the Mumbai Income Tax Department—a rare example of backing for a Kudo INDIA ON THE KUDO MAPIn Bulgaria, Sohail edged through the quarterfinals (1–0), dominated the semis (4–0), and battled through a brutal final that went into a rare third round—one of only two such bouts at the tournament. He fell just short of that wasn't the point.'Let me tell you something interesting,' he says. 'India is seen as an underdog in martial arts and combat sports globally. That pressure—to just win a single fight—was heavier than the medal round.'Now that he's broken the barrier, his sights are set my next aim is to win gold for India,' he says. 'For 13 years, no Indian had won a single senior-level fight. But now we're winning. We're on the podium. That's the beginning of a new story.'He's hopeful about where the sport is headed.'Once the Indian Olympic Association steps up,' he says, 'we'll be that much closer to seeing Kudo at the Asian Games—and maybe even the Olympics.'- Ends
News18
04-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
India's Sohail Khan To Take on Pakistan At Kudo World Cup 2025 In Bulgaria
Last Updated: Sohail Khan from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, will represent India at the Kudo World Cup 2025 in Bulgaria. He faces Pakistan's Abdullah in the Round of 16. Sohail Khan from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, will represent India at the Kudo World Cup 2025 in Bulgaria, facing Pakistan's Abdullah in the Round of 16 on Saturday. This match is crucial for the Indian fighter, who aims for a strong performance in the global championship. The Kudo World Cup 2025 matches are scheduled for July 5 and 6. Sohail enters the tournament as the 12th seed in the M-250 category, according to the official world rankings released by the Kudo International Federation (KIF). His consistent performances at national and international levels have secured him this position. He recently won a bronze medal at the Kudo Eurasian Cup 2024, earning valuable ranking points. Who Is Sohail Khan? A well-recognised name in the Indian Kudo circuit, Sohail has had an impressive journey. He was the gold medallist at the Junior Kudo World Cup 2017 and has won four gold medals at the Akshay Kumar International Kudo Tournament. In 2023, he reached the quarter-finals of the Senior Kudo World Championship. Recently, Sohail clinched his 22nd consecutive national-level gold medal at the 3rd Kudo National Championship 2025-26, held in Pune from May 16 to 22. Representing Madhya Pradesh, Sohail remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and defeated Vabhan Chaturvedi of Rajasthan 6-0 in the final. Leading his preparation is an elite support team including Dr Mohammad Aijaz Khan (head coach), Harikant Tiwari (conditioning coach), and Deepak Tiwari (strengthening coach). Sohail also receives invaluable mentorship from Hanshi Mehul Vora, India's national coach. The Kudo World Cup 2025 will be live-streamed on KumiteTechnology's YouTube channel. First Published:
Pink Villa
23-05-2025
- General
- Pink Villa
Kagurabachi Chapter 80 Spoilers Out: Kamunabi Traitor Revealed As Hakuri Faces Suspicion—DEETS
As per the Kagurabachi Chapter 80 spoilers, the chapter will be titled 'Secret Room' and will begin with Kudo guiding Hakuri through a vast library on the second underground floor of Kamunabi headquarters. The space is filled with sorcery-related literature. Kudo explains that mastery of these texts, like the Masumi workers, would allow Hakuri to contribute meaningfully to the organization. Though overwhelmed by the idea, Hakuri hears a loud noise echoing through the area. Kudo casually remarks that it is likely Azami's punches in the Kagurabachi Chapter 80 spoilers. When Hakuri questions the potential breach of barriers, Kudo assures him that barrier maintenance is continuous, with shifts rotating among core members. He also states the barrier cannot be broken from outside. As the noise grows louder, Kudo speculates that Ichiki may have joined the fight. Hakuri is surprised to hear the old man can fight. Kudo confirms that most leaders are strong, though not all are frontline combatants like Azami. The younger generation, however, carries the energy for direct engagement. Kudo further explains the Kamunabi's structure in the Kagurabachi Chapter 80 spoilers —besides the elite fighters who lead squads, over 300 regular fighters complete basic training in martial arts, spirit energy, and sorcery. Kudo has personally memorized one-third of the library's content. He also describes the headquarters' robust, ironclad warding system, which offers unmatched defense while the leaders work to trap the enemy inside. Elsewhere, Azami wonders about Hishaku's strategy. Given their usual caution, their current direct assault feels reckless. He suspects their plan may have been compromised. Back in the library, Ishihara, a curriculum instructor, arrives and greets Kudo and Hakuri in the Kagurabachi Chapter 80 spoilers. He speaks proudly of serving his country and emotionally shows a photo of his daughter. Suddenly, Ishihara pulls a knife on Kudo and ominously declares that his daughter means more than the country. Pine trees erupt grotesquely from Ishihara's body. Kudo shoves Hakuri into a lower chamber to protect him, just as the upper floor is consumed by the tree sorcery. Hakuri lands in a secret room in the Kagurabachi Chapter 80 spoilers and finds Kudo's blood-stained gas mask. Two Kamunabi sorcerers appear and accuse Hakuri of being an enemy. They decide to use him as bait for their families' sake. As they attack, Hakuri registers their blades into his Storehouse, confusing them. Despite this, they injure him in hand-to-hand combat. Recalling his mission to protect the Shinuchi blade and his past abuse, Hakuri endures and retaliates with Isou, knocking them out. Determined, he runs alone to the battlefield. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more spoilers like this and updates from the Kagurabachi manga.
Pink Villa
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kowloon Generic Romance Episode 8: Miyuki Learns Of Kujirai B's Death—Recap, Release Date And More
The last episode of Kowloon Generic Romance began with a flashback, where Kudo tells Gwen he planned to propose before the second walled city's demolition. In the present, Kudo rushes to the explosion site and reunites with the real Gwen. Gwen urges Kudo to leave the walled city, though Kudo refuses. Miyuki collapses en route to Wong's clinic, recalling falling for Gwen after his family demolished the second city. Reiko learns from Miyuki that she is a 'Generic,' not a Zirconia. Gwen stops Reiko from leaving Kowloon, revealing she only exists within Generic Terra. After discovering from Yulong's investigation that Kujirai B died of a drug overdose three years ago, Kowloon Generic Romance Episode 8 will see Miyuki feel connected to her, as she once lived in the second walled city his family demolished. Meanwhile, Reiko will be shaken upon realizing that some people cannot perceive her, causing her to question her own existence. Amid her uncertainty, Kudo's vow not to leave will give her strength. In Hong Kong, Yaomay will continue investigating Kowloon and make contact online with someone claiming to know about the current state of the city. Kowloon Generic Romance Episode 8 is scheduled to premiere on May 24, 2025, at 11:00 pm JST. In Japan, the episode will air on the TV Tokyo network, continuing the weekly Saturday broadcast. It will also be available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. International viewers can watch Kowloon Generic Romance Episode 8 on Crunchyroll and BiliBili. Additionally, fans in South and Southeast Asia will have access to the series through Ani-One Asia's official YouTube channel, depending on regional streaming rights and availability. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates on the Kowloon Generic Romance anime.
