This page is the news announced by NHK, a representative TV station in Japan.

Main news(2023/12/08)


Kyoto   Hakone

U.S. employment statistics for November: Employed persons Slightly exceeds market expectations, continues to be strong

2023-12-08 22:48:00
The US employment statistics for November have been released, and the number of non-agricultural workers increased by 199,000 from the previous month, slightly exceeding market expectations. Additionally, the unemployment rate improved by 0.2 points from the previous month to 3.7%. This indicates that although the tight labor market, which has been a factor in inflation, has eased, employment remains strong.

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US military drone goes missing during training at Shizuoka Ground Self-Defense Force Higashifuji Training Range

2023-12-08 21:12:00
On the 7th, a U.S. military drone approximately 3 meters wide went missing while undergoing pilot training at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji Training Range in Shizuoka Prefecture. Although no damage has been confirmed, the Ministry of Defense is contacting the U.S. military to confirm the details of the situation, as the strong winds may have caused the pilot to fly out of the training range.

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Russian President Putin announces candidacy for presidential election, state news agency

2023-12-08 21:07:00
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who continues to invade Ukraine militarily, announced on the 8th his intention to run in the presidential election to be held next March. This will be President Putin's fifth candidacy since he was first elected in 2000, and if he wins, his new term of office will run until 2030.

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Junior high school girl arrested for “trying to kill after dreaming” Aichi Handa

2023-12-08 20:54:00
On the 4th of this month, a female second-year junior high school student was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for allegedly slashing a male student with a knife during class at a junior high school in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture.In response to police investigation, the female student said, Interviews with investigators revealed that she had made a statement to the effect that she had dreamed of killing someone and thought it would be fun, so she tried to kill the male student. Police are investigating in detail the events leading up to the incident.

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Two former Kyodo News Seoul bureau chiefs were fired for embezzling more than 57 million yen

2023-12-08 20:43:00
Kyodo News reported that when two vice-generals of the foreign communications department were each serving as Seoul bureau chiefs, when they exchanged the bureau's operating funds into won, they reported to the head office a lower exchange rate than the actual rate, resulting in a total profit of over 57 million yen. On the 8th, it was announced that two people had been disciplined and dismissed for embezzling them.

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Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno explains, ``My own organization will be dealt with appropriately'' House of Councilors Budget Committee

2023-12-08 19:32:00
In the afternoon, intensive deliberations were held in the House of Councilors Budget Committee. While the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan set out the facts regarding the issue surrounding Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno's political funds, Mr. Matsuno explained that his own political organization had handled the matter appropriately.

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Multi-story parking lot fire in Atsugi, Kanagawa “Pool fire” spread in a short time

2023-12-08 19:25:00
A fire that burned more than 150 cars at a multi-storey parking lot in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Security camera footage from the scene independently obtained by NHK shows flames trailing down the floor from near the car believed to be the source of the fire. The spread was recorded. Experts have analyzed that a ``pool fire'' occurred, in which the surface of flammable liquid such as gasoline burns, and points out that the fire may have spread to nearby cars in a shorter time than usual.

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Man arrested for allegedly molesting a woman while posing as a member of a talent agency

2023-12-08 19:19:00
A 38-year-old suspect was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of accosting a woman who was auditioning for a fashion show, pretending to be from an entertainment agency, and performing an obscene act on her.

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Takagi and Seko also received kickbacks of over 10 million yen, suspected of not disclosing income

2023-12-08 19:01:00
In addition to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno's side, Abe faction executive and Secretary-General Takeshi Takagi, chairman of the National Assembly Measures Committee, and House of Councilors Secretary-General Hiroshige Seko have been involved in the issue surrounding political funding parties of LDP factions until last year. Through interviews with people involved, it has been newly discovered that there is a suspicion that he received kickbacks of more than 10 million yen over a five-year period and did not record them as income in his political funds balance report. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation department appears to be working to clarify the actual situation regarding the flow of funds.

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The number of influenza patients decreased from the previous week, but the situation continues to be high.

2023-12-08 18:42:00
The number of influenza patients reported by medical institutions nationwide was 26.72 per medical institution in the week ending December 3, a decrease from the previous week, but the number remains high.

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Nara Elementary School Bullying City Board of Education Investigation Report: “It is inappropriate not to report”

2023-12-08 18:10:00
The city's Board of Education has accused a girl in elementary school in Nara City of an issue in which her homeroom teacher returned a notebook with a "hanamaru" tag attached to it after she submitted a notebook in which she had written, "I wish I were dead," after being bullied. Interviews with people involved revealed that the association has compiled an investigation report stating that it was inappropriate to not report the incident to management or contact parents.

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Maebashi District Court orders poster to pay compensation for defaming people with disabilities

2023-12-08 17:44:00
A man living in Maebashi City with severe paralysis has sued the city for the nursing care services he needs, and has sought compensation for damages from the person who posted the defamatory content on an online bulletin board. In the trial, the Maebashi District Court handed down a judgment ordering him to pay more than 960,000 yen, saying that the act was ``a contempt that exceeds the limit of what is permissible.''

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How much would you pay for New Year's food to celebrate the start of the year?

2023-12-08 17:19:00
There is less than a month left in this year, but are you making preparations for the new year? As prices continue to soar, New Year's dishes are also being affected by price increases. It's easy to tighten your wallet, but how much do you pay for New Year's dishes?

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[Breaking news] Transfer completed for 12 active draft players; Kosuke Baba from Hanshin is a giant

2023-12-08 17:15:00
In order to stimulate the transfer of players who do not have the opportunity to play in professional baseball, the ``active draft'' was held on the 8th, which allows other teams to nominate and transfer active players listed by each team. . The results of the online meeting were announced just after 5pm, and the transfer of 12 players was decided. We will update the list and talk of each player from time to time.

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Former Fukuoka prefectural police officer who murdered three of his wife and children receives death penalty; Supreme Court appeal dismissed

2023-12-08 17:10:00
Regarding a former police officer who had pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering his wife and two children in Ogori City, Fukuoka Prefecture six years ago, the Supreme Court ruled, ``The consequences of taking three lives are grave.'' The court ruled against the defendant's appeal, and the death penalty was confirmed.

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Tokyo Roppongi apartment explosion accident: company president and three others sent to prosecutors

2023-12-08 16:36:00
In January of this year, an explosion occurred in an apartment building in Roppongi, Tokyo, injuring two people.The Metropolitan Police Department found that the explosion was caused by neglecting necessary safety measures while venting gas from spray cans, etc. As a result, three people, including the president of the company that entered the building, were referred to prosecutors.

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Senbatsu High School Baseball announces nine 21st century candidate schools

2023-12-08 16:12:00
The nine candidate schools for the 21st century slot for Senbatsu High School Baseball, which will be played at Koshien Stadium next spring, have been announced. Starting next year, it has been decided that the number of 21st century schools will be reduced by one to two, and the selection will be made by the selection committee in January.

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“The world’s biggest flower” blooms for the first time in 13 years, Tokyo’s Koishikawa Botanical Garden

2023-12-08 15:36:00
The Indonesian native ``Konnyaku'', which is said to be one of the largest flowers in the world, bloomed for the first time in 13 years at a botanical garden in Tokyo on the morning of the 8th, attracting many people.

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President Biden's second son indicted on nine charges including willfully failing to pay income tax

2023-12-08 15:09:00
Hunter Biden, the second son of US President Biden, has been indicted on nine charges, including willfully failing to pay income taxes. Mr. Hunter has previously been charged with falsely claiming that he did not use drugs and illegally purchasing a gun, and the series of trials has had an impact on President Biden's campaign for re-election. It will be interesting to see if you give it.

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Former Johnny's Office New company name is "STARTO ENTERTAINMENT"

2023-12-08 14:56:00
The former Johnny's office ``SMILE-UP.'' has announced that the name of their new company, which handles talent management, has been decided to be ``STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.'' The new president will be Jun Fukuda, the president of a consulting company.

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Okayama Kurashiki couple fatality/injury incident Husband's cause of death was bleeding from being stabbed etc.

2023-12-08 14:44:00
On the 2nd of this month, a couple in their 50s were found bleeding and lying in a house in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.The husband died and the wife was seriously injured.The husband's cause of death was a knife attack on his upper body. It turned out that there was bleeding from the accident, and there were also marks that looked like he had been beaten. Police believe that someone broke into the home, attacked the couple, and then fled, and are investigating the incident as a homicide.

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A high school girl was seen walking with a limp just before the Osaka high school girl's death.

2023-12-08 14:12:00
Last month, a 58-year-old male suspect was arrested for taking a 16-year-old high school girl home in his car in Osaka's Chuo Ward. In an interview with the police, it was learned that a security camera captured him walking with a limp. Afterwards, the female student died of suspected acute drug poisoning at the suspect's home, and police are investigating the circumstances. He has denied the charges against him during the investigation.

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Problem with smartphone payment service "au PAY" - Unable to use app

2023-12-08 14:09:00
According to KDDI, a problem has occurred with the smartphone payment service ``au PAY,'' and the app has been unavailable since around 12:25 p.m. on the 8th. The company is investigating the cause and proceeding with recovery efforts.

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House of Representatives Budget Committee Prime Minister: Political funding issue “tackled with a strong sense of crisis”

2023-12-08 14:01:00
Intensive deliberations were held in the House of Representatives Budget Committee, and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan pursued issues such as Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno's political funding. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that the party will work together as one with a strong sense of crisis in order to regain trust in politics regarding the issue surrounding political funding by factions within the Liberal Democratic Party.

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Ibaraki car crash suspect and person with the same name “Health damage due to criticality accident”

2023-12-08 12:50:00
On the 6th, a person with the same name as a 53-year-old suspect who was arrested in connection with two consecutive car crashes into Ibaraki Prefecture's government office and other locations was arrested for the ``health damage'' caused by the criticality accident that occurred in Tokai Village in 1999. Although I complained to the company multiple times saying that I had received compensation, I learned that no compensation was granted. Police are investigating whether these circumstances may have played a role in why he developed resentment in the village.

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Furano, Hokkaido Accident involving 3 vehicles, including a sightseeing bus, transporting 10 people including foreigners

2023-12-08 12:48:00
On the morning of the 8th, there was an accident involving three vehicles, including a tour bus and a large trailer, on a national highway in Furano City, Hokkaido, and 10 people, including foreign passengers on the tour bus, were taken to the hospital. Police are investigating the circumstances at the time, suspecting that the snow on the road may have been compacted by car tires, causing the trailer to slip.

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``Onui'' to remove the year's dust at Horyuji Temple in Nara

2023-12-08 12:37:00
Before the New Year, a ``Omi-wiping'' ceremony was held at Horyuji Temple, a world heritage site in Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture, to remove the dust that has accumulated over the past year from Buddhist statues. At Horyu-ji Temple, we perform a ``omo-wiping'' ceremony every year at this time to ensure that the Buddha statue welcomes the New Year in a clean state.

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Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno ``I want to fulfill my responsibilities'' after being suspected of not reporting kickbacks

2023-12-08 12:01:00
At a press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno avoided explaining the specific facts regarding the suspicion that he received over 10 million yen in kickbacks from the Abe faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, to which he belongs, and that he had not properly reported the matter. ``I would like to continue fulfilling my duties with a sense of urgency,'' he said.

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On-site inspections of stores nationwide that sell products containing ingredients similar to “cannabis gummies”

2023-12-08 11:42:00
Regarding the so-called ``cannabis gummies,'' which caused a number of people who ate them to complain of poor health, the ingredients contained in the gummies have been added to the list of designated drugs, and their sale has been prohibited starting this month. Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's Narcotics Control Department has conducted on-site inspections of stores across the country that sell products that contain ingredients similar to the designated ingredients, citing the risk of health hazards. I understand that.

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National civil servant winter bonus averages over 674,000 yen, increase for 2nd consecutive year

2023-12-08 11:26:00
Winter bonuses were paid to national civil servants on the 8th, and the average amount paid was about 674,000 yen, about 20,000 yen more than last year, the second consecutive year of increase.

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Basic policy for next year's budget bill decided Aiming for sustainable growth and structural wage increases

2023-12-08 09:35:00
At a cabinet meeting on the 8th, the government decided on the basic policy for formulating next year's budget bill. The company aims to achieve sustainable growth and structural wage increases in order to completely overcome deflation.

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Consumption amount in October: 301,974 yen for households with two or more people, 2.5% decrease compared to the same month last year

2023-12-08 09:29:00
According to the October household budget survey released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the amount spent on consumption by households of two or more people was 301,974 yen, a decrease of 2.5% from the same month last year in real terms excluding price changes. I did. Consumer spending has declined for eight consecutive months.

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Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno received over 10 million yen in kickbacks but is not recorded

2023-12-08 09:26:00
Regarding the issue surrounding the political funding party of a faction in the Liberal Democratic Party, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, who belongs to the largest faction of the Abe faction, the Seiwa Policy Research Group, received kickbacks of more than 10 million yen in the five years up to last year, and the party received political funding. Through interviews with related parties, we learned that there is a suspicion that the income was not recorded as income on the income and expenditure report. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation department appears to be working to clarify the actual situation regarding the flow of funds.

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Chief Cabinet Secretary kickback report: Prime Minister Kishida ``I want to answer in the Diet, etc.''

2023-12-08 09:06:00
Prime Minister Kishida responded to some reports that Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno is suspected of receiving over 10 million yen in kickbacks over the past five years from the Abe faction, which he does not record in his political funds balance report.8 When asked by reporters in Japan and North Korea, he said, ``I would like to give an answer in the Diet and elsewhere in the future.''

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"Papo-chan the Jellyfish" Satoshi Kako's unpublished works can be found

2023-12-08 07:44:00
An unpublished work by Satoshi Takako, a picture book author known for works such as the Daruma-chan series who passed away five years ago at the age of 92, was found in his home in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It's a story about a jellyfish's struggle to save a parent and child who lost their lives in the war, and Kako's eldest daughter said, ``I think it's like her father's prayer that war never happens again.'' I'm talking.

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[Updated from time to time] Latest information on Israel and Hamas (December 8th)

2023-12-08 07:30:00
We will keep you updated on developments regarding Israel and Palestine as of December 8, Japan time.

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Former employee of afterschool management company arrested and charged with forcible indecency without making public announcement

2023-12-08 06:22:00
A former employee in his 30s of a company that operates private after-school child care facilities in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and other areas has been arrested and charged with indecent assault and other charges for groping multiple children at the facility where he worked. I found out that The operating company has not disclosed this fact for more than half a year, and explained in an interview with NHK, ``We believed that the most important thing was to prevent secondary damage to the victims.''

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More than 17,000 people killed in Gaza Strip in two months since fighting began

2023-12-08 06:16:00
On the 7th, two months after the fighting began, the Israeli army and the Islamic organization Hamas continue to engage in fierce fighting in areas such as Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Health authorities in the Gaza Strip say more than 17,000 people have died in the past two months, and the civilian casualties continue unchecked as the Israeli military ramps up its offensive to destroy Hamas. .

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Shohei Otani leaves the winter meeting without any major changes

2023-12-08 06:10:00
The Major League Baseball Winter Meeting came to a close on the 7th, with all official events completed the day before. Although the meeting was considered to be the peak of the transfer market, there were no major moves regarding Shohei Otani, whose departure is attracting attention.

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Prime Minister Kishida leaves Kishida faction, opposition party will pursue harshly in intensive deliberations today

2023-12-08 06:00:00
Prime Minister Kishida left the Kishida faction, of which he was the chairman, in response to issues surrounding the Liberal Democratic Party's faction's political funding party. The opposition parties say that the situation continues to lack accountability, and plan to pursue the matter harshly during intensive deliberations in the Diet on the 8th.

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1 dollar = 141 yen level rises for the first time in about 4 months NY foreign exchange market

2023-12-08 04:39:00
On the 7th, in the New York foreign exchange market, the yen appreciated against the dollar as there was widespread speculation that the Bank of Japan might decide to revise its current large-scale monetary easing measures, leading to an awareness of the narrowing of the interest rate differential between Japan and the United States. The value of the yen continued to decline, and at one point the yen rose to the 141 yen level to the dollar for the first time in about four months.

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Ibaraki car ramming incident suspect's mother ``Suddenly on the way back from going out together''

2023-12-08 00:17:00
The mother of a 53-year-old suspect who was arrested on the 6th after two cars crashed into two locations, including the Ibaraki Prefectural Office, said, ``We were riding in the car together on the way home from some errands when my son suddenly... Interviews with investigators revealed that he gave an explanation such as ``I caused an incident.''

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