Main news(2023/12/14)
European Central Bank leaves main policy interest rate unchanged for second consecutive time
2023-12-14 22:32:00
The European Central Bank held a monetary policy meeting on the 14th and decided to keep its main policy interest rate unchanged at 4.5%. This is the second time in a row that interest rates have been left unchanged, following the previous meeting in October this year. The growth rate of the consumer price index in the euro area has slowed down to its lowest level in 2 years and 4 months in November, and the rapid pace of interest rate hikes is having a negative impact on the economy. It seems that consideration was also given to
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Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2: Regulatory Commission conducts on-site investigation “Line that looks like a fault line confirmed”
2023-12-14 21:32:00
During the review that is a prerequisite for restarting Unit 2 of the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, the Nuclear Regulation Authority conducted its first on-site investigation of the fault within the site, which was the focus of the review, and found that the surface of the stratum As a new line that looks like a fault line has been confirmed, we requested that the operator, Japan Atomic Power, submit new materials.
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Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: Estimated exposure dose for two people exposed to waste fluid to be below limit
2023-12-14 21:13:00
Two workers at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant were exposed to waste fluid containing radioactive materials while cleaning contaminated water treatment equipment, and were temporarily hospitalized for decontamination. TEPCO has confirmed that the amount of radiation exposure caused by this incident will be reduced over time. The company also revealed the results of an estimate that showed that the number of people living in Japan was below the limit set by law.
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Japan Rugby National Team Eddie Jones new HC “Faster”
2023-12-14 20:47:00
Eddie Jones, who will be the next head coach of the Japan Rugby National Team, held a press conference and said, ``Japan has grown even stronger since the 2015 World Cup.I want to make it even stronger. I want to pursue rugby," he said with enthusiasm.
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Nagoya High Court orders Yamaguchi-gumi boss and others to increase compensation in “protection fee” lawsuit
2023-12-14 19:48:00
In a case in which a man in Aichi Prefecture sought compensation for damages for being forced to pay "protection fees" to the leaders of the Yamaguchi-gumi, a designated organized crime group, the Nagoya High Court held the second instance, and the first instance recognized the leader's claim of a statute of limitations. ``It is unacceptable for the bosses to take advantage of the fact that the man did not seek compensation out of fear of the bosses and claim the statute of limitations,'' and awarded compensation of over 7.5 million yen, which was significantly more than the first trial. ordered.
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[Breaking news] Prime Minister Kishida's cabinet changes "Coordination ability, execution ability, answering ability, immediate action ability"
2023-12-14 19:37:00
Prime Minister Kishida spoke to reporters at the Prime Minister's Office on the night of the 14th regarding the personnel changes in which four pro-Abe ministers were replaced and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi was appointed. He explained that he had selected the following people. He also indicated that he intends to reshuffle LDP executives by the end of the year.
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President Putin's year-end press conference and national dialogue: stance on proceeding with military invasion
2023-12-14 19:25:00
At a year-end press conference and other events held on the night of the 14th (Japan time), Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, ``If Russia achieves its goals, peace will come to Ukraine,'' and said that he had succeeded in repelling the Ukrainian military's reverse offensive. He reiterated his stance to push forward with a military invasion.
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Linear Chuo Shinkansen opening date changed to ``2027 or later'' JR Tokai
2023-12-14 18:15:00
JR Tokai has decided to change the opening date of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, which is currently under construction, from ``2027'' to ``2027 or later'' and has applied to the government. Shizuoka Prefecture has not approved the start of construction and has stated that it would be difficult to open in 2027, but this view has been officially reflected in the plan submitted to the government.
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Former juvenile, 19 years old at the time, sentenced to 23 years in prison in Tachikawa Hotel murder case Tokyo District Court
2023-12-14 18:05:00
A year ago, a 19-year-old former boy was charged with murder for stabbing a woman to death at a hotel in Tachikawa, Tokyo, and seriously injuring a man who was her colleague. The Tachikawa Branch of the District Court sentenced him to 23 years in prison, saying, ``This was a very cruel and malicious crime with persistent attacks.''
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Large IT companies will be required to pay consumption tax through overseas apps
2023-12-14 17:20:00
The smartphone app market continues to expand due in part to the growing popularity of online games. The Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito Party's tax reform outline for next fiscal year, which was decided on the 14th, states that the consumption tax liability on sales of apps by overseas business operators will be increased by companies such as IT majors, rather than app sellers. The policy includes the introduction of a new system that will be imposed on companies operating "stores". The aim is to eliminate the imbalance between domestic and overseas businesses regarding consumption tax.
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A woman in her 20s files a lawsuit demanding compensation for sexual harassment and long working hours at Toei
2023-12-14 17:17:00
A woman in her 20s who was involved in the production of a drama at Toei, a major film company, is seeking compensation from the company, claiming that she suffered sexual harassment from male staff and was forced to work long hours, causing her to develop an adjustment disorder. A lawsuit was filed in the Tokyo District Court.
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Outline of tax reform decided; system design for fixed income tax reduction, etc. Liberal-Kokem parties
2023-12-14 16:49:00
On the 14th, both the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito Party decided on next year's tax reform outline, including the establishment of an income limit that would exclude people with an annual income of more than 20 million yen from receiving fixed-amount tax cuts such as income tax. On the other hand, the government has postponed deciding on a specific start date for the tax increase aimed at securing funding for defense spending.
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Woman collapses unconscious on the street, possibly due to overdosing on over-the-counter drugs Adachi Ward, Tokyo
2023-12-14 16:27:00
On the morning of the 14th, a young man and woman were found collapsed on the street in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, and the woman was taken to the hospital, where she was found unconscious and in critical condition. The man said he had taken a large amount of over-the-counter drugs, and the Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the details of the incident.
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Open AI announces partnership with German media giant Will movement spread?
2023-12-14 16:25:00
Open AI, the American venture company that developed the generative AI ChatGPT, announced that it has partnered with a German media giant. ChatGPT will be able to create article summaries and users will be able to utilize them, so it will be interesting to see if this movement spreads among the media.
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Prince Akishino and his wife also attended the International Prize for Biology Award Ceremony in Tokyo
2023-12-14 16:16:00
The award ceremony for the International Prize for Biology, which is given to researchers who have made outstanding achievements in the field of biology, was held in Tokyo with Prince Akishino and his wife in attendance.
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Osaka/Kansai Expo: Proposed operating cost of 116 billion yen, more than 40% more than originally estimated
2023-12-14 16:07:00
At a board meeting on the 14th, the Japan Expo Association, which is the organizer of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, presented a proposed plan that would cost 116 billion yen in operating costs, more than 40% more than originally estimated.
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Hotaka Yamakawa Softbank is making final preparations for joining the team, reinforcing right-handed batter
2023-12-14 16:05:00
Professional baseball team Softbank is making final arrangements for the joining of Hotaka Yamakawa, a three-time home run king and right-handed slugger who has exercised his rights as a free agent from Seibu, according to team officials. I learned this from the interview.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education to introduce new equipment for speaking test for metropolitan high school entrance exams
2023-12-14 14:37:00
In response to complaints that the audio in the speaking test for the Tokyo metropolitan high school entrance exam is difficult to hear, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education has decided to introduce new headphone-type equipment that has both soundproofing and audio streaming functions. .
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Survey of promising destinations for Japanese companies; India ranks first for second consecutive year; China ranks third
2023-12-14 14:31:00
A survey asking Japanese companies about promising overseas expansion destinations has been concluded, and India has ranked first for the second year in a row. On the other hand, China has dropped from second place last year to third place, and the percentage of responding companies is the lowest since the survey began in 1992.
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Olympic corruption trial: Former organizing committee director Haruyuki Takahashi pleads not guilty at first trial
2023-12-14 14:03:00
The first trial of Haruyuki Takahashi, former director of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, who is accused of accepting bribes totaling nearly 200 million yen from five companies in a corruption case involving sponsorship contracts for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, will be held at the Tokyo District Court. Former director Takahashi pleaded not guilty.
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Las Vegas university pays tribute to three victims of shooting incident, including Japanese associate professor
2023-12-14 13:00:00
A gathering was held to commemorate the three victims of the shooting incident that occurred this month at a university in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the western United States, including a Japanese associate professor.
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Liberal Democratic Party House of Councilors Secretary-General Seko submits resignation, Abe's ``Five'' all to resign
2023-12-14 12:28:00
In response to the issue surrounding the Liberal Democratic Party's Abe faction's political funding party, one of the Abe faction's leaders, House of Councilors Secretary-General Seko, announced to reporters that he had submitted his resignation. As a result, all of the influential members of the Abe faction known as the "Five" will step down from their positions as cabinet ministers and party executives.
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USJ roller coaster stops while running with passengers on board, no injuries
2023-12-14 12:12:00
On the morning of the 14th, at Universal Studios Japan, a theme park in Osaka's Konohana Ward, a roller coaster stopped near the top of the course with passengers still on board. Facility staff guided customers to the ground, and there were no injuries.
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Chinese suspect arrested for operating “white taxi” business to tourists, Metropolitan Police Department
2023-12-14 11:43:00
In June this year, a 30-year-old suspect was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department for operating a so-called "white taxi" business in which Chinese tourists who were sightseeing in Tokyo were picked up and dropped off in private cars for a fee.
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Miyuki Kakizawa, former Deputy Minister of Justice, submits notification of resignation to the Liberal Democratic Party
2023-12-14 11:39:00
Miyuki Kakizawa, former Deputy Minister of Justice of the Liberal Democratic Party, has left the Liberal Democratic Party after her office in the House of Representatives building was searched in connection with a violation of the Public Offices Election Act regarding the mayoral election in Tokyo's Koto Ward held in April this year. .
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Unknown US military drone found during pilot training, no damage information Shizuoka
2023-12-14 11:28:00
On December 7th, a U.S. military drone approximately 3 meters wide that went missing during pilot training at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji Training Range in Shizuoka Prefecture was found in the woods outside the training range on the 13th. Found it. There are no reports of injuries or damage to buildings.
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President Biden's second son impeachment investigation officially approved
2023-12-14 10:27:00
The opposition Republican-dominated House of Representatives has officially approved an investigation aimed at impeaching US President Biden over allegations that he was improperly involved in the business of his second son Hunter Biden. passed a resolution to do so. The Republican Party wants to step up its pursuit of President Biden ahead of next year's presidential election.
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Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Department searches Deputy Minister of Justice Mizuaki Kakizawa's office in the Diet Building
2023-12-14 10:15:00
In a case of violation of the Public Offices Election Act concerning the ward mayor election in Tokyo's Koto Ward that took place in April this year, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's Special Investigation Department investigated the residence of Deputy Minister of Justice Mizuaki Kakizawa in the House of Representatives Second Member's Building in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. I set out to search the office. They are also searching the home of former Deputy Minister of Justice Kakizawa in Tokyo.
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Yoshinobu Yamamoto “Shohei Ohtani will be present during negotiations with Dodgers” US media
2023-12-14 10:13:00
Regarding professional baseball pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is aiming to transfer from Orix to the Major Leagues using the posting system, American media reported that Shohei Ohtani was present when the Dodgers held negotiations in Los Angeles on the 12th. .
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[Breaking news] Four cabinet ministers, including the Chief Cabinet Secretary, will be replaced due to political funding issue; developments on the 14th
2023-12-14 09:48:00
Prime Minister Kishida will make personnel changes on the 14th, replacing four ministers who are pro-Abe, in response to the issue surrounding the political funding party of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party. The idea is to rebuild the system by appointing former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi, who is pro-Kishida, as the new Chief Cabinet Secretary, and Ken Saito, former Minister of Justice, who is non-partisan, as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and who are not pro-Abe. We will keep you updated on developments at the Prime Minister's Office.
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Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno “speaks at press conference about his own progress” and submits resignation letter
2023-12-14 09:03:00
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno entered the Prime Minister's Office just after 8:30 a.m. When asked by reporters, ``Have you decided to move forward or retreat?'' he replied, ``I will speak at a press conference.'' Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno is expected to submit his resignation to Prime Minister Kishida after this.
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Yoshimasa Hayashi, who has been unofficially appointed as Chief Cabinet Secretary, talks about his feelings about being “out of the blue”
2023-12-14 08:59:00
On the morning of the 14th, former Foreign Minister Hayashi, who has been tentatively appointed as Chief Cabinet Secretary in a reshuffle to be made in response to the issue surrounding the political funding party of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, told reporters on the morning of the 14th, ``I don't know what the words 'out of the blue' mean. I am worthy of this position, but I want to work hard and do my best to demonstrate my potential.''
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Tesla recalls more than 2 million vehicles, largest ever due to problems with autonomous driving assistance
2023-12-14 08:12:00
American electric car manufacturer Tesla has filed a recall for more than 2 million vehicles with US authorities after determining that measures to prevent drivers from incorrectly using autonomous driving assistance systems are insufficient. . American media reports that this is the largest recall ever.
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President Zelenskiy condemns attack on Russian military infrastructure, injuring more than 50 people
2023-12-14 08:02:00
On the 13th, the Russian military attacked the capital, Kiiv, with missiles, injuring more than 50 people in Kiiv when debris from the intercepted missile fell. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of carrying out a missile attack targeting civilian infrastructure.
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Yen price temporarily rose to the low 142 yen level to the dollar due to Fed meeting
2023-12-14 07:26:00
In the New York foreign exchange market on the 13th, the yen appreciated in response to the results of the Federal Reserve Board meeting and Chairman Powell's subsequent press conference, and the yen exchange rate had been hovering around 145 yen to the dollar before the announcement. At one point, the price rose by more than 2 yen to the low 142 yen level to the dollar. The outlook for policy interest rates was presented by participants at the Fed's meeting, and it was assumed that interest rates would be cut at least three times a year next year and 2024, so people bought the yen with an awareness of the narrowing of the interest rate differential between Japan and the United States. The movement to sell dollars intensified.
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COP28 concludes, agreement reached to ``promote transition away from'' fossil fuels
2023-12-14 06:41:00
COP28, the United Nations conference on climate change measures held in the United Arab Emirates, concluded on the 13th, with an agreement to ``proceed to move away'' from fossil fuels, which had been a focus. The future policies of each country regarding fossil fuels will be questioned.
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Good conditions for the Geminid meteor shower for the first time in 8 years, peaking from night of the 14th to early morning of the 15th
2023-12-14 06:26:00
From the night of the 13th to the early morning of the 14th, an astronomical phenomenon called the Geminid meteor shower colored the winter night sky.
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Outline of next year's tax reform to be decided today Liberal Democratic Party/Komei
2023-12-14 06:24:00
The Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito Party decided on next year's tax reform outline on the 14th, and plan to include the establishment of an income limit that excludes people with an annual income of more than 20 million yen when designing a system for fixed-rate tax reductions such as income tax. On the other hand, the government has decided not to decide on a specific start date for the tax increase aimed at securing funding for defense spending.
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US Federal Reserve postpones interest rate hike for 3rd consecutive meeting, expects at least 3 rate cuts next year
2023-12-14 06:14:00
The Federal Reserve Board of the United States (Federal Reserve System) held a meeting to decide on monetary policy, and on the 13th, it decided not to raise interest rates for the third consecutive meeting as inflation was on the decline. At the same time, the outlook for policy interest rates was presented by the participants of the meeting, and it was assumed that interest rates would be cut at least three times a year next year and in 2024.
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Otani's 10-year contract with the Dodgers will be held at a press conference starting at 8 a.m. Japan time on the 15th.
2023-12-14 06:11:00
The press conference for Shohei Ohtani, who signed a 10-year contract with the Dodgers in Major League Baseball, will be held at Dodger Stadium, the team's home base, from 8 a.m. Japan time on the 15th. It will be interesting to see what Otani has to say about his decision to transfer, why he decided to pay most of his annual salary in arrears after his contract ends, etc.
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Olympic corruption case: First trial of former organizing committee director Haruyuki Takahashi today
2023-12-14 05:27:00
The first trial of Haruyuki Takahashi, a former director of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, who is accused of accepting bribes totaling nearly 200 million yen from five companies in a corruption case involving sponsorship contracts for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, was held on the 14th. , will be held at the Tokyo District Court. He is said to have received bribes from major companies due to his strong influence, but his statements are attracting attention because he denies any wrongdoing.
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Osaka/Kansai Expo operating costs estimated to be 116 billion yen, about 40% more than expected
2023-12-14 05:12:00
The Expo Association, which is the organizer of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, has carefully examined the operating costs, taking into account rising personnel costs and other factors, and found that the operating costs will be 116 billion yen, more than 40% higher than the originally expected 80.9 billion yen. Through interviews with the people involved, we found out that this estimate has been compiled. The association plans to cover most of its operating costs through revenue from ticket sales, but the challenge is whether it can increase interest in the Expo and generate steady sales.
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Prime Minister Kishida will change four cabinet ministers today, appointing experienced people other than Abe supporters
2023-12-14 04:56:00
Prime Minister Kishida will make personnel changes on the 14th, replacing four ministers who are pro-Abe, in response to the issue surrounding the political funding party of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party. The idea is to rebuild the system by appointing former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi, who is pro-Kishida, as the new Chief Cabinet Secretary, and Ken Saito, former Minister of Justice, who is non-partisan, as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and who are not pro-Abe.
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