Main news(2023/12/31)
[Updated from time to time] Number of victims of air strikes in Israel's Gaza Strip continues to rise
2023-12-31 20:08:00
In the Gaza Strip, Palestine, the Israeli military carried out ground invasions and airstrikes in various locations on the 31st, and the Middle East satellite television station Al Jazeera reported that at least 64 people had died in 24 hours, citing health officials. The number of people continues to increase. We will keep you updated on developments regarding Israel and Palestine as of December 31st, Japan time.
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Oga, Akita A traditional event to pray for good health: “Oga Namahage”
2023-12-31 19:59:00
On New Year's Eve, a traditional event called ``Oga Namahage'' is held in various parts of Oga City, Akita Prefecture, where men wearing demon-like masks go from house to house in the area to pray for good health.
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Estimated 1.06 million new adults entering the new year at age 18, the lowest on record Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
2023-12-31 19:39:00
The number of new adults entering the new year at the age of 18 was 1.06 million, the lowest since the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications began compiling estimates.
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Dead in both Ukraine and Russia, fierce exchange of attacks continues at year's end
2023-12-31 19:28:00
The day after Ukraine suffered the largest attack by Russia, missile attacks by the Russian military continued one after another, injuring 28 people in the eastern Kharkiv Oblast. The Russian side also announced that 24 people were killed in the attack by the Ukrainian military, and the exchanges between the two sides have become more intense at the end of the year.
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North Korea's General Secretary Kim emphasizes that he will "implement ultra-hardline policies" against the US
2023-12-31 19:27:00
At an important meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea held until the 30th, North Korean General Secretary Kim Jong Un gave a speech on foreign policy for 2024, criticizing the security cooperation between Japan, the United States, and South Korea. , emphasized that Japan would ``implement an ultra-tough policy'' against the United States.
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Abe faction, multiple members, party income of approximately 100 million yen, not delivered to the faction
2023-12-31 19:00:00
In an incident involving a political funding party organized by a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, several members of the Abe faction did not remit to the faction the party income that they had collected in excess of the sales quota, and the total amount was lost over a five-year period up to last year. Through interviews with people involved, it has been newly learned that the amount is believed to be approximately 100 million yen. For Abe's faction, there is a suspicion that the total amount of funds that were turned into slush funds that were not recorded in the political funds balance report, together with the amount that was kicked back, has ballooned to around 600 million yen. It appears to be in progress.
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Israeli military continues to attack Gaza, UN says 40% of population is at risk of starvation
2023-12-31 18:44:00
In the Palestinian Gaza Strip, the Israeli military continued its ground invasion and air strikes on the 31st, and the situation continues to worsen, with more than 60 people reportedly killed. A local United Nations agency expressed a strong sense of crisis: ``40% of the population in the Gaza Strip is at risk of starvation, and every day is a struggle for survival.''
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“To finish off the year by running” Everyone from children to the elderly can run according to their physical strength Toyama
2023-12-31 18:15:00
An event was held in Toyama City where runners from all over Toyama Prefecture gathered to celebrate the year's running.
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Secretary to former Deputy Minister of Justice Kakizawa: Suggestion that someone else be responsible?
2023-12-31 17:53:00
In the case in which Vice Minister of Justice Mizuaki Kakizawa was arrested on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Act regarding the election for the mayor of Koto Ward in Tokyo, it was pointed out that a paid advertisement on the Internet calling for votes for the former ward mayor was illegal. Interviews with people involved revealed that former Vice Minister Kakizawa's secretary had suggested to the former ward mayor that someone else be responsible for the incident. The former ward mayor's side later explained at a press conference that the suggestion was made by a volunteer staff member of the camp, and the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Department is investigating the details of the incident, believing that the former Deputy Minister Kakizawa and the former ward mayor were trying to hide their involvement. It seems that there are some.
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Meiji Shrine's ``Great Purification'' to remove 1 year of filth is attended by the general public for the first time in 4 years
2023-12-31 17:38:00
On the 31st of New Year's Eve, a Shinto ritual called ``Oharae'' is held at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo to rid the shrine of the loss of the past year and usher in the new year, and many people come to pray.
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Be careful of lightning strikes and gusts of wind, mainly on the Sea of Japan side.
2023-12-31 17:32:00
This is the weather from January 1st to New Year's Day. Due to the unstable atmospheric conditions, it is necessary to be careful of lightning and gusts of wind, especially on the Sea of Japan side, until dawn. On the other hand, on the Pacific side, there are some places where the morning will be clear and you can see the first sunrise.
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Japan national soccer team officially practices for warm-up match against Thailand national team on New Year's Day
2023-12-31 17:28:00
On January 1, New Year's Day, the Japanese national soccer team held an official practice in preparation for a warm-up match against the Thai national team to be held at the National Stadium, and coach Hajime Moriyasu said, ``We are preparing for a fight that will lead to the Asian Cup and the World Cup after that.'' I want to do it," he said enthusiastically.
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New Year decorations on fishing boats at Meizu Port, Nichinan, Miyazaki, wishing for a big catch and safe navigation
2023-12-31 16:49:00
At the port of Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, which is one of the nation's leading pole-and-line fishing hubs for bonito, fishing boats are decorated with big catch flags and shimenawa ropes ahead of the New Year.
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NPO provides osechi to support groups for people who are struggling to make ends meet
2023-12-31 16:02:00
On the 31st of New Year's Eve, an NPO in Nagoya City provided ingredients for New Year's dishes donated by delicatessen manufacturers to support groups for people struggling to make ends meet.
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Wakayama has a ``Shutuno no Bell'' during the day, making it easy for people with children and the elderly to visit.
2023-12-31 16:01:00
On the 31st of New Year's Eve, a New Year's Eve bell ringing was held in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, where the bell was rung during the day instead of at night.
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High school student riding on the back dies after falling from two-seater motorcycle Tokyo
2023-12-31 14:33:00
On the night of the 30th, a two-seater motorcycle hit a curb in a tunnel in Ota Ward, Tokyo, and a high school student riding on the back fell off and died. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident by interviewing the high school student who claimed to have been driving the motorcycle.
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Handing over New Year's dishes in a box at a restaurant in Hiroshima
2023-12-31 14:22:00
Ahead of New Year's Day on January 1st, many people are visiting restaurants in Hiroshima City to receive New Year's food.
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Year-end Jumbo Lottery drawing winning numbers decided
2023-12-31 14:00:00
A lottery was held for the ``Year-end Jumbo Lottery'' where you can win 1 billion yen in total for the first and second prizes, and the winning numbers have been decided.
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“Osaka’s Kitchen” Kuromon Market Bustling with shoppers during the year-end and New Year holidays
2023-12-31 13:47:00
On the 31st of New Year's Eve, Kuromon Market, known as the kitchen of Osaka, is crowded with people buying New Year's food, such as osechi dishes and blowfish.
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Business confidence in China's manufacturing industry falls below the critical ``50'' mark for three consecutive months
2023-12-31 13:31:00
This month's index of business confidence in China's manufacturing industry worsened by 0.4 points from last month, staying below 50, the benchmark used to judge economic conditions, for the third consecutive month. The main factor is stagnation in domestic demand due to the slump in the real estate market.
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Toshikoshi soba is sold over the counter at a long-established store in Fukuoka, with the owner's children and grandchildren also helping out
2023-12-31 13:02:00
On the 31st of New Year's Eve, long-established soba restaurants in Fukuoka City are filled with people looking to end the year with Toshikoshi soba.
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Gifu house fire, one body found in the burnt ruins, female resident unable to be contacted
2023-12-31 12:53:00
On the morning of the 31st, a fire destroyed a house in Gifu City, and one person's body was found in the ashes. Police have been unable to contact the woman in her 40s who lives in this house after the fire, so they are working to confirm her identity and investigating the cause of the fire.
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Contestants rehearse before tonight's Kohaku Uta Gassen performance
2023-12-31 11:58:00
Before the performance of the annual New Year's Eve NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, contestants are rehearsing at NHK Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo.
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Israeli Prime Minister reemphasizes continuing operations: “Victory will take time”
2023-12-31 11:51:00
The Israeli military has continued to carry out ground invasions and airstrikes across the Palestinian Gaza Strip on the 30th, and the number of casualties continues to rise. Under these circumstances, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, ``Victory will take time and will continue for many more months,'' reiterating the need for continued military operations.
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U.N. Security Council holds emergency meeting at Russia's request, blaming Ukraine and each other
2023-12-31 11:29:00
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on the 30th at Russia's request, following an attack on a city in western Russia that resulted in numerous casualties. At the meeting, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other.
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Review of technical intern training system for foreigners, focusing on conditions for transfer to another company
2023-12-31 10:15:00
In reviewing the technical intern training system for foreigners, the government's panel of experts decided to allow transfers to other companies under certain conditions, but as there are cautious opinions within the Liberal Democratic Party, the law has been revised The specific conditions for transfer are likely to be one of the focuses in designing a system for this purpose.
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North Korea General Secretary Kim “will launch three additional military reconnaissance satellites next year”
2023-12-31 09:16:00
North Korea announced that North Korea would add three military reconnaissance satellites next year during a meeting held by the 30th of the General Committee of the Central Committee, which decides important policies for the Workers' Party of Korea. It was announced on the 31st that the company plans to launch the project.
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Russian authorities “Ukrainian military attack on western city kills 18 people”
2023-12-31 07:26:00
Russian authorities announced on the 30th that 18 people were killed in a Ukrainian military attack on a city in western Russia. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, which suffered a large-scale attack by Russia the day before, work continues to remove debris, and the number of deaths has further increased to 39 people.
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Western to Eastern Japan: Atmospheric instability around New Year's Day, mainly on the Sea of Japan side; watch out for lightning strikes, etc.
2023-12-31 07:21:00
Due to the influence of cold air flowing into the skies above Japan, atmospheric conditions are expected to become extremely unstable mainly from western Japan to eastern Japan on the Sea of Japan side. The unstable atmosphere is expected to continue until January 1st, so please be careful of lightning, gusty winds, and sudden heavy rain.
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[Updated from time to time] Russia military invasion of Ukraine (movement on December 31st)
2023-12-31 07:17:00
Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues. Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country. We will keep you updated on the developments surrounding the situation in Ukraine on the 31st (Japan time), including the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries involved. (There is a 7 hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6 hour time difference with Moscow, Russia)
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Gaza Strip health authorities say 165 people died in 24 hours; death toll continues to rise
2023-12-31 07:14:00
The Israeli military continued to carry out ground invasions and airstrikes across the Palestinian Gaza Strip on the 30th, and the number of casualties continues to rise, with health authorities in the Gaza Strip claiming 165 people died in 24 hours. In addition, the situation is becoming even more dire, with influential American media reporting that nearly 70% of homes in the Gaza Strip have been damaged.
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Research shows that elderly people who keep dogs have a 40% lower risk of developing dementia
2023-12-31 06:25:00
A group including the Tokyo Metropolitan Health Center for Geriatrics and Geriatrics announced the results of a study showing that elderly people who own dogs have a 40% lower risk of developing dementia than those who do not own dogs.
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High-speed train "Eurostar" is suspended due to tunnel flooding
2023-12-31 06:08:00
The high-speed train ``Eurostar'', which connects the UK and continental Europe, has been suspended one after another due to flooding in the tunnels in southeastern England, causing major disruption to travel during the year-end and New Year holidays.
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Three candidates in Taiwan's presidential election hold televised debate, discussing relations with China
2023-12-31 06:04:00
On the 30th, with two weeks left until voting day for Taiwan's presidential election, which is held once every four years, a televised debate was held between the three candidates to discuss relations with China, which is a major issue in the election campaign. There was a debate over this.
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Toshio Sakata dies at age 82, fondly known as ``Idiot Sakata''
2023-12-31 05:39:00
Comedian Toshio Sakata, nicknamed ``Idiot Sakata,'' passed away in Osaka on the 29th due to old age. He was 82 years old.
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``Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information'' awareness in expected damage areas does not reach 30%
2023-12-31 05:20:00
When the government conducted a questionnaire survey regarding the ``Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information,'' which is announced when an abnormal phenomenon is observed along the Nankai Trough, only a few people knew about the areas where damage is expected. It turns out that less than 30% of respondents responded.
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