Main news(2024/07/24)
Paris Olympics: Yamashita and other female referees at men's soccer qualifying rounds, a first in Olympic history
2024-07-24 22:23:00
The referees for the first match of the men's soccer qualifying league for the Paris Olympics on the 24th have been announced, and three Japanese referees, including Yoshimi Yamashita, will be in charge of the match between Egypt and the Dominican Republic. According to the Japan Football Association, this will be the first time in Olympic history that a female referee will be in charge of a men's match.
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The yen strengthened in the London market, temporarily reaching the upper 153 yen range against the dollar.
2024-07-24 21:57:00
On the 24th, the yen strengthened against the dollar in the London foreign exchange market, temporarily reaching the upper 153 yen range. As the market was expecting that the Bank of Japan would speed up the normalization of monetary policy, the interest rate differential between Japan and the US was narrowing, and there was a growing trend to buy yen and sell dollars.
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Stream floods on Mount Kurikoma in Iwate, six women unable to descend; rescue team to consider response
2024-07-24 21:33:00
On the evening of the 24th, the fire department was informed that a stream had flooded and six women were unable to descend Mount Kurikoma in Iwate Prefecture. As it was raining in the area, police and fire rescue teams were sent to the scene to consider how to respond.
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National average hourly minimum wage to rise by 50 yen to 1,054 yen
2024-07-24 21:17:00
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's council, which has been debating raising the minimum wage, has agreed to raise the hourly wage by 50 yen, the largest increase in history, this fiscal year. The national average hourly wage will be 1,054 yen, the highest it has ever been.
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French President Macron: "New Prime Minister will not be appointed until mid-August after the Olympics"
2024-07-24 20:29:00
French President Macron has indicated that he will not appoint a successor to the prime minister, who resigned following the results of the parliamentary elections, until mid-August, when the Paris Olympics are over, in order to avoid confusion, meaning that the interim cabinet will continue for the time being.
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French Alps chosen as host region for 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics
2024-07-24 19:07:00
At a general meeting held in Paris on the 24th, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to select the French Alps region as the host for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, which Sapporo City had been aiming to host. The decision was made on the condition that the government pledge to provide a financial guarantee by the deadline set by the IOC. A vote is expected to be taken soon on the location of the 2034 Games in Salt Lake City, USA. Sapporo City had been aiming to host both the 2030 and 2034 Games, but due to the influence of the corruption and bid-rigging scandals at the Tokyo Games three years ago and the lack of public support, and the IOC's announcement of its intention to decide on the hosting locations for the two Games at the same time, the city had essentially given up on the bid.
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Noto Peninsula earthquake: Company employee arrested for posting false plea for rescue on social media
2024-07-24 18:12:00
Immediately after the Noto Peninsula earthquake, a company employee in Saitama Prefecture was arrested on suspicion of fraudulent obstruction of business for repeatedly posting false requests for rescue on social media, pretending to be a victim of the disaster, and obstructing the search efforts of the police and others. According to the police, during questioning, the employee stated, "I posted the messages because I wanted a large number of responses."
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JR Fukuchiyama Line derailment accident vehicle preservation facility "will not be open to the public"
2024-07-24 18:12:00
Regarding the derailment of the JR Fukuchiyama Line, in which 107 people died, JR West is proceeding with the construction of a facility to preserve the wrecked train cars, but has informed the families of the deceased that it will not open it to the public. Opinions were divided among the families of the deceased regarding whether to open the facility to the public.
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Prime Minister Kishida: "Necessary bills to be submitted to the Diet as soon as possible" to domestically produce cutting-edge semiconductors
2024-07-24 18:00:00
In order to domestically produce cutting-edge semiconductors, which are essential for AI (artificial intelligence), Prime Minister Kishida has made clear his intention to submit necessary bills to the Diet in order to strengthen support for the private sector in building mass production systems.
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[Commentary] Prime Minister Netanyahu's first visit to the US since the conflict with Hamas: what's the purpose?
2024-07-24 17:06:00
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting the United States for the first time since the series of clashes with the Islamic organization Hamas began, plans to address the U.S. Congress on the 24th and call for continued military support. Commentary by newscaster Shoichiro Beppu. *This is the content broadcast on "Catch! Top News from around the World" on July 24, 2024 (the video is 4 minutes and 0 seconds long and cannot be viewed on data broadcasting).
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Japan's population is 124.88 million, down about 530,000 from last year, while the number of foreigners is at a record high
2024-07-24 17:01:00
As of January 1, 2024, Japan's total population will be just over 124.88 million, down approximately 530,000 from the previous year. While the Japanese population has declined for 15 consecutive years, the foreign population has exceeded 3 million for the first time, reaching a record high.
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Plane carrying 19 people crashes in Nepal, 15 confirmed dead
2024-07-24 16:42:00
According to Nepali government and airport officials, a plane operated by a private airline bound for the central city of Pokhara crashed during takeoff at around 11 a.m. local time on the 24th at Kathmandu International Airport. There were 19 people on board, including airline staff, and Nepali police have confirmed that 15 of them have been killed.
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Fukuoka, Kanda-machi: Load falls from crane, 2 injured, 1 unconscious
2024-07-24 16:12:00
According to the police, just before 2:00 p.m. on the 24th, a load fell from a crane operating at a factory in Kanda-machi, Fukuoka Prefecture, hitting two men in their 20s and 40s who were nearby. The two were injured and are being treated at a hospital, but the man in his 20s is unconscious. The police are currently investigating the details of the incident.
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"Garbage balloon" falls on South Korean presidential office, raising concerns it may be from North Korea
2024-07-24 16:07:00
Since the morning of the 24th, balloons with garbage attached to them have been found flying or falling from the direction of North Korea in various parts of South Korea. In addition, some garbage has been recovered on the grounds of the Presidential Office in the capital, Seoul. The South Korean government remains on alert, believing that this is from North Korea.
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Two elderly people died of heatstroke in Oita Prefecture on the 23rd
2024-07-24 16:05:00
As the extreme heat continues, two elderly people died of heatstroke in Oita Prefecture on the 23rd.
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Suicide of a housing manufacturer employee in his 20s recognized as work-related accident due to "customer harassment"
2024-07-24 14:59:00
Interviews with people involved have revealed that the suicide of a male employee in his 20s who worked in sales at a housing manufacturer in Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture, was recognized as an industrial accident due to being caused by "customer harassment," a nuisance from customers.
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Evacuation orders issued to 1,371 households in Monzencho, Wajima, Ishikawa
2024-07-24 14:33:00
Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has issued evacuation orders to 2,502 people in 1,371 households in parts of Monzencho, Wajima City, due to the increased risk of landslides caused by heavy rain. The evacuation orders were issued to 268 people in 163 households in the Kuroshima district of Monzencho, 356 people in 200 households in the Agishi district, 1,307 people in 681 households in the Monzen district, and 571 people in 327 households in the Nikishi district.
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The yen temporarily rose to the 154 yen range per dollar.
2024-07-24 13:56:00
On the 24th, the Tokyo foreign exchange market saw a widespread trend of selling dollars and buying yen, with the yen temporarily rising to the 154 yen to the dollar range for the first time in about a month and a half. While there are speculations in the market that the Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, will soon lower interest rates, there is also the view that the Bank of Japan may speed up the normalization of monetary policy, and with awareness of the narrowing interest rate gap between Japan and the United States, there is a growing trend to buy yen.
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Miyagi Ogawara Town Council Member who was accused of playing games during assembly by elementary school student resigns
2024-07-24 13:40:00
A town council member in Ogawara Town, Miyagi Prefecture, who was pointed out in an essay by an elementary school student who was visiting the town council for playing games on his smartphone, submitted his resignation to the chairman on the 24th, and his resignation was approved at a plenary session.
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Approximately 1,170 homes in Saitama Prefecture lost power (after 12:40 p.m.)
2024-07-24 13:14:00
According to Tokyo Electric Power Company Power Grid, as of 12:40 p.m., approximately 1,170 homes in Saitama Prefecture were without power, including 530 homes in Shiki City, 470 homes in Niiza City, 160 homes in Saitama City's Minuma Ward, and 20 homes in Ogose Town.
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Japan Meteorological Agency: Tornadoes and other gusts of wind may occur in southern Saitama Prefecture
2024-07-24 13:08:00
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tornado warning at 1pm, as a tornado-like gust of wind is believed to have occurred in southern Saitama Prefecture. There is a risk of further tornadoes and other gusts of wind occurring in the future in southern and northern Saitama Prefecture. Tornadoes and other gusts of wind occur when a developed cumulonimbus cloud approaches. The Japan Meteorological Agency urges people to be cautious of gusts of wind if there are signs of approaching cumulonimbus clouds, such as lightning, sudden changes in wind, and hail, and to ensure safety in sturdy buildings.
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House of Representatives member Manabu Horii to undergo voluntary questioning to "make it clear that I gave condolence money"
2024-07-24 12:23:00
In a case involving a violation of the Public Offices Election Act in which House of Representatives member Manabu Horii is alleged to have repeatedly made illegal donations within his constituency, including giving condolence money in his own name through his secretary, interviews with people involved have revealed that during voluntary questioning by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors' Office Special Investigation Division, Representative Horii explained that "it was necessary to make sure that the recipient knew that I had given the condolence money."
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Jet boat drifting off the coast of Chiba's Boso Peninsula: "Oil leaking" reported
2024-07-24 12:17:00
According to the 3rd Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, at around 10 am on the 24th, a jet boat heading from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo to Shikinejima in the Izu Islands reported that "oil was leaking and the rudder was no longer working properly." According to Tokai Kisen, the operator, the jet boat was the 279-ton "Seven Island Ai," which departed from Takeshiba Pier at 7:45 am. According to the company, there were 107 passengers and 5 crew members on board, but so far there have been no reports of injuries. The boat is said to be adrift off the coast of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, and a patrol boat from the Japan Coast Guard is currently en route to rescue the boat.
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Taiwan military conducts live ammunition drill to thwart Chinese military landing operation on remote islands in the Taiwan Strait
2024-07-24 12:06:00
On the morning of the 24th, the Taiwanese military conducted a live ammunition exercise on a remote island in the Taiwan Strait, simulating a repeal of a Chinese military landing operation. Although some of the exercise's plans were canceled due to the approach of Typhoon No. 3, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense actively provided live footage of the exercise to foreign media, demonstrating its self-defense capabilities and determination.
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Suspect arrested for fraudulent scheme to "become a fishing boat owner and resell it for profit"
2024-07-24 12:00:00
A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of fraud after he defrauded a man in Tokyo of 15 million yen by offering him the chance to become the owner of a fishing boat and resell it for profit. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating whether he used the same method to defraud a total of 260 million yen from around 30 people across the country.
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90 men and women arrested in crackdown on "SNS-type investment fraud" in two Osaka-based groups
2024-07-24 10:48:00
In a case where two Osaka-based groups were busted for allegedly defrauding people of cash by suggesting the purchase of investment-related products on social media, it has been revealed that police have so far arrested a total of 90 men and women on suspicion of fraud, etc. In searches of related locations, over 1,800 smartphones and other items were seized, and police are working to clarify the actual situation of the groups.
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Uryu River reaches flood danger level in Numata Town, Hokkaido
2024-07-24 10:47:00
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the heavy rains have caused the Uryu River in Hokkaido to reach a flood danger level at the Tadoshi Water Level Observation Station in Numata Town. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Meteorological Observatory issued a flood danger information at 10:00 a.m. and called for people to be on high alert.
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Investment fund acquires battery manufacturer in an effort to restructure the industry
2024-07-24 10:12:00
The investment fund Advantage Partners has announced that it will acquire a storage battery manufacturer affiliated with Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. After the procedure is completed, the plan is to merge the company with another storage battery manufacturer that it acquired three years ago, aiming for industry restructuring under the initiative of the fund.
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Google's parent company sees revenue and profit growth as online advertising and cloud businesses boom
2024-07-24 10:08:00
Alphabet, the parent company of American IT giant Google, reported increased revenue and profits for the three months ending last month, thanks to strong performance in its cloud business, which is promoting the use of online advertising and generative AI.
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Russia indefinitely bans entry of 13 people, including representatives of Japanese organizations and companies
2024-07-24 08:40:00
On the 23rd, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that it would indefinitely ban 13 people, including representatives of Japanese organizations and companies involved in recovery and reconstruction support in Ukraine, from entering Russia, citing the sanctions imposed by Japan.
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Harris and Trump's approval ratings are "tight" in the latest US poll
2024-07-24 07:40:00
The latest opinion polls show that the approval ratings of Vice President Harris, who is expected to be nominated as President Biden's successor in the US presidential election, and former Republican President Trump are neck and neck.
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Hokkaido Aibetsu Town issues evacuation order to 239 people from 122 households
2024-07-24 07:25:00
In Aibetsu Town, Hokkaido, heavy rain caused the Aibetsu River to reach the flood danger level at an observation station in the town, so at 6:45 a.m. on the 24th, evacuation orders were issued to 122 households and 239 people in the Welfare, Kitamachi 2nd, and Honmachi 4th districts. The town is at alert level 4 out of five, and is calling for everyone to evacuate from dangerous areas. Aibetsu Town has opened its "General Center" as an evacuation shelter.
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Extreme heat expected again today in Shizuoka, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius; refrain from exercise or going outside
2024-07-24 06:50:00
On the 24th, eastern and western Japan will continue to experience extreme heat, with some areas in Shizuoka Prefecture expected to reach a dangerously high temperature of 38 degrees. As more and more people have been taken to hospital with symptoms believed to be heatstroke every day, please continue to take measures against heatstroke, such as refraining from going outside.
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Extremely heavy rainfall in northern Japan, risk of linear rain band in Okinawa
2024-07-24 06:45:00
Due to the influence of the rainy season front and low pressure, heavy rain is falling mainly in Kinki and Hokuriku, and there is a risk of very heavy rain in some areas, mainly in northern Japan, late on the night of the 24th. In Okinawa Prefecture, there is a risk of a linear rain band forming as the typhoon approaches, causing heavy rain, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for people to be on high alert for landslides, flooding of low-lying areas, and river flooding.
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Men's Soccer Paris Olympics [Schedule, Japan National Team, Broadcast Schedule]
2024-07-24 06:40:00
In the men's soccer competition, 16 teams will participate, divided into four groups, and the preliminary league will be played. The preliminary league battle will begin on the 24th, before the opening ceremony. We have compiled a list of the match schedule, the members of the Japanese national team, and the NHK broadcast schedule.
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Vice President Harris' First Campaign Rally: "We Will Unite the Democratic Party"
2024-07-24 06:33:00
Vice President Harris, who is expected to be nominated as the Democratic Party's successor to President Biden in the US presidential election, held her first campaign rally in Wisconsin, a battleground state in the Midwest, where she demonstrated her determination for the election campaign, saying, "I pledge to unite the Democratic Party from now on."
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Typhoon No. 3 to approach Sakishima Islands around noon, on high alert for strong winds and high tides
2024-07-24 06:17:00
The large and very strong typhoon No. 3 is expected to approach Okinawa's Sakishima Islands from now until around noon. A linear rain band is expected to occur in the Yaeyama and Miyakojima regions through the night of the 24th, and the risk of disasters may increase dramatically. The Meteorological Agency is calling for people to be on high alert for strong winds, high tides, landslides, and flooding in low-lying areas.
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Japan, UK and Italy defense ministers meet and agree to deploy next-generation fighter jets by 2035
2024-07-24 06:15:00
The first meeting between the defense ministers of Japan, the UK and Italy was held since the new UK government took office, and the three countries agreed to continue working together on the development of the next generation of fighter jets, with the aim of deployment in 2035.
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Minimum wage adjustments aimed at raising the minimum wage by about 50 yen; settlement expected today
2024-07-24 05:55:00
Regarding the minimum wage for this fiscal year, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's council is considering raising the national average by about 50 yen, taking into account the continuing rise in prices, and is finalizing the adjustments toward an hourly wage of around 1,050 yen. The council is expected to hold final discussions on the 24th and reach a decision.
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TV Asahi has trouble broadcasting commercials, BS Asahi also temporarily halts broadcasting
2024-07-24 01:51:00
On the night of the 23rd, TV Asahi experienced a problem that prevented it from broadcasting commercials. BS Asahi also experienced a problem during the same time slot that caused broadcasts to be temporarily interrupted. TV Asahi stated that "the cause is currently under investigation."
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Over 1,800 smartphones seized in "SNS-type investment fraud" case: scammers posing as young women
2024-07-24 00:14:00
In a case where two Osaka-based groups were arrested for defrauding people of cash by suggesting the purchase of investment-related products on social media, it was learned from an interview with an investigator that a total of more than 1,800 smartphones and manuals were confiscated in searches of related locations. Police believe that the group had been communicating with the victims posing as young women, and are currently investigating the details.
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