Main news(2024/12/04)
Kumamoto District Court awards prefecture 61 million yen in compensation for police officer suicide recognized as work-related accident
2024-12-04 22:00:00
In a lawsuit filed by the family of a male Kumamoto Prefectural Police officer who committed suicide seven years ago, the family sought compensation, claiming that the officer had been "mentally driven to the brink by long working hours." The Kumamoto District Court recognized a causal relationship between the officer's work and the suicide, and ordered the prefecture to pay more than 61 million yen.
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Kashiwa Reysol J1 football team manager Masami Ihara announces his retirement at the end of this season
2024-12-04 21:49:00
On the 4th, J1 soccer club Kashiwa Reysol announced that manager Masami Ihara will be stepping down at the end of this season.
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Former Chinese cabinet members make remarks about "China-Japan cooperation" with US President Donald Trump in mind
2024-12-04 21:48:00
A forum of Japanese and Chinese experts was held in Tokyo, where former Chinese cabinet ministers made a series of statements calling for cooperation between Japan and China, with U.S. President-elect Trump, who advocates protectionist policies, in mind.
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Russian military seizes Ukrainian territory in November at highest level since April of last year
2024-12-04 20:14:00
As Russian forces continue their invasion of Ukraine, the amount of territory they seized in November in the eastern Donetsk Oblast and other areas is reported to be the largest since April of last year. As a result, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed the view that it is necessary to strengthen the forces and has called on other countries to provide additional weapons.
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Seven opposition parties jointly submit bill to abolish "policy activity expenses"
2024-12-04 20:03:00
Regarding political reform, seven opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, have jointly submitted a bill to the House of Representatives that includes the abolition of "policy activity expenses," citing the need to increase transparency in political funding and restore trust in politics.
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Philippines: Chinese vessels spray water and collide near Scarborough Shoal in EEZ
2024-12-04 20:00:00
On the morning of the 4th, the Philippine government strongly condemned the Chinese Coast Guard for firing water cannon and ramming a government vessel on patrol around the Scarborough Shoal, a reef that is within the Philippine's EEZ (exclusive economic zone) in the South China Sea but is under Chinese effective control.
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23 out of 27 lawmakers who did not list their intention to attend House of Councillors Ethics Committee request confidentiality
2024-12-04 19:26:00
Regarding the issue of politics and money, a meeting of steering committee members of the House of Councillors Political Ethics Committee was held, and it was reported that of the 27 LDP members who had indicated their intention to attend the committee due to non-disclosure in their income and expenditure reports, 23 had requested that their accounts be kept confidential.
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Lawyers call on Speaker of the House of Representatives to establish a committee to review the death penalty in the Diet
2024-12-04 19:22:00
Lawyers and academics who have been discussing the death penalty met with House of Representatives Speaker Nukaga and called for the establishment of a conference in the Diet to fundamentally review the system.
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[Earthquake Alert] Earthquake magnitude 3 hits Tochigi, Gunma and Saitama
2024-12-04 19:16:00
An earthquake occurred at around 7:11 pm on the 4th. Currently, the following areas are experiencing seismic intensity levels of 3 or higher. Seismic Intensity 3 Southern Tochigi Prefecture Southern Gunma Prefecture Northern Saitama Prefecture Southern Saitama Prefecture
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Aiming for practical use of "space solar power generation," successful experiment of transmitting power from an aircraft
2024-12-04 18:51:00
In order to realize a system that converts electricity generated by sunlight in space into radio waves and transmits them to the ground, a demonstration experiment was conducted in Nagano Prefecture to transmit electricity from an aircraft flying at an altitude of 7,000 meters. The experiment was successful, and it is expected that an experiment on transmitting electricity from space will be conducted as early as next year.
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Representative Questions in the House of Councillors: Debate over "wage increases and tax reform"
2024-12-04 18:31:00
Representative questions were asked in the afternoon plenary session of the House of Councillors, with debates taking place on issues such as wage increases, tax reform, and the relationship between politics and money.
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U.S. Space Command in Japan launched at Yokota Air Base, a new unit responsible for space operations
2024-12-04 18:22:00
In order to respond to North Korea and other countries that continue to launch missiles, the U.S. military has established a new unit, the United States Space Command Japan, at Yokota Air Base to handle space operations, and an inauguration ceremony was held on the 4th.
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International Academic Achievement Survey: Japan's elementary school science ranking drops to 6th but maintains high standards
2024-12-04 18:02:00
The results of an international academic achievement survey, which tests basic knowledge of arithmetic, mathematics, and science, have been released. Japan's ranking in elementary school science dropped to 6th place from the previous survey, but the country maintained a high level overall.
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"Self-driving trucks" demonstration experiment on highways: Will it help ease labor shortages?
2024-12-04 17:54:00
As the shortage of truck drivers responsible for logistics becomes an issue, the government, truck manufacturers, and others have begun demonstration experiments on the Shin-Tomei Expressway with the aim of achieving "Level 4" autonomous driving, in which trucks will be able to drive on expressways without a driver, from next fiscal year onwards.
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Drone photography of autumn leaves in "Yoro Valley" Chiba [Autumn leaves in various places]
2024-12-04 17:51:00
This is footage of autumn leaves in various locations taken by drone.
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Trump "blocks U.S. Steel acquisition," union welcomes, mayor supports acquisition
2024-12-04 17:32:00
Steel industry unions have issued a statement welcoming President-elect Trump's indication that he intends to block Nippon Steel's plan to acquire U.S. Steel, a major American steel manufacturer, while a local town mayor has indicated he supports the acquisition.
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NHK and five commercial BS broadcasters will broadcast recommended 4K and 8K programs towards the end of the year
2024-12-04 16:25:00
To allow viewers to enjoy clear, immersive 4K and 8K programming, NHK and the five commercial BS broadcasters will be running a campaign to broadcast recommended programs towards the end of the year.
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Dodgers manager Roberts: "Shohei Ohtani is difficult to play as a two-way player as of March"
2024-12-04 16:16:00
Dodgers manager Roberts, who visited Japan to give an interview about Shohei Ohtani, who is aiming to return next season as a two-way player, said that his rehabilitation is progressing smoothly. He then said, "I expect him to be in the lineup as a batter, but I think it will be difficult for him to be a two-way player in March," expressing caution about using him as a two-way player from the start of the season.
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Nikko Shrines and Temples: 25 Years Since Being Registered as a World Heritage Site - Challenges Facing to Improve Attraction as a Tourist Destination
2024-12-04 16:13:00
On the 4th, it will be 25 years since the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" including Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture was registered as a World Heritage Site. While the number of foreign tourists is increasing in various places, the number of overnight stays in the city is stagnating, and the issue of how to improve its appeal as a tourist destination is becoming an issue.
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LDP outlines bill to revise Political Funds Control Law
2024-12-04 15:51:00
In preparation for further revision of the Political Funds Control Act, the Liberal Democratic Party has drawn up the outline of a bill that would abolish policy activity expenses, while including provisions for the National Diet's Political Funds Committee to audit expenditures that require special consideration regarding disclosure, such as those related to diplomatic secrets.
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House of Representatives ruling and opposition parties propose to make public former correspondence expenses and return remaining balances
2024-12-04 15:49:00
At a House of Representatives ruling and opposition party council meeting to discuss the nature of the former correspondence expenses, now known as the "research, study and public relations living expenses," a chairperson's proposal was presented that would require the disclosure of how the funds were used every year and the return of any remaining amounts. Discussions will now be held with the aim of amending the law during the current Diet session.
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South Korea's won falls to lowest level in nearly two years amid fears of political unrest
2024-12-04 15:14:00
Following South Korean President Yoon Sung-ryul's declaration of a state of emergency, there was an intensified sell-off of the South Korean currency, the won, in the foreign exchange market on the 4th due to concerns about political turmoil.
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Financial Services Agency conducts on-site inspection of Nextage regarding car insurance
2024-12-04 14:50:00
It has been learned that the Financial Services Agency has begun an on-site inspection of Nextage, a major used car dealer, in order to uncover the reality of fraudulent claims for automobile insurance. The agency plans to quickly investigate whether fraudulent insurance claims, which came to light in the case of the former Big Motor Co., were rampant in the industry.
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Ruling party team begins work on route selection for Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Shin-Osaka
2024-12-04 14:10:00
Regarding the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, the ruling party's project team began work on the 4th to select one of three route proposals for the "Obama-Kyoto Route." They plan to hold hearings with JR West and local governments along the line and make a selection by the end of the year.
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Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare estimates that raising the upper limit of the high-cost medical care system will reduce insurance premium burden
2024-12-04 13:55:00
Regarding the review of the "High-cost Medical Care System," the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has presented a trial calculation of how raising the upper limit of patients' out-of-pocket expenses would affect those who pay insurance premiums. It has estimated that a maximum increase of 15% would reduce the burden from 1,200 yen to 5,600 yen per person per year.
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This year's supplementary budget bill to be discussed on the 9th, with the ruling and opposition parties reaching a formal agreement
2024-12-04 13:36:00
The ruling and opposition parties have formally agreed to begin deliberations on this year's supplementary budget bill, which will serve as the backing for new economic measures, with a fiscal speech and question-and-answer session from each party at a plenary session of the House of Representatives on the 9th of next week.
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President-elect Trump's remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state spark controversy
2024-12-04 13:02:00
US media reported that US President-elect Trump said during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the end of last month that Canada should become the 51st state of the US. Canadian cabinet members who were also in attendance said they thought it was a joke, but the remark has caused a stir.
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Former Japan national soccer team player Junichi Inamoto retires, playing in three consecutive World Cups
2024-12-04 12:45:00
Junichi Inamoto, a former member of the Japanese national soccer team who was a star player at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea, scoring goals in two consecutive games, held a press conference on the 4th and announced his retirement from active competition at the end of this season.
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Representative Question in the House of Councillors: Discussion on the "Issue of Politics and Money"
2024-12-04 12:36:00
In the Diet, the House of Councillors held a representative question session on Prime Minister Ishiba's policy speech, following the one held on the 3rd. In response to the opposition parties' pointing out the need to thoroughly investigate the facts regarding the politics and money issue at the Political Ethics Committee, which is expected to be attended by 27 LDP lawmakers, Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated his recognition that it is important for each and every lawmaker to fulfill his or her responsibility to explain.
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Niigata: Junior high school students on school trip destroy exhibit at art museum; city to pay compensation and settle case
2024-12-04 12:11:00
Last year, Niigata City announced that it had reached an agreement to pay more than 6.7 million yen in compensation to Tokamachi City in relation to a case in which junior high school students from Niigata City destroyed an exhibit at an art museum in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, during a school trip.
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Metropolitan Police Department cracks down on prostitution in Kabukicho, arresting 50 people
2024-12-04 12:10:00
As prostitution in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, has become a problem, the Metropolitan Police Department has announced that it has conducted an intensive crackdown since October this year, arresting 50 people.
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Democratic Party for the People to suspend Chairman Tamaki from office for three months following adultery report
2024-12-04 11:55:00
The Democratic Party for the People is making arrangements to suspend Representative Tamaki from his posts for three months, in accordance with the party rules and regulations, following reports of an extramarital affair with a woman.
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[Video] Dump truck bed gets stuck on pedestrian bridge, road closure in Nagoya
2024-12-04 11:20:00
On the morning of the 4th, in Kita-ku, Nagoya, a dump truck got stuck on a pedestrian bridge, causing it to become stuck, and it has been affected by the impact of the road being blocked in the vicinity of the scene. The police are investigating the possibility that the dump truck was driving with its loading platform raised.
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[Breaking News] South Korean President declares emergency martial law, lifts it, senior officials resign en masse
2024-12-04 10:49:00
On the night of the 3rd, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol announced that he would "declare emergency martial law," banning all political activities, in response to the opposition party's refusal to agree to next year's budget. In response, the South Korean National Assembly passed a resolution calling for the lifting of emergency martial law, and President Yoon held another press conference early this morning to announce that he would lift the emergency martial law through a cabinet meeting. South Korean media reported that the cabinet meeting had been held and the emergency martial law had been lifted.
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Former prosecutor Chikara Hotta dies at age 90; involved in Lockheed scandal investigation and trial
2024-12-04 10:02:00
Tsutomu Hotta, a former prosecutor at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division, who was involved in the investigation and trial of the Lockheed Scandal and who devoted himself to promoting volunteer activities and welfare activities after his retirement, passed away last month due to old age. He was 90 years old.
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Go player Nakamura Sumire, 3rd Dan, one win away from winning her first title in Korea
2024-12-04 09:03:00
Sumire Nakamura (15), a third-dan player who transferred to the Korea Go Association in March of this year, won the first game of the best-of-three match for the Women's Kisei title, a major Korean title for women, held in Seoul on the 3rd, and is now one win away from winning her first title in Korea.
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Ceremony to open water channel in Afghanistan marks five years since shooting of doctor Tetsu Nakamura
2024-12-04 09:01:00
It has been five years since Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, a doctor who had been involved in humanitarian aid in Afghanistan for many years, was shot and killed. A ceremony to open a new irrigation channel under construction was held in the presence of Japanese staff from NGOs who had worked with Dr. Nakamura.
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Bear in Akita supermarket may have entered through back door just before
2024-12-04 07:55:00
A bear was captured after attacking a supermarket employee in Akita City and remaining inside the store for two days. Interviews with people involved in the incident revealed that security camera footage from the store showed that the bear had entered the store through a back door, which was open for preparations before opening, just before attacking the employee.
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Firefighter arrested in Ishioka, Ibaraki, for passing counterfeit 10,000 yen bills at hotel
2024-12-04 07:53:00
According to an interview with an investigator, a fire department employee in his 50s in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, was arrested last year for handing a counterfeit 10,000 yen note to a woman he met on social media at a hotel in the prefecture. Police are investigating the possibility that the employee was counterfeiting banknotes at his home.
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Shohei Ohtani achieves 50-50 in this year's "Search Awards" for the second consecutive year
2024-12-04 07:29:00
The major Internet search sites announced the "Search Grand Prize," which recognizes the person or work that has seen the biggest increase in search numbers this year. Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers, the first player in Major League Baseball to achieve the "50-50" record of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, was selected as the grand prize winner for the second year in a row.
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Nomura Securities faces a series of scandals, calling for review of organizational culture
2024-12-04 07:17:00
Following the indictment of a former employee of Nomura Securities on charges of attempted murder and robbery and arson, the company held a press conference on the 3rd, where President Kentaro Okuda voluntarily gave up his executive compensation, but revealed his intention not to resign. With the continued scandals at the largest securities firm undermining trust in finance itself, the company is likely to be heavily questioned not only about creating a system to prevent such incidents from happening again, but also about how to review the corporate culture.
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Tokyo Stock Exchange to hold "no guests" at final trading session this year following mandatory investigation of staff
2024-12-04 06:39:00
The Japan Exchange Group has decided not to invite celebrities as guests at the Tokyo Stock Exchange's final trading day, a customary practice. The decision is being made in light of the issue of a TSE employee being investigated for allegedly passing on information about a company's takeover bid to his family.
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Concerns over the impact of Trump tariffs on Japanese automakers
2024-12-04 06:34:00
With U.S. President-elect Trump indicating his intention to impose a 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, there are concerns about the impact this will have on Japanese automakers, who view these countries as important production bases for the U.S. market.
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Difficult situation as ruling and opposition parties reach agreement on handling corporate and group donations
2024-12-04 06:13:00
Regarding the treatment of corporate and group donations, which is a focus of discussion on political reform, the ruling party is prepared to take time to reach a conclusion, stating that the opinions of experts should also be heard, while many opposition parties are arguing that the law should be amended in the current Diet session to ban donations, making it difficult to reach an agreement at the ruling and opposition party talks on the 4th.
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The government plans to decide on how to respond to Representative Tamaki today
2024-12-04 06:11:00
The Democratic Party for the People is planning to decide on a response on the 4th regarding its leader, Tamaki, who has been reported to have had an affair with a woman, based on the results of an investigation by the party's ethics committee.
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The winter-only "Sennin-buro" open-air bath made by damming a river is popular in Wakayama
2024-12-04 05:45:00
At Kawayu Onsen in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, an open-air bath called "Senninburo" has been built by damming the river only during the winter, and it has been enjoyed by tourists.
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South Korean President "declares emergency martial law" but later lifts it at a cabinet meeting, confusion continues
2024-12-04 05:44:00
South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol announced on the night of the 3rd that he would "declare emergency martial law," which would include banning all political activities, but after the South Korean National Assembly passed a resolution calling for the emergency martial law to be lifted, President Yoon held another press conference early on the 4th and announced that the emergency martial law would be lifted through a cabinet meeting. South Korean news agency Yonhap News reported that the cabinet meeting was held and the emergency martial law was lifted.
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JR East to soon apply for a 10 yen increase in starting fares on the Yamanote Line and other lines
2024-12-04 02:58:00
JR East has been considering a fare increase for March 2026, and is expected to soon submit an application to the government to raise the minimum fare for tickets on the Yamanote Line and other lines by 10 yen.
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