Main news(2025/01/14)
Ukraine: drone attacks on Russian fuel depots
2025-01-14 22:37:00
Some Russian media reported on the 14th that a large-scale attack by Ukraine had been carried out, with more than 200 drones and other targets intercepted. It is believed that Ukraine is stepping up attacks on bases such as fuel supply facilities in order to weaken Russia's combat capabilities.
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LDP Secretary-General to meet with Chinese Premier "Personal letter from Prime Minister Ishiba to President Xi"
2025-01-14 21:52:00
On the evening of the 14th, Secretary-General Moriyama of the Liberal Democratic Party, who is visiting Beijing, China, revealed to reporters that he will meet with Premier Li Qiang on the 15th to deliver a personal letter from Prime Minister Ishiba to President Xi Jinping.
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Noto Peninsula earthquake: 10 people in Ishikawa prefecture should be recognized as disaster-related deaths, review committee recommends
2025-01-14 21:27:00
A committee of experts has recommended that the deaths of 10 people in Ishikawa Prefecture who died after the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year's Day last year be recognized as disaster-related deaths. If the deaths are officially recognized by the local government, the death toll from the Noto Peninsula earthquake is expected to be 515.
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Outline of bill finalized to introduce "active cyber defense"
2025-01-14 20:49:00
The government has drawn up the outline of a bill to introduce "active cyber defense" to prevent cyber attacks before they occur. In order to prevent serious damage, the bill includes provisions for the police and the Self-Defense Forces to access the source of the attack and take measures to neutralize it, with prior approval from an independent agency.
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AEON Bank president and others dismissed, ordered to improve business practices due to anti-money laundering measures
2025-01-14 20:23:00
Aeon, whose subsidiary bank received an order to improve business practices from the Financial Services Agency last month for failing to implement measures to prevent money laundering, the cleaning of funds obtained through crime, announced on the 14th that it had dismissed the president and other executives to clarify responsibility.
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Hamas: Gaza ceasefire and hostage release talks "progressing smoothly and positively"
2025-01-14 20:14:00
Regarding talks between Israel and the Islamic organization Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages, Hamas said in a statement on the 13th that "the situation is progressing smoothly and we are working positively." Some Middle Eastern media outlets have reported that final talks are underway, based on sources who said that "the talks are nearing completion."
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Mitsubishi UFJ Bank: Former employee arrested on suspicion of theft from safe deposit box
2025-01-14 19:13:00
In a case where over 1 billion yen worth of valuables were stolen from Mitsubishi UFJ Bank's safe deposit box, the Metropolitan Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for a 46-year-old former bank employee on suspicion of theft for allegedly stealing 20 kilograms of gold bars, worth 260 million yen, from the safe deposit box. It is believed that the stolen gold bars were taken to pawn shops and other places to be converted into cash and used for investment, and the details of the case will be investigated.
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Former university student pleads innocent at first hearing for attempted robbery while working part-time in Tokyo's Mitaka district
2025-01-14 19:02:00
A former university student accused of attempted robbery and other charges for breaking into a home in Mitaka, Tokyo while working an illegal part-time job, strangling a man in his 70s and then fleeing the scene has pleaded not guilty to attempted robbery at his first trial, saying, "I broke into the home, but I don't know if an accomplice strangled him."
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Ishiba Cabinet: Approval 39%, Disapproval 40% Noto Peninsula Earthquake: How is the response evaluated?
2025-01-14 19:01:00
According to an NHK opinion poll, the number of people who said they "support" the Ishiba Cabinet was 39%, up one point from the survey conducted last December, while those who said they "do not support" it was 40%, up two points.
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What if Mount Fuji erupts? How will the government announce volcanic ash forecast information?
2025-01-14 19:00:00
Volcanic ash is expected in the event of a large-scale eruption of Mount Fuji. If a large amount of volcanic ash accumulates in the Tokyo metropolitan area, there are concerns that it will have a major impact on daily life, including transportation. On the 14th, the Japan Meteorological Agency held its first meeting to consider how to announce information on the areas and amount of volcanic ash that will be affected.
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Suspect re-arrested on suspicion of arson in case of murder of couple and arson of neighboring house in Kashiwa, Chiba
2025-01-14 18:53:00
In connection with the case in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture last month in which a couple was murdered and a nearby house was set on fire, police have rearrested a 77-year-old suspect who was arrested for trying to evade police questioning after the incident, on suspicion of spreading oil and setting the house on fire.
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"Don Juan of Kishu" ex-wife's trial: Spectators take unauthorized photos and post them on social media
2025-01-14 18:26:00
In a separate trial in which the ex-wife of a man accused of murdering a company president known as "Don Juan of Kishu" was found not guilty in the first instance, but was instead accused of fraud, it was discovered that a man who was attending the trial had been taking unauthorized photographs of the courtroom and posting them on social media. Taking unauthorized photographs of the courtroom is prohibited by the Criminal Procedure Rules, and the Wakayama District Court is taking action.
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Tottori prefecture to define doctored sexual images, including photos of children, as child pornography
2025-01-14 18:05:00
Regarding "sexual deepfakes," in which photos of children in yearbooks or on social media are used to create sexually explicit images and videos using AI technology, Tottori Prefecture Governor Hirai has made clear his intention to amend the prefecture's Youth Healthy Development Ordinance to define it as "child pornography" and make it subject to crackdowns.
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Akutagawa Prize-winning author Lee Hui-seong passes away at age 89
2025-01-14 17:55:00
Akutagawa Prize-winning author Lee Hui-seong, who created a number of works based on his own roots and the history of the divided Korean Peninsula, passed away on the 5th of this month. He was 89 years old.
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Former company president sentenced to six years in prison for embezzling 400 million yen from solar power plant business, Tokyo District Court
2025-01-14 17:53:00
The Tokyo District Court sentenced the former president of a company who was charged with embezzling over 400 million yen that had been entrusted to him for a solar power generation business, and who had maintained his innocence, to six years in prison, ruling that "it is clear that the crime amounted to embezzlement."
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Number of influenza patients has dropped significantly, but caution remains
2025-01-14 16:55:00
As of January 5, the number of influenza patients reported by medical institutions nationwide was 33.82 per medical institution, a significant decrease from the previous week, which was the highest on record. Experts said the reason for the decrease was likely due to the fact that "many medical institutions were closed during the New Year period, and fewer people visited the hospital," but they also called for continued vigilance as the epidemic is continuing.
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Tokio Marine Holdings President Koike, 53, promoted to youngest president in major financial company
2025-01-14 16:36:00
Tokio Marine Holdings, a major non-life insurance company, has announced that it will promote Managing Director Masahiro Koike to president. At 53 years old, Koike will be the youngest person to head a major financial institution.
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30 years after the earthquake, firefighters who carried out rescue operations at the time share their experiences with younger generations
2025-01-14 16:33:00
January 17 marks 30 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, in which more than 6,400 people died. A training session was held in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, where firefighters who were involved in rescue operations at the time shared their experiences with younger firefighters.
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Last year, the number of bankruptcies nationwide was over 9,900, up 16% from the previous year, the highest level in 11 years.
2025-01-14 16:27:00
The number of companies that went bankrupt nationwide last year was over 9,900, an increase of about 16% from the previous year. Bankruptcies are on the rise due to rising prices and labor shortages, and the number is at an 11-year high.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs Iwasaki meets with South Korean Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi to confirm close cooperation
2025-01-14 16:00:00
During his visit to Seoul, South Korea, Foreign Minister Iwao met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok, who is acting as the President, and confirmed that the two governments will continue to work closely together to further develop Japan-South Korea relations.
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Ehime receives a flurry of inquiries from the U.S. about importing yellowtail before tariff hikes
2025-01-14 15:40:00
A fishery company in Ehime Prefecture that exports yellowtail to the United States has been receiving a flood of order inquiries from the United States as people try to import them before tariffs are raised ahead of Trump's inauguration as president, and is unable to keep up with supply.
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Government confirms plan to further strengthen oversight of public-private funds with accumulated deficits
2025-01-14 15:25:00
Regarding the issue of JOIN, a public-private fund that supports the overseas expansion of infrastructure, posting a large deficit in its financial statements for last year, the government confirmed at a meeting of relevant cabinet members held on the 14th its intention to further strengthen oversight of the public-private fund, which is running into an accumulated deficit.
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27 years since Gunma family murders: police appeal for information on suspect
2025-01-14 14:45:00
On the 14th, it marked 27 years since the murder of a family of three in a home in Gunma Prefecture in 1998, with the wanted suspect still at large. Police have called for information at the local JR Takasaki Station and other locations.
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Finance Minister Kato on the 1.03 million yen annual income barrier: "Discussions should be held on securing financial resources based on fiscal policy"
2025-01-14 14:13:00
Regarding the review of the so-called "1.03 million yen annual income barrier," Finance Minister Katsuyuki Kato expressed his view at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 14th that, given the current fiscal situation in which the outstanding balance of government bonds continues to increase, there should be discussions on securing financial resources.
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"TikTok considering selling US business to Musk" - US media
2025-01-14 14:11:00
As a law banning the video-sharing app TikTok in the United States is set to come into effect on the 19th of this month, American media has reported that the Chinese government, which is said to have influence over TikTok's parent company, is considering selling the app's American business to businessman Elon Musk.
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CDP Secretary-General Ogawa to "promptly hold policy discussions with the Democratic Party for the People" regarding the Upper House election
2025-01-14 14:09:00
Regarding the House of Councillors election this summer, Constitutional Democratic Party Secretary-General Ogawa stated at a press conference that he would like to begin policy discussions with the Democratic Party for the People as soon as possible and to unify candidates, focusing on single-seat districts with one seat in each party.
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Dodgers and other sports teams to donate over $12 million to LA wildfire relief efforts
2025-01-14 13:11:00
In response to the widespread damage caused by wildfires in the Los Angeles area, 12 sports teams, including the Los Angeles-based Major League Baseball team Dodgers and the NBA (National Basketball Association) Lakers, have announced that they will jointly donate more than 1.26 billion yen to support victims and others.
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Digital Minister considers reviewing guidelines due to domain management flaws in government ministries
2025-01-14 12:57:00
Regarding the issue of security flaws on the websites of several central government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which allowed third parties to illegally use them, Digital Minister Taira indicated his intention to consider revising the guidelines to prevent recurrence.
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Agriculture Minister Eto to visit China tomorrow to exchange views on resuming seafood imports
2025-01-14 12:55:00
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto will visit China from the 15th to meet with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun and others to exchange views on issues such as the resumption of imports of Japanese seafood products.
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Prime Minister Ishiba moves into renovated official residence and will use it as lodging for work from now on
2025-01-14 12:53:00
Prime Minister Ishiba will move into the official residence on the 12th, after repairs are completed, and will be shifting between the residence and the Diet members' accommodation as needed to carry out his duties.
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Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Himino: "Additional interest rate hike to be discussed and decided at next week's meeting"
2025-01-14 12:32:00
In a speech in Yokohama on the 14th, Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Himino expressed the view that strong results can be expected regarding corporate wage hikes, and said, "I would like to discuss and decide whether to raise interest rates at next week's monetary policy meeting," indicating his recognition that the environment is gradually being created for additional interest rate hikes.
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Suspect in Kitakyushu junior high school student murder case to undergo psychiatric evaluation this week
2025-01-14 12:16:00
In the case of the murder of two junior high school students at a fast food restaurant in Kitakyushu City, prosecutors have decided to have an expert conduct a psychiatric evaluation on the 43-year-old suspect as soon as this week, according to interviews with investigators.
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Sapporo Susukino man murder case: Father claims innocence at first hearing
2025-01-14 12:13:00
In 2023, a man was found dead in a hotel in Susukino, a downtown Sapporo district, and three parents and children were indicted.The first trial of the father, who is accused of aiding his daughter in the murder, was held, and the father pleaded not guilty, saying, "There are a few points that I think are different" to the charges against him.
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Ishikawa Wajima New Year's ritual to ward off evil spirits "Mensama New Year" to be held for the first time in two years
2025-01-14 12:10:00
In Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which was devastated by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the "Mensa-Nentou" New Year's Shinto ritual to ward off evil spirits, in which children dress up as gods and visit local homes, was held for the first time in two years.
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Miyazaki Prefecture hits magnitude 5.0 earthquake; repairs to damaged water pipes rushed in Miyazaki City
2025-01-14 11:58:00
In Miyazaki City, where a seismic intensity of 5.0 was observed in the earthquake on the 13th, a water leak was reported, believed to have been caused by a broken water pipe. On the 14th, contractors were digging up the ground to check the condition of the water pipes and other restoration work was ongoing.
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Former Tokyo Women's Medical University president's close aide hands over funds to repatriate
2025-01-14 11:50:00
In a case where the former president of Tokyo Women's Medical University was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement for illegally leaking funds in relation to the construction of facilities at the university, it has been learned from an investigation that the former president is believed to have transferred funds to the account of an architect who was an advisor to the university, had a close aide at the time receive the money directly, and then handed it over to himself. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case, believing that the former president tried to conceal the flow of the money.
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Stock price falls by over 800 yen, with selling orders focused on semiconductor-related stocks
2025-01-14 11:11:00
On the 14th, the Tokyo Stock Exchange after the long holiday, the Nikkei average fell by more than 800 yen. In addition to the drop in the Nasdaq Stock Index, which is dominated by high-tech stocks, on the 13th in the New York market, the Biden administration in the United States announced a new proposal to regulate exports of cutting-edge semiconductors for AI, and sell orders are spreading in the Tokyo market, mainly for semiconductor-related stocks.
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November current account surplus of 3.3525 trillion yen, the largest surplus for November
2025-01-14 11:01:00
Japan's current account balance, which shows how much it earned through trade and investment with other countries, was in the black for November last year, at 3.3525 trillion yen. This is the 22nd consecutive month of surpluses, and the main factor was an increase in exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and other products.
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Long-term interest rates: Government bond yields rise to 1.240%, highest level in 13 years and 9 months
2025-01-14 10:09:00
In the morning trading on the bond market on the 14th, the yield on 10-year government bonds, which is a representative indicator of long-term interest rates, rose to 1.240%, the highest level in 13 years and 9 months since April 2011.
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"North Korea launches missile into Sea of Japan" - South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff
2025-01-14 09:49:00
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff announced at around 9:40 a.m. today that North Korea had launched a missile into the Sea of Japan. The South Korean military is currently analyzing the type of missile and its flight distance.
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Greenland's Prime Minister emphasizes that he will not respond to Trump's claims
2025-01-14 08:14:00
With U.S. President-elect Trump insisting that Denmark should own the autonomous territory of Greenland, Greenland's Prime Minister Eijde held a press conference and reiterated his country's stance of not agreeing to Trump's demands, but also expressed his desire to cooperate with the United States and other countries in defense and resource development toward future independence.
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Los Angeles wildfires: Fewer residents are subject to evacuations and warnings, but fires may grow
2025-01-14 06:27:00
The number of residents who have been ordered to evacuate or been warned about the ongoing wildfires around Los Angeles in the United States has been decreasing since its peak, but authorities are urging caution as winds are expected to get stronger again and the fires may become more intense.
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Former Tokyo Women's Medical University president has opened new account to funnel funds back to himself
2025-01-14 06:06:00
In a case where the former president of Tokyo Women's Medical University was arrested on the 13th on suspicion of embezzlement for illegally leaking funds in relation to the construction of facilities at the university, it has been learned from an investigation that the former president is believed to have had an architect who serves as an advisor to the university open a special account, transferred the funds from the university to himself, and then remitted them to himself. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case, believing that the amounts to be remitted had been agreed upon in advance.
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US Steel may be acquired by major US steel maker US media
2025-01-14 05:47:00
American media has reported that Cleveland-Cliffs, a major American steel manufacturer, may cooperate with another American steel manufacturer to acquire U.S. Steel, which Nippon Steel is aiming to acquire.
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LDP political funding scandal to be reviewed by House of Councillors Ethics Committee again; focus shifts to clarifying actual situation
2025-01-14 04:51:00
The House of Councillors Political Ethics Committee will resume its investigation of the LDP faction's political fundraising party on the 14th. The focus remains on whether the investigation will lead to a clearer picture of how the faction's refunds, or kickbacks, were resumed.
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Nankai Trough Evaluation Committee "finishes investigation" - No increase in risk of earthquake
2025-01-14 04:04:00
Following the earthquake that occurred at around 9:19 pm on the 13th with its epicenter in the Hyuga-Nada Sea, the Japan Meteorological Agency held an evaluation and review meeting for the Nankai Trough earthquake, but announced that no special disaster prevention measures were necessary and concluded its investigation at 11:45 pm on the 13th. Meanwhile, the probability of a major Nankai Trough earthquake occurring within the next 30 years is estimated to be 70% to 80%, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for people to be aware that a major earthquake could occur at any time and to take measures to prepare for earthquakes on an ongoing basis.
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