US Consumer Price Index in January increased 3.0% year-on-year
2025-02-12 23:03:00
The US Consumer Price Index for January was released, showing a 3.0% increase compared to the same month last year.
Main news(2025/02/12)
Emergency inspection of sewer pipes following collapse: Corrosion found in three locations in Saitama
2025-02-12 22:52:00
Following the collapse of sewer pipes in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, an emergency inspection of sewer pipes nationwide revealed new abnormalities such as corrosion in three locations in Saitama Prefecture. The government plans to announce the results soon and take measures promptly.
Hakamada's legal team to sue government over prosecutor general's comments following retrial acquittal
2025-02-12 21:52:00
It has been learned that in response to the verdict acquitting Hakamada Iwao in a retrial, the Prosecutor-General said, "It contains many problems and is completely unacceptable," and that his defense team has decided to file a lawsuit against the government seeking compensation, claiming that the verdict "makes Hakamada out to be the culprit and constitutes defamation."
Aichi Prefecture, Kiyosu: Meitetsu train gets stuck on bridge, 240 people evacuated to station
2025-02-12 21:32:00
On the evening of the 12th, a rapid express train on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line became stuck on a bridge over a river in Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture, and about 240 people, including passengers on the following train, got off the tracks and were guided to a nearby station. There is no prospect of the train resuming operation, as the train's brakes remained engaged.
Japan Display to end production at Mobara factory in Chiba by March next year
2025-02-12 20:51:00
Japan Display, a liquid crystal panel manufacturer that has posted a net loss for 10 consecutive years, has decided to end production at its factory in Mobara, Chiba Prefecture, by March of next year. It is considering selling the factory as a data center for AI.
Japanese woman killed in Hungary: “She sought advice on domestic violence from the Japanese Embassy three years ago”
2025-02-12 20:43:00
In January, a Japanese woman was killed in Hungary and her ex-husband was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder. Foreign Minister Iwaki Naotoshi revealed at a press conference that three years ago, the woman had sought advice from the Japanese Embassy in Hungary about domestic violence perpetrated by her ex-husband.
Probable cause of scaffolding collapse accident during Chugoku Expressway repair work announced
2025-02-12 20:06:00
Regarding the accident in January this year when scaffolding for bridge repair work on the Chugoku Expressway in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, collapsed, leaving five workers dead and injured, West Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd. announced that it is believed to have been caused by factors including the anchors that were driven into the bridge girders to suspend the scaffolding being placed lower than planned.
Devi Devi announces the establishment of a political group "12 Peace Party" to make dog and cat protection its policy
2025-02-12 19:51:00
Dewi Sukarno, who is known as Mrs. Dewi, a TV personality, has announced that she has established a new political organization with the main policy of protecting dogs and cats in the run-up to this summer's House of Councillors election. She is also aiming to run for office herself, and is in the process of obtaining Japanese citizenship.
LDP resumes discussion on optional separate surnames for married couples, to discuss issues such as impact on children
2025-02-12 19:09:00
The Liberal Democratic Party has resumed discussions in a working group on optional separate surnames for married couples for the first time in six months. Discussions will focus on five points, including how to resolve the inconvenience caused by restrictions on the use of maiden names and the impact on children if the system is introduced.
Temperatures are rising, snow may melt rapidly tomorrow, be on guard against blizzards
2025-02-12 19:03:00
Due to the influence of a rapidly developing low pressure system, temperatures have risen across northern and western Japan. On the other hand, a winter pressure pattern will strengthen on the 13th, and there is a risk of blizzards mainly in the Tohoku region and Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast, so caution is required.
Hiroshima District Court sentences man arrested and charged with murder of Fukuyama woman 20 years later to 15 years in prison
2025-02-12 18:43:00
In 2001, a 35-year-old woman was murdered in a house in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. In a trial that contested whether the DNA type of blood found at the scene matched that of the defendant who was arrested and indicted 20 years later, the Hiroshima District Court sentenced the defendant to 15 years in prison, stating that "it is strongly presumed that the blood found at the scene belonged to the defendant."
Fukushima Koriyama student killed in accident; driver indicted on charges of dangerous driving resulting in death and injury
2025-02-12 18:37:00
In an accident last month in which a 19-year-old female prep school student from Osaka who had come to take a university entrance exam was hit and killed by a drunk driver on a crosswalk in Koriyama City, the prosecution on the 12th indicted the driver on charges of dangerous driving resulting in death and injury, among other charges, for ignoring traffic signals and entering the intersection at a speed that created serious danger.
High-cost medical care system: What patients think about proposed revisions to take financial burden into account
2025-02-12 18:33:00
The "High-cost Medical Care System" reduces the out-of-pocket expenses of patients who have incurred high medical expenses. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare plans to gradually raise the monthly upper limit of the "High-cost Medical Care System" from August this year. Regarding the plan to raise the upper limit, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Fukuoka met with representatives of organizations made up of cancer patients on the 12th and conveyed that they are considering a revision plan that takes into consideration the financial burden of patients who continue treatment for a long period of time.
More than 30 kindergarten and nursery school shuttle bus services discontinued due to driver shortage
2025-02-12 17:48:00
It has been discovered that a major company contracted to operate and manage shuttle buses, mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, has notified over 30 kindergartens and daycare centers in Kawasaki and Yokohama that it will terminate its contracts, including the dispatch of drivers, at the end of March. The company has explained that the reason for this is a serious driver shortage, leaving kindergartens and other facilities scrambling to respond and feeling confused.
Cabbage and Chinese cabbage prices expected to be higher than average through the end of February
2025-02-12 17:39:00
The average prices of cabbage and cabbage at supermarkets and other outlets were about 2.5 times higher than average as of last week, and prices remain high. This is due to the lack of rain in major production areas through January, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has said that prices are expected to remain higher than average for the rest of this month.
House of Representatives Budget Committee Local Public Hearing: Opinions from local governments on the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier"
2025-02-12 17:31:00
A local hearing was held by the House of Representatives Budget Committee, and opinions were expressed from the perspective of local governments regarding the review of the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier," education policy, and other issues for which policy discussions are ongoing between the ruling and opposition parties with the ruling party now in the minority.
Osaka/Kansai Expo advance ticket sales are sluggish, so PR efforts are being strengthened, including consideration of introducing same-day tickets
2025-02-12 17:09:00
There are 13 days and two months until the opening of the Osaka Kansai Expo. With advance ticket sales sluggish, the Expo Association, which is the organizing body, is considering introducing same-day tickets and starting a campaign to offer a discount on advance tickets for the Expo if you buy tickets to a nearby theme park, and is trying to attract visitors with various other measures.
Katsuji Yoshida receives "Naomi Uemura Adventure Award" for exploring unexplored caves in Laos
2025-02-12 17:04:00
The Naomi Uemura Adventure Award is given to Japanese individuals or groups who have undertaken creative adventures and explorations around the world. This year's recipient was Katsuji Yoshida (58), who explored an unexplored cave in Laos.
Imperial Household Agency website revamped with major design changes, including 360-degree images of the palace interior
2025-02-12 16:57:00
The Imperial Household Agency, which is currently working on revamping its official website to better disseminate information, released the new website on the afternoon of the 12th, with a major redesign and the addition of 360-degree images of the interior of the palace as new content.
LDP, Komeito and Nippon Ishin to further discuss concrete measures for free high school tuition
2025-02-12 16:44:00
The policy chiefs of the Liberal Democratic Party, the Komeito Party, and the Japan Restoration Party met. They confirmed that they will meet again this week to further advance discussions among the three parties on specific measures for making high school tuition free.
Bank of Japan Governor Ueda: Rising food prices will have a "strong negative impact on people's lives"
2025-02-12 16:24:00
Bank of Japan Governor Ueda said that rising food prices, including fresh produce, are "having a strong negative impact on people's lives," and indicated that he would like to closely monitor this impact when deciding future monetary policy.
Isuzu Motors announces construction of new factory in southern US with investment of approximately 43 billion yen
2025-02-12 15:51:00
Isuzu Motors, a major truck manufacturer, has announced that it will invest approximately 43 billion yen to build a new factory in the southern U.S. As the Trump administration places importance on local employment and investment, attention is focused on whether such moves will become more active.
Sapporo High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in the value of one vote
2025-02-12 15:45:00
The Sapporo High Court has ruled that the disparity in the value of one vote in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, which was as large as 2.06 times, does not violate the Constitution, and has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
Disney "Revises executive evaluation criteria, diversity initiatives, etc."
2025-02-12 15:40:00
American media has reported that the entertainment giant Walt Disney will review its efforts in diversity, known as DEI, which has been one of the indicators used to evaluate executives. This marks the latest in a series of DEI reviews under the Trump administration that has now spread to America's leading entertainment companies.
Nippon Steel executives travel to the U.S. to hold talks with President Trump; coordination with U.S. government
2025-02-12 15:27:00
Regarding Nippon Steel's plan to acquire U.S. Steel, US President Trump stated that a large investment is necessary as a condition for the deal to be completed, and indicated his intention to meet with Nippon Steel executives this week to discuss the matter. In response to this, company executives are expected to depart for the US on the 12th to proceed with coordination with the US government there.
Osaka High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in the value of one vote
2025-02-12 15:05:00
The Osaka High Court has ruled that the disparity in the value of one vote in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, which was up to 2.06 times larger than the national average, does not violate the Constitution, dismissing a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
Cabinet approves bill to amend law to strengthen drug development, including creation of fund
2025-02-12 14:50:00
In order to strengthen Japan's new drug development capabilities, the government decided at a cabinet meeting on the 12th to amend the law to create a new fund and other measures to create an environment for active drug discovery, including improving facilities that can be used by startup companies.
Fuji TV's Hie graffiti on exterior wall of home under investigation for property damage
2025-02-12 14:40:00
Graffiti reading "Fuji should be shut down" was found on the exterior wall of the home of Fuji Television Executive Advisor Hisashi Hieda in Tokyo, and the Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident on suspicion of property damage.
President Trump teams up with Musk to drastically cut government staff
2025-02-12 14:20:00
On the 11th, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing each department and agency to make significant cuts to the federal workforce in cooperation with DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), an organization headed by businessman Elon Musk that examines ways to reduce government spending.
Ministry of the Environment proposes schedule for final disposal of decontamination soil outside the prefecture after the new fiscal year
2025-02-12 13:32:00
At an expert meeting held on the 12th, the Ministry of the Environment presented a proposed schedule for the new fiscal year and beyond for the final disposal of the large amount of soil and other materials removed for decontamination following the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and stored in an interim storage facility in Fukushima Prefecture, toward the legally mandated date of 2045 outside the prefecture. The disposal site will be decided around 2030 or later, but no specific timeline was included.
Fukuoka Stock Exchange Managing Director arrested for attempted upskirt photo on train
2025-02-12 13:04:00
On the 11th, police arrested a 62-year-old suspect on the spot for attempting to take pictures up the skirts of high school girls on a train in Fukuoka Prefecture. According to the Fukuoka Stock Exchange, the arrested person is the executive director of the Fukuoka Stock Exchange. According to the police, he stated during questioning that he "just took pictures of their legs" and denied the charges.
Money laundering: Three company executives arrested; confirmation of transfer of approximately 50 billion yen
2025-02-12 12:26:00
Three company executives were arrested for "money laundering," which involves transferring money transferred by victims of fraud to another account to make it more difficult to trace. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the case, as it has been confirmed that a total of approximately 50 billion yen was transferred between the approximately 300 accounts managed by the three.
Ibaraki Kamisu: A light passenger vehicle carrying seven teenage boys and girls overturned, one dead and two seriously injured
2025-02-12 12:22:00
On the night of the 11th, a light passenger vehicle carrying seven teenage boys and girls, including high school students, overturned at an intersection in Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and a 17-year-old male high school student who was believed to have been in the passenger seat was killed. Two high school students, aged 18 and 16, were also seriously injured, and the police are investigating the circumstances at the time in detail.
White House bans AP from reporting on "not changing to American Bay"
2025-02-12 12:19:00
The Associated Press has revealed that it has been banned by the White House from conducting interviews in the Oval Office because it continues to use the name "Gulf of Mexico" even after a presidential order changed the name to "American Gulf," and has protested, accusing it of violating freedom of the press.
Hiroshima High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in one vote
2025-02-12 12:02:00
Regarding the disparity in the value of one vote of up to 2.06 times in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, the Hiroshima High Court ruled that it does not violate the Constitution, stating that "the new electoral district system is sufficiently rational, and the degree of disparity cannot be said to have widened significantly," and dismissed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
Prime Minister Ishiba emphasizes the outcome of the Japan-US summit: "We will work to exempt Japan from tariffs"
2025-02-12 12:00:00
Regarding the recent Japan-U.S. summit, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the success of the summit, saying that the two leaders confirmed that they would elevate the Japan-U.S. alliance to new heights. On the other hand, he explained that the government will thoroughly examine the content and impact of the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on steel products and other items, and take necessary measures, such as lobbying for exemptions from the measures.
Fuji TV President: "New programs will start as scheduled in April even if commercials do not resume"
2025-02-12 12:00:00
As companies continue to suspend commercials for Fuji Television, Fuji Television President Kenji Shimizu has indicated that he would like to start new programs as scheduled from April even if full commercials do not resume.
Stockpiled rice release: details such as quantity and recipients to be announced on the 14th, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto
2025-02-12 10:44:00
At a press conference after today's cabinet meeting, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto revealed that details of the release of stockpiled rice, including the quantity and recipients, will be announced on the 14th, the day after tomorrow, as the plan is to release the stockpiled rice as soon as possible.
Requested exemption from tariffs on steel and aluminum products from the U.S. government
2025-02-12 10:04:00
In response to U.S. President Trump's announcement that he would impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products imported into the United States, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi revealed on the 12th (Japan time) that he had requested through diplomatic channels that Japan be excluded from the measures.
Trump administration announces American man detained in Russia to return home through negotiations
2025-02-12 10:00:00
On the 11th, the Trump administration announced that an American man who had been held captive in Russia would be able to return home as a result of negotiations. It stressed that this is a sign of good faith on the part of Russia and that the country is moving in the right direction toward ending its invasion of Ukraine.
Fukushima: 40 people isolated after avalanche, including hotel guests, to be evacuated by helicopter
2025-02-12 08:50:00
The 12th marks the third day since three inns were isolated due to an avalanche that occurred on a prefectural road in the mountains of Fukushima City. As there is no prospect of clearing the snow from the road, Fukushima Prefecture has decided to use a disaster prevention helicopter to transport 40 guests and others who wish to descend the mountain on the morning of the 12th.
Three Japanese Dodgers players practice together for the first time, camp begins tomorrow
2025-02-12 07:49:00
On the 11th, pitcher Roki Sasaki, who joined the Dodgers on a minor league contract, visited the training camp in Arizona, where three Japanese players, Shohei Otani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, practiced together for the first time. The team had originally planned for this day to be the first day of training camp, but decided to delay it by one day and officially start training on the 12th.
Jordan's King "will accept Gaza children" during meeting with Trump
2025-02-12 07:03:00
US President Trump met with King Abdullah of Jordan on the 11th. In response to President Trump's request for Gaza residents to relocate to Jordan, King Abdullah revealed his intention to accept 2,000 sick children.
Trump stirs up controversy over remarks that Ukraine may one day become Russia
2025-02-12 06:10:00
US President Trump, in pushing Ukraine to make a resource deal in exchange for continuing military aid, said that Ukraine "may or may not become Russia one day." This remark has caused a stir as it could be interpreted as an acceptance of ceding territory to Russia.
"AI Action Summit" concludes with US and UK failing to sign joint statement
2025-02-12 06:09:00
The AI Action Summit, held in Paris, France, to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), issued a joint statement stating that it aims to achieve safe and open AI. However, the United States and other countries did not sign the statement, highlighting differences in positions regarding the nature of regulation and development.
25% tariffs on US steel and aluminum imports spark backlash and concern among countries
2025-02-12 05:57:00
US President Trump's announcement that he would impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products imported into the US has sparked widespread opposition and concern among countries. President Trump has emphasized that the tariffs will apply to all countries, but other countries are expected to seek exemptions through direct negotiations.
More than 1,600 people spend night at New Chitose Airport due to wind and snow, flight 118 canceled
2025-02-12 05:55:00
On the 11th, 118 flights were canceled at New Chitose Airport due to strong winds and snow, causing over 1,600 people to be stranded at the airport overnight.
China's buoys no longer installed in Japan's EEZ around Senkaku Islands, Japan Coast Guard
2025-02-12 05:06:00
On the 11th, the Japan Coast Guard revealed that a Chinese buoy that had been installed in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture had disappeared.
Saitama road collapses, sewer pipe bypass construction works underway, drainage control to be lifted at noon
2025-02-12 04:54:00
It has been confirmed that the driver's seat of a truck that fell into a sewer pipe downstream of the large-scale road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, where one man is missing, was found. While Saitama Prefecture is proceeding with construction to divert the sewer pipe near the site in preparation for the search, it has decided to lift the drainage restrictions it had requested of related municipalities at noon on the 12th, as the measures taken so far have been effective.
