Main news(2025/02/25)
Hiroshima's opening pitcher for professional baseball is Norihito Morishita, his first big role in his sixth year as a pro.
2025-02-25 21:54:00
Hiroshima's opening pitcher for this season's professional baseball season has been decided to be Norihito Morishita. This is Morishita's first time as an opening pitcher in his sixth year, and he will start in the opening game against Hanshin on March 28th at their home stadium. This was announced by Hiroshima manager Takahiro Arai on the evening of the 25th at the team's training camp in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture.
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Prime Minister Ishiba orders formulation of plan to improve productivity of medical and nursing care using AI etc.
2025-02-25 21:19:00
In order to address labor shortages in the medical and nursing care fields, Prime Minister Ishiba has instructed Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Fukuoka to formulate a plan to improve productivity by spring of this year using AI and robots.
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ABEMA's January broadcast news program: "Detailed factual verification insufficient"
2025-02-25 20:04:00
Internet TV network Abema announced that it had aired a news program in January that featured a social media post about a woman who had used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help a man who had filed a complaint of indecent assault without fully verifying the details of the facts.
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Elderly man and woman found collapsed in Otsu apartment building, man dies
2025-02-25 19:28:00
At around noon on the 25th, a man and woman believed to be a married couple in their 70s were found bleeding from the head in an apartment in Otsu City, and the man was confirmed dead. The police are currently investigating the details of the incident.
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Ishin Party leader Yoshimura: Prefectural assembly member who provided audio: "If he is expelled, he should resign"
2025-02-25 19:26:00
Regarding two prefectural assembly members of the Japan Restoration Party who provided audio recordings of closed-door meetings of the 100-Article Committee to a third party during the Hyogo Prefectural gubernatorial election, Representative Yoshimura said that the party's prefectural organization is considering expelling them and recommending that they leave the party, and added, "If they are expelled, they should resign from their seats in the assembly."
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Ukrainian ambassador to Japan: "Peace plan must be on the table for serious negotiations"
2025-02-25 19:10:00
Regarding the Trump administration's launch of direct talks with Russia over a ceasefire, Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Korsunsky said, "When we begin serious negotiations on a peace plan, Ukraine will be at the table. The most important thing is to confirm what kind of security measures will be in place," emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved without Ukraine.
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Building that was a dormitory for hotel staff collapses in Uonuma, Niigata, possibly due to weight of snow
2025-02-25 18:55:00
On the morning of the 25th, a vacant building that had been used as a dormitory for hotel staff collapsed in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture. Due to heavy snowfall over the past few days, there are some areas where the snow around the building is nearly 4 meters deep, and the police believe that the weight of the snow may have caused the building to collapse.
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11 people suffer food poisoning, 1 die at elderly care facility in Toyama
2025-02-25 18:12:00
At a senior housing facility in Toyama City, 11 people who ate the breakfast and lunch provided there complained of vomiting, and one of them died after choking on his own vomit. Since norovirus was detected in some of the patients, Toyama City concluded that it was food poisoning and suspended the cafeteria in the facility for three days from the 25th.
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Nippon Steel's president to hold talks with President over US Steel acquisition plan
2025-02-25 17:52:00
Nippon Steel Corporation President Tadashi Imai indicated that he would like to enter into negotiations with President Trump with the current acquisition plan of the American company "U.S. Steel" as a starting point. However, President Trump has indicated that he will not allow Nippon Steel to own a majority stake in U.S. Steel, and the focus is on how to reach a compromise in future negotiations.
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The House of Representatives Special Committee passed a bill to amend the Public Election Law to ban offensive election posters
2025-02-25 17:21:00
A bill to amend the Public Offices Election Act to prohibit the inclusion of disrespectful content in election posters was put to a vote in a special committee of the House of Representatives and passed with a majority of votes in favor, including from the Liberal Democratic Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
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Sumo Spring Tournament: Ukraine-born new makuuchi wrestler Yasuseinishiki aims for "double digits or higher"
2025-02-25 17:19:00
Ao Nishiki, a 20-year-old from Ukraine, made his debut in the top division after nine tournaments, tying the all-time record for the rankings of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, which begins on the 9th of next month. He spoke enthusiastically at a press conference, saying, "I want to keep doing my own style of sumo in the top division and aim to reach double digits." Ao Nishiki, a wrestler from the Ajigawa stable, is a 20-year-old from Ukraine. He fled from Russia's military invasion of Ukraine to continue wrestling, and made his debut in the autumn tournament two years ago. At last month's Hatsu Basho, he was ranked fifth in the west juryo division with a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, and was promoted to the 15th maegashira division in the east in the rankings for the Spring Tournament announced on the 25th, making his debut in the top division. His debut after nine tournaments is the fastest promotion in history since the six-tournament system was established in 1958, excluding the makushita tsukedashi division.
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Forest fire in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Evacuation orders issued for parts of neighboring Ofunato
2025-02-25 17:09:00
According to the fire department, at around 3:20 pm on the 25th, a report of a fire in the forest in Otomo Town, Rikuzentakata City was received, and the fire department is currently working to extinguish the fire. At 4:10 pm, Ofunato City, adjacent to the fire site, issued an evacuation order to 162 households and 391 people in the Umegami and Oda areas of Suezaki Town, as there was a risk of the fire spreading to homes.
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Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture forest fire: Firefighting continues for 7th day, evacuation orders to continue
2025-02-25 15:55:00
The forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, has not been extinguished even on the 25th, the seventh day since it started, and firefighting efforts are continuing. Ofunato City plans to continue issuing evacuation orders to residents in the surrounding area until it is confirmed that the fire is under control.
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Gunma Prefecture ranked first in the nation for the first time in a survey on "desirable places to move to rural areas"
2025-02-25 15:50:00
For the first time, Gunma Prefecture came in first in the nation in a survey of people who visited the consultation desk of an NPO that supports relocation to rural areas about their preferred place of relocation.
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North Korean leader Kim visits military training institute, orders strengthening ideological control
2025-02-25 14:26:00
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a training institute for military officials and ordered the strengthening of ideological control. Some South Korean experts believe that this is an attempt to strengthen control over the military in light of the dispatch of troops to Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine.
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Mie Prefecture: Two construction company managers arrested for collaring male employee and confining him in a shed
2025-02-25 14:24:00
On the 24th, two men, including the president of a construction company, were arrested in Tsu City for abducting a male employee in a car, putting a collar on him, and confining him in a storage shed.
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Physiotherapist who provided support in Ukraine speaks to elementary school students in Tokyo
2025-02-25 14:06:00
On the 24th, it will be three years since Russia began its military invasion of Ukraine. A physical therapist who provided support in Ukraine spoke to elementary school students in Mitaka, Tokyo about his experiences there, urging them to "not take our daily lives for granted. We must cherish every moment."
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[Live] JAXA press conference: What caused the explosion during the "Epsilon S" test?
2025-02-25 13:55:00
We will be broadcasting live from 2:00 p.m. JAXA's press conference regarding the Epsilon S, a small rocket currently being developed by the agency.
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LDP and Komeito: "Agreement with the people is important" - Negotiations continue on "1.03 million yen barrier"
2025-02-25 13:10:00
Regarding the review of the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier," the secretaries-general of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito confirmed that they would continue to hold careful discussions, as the agreement reached by the secretaries-general of the three parties, including the Democratic Party for the People, to "aim for 1.78 million yen" is significant.
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Prime Minister calls for cooperation from National Governors Association on sales of passes for Osaka-Kansai Expo
2025-02-25 12:00:00
Regarding the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the government and the Expo Association have decided to sell "period passes" that allow unlimited entry during a certain period at a discounted price only to those who visit by May. Based on this, Prime Minister Ishiba called on the National Governors' Association to cooperate in building momentum.
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Ishin Party to discuss draft agreement on free education etc. at executive meeting to gather opinions
2025-02-25 11:44:00
Regarding the revision of the new fiscal year budget, the Japan Restoration Party held an extraordinary executive meeting to discuss the draft agreement on free education and other issues that was compiled last week with policy leaders from the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito. The draft document is expected to be approved, and the final opinion, including whether to support or oppose the budget, will be compiled at a joint meeting of both houses of parliament.
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President Putin prepares rice and resource development in four annexed Ukrainian provinces
2025-02-25 11:35:00
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's demand for rights to mineral resources in Ukraine, Russian President Putin has claimed that he is ready to work with the United States and other countries to develop mineral resources in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia unilaterally annexed.
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South Korea road construction collapse: 2 dead, 5 injured, 3 still trapped
2025-02-25 11:30:00
On the morning of the 25th, a collapse occurred at a construction site on a highway in central South Korea, killing two workers and injuring five others. Firefighters are rushing to rescue three people who are still trapped in the rubble.
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The ruling and opposition parties reached a general agreement on the questioning of the former Abe faction's accounting officer on the 27th.
2025-02-25 11:09:00
The House of Representatives Budget Committee has resolved to hold a subcommittee meeting for two days from the 27th to deliberate policy issues of each ministry and agency before the vote on the new fiscal year budget. At a board meeting prior to this, the ruling and opposition parties reached a broad agreement to hold the postponed hearing of the accounting officer of the former Abe faction of the Liberal Democratic Party on the 27th.
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Hokkaido University and Otaru University of Commerce: Exam start time postponed due to schedule disruption
2025-02-25 10:06:00
Hokkaido University and Otaru University of Commerce have decided to postpone the start time of the first stage of entrance exams on the 25th by two hours due to a personal injury accident that occurred around 6:40 a.m. on the 25th between JR Shiroishi Station and Naebo Station in Sapporo.
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Musk's "What did you do last week?" email gets Trump's backing
2025-02-25 09:44:00
President Trump responded to Elon Musk's request to send an email to all federal employees asking them to reply with their results for the previous week, stating that failure to do so would amount to resignation, saying it was "a wonderful thing to do" and expressing his full support for the move.
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Nikkei average temporarily falls by more than 600 yen due to Nasdaq fall and strong yen
2025-02-25 09:27:00
On the 25th, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Nikkei average temporarily dropped by more than 600 yen. On the 24th, the Nasdaq stock index, which is dominated by high-tech stocks, fell in the New York market, and the yen strengthened in the foreign exchange market, trading at around 149 yen to the dollar, leading to a rise in sell orders, particularly for semiconductor- and export-related stocks.
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Man collapses and dies in apartment building corridor in Yokohama; two men in their 50s arrested
2025-02-25 07:22:00
On the afternoon of the 24th, a man was found collapsed in an apartment in Yokohama and taken to the hospital, but later died. As the man had injuries to his face, the police are investigating the possibility that he may have been involved in an incident.
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Three years after invasion of Ukraine, US opposes UN General Assembly resolution at G7 summit
2025-02-25 07:06:00
On the 24th, to mark the third anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an online summit of the G7 countries was held, and Ukrainian President Zelensky directly appealed to US President Trump to continue supporting the country. In addition, in the capital Kyiv, leaders of more than 10 countries, including Europe and Canada, gathered in person and online to confirm that the countries will unite to end the invasion.
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Japan contributes 900 million yen to Afghanistan economy, aid projects to begin
2025-02-25 06:55:00
Following the temporary suspension of foreign aid by the Trump administration in the United States, there are concerns that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan will further deteriorate. Japan will start a project to support local economic activity by contributing approximately 900 million yen, and a signing ceremony was held on the 24th.
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Temperatures to rise on the 25th, spring-like warmth expected over the weekend, watch out for avalanches
2025-02-25 06:37:00
The cold wave that has continued since last week has caused heavy snowfall even on the plains, mainly on the Japan Sea coast, with snowfall exceeding the average in many areas. Temperatures are expected to rise on the 25th, and spring-like warmth similar to that of April is expected over the weekend. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for people in areas with heavy snowfall to be careful of accidents and avalanches while removing snow.
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Sumo Spring Tournament Rankings Announced: Toyonoryu is East Yokozuna, Oho is Sekiwake
2025-02-25 06:30:00
The rankings for the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, which begins on the 9th of next month, have been announced, with Toyonoryu taking the East Yokozuna position. Toyonoryu won the deciding match between three wrestlers who were all tied with 12 wins and 3 losses in the previous tournament, winning his second championship and being promoted to the 74th Yokozuna after the tournament.
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At the US-France summit, Trump said he wanted to achieve an early ceasefire in Ukraine
2025-02-25 05:59:00
Regarding talks over rights to mineral resources in Ukraine, which the U.S. is seeking in return for aid in the Ukraine crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump said, "President Zelensky may be here this week or next week and we may be able to sign," expressing hope that an agreement can be reached soon.
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Ishin Party to gather opinions within the party on draft agreement on free education etc.
2025-02-25 05:11:00
Regarding the revision of the new fiscal year budget, the Japan Restoration Party plans to collect opinions within the party on the 25th regarding the draft agreement document on free education and other issues that was compiled last week with the policy chiefs of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito. If it is accepted, it is expected to be officially agreed upon at a meeting of the leaders of the three parties, which will set a target for the passage of the budget.
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Bic Camera to be advised by Japan Fair Trade Commission over violation of subcontracting law, including unfairly reducing wages by 500 million yen
2025-02-25 05:02:00
It has been learned through interviews with related parties that the Japan Fair Trade Commission has decided to soon determine that major electronics retailer Bic Camera has violated the Subcontracting Act by improperly deducting approximately 500 million yen from the order amount to a subcontractor to manufacture the company's original products, and to issue a recommendation calling for the company to prevent recurrence.
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Over 30 original drawings by Chihiro Iwasaki discovered: "Nearly a miracle"
2025-02-25 00:10:00
More than 30 original drawings by artist Iwasaki Chihiro, who created works with themes such as children and peace, that were published in children's magazines have been discovered. The museum that manages Chihiro's works says, "It is almost a miracle that such a large collection of original drawings has been found, and it is extremely important in examining the style of her work at the time."
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