Main news(2025/03/26)
Chiba Bank to acquire nearly 20% of Chiba Kogyo Bank shares; business integration in sight
2025-03-26 23:12:00
It has been learned that Chiba Bank, based in Chiba Prefecture, is making arrangements to acquire nearly 20% of the shares of Chiba Kogyo Bank, a regional bank in the prefecture. The first and third largest regional banks in Chiba Prefecture are joining forces and are expected to hold discussions in the future about specific measures to strengthen cooperation, with a view to a future business integration.
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Itai-itai disease: Number of surviving patients and those requiring observation drops to zero for the first time
2025-03-26 22:36:00
It has been learned that a woman in her 90s who was the only surviving patient of Itai-itai disease, one of the four major pollution-related diseases, who was determined to be a "person requiring observation" and who could potentially become a patient in the future, has passed away this month. Last year, the only surviving patient passed away, and this is the first time that there are no surviving patients or people requiring observation.
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"After-effects" of cosmetic medical treatment: In some cases, explanation of risks and response are insufficient
2025-03-26 22:31:00
Amid an increase in health problems caused by cosmetic medical treatments, NHK conducted a survey of patients who experienced complications or aftereffects and found that some people said that the medical institutions where they received treatment did not inform them of the risks in advance, and that some were refused treatment.
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Israeli forces resume attacks on Gaza Strip, killing more than 790 in one week
2025-03-26 21:32:00
Since the Israeli military resumed attacks on the Gaza Strip on March 18, the death toll has exceeded 790. In the midst of this, Israel has passed a proposed 2025 budget, which includes its largest-ever defense budget, and is poised to further intensify its offensive.
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Nissan to launch hybrid vehicles and other models to revive US market
2025-03-26 20:44:00
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., whose performance has been deteriorating, has announced that in order to recover in the American market, it will launch plug-in hybrid vehicles with technology provided by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in fiscal 2025 and 2026, in addition to hybrid vehicles, which are in high demand locally.
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Amount of rice consumed by foreign visitors to Japan is expected to increase by 30% from last year, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
2025-03-26 20:32:00
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has announced that the amount of rice consumed by foreign visitors to Japan this year is expected to be 70,000 tons, 30% more than last year. At present, the ministry says that the impact of the increase in inbound consumption on the overall supply and demand of rice in Japan is small.
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Chiba Ichihara fire chief arrested for attempting to receive cash in special fraud
2025-03-26 20:30:00
A 29-year-old employee working at a fire station in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, was arrested by police officers who were on the scene when he attempted to receive money from an 80-year-old woman in Tokyo who had received a special fraud phone call. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the woman, who had realized the call was a fraud, had reported it in advance.
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Man in his 20s with travel history to Vietnam infected with measles in Tokyo
2025-03-26 20:29:00
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced that a man in his 20s who had traveled to Vietnam has been infected with measles.
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"d Pay" barcode payment and other services are no longer available nationwide
2025-03-26 19:31:00
NTT Docomo has announced that its smartphone payment service, "d Pay," which uses barcodes to make payments, has been unavailable nationwide since around 5:30 p.m. Barcode payments in stores, payments with other companies' services linked to the app, and bill payments are all unavailable. The company says that the problem is due to an equipment failure and that it is investigating how to restore the service. However, online payments can be made as normal. There are approximately 65 million d Pay users, and NTT Docomo has commented, "We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers."
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"Mars rock" to be exhibited at Osaka Kansai Expo, transported to venue
2025-03-26 19:27:00
A meteorite discovered in Antarctica by a Japanese observation team will be exhibited as a "Mars Rock" at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which opens on the 13th of next month, and was transported from a facility in Tokyo to the Expo site on the 26th.
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Corporate and group donations: CDP and Ishin call on citizens to cooperate in passing bill
2025-03-26 19:22:00
A special committee of the House of Representatives was held to discuss the treatment of corporate and organizational donations, and the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japan Restoration Party, which have submitted a bill to completely ban donations from companies and labor unions, called on the Democratic Party for the People to cooperate in passing the bill.
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New evacuation plan for active volcano Mount Hakone announced, crater area revised
2025-03-26 19:13:00
On the 26th, a council made up of local governments and experts considering disaster prevention measures for Mount Hakone, an active volcano in Kanagawa Prefecture, announced a new evacuation plan. As a result of reviewing the expected crater area, some areas have been changed to areas where earlier evacuation is required than before.
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23 people confirmed dead in South Korea's wildfires, including deaths in firefighting helicopter crash
2025-03-26 19:06:00
In the wildfires that have been raging in various parts of South Korea, 23 deaths have been confirmed so far, and on the afternoon of the 26th, a helicopter engaged in firefighting operations crashed, killing the pilot. Firefighting operations are proving difficult due to the strong winds and dry conditions, forcing many people to evacuate.
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Prime Minister's "measures against high prices" remarks: Chief Cabinet Secretary explains that they are not new budget measures
2025-03-26 17:37:00
Regarding Prime Minister Ishiba's indication on the 25th of his intention to introduce strong measures to combat rising prices, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi reiterated at the House of Councillors Budget Committee that he was expressing his determination to tackle rising prices, but was not indicating an intention to introduce new budgetary measures.
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35% of Japanese companies say the impact of the Trump administration on their business and profits is "negative"
2025-03-26 17:02:00
NHK conducted a survey of 100 major Japanese companies regarding the impact of the Trump administration in the United States, and 35% of the companies that responded said that it was "negative" or "somewhat negative" on their business and profits. Many respondents cited the Trump administration's hike in tariffs as the reason, and some companies are taking or considering taking action.
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Japan Post President: "We must act quickly to prevent recurrence and improve organizational culture" as scandals continue
2025-03-26 17:01:00
Regarding the series of scandals occurring within the group, including Japan Post's fraudulent compilation of a list of personal information for a total of 10 million Japan Post Bank customers to use in soliciting financial products, Japan Post President Hiroya Masuda stated at a press conference his intention to take immediate steps to prevent recurrence and improve the organizational culture.
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Tohoku Electric Power's dry storage facility planned on the Onagawa nuclear power plant site "passes inspection"
2025-03-26 16:04:00
The Nuclear Regulation Authority has compiled a draft inspection report for a "dry" storage facility that Tohoku Electric Power Co. plans to install on the site of the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant in Miyagi Prefecture to temporarily store spent nuclear fuel by cooling it with air, which has essentially given it approval as it complies with regulatory standards.
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Fishermen affected by earthquake and forest fires in Iwate land first wakame seaweed catch of the season
2025-03-26 15:44:00
On the 26th, it has been one month since a large-scale forest fire broke out in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture. A fisherman whose house was damaged in the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake 14 years ago, and whose warehouse and other properties were also damaged in the recent forest fire, landed his first haul of wakame seaweed this season.
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New fiscal year budget proposal: LDP "vote on 28th"; CDP "unacceptable"
2025-03-26 15:38:00
The Liberal Democratic Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP)'s House of Councillors Diet Affairs Committee chairpersons met to discuss the schedule for deliberation on the new fiscal year budget bill. The LDP proposed holding a vote in the Budget Committee on the 28th, but the CDP insisted that this was unacceptable, and it was decided that further discussions would take place.
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Unseasonably hot in various areas, midsummer days in Miyazaki and Oita, so take care of your health
2025-03-26 15:04:00
On the 26th, it was unseasonably hot in various places, and Miyazaki Prefecture and Oita Prefecture were the first in the country this year to experience a midsummer day with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees. Meanwhile, there was a strong wind on the Pacific side of Tohoku, and caution was required regarding the impact on traffic.
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Susukino man murder case: Prosecutors and father appeal guilty verdict
2025-03-26 14:48:00
In a case where a man was found dead in a hotel in Susukino, downtown Sapporo, two years ago, and three parents and children were indicted, the 61-year-old father was given a suspended sentence for helping his daughter dispose of the body. By the 26th, both the prosecution and the father had appealed to the Sapporo High Court, claiming that they were dissatisfied with the suspended sentence handed down to the father.
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Why do forest fires occur? Over half occur between February and April. Be careful.
2025-03-26 14:42:00
Regarding the series of forest fires occurring in Ehime, Okayama, and Miyazaki prefectures, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has stated that the causes of all the fires are still unknown at this time, but is urging people to be careful when handling fire, as forest fires are common across the country at this time of year every year.
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Battle of Okinawa: 80 years since ground fighting began; memorial ceremony held in Zamami village for first U.S. troops landing
2025-03-26 13:42:00
March 26 marks 80 years since the start of ground fighting in the Battle of Okinawa, in which more than 200,000 people lost their lives, including one in four Okinawans. In Zamami Village in the Kerama Islands, where the U.S. military first landed, bereaved families and others offered prayers for peace.
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Dodgers Shohei Ohtani hits a double in the final exhibition game before the start of the season in the US
2025-03-26 13:40:00
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball started as the designated hitter in the final exhibition game before the start of the U.S. season against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, and hit a double that hit the fence.
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Hyogo Prefecture Governor Saito to explain opinion following report from third-party committee
2025-03-26 13:04:00
Hyogo Prefecture Governor Saito stated at the prefectural assembly on the 26th that he would "consider creating a better working environment, including proper operation and system development of the whistleblower system," in response to the report of a third-party committee on whistleblower documents pointing out that the prefecture's handling of the matter was illegal. Governor Saito is scheduled to explain his views on the report in the afternoon of the 26th.
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Opposition parties urge Minister of Justice Suzuki to withdraw "suit tailoring vouchers for opposition lawmakers"
2025-03-26 12:50:00
Regarding the issue of the distribution of gift certificates, Justice Minister Suzuki mentioned in a Diet response that in the past, suit tailoring vouchers may have been distributed to opposition lawmakers as well. The opposition parties called for a retraction of this response, claiming it was based on a vague recollection and was inappropriate.
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Strong winds affect Tohoku region, maximum instantaneous wind speed of 35m observed in Shiroishi, Miyagi
2025-03-26 12:21:00
In the southern Pacific coast of the Tohoku region, including Miyagi Prefecture, winds are strengthening due to low pressure and fronts, causing strong winds.
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Former judge found guilty of insider trading while seconded to the Financial Services Agency, Tokyo District Court
2025-03-26 12:18:00
In a trial where a former judge seconded to the Financial Services Agency was charged with insider trading, the Tokyo District Court sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for four years, and a fine of 1 million yen.
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Dodgers to meet with President Trump at the White House on April 7
2025-03-26 11:38:00
The Dodgers, who won last season's World Series in Major League Baseball, announced that their players will pay a courtesy visit to the White House on April 7 and meet with President Trump.
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Tohoku Shinkansen service suspension expands due to strong winds on both lines between Tokyo and Morioka
2025-03-26 10:57:00
According to JR East, the Tohoku Shinkansen had suspended operations on both lines between Tokyo and Sendai due to the discovery of debris on overhead wires at Fukushima Station, but due to the strong winds, the suspension has been expanded to include both lines between Tokyo and Morioka. Operations will resume as soon as the winds subside.
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Second auction for stockpiled rice targets 70,000 tons - Will this lead to rice price stabilization?
2025-03-26 10:55:00
The second round of auctions for the government's stockpiled rice, conducted to facilitate smooth distribution of rice, began on the 26th. This time, 70,000 tons of stockpiled rice are being auctioned, and the focus is on whether the release of this stockpile will lead to the stabilization of rice prices.
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Trump: Advisor uses private app to conduct military operation: "Not classified"
2025-03-26 09:28:00
Regarding reports that key members of his administration were exchanging detailed information about military operations on a private messaging app rather than a government system, U.S. President Donald Trump said that no classified information was contained in the messages, and that he would not hold National Security Advisor Waltz, who is said to have initiated the exchanges on the app, responsible.
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Israeli Defense Minister approves continued operations in Gaza as humanitarian situation worsens
2025-03-26 07:44:00
On the 25th, Israeli Defense Minister Katz approved the continuation of military operations in the Gaza Strip, increasing pressure on the Islamic organization Hamas to release the hostages. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has worsened after the delivery of food and other supplies was halted for more than three weeks.
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Three junior and senior high school students arrested for allegedly defrauding people by posting false information such as "selling tickets"
2025-03-26 07:23:00
Three junior and senior high school students were arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of fraud and other offenses for posting false information on social media, such as "selling concert tickets," and then defrauding people of the payment amount through the smartphone payment service "PayPay." They reportedly confessed, "I have defrauded a total of 12 million yen so far to use at online casinos." In addition, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the use of a mobile phone line for a payment service by another junior and senior high school student who has already been arrested, who had contracted by misusing a generation AI.
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Death toll from wildfires in South Korea rises to 16
2025-03-26 06:57:00
In response to the wildfires that have been breaking out one after another across South Korea, the South Korean government announced that 12 deaths have been confirmed in North Gyeongsang Province in the south between the 25th and the morning of the 26th. In South Gyeongsang Province, four firefighters have also died while fighting the fires, bringing the total number of deaths from wildfires that have broken out since March 21 to 16.
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Ehime Prefecture Imabari forest fire spreads, damages homes, evacuation orders for nearly 6,000 people
2025-03-26 06:51:00
The forest fire in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, continues to spread, with the burned area expanding to 210 hectares, and damage to several houses in some areas, which is believed to have spread due to the fire spreading. Nearly 6,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, and Self-Defense Force helicopters have resumed firefighting activities from the air since the morning of the 26th.
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Government and ruling party to move quickly to additional measures to combat rising prices after new fiscal year budget bill is passed
2025-03-26 06:12:00
As the prices of rice and gasoline continue to rise, Prime Minister Ishiba has indicated his intention to introduce strong measures to combat price increases. The government and ruling parties are coordinating to take additional measures as soon as possible after the new fiscal year budget is passed, as the impact on people's lives is prolonged.
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Former Unification Church plans to immediately appeal dissolution order, hearing to be held at Tokyo High Court
2025-03-26 05:57:00
The former Unification Church was ordered to disband by the Tokyo District Court over issues of excessive donations and fraudulent sales, but it plans to immediately appeal the decision, saying it will "fight to the end," and the trial will move to the Tokyo High Court. If the High Court issues another dissolution order, the dissolution procedure will begin, so the outcome of the trial will be the focus of attention.
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U.S. government announces agreement with Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea
2025-03-26 05:33:00
The White House announced that as a result of talks in Saudi Arabia, it had agreed with both Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and not to use force. However, the Russian presidential office has placed conditions on the agreement coming into effect only after restrictions on trade and financial transactions are lifted, so it is unclear whether an agreement toward a ceasefire will be reached.
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Miyazaki forest fire not under control yet, firefighting to resume on the morning of the 26th
2025-03-26 04:05:00
A forest fire that broke out in Miyazaki City on the 25th continues to burn in roughly the same place, with no end in sight, and evacuation orders have been issued to 70 households in the surrounding area. There is also an elementary school about one kilometer away, and the city has decided to resume aerial firefighting operations by helicopter from the morning of the 26th.
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Okayama forest fires continue into fourth day, no signs of containment; evacuation orders issued in some areas of two cities
2025-03-26 04:04:00
The forest fire in Okayama City is now in its fourth day, and firefighting efforts have been continuing through the night, but there is no end in sight to the fire, and evacuation orders have been issued in some areas of the two cities. Firefighters and the Self-Defense Forces are considering air-to-air firefighting efforts based on the surrounding weather conditions.
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