Main news(2025/05/30)
LDP and Komeito "cannot agree" to jointly submit bill to abolish provisional gasoline tax rate
2025-05-30 21:45:00
Regarding the provisional gasoline tax rate, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party have said that they will not be able to submit a bill to clarify the abolition of the tax in July of this year, which the Japan Restoration Party had called for, to the Diet, citing a lack of progress in the consideration of financial resources. The Japan Restoration Party has also said it will consider terminating discussions between the three parties.
TOP
Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office declines to indict dentists accused of 17-year-old's death after tooth extraction
2025-05-30 21:22:00
The Osaka District Public Prosecutors' Office has decided not to indict the dentist and director of a dental clinic in Sakai City, Osaka, who were referred to prosecutors on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death two years ago after a 17-year-old male student at the time became hypoxic after receiving general anesthesia and subsequently died.
TOP
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa begins ministerial negotiations with U.S. Treasury Secretary and others regarding tariff measures
2025-05-30 21:16:00
Regarding the tariff measures imposed by the Trump administration, Minister of State for Economic Revitalization Akazawa has been in Washington for ministerial negotiations with Treasury Secretary Bessent and others. He is expected to repeatedly call for a review of the measures and to seek common ground on which they can reach an agreement.
TOP
Four Taisei Corporation employees sell company stocks after learning of construction defects in building under construction
2025-05-30 20:48:00
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission has recommended to the Financial Services Agency that it order the major general contractor Taisei Corporation to pay a penalty for insider trading, in which four employees of the company learned about construction defects in a high-rise building under construction while working, and sold their own company shares before the company made this public.
TOP
Misguided science class at Nagoya elementary school leaves one student with severe burns
2025-05-30 20:21:00
The Nagoya City Board of Education announced on the 28th that during a science class at a municipal elementary school in the city, a teacher gave incorrect instructions, causing ethanol to ignite, resulting in a female student suffering severe burns to her arm. The school did not call an ambulance, and the student's parents took her to the hospital, but the student is currently hospitalized for surgery.
TOP
Iwaki Shinkin Bank's total fraudulent loans amount to 24.7 billion yen, third-party committee releases report
2025-05-30 18:32:00
A third-party committee that has been investigating the case of Iwaki Shinkin Bank, headquartered in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, misappropriating funds, released a report on the 30th, pointing out that the fraud has been ongoing since 2004 and that the total amount of money determined to have been fraudulent loans amounts to at least 24.7 billion yen.
TOP
Masahiro Nakai's lawyer requests Fuji TV third-party committee to disclose evidence again
2025-05-30 18:27:00
Regarding the third-party committee set up by Fuji Television and its parent company finding in its investigation report that Nakai Masahiro committed sexual assault, Nakai's lawyers have once again called on the third-party committee to disclose relevant evidence by June 6th, stating that "it is a fundamental principle that when a finding is made that is unfavorable to the judge, the supporting evidence must be disclosed and an opinion must be sought."
TOP
Oita Kunisaki Junior High School students fell ill during science experiment, 3 hospitalized for observation
2025-05-30 17:39:00
On the 29th, six students at a junior high school in Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture, complained of feeling unwell after an experiment to generate hydrogen sulfide, and three of them were hospitalized, but all were conscious and their symptoms were not serious. The city's Board of Education said, "We apologize for causing concern and inconvenience. We will thoroughly ensure safety to prevent a recurrence."
TOP
Free high school tuition: Interim plan presented at working-level meeting with LDP, Komeito and Nippon Ishin
2025-05-30 16:42:00
Regarding education policy, in working-level discussions with the Japan Restoration Party, the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito presented a proposal for an "interim summary" which stated that there are concerns about support for wealthy foreign students when it comes to making high school tuition free, and that measures need to be taken.
TOP
[Live] Sumo Yokozuna Onosato Enters the Ring at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo
2025-05-30 16:15:00
Oonosato, who was promoted to the 75th Yokozuna in sumo wrestling, demonstrated the "Unryu-gata" style of ring-entering at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
TOP
Democratic Party leader Tamaki's "After a year, it's bait" remarks: Thoughts on careful explanation of intention
2025-05-30 16:02:00
Regarding his remarks about stockpiled rice, in which he said, "After a year, it will become animal food," leader of the Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki, said he was referring to the current system and indicated his intention to carefully explain the intention behind his remarks.
TOP
Trump to speak on proposed US Steel deal, watch for decision
2025-05-30 16:01:00
Regarding Nippon Steel's plan to acquire US Steel, President Trump is scheduled to speak at a rally in Pennsylvania on the morning of the 31st (Japan time). With US media reporting that the US government may have some involvement in the management of US Steel, attention is focused on how President Trump will decide on Nippon Steel's acquisition plan.
TOP
North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders party to strengthen control over political organizations within the military
2025-05-30 14:49:00
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended an expanded meeting of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea and ordered the strengthening of military control. South Korean media reports that this is a tightening of control following the accident on the 21st when a destroyer failed to launch.
TOP
Imperial Household Agency announces Mako Komuro gives birth
2025-05-30 14:36:00
The Imperial Household Agency announced that Prince and Princess Akishino's eldest daughter, Mako Komuro (33), who married and left the Imperial Family to live in the United States, has given birth.
TOP
Amendments to the Aviation Act enacted following the plane crash at Haneda Airport
2025-05-30 14:07:00
In response to the aircraft collision that occurred at Haneda Airport, a bill to amend the Aviation Act, which includes provisions to make it mandatory for pilots of the Japan Coast Guard to also receive training to eliminate human error, which is aimed at pilots of passenger and cargo planes, was passed and enacted at the House of Councilors plenary session on the 30th.
TOP
US Embassy in Japan suspends new student visa interviews Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2025-05-30 13:39:00
Regarding student visas for those hoping to study at universities in the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that the US Embassy in Japan has also suspended new applications for interviews for screening. In light of concerns from those planning to travel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to continue to request information from the US side.
TOP
Consulting firm president and others referred to prosecutors for copying articles without permission and sharing them internally
2025-05-30 13:00:00
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has referred the president and others of a Tokyo-based consulting firm to prosecutors on suspicion of violating copyright law for allegedly duplicating articles distributed over the Internet by publishers and newspapers without permission and sharing them with employees via email.
TOP
Pension reform bill and LDP/public amendments passed by House of Representatives Health, Labor and Welfare Committee
2025-05-30 12:51:00
The bills related to pension system reform and the amendments jointly submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan were passed by a majority in the House of Representatives Health, Labor and Welfare Committee. They are expected to be passed in the plenary session and sent to the House of Councillors.
TOP
The House of Representatives' Judicial Affairs Committee is deliberating the bill proposed by the CDP, Ishin, and the People's Party to allow married couples to have separate surnames.
2025-05-30 12:40:00
Regarding the optional system of separate surnames for married couples, bills submitted by the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Japan Restoration Party, and the Democratic Party for the People each had their purpose explained in the House of Representatives' Judicial Affairs Committee, and the bills have now begun deliberations.
TOP
Three major convenience store chains apply for stockpiled rice to be sold to small and medium-sized retailers
2025-05-30 12:10:00
The government has begun accepting applications under a new system aimed at small and medium-sized retailers for the sale of stockpiled rice through discretionary contracts, and major convenience store chains Seven-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart, and Lawson have all submitted applications.
TOP
May: Average wholesale price of eggs in Tokyo area: 340 yen per kg, 4th consecutive month of over 300 yen
2025-05-30 12:02:00
The average wholesale price of eggs traded in the Tokyo area in May was 340 yen per kilogram for medium-sized eggs, exceeding 300 yen for the fourth consecutive month. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries attributes this to the ongoing effects of the avian influenza outbreak that occurred from fall of last year through the beginning of this year.
TOP
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism sets up "logistics support office" to prevent transport bottlenecks for stockpiled rice
2025-05-30 10:49:00
Regarding the transportation of stockpiled rice that the government will sell under discretionary contracts, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Nakano announced on the 30th that a new "Stockpiled Rice Logistics Support Office" will be established to provide support such as coordinating between the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and logistics companies.
TOP
Government to partially lift sanctions on Syria in support of reconstruction
2025-05-30 10:36:00
At a cabinet meeting on the 30th, the government decided to partially lift the sanctions imposed on Syria in the Middle East. This is thought to be an attempt to align with Western countries and clarify the government's stance of supporting the reconstruction of Syria.
TOP
[Video explanation] What to do? The key to distributing rice stockpiled under discretionary contracts is polished rice
2025-05-30 09:55:00
When will most of the stockpiled rice under discretionary contracts reach consumers? Mail order sites say that shipment and delivery will occur after June 7th, or after mid-June, etc. The timing varies depending on the seller. Here is a video explanation of the key points for distributing stockpiled rice under discretionary contracts.
TOP
Tokyo's 23 wards' consumer price index in May increased 3.6% compared to the same month last year, while rice prices fell
2025-05-30 09:11:00
The Consumer Price Index for Tokyo's 23 wards in May, excluding fresh food, which is subject to large fluctuations due to weather, was 3.6% higher than the same month last year in preliminary figures. The rate of increase was 0.2 percentage points higher than April's 3.4%, marking the second consecutive month of a rise in the 3% range.
TOP
Nationwide average job availability ratio in April was 1.26 times, same level as in March, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
2025-05-30 08:44:00
The national average job availability ratio in April was 1.26, the same level as in March. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said, "While there are concerns about a shortage of workers in the security industry and other sectors due to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, rising prices have led to increased activity in job hunting."
TOP
Asia Security Conference kicks off today, with focus on U.S. government involvement in Taiwan situation
2025-05-30 07:43:00
The Asia Security Summit, where defense ministers from Asia, Europe, and the United States will discuss security issues, will begin in Singapore on the 30th. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth is scheduled to attend, and the focus will be on how the Trump administration will approach its involvement in issues such as Taiwan, where China is stepping up its pressure, and the situation in the South China Sea.
TOP
Japanese and Chinese governments agree on conditions for resuming imports of Japanese seafood
2025-05-30 07:03:00
Regarding the suspension of imports of Japanese fishery products that China continues to implement following the ocean release of treated water accumulated at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant by Tokyo Electric Power Company, the Japanese and Chinese governments have agreed to make the resumption of imports conditional on the submission of inspection certificates for radioactive materials by the Japanese side. Going forward, exports from Japan will be possible as soon as the procedures for registering processing facilities of Japanese businesses with Chinese authorities are completed.
TOP
Prime Minister Ishiba held a telephone conversation with Trump. Minister Akazawa will also hold ministerial negotiations on the evening of the 30th.
2025-05-30 07:02:00
Regarding the US tariff measures, Prime Minister Ishiba spoke with President Trump by phone and reiterated Japan's position that increased investment from Japan is in the national interest of both countries. Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa is expected to attend ministerial negotiations on the evening of the 30th (Japan time) and hopes to find a common ground where they can reach an agreement.
TOP
Heavy rain with thunderstorms expected in Kanto and Izu Islands on the 30th
2025-05-30 06:53:00
Due to the influence of a low pressure system and a front, heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is possible in the Kanto region and the Izu Islands on the 30th. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against landslides, flooding of low-lying areas, and rising rivers in the Kanto region until late on the 30th, and in the Izu Islands until the early morning of the 31st.
TOP
Applications for stockpiled rice sales to begin today for small and medium-sized retailers
2025-05-30 06:38:00
Applications for the sale of stockpiled rice through discretionary contracts will begin on the 30th under a new system aimed at small and medium-sized retailers. The rice being sold this time is 80,000 tons of "old, old rice" from the Reiwa 3 harvest, and the focus is on how many applications there will be.
TOP
Cambodia: Approximately 30 people arrested; at least 22 are Japanese
2025-05-30 06:31:00
In a case in which about 30 people, including Japanese nationals, were detained in northwest Cambodia near the border with Thailand, at least 22 of the detainees are believed to be Japanese, based on passport information and other factors, according to an interview with an investigator. It was also learned that police uniform-like clothing was seized from the facility raided, and Japanese police authorities believe that a special type of fraud, in which people make false phone calls claiming to be police officers, which has seen a sharp increase in victims in Japan, was taking place, and they will share information with local authorities to investigate the situation.
TOP
Akie Abe meets President Putin: "Russia is an important neighboring country"
2025-05-30 06:24:00
Russian President Putin met with Akie Abe, wife of former Prime Minister Abe, in Moscow on the 29th.
TOP
Russia attacks Ukraine with over 90 North Korean missiles, killing over 170
2025-05-30 05:53:00
Ukraine, under Russian aggression, has been attacked by more than 90 North Korean ballistic missiles in the year and a half leading up to March this year, resulting in more than 170 deaths and injuries, according to an analysis by the Ukrainian military intelligence agency. At least 150 missiles are expected to be supplied to Russia this year, and Ukraine is stepping up its vigilance.
TOP
"The Blue Pot" published in 1977 is ranked first in the "paperback" best-sellers for the past six months
2025-05-30 05:02:00
The bestselling books for the past six months have been announced, and in the paperback category, the new edition of Sawako Ariyoshi's "The Blue Pot," published nearly 50 years ago, took the top spot.
TOP
