2024-07-31 22:06:00
Last week's record-breaking rains have caused serious damage to agriculture, the mainstay industry in the Shonai and Mogami regions of Yamagata Prefecture. NHK interviewed agricultural cooperatives in the area and found that at least 40% of the rice fields under cultivation have been damaged.
2024-07-31 22:01:00
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has announced that it expects to begin planned test removal of nuclear fuel debris from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 as early as the end of August.
2024-07-31 21:47:00
According to the police, at around 1:50 pm on the 31st, one person was found in a state of cardiac arrest in the Arase River in the Osawa district of Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, which was hit by damage from last week's record-breaking heavy rains. Police are currently working to identify the person.
2024-07-31 21:45:00
Safety equipment in preparation for a large-scale tsunami was opened to the press at an intermediate storage facility for spent nuclear fuel in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, which is aiming to start operations by September of this year.
2024-07-31 21:41:00
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has begun considering revising the system to make it easier for children to receive pensions regardless of their parents' circumstances, as there are cases in which children are unable to receive the basic survivor's pension from their deceased parent, such as when the parents divorce.
2024-07-31 21:36:00
On the evening of the 31st, a 94-year-old woman was found collapsed on the grounds of a house in Yamaguchi City and was confirmed dead. According to the fire department, she was suspected to have died of heat stroke.
2024-07-31 21:32:00
Warm, humid air caused rain clouds to rapidly form in southern Kanto, with Tokyo and Saitama prefectures receiving more than 100 mm of rain per hour, and "record-breaking short-term heavy rainfall information" was issued one after another. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for people to be on alert for flooding in low-lying areas, river flooding, and landslides for the time being, as well as to be careful of lightning and gusts of wind.
2024-07-31 21:23:00
In the case where a couple in their 80s and their daughter were stabbed to death at a house in Kikugawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, the 27-year-old grandson, who was wanted nationwide on suspicion of murder and detained in Tottori City on the night of the 30th, is believed to have attacked the three people shortly after visiting the house, according to an interview with a person involved in the investigation. The grandson was hospitalized with an injury to his stomach, and police plan to wait until he recovers before arresting him and investigating the details of the incident.
2024-07-31 20:53:00
The Nogawa and Sengawa rivers, which are part of the Tama River system that runs through Tokyo, temporarily exceeded the flood danger level due to the heavy rains, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued flood danger warnings. However, the water levels subsequently dropped and the risk of flooding was no longer a concern, so the warning was lifted at 8:35 pm.
2024-07-31 20:39:00
The opening ceremony of the National High School Cultural Festival, where high school students showcase the results of their daily cultural and artistic activities, was held in Gifu City, with Prince and Princess Akishino and their eldest son, Prince Hisahito, in attendance.
2024-07-31 20:32:00
A Tokyo woman sued the government for forcing her to undergo sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law, and a settlement was reached on the 31st with the government paying a settlement. This comes after the Supreme Court ruled in another victim's case that the old Eugenic Protection Law was unconstitutional and ordered the government to pay compensation, and this is the first settlement in this series of lawsuits.
2024-07-31 20:15:00
According to JR East, services on the Keihin-Tohoku Line were suspended between Omiya Station and Ofuna Station due to the heavy rain, but resumed on the entire line at 8:00 p.m.
2024-07-31 20:07:00
In the case where the offices of Senator Megumi Hirose were searched on suspicion of defrauding the government of her public secretary's salary, it has been learned from interviews with people involved that the secretary's husband told office officials that he had given the secretary's salary to the lawmaker. As Councillor Hirose had told local supporters that the office was struggling financially, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division is expected to uncover the opaque flow of funds surrounding the secretary's salary.
2024-07-31 19:59:00
Warm, humid air caused rain clouds to form in southern Kanto, with heavy rainfall of about 100 mm per hour in Itabashi and Nerima wards in Tokyo and Wako city in Saitama prefecture, and more than 100 mm per hour in Asaka city, Saitama prefecture, Kita ward in Tokyo and Kawaguchi city in Saitama prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for people to be on high alert for flooding in low-lying areas and river overflows, as well as to be careful of lightning and gusts of wind.
2024-07-31 19:43:00
On July 31, an 84-year-old woman who lived nearby was found collapsed in a field in Kita-ku, Kobe, and was confirmed dead at the scene. Police say she was believed to have died of heatstroke.
2024-07-31 19:31:00
The 31st was another extremely hot day in eastern and western Japan, with dangerously high temperatures exceeding 38°C in Tokai and Kyushu. Tropical nights are expected through the morning of August 1, and dangerously hot days are predicted, so please continue to be vigilant against heatstroke, refrain from going out unnecessarily and without urgency, and take thorough precautions such as using air conditioners indoors without enduring the heat.
2024-07-31 19:31:00
According to Tokyo Electric Power Company, as of just after 7:00 p.m., approximately 2,690 households in Saitama Prefecture were without power, including 1,950 households in Asaka city and 740 households in Niiza city.
2024-07-31 19:21:00
Due to the heavy rain, Tobu Tojo Line had suspended operations on both the up and down lines between Ikebukuro Station and Shinrin Koen Station, but operations resumed at 6:45 pm on the 31st. The timetable is disrupted due to speed restrictions.
2024-07-31 19:18:00
On the 31st, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced that it had found new irregularities in seven Toyota models in relation to the issue of automakers and other companies engaging in fraudulent activities in obtaining "type approval," which is necessary for the mass production of automobiles and other products, and issued a corrective order under the Road Transport Vehicle Act. This is the first time that a corrective order has been issued to Toyota, and the ministry is calling for the company to report drastic measures to prevent recurrence within one month.
2024-07-31 19:16:00
According to JR East, due to heavy rain, service on the Keihin-Tohoku Line has been suspended on the entire line between Omiya Station and Ofuna Station since around 7:00 p.m. on the 31st.
2024-07-31 19:15:00
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, in Shimo, Kita-ku, Tokyo, 102 mm of heavy rain was observed in the hour up to 7 pm. In addition, radar analysis indicates that approximately 100 mm of heavy rain fell in the hour up to 7 pm near Kita-ku, Tokyo. As the risk of a disaster is imminent, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a "record-breaking short-term heavy rainfall information" and is calling for people to ensure their safety.
2024-07-31 19:00:00
Regarding the introduction of autonomous driving to public transportation services, Prime Minister Kishida has revealed his intention to expand "Level 4" operations, which eliminate the need for drivers under certain conditions, to around 10 locations across the country by the end of this fiscal year.
2024-07-31 18:59:00
Due to heavy rain, Tobu Tojo Line has suspended service on both lines between Ikebukuro Station and Shinrin Koen Station in Saitama Prefecture since around 6:00 pm on the 31st. There is currently no prospect of resuming service.
2024-07-31 18:55:00
Due to the heavy rain, the Nogawa and Sengawa rivers, which are part of the Tamagawa River system and run through Tokyo, exceeded the flood danger level, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Meteorological Agency issued a flood risk warning at 6:35 pm, calling for caution. If the river overflows, Setagaya Ward, Mitaka City, Fuchu City, Chofu City, Koganei City, and Komae City may be flooded, so never go near the river. Go to a higher floor to ensure your safety. Be especially vigilant against flooding in the basements of buildings.
2024-07-31 18:54:00
In Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, which has suffered repeated flooding due to record-breaking rains, the city is conducting an investigation to determine the damage to homes in order to issue disaster damage certificates.
2024-07-31 18:47:00
A woman in her 40s living in Osaka Prefecture believed a false phone call from a person claiming to be a Chinese police officer, transferred a total of about 300 million yen to a specified account, and was defrauded. According to the police, this is the largest amount of damage from a special fraud confirmed in the prefecture so far this year.
2024-07-31 18:44:00
A Tokyo woman sued the government for forcing her to undergo sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law, and a settlement was reached on the 31st with the government paying a settlement. This comes after the Supreme Court ruled in another victim's case that the old Eugenic Protection Law was unconstitutional and ordered the government to pay compensation, and this is the first settlement in this series of lawsuits.
2024-07-31 18:41:00
Due to the record-breaking heavy rain, a national highway leading to the city center in the Osawa district of Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, collapsed and was cut off, but a detour was completed and private cars and other vehicles were able to pass through as of the afternoon of the 31st.
2024-07-31 18:39:00
The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan is calling for caution, as there has been an increase in reports of fraud involving code payment services such as "XX Pay," which allow users to make payments by scanning QR codes, in which fraudsters pretend to refund money but then try to get money out of them.
2024-07-31 18:27:00
The National Police Agency has found that damages from fraud involving the misuse of social media, such as investment solicitations using "impersonation advertisements" impersonating celebrities, amounted to approximately 66 billion yen nationwide in the six months up to last month, a sharp increase of 4.7 times from last year.
2024-07-31 18:22:00
In the trial of a former doctor who was charged with murdering his mentally disabled father 13 years ago and claimed innocence, the Supreme Court ruled on the 31st to reject the defense's appeal, and his sentence of 13 years in prison was finalized. The former doctor is also charged with murder for hire for killing an incurable disease ALS patient at his request, and is being tried separately.
2024-07-31 18:14:00
A Tokyo woman sued the government for forcing her to undergo sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law, and a settlement was reached on the 31st with the government paying a settlement. This comes after the Supreme Court ruled in another victim's case that the old Eugenic Protection Law was unconstitutional and ordered the government to pay compensation, and this is the first settlement in this series of lawsuits.
2024-07-31 18:06:00
Regarding the issue of automakers and other parties engaging in fraudulent practices in obtaining "type approval," which is necessary for the mass production of automobiles and other products, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a corrective order on the 31st under the Road Transport Vehicle Act, stating that irregularities had been found in seven new Toyota models. This is the first time that a corrective order has been issued to Toyota.
2024-07-31 18:00:00
Tokyo Governor Koike met with Ishikawa Governor Hasi and expressed her intention to accept some of the disaster waste generated by the Noto Peninsula earthquake at a processing facility in Tokyo.
2024-07-31 17:48:00
The opening ceremony of the National High School Cultural Festival, where high school students showcase the results of their daily cultural and artistic activities, was held in Gifu City, with Prince and Princess Akishino and their eldest son, Prince Hisahito, in attendance.
2024-07-31 17:41:00
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology conducted the first survey of children's myopia, tracking approximately 5,200 elementary and junior high school students across the country, and found that approximately 10% of children had newly developed myopia over the past two years. The survey found that the younger the grade level, the more likely the children were to develop myopia, and experts point out that it is important to take measures from an early age.
2024-07-31 17:27:00
In response to a case in which a former ward assembly member in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward conspired with former ward department heads to leak information about construction bidding to contractors in exchange for receiving bribes, the ward has compiled an investigative report stating that there were issues with the way assembly members and staff interacted, and has made clear its intention to take steps to prevent a recurrence.
2024-07-31 17:16:00
Junro Anan, the former manager of the Hiroshima Carp professional baseball team who led the team to a league championship in 1986, passed away on the 30th. He was 86 years old.
2024-07-31 17:15:00
A survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare found that the rate of working men taking childcare leave last year increased by 13 percentage points from the previous year to approximately 30%, the highest ever.
2024-07-31 17:13:00
A Tokyo woman sued the government for forcing her to undergo sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law, and the lawsuit was settled on the afternoon of the 31st with the government paying a settlement. This is the first settlement to be reached in a series of lawsuits filed across the country. On the 3rd of this month, the Supreme Court Grand Bench handed down a ruling ordering the government to pay compensation in a lawsuit filed by another victim, finding that the old Eugenic Protection Law was unconstitutional. In response, the government indicated it would aim to reach a settlement as soon as possible.
2024-07-31 17:12:00
On July 31, a police station resumed operations for the first time in 13 years and four months in the Tsushima district of Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, where evacuation orders following the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant were partially lifted last year.
2024-07-31 17:07:00
In a bribery case involving a bid for sewerage construction ordered by Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, it was revealed that the arrested deputy director is suspected of not only providing price information but also internal documents to the representative of the construction company that was the briber. The two men had contact through work for some time, and the police are investigating in detail how they deepened their collusion.
2024-07-31 16:56:00
After receiving the corrective order from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Toyota Motor Corporation President Tsuneji Sato apologized to reporters, saying, "I would like to sincerely apologize to our customers, dealers, suppliers and stakeholders for the great concern and inconvenience caused by this certification issue." He added, "I take the corrective order very seriously. I will take it seriously and continue to make efforts to improve."
2024-07-31 16:53:00
Nagasaki Mayor Suzuki announced that he has decided not to invite the Israeli ambassador to Japan to the peace memorial ceremony to be held on August 9, the anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing. He explained that this is "not a political decision, but to ensure that the ceremony can be held smoothly in a peaceful and solemn atmosphere."
2024-07-31 16:46:00
Regarding iDeCo, an individual-type defined contribution pension plan that is topped up on public pensions, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has presented a proposal to the council to expand the scope of the system, which allows employers to top up employee contributions, in order to improve income security in retirement for people working for small and medium-sized enterprises.
2024-07-31 16:40:00
Following a review of the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 in Fukui Prefecture, which concluded that the plant should not be allowed to be restarted, as the possibility of a fault directly beneath the reactor building moving in the future cannot be denied, the Nuclear Regulation Authority has decided to make a final decision on August 2nd after hearing from the president of the operator, Japan Atomic Power Company.
2024-07-31 16:28:00
A total of more than 8.1 billion yen in general grants will be paid early to 14 municipalities in Yamagata and Akita prefectures that suffered damage from last week's record-breaking rains, beginning on August 1.
2024-07-31 16:24:00
Regarding the issue of automakers and other parties engaging in fraudulent practices in obtaining "type approval," which is necessary for the mass production of automobiles and other products, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a corrective order on the 31st under the Road Transport Vehicle Act, stating that irregularities had been found in seven new Toyota models. This is the first time that a corrective order has been issued to Toyota.
2024-07-31 16:16:00
Regarding products containing a substance called "exosomes" that are used at private clinics, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has asked local governments across the country to thoroughly instruct businesses that are selling these products to medical institutions, claiming to have therapeutic effects even though they have not been approved as medicines.
2024-07-31 16:15:00
According to the Tokyo Fire Department, by 3:00 p.m. on July 31, a total of 40 people, ranging in age from 13 to 95, had been rushed to the hospital with suspected heatstroke in Tokyo.
2024-07-31 16:00:00
A national working group was convened to examine the issues that arose from the Noto Peninsula earthquake and to use the findings to improve future disaster responses, and opinions were exchanged on measures to mitigate earthquake damage and promote the restoration of infrastructure.
2024-07-31 15:46:00
On the 31st, Hyogo Prefecture announced that it had demoted the director in charge of youth support measures to a director-level position attached to the General Affairs Department. The director had also been handling documents alleging power harassment against Governor Saito, but had reportedly submitted a request for transfer, citing that "performing the duties is physically and mentally demanding."
2024-07-31 15:44:00
In connection with the accident on the 28th of this month when a civilian helicopter crashed into farmland in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, killing two people, interviews with investigators have revealed that on the 30th, the Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters conducted a search of the helicopter operating company in Saga City on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death.
2024-07-31 15:08:00
Following a review of the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 in Fukui Prefecture, which concluded that the plant should not be allowed to be restarted, as the possibility of a fault directly beneath the reactor building moving in the future cannot be denied, the Nuclear Regulation Authority has decided to make a final decision on August 2nd after hearing from the president of the operator, Japan Atomic Power Company.
2024-07-31 14:38:00
According to JR East, some services on the Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Tokaido Line were suspended due to a fatal accident that occurred just after noon on the 31st, but services resumed on the full line at 2:15 pm.
2024-07-31 14:13:00
In connection with the accident on the 28th of this month when a civilian helicopter crashed into farmland in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, killing two people, interviews with investigators have revealed that on the 30th, the Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters conducted a search of the helicopter operating company in Saga City on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death.
2024-07-31 13:21:00
In a case in which 90 people from two Osaka-based groups were arrested for allegedly defrauding people of cash by soliciting them to purchase investment products over social media, police have issued a nationwide wanted notice for the five suspects, whose faces have been made public, and have now arrested two men and women on suspicion of fraud.
2024-07-31 13:02:00
August 1 marks seven months since the Noto Peninsula earthquake. In Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, there are still people who are unable to move into temporary housing and are continuing to live as refugees in agricultural greenhouses.
2024-07-31 12:49:00
In Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, where record-breaking rains that began falling a week ago on the 24th of this month caused flooding in many homes, people living near the flooded river were still busy on the 31st carrying out water-logged furniture.
2024-07-31 12:47:00
According to JR East, due to a fatal accident that occurred at a railroad crossing between Kawasaki Station and Kamata Station just after noon on the 31st, service has been suspended on both lines on the Keihin Tohoku Line between Omiya Station and Ofuna Station, and on the Tokaido Line between Tokyo Station and Atami Station. Service is expected to resume around 1:30 pm.
2024-07-31 12:45:00
A safe known as the "Hoanko" that contained the Emperor's portrait and the Imperial Rescript on Education before and during the war was discovered this year at an elementary school in Meguro Ward, Tokyo. The ward plans to open it to the public from August 1, saying that it is a valuable document that gives a glimpse into the educational scene at that time.
2024-07-31 12:42:00
In a bribery case involving a bid for sewerage construction ordered by Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, it was revealed that the arrested deputy director is suspected of not only providing price information but also internal documents to the representative of the construction company that was the briber. The two men had contact through work for some time, and the police are investigating in detail how they deepened their collusion.
2024-07-31 12:17:00
A training exercise was conducted at a shopping center in Ota Ward, Tokyo, simulating the appearance of a suspicious person armed with a knife, with store staff and others reviewing procedures such as guiding customers to safety.
2024-07-31 12:17:00
Matsuyama Castle, which had been closed due to the mudslide that occurred on July 12, resumed operations of the castle tower and ropeway on the 31st after safety was confirmed.
2024-07-31 12:15:00
In a case where a couple in their 80s and their daughter were stabbed to death in a house in Kikugawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, the 27-year-old grandson, who was wanted nationwide on suspicion of murder and detained in Tottori City on the night of the 30th, changed his clothes and escaped, according to an interview with the police. The grandson was hospitalized with injuries to his stomach, and the police will wait until he recovers before arresting him and investigating his movements before and after the incident.
2024-07-31 12:07:00
On the 31st, temperatures are expected to rise from the morning in eastern and western Japan, with some areas already exceeding 37 degrees. Dangerously high temperatures of 38 degrees are expected in Tokai and Shikoku, so please continue to take thorough measures to prevent heatstroke.
2024-07-31 11:57:00
In a case involving fraudulent practices by automakers and other parties in obtaining "type approval" necessary for the mass production of automobiles, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has decided to soon issue a corrective order under the Road Transport Vehicle Act to demand fundamental reforms, as new irregularities have been discovered at Toyota Motor Corporation, according to interviews with related parties. If a corrective order is issued to Toyota, it will be the first time.
2024-07-31 11:46:00
It has been learned that the director in charge of youth support measures, which are a priority policy of Hyogo Prefecture Governor Saito, is in the process of stepping down from his position. The director has also been involved in responding to documents alleging power harassment against Governor Saito.
2024-07-31 11:32:00
In response to a series of problems in which female customers of host clubs have been charged excessive fees and forced to take on debt, a meeting was held on July 31st to consider what form regulations should take, with the participation of police, legal experts, industry groups, and others.
2024-07-31 10:47:00
On the 31st, 18 years after an elementary school girl was sucked into a water intake and killed at a municipal swimming pool in Fujimino City, Saitama Prefecture, the mayor and others laid flowers at the site of the pool and vowed to prevent a recurrence.
2024-07-31 07:16:00
Regarding the suspension of Japanese fishing boats' operations around Kaigara Island, part of the Habomai Islands in the Northern Territories, due to lighthouse repairs, Senator Muneo Suzuki, who is visiting Russia, revealed that he has been told by the Russian side that the lighthouse repairs are scheduled to be completed on August 3rd.
2024-07-31 06:51:00
The Japanese doctor who performed the surgery in which a genetically modified pig kidney was transplanted into a patient in the United States in March this year held a press conference in Kawasaki City on the 30th and said that it is important to accelerate research into animal transplants in Japan as well.
2024-07-31 06:13:00
A Tokyo woman suing the government for forcing her to undergo sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law is expected to reach a settlement on the 31st with the government paying a settlement. This comes after the Supreme Court ruled in another victim's case that the old Eugenic Protection Law was unconstitutional and ordered the government to pay compensation, and this is the first time a settlement has been reached in this series of lawsuits.
2024-07-31 06:09:00
Temperatures are expected to continue to rise on the 31st, mainly in eastern and western Japan, with dangerously high temperatures of 38°C predicted in Tokai and Shikoku. Please continue to take thorough measures to prevent heatstroke, such as refraining from going out unnecessarily and using air conditioners indoors without enduring the heat.
2024-07-31 05:55:00
In a case where the deputy director of the sewage department of Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, was arrested for leaking bidding information for three construction projects ordered by the city, leading to winning the bids, and receiving entertainment from the representative of a local construction company in return, it was discovered that one of the construction projects in question was won at the same price as the minimum bid. The police are investigating the actual situation of collusion between the deputy director and the construction company.
2024-07-31 05:07:00
In the case where a couple in their 80s and their daughter were stabbed to death in a house in Kikugawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, police arrested the 27-year-old grandson, who was wanted nationwide on suspicion of murder, in Tottori City on the night of the 30th. The grandson was hospitalized with injuries to his stomach and is said to have committed the crime, so the police plan to wait until he recovers before arresting him.
2024-07-31 01:03:00
In a case where the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division searched the offices of Senator Megumi Hirose on suspicion of defrauding the government of her salary as a public secretary, it has been learned through interviews with people involved that several people related to the office have explained to the Special Investigation Division during voluntary questioning that they did not actually work as a public secretary. The Special Investigation Division is expected to continue to uncover the actual situation of the opaque flow of funds by questioning Representative Hirose herself as well.
