Social News(2024/12/23)
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare plans to raise upper limit of high-cost medical care system from August next year
2024-12-23 23:31:00
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to raise the upper limit of the "High-cost Medical Care Expenses System," which limits the out-of-pocket expenses of patients with high medical expenses, from August next year. For those with average annual incomes of around 3.7 million to 7.7 million yen, the monthly limit will be raised by more than 8,000 yen.
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Judge and TSE official charged with criminal misconduct
2024-12-23 22:39:00
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SEC) filed criminal charges against a 32-year-old judge with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division for allegedly violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act for insider trading while seconded to the Financial Services Agency. It also filed criminal charges against a 26-year-old employee of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for allegedly passing on information about a takeover bid to his family.
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Judge and TSE official charged with criminal misconduct
2024-12-23 21:40:00
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SEC) filed criminal charges against a 32-year-old judge with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division for allegedly violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act for insider trading while seconded to the Financial Services Agency. It also filed criminal charges against a 26-year-old employee of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for allegedly passing on information about a takeover bid to his family.
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About 2% of land acquired last year that is important for national security was acquired by foreign countries, with China accounting for the largest share.
2024-12-23 21:38:00
The government has released information on land and buildings acquired in the past year in areas deemed important for national security. Approximately 2% of the land and buildings were acquired by foreigners or foreign corporations, with China accounting for the largest proportion.
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Kobe District Prosecutors Office decides not to indict three people, including manager at the time, over Hyogo Prefecture maze accident
2024-12-23 20:53:00
The Kobe District Public Prosecutors' Office has decided not to indict three people, including the manager at the time, who had been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in injury in connection with an accident three years ago at an amusement park in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, in which the floor of a wooden maze collapsed, injuring six people.
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Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to hold committee discussions on nursing care service provision system in 2040
2024-12-23 20:51:00
In light of the current shortage of care workers to support elderly people who require nursing care, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to launch a study group of experts to discuss the system for providing nursing care services toward 2040.
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"Book Santa" donates books to children from financially disadvantaged families
2024-12-23 20:49:00
Ahead of Christmas, bookstores across the country are running an initiative to give purchased books to financially struggling families through "Santa Claus."
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32-year-old judge indicted on insider trading charges by Japan Financial Supervisory Commission
2024-12-23 20:27:00
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SEC) filed criminal charges against a 32-year-old judge with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division for allegedly violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act for insider trading while seconded to the Financial Services Agency. It also filed criminal charges against a 26-year-old employee of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for allegedly passing on information about a takeover bid to his family.
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Google: "Deeply regrets decision made without consultation" in response to cease and desist order notice
2024-12-23 20:23:00
The Japan Fair Trade Commission has notified Google, the largest American internet search engine, in writing of its intention to issue an exclusion order demanding that the company cease violating the Antimonopoly Act by giving preferential treatment to smartphone manufacturers for its own apps. In response, Google issued a comment on the 23rd stating that it "deeply regrets that a decision was made without sufficient consultation," and that it would continue to make its case in the upcoming hearing process.
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Governor announces "First confirmation of Akoya pearls off the coast of Miyagi" - pearl farming to be considered
2024-12-23 20:18:00
Miyagi Governor Murai announced at a press conference on the 23rd that Akoya oysters, which are used for pearl farming, have been spotted off the coast of Miyagi for the first time. He said he would like to consider whether they can be used for pearl farming within the prefecture in the future.
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32-year-old judge indicted on insider trading charges by Japan Financial Supervisory Commission
2024-12-23 20:01:00
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SEC) filed criminal charges against a 32-year-old judge with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division for allegedly violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act for insider trading while seconded to the Financial Services Agency. It also filed criminal charges against a 26-year-old employee of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for allegedly passing on information about a takeover bid to his family.
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Former Nagano Prefectural Assemblyman Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Murdering Wife Nagano District Court
2024-12-23 19:08:00
Three years ago in 2021, the Nagano District Court sentenced a 50-year-old former prefectural assembly member to 19 years in prison for murder for killing his wife in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, saying the crime was "a selfish, cold-blooded and heinous act committed as a result of his growing desire to continue his relationship with the woman he had been having an affair with."
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Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant: TEPCO "Confirmed impacts based on knowledge from Noto, assumptions unchanged"
2024-12-23 19:04:00
Regarding the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata Prefecture, at a meeting of the Nuclear Regulation Authority held on the 23rd, Tokyo Electric Power Company explained that after examining the impact of the earthquake and tsunami based on knowledge gained from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, its previous assumptions had not changed. However, the regulators requested further details regarding the assumptions regarding the tsunami.
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The Fisheries Agency's policy to reduce next year's fishing quota for Japanese flying squid by more than 70% from this year
2024-12-23 19:01:00
Regarding Japanese flying squid, which has been suffering from a continuing shortage, the Fisheries Agency has announced its intention to reduce next year's catch quota by more than 70% from this year, making it the lowest ever, due to a significant decline in the resource stock in Japanese waters.
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Emperor Emeritus celebrates his 91st birthday with celebrations at his residence
2024-12-23 18:57:00
The Emperor Emeritus celebrated his 91st birthday on the 23rd, and a celebration was held at his residence.
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Heavy snow expected in eastern and northern Japan, mainly on the Sea of Japan side, through the 24th. Caution advised.
2024-12-23 18:55:00
Due to the influence of cold air and winter pressure patterns in the sky, snow continues to fall mainly on the Sea of Japan side of eastern and northern Japan. The winter pressure patterns are expected to continue through the 24th, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against heavy snowfall.
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News for 2024 What impresses you?
2024-12-23 18:52:00
We will look back at some of the most notable news articles published on NHK NEWS WEB in 2024. What news stories left the biggest impression on you?
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Disaster Management Minister asks for cooperation in formulating individual evacuation plans for people who have difficulty evacuating on their own
2024-12-23 18:30:00
Regarding "individual evacuation plans," which define evacuation routes for people who have difficulty evacuating on their own in the event of a disaster, Minister Sakai stated that many municipalities have not made much progress in formulating such plans, and expressed his intention to ask related organizations such as welfare and nursing care organizations to cooperate in strengthening cooperation with municipalities.
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Dump truck driver indicted for negligent driving resulting in death and injury in Hiroshima accident that left four dead
2024-12-23 18:29:00
Last month, in an accident in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City, where a dump truck collided with a passenger car and fell off a bridge, leaving four people dead or injured, the prosecutor's office has indicted the dump truck driver on charges of negligent driving resulting in death or injury. He had been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving resulting in death or injury, which carries a heavier maximum sentence, but the prosecutor's office explained that "it was not found that he had intentionally driven at a high speed."
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What will happen? Differences in opinion between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance over teacher salaries. What is happening on the ground?
2024-12-23 18:25:00
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance are at odds over how to handle the additional salary increases for teachers, which are a focus of next year's budget. The focus is on the amount and timing of the increase, as well as whether to make it conditional on the results of work style reforms.
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Suspect released after hospitalization in Chiba Kashiwa couple murder and arson case arrested again
2024-12-23 18:19:00
In connection with the case in which a couple was murdered in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, and a nearby house was set on fire, a 77-year-old suspect was arrested for trying to evade police questioning and was initially released to be hospitalized. However, police have since arrested him again on suspicion of obstruction of justice on the 23rd, as his treatment has now been completed.
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32-year-old judge indicted on insider trading charges by Japan Financial Supervisory Commission
2024-12-23 18:05:00
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SEC) filed criminal charges against a 32-year-old judge with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division for allegedly violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act for insider trading while seconded to the Financial Services Agency. It also filed criminal charges against a 26-year-old employee of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for allegedly passing on information about a takeover bid to his family.
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Uranium detected in nuclear fuel debris collected at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
2024-12-23 17:44:00
According to interviews with relevant parties, analysis of nuclear fuel debris collected experimentally in November at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 at a research facility in Ibaraki Prefecture has detected uranium, which is contained in the nuclear fuel. This is the first time that uranium has actually been confirmed in collected debris, and the research facility plans to proceed with further detailed analysis.
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Japan Post files lawsuit against Yamato Transport seeking damages "Damage caused by review of collaboration"
2024-12-23 17:38:00
Japan Post has announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Yamato Transport seeking damages in response to the company's request to review a collaboration agreement concluded last year.
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Man slashes woman in Kyoto, jumps to death after fleeing
2024-12-23 17:29:00
A woman in her 50s was stabbed with a knife in the parking lot of a convenience store in Minami Ward, Kyoto City, just before noon on the 23rd, and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. The man who stabbed her was later found in Kyoto Prefecture, but while being pursued by police, he jumped off an elevated road and died at the hospital where he was taken.
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Typhoon No. 26 occurs in the South China Sea, no impact expected on Japan
2024-12-23 17:15:00
On the afternoon of the 23rd, Typhoon No. 26 formed in the South China Sea. It is not expected to affect Japan, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for ships passing through the area to be on alert.
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Closing ceremony held at a high school in Anamizu, Ishikawa: "This time, let's smile at the opening ceremony of the third term"
2024-12-23 17:09:00
The closing ceremony for the second term was held at a high school in Anamizu Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, which was severely damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake. The principal called out to all the students, saying, "The earthquake has taken away your normal daily routine, but this time, let's meet again with smiles on our faces at the opening ceremony of the third term."
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Special exhibition of materials related to people interned in Siberia and other places immediately after the end of the war, Tokyo
2024-12-23 17:01:00
A special exhibition collecting materials related to people who were detained in Siberia and other places immediately after the end of the war is being held in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
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JR Kyushu officially announces withdrawal from Japan-Korea route over cover-up of high-speed ferry flooding
2024-12-23 16:32:00
In response to the issue of a subsidiary of JR Kyushu concealing flooding on the Queen Beetle, a high-speed ferry connecting Japan and South Korea, JR Kyushu has abandoned its initial goal of resuming operations and officially announced that it will withdraw from the Japan-Korea route, which has been in operation for over 30 years.
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National Police Agency Commissioner General orders executives to "Uncover the profit structure of malicious host clubs"
2024-12-23 16:28:00
Regarding the recent spate of cases in which female customers of host clubs are charged exorbitant fees and forced into debt, National Police Agency Commissioner General Tsuyuki Yasuhiro, at a meeting of senior officials in charge of adult entertainment cases from across the country, gave instructions to dismantle the illegal "business model" of unscrupulous host clubs and clarify their revenue structures.
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Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to consider revising method of publishing results of national academic achievement test
2024-12-23 16:21:00
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has begun considering revising the way in which the results of the National Academic Achievement Test, which is conducted annually for elementary and junior high school students, are published by prefecture and designated city, due to negative opinions being expressed by some local governments.
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Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission files criminal charges against judge in his 30s for insider trading
2024-12-23 15:39:00
On the 23rd, the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission filed criminal charges with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors' Office Special Investigation Division on suspicion of violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act against a judge in his 30s who was undergoing compulsory investigation on suspicion of insider trading while on secondment to the Financial Services Agency.
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Japan Coast Guard holds memorial service one year after plane crash at Haneda Airport
2024-12-23 15:18:00
A memorial service for the five people who died in the plane crash at Haneda Airport was held at the Japan Coast Guard's Haneda Air Base on the 23rd, just before the one-year anniversary of the crash.
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Child and Family Agency to increase child welfare officers by 900 over two years due to increase in abuse consultations
2024-12-23 14:55:00
As the number of child abuse consultation cases increases year by year, it has been learned that the Agency for Children and Families plans to strengthen its system by increasing the number of child welfare officers, who are responsible for temporary protection of children at child consultation centers, by more than 900 over the two years until fiscal year 2026.
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Kawasaki Heavy Industries: Fictitious transactions, slush funds, billions of yen undeclared income, Osaka National Tax Agency
2024-12-23 14:50:00
In an interview with a person involved in the case of Kawasaki Heavy Industries providing goods to the crew of the Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines with slush funds created through fictitious transactions, the Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau has determined that these were entertainment expenses that cannot be recognized as expenses. Kawasaki Heavy Industries plans to file amended tax returns as it is expected to be found to have failed to declare over 1 billion yen in income over the six years up to 2023, including the concealment of income.
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Former Nagano Prefectural Assemblyman Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Murdering Wife Nagano District Court
2024-12-23 14:48:00
The Nagano District Court sentenced a 50-year-old former prefectural assemblyman to 19 years in prison for murder for killing his then 47-year-old wife in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, three years ago.
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The three opposition parties, CDP, Ishin, and Komin, jointly submit a bill to make school lunches free to the Diet
2024-12-23 14:19:00
In response to the declining birthrate, three opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, have jointly submitted a bill to the Diet to make school lunches free of charge at public elementary and junior high schools.
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Chugoku Electric Power Co.'s Shimane Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 resumes power generation, scheduled to begin commercial operation on January 10th
2024-12-23 14:18:00
Chugoku Electric Power Co. resumed power generation at Shimane Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2, which was restarted this month, at 1:00 pm on the 23rd. This is the first time power generation has been resumed since January 2012, and the output will be gradually increased, with commercial operation scheduled to begin on the 10th of next month.
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Kyoto woman injured after being stabbed with a knife; man arrested
2024-12-23 14:08:00
Just before noon on the 23rd, a woman in her 40s was stabbed with a knife by a man on the street in Minami Ward, Kyoto City, and was taken to the hospital with injuries. She was conscious when she was taken to the hospital. The man fled in a car, but was later taken into custody, and the police are currently investigating the details of the incident.
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JR Central's first president, Hiroshi Suda, dies at age 93
2024-12-23 13:51:00
Hiroshi Suda, who served as the first president of JR Central after the privatization of the former Japanese National Railways, passed away on December 13th due to old age. He was 93 years old.
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Released former head of anti-whaling group plans to continue activities, renews criticism of Japan's whaling
2024-12-23 13:49:00
The former leader of the anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, who was internationally wanted for ordering sabotage of a Japanese research whaling vessel and released this month, attended a rally in France, where he expressed his intention to continue his activities and once again criticized Japan's whaling.
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"Multiple drones" affect aircraft takeoffs and landings at Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport in Yamaguchi
2024-12-23 13:28:00
On the night of the 22nd, Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, which is used by both the US military and civilians in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, received a report that "several drones had entered," temporarily blocking the runway. This resulted in the delay of an All Nippon Airways flight bound for the airport by about three hours.
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Employee of after-school day care service operator found guilty in case of death of male student
2024-12-23 13:27:00
Two years ago, a male student who attended an after-school day care center in Osaka that cares for children with disabilities went missing and later died in a river. In a trial in which an employee of the corporation that operated the facility was charged with professional negligence resulting in death, the Osaka District Court sentenced the employee to one year and ten months in prison, suspended for four years, citing a "lack of awareness of the danger" in the response.
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Suspect arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted murder of hotel manager in Saijo, Ehime
2024-12-23 13:24:00
In a case where a 70-year-old female hotel manager in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, was found bleeding from her head and collapsed, police arrested a 43-year-old suspect in Osaka City on suspicion of attempted murder. According to the police, the suspect admitted to assaulting the woman during questioning, but denied any intention to kill her.
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Former Olympus president admits to charges of receiving illegal drugs
2024-12-23 13:11:00
At the first hearing of a case in which the former president of precision equipment manufacturer Olympus is accused of receiving illegal drugs believed to be cocaine, the former president admitted to the charges and said, "I started using drugs to hide my fatigue from work."
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Kamakura installs security cameras at Slam Dunk's sacred railroad crossing after a string of nuisances
2024-12-23 13:11:00
A security camera has been installed at a railroad crossing in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, which is a location associated with the popular manga "Slam Dunk," in order to prevent nuisance behavior by some tourists, such as stepping onto the road to take pictures.
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Kyoto woman stabbed with knife, man escapes
2024-12-23 13:07:00
According to police and fire departments, at around 11:40 a.m. today, a woman in her 40s was stabbed with a knife by a man on the street in Kuze-Kamikuze-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, and was taken to the hospital with her injuries.
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Osaka: Comedy ritual at Higashiosaka shrine brings happiness to the new year with laughter
2024-12-23 12:45:00
A Shinto ritual was held at a shrine in Higashiosaka City, Osaka, to encourage people to laugh away the troubles of the past year and pray for happiness in the new year.
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Suspect released after hospitalization in Chiba Kashiwa couple murder and arson case arrested again
2024-12-23 12:44:00
In connection with the case in which a couple was murdered in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, and a nearby house was set on fire, a 77-year-old suspect was arrested for trying to evade police questioning and initially released due to hospitalization. However, interviews with investigators have revealed that the police have re-arrested him on suspicion of obstruction of justice on the 23rd, now that his treatment has been completed.
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Final game at old "Shogi Kaikan" building to be moved to nearby building due to deterioration
2024-12-23 12:29:00
The final game has begun at Tokyo's Shogi Kaikan, which is due to be relocated to a nearby building due to its aging, with players battling it out in the final, heated battle in the game room that has been the scene of many famous matches.
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Emperor Emeritus celebrates his 91st birthday with celebrations at his residence
2024-12-23 12:17:00
The Emperor Emeritus celebrated his 91st birthday on the 23rd, and a celebration is being held at his residence.
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Kawasaki Heavy Industries: Fictitious transactions, slush funds, billions of yen undeclared income, Osaka National Tax Agency
2024-12-23 12:08:00
In an interview with a person involved in the case of Kawasaki Heavy Industries providing goods to the crew of the Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines with slush funds created through fictitious transactions, the Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau has determined that these were entertainment expenses that cannot be recognized as expenses. Kawasaki Heavy Industries plans to file amended tax returns as it is expected to be found to have failed to declare over 1 billion yen in income over the six years up to 2023, including the concealment of income.
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Heavy snow expected in eastern and northern Japan, mainly on the Sea of Japan side, through the morning of the 24th. Caution advised.
2024-12-23 11:55:00
Due to the influence of cold air and winter pressure patterns in the sky, snow continues to fall mainly on the Sea of Japan side of eastern and northern Japan. The winter pressure patterns are expected to continue through the 24th, so please continue to be careful of heavy snow.
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Heavy snowfall expected in northern and western Japan along the Japan Sea coast through the 24th - be careful
2024-12-23 10:57:00
Snow is getting heavier, especially in northern Japan, due to the continued influx of strong cold air. Heavy snow is expected to fall from northern to western Japan, mainly on the Sea of Japan side, through the 24th, so caution is advised.
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"Multiple drones" affect aircraft takeoffs and landings at Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport in Yamaguchi
2024-12-23 09:11:00
On the night of the 22nd, Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, which is used by both the US military and civilians in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, received a report that "several drones had entered," temporarily blocking the runway. This resulted in the delay of an All Nippon Airways flight bound for the airport by about three hours.
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Nagano Shiojiri wife murder case former prefectural assemblyman sentenced today by Nagano District Court
2024-12-23 07:49:00
A former prefectural assemblyman accused of murdering his wife in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, three years ago, will be sentenced at the Nagano District Court on the 23rd. While the prosecution has sought a 20-year prison sentence, the former assemblyman has consistently maintained his innocence, and attention is focused on how the court will rule in the absence of direct evidence.
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Fixed-line phone number portability for changing telecommunications carriers to begin next month
2024-12-23 06:59:00
"Number portability," which allows you to change telecommunications carriers in both directions without changing your phone number, will be available for landline phones from next month.
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Heavy snowfall expected in northern and western Japan along the Japan Sea coast through the 24th - be careful
2024-12-23 06:50:00
Snow is getting heavier, especially in northern Japan, due to the continued influx of strong cold air. Heavy snow is expected to fall from northern to western Japan, mainly on the Sea of Japan side, through the 24th, so caution is advised.
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More than 50 new letters found in National Treasure "Shimazu Family Documents"
2024-12-23 06:40:00
The Shimazu Family Documents, which were handed down through the Shimazu family of the Satsuma domain and are designated as national treasures, were photographed by the Historiographical Institute at the University of Tokyo using an infrared camera to photograph the backing of a "tekagami," a document containing important letters, and the Historiographical Institute discovered more than 50 new letters among the documents.
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Revision of the Political Funds Control Law expected to be implemented tomorrow, the last day of the Diet session
2024-12-23 05:24:00
On the 23rd, the House of Councillors will deliberate on a bill related to political reform, which includes the abolition of policy activity expenses. The bill is expected to be passed on the 24th, at the end of the session, with the support of the opposition parties, and a second revision of the Political Funds Control Law will be realized.
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Emperor Emeritus turns 91 today
2024-12-23 05:13:00
The Emperor Emeritus celebrated his 91st birthday on the 23rd.
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"Multiple drones" affect aircraft takeoffs and landings at Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport in Yamaguchi
2024-12-23 01:02:00
On the night of the 22nd, Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, which is used by both the US military and civilians in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, received a report that "several drones had entered," temporarily blocking the runway. This resulted in the delay of an All Nippon Airways flight bound for the airport by about three hours.
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