Social News(2025/02/10)
Firefighting continues after report of "fire during cooking" at restaurant in Shinjuku 3-chome, Tokyo
2025-02-10 21:25:00
According to the Tokyo Fire Department, a report was received at a restaurant in Shinjuku 3-chome, Tokyo, just after 8:30 pm on the 10th that a fire had broken out during cooking. There have been no reports of injuries or people being unable to escape, but firefighting efforts are still ongoing. The incident occurred in a busy area lined with restaurants and other establishments, about 500 meters northeast of JR Shinjuku Station.
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Another avalanche on road leading to Fukushima Tsuchiyu Onsen; snow removal work to continue tomorrow
2025-02-10 21:14:00
On the morning of the 10th, an avalanche occurred on a prefectural road passing through the mountains of Fukushima City, leaving three hot spring inns isolated. As a result of snow removal work, the isolation was resolved before noon, but according to the prefecture, another avalanche occurred in the same place after that. The prefecture plans to resume snow removal after the 11th.
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Iwo Jima eruption in late January, deposits of ash on sea surface, JMA advises navigation to be cautious
2025-02-10 21:12:00
An eruption occurred on Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands in late January, and ejecta deposits have been spotted on the sea surface. The Japan Meteorological Agency is urging ships sailing in the area to exercise caution.
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SMILE-UP. Compensation lawsuit concluded without contest from man's side "Consideration of psychological burden"
2025-02-10 20:44:00
A lawsuit was filed against "SMILE-UP," which is seeking compensation for the sexual assault case against Johnny Kitagawa, claiming that they are not obligated to pay compensation to a man who reported that he was a victim at NHK in Shibuya, Tokyo. The man's side indicated that they would not fight the lawsuit, and the case has now concluded. The man's attorney commented, "There is no change in my claim that I was a victim, but we took into consideration the psychological burden of a lawsuit."
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Saitama Yashio road collapse incident: Information gathering on hole connected to sewer pipe
2025-02-10 20:38:00
Regarding the large-scale road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, where one man is missing, Saitama Prefecture revealed at a countermeasures meeting held on the evening of the 10th that they have prepared a system to constantly check the inside of the pipes by drilling two holes about 10 cm in diameter that connect to the sewer pipes from above ground. The holes were drilled near what is believed to be the driver's seat of the fallen truck, which was found on the 5th of this month, and they hope to collect more accurate information by inserting small cameras and devices that can measure the location.
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Seismic activity at Mount Ontake calms down, but caution remains around the crater
2025-02-10 20:24:00
Regarding Mount Ontake, located on the border between Nagano and Gifu prefectures, where the eruption alert level has been raised to "level 2," the Japan Meteorological Agency says that seismic activity appears to have calmed down, but continues to urge people to be on alert for large volcanic bombs and pyroclastic flows within approximately one kilometer of the crater.
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Finance Ministry employee loses documents detailing suspects of illegal drug smuggling
2025-02-10 20:23:00
The Ministry of Finance announced that a Customs Bureau employee lost documents containing the names and addresses of 187 people, including suspects of illegal drug smuggling, on his way home after drinking alcohol.
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"The 1.03 million yen annual income barrier" - Citizens' Tamaki: "Keep welfare payments in mind"
2025-02-10 19:34:00
Regarding the review of the "1.03 million yen annual income barrier," Mr. Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People expressed the view that if tax negotiations with the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito are resumed in the future, there is a possibility that discussions will move forward toward raising deduction amounts, taking into account the amount of welfare benefits paid.
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What constitutes dangerous driving? Discussions on amending the law to review application requirements
2025-02-10 19:27:00
Regarding the crime of dangerous driving resulting in death or injury, Minister of Justice Suzuki has asked the Legislative Council to consider amending the law to revise the application criteria. Discussions will be held on how to clarify cases of dangerous driving, such as drunk driving and high speed driving, including setting numerical standards.
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Another avalanche on road leading to Fukushima Tsuchiyu Onsen; snow removal work to continue tomorrow
2025-02-10 19:25:00
On the morning of the 10th, an avalanche occurred on a prefectural road passing through the mountains of Fukushima City, isolating two hot spring inns. As a result of snow removal work, the isolation was resolved before noon, but according to the prefecture, another avalanche occurred in the same place after that. The prefecture has decided to resume snow removal work from the 11th.
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SMILE-UP. Compensation lawsuit concluded without contest from man's side "Consideration of psychological burden"
2025-02-10 19:21:00
A lawsuit was filed against "SMILE-UP," which is seeking compensation for the sexual assault case against Johnny Kitagawa, claiming that they are not obligated to pay compensation to a man who reported that he was a victim at NHK in Shibuya, Tokyo. The man's side indicated that they would not fight the lawsuit, and the case has now concluded. The man's attorney commented, "There is no change in my claim that I was a victim, but we took into consideration the psychological burden of a lawsuit."
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Snow continues in northern Japan tomorrow, rain in wide area including Tohoku the day after tomorrow, caution against avalanches
2025-02-10 19:14:00
The peak of the cold wave has passed, and snow is now mainly in northern Japan. Snow will continue on the 11th, but on the 12th, a low pressure system and warm, humid air are expected to bring rain over a wide area, including the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku and Hokuriku, so it is important to be careful of avalanches and falling snow.
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Fukushima, Koriyama: Video footage of fatal accident involving student ignoring traffic signals and repeatedly driving the wrong way
2025-02-10 18:48:00
In the accident in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture last month in which a student taking entrance exams was hit and killed by a drunk driver, footage from a dashcam taken at an intersection near the scene showed what appeared to be a light passenger vehicle ignoring traffic signals and nearly colliding with an oncoming vehicle. The light passenger vehicle is suspected of repeatedly ignoring traffic signals and driving the wrong way, and the police are investigating the matter in detail.
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Citizen group accuses Shinji Ishimaru of violating the Public Offices Election Act and bribery in the Tokyo gubernatorial election
2025-02-10 18:45:00
A civic group has filed a complaint against Shinji Ishimaru, a candidate in last year's Tokyo gubernatorial election, with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, alleging that the campaign team of Ishimaru, who spent over 970,000 yen on a company that live-streamed rallies during the election period, may have engaged in bribery in violation of the Public Offices Election Act.
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Hiroshima Governor to enact "Ordinance to Promote Men's Participation in Housework and Childcare"
2025-02-10 18:34:00
Governor Yuzaki of Hiroshima Prefecture has announced his intention to enact a "Men's Participation Promotion Ordinance" to encourage men to take part in housework and childcare, citing the fact that the burden of housework and childcare is disproportionately falling on women as dual-income households increase. According to the prefecture, this is the first ordinance of its kind to promote men's participation in the home.
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JR Yamanote Line inner loop service suspended this morning due to cracks in the rails
2025-02-10 18:34:00
On the morning of the 10th, JR Yamanote Line inner loop trains were suspended for about two and a half hours due to a signal check, affecting more than 50,000 people. JR East is currently investigating further, as it seems that a crack in the rail caused the signal to remain switched to red.
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Woman dies after motorcycle crash; light truck may have slipped on ice
2025-02-10 18:28:00
Early on the morning of the 10th, a woman in her 70s riding a moped was hit by a light truck coming from behind on a national highway in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, and died. According to the police, at the time, part of the road surface was frozen, and they are investigating the possibility that the light truck may have slipped.
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[Record-breaking snowfall] Strawberry greenhouses damaged by heavy snow... Impacts continue in various areas
2025-02-10 18:22:00
The effects of the record-breaking snowfall continue to be felt in many areas. In Niigata, residents are busy clearing snow, while in Fukushima, strawberry greenhouses in the peak harvest season have been crushed by the weight of the snow.
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Nagano: Woman dies after being buried under falling snow; Ishikawa: Man falls into waterway
2025-02-10 18:20:00
On the 9th, a 96-year-old woman living alone in Sakae Village, Nagano Prefecture, was found buried under snow at the entrance to her home and was taken to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead. Police are investigating the circumstances at the time, believing that she may have been buried under snow falling from the roof.
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Noto Peninsula earthquake damages snow melting equipment, impacting snow removal in Ishikawa and Suzu
2025-02-10 18:15:00
In areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year's Day last year, damage was sustained not only to roads but also to snow-melting equipment that uses water to melt snow, resulting in some impacts such as snow removal operations taking longer than usual.
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Hyogo Governor Saito accused of power harassment: First meeting of Prefectural Assembly 100-Article Committee
2025-02-10 18:14:00
On the 10th, the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly's Article 100 Committee held the first meeting of the council it set up to compile a report on the issue of Hyogo Governor Saito being accused of power harassment. Opinions differ among the assembly's factions on whether the governor's words and actions should be recognized as power harassment, so the committee plans to hold several more discussions and compile a report.
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Fuji TV's third-party committee sets up hotline to solicit information from outside the company
2025-02-10 18:13:00
The third-party committee investigating the series of issues surrounding Fuji Television announced on the 10th that it has set up a dedicated hotline on the Internet to solicit information from outside the company. The hotline is calling for information from anyone who has any knowledge of harassment that occurred while attending a meeting hosted by Fuji Television executives or employees after April 2016.
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Kawasaki: More than 1,930 third-year students at seven junior high schools to take additional classes due to lack of annual classes
2025-02-10 18:05:00
It has been discovered that the number of class periods for over 1,900 third-year students at seven junior high schools in Kawasaki City is unlikely to meet the number stipulated in the Enforcement Regulations of the School Education Act, and each school has decided to hold additional classes by the end of the fiscal year.
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Shogi player Fujii Souta, the seven-time champion, is the youngest player to achieve 400 career wins at just 22 years and 6 months old.
2025-02-10 17:48:00
Shogi player Sota Fujii (22), who holds seven titles, won a match at the NHK Cup TV Shogi Tournament on the 10th, becoming the youngest player to achieve 400 career wins.
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Former Prime Minister Kishida attack case: Prosecutor seeks 15-year prison sentence; Defendant says "there was no intent to kill"
2025-02-10 17:34:00
In the trial of a 25-year-old defendant accused of attempted murder and other crimes for throwing an explosive device near former Prime Minister Kishida, who was visiting Wakayama City to support an election two years ago, the prosecution sought a 15-year prison sentence, arguing that it was a "terrorist act aimed at a sitting prime minister." On the other hand, the defense argued that "there was no intent to kill," and that a three-year prison sentence would be appropriate.
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Strawberry greenhouses damaged by heavy snow... Record snowfall continues to affect areas
2025-02-10 17:26:00
The effects of the record-breaking snowfall continue to be felt in many areas. In Niigata, residents are busy clearing snow, while in Fukushima, strawberry greenhouses in the peak harvest season have been crushed by the weight of the snow.
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What constitutes dangerous driving? Discussions underway to revise the law, including introducing numerical standards
2025-02-10 16:58:00
Regarding the crime of dangerous driving resulting in death or injury, Minister of Justice Suzuki has asked the Legislative Council to consider amending the law to revise the application criteria. Discussions will be held on how to clarify cases of dangerous driving, such as drunk driving and high speed driving, including setting numerical standards.
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Strawberry greenhouses damaged by heavy snow... Record snowfall continues to affect areas
2025-02-10 16:32:00
The effects of the record-breaking snowfall continue to be felt in many areas. In Niigata, residents are busy clearing snow, while in Fukushima, strawberry greenhouses in the peak harvest season have been crushed by the weight of the snow.
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Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Museum reaches new record high in visitors this year
2025-02-10 16:25:00
With the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and interest in the abolition of nuclear weapons on the rise, the number of visitors to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum this year reached a record high.
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What constitutes dangerous driving? Discussions underway to revise the law, including introducing numerical standards
2025-02-10 16:18:00
Regarding the crime of dangerous driving resulting in death or injury, Minister of Justice Suzuki has asked the Legislative Council to consider amending the law to revise the application criteria. Discussions will be held on how to clarify cases of dangerous driving, such as drunk driving and high speed driving, including setting numerical standards.
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Proposal to ban lead hunting bullets in Lake Kasumigaura and other areas: Wild birds ingest lead bullets and die of poisoning
2025-02-10 15:53:00
In response to the ongoing cases of wild birds swallowing lead shots used for hunting and dying from lead poisoning, the Ministry of the Environment presented a proposal at an expert meeting held on the 10th to ban the use of lead shots in Lake Kasumigaura, Ibaraki Prefecture, and other areas from the new fiscal year, and to investigate the effects of strengthening regulations.
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PFAS "Water quality standards for mineral water, etc., the same as tap water"
2025-02-10 15:50:00
Regarding PFAS, an organic fluorine compound some of which are considered hazardous, the Consumer Affairs Agency has indicated its intention to set water quality standards for mineral water and other drinking water similar to those for tap water, and to make quality control by law mandatory for manufacturers.
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Fukushima: Another avalanche on road leading to Tsuchiyu Onsen, prefectural government continues snow removal work
2025-02-10 15:49:00
On the morning of the 10th, an avalanche occurred on a prefectural road passing through the mountains of Fukushima City, leaving two hot spring inns isolated. As a result of snow removal work, the isolation was resolved before noon, but according to the prefecture, another avalanche occurred in the same place later. There were no injuries, and the prefecture has closed the road and is proceeding with snow removal.
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Prosecutors seek 10-15 years in prison for eldest son, 15 at the time, in Sagamihara parents murder case
2025-02-10 15:27:00
The eldest son, who was 15 years old at the time, is accused of murder and other crimes for killing his parents, both in their 50s, at their apartment in Sagamihara City in February last year. The prosecution sought an indeterminate sentence of 10 to 15 years in prison, arguing that "his actions were selfish and the consequences were grave." On the other hand, the defense argued that the son should be given protective measures under the Juvenile Law.
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Former Prime Minister Kishida attack case: Prosecutor seeks 15-year prison sentence; Defendant says "there was no intent to kill"
2025-02-10 15:10:00
In the trial of a 25-year-old defendant accused of attempted murder and other crimes for throwing an explosive device near former Prime Minister Kishida, who was visiting Wakayama City to support an election two years ago, the prosecution sought a 15-year prison sentence, arguing that it was a "terrorist act aimed at a sitting prime minister." On the other hand, the defense argued that "there was no intent to kill," and that a three-year prison sentence would be appropriate.
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Nagano Sakae Village Elderly woman living alone dies after being buried under falling snow from roof
2025-02-10 14:46:00
On the 9th, a 96-year-old woman living alone in Sakae Village, Nagano Prefecture, was found buried under snow at the entrance to her home and was taken to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead. Police are investigating the circumstances at the time, believing that she may have been buried under snow falling from the roof.
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Two suspects arrested in Yokohama on suspicion of robbery and murder; suspected of carrying out illegal part-time work
2025-02-10 14:17:00
Two suspects believed to be the perpetrators of a crime that broke into a house in Yokohama City last October, killed a man, and stole his cash were arrested. The incident is believed to have involved a group of people who were gathered through illegal part-time work, and another perpetrator and those responsible for collecting the stolen goods have already been indicted. The police are currently investigating the true nature of the group.
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TCB imposes additional tax of 900 million yen; opening a clinic with a "hired director" is not exempt from tax
2025-02-10 12:50:00
A medical corporation that operates the beauty clinic "TCB Tokyo Central Cosmetic Surgery" nationwide had reported the profits from the clinics as personal income, as each clinic's director had opened the clinic, but the National Tax Agency pointed out that the profits were actually corporate profits and that they were exempt from paying consumption tax, which did not actually apply to them. Interviews with people involved have revealed that the medical corporation was subject to additional tax of approximately 900 million yen.
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Miyagi Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, etc. to jointly investigate water pipe leaks using artificial satellites
2025-02-10 12:26:00
As accidents such as broken water and sewerage pipes and collapses due to deterioration occur one after another across the country, municipalities in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures have decided to jointly use satellites to investigate water pipe leaks.
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Memorial ceremony held at Uwajima Fisheries High School in Ehime 24 years after sinking of Ehime Maru
2025-02-10 12:23:00
It has been 24 years since the accident in which the Ehime Maru, a training ship from Ehime Prefectural Uwajima Fisheries High School, was hit by a US nuclear submarine off the coast of Hawaii and sank, killing nine people, including students. A memorial service was held at the high school, where bereaved families and students mourned the victims.
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Saitama Yashio Road collapses, NTT East fixed-line telephones all restored in the area
2025-02-10 12:18:00
According to NTT East, a large road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, caused communication cables buried under the road to break, resulting in some areas being unable to use landline phones since the collapse occurred on the 28th of last month. However, all service had been restored by the evening of the 9th.
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JR Yamanote Line inner loop operation resumed
2025-02-10 12:13:00
JR Yamanote Line inner loop service was suspended from around 7:30 a.m. due to a signaling problem between Hamamatsucho Station and Shimbashi Station, and resumed service about two and a half hours later using the parallel Keihin-Tohoku Line tracks in some sections. According to JR East, service resumed on the normal tracks at 11:38 a.m.
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Two suspects arrested in Yokohama on suspicion of robbery and murder; suspected of carrying out illegal part-time work
2025-02-10 12:11:00
Two suspects believed to be the perpetrators of a crime that broke into a house in Yokohama City last October, killed a man, and stole his cash were arrested. The incident is believed to have involved a group of people who were gathered through illegal part-time work, and another perpetrator and those responsible for collecting the stolen goods have already been indicted. The police are currently investigating the true nature of the group.
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Fukushima: Avalanche leaves hotel in Tsuchiyu Onsen temporarily isolated; about 160 people, no injuries
2025-02-10 11:52:00
At dawn on the 10th, an avalanche was found on the prefectural road leading to Tsuchiyu Onsen in Fukushima City, temporarily isolating two hot spring inns. As a result of the prefecture's snow removal efforts, the isolation was resolved around 10:30 a.m. No one was reportedly injured.
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Former Prime Minister Kishida attack case: Prosecutor seeks 15-year prison sentence; Defendant says "there was no intent to kill"
2025-02-10 11:48:00
In the trial of a 25-year-old defendant accused of attempted murder and other crimes for allegedly throwing an explosive device near former Prime Minister Kishida, who was visiting Wakayama City to support an election campaign two years ago, the prosecution sought a 15-year prison sentence, arguing that this was a "terrorist act aimed at a sitting prime minister."
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TCB imposes additional tax of 900 million yen; opening a clinic with a "hired director" is not exempt from tax
2025-02-10 11:31:00
A medical corporation that operates the beauty clinic "TCB Tokyo Central Cosmetic Surgery" nationwide had reported the profits from the clinics as personal income, as each clinic's director had opened the clinic, but the National Tax Agency pointed out that the profits were actually corporate profits and that they were exempt from paying consumption tax, which did not actually apply to them. Interviews with people involved have revealed that the medical corporation was subject to additional tax of approximately 900 million yen.
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Fukushima: Two inns isolated by avalanche; prefecture steps up snow removal efforts
2025-02-10 11:12:00
At dawn on the 10th, an avalanche was found on the prefectural road leading to Tsuchiyu Onsen in Fukushima City, leaving two hot spring inns isolated. According to the prefecture, there are no injuries or complaints of illness, and the prefecture is proceeding with snow removal work.
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JR Yamanote Line inner loop operation resumed
2025-02-10 10:50:00
According to JR East, there was a signal problem on the Yamanote Line's inner loop between Hamamatsucho Station and Shimbashi Station, and service was suspended from around 7:24 a.m. After that, in order to investigate the cause of the trouble, the parallel Keihin-Tohoku Line tracks were used in some sections, and the Yamanote Line's inner loop resumed service about two and a half hours later.
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JR Yamanote Line inner loop operation resumed
2025-02-10 09:57:00
According to JR East, services on the Yamanote Line's inbound loop had been suspended since around 7:24 a.m. due to a signal check between Hamamatsucho Station and Shimbashi Station, but services resumed just now at around 9:51 a.m. using the parallel Keihin-Tohoku Line tracks.
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Avalanche on prefectural road in Tsuchiyu Onsen, Fukushima leaves two inns isolated; 160 people inside
2025-02-10 09:47:00
According to Fukushima Prefecture, an avalanche was found on a prefectural road in Tsuchiyu Onsen Town, Fukushima City, at around 4 a.m. on the 10th. Two hot spring inns are located about 3 kilometers from the site, and are now isolated. There are approximately 160 guests and employees at the inns, but no injuries have been confirmed. There was no damage to the buildings, electricity, gas, water, etc. are still working, and people can be contacted by phone. The prefecture is currently clearing snow from the avalanche site in order to prevent the hot spring inns from being isolated.
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JR Yamanote Line inner loop service suspended due to signal check
2025-02-10 08:56:00
According to JR East, Yamanote Line services have been suspended on the inner loop since around 7:24 a.m. due to a signal check between Hamamatsucho Station and Shimbashi Station.
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Yamagata Shinkansen resumes operation, suspended from the 8th due to heavy snow
2025-02-10 08:49:00
Due to heavy snowfall, the Yamagata Shinkansen had been suspended on both lines between Fukushima Station and Shinjo Station in Yamagata Prefecture since the 8th. However, after snow removal work was completed and safety of operation was confirmed, services resumed at around 7:00 a.m. on the 10th.
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JR Yamanote Line inner loop service suspended due to signal check
2025-02-10 08:13:00
According to JR East, the Yamanote Line has suspended operations on the inner loop since around 7:24 a.m. due to a signal check. As of 8:10 a.m., there is no prospect of resuming operations. For this reason, JR East is urging people to use other lines, such as the Keihin-Tohoku Line.
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Yamagata Shinkansen resumes operation, suspended from the 8th due to heavy snow
2025-02-10 07:20:00
Due to heavy snowfall, the Yamagata Shinkansen had been suspended on both lines between Fukushima Station and Shinjo Station in Yamagata Prefecture since the 8th. However, according to JR East, after completing snow removal work and confirming that it was safe to operate, services resumed at around 7:00 on the 10th.
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Rubella-measles combined vaccine unavailable, limiting or canceling vaccination appointments
2025-02-10 05:47:00
A survey conducted by the Japan Pediatric Society in January on the combined vaccine to prevent rubella and measles revealed that nearly half of doctors were unable to obtain the amount of vaccine they wanted. Vaccination reservations are being restricted or canceled, and calls are being made from medical facilities for a sufficient supply of the vaccine.
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[Live footage] Heavy snow: What's the situation like in each area?
2025-02-10 03:31:00
Due to the strongest cold front of the season, snowfall intensified in various areas from the 3rd to the 9th of this month, with record-breaking snowfall in some areas, including the Japan Sea side and the Pacific coast, which usually receives little snow. The sudden increase in snowfall has resulted in more snow than average in many areas, so caution is needed regarding the impact on traffic and avalanches. We will be reporting on the situation in each area with live footage.
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Record snowfall in various areas; watch out for traffic disruptions and avalanches
2025-02-10 02:36:00
Due to the strongest cold front of the season, snowfall intensified in various areas from the 3rd to the 9th of this month, with record-breaking snowfall in some areas, including the Japan Sea side and the Pacific coast, which usually receives little snow. Many areas saw more snowfall than average due to the sudden increase in snowfall, so caution is needed regarding traffic impacts and avalanches.
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Three houses burned in Ami Town, Ibaraki; couple in their 80s unable to contact
2025-02-10 01:24:00
On the night of the 9th, a fire broke out in a house in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, and spread to an adjacent house and apartment, burning a total of three buildings. The police and fire department are investigating the cause of the fire, as they are unable to contact the couple in their 80s who live in the house where the fire started.
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