Social News(2025/02/12)
Aichi Prefecture Kiyosu Meitetsu train service resumes after temporarily stalling on bridge
2025-02-12 23:53:00
On the evening of the 12th, a train on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line stopped on a bridge in Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture, and about 240 people, including passengers on the following train, got off the tracks and were guided to a nearby station. As the train's brakes were applied and it was unable to move, service was suspended on some sections, but the train was moved and service resumed just before 11:00 pm.
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Emergency inspection of sewer pipes following collapse: Corrosion found in three locations in Saitama
2025-02-12 22:52:00
Following the collapse of sewer pipes in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, an emergency inspection of sewer pipes nationwide revealed new abnormalities such as corrosion in three locations in Saitama Prefecture. The government plans to announce the results soon and take measures promptly.
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LDP resumes discussion on optional separate surnames for married couples, to discuss issues such as impact on children
2025-02-12 22:17:00
The Liberal Democratic Party has resumed discussions in a working group on optional separate surnames for married couples for the first time in six months. Discussions will focus on five points, including how to resolve the inconvenience caused by restrictions on the use of maiden names and the impact on children if the system is introduced.
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Hakamada's legal team to sue government over prosecutor general's comments following retrial acquittal
2025-02-12 21:52:00
It has been learned that in response to the verdict acquitting Hakamada Iwao in a retrial, the Prosecutor-General said, "It contains many problems and is completely unacceptable," and that his defense team has decided to file a lawsuit against the government seeking compensation, claiming that the verdict "makes Hakamada out to be the culprit and constitutes defamation."
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Aichi Prefecture, Kiyosu: Meitetsu train gets stuck on bridge, 240 people evacuated to station
2025-02-12 21:32:00
On the evening of the 12th, a rapid express train on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line became stuck on a bridge over a river in Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture, and about 240 people, including passengers on the following train, got off the tracks and were guided to a nearby station. There is no prospect of the train resuming operation, as the train's brakes remained engaged.
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Fukushima: 40 people, including hotel guests stranded by avalanche, evacuated by disaster prevention helicopter
2025-02-12 21:12:00
In a hot spring resort in the mountains of Fukushima City, three inns have been isolated since the 10th due to the avalanche, and on the morning of the 12th, the prefecture evacuated 40 of the 60 guests and others who wanted to descend the mountain by helicopter. The prefecture is using a drone to survey the avalanche site and will decide whether it is possible to immediately clear snow from the prefectural road.
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LDP resumes discussion on optional separate surnames for married couples, to discuss issues such as impact on children
2025-02-12 20:54:00
The Liberal Democratic Party has resumed discussions in a working group on optional separate surnames for married couples for the first time in six months. Discussions will focus on five points, including how to resolve the inconvenience caused by restrictions on the use of maiden names and the impact on children if the system is introduced.
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Volcanic ash response review committee in the event of a large-scale eruption: Japan Meteorological Agency proposes "ash fall warning"
2025-02-12 20:39:00
A meeting was held to consider how to respond if a large-scale eruption were to occur at Mount Fuji or elsewhere, causing widespread volcanic ash to fall, and the Japan Meteorological Agency presented a proposal to set up an "ashfall warning" if volcanic ash is expected to accumulate to more than 3 centimeters. While some believe this is necessary to take disaster prevention action, others point out that it is necessary to organize information about eruptions so that it doesn't become too overwhelming, and the government has decided to continue the discussion.
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Probable cause of scaffolding collapse accident during Chugoku Expressway repair work announced
2025-02-12 20:06:00
Regarding the accident in January this year when scaffolding for bridge repair work on the Chugoku Expressway in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, collapsed, leaving five workers dead and injured, West Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd. announced that it is believed to have been caused by factors including the anchors that were driven into the bridge girders to suspend the scaffolding being placed lower than planned.
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JR Yamada Line to allow bus use with train ticket in Iwate
2025-02-12 19:42:00
It has been learned that JR East and a local bus company have submitted a plan to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to allow passengers to use the bus routes that run parallel to the JR lines in Iwate Prefecture, which have been suffering from sluggish usage and continuing to run at a loss. The two companies hope to increase convenience and help maintain public transportation.
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High-cost medical care system: What patients think about proposed revisions to take financial burden into account
2025-02-12 19:38:00
The "High-cost Medical Care System" reduces the out-of-pocket expenses of patients who have incurred high medical expenses. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare plans to gradually raise the monthly upper limit of the "High-cost Medical Care System" from August this year. Regarding the plan to raise the upper limit, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Fukuoka met with representatives of organizations made up of cancer patients on the 12th and conveyed that they are considering a revision plan that takes into consideration the financial burden of patients who continue treatment for a long period of time.
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Fukushima Koriyama student killed in accident; driver indicted on charges of dangerous driving resulting in death and injury
2025-02-12 19:32:00
In an accident last month in which a 19-year-old female prep school student from Osaka who had come to take a university entrance exam was hit and killed by a drunk driver on a crosswalk in Koriyama City, the prosecution on the 12th indicted the driver on charges of dangerous driving resulting in death and injury, among other charges, for ignoring traffic signals and entering the intersection at a speed that created serious danger.
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Man arrested for allegedly arranging for women he solicited on the street to be sent to overseas prostitution brokers
2025-02-12 19:25:00
In a case where a Tokyo broker who operated a dating club was arrested and indicted for illegally arranging prostitution in the United States, a 40-year-old suspect from a scout group in Osaka who is believed to have introduced women he solicited on the street to the broker was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. He is said to be denying the charges.
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Solar power company president and others arrested for illegally transferring funds before bankruptcy
2025-02-12 19:10:00
The president of a solar power generation company in Aomori Prefecture and others were arrested on suspicion of violating the Bankruptcy Law for allegedly illegally transferring approximately 550 million yen from the bank account of a Tokyo-based affiliate that had filed for bankruptcy before the bankruptcy procedure began. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case, suspecting that it was a planned bankruptcy with the aim of concealing funds.
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LDP resumes discussion on optional separate surnames for married couples, to discuss issues such as impact on children
2025-02-12 19:09:00
The Liberal Democratic Party has resumed discussions in a working group on optional separate surnames for married couples for the first time in six months. Discussions will focus on five points, including how to resolve the inconvenience caused by restrictions on the use of maiden names and the impact on children if the system is introduced.
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Spring labor offensive: Focus on ensuring wage increases continue Labor-management negotiations in the auto industry also get into full swing
2025-02-12 19:07:00
With the focus of this year's spring labor offensive being on establishing permanent wage increases, labor unions at automakers and other organizations simultaneously submitted demands to management on the 12th, and labor-management negotiations are now in full swing in the auto industry as well.
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Okinawa: Four China Coast Guard vessels briefly enter Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands
2025-02-12 19:04:00
On the morning of the 12th, four China Coast Guard vessels entered Japanese territorial waters one after another off the coast of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. All of them left the territorial waters by around noon, and the Japan Coast Guard is continuing to monitor and vigilantly prevent them from re-entering the territorial waters.
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Temperatures are rising, snow may melt rapidly tomorrow, be on guard against blizzards
2025-02-12 19:03:00
Due to the influence of a rapidly developing low pressure system, temperatures have risen across northern and western Japan. On the other hand, a winter pressure pattern will strengthen on the 13th, and there is a risk of blizzards mainly in the Tohoku region and Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast, so caution is required.
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Hiroshima District Court sentences man arrested and charged with murder of Fukuyama woman 20 years later to 15 years in prison
2025-02-12 18:43:00
In 2001, a 35-year-old woman was murdered in a house in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. In a trial that contested whether the DNA type of blood found at the scene matched that of the defendant who was arrested and indicted 20 years later, the Hiroshima District Court sentenced the defendant to 15 years in prison, stating that "it is strongly presumed that the blood found at the scene belonged to the defendant."
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Minamata disease victims' groups request Environment Ministry to consider health survey methods
2025-02-12 18:40:00
Members of an organization made up of Minamata disease patients and victims visited the Ministry of the Environment and requested that the voices of patients and victims be listened to carefully when considering methods for health surveys of residents, and that Environment Minister Asao visit the area to talk with patients and victims.
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Fukushima Koriyama student killed in accident; driver indicted on charges of dangerous driving resulting in death and injury
2025-02-12 18:37:00
In an accident last month in which a 19-year-old female prep school student from Osaka who had come to take a university entrance exam was hit and killed by a drunk driver on a crosswalk in Koriyama City, the prosecution on the 12th indicted the driver on charges of dangerous driving resulting in death and injury, among other charges, for ignoring traffic signals and entering the intersection at a speed that created serious danger.
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High-cost medical care system: What patients think about proposed revisions to take financial burden into account
2025-02-12 18:33:00
The "High-cost Medical Care System" reduces the out-of-pocket expenses of patients who have incurred high medical expenses. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare plans to gradually raise the monthly upper limit of the "High-cost Medical Care System" from August this year. Regarding the plan to raise the upper limit, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Fukuoka met with representatives of organizations made up of cancer patients on the 12th and conveyed that they are considering a revision plan that takes into consideration the financial burden of patients who continue treatment for a long period of time.
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Two Vietnamese arrested for allegedly stealing copper wire from Tokyo ward office demolition site
2025-02-12 18:30:00
In November 2024, two Vietnamese suspects were arrested for breaking into the former Nakano Ward Office building in Tokyo, which was undergoing demolition, and stealing copper wire cables and other items. The two have already been indicted for breaking into the former building of the Japan Meteorological Agency and attempting to steal copper wire cables, and the Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the details of the incident.
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Osaka/Kansai Expo advance ticket sales are sluggish, so PR efforts are being strengthened, including consideration of introducing same-day tickets
2025-02-12 18:28:00
There are 13 days and two months until the opening of the Osaka Kansai Expo. With advance ticket sales sluggish, the Expo Association, which is the organizing body, is considering introducing same-day tickets and starting a campaign to offer a discount on advance tickets for the Expo if you buy tickets to a nearby theme park, and is trying to attract visitors with various other measures.
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Purchase prices have more than doubled... "Sufficient quantities" required to release stockpiled rice
2025-02-12 18:23:00
As rice prices continue to soar, a rice store in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, said that since last month, purchase prices have been more than double the same period last year. In addition, wholesalers have told them that it is becoming difficult to secure rice. The government indicated last week that it plans to release stockpiles of rice as soon as possible, citing a delay in rice distribution, and the store is hoping that a sufficient amount will be released.
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Volcanic ash response review committee in the event of a large-scale eruption: Japan Meteorological Agency proposes "ash fall warning"
2025-02-12 18:21:00
A meeting was held to consider how to respond if a large-scale eruption were to occur at Mount Fuji or elsewhere, causing widespread volcanic ash to fall, and the Japan Meteorological Agency presented a proposal to set up an "ashfall warning" if volcanic ash is expected to accumulate to more than 3 centimeters. While some believe this is necessary to take disaster prevention action, others point out that it is necessary to organize information about eruptions so that it doesn't become too overwhelming, and the government has decided to continue the discussion.
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Two people killed in Sagamihara apartment fire; residents identified as couple in their 80s
2025-02-12 18:14:00
On the night of the 11th, a fire broke out in an apartment in Sagamihara City, killing two people. The deceased were identified as a couple in their 80s who lived in the apartment. The police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
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Toyota union submits request for spring wage hike of up to 24,450 yen per month
2025-02-12 18:12:00
On the 12th, Toyota Motor's labor union submitted a request to management for this year's spring labor offensive. In addition to asking for a lump-sum bonus equivalent to 7.6 months' worth, the same as last year, which was the highest ever, the union is also asking for a wage increase of 24,450 yen per month, based on "job type" and "qualification."
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Saitama road collapse: drainage restrictions lifted, sewer pipe construction to begin ahead of search
2025-02-12 18:07:00
In response to the large-scale road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, where one man is missing, Saitama Prefecture has requested that the 12 cities and towns involved limit discharge in order to reduce the amount of wastewater flowing into the sewer pipes since the 28th of last month, when the accident occurred, but lifted the request at noon on the 12th, saying that the measures they have implemented so far have been effective. Meanwhile, they have decided to proceed with construction work to divert the sewer pipes near the site in preparation for the search.
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Sapporo High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in the value of one vote
2025-02-12 17:55:00
Regarding the disparity in the value of one vote in last October's House of Representatives election, which was as great as 2.06 times, the Sapporo High Court ruled that it did not violate the Constitution, saying, "The new electoral districting system is rational and the degree of disparity cannot be said to be significant," and dismissed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
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Prince Hisahito visits the Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum, which tells the history of the postwar period
2025-02-12 17:49:00
On the 12th, Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince and Princess Akishino, visited Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, and viewed the exhibits at the memorial museum, which tells the history of repatriation from overseas after the end of the war.
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More than 30 kindergarten and nursery school shuttle bus services discontinued due to driver shortage
2025-02-12 17:48:00
It has been discovered that a major company contracted to operate and manage shuttle buses, mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, has notified over 30 kindergartens and daycare centers in Kawasaki and Yokohama that it will terminate its contracts, including the dispatch of drivers, at the end of March. The company has explained that the reason for this is a serious driver shortage, leaving kindergartens and other facilities scrambling to respond and feeling confused.
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Three high courts rule that disparity in votes in lower house elections does not violate the constitution
2025-02-12 17:45:00
On the 12th, three high courts handed down their rulings in a lawsuit over the so-called one-vote disparity in the House of Representatives election held last October. The rulings determined that the disparity, which exceeded two times at its maximum, did not violate the Constitution, and dismissed the lawsuits seeking invalidation of the election.
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Osaka High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in the value of one vote
2025-02-12 17:30:00
Regarding the maximum 2.06-fold disparity in the value of one vote in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, the Osaka High Court ruled that it does not violate the Constitution, stating that "the new electoral districting system is rational and the degree of disparity cannot be said to be significant," and dismissed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
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Osaka/Kansai Expo advance ticket sales are sluggish, so PR efforts are being strengthened, including consideration of introducing same-day tickets
2025-02-12 17:09:00
There are 13 days and two months until the opening of the Osaka Kansai Expo. With advance ticket sales sluggish, the Expo Association, which is the organizing body, is considering introducing same-day tickets and starting a campaign to offer a discount on advance tickets for the Expo if you buy tickets to a nearby theme park, and is trying to attract visitors with various other measures.
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Katsuji Yoshida receives "Naomi Uemura Adventure Award" for exploring unexplored caves in Laos
2025-02-12 17:04:00
The Naomi Uemura Adventure Award is given to Japanese individuals or groups who have undertaken creative adventures and explorations around the world. This year's recipient was Katsuji Yoshida (58), who explored an unexplored cave in Laos.
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Imperial Household Agency website revamped with major design changes, including 360-degree images of the palace interior
2025-02-12 16:57:00
The Imperial Household Agency, which is currently working on revamping its official website to better disseminate information, released the new website on the afternoon of the 12th, with a major redesign and the addition of 360-degree images of the interior of the palace as new content.
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Saitama road collapse: drainage restrictions lifted, sewer pipe construction to begin ahead of search
2025-02-12 16:56:00
In response to the large-scale road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, where one man is missing, Saitama Prefecture has requested that the 12 cities and towns involved limit discharge in order to reduce the amount of wastewater flowing into the sewer pipes since the 28th of last month, when the accident occurred, but lifted the request at noon on the 12th, saying that the measures they have implemented so far have been effective. Meanwhile, they have decided to proceed with construction work to divert the sewer pipes near the site in preparation for the search.
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Osaka High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in the value of one vote
2025-02-12 16:45:00
Regarding the maximum 2.06-fold disparity in the value of one vote in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, the Osaka High Court ruled that it does not violate the Constitution, stating that "the new electoral districting system is rational and the degree of disparity cannot be said to be significant," and dismissed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
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Hiroshima High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in one vote
2025-02-12 16:36:00
Regarding the disparity in the value of one vote of up to 2.06 times in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, the Hiroshima High Court ruled that it does not violate the Constitution, saying that "the new electoral districting system is sufficiently rational, and the degree of disparity cannot be said to have widened significantly," and dismissed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
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JR Shikoku suspends service on some sections during daytime construction work, difficult to secure maintenance workers at night
2025-02-12 16:24:00
JR Shikoku has suspended service on some sections of the Yosan Line since February 12th during daytime hours to avoid peak passenger times, as it is becoming difficult to secure workers for track maintenance work at night. During this period, they have decided to operate replacement buses.
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Emergency inspection of sewer pipes in Nagoya following road collapse in Yashio, Saitama
2025-02-12 16:21:00
Following the road collapse accident in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, emergency inspections of sewer pipes have also begun in Nagoya City, with workers checking for corrosion or damage to the concrete.
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Fukuoka Stock Exchange Managing Director arrested for attempted upskirt photo on train
2025-02-12 16:16:00
On the 11th, police arrested a 62-year-old suspect on the spot for attempting to take pictures up a high school girl's skirt while on a train in Fukuoka Prefecture. According to the Fukuoka Stock Exchange, the arrested person is the executive director of the Fukuoka Stock Exchange. According to the police, he denied the charges, saying "I just took pictures of her legs" during questioning.
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Sapporo High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in the value of one vote
2025-02-12 15:45:00
The Sapporo High Court has ruled that the disparity in the value of one vote in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, which was as large as 2.06 times, does not violate the Constitution, and has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
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Emergency inspection of sewer pipes in Nagoya following road collapse in Yashio, Saitama
2025-02-12 15:37:00
Following the road collapse accident in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, emergency inspections of sewer pipes have also begun in Nagoya City, with workers checking for corrosion or damage to the concrete.
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Four members of international hacker group "8Base" arrested; damage confirmed in Japan
2025-02-12 15:16:00
The National Police Agency announced that it had arrested four members of a hacker group called "8Base," which repeatedly conducts ransom-demanding cyber attacks on public institutions and private companies around the world, in a joint investigation with European and American authorities. Damage caused by this hacker group has also been confirmed in Japan, and the agency will continue to work with other countries to clarify the situation.
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Saitama road collapse: drainage restrictions lifted, sewer pipe construction to begin ahead of search
2025-02-12 15:09:00
In response to the large-scale road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, where one man is missing, Saitama Prefecture has requested that the 12 cities and towns involved limit discharge in order to reduce the amount of wastewater flowing into the sewer pipes since the 28th of last month, when the accident occurred, but lifted the request at noon on the 12th, saying that the measures they have implemented so far have been effective. Meanwhile, they have decided to proceed with construction work to divert the sewer pipes near the site in preparation for the search.
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Osaka High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in the value of one vote
2025-02-12 15:05:00
The Osaka High Court has ruled that the disparity in the value of one vote in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, which was up to 2.06 times larger than the national average, does not violate the Constitution, dismissing a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
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Cabinet approves bill to amend law to strengthen drug development, including creation of fund
2025-02-12 14:50:00
In order to strengthen Japan's new drug development capabilities, the government decided at a cabinet meeting on the 12th to amend the law to create a new fund and other measures to create an environment for active drug discovery, including improving facilities that can be used by startup companies.
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Fuji TV's Hie graffiti on exterior wall of home under investigation for property damage
2025-02-12 14:40:00
Graffiti reading "Fuji should be shut down" was found on the exterior wall of the home of Fuji Television Executive Advisor Hisashi Hieda in Tokyo, and the Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident on suspicion of property damage.
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Adult entertainment scouts crackdown: new executives arrested; stores that were used for recruitment searched
2025-02-12 14:16:00
In connection with the case in which a scouting group was busted, suspected of having received approximately 7 billion yen from adult entertainment establishments across the country for illegally arranging women, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department searched the store in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, where the women were being arranged, and made new arrests of the group's executives.
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Saitama road collapse drainage control lifted at noon
2025-02-12 14:12:00
It has been confirmed that the driver's seat of a truck that fell into a sewer pipe downstream of the large-scale road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, where one man is missing, was found. While Saitama Prefecture is proceeding with construction to divert the sewer pipe near the site in preparation for the search, it lifted the request to the relevant local governments to restrict drainage at noon on the 12th, as the measures taken so far have been effective. We are broadcasting live footage from the scene.
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Okinawa: Four China Coast Guard vessels briefly enter Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands
2025-02-12 13:57:00
On the morning of the 12th, four China Coast Guard vessels entered Japanese territorial waters one after another off the coast of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. All of them left the territorial waters by around noon, and the Japan Coast Guard Headquarters is continuing to monitor and vigilantly prevent them from re-entering the territorial waters.
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Ministry of the Environment proposes schedule for final disposal of decontamination soil outside the prefecture after the new fiscal year
2025-02-12 13:32:00
At an expert meeting held on the 12th, the Ministry of the Environment presented a proposed schedule for the new fiscal year and beyond for the final disposal of the large amount of soil and other materials removed for decontamination following the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and stored in an interim storage facility in Fukushima Prefecture, toward the legally mandated date of 2045 outside the prefecture. The disposal site will be decided around 2030 or later, but no specific timeline was included.
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Fukuoka Stock Exchange Managing Director arrested for attempted upskirt photo on train
2025-02-12 13:04:00
On the 11th, police arrested a 62-year-old suspect on the spot for attempting to take pictures up the skirts of high school girls on a train in Fukuoka Prefecture. According to the Fukuoka Stock Exchange, the arrested person is the executive director of the Fukuoka Stock Exchange. According to the police, he stated during questioning that he "just took pictures of their legs" and denied the charges.
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Saitama road collapse drainage control lifted at noon, work proceeding for search
2025-02-12 12:28:00
It was confirmed that the driver's seat of a truck that fell into a sewer pipe downstream of the large-scale road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, where one man is missing, was found. While Saitama Prefecture is proceeding with construction to divert the sewer pipe near the site in preparation for the search, it lifted the request to the relevant local governments to restrict drainage at noon on the 12th, as the measures taken so far have been effective.
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Money laundering: Three company executives arrested; confirmation of transfer of approximately 50 billion yen
2025-02-12 12:26:00
Three company executives were arrested for "money laundering," which involves transferring money transferred by victims of fraud to another account to make it more difficult to trace. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the case, as it has been confirmed that a total of approximately 50 billion yen was transferred between the approximately 300 accounts managed by the three.
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Ibaraki Kamisu: A light passenger vehicle carrying seven teenage boys and girls overturned, one dead and two seriously injured
2025-02-12 12:22:00
On the night of the 11th, a light passenger vehicle carrying seven teenage boys and girls, including high school students, overturned at an intersection in Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and a 17-year-old male high school student who was believed to have been in the passenger seat was killed. Two high school students, aged 18 and 16, were also seriously injured, and the police are investigating the circumstances at the time in detail.
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Four China Coast Guard vessels enter Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa
2025-02-12 12:11:00
On the morning of the 12th, four China Coast Guard vessels entered Japanese territorial waters one after another off the coast of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. The Japan Coast Guard is continuing to warn and monitor the vessels to immediately leave the territorial waters.
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Fukushima: 40 people, including hotel guests stranded by avalanche, evacuated by disaster prevention helicopter
2025-02-12 12:11:00
In a hot spring resort in the mountains of Fukushima City, three inns have been isolated since the 10th due to the avalanche, and on the morning of the 12th, the prefecture evacuated 40 of the 60 guests and others who wanted to descend the mountain by helicopter. The prefecture is using a drone to survey the avalanche site and will decide whether it is possible to immediately clear snow from the prefectural road.
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Nagano Omachi: Woman in her 70s dies under eaves of house, possibly crushed by falling snow
2025-02-12 12:04:00
On the 11th, a woman in her 70s who lived alone in a house in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, was found buried in snow under the eaves and confirmed dead. Police believe she was crushed by snow that had fallen from the roof and are currently investigating the circumstances at the time.
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Hiroshima High Court rules last October's House of Representatives election constitutional over disparity in one vote
2025-02-12 12:02:00
Regarding the disparity in the value of one vote of up to 2.06 times in the October 2024 House of Representatives election, the Hiroshima High Court ruled that it does not violate the Constitution, stating that "the new electoral district system is sufficiently rational, and the degree of disparity cannot be said to have widened significantly," and dismissed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the election.
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Couple arrested for murdering four relatives re-arrested on suspicion of defrauding insurance from another company
2025-02-12 12:01:00
A couple from Taito Ward, Tokyo, who were arrested for allegedly killing four relatives, including their four-year-old daughter, by forcing them to ingest harmful chemicals, and who were later arrested on suspicion of insurance fraud, were rearrested on the 12th on suspicion of defrauding other companies of insurance money as well.
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Fuji TV President: "New programs will start as scheduled in April even if commercials do not resume"
2025-02-12 12:00:00
As companies continue to suspend commercials for Fuji Television, Fuji Television President Kenji Shimizu has indicated that he would like to start new programs as scheduled from April even if full commercials do not resume.
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More than 1,600 people spend the night at New Chitose Airport due to wind and snow, with extra flights required
2025-02-12 11:20:00
On the 11th, 118 flights were canceled at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido due to the wind and snow, and over 1,600 people were stranded at the airport and spent the night. Airlines plan to operate as normal on the 12th, but many flights from New Chitose to Honshu are almost full, so they are operating extra flights.
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Fukushima: 40 people, including hotel guests stranded by avalanche, evacuated by disaster prevention helicopter
2025-02-12 11:17:00
The evacuation of 40 people, including guests of three hot spring inns that were isolated due to an avalanche that occurred on a prefectural road in the mountains of Fukushima City, was completed by disaster prevention helicopter just before 11 a.m., according to the Fukushima Prefecture. No one was injured or in poor health among those who were evacuated.
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Agriculture Minister Eto to announce details of stockpiled rice release, including quantity and recipients, on the 14th
2025-02-12 10:44:00
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto has revealed that he will announce details of the release of stockpiled rice, including the quantity to be sold through auction and the recipients, on the 14th, as soon as possible.
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Fukushima: Hotel guests stranded by avalanche evacuated by disaster prevention helicopter
2025-02-12 10:14:00
Three inns have been isolated following an avalanche that occurred on a prefectural road in the mountains of Fukushima City, but transportation by disaster prevention helicopter began at around 9:30 a.m. for 40 of the 60 or so people inside, including guests and employees, who wanted to descend the mountain.
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Stockpiled rice release: details such as quantity and recipients to be announced on the 14th, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto
2025-02-12 09:46:00
At a press conference after today's cabinet meeting, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto revealed that details of the release of stockpiled rice, including the quantity and recipients, will be announced on the 14th, the day after tomorrow, as the plan is to release the stockpiled rice as soon as possible.
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Fukushima: 40 people isolated after avalanche, including hotel guests, to be evacuated by helicopter
2025-02-12 08:50:00
The 12th marks the third day since three inns were isolated due to an avalanche that occurred on a prefectural road in the mountains of Fukushima City. As there is no prospect of clearing the snow from the road, Fukushima Prefecture has decided to use a disaster prevention helicopter to transport 40 guests and others who wish to descend the mountain on the morning of the 12th.
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Tobu Tojo Line: Service suspended between Ikebukuro Station and Narimasu Station
2025-02-12 06:16:00
Due to a fatal accident, Tobu Tojo Line services have been suspended on both inbound and outbound lines between Ikebukuro and Narimasu stations since before 6am.
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Two people killed in house fire in Tokyo's Nerima Ward; identification underway
2025-02-12 06:06:00
On the 12th, a fire broke out at a house in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, and two people were found dead. Police believe that the bodies may be those of people who lived in the house, and are investigating the cause of the fire while confirming their identities.
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More than 1,600 people spend night at New Chitose Airport due to wind and snow, flight 118 canceled
2025-02-12 05:55:00
On the 11th, 118 flights were canceled at New Chitose Airport due to strong winds and snow, causing over 1,600 people to be stranded at the airport overnight.
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Saitama road collapses, sewer pipe bypass construction works underway, drainage control to be lifted at noon
2025-02-12 04:54:00
It has been confirmed that the driver's seat of a truck that fell into a sewer pipe downstream of the large-scale road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, where one man is missing, was found. While Saitama Prefecture is proceeding with construction to divert the sewer pipe near the site in preparation for the search, it has decided to lift the drainage restrictions it had requested of related municipalities at noon on the 12th, as the measures taken so far have been effective.
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Kumamoto Kamiamakusa: Two cars collide head-on, 2 dead, 3 injured
2025-02-12 03:19:00
On the night of the 11th, two passenger cars collided head-on on a national highway in Kamiamakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, killing two women, aged 70 and 69, who were in the passenger seats of both cars, and injuring three people, including the driver.
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93-year-old woman dies in Uozu, Toyama after being caught in falling snow from roof
2025-02-12 02:24:00
On the 11th, a 93-year-old woman was found buried in snow and unconscious on the grounds of a house in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, and was later confirmed dead. Police are investigating the details, as they believe the woman may have been caught in snow that fell from the roof while she was clearing snow.
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Two killed in apartment fire in Sagamihara, Kanagawa
2025-02-12 01:49:00
On the 11th, a fire broke out in an apartment in Sagamihara City, and two people were found in the ruins in a state of cardiac arrest and were later confirmed dead. After the fire, the elderly couple living in the apartment could not be contacted, and the police are investigating the cause of the fire while continuing to confirm the cause.
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