Social News(2025/02/17)
Sakie Yokota mourns the death of Akihiro Arimoto, saying, "I'm finally alone"
2025-02-17 22:16:00
On the 15th, Akihiro, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea, passed away at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter, sparking deep sorrow and indignation. Sakie Yokota, the mother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted when she was in her first year of junior high school, held a press conference and expressed her feelings, saying, "As a parent generation, I feel a sense of emptiness that we are finally left alone."
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Road collapses in residential area of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, no damage, cause to be investigated
2025-02-17 21:59:00
On the evening of the 17th, a road collapsed in a residential area of Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, leaving a hole more than one meter deep. There were no injuries to people or cars, and Shizuoka Prefecture is investigating the cause of the collapse.
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Cross-party group calls on justice minister to include victims of wrongful convictions in debate over revision of retrial law
2025-02-17 21:05:00
In response to Justice Minister Suzuki's request to the Legislative Council to consider amending the law to revise the system of retrials, or the practice of redoing trials, a cross-party group of lawmakers has urged Minister Suzuki to include victims of wrongful convictions and their families in the discussion.
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Prime Minister Ishiba meets with high school student who won the top prize in the policy contest and praises their efforts
2025-02-17 21:00:00
Prime Minister Ishihara met with a high school student from Nagano Prefecture who won the top prize at a policy contest open to high school students from all over the country for his proposal to utilize the special adoption system to realize diverse family structures. He praised the student's efforts, saying, "I would like to consider incorporating this into national politics."
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All six tourists rescued after slope collapse along prefectural road in Saijo, Ehime
2025-02-17 19:31:00
On the afternoon of the 17th, a slope collapsed beside a prefectural road in the mountains in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, leaving six tourists temporarily stranded. All were rescued and no one was injured.
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GDP has increased for three consecutive quarters, but what is the impact of rising prices and Trump tariffs?
2025-02-17 19:24:00
The "GDP = Gross Domestic Product" for October to December of last year was announced today. The growth rate compared to the previous three months was +2.8% on a real annualized basis, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive growth. On the other hand, as prices continue to rise, there have been "changes" in customer demographics and consumer behavior at the consumer frontline. Another concern for companies is "President Trump's policies."
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What will happen? Wage increases for the "employment ice age generation"
2025-02-17 19:23:00
This year's spring labor offensive is in full swing, with negotiations for wage increases approaching the deadline for collective responses next month (March). One area of focus is wage increases for middle-aged and older workers, but wage growth is slower than for younger workers, and experts point out that "some middle-aged and older workers, including those who lived through the "employment ice age," have worked non-regularly for a long time, and if wages do not rise in the future, they are at risk of becoming impoverished in the future." (Social Affairs Department Reporters Goto Shunsuke and Nakatani Keisuke)
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Heavy snow expected in northern and western Japan, mainly on the Sea of Japan side, through the 19th
2025-02-17 19:18:00
Heavy snow is expected to fall on the Sea of Japan side of northern and western Japan through the 19th due to the influence of strong cold air above and winter pressure patterns. Cold air will continue to flow in intermittently, so heavy snow is likely to continue for about a week, mainly on the Sea of Japan side. Snowfall is expected to increase, especially along the mountains, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution regarding the impact on traffic, as well as power outages, fallen trees, and avalanches due to snow accumulation.
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GDP has increased for three consecutive quarters, but what is the impact of rising prices and Trump tariffs?
2025-02-17 19:01:00
The "GDP = Gross Domestic Product" for October to December of last year was announced today. The growth rate compared to the previous three months was +2.8% on a real annualized basis, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive growth. On the other hand, as prices continue to rise, there have been "changes" in customer demographics and consumer behavior at the consumer frontline. Another concern for companies is "President Trump's policies."
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Sakie Yokota mourns the death of Akihiro Arimoto, saying, "I'm finally alone"
2025-02-17 18:52:00
On the 15th, Akihiro, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea, passed away at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter, sparking deep sorrow and indignation. Sakie Yokota, the mother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted when she was in her first year of junior high school, held a press conference and expressed her feelings, saying, "As a parent generation, I feel a sense of emptiness that we are finally left alone."
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Five tourists rescued after slope collapse along prefectural road in Saijo, Ehime
2025-02-17 18:32:00
On the afternoon of the 17th, a slope collapsed next to a prefectural road in the mountains in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, leaving six tourists stranded, and firefighters are working to rescue them. So far, five people have been rescued.
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Aomori Prefecture to conduct on-site inspection to see if there was a cover-up of a murder case in a hospital
2025-02-17 18:32:00
Following the arrest of the former director of a hospital in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, for attempting to cover up a murder that had occurred within the hospital, the prefecture has decided to inspect the hospital and investigate whether similar incidents have occurred in the past.
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78-year-old father pleads guilty to murder of disabled 44-year-old son
2025-02-17 18:27:00
The first hearing of a 78-year-old father accused of murdering his disabled 44-year-old second son at their home in Chosho village, Chiba prefecture, in July last year was held, and the father admitted to the charges, stating, "I have done nothing wrong."
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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government publishes a draft manual for dealing with customer harassment, outlining guidelines for each situation
2025-02-17 18:26:00
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has drawn up a draft manual for dealing with customer harassment, such as nuisance behavior from customers, known as "customer harassment." The manual recommends hanging up the phone if the customer keeps repeating the same claim over and over again and is keeping you stuck on the phone for a long time.
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Search continues for two missing people after scallop fishing boat capsizes off the coast of Hokkaido's Tomamae town
2025-02-17 18:25:00
On the 16th, a scallop fishing boat with five people on board capsized off the coast of Tomamae Town, Hokkaido, and the Japan Coast Guard and others are searching for two missing crew members, but they have not been found so far. The Japan Coast Guard has decided to continue the search.
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Sakie Yokota mourns the death of Akihiro Arimoto, saying, "I'm finally alone"
2025-02-17 18:08:00
On the 15th, Akihiro, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea, passed away at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter, sparking deep sorrow and indignation. Sakie Yokota, the mother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted when she was in her first year of junior high school, held a press conference and expressed her feelings, saying, "As a parent generation, I feel a sense of emptiness that we are finally left alone."
TOP
GDP growth for three consecutive quarters, but rising prices are causing "changes" in consumer spending?
2025-02-17 18:07:00
The "GDP = Gross Domestic Product" for October to December of last year was announced today. The growth rate compared to the previous three months was +2.8% on a real annualized basis, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive growth. On the other hand, as prices continue to rise, it is said that there are "changes" in customer demographics and consumer behavior in the consumer market.
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Chiba City Mayor of Yotsukaido returns to normal duties after about one month of childcare leave
2025-02-17 17:53:00
Yosuke Suzuki, mayor of Yotsukaido City, Chiba Prefecture, had been on childcare leave since January, but returned to his normal duties on the 17th, about a month after being away from work.
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Tokaido Shinkansen Nagoya-Gifu-Hashima Upbound Service Resumes
2025-02-17 17:34:00
According to JR Central, services on the Tokaido Shinkansen were suspended on the northbound tracks between Nagoya Station and Gifu-Hashima Station due to a flying object stuck to the overhead wires, but services resumed around 5:00 p.m. after work to remove the object was completed.
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Slope collapse along prefectural road in Saijo, Ehime, leaving six tourists stranded
2025-02-17 17:30:00
At around 1pm on the 17th, the prefecture was notified that a slope along a prefectural road in the mountains in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture had collapsed. When the prefecture checked, it found that rocks and other objects had fallen from the slope along the prefectural road in Ishizuchi, Komatsu Town, Saijo City, blocking the road for about 20 meters. There have been no reports of injuries so far, but six tourists have been isolated by the collapse. The prefecture has closed off the road in the area and is working with the fire department and others to quickly rescue tourists and restore the road.
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Akihiro Arimoto dies at age 96. Father of Keiko Arimoto, abducted by North Korea
2025-02-17 17:20:00
Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea from Europe where she was studying, passed away on the 15th at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter.
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Sakie Yokota mourns the death of Akihiro Arimoto, saying, "I'm finally alone"
2025-02-17 17:08:00
On the 15th, Akihiro, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea, passed away at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter, sparking deep sorrow and indignation. Sakie Yokota, the mother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted when she was in her first year of junior high school, held a press conference and expressed her feelings, saying, "As a parent generation, I feel a sense of emptiness that we are finally left alone."
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[Live broadcast] Slope collapse along prefectural road in Saijo, Ehime, isolating six tourists
2025-02-17 17:00:00
At around 1pm on the 17th, the prefecture was notified that a slope along a prefectural road in the mountains in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture had collapsed. When the prefecture checked, it found that rocks and other objects had fallen from the slope along the prefectural road in Ishizuchi, Komatsu Town, Saijo City, blocking the road for about 20 meters. There have been no reports of injuries so far, but six tourists have been isolated by the collapse. The prefecture has closed off the road in the area and is working with the fire department and others to quickly rescue tourists and restore the road.
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78-year-old father pleads guilty to murder of disabled 44-year-old son
2025-02-17 16:49:00
The first hearing of a 78-year-old father accused of murdering his disabled 44-year-old second son at their home in Chosho village, Chiba prefecture, in July last year was held, and the father admitted to the charges, stating, "I have done nothing wrong."
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Tokaido Shinkansen Nagoya-Gifu-Hashima Upbound Service Suspended
2025-02-17 16:45:00
According to JR Central, services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Nagoya and Gifu-Hashima have been suspended since around 4:30 p.m. on the 17th due to a flying object attaching to the overhead wires.
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Former Ichikawa City executive found guilty of bribery, etc. at Chiba District Court
2025-02-17 16:26:00
On the 17th, the Chiba District Court handed down a suspended sentence to a former city official who was charged with bribery and violating the Anti-Bid Rigging Act for allegedly receiving food and drink in return for leaking information about bid prices for public works projects commissioned by Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture.
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Toyama Prefecture Namekawa Large trailer crashes into house, driver slightly injured
2025-02-17 16:22:00
On the early morning of the 17th, a large trailer crashed into the entrance of a house along a national highway in Namekawa City, Toyama Prefecture. The driver of the trailer sustained minor injuries, but the residents were not injured.
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Akihiro Arimoto passes away - Sakie Yokota and others express their sadness
2025-02-17 16:16:00
Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea, passed away on the 15th at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter, and other victims' families are voicing deep sadness and anger.
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Akihiro Arimoto dies at age 96. Father of Keiko Arimoto, abducted by North Korea
2025-02-17 15:58:00
Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea from Europe where she was studying, passed away on the 15th at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter.
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Hokkaido Abashiri announces "first day of drift ice arrival" 13 days later than average
2025-02-17 15:43:00
The Abashiri Regional Meteorological Observatory in Abashiri City, Hokkaido, confirmed that drift ice had come ashore and made it impossible for normal ships to navigate, and announced on the 17th that this was the "first day of drift ice coming ashore" in Abashiri City.
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Akihiro Arimoto dies at age 96. Father of Keiko Arimoto, abducted by North Korea
2025-02-17 14:55:00
Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea from Europe where she was studying, passed away on the 15th at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter.
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Saitama Kawaguchi Truck and wagon collide, 0-year-old baby unconscious
2025-02-17 14:47:00
On the morning of the 17th, a truck collided with a station wagon in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, and a 0-year-old baby in the station wagon was taken to the hospital. The baby was unconscious when he was taken to the hospital, and the police are currently investigating the details of the accident.
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Akihiro Arimoto passes away - Sakie Yokota and others express their sadness
2025-02-17 14:40:00
Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea, passed away on the 15th at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter, and other victims' families are voicing deep sadness and anger.
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Fukushima: High schools in Aizuwakamatsu and other areas closed due to record snowfall resume classes for the first time in 13 days
2025-02-17 14:38:00
High schools in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture and other areas that had been closed due to record-breaking snowfall resumed classes for the first time in 13 days on the 17th, as train services had partially resumed.
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Two years after Utsunomiya accident at over 160km/h, family members' anger grows stronger with each passing day
2025-02-17 14:04:00
Two years have passed since the February of last year when a car traveling at over 160 kilometers per hour crashed into a motorcycle on a national highway in Utsunomiya City, killing a male motorcyclist. The family of the deceased visited the scene and said, "Our feelings of anger are growing stronger every day."
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The MSDF's new destroyer Noshiro leaves for training in Australia and elsewhere
2025-02-17 13:56:00
On the 17th, a new destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force departed for Australia and other locations for training. Australia is planning to introduce new naval vessels, and it is believed that the purpose of the trip is to demonstrate the capabilities of the vessels in preparation for joint development.
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Hokkaido Kitami house fire kills two men and women Elderly couple unable to contact
2025-02-17 13:50:00
On the morning of the 17th, a fire broke out at a house in Kitami City, Hokkaido, and two men and women were taken to the hospital in an unconscious state, but were later confirmed dead. According to the police, they have been unable to contact the elderly couple who lived in the house, and are currently investigating.
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The acceptance of tax returns has begun. Mr. and Mrs. Hideki Takahashi demonstrate "e-Tax"
2025-02-17 13:34:00
The acceptance of final tax returns, including income tax, began on the 17th. The National Tax Agency is encouraging people to use "e-Tax," which allows them to file their tax returns online.
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The MSDF's new destroyer Noshiro leaves for training in Australia and elsewhere
2025-02-17 13:13:00
On the 17th, a new destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force departed for Australia and other locations for training. Australia is planning to introduce new naval vessels, and it is believed that the purpose of the trip is to demonstrate the capabilities of the vessels in preparation for joint development.
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Akihiro Arimoto passes away, Sakie Yokota: "Anger that cannot be expressed in words"
2025-02-17 13:05:00
On the 15th, Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea from Europe where she was studying, passed away at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter. The death of one of the two surviving parents of abduction victims recognized by the government has caused deep sadness and indignation from the families of the other victims.
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Heavy snow expected in northern and western Japan, mainly on the Japan Sea coast, through the 19th; be on alert
2025-02-17 12:25:00
Due to a strong winter pressure pattern, heavy snow is expected to fall from northern Japan to the Sea of Japan side of western Japan through the 19th. Cold air will continue to flow in after that, and there is a risk of more snowfall, especially in mountainous areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution regarding the impact of the heavy snow on traffic, as well as power outages, fallen trees, and avalanches due to snow accumulation.
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Search continues for two missing people after scallop fishing boat capsizes off the coast of Hokkaido's Tomamae town
2025-02-17 12:18:00
On the 16th, a scallop fishing boat carrying five people capsized off the coast of Tomamae Town, Hokkaido, and the Japan Coast Guard has sent divers to the scene to continue the search to find the two missing crew members.
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Saitama Kawaguchi Truck and wagon collide, 0-year-old baby goes into cardiac arrest
2025-02-17 12:00:00
According to reports from the police and fire department, a truck collided with a station wagon at around 10:00 a.m. on the 17th in Angyo Nishitateno, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. According to the fire department, a 0-year-old baby in the station wagon was taken to the hospital in a state of cardiac arrest, and a man and woman in their 30s were also taken to the hospital. A man in his 20s who was in the truck was also taken to the hospital. The accident occurred on a road that runs through a residential area about 400 meters south of Totsuka-Angyo Station on the Saitama Rapid Railway, and the police and fire department are currently investigating the details of the incident.
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Heavy snow expected in northern and western Japan, mainly on the Japan Sea coast, through the 19th; be on alert
2025-02-17 11:58:00
Due to a strong winter pressure pattern, heavy snow is expected to fall from northern Japan to the Sea of Japan side of western Japan through the 19th. Cold air will continue to flow in after that, and there is a risk of more snowfall, especially in mountainous areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution regarding the impact of the heavy snow on traffic, as well as power outages, fallen trees, and avalanches due to snow accumulation.
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Aomori hospital murder case: perpetrator isolated in closed ward to avoid detection?
2025-02-17 11:55:00
In a case where a former hospital director and two others were arrested for attempting to cover up a murder case at a hospital in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, it was revealed through interviews with investigators that after the murder, the perpetrator's patient was moved to a closed ward that could be locked from the outside. Police are investigating the possibility that the two men isolated the perpetrator to avoid the crime being discovered.
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Akihiro Arimoto passes away, Sakie Yokota: "Anger that cannot be expressed in words"
2025-02-17 11:37:00
On the 15th, Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted by North Korea from Europe where she was studying, passed away at the age of 96 due to old age, without being able to be reunited with his daughter. The death of one of the two surviving parents of abduction victims recognized by the government has caused deep sadness and indignation from the families of the other victims.
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The acceptance of tax returns has begun. Mr. and Mrs. Hideki Takahashi demonstrate "e-Tax"
2025-02-17 11:33:00
The acceptance of final tax returns, including income tax, began on the 17th. The National Tax Agency is encouraging people to use "e-Tax," which allows them to file their tax returns online.
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Akihiro Arimoto dies at age 96. Father of Keiko Arimoto, abducted by North Korea
2025-02-17 11:00:00
Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, a Kobe native who was abducted by North Korea from Europe where she was studying abroad, passed away on the 15th at her home in Kobe due to old age. She was 96 years old.
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Akihiro Arimoto dies at age 96. Father of Keiko Arimoto, abducted by North Korea
2025-02-17 10:12:00
Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, a Kobe native who was abducted by North Korea while studying abroad in Europe, has passed away. He was 96 years old.
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Heavy snow expected in northern and western Japan, mainly on the Japan Sea coast, through the 19th
2025-02-17 07:44:00
Due to a strong winter pressure pattern, heavy snow is expected to fall mainly on the Sea of Japan side of northern and western Japan through the 19th. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution regarding the impact on traffic, as well as warning people to be careful of power outages, fallen trees, and avalanches due to snow accumulation.
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Scallop fishing boat capsizes off the coast of Tomamae, Hokkaido, two missing, search continues
2025-02-17 07:28:00
On the afternoon of the 16th, a scallop fishing boat carrying five people capsized off the coast of Tomamae Town, Hokkaido. Three of the people were rescued, but two are still missing, and the Japan Coast Guard and others are continuing their search.
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Scallop fishing boat capsizes off the coast of Tomamae, Hokkaido, two missing, search continues
2025-02-17 06:50:00
On the afternoon of the 16th, a scallop fishing boat carrying five people capsized off the coast of Tomamae Town, Hokkaido. Three of the people were rescued, but two are still missing, and the Japan Coast Guard and others are continuing their search.
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Heavy snow expected in northern and western Japan, mainly on the Japan Sea coast, through the 19th
2025-02-17 06:04:00
Due to a strong winter pressure pattern, heavy snow is expected to fall mainly on the Sea of Japan side of northern and western Japan through the 19th. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution regarding the impact on traffic, as well as warning people to be careful of power outages, fallen trees, and avalanches due to snow accumulation.
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Akihiro Arimoto dies at age 96. Father of Keiko Arimoto, abducted by North Korea
2025-02-17 02:03:00
Akihiro Arimoto, the father of Keiko Arimoto, a Kobe native who was abducted by North Korea while studying abroad in Europe, has passed away. He was 96 years old.
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