Social News(2025/03/04)
Heavy snowfall expected in Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka on the morning of the 5th and in Tohoku through the 6th, mainly in mountainous areas
2025-03-04 22:15:00
Snow is falling again in Tokyo due to the influence of the front and cold air. Heavy snow is expected to fall mainly in mountainous areas in the Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka prefectures by the morning of the 5th, and in Tohoku by the 6th. Snow is also expected to accumulate in flat areas in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so please be careful of the impact on traffic.
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Heavy snowfall expected in Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka on the morning of the 5th and in Tohoku through the 6th, mainly in mountainous areas
2025-03-04 21:11:00
Snow is falling again in Tokyo due to the influence of the front and cold air. Heavy snow is expected to fall mainly in mountainous areas in the Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka prefectures by the morning of the 5th, and in Tohoku by the 6th. Snow is also expected to accumulate in flat areas in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so please be careful of the impact on traffic.
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[Heavy snow traffic impacts] Some sections of the Metropolitan Expressway and Tomei Expressway and national highways closed
2025-03-04 20:40:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold air, snow is falling again in the Tama region of Tokyo and other areas. Heavy snow is expected to fall mainly in mountainous areas in the Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka prefectures through the morning of the 5th, and in Tohoku through the 6th, and snow is expected to accumulate in flat areas in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so caution is advised regarding the impact on traffic. As a preventive measure in response to the heavy snowfall forecast, some sections of expressways such as the Tomei Expressway and wide areas of some national highways have been closed since the evening of the 4th. This article summarizes the impact of the heavy snow on traffic in various areas.
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Fukushima, Iwaki: 14 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, new police officers search for missing people
2025-03-04 20:03:00
March 11th marks 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. In Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, rookie police officers and others conducted a search for people who were swept away by the tsunami and are still missing.
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Asahikawa high school student murder: 19-year-old defendant at the time: "22-year-old defendant pushed him and caused him to fall"
2025-03-04 19:37:00
At the trial of a defendant aged 19 at the time who is accused of murder and other crimes for allegedly killing a 17-year-old high school girl by pushing her off a bridge into a river in a valley in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, in April last year, the defendant explained that the 22-year-old defendant, who was also indicted alongside him, had pushed the high school girl, causing her to fall, and apologized while shedding tears.
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Tokyu Setagaya Line operation resumed between Kamimachi and Shimotakaido
2025-03-04 19:35:00
Tokyu Setagaya Line services were suspended on both lines between Kamimachi Station and Shimotakaido Station after a car had entered the tracks, but services resumed at 7:12 p.m. after the vehicle was removed.
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[Heavy snow traffic impacts] Some sections of the Metropolitan Expressway and Tomei Expressway and national highways closed
2025-03-04 19:19:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold air, snow is falling again in the Tama region of Tokyo and other areas. Heavy snow is expected to fall mainly in mountainous areas in the Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka prefectures through the morning of the 5th, and in Tohoku through the 6th, and snow is expected to accumulate in flat areas in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so caution is advised regarding the impact on traffic. As a preventive measure in response to the heavy snowfall forecast, some sections of expressways such as the Tomei Expressway and wide areas of some national highways have been closed since the evening of the 4th. This article summarizes the impact of the heavy snow on traffic in various areas.
TOP
[Full report] Hyogo Prefecture 100-Article Committee Report: "There were major problems with the prefecture's response"
2025-03-04 19:13:00
The Hyogo Prefectural 100-Article Committee, which is investigating the whistleblower documents of Governor Saito, compiled its report on the 4th. The report noted that the allegations of power harassment "contained certain facts," but pointed out that the prefecture's response to the whistleblower documents "lacked objectivity and fairness throughout, and there were major problems." The second half of the article provides more details about the report and the history of the Hundred-Article Committee so far.
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Ofunato forest fire burned 8% of city area, rain forecast for 5th and 6th
2025-03-04 19:11:00
The forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, which continues to spread, has been burning for six days since it started on the 4th, but the burned area is about 2,600 hectares, 8% of the city's area. The first significant rainfall since the fire started is expected in Ofunato City from the 5th to the 6th, but firefighters have decided to continue firefighting activities through the night.
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Kyoto: Two elderly men and women injured after being stabbed by a man who may have known them; the man escapes
2025-03-04 19:08:00
On the afternoon of the 4th, two elderly men and women were stabbed with a knife by a man in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, and were injured. Neither of them is believed to be in any danger of dying. The man who fled and the victim are believed to be acquaintances, and the police are investigating their whereabouts, as well as investigating whether there is a connection between the two, as a fire burned a car near the scene.
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Heavy snowfall in Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka on the morning of the 5th and in Tohoku through the 6th, so be careful of traffic impacts
2025-03-04 18:56:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold air, snow is falling again in the Tama region of Tokyo and other areas. Heavy snow is expected to fall mainly in mountainous areas in the Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka prefectures by the morning of the 5th, and in Tohoku by the 6th. Snow is also expected to accumulate in flat areas in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so please be careful of the impact on traffic.
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Tohoku Shinkansen to introduce new "E10 series" trains in 2030 JR East
2025-03-04 18:52:00
JR East has announced plans to introduce new train cars for the Tohoku Shinkansen in fiscal year 2030. The new train cars will be the "E10 Series," which will have improved earthquake safety.
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Princess Kako to make official visit to Brazil in early June to mark 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations
2025-03-04 18:44:00
The Imperial Household Agency has announced that Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince and Princess Akishino, will make an official visit to Brazil in early June to mark the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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Seven-time champion Sota Fujii visits the new Yakumo express train in Izumo, Shimane
2025-03-04 18:43:00
Shogi player and seven-time champion, Sota Fujii, who is known to be a huge train enthusiast, visited Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, to view the new Yakumo express train, which has been running between Sanin and Okayama prefectures since April last year.
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Former deputy manager of Hana Shinkin Bank branch arrested in Yokohama for stealing over 600 million yen from a safe deposit box
2025-03-04 18:38:00
Amid a series of thefts of customers' cash stored in safe deposit boxes, a former deputy manager at a branch of the Hana Shinkin Bank in Yokohama was arrested for stealing over 600 million yen of customers' cash from a safe deposit box. The total amount of the damage is estimated to be 1 billion yen, and the police are currently investigating the details.
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"80 years since the Tokyo air raids: relief legislation needed" - Victims group
2025-03-04 18:27:00
Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Great Tokyo Air Raid on the 10th of this month, a group of "air raid victims" who are not eligible for compensation from the government held a rally and called on the government to enact legislation to provide relief.
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The Supreme Court issues a fine of 100,000 yen to the former Unification Church.
2025-03-04 18:13:00
In connection with a request for a dissolution order against the former Unification Church, the Supreme Court ordered the church to pay a fine of 100,000 yen for failing to respond appropriately to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's exercise of its right to question. It also ruled for the first time that the requirements for a dissolution order include torts under civil law. This may affect the ongoing hearing in the Tokyo District Court on whether to issue a dissolution order against the church.
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[Live footage from various locations] Snowfall expected even on flat land in Kanto, Koshinetsu
2025-03-04 18:12:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold air, snow is falling again in the Tama area of Tokyo and other areas. Heavy snow is expected to fall mainly in mountainous areas in the Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka prefectures by the morning of the 5th, and in Tohoku by the 6th, and snow is expected to accumulate in some areas of the plains in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo. We are reporting the situation in each area live.
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Ofunato forest fire burned area expands to 2,600 hectares, 8% of the city's area
2025-03-04 18:08:00
The forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, has been burning for six days since it started on the fourth day, but the burned area has expanded to about 2,600 hectares, 8% of the city's area, and firefighting efforts are continuing with 2,000 people on the ground and from the air.
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National Police Agency Commissioner General Kusunoki inspects Osaka-Kansai Expo site and other locations
2025-03-04 18:07:00
Ahead of the Osaka-Kansai Expo opening next month, National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoshinobu Kusunoki inspected the venue and surrounding area on the 4th, expressing his intention to take every possible measure to ensure security, including preventing crowd accidents.
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Tohoku Shinkansen to introduce new "E10 series" trains in 2030 JR East
2025-03-04 18:04:00
JR East has announced plans to introduce new train cars for the Tohoku Shinkansen in fiscal year 2030. The new train cars will be the "E10 Series," which will have improved earthquake safety.
TOP
[Heavy snow traffic impact] Road closures begin on some sections of the Metropolitan Expressway and Tomei Expressway
2025-03-04 17:52:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold air, snow is falling again in the Tama area of Tokyo and other areas. Heavy snow is expected to fall mainly along the mountains in the Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka prefectures by the morning of the 5th, and in Tohoku by the 6th. Snow is also expected to accumulate in some areas of the plains of southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so attention should be paid to the impact on traffic. According to the Kanto Regional Development Bureau, in response to the forecast of heavy snow, a section of the Central Circular Route of the Metropolitan Expressway was closed from around 3:30 pm. In addition, according to Central Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd., as a preventive measure in response to the forecast of heavy snow, the Tomei Expressway was closed on both the inbound and outbound lanes between the Tokyo Interchange and Numazu Interchange, and on the outbound lanes between the Shimizu Interchange and Numazu Interchange from 4 pm. In addition, road closures are also being implemented on a wide range of expressways, including the Shin-Tomei Expressway. This article summarizes the impact of heavy snow on traffic in various areas.
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Hyogo Prefecture 100-Article Committee Report: "There were major problems with the prefecture's response"
2025-03-04 17:47:00
The Hyogo Prefectural Government's 100-Article Committee, which is investigating the whistleblower documents filed by Governor Saito, compiled its report on the 4th. While stating that the allegations of power harassment "contained certain facts," it pointed out that the prefecture's response to the whistleblower documents "lacked objectivity and fairness throughout, and there were major problems."
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Emperor and Empress meet with Italian president at Imperial Palace
2025-03-04 17:37:00
On the 4th, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress met with the Italian President, who is visiting Japan, at the Imperial Palace.
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Hyogo Prefecture 100-Article Committee Report: "There were major problems with the prefecture's response"
2025-03-04 17:17:00
The Hyogo Prefectural Government's 100-Article Committee, which is investigating the whistleblower documents filed by Governor Saito, compiled its report on the 4th. While stating that the allegations of power harassment "contained certain facts," it pointed out that the prefecture's response to the whistleblower documents "lacked objectivity and fairness throughout, and there were major problems."
TOP
The Supreme Court issues a fine of 100,000 yen to the former Unification Church.
2025-03-04 17:13:00
In connection with a request for a dissolution order against the former Unification Church, the Supreme Court ordered the church to pay a fine of 100,000 yen for failing to respond appropriately to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's exercise of its right to question. It also ruled for the first time that the requirements for a dissolution order include torts under civil law. This may affect the ongoing hearing in the Tokyo District Court on whether to issue a dissolution order against the church.
TOP
Tokyu Setagaya Line: Service suspended on both lines between Kamimachi and Shimotakaido
2025-03-04 17:12:00
Tokyu Setagaya Line services have been suspended on both lines between Kamimachi Station and Shimotakaido Station after a car entered the tracks at around 4:20 p.m.
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Heavy snowfall in Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka on the morning of the 5th and in Tohoku through the 6th, so be careful of traffic impacts
2025-03-04 17:00:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold air, snow is falling again in the Tama region of Tokyo and other areas. Heavy snow is expected to fall mainly in mountainous areas in the Kanto-Koshin and Shizuoka prefectures by the morning of the 5th, and in Tohoku by the 6th. Snow is also expected to accumulate in flat areas in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so please be careful of the impact on traffic.
TOP
[Heavy snow traffic impact] Road closures begin on some sections of the Metropolitan Expressway and Tomei Expressway
2025-03-04 16:59:00
Due to the influence of cold air and low pressure in the sky, heavy snow will fall in the Kanto-Koshin region from the evening of the 4th, and in Tohoku and Shizuoka Prefecture from the night of the 4th, mainly in mountainous areas. Snow is expected to accumulate in flat areas in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so please be careful of the impact on traffic. According to the Kanto Regional Development Bureau, in response to the forecast of heavy snow, a section of the Central Circular Route of the Metropolitan Expressway was closed from around 3:30 pm. In addition, according to Central Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd., as a preventive measure in response to the forecast of heavy snow, the Tomei Expressway was closed on both the inbound and outbound lanes between the Tokyo Interchange and Numazu Interchange, and on the outbound lanes between the Shimizu Interchange and Numazu Interchange from 4 pm. In addition, road closures are also in place on a wide range of expressways, including the Shin-Tomei Expressway. This article summarizes the impact of heavy snow on traffic in various areas.
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Search for missing people on the coast of Minamisanriku, Miyagi, ahead of 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake
2025-03-04 16:08:00
The 11th of this month marks 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. On the 4th, police conducted a search for missing persons on the coast of Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture.
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Author Ayako Sono passes away at age 93. She also devoted herself to welfare activities in developing countries.
2025-03-04 15:49:00
Ayako Sono, a writer known for her novel "God's Dirty Hands" and essay collection "For Whom Do We Love?", who also devoted herself to welfare activities in developing countries, passed away on February 28th due to old age. She was 93 years old.
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[Heavy snow traffic impacts] 3:30 p.m. Some sections of the Shuto Expressway were closed
2025-03-04 15:46:00
Due to the influence of cold air and low pressure above, heavy snow is expected to fall in the Kanto-Koshin region from the evening of the 4th, and in Tohoku and Shizuoka prefecture from the night of the 4th, mainly in mountainous areas. Snow is also expected to accumulate in flat areas in southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so caution is advised regarding the impact on traffic. According to the Kanto Regional Development Bureau, in response to the heavy snowfall forecast, a section of the Central Circular Route of the Metropolitan Expressway was closed from around 3:30 pm. After this, preventive road closures are expected to be implemented over a wide area of expressways and national highways, including the Tomei Expressway. This article summarizes the impact of the heavy snow on traffic in various areas.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government publishes manual on dealing with customer harassment ahead of enforcement of prevention ordinance next month
2025-03-04 15:20:00
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has published a manual on how to deal with customer harassment, such as nuisance behavior from customers, or so-called "customer harassment," and plans to have each industry group use this manual as a basis for developing countermeasures.
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[Earthquake Alert] Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Chiba experience magnitude 3 earthquake, no risk of tsunami
2025-03-04 15:15:00
An earthquake occurred at around 3:12 pm on the 4th. There is no need to worry about a tsunami caused by this earthquake. The epicenter was in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, the depth of the epicenter was 50 km, and the magnitude, which indicates the scale of the earthquake, is estimated to be 4.0. The seismic intensity in each city and town is as follows. ▼Seismic intensity 3: Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture; Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture; Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture; Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture; Mibu Town, Tochigi Prefecture; Noda City, Chiba Prefecture.
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Author Ayako Sono passes away at age 93. She also devoted herself to welfare activities in developing countries.
2025-03-04 15:01:00
Ayako Sono, a writer known for her novel "God's Dirty Hands" and essay collection "For Whom Do We Love?", who also devoted herself to welfare activities in developing countries, passed away on February 28th due to old age. She was 93 years old.
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Agriculture Minister Eto: "Quickly prepare bidding for remaining 60,000 tons of stockpiled rice"
2025-03-04 15:00:00
Regarding the government's release of stockpiled rice onto the market, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto stated that following the first bidding for 150,000 tons next week, the government will promptly proceed with preparations for bidding for the remaining 60,000 tons to be released.
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Ofunato forest fire burned area expands to 2,600 hectares, 8% of the city's area
2025-03-04 14:04:00
Six days have passed since the forest fire broke out in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, and the burned area has grown to approximately 2,600 hectares. This is 8% of the city's area, and firefighting efforts are continuing with 2,000 people on the ground and in the air to stop the fire from spreading further.
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[Heavy snowfall] Widespread preventive road closures in Kanto, Koshin, Tomei Expressway and elsewhere
2025-03-04 14:00:00
Due to the influence of cold air and low pressure in the upper atmosphere, heavy snow is expected to fall mainly in mountainous areas in the Kanto-Koshin region from the evening of the 4th, and in Tohoku and Shizuoka Prefecture from the night of the 4th. Snow is also expected to accumulate in some areas of the flatlands of southern Kanto, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, so please be careful of the impact on traffic. This article summarizes the impact of heavy snow on traffic in various areas.
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Tokyu Denentoshi Line resumes operation
2025-03-04 13:24:00
Tokyu Denentoshi Line services were suspended between Shibuya Station and Chuo-Rinkan Station after reports of smoke rising from near the tracks, but services resumed at 1:10 pm after safety was confirmed.
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Ofunato forest fire burned area expands to 2,600 hectares, 8% of the city's area
2025-03-04 12:59:00
Six days have passed since the forest fire broke out in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, and the burned area has grown to approximately 2,600 hectares. This is 8% of the city's area, and firefighting efforts are continuing with 2,000 people on the ground and in the air to stop the fire from spreading further.
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[Heavy snowfall] Kanto Regional Development Bureau holds press conference: Preventive road closures to be implemented
2025-03-04 12:57:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold front, snow fell in central Tokyo on the 3rd. Heavy snow is expected to fall again in the Kanto-Koshin region from the evening of the 4th, mainly in mountainous areas, and even on flat land, snow is expected to accumulate and become heavy, so caution is advised regarding the impact on traffic.
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FTC launches simultaneous investigation into 20 construction companies over possible prior coordination of contractors and prices
2025-03-04 12:50:00
It has been learned from interviews with people involved that the Fair Trade Commission conducted simultaneous on-site inspections on the 4th at approximately 20 construction companies on suspicion of repeated illegal adjustments in which the company to receive the order and the price were decided in advance through discussions in connection with large-scale repair work to be carried out on aging apartment buildings in the Kanto region.
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Fujikyu fatal accident: Another employee explains that the vehicle was moved by mistake
2025-03-04 12:27:00
In an accident at the amusement park "Fuji-Q Highland" in Yamanashi Prefecture last month, in which an employee was crushed between the vehicle and the rails while inspecting a roller coaster and died, it was explained in an interview with the police that another employee who was inspecting the vehicle at the same time had mistakenly moved the vehicle. The police are currently investigating the details of the situation at the time to see if there were any problems with safety management.
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Tokyu Denentoshi Line service suspended between Shibuya and Chuorinkan
2025-03-04 12:24:00
There have been reports of smoke rising from near the tracks on the Tokyu Denentoshi Line, and services have been suspended between Shibuya Station and Chuo-Rinkan Station since just after 11:30 a.m. to check for safety.
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Prime Minister Ishiba: "We will work to build a disaster-resistant nation" ahead of the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake
2025-03-04 12:17:00
With the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake approaching on the 11th of this month, Prime Minister Ishiba issued a message stating that he will make every effort to rebuild the affected areas and will also advance efforts to build a disaster-prevention nation, including the establishment of a Disaster Prevention Agency.
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[Heavy snowfall] Large-scale preventive road closures on Kanto-Koshin Expressway and other areas
2025-03-04 12:07:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold front, snow fell in central Tokyo on the 3rd. Heavy snow will fall again in the Kanto-Koshin region from the evening of the 4th, mainly in mountainous areas, and it is expected that snow will accumulate even on flat land, resulting in heavy snowfall in some areas, so caution is required regarding the impact on traffic. The Kanto Regional Development Bureau and others announced that they would implement large-scale preventive road closures on expressways and other roads in the afternoon of the 4th to avoid vehicles being stranded on major roads, with human lives being the top priority due to the heavy snow.
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Heavy snowfall in Kanto-Koshin from the evening, Tohoku and Shizuoka from the night, traffic impacts, be careful
2025-03-04 12:03:00
Due to the influence of cold air and low pressure above, heavy snow is expected to fall in the Kanto, Koshin region from the evening of the 4th, and in Tohoku and Shizuoka Prefecture from the night of the 4th, mainly in mountainous areas. Snow is also expected to accumulate in some areas of plains in southern Kanto, such as Tokyo's 23 wards, so please be careful of the impact on traffic.
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Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau accuses watch retailer of fraudulent tax refunds
2025-03-04 11:59:00
A watch sales company in Tokyo has been accused by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau of taking advantage of a system that exempts exports of luxury watches from consumption tax by falsely claiming to have exported them to Hong Kong, and thereby fraudulently receiving a consumption tax refund of approximately 16 million yen.
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Ofunato forest fire burned area expands to 2,600 hectares, 8% of the city's area
2025-03-04 11:52:00
Six days have passed since the forest fire broke out in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, and the burned area has grown to approximately 2,600 hectares. This is 8% of the city's area, and firefighting efforts are continuing with 2,000 people on the ground and in the air to stop the fire from spreading further.
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Forest fire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, burns to 2,600 hectares
2025-03-04 11:16:00
Regarding the ongoing forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, the prefecture has revealed that the area burned has grown to approximately 2,600 hectares as of 6:00 a.m. on the 4th.
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Cabinet approves amendment to condominium law to ease requirements for unanimous consent for sales, etc.
2025-03-04 11:08:00
As the number of dilapidated apartment buildings continues to increase, the government decided at a cabinet meeting on the 4th to revise apartment-related laws, including the Condominium Act, in order to facilitate the management and renovation of buildings.
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FTC launches simultaneous investigation into 20 construction companies over possible prior coordination of contractors and prices
2025-03-04 11:02:00
It has been learned from interviews with people involved that the Fair Trade Commission conducted simultaneous on-site inspections on the 4th at approximately 20 construction companies on suspicion of repeated illegal adjustments in which the company to receive the order and the price were decided in advance through discussions in connection with large-scale repair work to be carried out on aging apartment buildings in the Kanto region.
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Volcanic alert level for Mount Yakedake in the Northern Alps raised to "2"
2025-03-04 10:38:00
The Japan Meteorological Agency raised the eruption alert level for Mount Yakedake in the Northern Alps, located on the border between Nagano and Gifu prefectures, to "2" on the morning of the 4th, indicating that there is a possibility of an eruption due to an increase in volcanic earthquakes and a future eruption. They are calling for caution against large volcanic rocks from an eruption within a radius of about 1 kilometer from the crater.
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Unemployment rate in January: 2.5%, unchanged from previous month
2025-03-04 10:22:00
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the nationwide unemployment rate in January was 2.5%, unchanged from the previous month.
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Forest fire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, burned area expands to 2,600 hectares
2025-03-04 10:12:00
Regarding the ongoing forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, the prefecture has revealed that the area burned has grown to approximately 2,600 hectares as of 6:00 a.m. on the 4th.
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Cabinet approves amendment to Whistleblower Protection Act to make internal whistleblowing a criminal offense
2025-03-04 09:59:00
At a cabinet meeting on the 4th, the government approved a bill to amend the Whistleblower Protection Act, which includes provisions to impose criminal penalties on individuals or corporations that fire or discipline employees for reporting internal fraud.
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Keio Line operations resume
2025-03-04 09:55:00
Due to a fatal accident, Keio Line services were suspended on both lines between Fuchu Station and Takahatafudo Station in Hino City from around 7:46 a.m., but services resumed at around 9:30 a.m.
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Unemployment rate in January: 2.5%, unchanged from previous month
2025-03-04 08:40:00
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the nationwide unemployment rate in January was 2.5%, unchanged from the previous month.
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January's job availability ratio was 1.26 times the national average, up 0.01 points from the previous month
2025-03-04 08:31:00
The national average job availability ratio for January this year was 1.26, up 0.01 points from the previous month. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare commented, "There are moves to increase job openings due to labor shortages, but some companies cannot afford to hire new employees due to high prices, so we need to keep a close eye on future trends."
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Forest fire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, burned area expands to 2,600 hectares
2025-03-04 08:28:00
Regarding the ongoing forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, the prefecture has revealed that the area burned has grown to approximately 2,600 hectares as of 6:00 a.m. on the 4th.
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Keio Line service suspended between Fuchu Station and Takahatafudo Station, both inbound and outbound
2025-03-04 08:13:00
According to Keio Corporation, due to a fatal accident that occurred at a railroad crossing between Nakagawara Station and Bubaigawara Station in Fuchu City, Tokyo, Keio Line services have been suspended on both lines between Fuchu Station and Takahatafudo Station in Hino City since around 7:46 a.m. Services are expected to resume around 9 a.m.
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Heavy snowfall again in Kanto-Koshin region from evening. Snow accumulation on flat land too. Be careful of traffic impacts.
2025-03-04 07:12:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold front, snow fell in central Tokyo on the 3rd. Heavy snow is expected to fall again in the Kanto-Koshin region from the evening of the 4th, mainly in mountainous areas, and even on flat land, snow is expected to accumulate and become heavy, so caution is advised regarding the impact on traffic.
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Body found stuffed in concrete in Osaka; cause of death was internal organ damage; strong force on abdomen
2025-03-04 06:34:00
Police have learned that in the case where the body of a young girl was found encased in concrete at an apartment building in Yao City, Osaka, she died from internal organ damage caused by strong force being applied to her abdomen. The 41-year-old suspect arrested on suspicion of abandoning the body said in voluntary questioning before his arrest, "A dozen years ago, I hit my sister's daughter, who I was looking after, and the next morning she was cold," and police are currently investigating the details of the incident.
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Forest fire in Ofunato, Iwate - Six days after it started, firefighting continues without any signs of containment
2025-03-04 06:04:00
The forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, continues to spread, and the burned area has expanded to about 2,100 hectares as of the morning of the 3rd, and there is still no sign of the fire being contained. Several houses have been newly damaged, and firefighters are working through the night to prevent further damage to residential areas.
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Kanazawa: "Seeing medical workers after the earthquake strengthens my resolve" Nursing School Graduation Ceremony
2025-03-04 04:29:00
A graduation ceremony was held at a nursing vocational school in Kanazawa City on the 3rd, and a representative of the graduating class stated their determination, saying, "Seeing the medical workers in action after the Noto Peninsula earthquake has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I vow to continue to improve myself."
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"Reconstruction piano" damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake installed at Sendai Airport
2025-03-04 03:46:00
A "Reconstruction Piano," which was salvaged from an area devastated by the tsunami in the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, and restored, has been set up at Sendai Airport, where visitors can now play it.
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