Social News(2025/04/10)
Lightning strikes Nara ground; 6 junior and senior high school students transported; 1 junior high school student unconscious
2025-04-10 21:28:00
On the evening of the 10th, several students were found collapsed on the grounds of a school in Nara City, and according to the police, six students, including junior high and high school students, were taken to the hospital, one of whom is unconscious. The school explained to the prefecture that they had been struck by lightning during club activities, and the police are currently investigating the situation.
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Nara: Lightning strikes ground; 6 junior and senior high school students transported; 1 junior high school student unconscious
2025-04-10 21:01:00
On the evening of the 10th, several students were found collapsed on the grounds of a school in Nara City, and according to the police, six students, including junior high and high school students, were taken to the hospital, one of whom is unconscious. The school explained to the prefecture that they had been struck by lightning during club activities, and the police are currently investigating the situation.
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Odakyu Electric Railway part-time station employee trespasses on JR Sobu Line tracks for filming purposes
2025-04-10 20:32:00
This month, a part-time Odakyu Electric Railways employee stumbled onto the tracks of the JR Sobu Line in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, causing a train to come to an emergency stop. The employee was believed to have been doing so for the purpose of taking photos, and Odakyu Electric Railways has commented, "We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our competitors."
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NHK survey: 109 towns and villages without prefecture-designated home care service providers last year
2025-04-10 20:00:00
Amid a series of bankruptcies and closures of home care businesses due to a shortage of helpers, a survey by NHK revealed that last year, 109 towns and villages across the country did not have a single prefectural designated home care business. How to support the lives of elderly people living at home has become a major issue.
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Suspect Hirosue Ryoko suspected of dangerous driving in traffic accident; home searched
2025-04-10 19:52:00
A court has granted detention for 10 days until the 19th of this month in the case of the actress Ryoko Hirosue, who was arrested for injuring a nurse at a hospital in Shizuoka Prefecture. Police are investigating her Tokyo home and are investigating the injury at the hospital, as she is suspected of dangerous driving in a traffic accident she had just before the incident.
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Multiple children, possibly junior high school students, collapse, one unconscious in Nara; "struck by lightning"
2025-04-10 19:50:00
According to police, several children believed to be junior high school students were found collapsed on the grounds of Tezukayama Gakuen, a school corporation located in Gakuen-naka 1-chome, Nara City, just before 6:00 p.m. on the 10th.
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Multiple children believed to be junior high school students collapse in Nara after being "struck by lightning"
2025-04-10 19:09:00
According to the police, several children believed to be junior high school students were found collapsed on the grounds of the Tezukayama Gakuen school corporation in Gakuen-Naka 1-chome, Nara City, just before 6pm on the 10th. According to the fire department, at least three people have been transported to hospital, but their condition is unknown. According to the Nara Prefectural Board of Education, the school explained that "the children were struck by lightning during club activities at the time," and the police and others are currently investigating the details of the incident.
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Nagasaki helicopter accident: 3 killed; Japan Transport Safety Board says helicopter landed on right side
2025-04-10 19:07:00
In the accident in which a medical transport helicopter was found capsized off the coast of Iki, Nagasaki Prefecture, resulting in the deaths of three people, the Japan Transport Safety Board has stated that, based on the state of damage to the main rotor, "it appears that the rotor was rotating while tilted to the right when it landed on the water, causing a strong impact." They will analyze the data from the recording device to identify the cause.
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The number of Chinese drones announced by the Self-Defense Forces last year was about three times higher than the previous year.
2025-04-10 18:58:00
On the 10th, the Ministry of Defense released a summary of the Self-Defense Forces' emergency deployments last year in response to aircraft that were suspected of violating Japanese airspace. The number of instances of Chinese drones being disclosed was roughly three times higher than in the previous fiscal year.
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Tip of large crane hits building, no injuries, Kobe city center
2025-04-10 18:44:00
On the afternoon of the 10th, at a construction site near JR Sannomiya Station in the center of Kobe, the tip of a large crane hit a nearby building. According to the police, part of the exterior wall was damaged, but no one was injured, and the details of the incident are currently being investigated.
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Niigata Seiryou Town: Man's body abandoned; 33-year-old acquaintance re-arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder
2025-04-10 18:14:00
A 33-year-old acquaintance of the man who was arrested and indicted last year for abandoning the body of a 78-year-old man on the grounds of a vacant house in Seiryou Town, Niigata Prefecture, has been rearrested on suspicion of robbery-murder for allegedly killing the man and stealing his safe.
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The Democratic Party for the People submits a bill to increase the income tax deduction for those under 30
2025-04-10 18:12:00
The Democratic Party for the People has submitted a bill to the Diet to increase income tax deductions for people under the age of 30, arguing that in order to maintain the vitality of Japan's economy and society long into the future, it is necessary to increase the take-home pay of the younger working generation.
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Okinawa: US military and police to conduct joint patrols on 18th following US soldier sexual assault case
2025-04-10 18:10:00
In response to a sexual assault incident committed by a U.S. soldier in Okinawa Prefecture, it has been announced that a joint military and police patrol, which the U.S. military has indicated it will carry out, will take place in Okinawa City on the 18th of this month.
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American arrested for bringing gun to Kansai Airport "decided to come to Japan during the World Expo"
2025-04-10 18:09:00
On the 8th, a 35-year-old American was arrested for bringing a handgun from the US to Kansai Airport. According to the police, he stated during questioning that he "decided to go to Japan when the World Expo was being held." The police are currently investigating the purpose of his entry into Japan in detail.
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Japan Fair Trade Commission warns Toyota subsidiary against "tie-in sales"
2025-04-10 18:05:00
It has been discovered that Toyota Mobility Tokyo, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation and a car dealership, has been engaging in "bundled sales" in which customers are required to purchase coatings that make the car less susceptible to dirt when selling new popular models such as the Alphard. The Fair Trade Commission has issued a warning to customers, stating that this may be in violation of the Antimonopoly Act.
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Long holiday: Peak of outbound Shinkansen on May 3rd, expressway on the 3rd and 4th
2025-04-10 17:55:00
JR companies have announced the status of Shinkansen reservations for the Golden Week holidays, with the peak days being May 3rd for outbound travel and May 5th and 6th for inbound travel.
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Cherry tree seedlings planted at Niigata school in honour of Megumi Yokota's early return
2025-04-10 17:52:00
On the 10th, classmates of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Korea when she was in the first year of junior high school, planted a cherry tree on the grounds of her alma mater in Niigata City, hoping for her early return to Japan.
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Car crashes into hospital in Funabashi, Chiba, 5 patients slightly injured
2025-04-10 17:39:00
Just before noon on the 10th, a car crashed into a hospital in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, leaving five patients with minor injuries. The driver, a man in his 80s, explained that he "mistakenly stepped on the accelerator for the brake," and police are currently investigating the circumstances of the accident.
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Okinawa to eastern Japan: Extremely unstable atmosphere; watch out for lightning and gusts of wind through the 11th
2025-04-10 17:37:00
Due to the influence of warm, humid air and cold air above, the atmospheric conditions are extremely unstable from Okinawa to eastern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against strong gusts of wind, including lightning strikes and tornadoes, through the 11th.
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Japan Ground Self-Defense Force announces surface-to-ship missile launch training to be carried out domestically starting this fiscal year
2025-04-10 17:36:00
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force announced that it will conduct surface-to-ship missile firing training, which attacks ships from land, for the first time in Japan starting this fiscal year. According to sources, the training is planned to take place at a firing range in Hokkaido, and it is believed that the aim is to increase training opportunities and strengthen deterrence as the Chinese military strengthens its maritime expansion.
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Court approves 10-day detention for Ryoko Hirosue in assault case
2025-04-10 17:07:00
In the case where actress Ryoko Hirosue was arrested for injuring a nurse at a hospital in Shizuoka Prefecture, the court approved her detention for 10 days until the 19th of this month. The police will continue to investigate further into her actions before the incident.
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JA Zenchu Chairman: "We will strive for smooth distribution of stockpiled rice" - Rice to be released monthly until summer
2025-04-10 17:05:00
In response to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Eto's announcement that the government will release its stockpiled rice every month until this summer, JA Zenchu (National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations), Chairman Yamano Toru, stated his intention to continue cooperating with the government to ensure the smooth distribution of rice.
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Japan Ground Self-Defense Force announces surface-to-ship missile launch training to be carried out domestically starting this fiscal year
2025-04-10 15:39:00
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force announced that it will conduct surface-to-ship missile firing training, which attacks ships from land, for the first time in Japan starting this fiscal year. According to sources, the training is planned to take place at a firing range in Hokkaido, and it is believed that the aim is to increase training opportunities and strengthen deterrence as the Chinese military strengthens its maritime expansion.
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Suicide of researcher in second year at company recognized as work-related accident: "Difficult quota and reprimand were the cause"
2025-04-10 15:10:00
The suicide of a researcher in his second year at a carbon products manufacturer's research laboratory in Shiga Prefecture has been recognized as an industrial accident, as it was caused by the harsh reprimand he received from his superior after being given difficult quotas to meet, according to an interview with the lawyer for the victim's family.
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Long-term interest rates: 10-year government bond yields temporarily rise to 1.40%
2025-04-10 14:10:00
On the bond market on the 10th, selling of Japanese government bonds intensified, and the yield on 10-year government bonds, which is a representative indicator of long-term interest rates, rose temporarily to 1.40%. Due to concerns over President Trump's tariff policy, government bonds have been bought as a relatively safe asset recently, and long-term interest rates have been falling rapidly, but they have now suddenly started to rise, making the movement unstable.
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Imperial Guard Academy Entrance ceremony for new Imperial Guard officers
2025-04-10 13:59:00
An entrance ceremony for the Imperial Guard Academy, which trains palace guards responsible for guarding the Emperor and Empress and other members of the Imperial Family, was held at the Imperial Palace.
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Orix Buffaloes pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka referred to prosecutors on suspicion of gambling
2025-04-10 13:54:00
On the 10th, the police sent papers to the prosecutor's office on suspicion of gambling regarding Taisuke Yamaoka, a pitcher for the professional baseball team Orix Buffaloes, who had temporarily suspended his activities due to his past use of online casinos. The police decided not to seek indictment because the baseball team voluntarily reported the matter.
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Maejima Mitsu Award presentation ceremony: 28 people and two organizations awarded for their contributions in the fields of communications and broadcasting
2025-04-10 13:53:00
The Maejima Mitsu Award presentation ceremony, given to individuals who have made outstanding achievements in fields such as communications and broadcasting, was held, with 28 individuals and two organizations receiving the award.
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Chiba Funabashi: Car crashes into hospital entrance, 5 injured, elderly man driving?
2025-04-10 13:48:00
According to police, at around 11:20 a.m. on the 10th, a car crashed into the front entrance of Chiba Tokushukai Hospital in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, injuring five people, including two men and three women who were nearby. All five are receiving treatment at the hospital and are conscious and able to respond. Footage from the scene shows the car parked a few meters inside the building from the hospital entrance, with broken glass scattered around the area. The car was driven by a man in his 80s, who was also injured, and police are currently investigating the circumstances at the time. The incident occurred about 300 meters northeast of Takanekodan Station on the Keisei Electric Railway Matsudo Line.
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Nagasaki helicopter crash: 3 killed; Coast Guard to bring helicopter ashore for investigation
2025-04-10 12:15:00
The helicopter carrying a patient was found capsized off the coast of Iki, Nagasaki Prefecture, in an accident that killed three people. The helicopter was salvaged from the sea and landed at Karatsu Port in Saga Prefecture on the 10th. The Japan Coast Guard will check the condition of the helicopter and investigate the circumstances of the accident.
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Forest fire in Goto, Nagasaki, extinguished in 3 days, no injuries or damage to buildings
2025-04-10 12:01:00
The forest fire that broke out in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture on the 7th of this month has been completely extinguished, and the fire department announced on the morning of the 10th, three days after it started.
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Suspect Hirosue Ryoko's home search: Will a decision on detention request for assault be made soon?
2025-04-10 11:53:00
In the case of the suspect, actor Ryoko Hirosue, who was arrested for injuring a nurse at a hospital in Shizuoka Prefecture, police are searching her home in Tokyo on the 10th to investigate a traffic accident that the suspect had caused just before the incident. Meanwhile, the prosecution is expected to decide soon whether to request detention from the court for the injury incident at the hospital.
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Unstable atmosphere from Okinawa to eastern Japan; watch out for lightning and strong gusts of wind through the 11th
2025-04-10 11:51:00
Due to the influence of warm, humid air and cold air above, atmospheric conditions are extremely unstable from Okinawa to eastern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against strong gusts of wind, including lightning strikes and tornadoes, through the 11th.
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Two arrested for attempted murder after attacking man with iron bar, Hachioji, Tokyo
2025-04-10 11:50:00
Two suspects, both 19 years old, were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and murder after they allegedly hit a man riding a bicycle in Hachioji City, Tokyo, with an iron bar in February of this year, seriously injuring him and attempting to steal his cash.
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Ibaraki rice export yield expected to fall from last year due to increased domestic production
2025-04-10 11:47:00
As rice becomes scarce, an organization made up of producers in Ibaraki Prefecture engaged in exports has learned that this year's rice yield for export is expected to fall by nearly 20% compared to last year. This is due to an increase in rice production for the domestic market in order to meet current demand, and it seems that a challenge will be how to balance this with the expansion of sales channels overseas, which has been an effort undertaken by the entire region.
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Orix Buffaloes pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka referred to prosecutors on suspicion of gambling
2025-04-10 10:38:00
On the 10th, the police sent papers to the prosecutor's office on suspicion of gambling regarding Taisuke Yamaoka, a pitcher for the professional baseball team Orix Buffaloes, who had temporarily suspended his activities due to his past use of online casinos. The police decided not to seek indictment because the baseball team voluntarily reported the matter.
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Former Mitsubishi UFJ Bank employee indicted on suspicion of gold theft; first hearing to be held on 18th of this month
2025-04-10 10:37:00
In a case where a 46-year-old former employee of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank was arrested and indicted for stealing cash and gold bars from a safe deposit box at the bank, the Metropolitan Police Department has concluded its investigation by indicting the former employee on charges of stealing 4 kilograms of gold bars and 45 million yen in cash. The first hearing of the former employee is scheduled for April 18th.
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Philippine Airlines plane makes emergency landing at Haneda Airport after smoke in cabin, no injuries
2025-04-10 08:57:00
On the early morning of the 10th, smoke broke out in the cabin of a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Los Angeles, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing at Haneda Airport. No passengers or crew were injured.
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[Earthquake Alert] Magnitude 3 earthquake in Iwate Prefecture, no risk of tsunami
2025-04-10 08:50:00
At around 8:33 a.m. on the 10th, an earthquake measuring 3 on the Japanese seismic scale was observed in Iwate Prefecture. There is no need to worry about a tsunami caused by this earthquake. The quake measuring 3 on the Japanese seismic scale was observed in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. In addition, tremors of 2 and 1 on the Japanese seismic scale were observed in Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture, and Akita Prefecture. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was in the southern coast of Iwate Prefecture, the depth of the epicenter was 60 kilometers, and the magnitude, which indicates the scale of the earthquake, is estimated to be 4.3.
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Nagano: Three injured in bear attack; no one was in the abandoned house they entered this morning
2025-04-10 07:18:00
On the 9th, three men and women in their 90s and 60s were injured in a storage shed and a house in Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture, when they were attacked by a bear. The bear was thought to have entered a nearby vacant house, but when they checked on the morning of the 10th, it was no longer there, so the police and others are continuing to be vigilant.
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Beware of lightning strikes and tornadoes in the Nansei Islands, Western Japan, and Eastern Japan through tomorrow
2025-04-10 06:13:00
Due to the influence of the front and cold air above, the atmospheric conditions are extremely unstable in the southwestern islands and western Japan. In eastern Japan, the atmospheric conditions are also expected to become extremely unstable through the 11th, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against strong gusts of wind such as lightning strikes and tornadoes.
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NHK poll: 45% have believed false information online
2025-04-10 05:24:00
As the spread of fake and misinformation on the internet becomes a problem, an NHK poll asked people whether they had ever believed false information they saw online, with 45% of people answering "yes."
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Surface-to-ship missile launch training to be carried out in Japan starting this fiscal year
2025-04-10 05:00:00
It has been learned that the Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct its first surface-to-ship missile firing training in Japan this year, which attacks ships from the ground. The training will take place at a firing range in Hokkaido, and it is believed that the aim is to strengthen deterrence by increasing training opportunities amid the Chinese military's increasing maritime expansion.
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