Social News(2025/04/14)
"Disaster Prevention Agency" to be the control center responsible for everything from pre-disaster prevention to recovery and reconstruction" Government
2025-04-14 22:04:00
In preparation for the establishment of the Disaster Prevention Agency, the government presented its concept for the new organization at a meeting of experts on the 14th, which would serve as a command center for everything from "pre-disaster prevention" in peacetime to providing support to disaster-stricken areas in the event of a disaster, as well as for recovery and reconstruction.
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Eastern Japan is also expected to experience rough weather on the 15th, so be careful of lightning strikes
2025-04-14 21:01:00
Due to the influence of strong cold air above, the atmospheric conditions have become very unstable, especially in western Japan, causing localized thunderstorms. Eastern Japan is also likely to experience rough weather on the 15th, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against lightning strikes, tornadoes, and other violent gusts of wind, sudden heavy rain, and hail.
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Families of abducted people sign petition calling for early return of Japanese citizens Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi determined to resolve issue
2025-04-14 20:10:00
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi received signatures from the family of abduction victim Kyoko Matsumoto and others calling for the early return of all victims, and conveyed his determination to make various efforts to lobby North Korea toward a swift resolution of the issue.
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Family lawyers request explanation from Ministry of Finance over Moritomo Gakuen disclosure documents
2025-04-14 19:41:00
On the 14th, a legal team representing the families of the Kinki Finance Bureau employees who received the documents related to Moritomo Gakuen that were newly disclosed this month submitted a request to the Ministry of Finance for an explanation, claiming that some parts may be missing.
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Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: Second test removal of nuclear fuel debris begins tomorrow
2025-04-14 19:37:00
Tokyo Electric Power Company announced on the 15th that it will begin the second test removal of nuclear fuel debris from Unit 2 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which melted in the accident there.
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[Details] Kumamoto earthquake: 9 years since the first magnitude 7 earthquake, "move forward little by little"
2025-04-14 19:15:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including disaster-related deaths. A memorial service was held in Kumamoto City by the prefecture, and the mother of a university student who lost her son said, "It's been a long time, but I remember it like it was yesterday. With the support of those around me, I'm gradually becoming more positive." *We will report on memorials and prayers from around the country, as well as expert research and analysis to prepare for the next disaster.
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A car crashes into a supermarket in Iwakura, Aichi Prefecture, injuring two people inside the store
2025-04-14 19:14:00
On the afternoon of the 14th, a car crashed into a supermarket in Iwakura City, Aichi Prefecture, and according to police and firefighters, two people inside the store were injured. The driver, a man in his 80s, explained that he had "pressed the accelerator too hard," and the police are currently investigating the circumstances of the accident.
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Japan's total population is estimated at 123.8 million, down for 14 consecutive years, the largest decline for Japanese people
2025-04-14 19:13:00
Last year's total population of Japan was estimated at 123,802,000, a decrease of 550,000 from the previous year, marking the 14th consecutive year of decline. The Japanese population excluding foreigners decreased by about 890,000 from the previous year, the largest decrease on record.
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Hamamatsu: 78-year-old driver released pending punishment after accident in which four elementary school students were killed or injured
2025-04-14 19:03:00
On the 14th, the prosecutor's office released the 78-year-old driver arrested in connection with the accident last month in Hamamatsu City, where a light truck crashed into a group of elementary school children riding bicycles, leaving four people dead and injured. The investigation is expected to continue at home.
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Metropolitan Police Department's Public Security Bureau to dispatch investigators to other sections to improve investigative capabilities
2025-04-14 18:59:00
It has been learned from interviews with senior investigators that the Metropolitan Police Department will begin a new initiative this month to have investigators from the Public Security Bureau work in other sections, such as the Criminal Affairs Bureau, to gain investigative experience. The aim is to improve the investigative capabilities of the public security police, as they are being called into question regarding the way they gather information and evidence, such as in the case of a wrongfully convicted company president in Yokohama whose indictment was dropped.
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35-year-old woman's body found on Iwanuma beach in Miyagi Prefecture, not long after death
2025-04-14 18:54:00
On the 13th, a 35-year-old woman was found dead on the beach in Iwanuma, Miyagi Prefecture, with multiple traumatic injuries. Based on the condition of the body, it appears that not much time had passed since she died, according to a police interview. Police are investigating whether any suspicious individuals have been seen in the area, and are suspecting that it was a murder.
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A small jet plane landed at Chubu Airport and also deviated from the runway at another airport.
2025-04-14 18:40:00
Late on the night of the 13th, a small jet plane that landed at Chubu Airport deviated from the runway, temporarily closing the runway, and the Japan Transport Safety Board dispatched investigators. The aircraft had also deviated from the runway while landing at another airport in 2021, and the Japan Transport Safety Board is investigating the cause of the accident.
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Eastern Japan is also expected to experience rough weather on the 15th, so be careful of lightning strikes
2025-04-14 18:38:00
Due to the influence of strong cold air above, the atmospheric conditions have become very unstable, especially in western Japan, causing localized thunderstorms. Eastern Japan is also likely to experience rough weather on the 15th, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against lightning strikes, tornadoes, and other violent gusts of wind, sudden heavy rain, and hail.
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Man murdered in forest park in Fuchucho, Hiroshima - Was he hit in the head multiple times?
2025-04-14 18:34:00
On the 12th, a man was murdered in a forest park in Fuchu-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture. Police autopsy results showed that the man died from multiple blows to the head with a murder weapon. Police are currently investigating the whereabouts of the escaped criminal while confirming the man's identity.
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Osaka/Kansai Expo: Long queues at entrance gates, "inexperienced management" to be improved
2025-04-14 18:20:00
Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary General of the Expo Association, the organization responsible for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, held a press conference on the 14th and stated his intention to work to improve the issues that had come to light, such as long lines at the entrance gates on the 13th, the first day of the opening, saying, "These issues are due to inexperienced management."
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[Updated regularly] Kumamoto earthquake: 9 years since the first magnitude 7 earthquake
2025-04-14 18:05:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including disaster-related deaths. A memorial service was held in Kumamoto City by the prefecture, and the mother of a university student who lost her son said, "It's been a long time, but I remember it like it was yesterday. With the support of those around me, I'm gradually becoming more positive." *We will report on memorials and prayers from around the country, as well as expert research and analysis to prepare for the next disaster.
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Kitakyushu: 44-year-old suspect in murder of two junior high school students ends detention for evaluation
2025-04-14 18:03:00
A 44-year-old suspect arrested on suspicion of murder and other crimes in connection with the murder of two junior high school students at a fast food restaurant in Kitakyushu last year was transferred to a police station after his criminal responsibility assessment was completed on the 14th. The prosecution plans to decide within this month whether to indict him.
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Lightning strike likely causes one house to burn, no injuries in Chikuzen Town, Fukuoka
2025-04-14 17:57:00
On the morning of the 14th, a fire broke out at a two-story wooden house in Chikuzen Town, Fukuoka Prefecture. The woman who was in the house was not injured, and she said, "I heard a sound like thunder, the electricity went out, and then the fire started," so the police and fire department are investigating the possibility that it was caused by a lightning strike.
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Ehime forest fire: Imabari and Saijo cities announce "fire extinguished" 23 days after outbreak
2025-04-14 17:31:00
Regarding the forest fire that broke out in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture last month, the neighboring city of Saijo announced on the 14th, 23 days after the fire broke out, that it had been "extinguished" and there was no longer any risk of it spreading again.
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On the second day of the Osaka Kansai Expo, "Flying Car" demonstration flight debuts at the venue
2025-04-14 17:21:00
The Osaka Kansai Expo is now in its second day of operation, with many visitors on the 14th. The "Flying Car" demonstration flight, which was cancelled due to bad weather on the opening day of the 13th, was shown for the first time at the venue. In addition, the National Day, which introduces a different participating country each day, has begun, and a ceremony was held on the first day with the attendance of the president of Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country.
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Osaka/Kansai Expo: Long queues at entrance gates, "inexperienced management" to be improved
2025-04-14 17:18:00
Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary General of the Expo Association, the organization responsible for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, held a press conference on the 14th and stated his intention to work to improve the issues that had come to light, such as long lines at the entrance gates on the 13th, the first day of the opening, saying, "These issues are due to inexperienced management."
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US investment fund to propose SBI's Kitao as new director of Fuji TV's parent company
2025-04-14 16:37:00
Regarding the management structure of Fuji Television, it has been revealed that a major shareholder investment fund is independently making arrangements to propose Yoshitaka Kitao, president of the comprehensive financial group "SBI Holdings," as a candidate for the parent company's new director position. There is a possibility that they will cooperate with other shareholders in the future, and it seems that there will be a lot of activity leading up to the general shareholders' meeting.
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[Updated regularly] Kumamoto earthquake: 9 years since the first magnitude 7 earthquake
2025-04-14 16:21:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including disaster-related deaths. Experts have found that some buildings that meet current earthquake resistance standards suffered little damage even when they were built directly above the ground that shifted several tens of centimeters, and are calling for more earthquake-resistance measures. We will share with you memorials and prayers from around the country, as well as preparations for the next disaster.
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Osaka Kansai Expo 2nd Day: "National Day" begins, introducing participating countries
2025-04-14 16:11:00
The Osaka-Kansai Expo is now in its second day since its opening on the 14th, with many visitors arriving since the morning. National Day, which introduces a participating country on a daily basis, has begun, and a ceremony was held on the first day with the attendance of the president of Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country.
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"National Academic Proficiency Test" begins Junior high school science to be conducted online from this year
2025-04-14 16:08:00
The National Academic Achievement Test, targeting 2 million elementary and junior high school students, began on the 14th. Starting this year, junior high school science classes are being conducted online.
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Metropolitan Police Department's Public Security Bureau to dispatch investigators to other sections to improve investigative capabilities
2025-04-14 16:06:00
It has been learned from interviews with senior investigators that the Metropolitan Police Department will begin a new initiative this month to have investigators from the Public Security Bureau work in other sections, such as the Criminal Affairs Bureau, to gain investigative experience. The aim is to improve the investigative capabilities of the public security police, as they are being called into question regarding the way they gather information and evidence, such as in the case of a wrongfully convicted company president in Yokohama whose indictment was dropped.
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One Japanese whose whereabouts are unknown after Myanmar earthquake confirmed dead Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2025-04-14 16:00:00
On the 12th, the death of one adult Japanese national who had been living in Mandalay, the second city, and had been unable to be contacted following the major earthquake that hit central Myanmar last month, was confirmed. This is the first time that the death of a Japanese national has been confirmed in this earthquake.
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[Updated regularly] Kumamoto earthquake: 9 years since the first magnitude 7 earthquake
2025-04-14 15:04:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including disaster-related deaths. In Mashiki Town, a daughter whose mother died when her home collapsed visited the site and offered a quiet prayer at a handmade altar built by her relatives. We will report on memorials and prayers from around the country, as well as preparations for the next disaster.
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Wakayama Governor Shuhei Kishimoto collapses at his official residence and is taken to hospital unconscious
2025-04-14 15:01:00
On the morning of the 14th, Wakayama Prefecture Governor Shuhei Kishimoto was found collapsed at the governor's official residence in Wakayama City and was taken to the hospital. He is currently receiving treatment and is unconscious.
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Nagano Iiyama: Middle school reopens after being closed due to bear fears; some students commute to school by car
2025-04-14 14:41:00
In Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture, where three people were attacked by a bear last week, classes resumed at a junior high school that had been temporarily closed on the 14th, and students were seen driving to school with their parents to ensure their safety.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government employee, 45, arrested for taking secret photos of women on trains
2025-04-14 14:38:00
On the 12th, a 45-year-old section chief from Tokyo was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department for secretly photographing a woman on a JR Keihin-Tohoku Line train.
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Tokyo Kiyose supermarket woman stabbed to death - husband may have bought knife at store and stabbed victim
2025-04-14 14:33:00
In the case where a woman was stabbed to death at a supermarket in Kiyose City, Tokyo on the 13th, the arrested husband is believed to have purchased a knife immediately after arriving at the store and stabbed the woman, according to an interview with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
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[Updated regularly] Kumamoto earthquake: 9 years since the first magnitude 7 earthquake
2025-04-14 14:17:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including disaster-related deaths. In Mashiki Town, a daughter whose mother died when her home collapsed visited the site and offered a quiet prayer at a handmade altar built by her relatives. We will report on memorials and prayers from around the country, as well as preparations for the next disaster.
TOP
US investment fund to propose SBI's Kitao as new director of Fuji TV's parent company
2025-04-14 13:54:00
Regarding the management structure of Fuji Television, it has been revealed that a major shareholder investment fund is independently making arrangements to propose Yoshitaka Kitao, president of the comprehensive financial group "SBI Holdings," as a candidate for the parent company's new director position. There is a possibility that they will cooperate with other shareholders in the future, and it seems that there will be a lot of activity leading up to the general shareholders' meeting.
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Wakayama Governor Shuhei Kishimoto collapses at home and is taken to hospital unconscious
2025-04-14 13:38:00
According to a Wakayama Prefectural Government official, Governor Shuhei Kishimoto was found collapsed at his home in Wakayama City on the morning of the 14th and was taken to the hospital. He is currently unconscious and receiving treatment at the hospital.
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[Updated regularly] Kumamoto earthquake: 9 years since the first magnitude 7 earthquake, “deep emotional scars”
2025-04-14 13:15:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including those who died due to disaster-related causes. At the memorial service, Governor Kimura said, "The loss of precious lives and the deprivation of daily life in the earthquakes have left deep scars in our hearts. When I think of the grief of the bereaved families who lost their irreplaceable loved ones, I cannot help but feel deep sorrow." We will summarize the memorials and prayers from around the country, as well as preparations for the next disaster.
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Unstable atmosphere in Kyushu and other areas, localized thunderstorms, caution against lightning strikes in eastern Japan
2025-04-14 12:49:00
Due to the influence of strong cold air above, the atmospheric conditions have become very unstable in Kyushu and other areas, causing localized thunderstorms. In eastern Japan, the atmospheric conditions are expected to become very unstable from the afternoon onwards, and the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against strong gusts of wind such as lightning strikes and tornadoes, sudden heavy rain, and hail.
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Metropolitan Police Department's Public Security Bureau to dispatch investigators to other sections to improve investigative capabilities
2025-04-14 12:38:00
It has been learned from interviews with senior investigators that the Metropolitan Police Department will begin a new initiative this month to have investigators from the Public Security Bureau work in other sections, such as the Criminal Affairs Bureau, to gain investigative experience. The aim is to improve the investigative capabilities of the police, as they are being called into question regarding the way they gather information and evidence, such as in the case of a wrongfully convicted company president in Yokohama whose indictment was dropped.
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Metropolitan Police Department steps up efforts to prevent crime at Shinjuku "Toyo Yoko" shopping mall, including mass arrests
2025-04-14 12:33:00
In the area around Kabukicho in Shinjuku known as "Toyoko," amid a string of crimes involving young people, junior and senior high school students can still be seen wandering around in the middle of the night. The Metropolitan Police Department is stepping up efforts to prevent victimization, including conducting mass guidance this month as well.
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Body found in bag in Ishikari, Hokkaido, identified as baby boy
2025-04-14 12:31:00
On the 13th, a clothed body of an unknown age was found in a bag placed on the grounds of a house in Ishikari City, Hokkaido, and after police investigation, it was confirmed to be a baby boy. No visible trauma was found, and the police are investigating the details of how the body was abandoned.
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[Updated regularly] Kumamoto earthquake: 9 years since the first magnitude 7 earthquake, “deep emotional scars”
2025-04-14 12:07:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including disaster-related deaths. At the memorial service, Governor Kimura said, "The loss of precious lives and the deprivation of daily life in the earthquakes have left deep scars in our hearts. When I think of the grief of the bereaved families who lost their irreplaceable loved ones, I cannot help but feel deep sorrow." This article summarizes today's developments and preparations for the next disaster.
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One Japanese whose whereabouts are unknown after Myanmar earthquake confirmed dead Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2025-04-14 12:00:00
On the 12th, the death of one adult Japanese national who had been living in Mandalay, the second city, and had been unable to be contacted following the major earthquake that hit central Myanmar last month, was confirmed. This is the first time that the death of a Japanese national has been confirmed in this earthquake.
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US investment fund to propose SBI's Kitao as new director of Fuji TV's parent company
2025-04-14 11:56:00
Regarding the management structure of Fuji Television, it has been revealed that a major shareholder investment fund is independently making arrangements to propose Yoshitaka Kitao, president of the comprehensive financial group "SBI Holdings," as a candidate for the parent company's new director position. There is a possibility that they will cooperate with other shareholders in the future, and it seems that there will be a lot of activity leading up to the general shareholders' meeting.
TOP
Domestic and international travel during Golden Week may be down nearly 10% compared to last year, due to rising prices
2025-04-14 11:56:00
A major travel agency has forecast that the number of people traveling domestically and abroad during this year's Golden Week holidays will be down by nearly 10% compared to last year. They say that an increasing number of people are giving up on traveling due to prolonged high prices.
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[Updated regularly] Kumamoto earthquake: 9 years since the first magnitude 7 earthquake, a moment of silence in Mashiki Town
2025-04-14 10:59:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including disaster-related deaths. In Mashiki Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, where two earthquakes of magnitude 7 were observed and 45 people died, including disaster-related deaths, the mayor and town officials held a moment of silence in the morning to mourn the victims. This article summarizes today's developments and preparations for the next disaster.
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One Japanese whose whereabouts are unknown after Myanmar earthquake confirmed dead Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2025-04-14 10:34:00
On the 12th, the death of one adult Japanese national who had been living in Mandalay, the second city, and had been unable to be contacted following the major earthquake that hit central Myanmar last month, was confirmed. This is the first time that the death of a Japanese national has been confirmed in this earthquake.
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One Japanese whose whereabouts are unknown after Myanmar earthquake confirmed dead Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2025-04-14 09:54:00
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the death of one adult Japanese national who had been living in Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar, and had been unable to be contacted following the major earthquake that hit central Myanmar last month, was confirmed on the 12th. This is the first time that the death of a Japanese national has been confirmed in the wake of this earthquake.
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Small jet plane skids off runway after landing at Chubu Airport, no injuries
2025-04-14 09:23:00
On the night of the 13th, a small jet plane that landed at Chubu Centrair Airport deviated from the runway, causing the runway to be closed for approximately three and a half hours. As a result, flights arriving and departing on the night of the 13th were affected, such as having their destinations changed, and some flights on the 14th have also been canceled due to aircraft scheduling.
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Police investigate murder case after 35-year-old woman dies on Iwanuma beach, Miyagi
2025-04-14 06:48:00
On the 13th, a 35-year-old woman was found dead on a beach in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, and police are investigating the possibility that it may have been a murder case based on the condition of her injuries.
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Domestic and international travel during Golden Week may be down nearly 10% compared to last year, due to rising prices
2025-04-14 06:42:00
A major travel agency has forecast that the number of people traveling domestically and abroad during this year's Golden Week holidays will be down by nearly 10% compared to last year. They say that an increasing number of people are giving up on traveling due to prolonged high prices.
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Japan's ride-sharing service has been introduced nationwide for a year, but usage remains low in some areas
2025-04-14 06:38:00
The "Japanese version of ride sharing" service, operated by taxi companies and operated by private drivers to transport people for a fee, began a year ago in April, and it has been introduced in all prefectures and is spreading. However, in some rural areas, such as Matsuyama City, usage has not increased, and there are issues regarding whether it can be promoted in various regions.
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Nine years after the first magnitude 7 Kumamoto earthquake, preparations for the next disaster become an issue
2025-04-14 06:36:00
On the 14th, it has been nine years since the first earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred in the series of Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed the lives of 278 people, including disaster-related deaths. While the lessons learned from the Kumamoto earthquakes must be passed on and utilized, there are several active faults in the prefecture that are considered to be at high risk, and preparations for the next disaster are an issue.
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Strong cold air in the upper atmosphere is expected to cause atmospheric instability. Beware of lightning and gusts of wind
2025-04-14 06:34:00
As strong cold air flows into the sky for this time of year, the atmospheric conditions are expected to be very unstable from western to eastern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against lightning strikes, tornadoes, and other violent gusts of wind, sudden heavy rain, and hail.
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Osaka/Kansai Expo faces issues such as long wait times at gates for visitors
2025-04-14 06:26:00
The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which is attended by 158 countries and regions, opened on the 13th. On the first day, visitors flocked to the venue and had to wait for long periods of time in the rain near the entrance and exit gates, raising the issue of how to balance attracting visitors with ensuring smooth operation.
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Small jet plane skids off runway after landing at Chubu Airport, no injuries
2025-04-14 06:04:00
On the night of the 13th, a small jet plane that landed at Chubu Centrair Airport deviated from the runway, causing the runway to be closed for approximately three and a half hours. As a result, flights arriving and departing on the night of the 13th were affected, such as having their destinations changed, and some flights on the 14th have also been canceled due to aircraft scheduling.
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Body of boy found in bag on residential property in Ishikari, Hokkaido
2025-04-14 05:42:00
On the 13th, the unclothed body of a boy of unknown age was found in a bag on the grounds of a house in Ishikari City, Hokkaido. Since there were no visible injuries, the police are proceeding with the identification of the body and will be investigating the exact cause of death.
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