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22.12.2025

The Day the H3 Rocket Failed to Reach Orbit

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This page is an archive of main headlines from Japan for 22.12.2025.

It displays 0 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.

22.12.2025 โ‡ข The Day the H3 Rocket Failed to Reach Orbit
โŒจOn December 22, Japanese media focus underwent a sharp transition from economic optimism to a major aerospace setback. In the morning, editors prioritized the Takaichi administration's high approval ratings (67-73%) and record-breaking 122 trillion yen budget proposal, framing these as necessary responses to persistent inflation and the transition away from deflation. Major headlines also confirmed the transfer of slugger Munetaka Murakami to the Chicago White Sox.
By early afternoon, attention shifted to the Tanegashima Space Center for the launch of the H3 Rocket No. 8. Initial reports of a successful liftoff were quickly replaced by urgent coverage of a technical failure in the second-stage engine, which shut down prematurely. Outlets synchronized on the loss of the 'Michibiki' No. 5 satellite, characterizing the event as a strategic blow to Japan's independent GPS ambitions. Late-evening coverage balanced this technical post-mortem with reports on the assassination of a Russian General in Moscow and a significant 27-year high in long-term interest rates.
22.12.2025

00:59 (15:59)โ‡ขThe Resilience of Takaichiโ€™s High Ceiling

โŒจJapanese media are consistently prioritizing the Takaichi administration's high approval ratings, which remain between 67% and 75% despite recent interest rate hikes and friction with China (Nikkei, Yomiuri, Asahi, Kyodo). Editorial focus is shifting toward the resilience of the domestic economy, particularly the tourism sector's successful diversification away from Chinese visitor dependency (Hokkaido Shimbun). Simultaneously, sports reporting celebrates Mone Chiba's Olympic selection (Sankei).