September
14.09.2024
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Saturday
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The day of the LDP leadership debate

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The Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race dominated Japanese news, with nine candidates participating in a public debate. Discussions centered on economic policies, constitutional reform, and the party's recent "slush fund" scandal. Former ministers Shigeru Ishiba and Shinjiro Koizumi received the most questions, indicating their perceived front-runner status. In other news, Typhoon Bavinkas approached Okinawa and the Amami region, prompting weather warnings. The Biden administration's decision on Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel was reportedly delayed until after the U.S. presidential election. JR East Japan faced scrutiny over excessive pressure in axle fittings on some conventional line trains. The day concluded with concerns about unstable atmospheric conditions in northern Japan and continued typhoon warnings for southern regions.
15.09.2024
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Sunday
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The Day of the LDP Presidential Race

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The Liberal Democratic Party's presidential race dominated Japan's news cycle. Nine candidates outlined their approaches to economic policies, U.S.-China relations, and constitutional revision. Polls showed Shigeru Ishiba leading with 26% support, followed by Shinjiro Koizumi at 21%. Candidates campaigned in Fukushima, emphasizing post-disaster recovery. Economic discussions focused on inflation countermeasures and wage increases. The aging population reached a record 36.25 million, with one in four seniors employed. In international news, the Philippines withdrew a ship from a disputed area in the South China Sea, while the Quad planned joint patrols to counter illegal fishing. Domestically, heavy rain warnings were issued for parts of eastern Japan, with record-breaking rainfall reported in Matsue City.
16.09.2024
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Monday
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The day SHOGUN conquered Emmy and Trump faced peril

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Early morning headlines focused on a potential assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a golf outing, with a 58-year-old man arrested. The news cycle then shifted to the Emmy Awards, where "SHOGUN" made history. The series won 18 awards, including Best Drama Series, and Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actor to win Lead Actor in a Drama Series. The success was attributed to growing acceptance of subtitles and diversity in American media. Economic news saw the yen strengthen to 139 against the dollar. In politics, polls for the upcoming LDP leadership race showed Takaichi, Ishiba, and Koizumi as frontrunners. The day concluded with analysis of the "SHOGUN" phenomenon and its potential impact on struggling streaming services.
17.09.2024
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Tuesday
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The day land prices surged and Hezbollah's devices exploded

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Japan's land prices saw their sharpest rise since 1992, increasing by 1.4% nationwide. This surge was attributed to inbound tourism and development projects. The morning saw reports of issues at the Fukushima nuclear plant, where debris retrieval attempts were halted due to equipment malfunction. By afternoon, news broke of over 1,000 Hezbollah members injured in Lebanon when communication devices mysteriously exploded, possibly due to a cyberattack. The day also brought updates on the ongoing LDP leadership race, with candidates discussing various policy positions. Reports surfaced about former PM Abe's alleged meeting with a Unification Church leader, though the current administration declined to comment. The evening news focused on the JR Kyushu ferry incident, resulting in unprecedented dismissal orders for safety violations.
18.09.2024
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Wednesday
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The day of the Shiretoko boat operator's arrest

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The president of the company operating the Shiretoko tour boat that sank in April 2022 was arrested on suspicion of negligence causing death. This development dominated the morning news cycle. In international news, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles, while in China, a Japanese student was stabbed near a school in Shenzhen. The afternoon saw reports of explosions in Lebanon, attributed to Hezbollah's communication devices, with speculation about Israeli involvement. Domestic politics featured discussions on the LDP leadership race, with candidates debating issues such as separate surnames for married couples. The day ended with reports of more explosions in Lebanon, this time involving walkie-talkies, indicating an escalation of the situation.
19.09.2024
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Thursday
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The day the Hyogo governor faced no confidence

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The Hyogo Prefectural Assembly unanimously passed a no-confidence motion against Governor Saito, stemming from internal whistleblowing issues. This unprecedented move forces the governor to either resign or dissolve the assembly within 10 days. In international news, a 10-year-old Japanese boy died after being stabbed near a Japanese school in Shenzhen, China, prompting calls for increased security measures. The Tohoku Shinkansen faced an unusual incident when train cars separated while in motion, causing service disruptions. The Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race continued, with candidates addressing various policy positions. In economic news, the Bank of Japan's meeting focused on potential interest rate hike signals, while markets reacted positively to the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate cut decision.
20.09.2024
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Friday
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The day Ohtani reached 51-51

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Shohei Ohtani's historic achievement of 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases dominated Japanese headlines. The unprecedented feat in Major League Baseball sparked widespread celebration and analysis. Meanwhile, Japan and China reached an agreement to resume seafood imports from Japan, signaling a potential thaw in relations strained by the Fukushima water release. The Bank of Japan maintained its monetary policy, keeping short-term interest rates at -0.25%. In international news, reports emerged of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut targeting Hezbollah leaders. Domestically, the Constitutional Democratic Party's leadership race continued to develop, with updates on candidate standings. The day concluded with reports of a magnitude 4 earthquake in Ehime Prefecture, thankfully without tsunami warnings.
21.09.2024
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Saturday
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The day disaster struck Noto again

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Unprecedented heavy rains hit Ishikawa Prefecture's Noto Peninsula, an area still recovering from a major earthquake in January. Special heavy rain warnings were issued early morning, prompting evacuation orders. As the day progressed, reports of flooding, landslides, and casualties emerged. By afternoon, one death was confirmed, with multiple people missing. Rescue efforts were hampered by flooded roads and collapsed infrastructure. The disaster particularly affected areas still rebuilding from the earthquake, with temporary housing for quake victims flooding. The situation worsened throughout the day, with rivers overflowing and more areas becoming isolated. The government mobilized rescue efforts, but the full extent of the damage remained unclear as night fell.
22.09.2024
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Sunday
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The day the rains revisited Noto

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Heavy rains struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, an area still recovering from January's earthquake. The morning began with emergency warnings, which were later downgraded. Throughout the day, reports of flooding, landslides, and isolation of communities increased. By afternoon, the death toll rose to six, with several people missing. The disaster particularly affected Wajima, Suzu, and Noto towns, where over 100 communities became isolated. Rescue efforts were hampered by damaged roads and continuing rain. The situation echoed January's earthquake, with many residents expressing despair at facing another disaster so soon. The media focused on individual stories of loss and the challenges of repeated disasters in the region.
23.09.2024
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Monday
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The day opposition chose new leader as Russian plane violated airspace

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The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan elected former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda as its new leader in a runoff vote against Yukio Edano. Noda emphasized his commitment to winning power in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, a Russian military aircraft violated Japanese airspace near Rebun Island in Hokkaido three times, prompting Japanese fighter jets to scramble and use flares as a warning for the first time. The ongoing search and rescue efforts continued in Ishikawa Prefecture following recent heavy rains, with the death toll rising to seven and several people still missing. The SoftBank Hawks clinched their fourth Pacific League title in Japanese professional baseball. These events unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Russia and domestic political realignment.
24.09.2024
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Tuesday
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The day of ongoing search and rescue in Noto

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The aftermath of heavy rains in Noto dominated the news. As the critical 72-hour mark passed, search and rescue efforts intensified for the missing. The death toll rose to 8, with 2 still missing and 5 unaccounted for. A woman's body was found in Suzu City. Volunteer efforts began, with 40 people arriving in Wajima. The disaster left 367 people isolated in 46 locations across 3 municipalities. International affairs also featured, with discussions on China-Japan relations following the Shenzhen stabbing incident. The Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race continued to develop, with reports of shifting support and strategic moves by candidates. The Constitutional Democratic Party announced new leadership appointments, signaling a potential shift in opposition dynamics.
25.09.2024
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Wednesday
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The day China fired its long-range missile

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China's rare announcement of an ICBM test launch into the Pacific Ocean dominated the day's news. This marked the first known test in 44 years, interpreted as a display of nuclear force to the US. The self-governing party election in Japan continued to evolve, with Ishiba, Koizumi, and Takaichi emerging as frontrunners, setting the stage for a potential runoff. The aftermath of heavy rains in Ishikawa Prefecture persisted, with the death toll rising to 11 and two people still missing. Search and rescue efforts continued in affected areas. Taiwan announced the easing of import restrictions on Japanese food products, a significant development in regional trade relations. The sumo world saw Ozeki Takakeisho's promotion to Yokozuna rank, achieving this in a record-fast nine tournaments since his professional debut.
26.09.2024
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Thursday
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The day justice prevailed after 58 years

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The Shizuoka District Court acquitted Iwao Hakamada in a retrial of a 1966 quadruple murder case, overturning his death sentence after 58 years. The court recognized the fabrication of evidence by investigative authorities. This landmark decision dominated the day's news, with media focusing on the implications for Japan's criminal justice system. In Hyogo Prefecture, Governor Saito announced his resignation and intention to run in a new election following a no-confidence vote. The Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race entered its final stage, with candidates making last-minute appeals. In international news, a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time, potentially as a signal to China.
27.09.2024
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Friday
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The day Ishiba ascended

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The Liberal Democratic Party leadership election dominated Japanese news on September 27, 2024. Early reports indicated a tight race between Sanae Takaichi, Shinjiro Koizumi, and Shigeru Ishiba. As voting began, Ishiba and Takaichi emerged as frontrunners, advancing to a runoff. In a surprise turn, Ishiba, on his fifth attempt, secured victory over Takaichi in the final round. This marks a significant shift in LDP leadership, with Ishiba set to become Japan's next Prime Minister on October 1. The news prompted immediate market reactions, with the yen surging and stock futures falling. Ishiba's first press conference as party leader hinted at potential early dissolution of the lower house and new elections, possibly as soon as November 10.
28.09.2024
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Saturday
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The day Ishiba formed his cabinet

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Newly elected LDP President Shigeru Ishiba began forming his administration. He considered appointing Shinjiro Koizumi as election strategy committee chairman, Hayashi Yoshimasa to continue as Chief Cabinet Secretary, and Moriyama Hiroshi as Secretary-General. Katsunobu Kato was eyed for Finance Minister. Ishiba's cabinet formation dominated news throughout the day, with updates on potential appointments trickling in. Meanwhile, Israel announced the killing of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in an airstrike, raising concerns of escalating regional conflict. This news developed over several hours, with Hezbollah later confirming Nasrallah's death. In sports, Shohei Ohtani set a new stolen base record for Japanese MLB players with his 57th steal, surpassing Ichiro Suzuki's record.
29.09.2024
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Sunday
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The day Ishiba formed his cabinet

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On September 29, 2024, newly elected LDP leader Shigeru Ishiba began forming his cabinet and party leadership. Early reports indicated Taro Aso would become party vice president, but by midday, it was confirmed that former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga would take this role. Throughout the day, various cabinet positions were finalized, including Katsunobu Kato as Finance Minister and Takeshi Iwaya as Foreign Minister. Ishiba also decided on key party positions, with Moriyama as Secretary-General and Suzuki as General Council Chairman. By afternoon, Ishiba had settled on October 27 as the date for the general election, with plans to dissolve the lower house on October 9. This swift cabinet formation and election planning demonstrate Ishiba's intent to quickly establish his leadership and seek a public mandate.
30.09.2024
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Monday
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The day of Ishiba's early election gambit

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Newly elected LDP leader Shigeru Ishiba announced a snap election for October 27, surprising many with his shift from earlier calls for deliberation. The Nikkei index plummeted by over 4%, reflecting market uncertainty about Ishiba's economic policies. Ishiba unveiled his party leadership lineup and cabinet choices, with Suga as vice president and Aso as top advisor. The decision for early elections sparked criticism from opposition parties. In other news, Shohei Ohtani concluded a record-breaking regular season in MLB, while Sota Fujii successfully defended his Oza title in shogi. The day's events highlighted the political maneuvering and economic concerns surrounding Ishiba's unexpected strategy.
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