October
Shigeru Ishiba was elected as Japan's 102nd Prime Minister, succeeding Fumio Kishida. The Lower House formally selected Ishiba in the morning, followed by the Upper House. Ishiba's new cabinet was announced, featuring 13 first-time ministers and only two women. The cabinet's average age is 63. In the evening, Ishiba held his first press conference as Prime Minister, outlining his "Cabinet of Understanding and Empathy." He announced plans to dissolve the Lower House on October 9th, with elections set for October 27th. Ishiba emphasized addressing rising prices, continuing the "asset management nation" policy, and potentially revising the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement. The rapid transition to elections reflects the LDP's strategy amidst ongoing political challenges.
Newly appointed Prime Minister Ishiba formed his cabinet, with only two female ministers and no young members, drawing mixed reactions. The cabinet's support rate stood at 51%. Ishiba held phone talks with U.S. President Biden, emphasizing strong ties. Meanwhile, a significant incident occurred at Miyazaki Airport, where an unexploded WWII-era U.S. bomb detonated on a taxiway, causing a crater and disrupting flights. The airport resumed operations after repairs. In international news, Iran's missile attack on Israel dominated headlines, with Israel vowing retaliation. Domestically, the Bank of Japan Governor met with PM Ishiba, who stated that conditions for additional rate hikes were not present. The Nikkei stock average fell sharply due to Middle East tensions.
Prime Minister Ishiba's cautious stance on interest rate hikes caused significant market fluctuations, with the yen falling to 147 against the dollar and the Nikkei index rising over 1000 points. This economic misstep dominated the day's news, overshadowing other developments. The identification of a missing middle school girl's body in Fukui and the dismissal of Kyoto's police chief for inappropriate comments added to the day's events. The Self-Defense Forces' dispatch to prepare for potential evacuations from Lebanon and ongoing discussions about political reform within the LDP continued to unfold. The day concluded with reports of TEPCO's nuclear debris removal attempts at Fukushima and concerns over safety training in electrical work following a fatal accident.
Prime Minister Ishiba delivered his first policy speech, focusing on regaining public trust after political funding scandals. He emphasized balanced strengthening of diplomacy and defense, disaster prevention measures, and regional revitalization. The speech notably lacked Ishiba's characteristic policy proposals, suggesting a focus on party unity ahead of upcoming elections. The Liberal Democratic Party considered endorsing candidates involved in the funding scandal, sparking opposition criticism. Economic measures were announced, with plans for a supplementary budget after the election. In international news, Self-Defense Force planes evacuated 16 Japanese nationals from Lebanon to Jordan amidst Middle East tensions. Domestically, Tokyo passed Japan's first ordinance against customer harassment, set to take effect in April 2025.
Prime Minister Ishiba conducted his first regional inspection tour to Noto Peninsula, visiting areas affected by the January earthquake and September heavy rains. He announced plans to designate the recent floods as a "severe disaster" for additional support. The visit highlighted ongoing recovery efforts and challenges faced by disaster-stricken areas. Meanwhile, political parties prepared for the upcoming general election, with the LDP considering endorsing members involved in the recent slush fund scandal. The opposition parties expressed confidence in potentially breaking the ruling coalition's majority. In other news, concerns over North Korea's military involvement in Ukraine surfaced, and the death of renowned culinary critic Yukio Hattori was reported.
06.10.2024
Sunday

The day of political purge

Prime Minister Ishiba's decision to deny party endorsement to lawmakers involved in the "slush fund" scandal dominated the day's news. Early reports indicated a harsh stance, with Ishiba refusing to allow these lawmakers to run on both constituency and proportional representation lists. By midday, it was confirmed that at least six prominent LDP members, including Hagiuda and Shimomura, would be denied party backing. This move, seen as an attempt to regain public trust, caused significant internal party tension. The decision evolved throughout the day, with more details emerging about the extent of the purge. In parallel, sports news highlighted Shohei Ohtani's postseason performance for the Dodgers, providing a contrasting narrative of Japanese success on the international stage.
Prime Minister Ishiba faced his first Diet debate, maintaining a cautious stance on various issues. He defended his decision not to endorse LDP members involved in the slush fund scandal, despite internal party resistance. Ishiba also discussed potentially abolishing policy activity funds in the future. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to two American researchers for their discovery of microRNA. In other news, a suspect in a home invasion robbery case was apprehended in Niigata Prefecture. The Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 is set to restart on the 29th, marking the first restart of a nuclear plant affected by the 2011 earthquake. The former Empress suffered a femur fracture and is scheduled for surgery.
The day began with Prime Minister Ishiba avoiding questions about corrupt politicians and discussing economic policies. The focus shifted dramatically when prosecutors announced they would not appeal the retrial decision for Iwao Hakamada, effectively confirming his innocence after 58 years. This decision, announced by the Prosecutor General, marked a rare instance of a death row inmate being exonerated. The news dominated headlines throughout the day, with Hakamada's sister expressing relief. In other developments, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to two researchers for their work on machine learning in AI. The day concluded with reports that the Liberal Democratic Party would deny endorsement to over 10 politicians involved in the slush fund scandal, as the Lower House prepared for dissolution the next day.
Prime Minister Ishiba dissolved the Lower House, calling for a general election on October 27. This came after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) withdrew endorsements from 12 lawmakers involved in the "slush fund" scandal. The morning saw party leaders debate, with opposition parties criticizing the move as an attempt to cover up the scandal. Ishiba defended the decision, emphasizing the need for public trust. By afternoon, he held a press conference, dubbing it the "Japan Creation Dissolution" and setting the victory line at a majority for the LDP-Komeito coalition. The short 18-day campaign period is notable, being the second shortest in postwar history. Meanwhile, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to AI researchers, including those from Google DeepMind.
Prime Minister Ishiba made his diplomatic debut, visiting Laos for the ASEAN summit. He held meetings with leaders from South Korea, China, and ASEAN countries, emphasizing cooperation and stability. Ishiba expressed concerns about China's military activities and requested an explanation for a Japanese child's stabbing in Shanghai. Domestically, Seven & i Holdings announced a major restructuring, including a name change to Seven-Eleven Corporation. The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to South Korean author Han Kang, marking the first Asian woman to receive the honor. Japanese political parties began preparing for the upcoming general election, with the Liberal Democratic Party unveiling its campaign promises. The day's events highlighted Japan's diplomatic engagement and corporate transformations amidst regional tensions and cultural achievements.
The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, marking a significant recognition of their 70-year efforts to abolish nuclear weapons. This news dominated the day's headlines, overshadowing other developments. The announcement sparked reactions from hibakusha across Japan, with many expressing hope for a nuclear-free world. In other news, voice actress Nobuyo Oyama, known for her role as Doraemon, passed away at 90. The East Asia Summit began, focusing on issues such as the South China Sea and North Korea. Prime Minister Ishiba attended, emphasizing the maintenance of international order. The day concluded with reflections on the peace prize's implications for global nuclear disarmament efforts.
The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, sparking discussions about nuclear disarmament. Members expressed hope for a global anti-nuclear movement. Simultaneously, a pre-election party leaders' debate took place, with Prime Minister Ishiba discussing economic policies, nuclear deterrence, and the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement. In sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani, advanced to the League Championship Series with Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the winning pitcher. The day's events highlighted the interplay between international recognition for Japan's anti-nuclear stance and domestic political discussions on security and economic issues ahead of the upcoming election.
13.10.2024
Sunday

The day of the nine-party debate

The upcoming general election dominated the news, with a significant nine-party leaders' debate taking place. The debate highlighted divisions on political reform and economic policies. Polls showed the ruling LDP as the most popular party, despite ongoing concerns about political funding scandals. The Constitutional Democratic Party faced challenges in candidate coordination with other opposition parties. Former LDP members, now running as independents due to funding disclosures, continued their apology tours. The Osaka Expo preparations, six months before opening, faced skepticism and low ticket sales. In international news, tensions escalated as North Korea threatened retaliation for alleged drone incursions, while Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon drew international criticism. The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, recent Nobel Peace Prize recipients, continued to advocate for nuclear disarmament.
On the eve of the official start of the Lower House election campaign, political parties intensified their activities across Japan. The ruling coalition aimed to maintain a majority, while opposition parties sought to challenge this dominance. China's military exercises around Taiwan, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier, escalated tensions in the region. The Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to three American researchers. In sports, the Nippon-Ham Fighters advanced to the Climax Series Final Stage, while in MLB, Shohei Ohtani contributed to the Dodgers' victory over the Mets in the League Championship Series. The day concluded with the release of official candidate lists and party rankings for the proportional representation segment of the upcoming election.
15.10.2024
Tuesday

The Election Campaign Begins

The Japanese general election campaign officially began on October 15, with 1,344 candidates registering for the October 27 vote. Party leaders made their first speeches across the country, focusing on economic policies and political funding issues. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party, under new leadership, faces scrutiny over recent financial scandals. Opposition parties are emphasizing the need for political reform and economic revival. The Tokyo stock market briefly surpassed the 40,000 yen mark for the first time in three months, reflecting economic optimism. International tensions rose as North Korea reportedly blew up a road connecting to South Korea. The election campaign strategies show increased use of social media, particularly short-form videos, to reach voters.
Early morning reports indicated a record number of women candidates in Japan's general election. By midday, multiple news outlets released preliminary election projections, suggesting the ruling coalition might maintain a majority, but with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) potentially losing its single-party majority for the first time in 15 years. This development dominated the day's news cycle, overshadowing other stories. Economic issues emerged as key election topics, with parties debating strategies for economic growth and wage increases. In foreign affairs, reports surfaced about North Korean soldiers potentially joining Russian forces in Ukraine. The day concluded with updated projections reinforcing the earlier predictions of a challenging election for the LDP, setting the stage for potential political shifts in Japan.
17.10.2024
Thursday

The day the entertainer departed

The passing of actor Toshiyuki Nishida at 76 dominated the news cycle. Known for roles in "Tsuribaka Nisshi" and "Ikecchu Genta 80 Kilo," Nishida's death prompted tributes from the entertainment industry. The European Central Bank announced a 0.25% interest rate cut, its second consecutive reduction. A missing woman from Ichikawa, Chiba was rescued, with a man arrested on suspicion of confinement. The case appears linked to a series of robberies, with the ringleader allegedly using the alias "Oda Nobunaga." In political news, Prime Minister and opposition parties continued to debate economic policies and large-scale supplementary budgets. Internationally, a tour bus carrying Japanese passengers overturned in Turkey, resulting in multiple injuries.
The manhunt for suspects involved in a series of robberies across multiple prefectures intensified. Early morning reports indicated a second suspect turned himself in for the Ichikawa, Chiba incident. Investigations revealed potential links to other crimes, including a murder in Yokohama. Law enforcement established a joint task force across four prefectures to identify the mastermind behind these "dark part-time job" schemes. The perpetrators used various online aliases for coordination, with over 30 account names identified. As the day progressed, arrests were made, including one in Tokyo's Kokubunji. The scope of the criminal network became clearer, with similar incidents reported in Hokkaido and Tochigi. By evening, discussions shifted to preventive measures, with JR West developing anti-knife umbrellas for train security.
Early morning reports emerged of a man throwing firebombs at the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters and crashing a vehicle into the Prime Minister's office fence. The 49-year-old suspect from Saitama was arrested for obstruction of public duties. His van contained multiple polyethylene tanks, suggesting a planned attack. The incident sparked concerns about election-period violence and heightened security measures. Later, a 22-year-old man was arrested for a robbery-murder in Yokohama's Aoba Ward, potentially linked to recent similar crimes. The day also saw continued election campaigning, with party leaders making their first weekend appeals since the official start. The Upper House Empress Emerita celebrated her 90th birthday, with reports of her steady post-surgery recovery.
20.10.2024
Sunday

The day of the election countdown

The House of Representatives election dominated the news, with one week remaining until voting day. Party leaders engaged in public debates and campaigned intensively, focusing on economic policies and corruption allegations. A poll by Asahi Shimbun suggested a tight race, with the ruling coalition's majority in question. The campaign atmosphere was affected by heightened security measures due to terrorism concerns. In other news, a 22-year-old suspect in the Yokohama robbery-murder case claimed he responded to a job advertisement on social media, unaware it was for criminal activities. The case appears linked to similar incidents in Sapporo and other areas. Fashion critic Peeko passed away at 79, marking the end of an era in Japanese entertainment.
The day was dominated by election coverage, with polls showing a tight race. The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Ishiba, intensified criticism of opposition parties, reflecting concern over potential loss of majority. Opposition candidates were leading in several key districts. The Japan Conservative Party showed potential for gaining seats. Economic policies and funding sources remained unclear across parties. Voter turnout data for early voting was released. In other news, the Dodgers advanced to the World Series with Ohtani contributing. The Yokohama DeNA BayStars secured a spot in the Japan Series. The aftermath of the Noto Peninsula heavy rains continued to affect residents one month later. The police chief of Shizuoka Prefecture officially apologized to Iwao Hakamada for his wrongful conviction.
Heavy rains dominated the news, with a linear rainband forming over Miyazaki Prefecture, causing record-breaking rainfall and flooding. A man went missing after his car was swept away in Nichinan City. The approaching general election saw increased tensions, with Prime Minister Ishiba invoking the "nightmare of the Democratic Party administration" rhetoric. Economic concerns surfaced as the yen weakened to 151 against the dollar. The IMF projected Japan's policy interest rate to move towards 1.5%. In international news, concerns over North Korean troops potentially training in eastern Russia were raised at the UN. Domestically, the Fair Trade Commission began investigating JR Tokai and five consulting firms for suspected bid-rigging in bridge inspection contracts.
The Nagoya High Court's Kanazawa branch ordered a retrial for a man convicted in a 1986 schoolgirl murder case, citing doubts about witness testimonies. This decision dominated morning headlines. Election tensions escalated as polls suggested the ruling coalition might lose its majority. The Liberal Democratic Party faced criticism for providing party subsidies to non-endorsed candidates' branches. Tokyo Metro's IPO, while successful, raised questions about government involvement. The afternoon saw reports of North Korean troops in Russia and a potential terrorist attack in Turkey. Economic news included discussions on inflation targets and the yen weakening to 153 against the dollar. The day concluded with analysis of candidate demographics and nuclear power policies in the upcoming election.
Early morning brought news of a fishing boat capsizing off Toba, Mie Prefecture, resulting in two deaths and one missing person. The day was dominated by controversy over the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) providing 20 million yen in activity funds to branches led by non-endorsed candidates. Prime Minister Kishida denied these funds were for election use, while opposition parties criticized it as "covert endorsement fees." The annual NPB draft was held, with top prospects like Munetaka Murakami and Yume Kanamaru being selected. In the afternoon, reports emerged of a couple in Tokyo being rearrested for allegedly murdering the husband's father six years ago, adding to their previous charges. Late in the day, a Yomiuri Shimbun poll suggested the ruling coalition might struggle to maintain a majority in the upcoming election.
The day was dominated by revelations from a female prosecutor who accused a former chief prosecutor of sexual assault. The victim held a press conference, detailing threats and attempts to silence her. This story evolved throughout the day, with more details emerging about the incident and its aftermath. Concurrently, the upcoming House of Representatives election remained a focal point, with reports on close races and campaign strategies. Economic news touched on the stock market's reaction to the election and extended trading hours on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In other news, a bus accident in Malaysia involving Japanese tourists was reported, resulting in one fatality. The day also saw discussions on societal issues, including penalties for using smartphones while cycling and the treatment of foreign workers in Japan.
26.10.2024
Saturday

The Day Before the Vote

Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian military facilities, completing the operation by early morning. The U.S. expressed understanding of Israel's actions. As tensions escalated in the Middle East, Japan's focus remained on the upcoming House of Representatives election. Party leaders made their final appeals in battleground districts, with the ruling coalition's majority hanging in the balance. The "politics and money" scandal continued to overshadow policy debates. Early voting numbers showed a slight decrease from the previous election. Voting hours were adjusted in 40% of polling stations due to staffing concerns. The election's key issues included economic policies, social security, and diplomacy, though substantive discussions were largely absent. Media coverage highlighted the tight race and potential post-election scenarios.
The Japanese general election dominated the day's news. Voting began in the morning, with early reports indicating lower turnout compared to the previous election. By evening, exit polls suggested a significant shift in the political landscape. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito were projected to lose their majority in the lower house. The opposition Constitutional Democratic Party made substantial gains. Throughout the night, reports confirmed the trend, with several LDP heavyweights losing their seats. Prime Minister Ishibashi acknowledged the "extremely severe situation" but avoided discussing his responsibility. The election results indicate a potential reshaping of Japanese politics, with the LDP exploring coalition options with other parties to maintain power.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito coalition lost its majority in the Lower House election, securing only 233 seats. Prime Minister Shiba acknowledged the "severe judgment" from voters and vowed to maintain the current coalition. The LDP's election strategy chief, Koizumi Shinjiro, resigned to take responsibility for the defeat. Opposition parties, particularly the Constitutional Democratic Party, made significant gains. The election results prompted discussions about potential new coalition formations and raised questions about Shiba's leadership. The prosecution decided not to appeal the retrial decision in the 1986 Fukui schoolgirl murder case, effectively confirming the start of a retrial. Throughout the day, media outlets focused on analyzing voting patterns, discussing the impact of recent political scandals, and speculating on the future of Japanese politics in light of the election results.
29.10.2024
Tuesday

The day the reactor restarted

The Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 in Miyagi Prefecture restarted after a 13-year hiatus, marking the first restart of a boiling water reactor in eastern Japan since the Fukushima disaster. This significant event dominated the day's news cycle. Meanwhile, political maneuvering continued in the aftermath of the recent election, with the National Democratic Party rejecting a coalition with the ruling parties. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women recommended Japan revise its laws on married couples' surnames and the imperial succession. In sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Shohei Ohtani in the lineup, took a 3-0 lead in the World Series against the New York Yankees.
The Tokyo High Court ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, marking the second such ruling at the high court level. This decision intensified pressure on the government to legalize same-sex unions. Simultaneously, the UN Committee urged Japan to allow separate surnames for married couples, prompting a strong protest from the Japanese government. Political maneuvering continued as the Liberal Democratic Party and the Democratic Party for the People planned a secretary-general meeting to discuss economic measures. The opposition parties explored potential alliances for the upcoming prime minister nomination. In international news, concerns arose about North Korea's potential nuclear test in November. The day concluded with reports of Shigeru Ishiba emerging as a likely candidate for prime minister nomination.
North Korea launched an ICBM early morning, prompting condemnation from Japan and the U.S. The missile's flight time of 86 minutes was the longest recorded. The Bank of Japan maintained its interest rates, with Governor Ueda suggesting future rate hikes if economic forecasts materialize. The Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, clinched their 8th World Series title in a dramatic comeback. Japan's antitrust watchdog ordered four major non-life insurers to pay over 2 billion yen in fines for price-fixing. The Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai agreed to policy consultations, potentially forming a "partial coalition." Reports emerged of a record number of school absentees, exceeding 340,000 students.
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