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Sue Bird has been appointed as the first managing director of the U.S. women's national basketball team, a role that will reshape team selection and coaching. This change comes as the team prepares for the 2028 Olympics, aiming for its ninth consecutive gold medal. Bird's term will last four years.
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Colombian American artist Kali Uchis releases her fifth album, 'Sincerely,' on May 9, 2025. The album, a personal reflection on grief and motherhood, features heartfelt tracks inspired by her late mother and her experiences during pregnancy. Uchis aims to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
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Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after nearly 29 seasons, transitioning to the role of president of basketball operations. Mitch Johnson has been appointed as the new head coach, marking a new era for the franchise. Popovich's decision follows health issues, including a mild stroke last November.
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A Cathay Pacific flight incident on April 24 involved a three-year-old boy mistakenly served wine instead of water. The child's parents have raised concerns about potential health impacts and demanded accountability from the airline, which has since offered compensation and initiated an internal review.
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NTT Corp. has announced a tender offer of ¥4,000 per share for the remaining shares of NTT Data, representing a 34% premium. The offer period runs from May 9 to June 19, after which NTT Data will be delisted. This news has significantly impacted NTT Data's stock price.
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Train services on Tokyo's Yamanote Line faced significant disruptions on May 23, 2025, affecting approximately 197,000 passengers. The disruptions were caused by a reported electrical issue, leading to inspections and reduced train operations throughout the morning rush hour.
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A stabbing incident occurred on the Tokyo Metro's Namboku Line, injuring two men. The assailant, a 43-year-old man, was subdued by passengers and arrested. This incident highlights a troubling trend of random violence in Japan, despite its reputation for safety.
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The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is underway, showcasing 22 films competing for the Palme d'Or. Notable attendees include Tom Cruise with 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' and Robert De Niro, who will receive an honorary Palme d'Or. The festival emphasizes geopolitical themes with films from Ukraine, Iran, and Nigeria.
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Nissan Motor Corp. reported a net loss of 670.9 billion yen ($4.5 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 2025. The company will cut 20,000 jobs and reduce its production facilities from 17 to 10 by 2027 as part of a recovery plan amid ongoing challenges from US tariffs and competition from Chinese automakers.
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Kazuo Ishiguro's debut novel, 'A Pale View of Hills,' has been adapted into a film by Kei Ishikawa, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival. The adaptation explores themes of memory and inheritance, reflecting Ishiguro's literary legacy. Meanwhile, Chie Hayakawa's film 'Renoir' critiques societal norms in 1980s Japan, also showcased at Cannes.
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Air India has experienced two safety incidents in three days, raising concerns about its operational reliability. A flight from Tokyo to Delhi was diverted to Kolkata due to warm cabin temperatures, following a previous incident where a flight returned to Mumbai due to a burning smell. The DGCA is investigating.
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The Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) of Japan announced a loss of ¥8.815 trillion ($61.1 billion) for the January-March 2025 quarter, primarily due to declines in foreign stocks and a weaker dollar. This marks a challenging period amid global trade tensions and fluctuating currency values.
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Antonio Brown was involved in an altercation after a boxing event in Miami, where he claimed multiple individuals attempted to steal his jewelry. Police temporarily detained him but released him without charges. No injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing regarding potential gunfire during the incident. This follows a recent spate of violent incidents in various locations.
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Goldman Sachs is consolidating its investment banking operations across Asia-Pacific, integrating teams from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand under Iain Drayton's leadership. This strategic move aims to enhance client engagement and capitalize on growth opportunities in the region, coinciding with a broader shift towards Asian markets.
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As of June 7, 2025, various individuals share their experiences with homeownership, financial literacy, and the impact of upbringing on financial decisions. From a veteran leveraging VA loans to a mother teaching her children about money, these stories highlight the importance of financial education and personal growth in navigating economic challenges.
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Onosato Daiki has been promoted to yokozuna, Japan's highest sumo rank, after winning consecutive tournaments. At 24, he is the first Japanese yokozuna in eight years, breaking a trend of Mongolian dominance. His promotion sets the stage for a rivalry with Hoshoryu, the current yokozuna, in July.
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The Japanese government plans to use slightly radioactive soil from Fukushima in flower beds at the Prime Minister's office to demonstrate its safety. This initiative follows extensive decontamination efforts after the 2011 nuclear disaster, but public skepticism remains high regarding the soil's safety and the government's handling of the situation.
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Japan's Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa is in Washington for tariff negotiations, seeking to persuade the US to drop recent tariffs. Japan is prepared to invest in US military equipment and increase contributions for US troops stationed in Japan, amidst ongoing trade tensions and upcoming elections.
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Mongolian sumo legend Hakuho has resigned from the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) after a year of uncertainty following the closure of his stable due to a bullying scandal. He plans to pursue a new vision for sumo outside Japan, aiming to create a global governing body.
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Shigeo Nagashima, a legendary figure in Japanese baseball and former player for the Yomiuri Giants, passed away at 89 due to pneumonia. His funeral was attended by family, former teammates, and fans, who celebrated his remarkable career and impact on the sport in Japan. Manhole covers honoring him will be installed in his birthplace.
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Toyota and Daimler have solidified their partnership by confirming joint ownership of a new holding company aimed at privatizing Toyota Industries. This move includes a ¥16,300-per-share tender offer, requiring significant minority shareholder participation to succeed. Akio Toyoda's involvement signals a potential corporate comeback amid skepticism from investors.
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A recent UN report highlights that economic barriers and societal pressures are limiting family growth worldwide. Countries like Japan and Vietnam are facing critical fertility declines, prompting discussions on policies to encourage childbirth. The report emphasizes the need for supportive measures rather than coercive policies to address the fertility crisis.
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Ispace's lunar lander, Resilience, lost contact moments before its scheduled touchdown on the moon, marking the company's second failed attempt to achieve a soft landing. The mission aimed to deploy a rover and collect lunar soil samples but ended in silence from mission control after the descent.
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Nintendo's new Switch 2 console launched on June 5, 2025, with overwhelming demand reflected in 2.2 million pre-order applications in Japan. Analysts predict record early sales, but challenges remain regarding supply and pricing as the company aims to sell 15 million units by March 2026.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 launched globally on June 5, 2025, with fans lining up at stores worldwide despite a $450 price tag. Nintendo aims to sell 15 million units in the fiscal year, hoping to revitalize sales after a decline in demand for the original Switch. Shortages are expected as retailers scramble to meet demand.
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Nintendo's new Switch 2 console launched on June 5, 2025, amid high demand and supply shortages. The company aims to sell 15 million units by March 2026 but faces challenges due to production delays and a competitive lottery system for pre-orders. Nintendo is working to stabilize supply and prevent reselling.
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On June 14, 2025, two individuals were arrested in Tokyo for allegedly assaulting police officers during a protest against constitutional revisions. The suspects are believed to be linked to the Revolutionary Communist League, which organized the demonstration attended by around 600 people. The protest called for the abolition of the U.S.-Japan security alliance.
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As U.S. immigration policies tighten, families face difficult decisions. Linares and Kline struggle with bureaucracy and financial instability after moving to Mexico. Meanwhile, Peñaloza's deportation to El Salvador raises concerns about human rights violations, highlighting the dangers of current immigration enforcement. These stories reflect the broader challenges faced by immigrants today.
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Apple's 'F1: The Movie,' starring Brad Pitt, is set to release on June 27, 2025. The film follows a veteran driver making a comeback to save a struggling Formula One team. It has garnered positive early reviews, highlighting its immersive portrayal of the sport and collaboration with real F1 teams.
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Copenhagen has been ranked the most liveable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2025 Global Livability Index, surpassing Vienna and Zurich. The ranking considers factors like healthcare, education, and stability, with Copenhagen achieving a near-perfect score of 98 out of 100. Vienna's stability score declined due to recent security concerns.
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The Global Peace Index 2025 has ranked Iceland as the most peaceful country for the 17th consecutive year, followed by Ireland and New Zealand. The report highlights shifts in global peace and security, with notable changes in rankings for Austria and Switzerland. The findings reflect ongoing global tensions and the importance of peacekeeping efforts.
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On June 23, 2025, Japan's Finance Ministry announced a reduction in the issuance of 20-, 30-, and 40-year bonds by ¥3.2 trillion ($21.7 billion) through March 2026. This decision follows concerns over rising borrowing costs and a recent poorly received auction of 20-year bonds.
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Kirsty Coventry has officially taken office as the first female and African president of the IOC, succeeding Thomas Bach. Her leadership aims to enhance member engagement in decision-making and address key issues, including the selection of Olympic hosts and the protection of women's categories in sports.
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Following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, global markets reacted with volatility. Gold prices surged, while oil prices jumped sharply amid fears of regional conflict. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached record highs, reflecting investor sentiment amidst rising inflation concerns linked to oil prices.
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Ispace's lunar lander, Resilience, crashed on June 6 due to a malfunctioning laser rangefinder. This marks the second failure for the company in two years, as it aims for a successful moon landing in 2027 with NASA's cooperation.
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Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the 'Twitter killer,' was executed in Japan on June 27, 2025. He was sentenced to death for the 2017 murders of nine individuals, primarily targeting those who expressed suicidal thoughts on social media. This marks the first execution under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration since he took office in October 2024.
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At a shareholders' meeting on June 27, 2025, SoftBank's CEO Masayoshi Son announced his intention to lead the company for another decade while hinting at potential successors from within the organization. He emphasized the importance of ensuring SoftBank's growth beyond his leadership.
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Rauhin and her three daughters, Yuihin, Saihin, and Fuhin, have left Adventure World amusement park in Japan for the Chengdu Research Base in China. This departure leaves only two pandas in Japan, set to return to China next February. The event drew significant public attention, with thousands attending farewell ceremonies.
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The Japan Fair Trade Commission is considering a ¥200 million surcharge on Harley-Davidson Japan for violating antimonopoly laws by imposing unrealistic sales targets on dealers. The company allegedly pressured dealers to meet these targets, leading to unfair practices. A cease-and-desist order is also being contemplated.
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In Japan, the demand for 'jiko bukken' or 'misfortunate properties' is rising as real estate prices soar. Ghost investigator Kodama offers services to certify homes as free of paranormal activity, addressing buyer concerns about properties with tragic histories. This trend reflects changing attitudes towards such homes amid Japan's aging population and real estate market dynamics.