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Japan's government is grappling with record-low approval ratings as rising rice prices fuel public discontent ahead of national elections. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration faces pressure to cut the consumption tax, with a recent poll showing significant public support for tax relief measures. The ruling party remains resistant to these calls.
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A T-4 training aircraft from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force crashed into a reservoir shortly after takeoff from Komaki Air Base on May 14, 2025. The search for the two crew members continues, with some body parts recovered. Emergency inspections of similar aircraft have been initiated amid concerns over safety protocols.
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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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On May 30, 2025, Japan announced the resumption of seafood exports to China after a ban related to the Fukushima disaster. The agreement follows discussions between officials from both nations, with exports set to begin once Japan completes necessary registrations.
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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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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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China's simultaneous deployment of two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, in the Pacific has raised alarms in Japan. Close encounters between Chinese fighter jets and Japanese reconnaissance aircraft have prompted serious concerns about potential accidents and escalating tensions in the region as both nations navigate a delicate military balance.
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Japan has canceled its annual security talks with the US, originally scheduled for July 1, following a request from Washington to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP. This decision comes amid rising tensions over military commitments and upcoming elections in Japan.
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On June 24, 2025, Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force successfully fired a Type-88 missile from Hokkaido, marking a significant shift towards domestic military exercises. This test aims to enhance Japan's defense capabilities amid rising tensions with China and regional security concerns.