Society

Kono: Japan supports Venezuela opposition leader

Feb 20 (NHK) - Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono says the country clearly supports Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president.

Kono was speaking at a news conference on Tuesday.

He said many people in the international community have raised concerns about the legitimacy of Venezuela's presidential election last year. He also said Japan's government has repeatedly asked the Venezuelan government to fulfill its accountability on the election, but that the responsibility has not been carried out. He added that a new presidential election has not been held as requested.

Guaido, the national assembly head, is supported by the United States and other major Western countries, while President Nicolas Maduro is backed by China and Russia.

Serial Cyanide Killer Chisako Kakehi Dies in Custody

Chisako Kakehi, 78, who was on death row for poisoning three men with cyanide compounds, has died while in custody, according to reports. Authorities believe she may have died of natural causes.

Countdown to the New Year: Best Times to Visit Shrines for ‘Hatsumode’

With only a week left until the New Year, people are preparing for "hatsumode," the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the year. However, the first three days of January see heavy crowds at popular spots. Strategic planning around timing and location can help avoid congestion and make for a quieter visit.

Drone Footage Reveals Izu's Abandoned Hotels

Abandoned hotels in Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula are becoming an increasing concern for local authorities. Once bustling with tourists during Japan’s economic boom, many hot spring resorts in Higashi-Izu Town have been left derelict, their structures crumbling and ownership unclear.

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

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Happiness Ritual at Osaka Shrine: Laughing for 20 Minutes to Welcome the New Year

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Chinese Man Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison Over Yasukuni Shrine Vandalism

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South Korean temple to return Buddhist statue stolen in Japan 'after service'

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Lawson Brings New Life to Rural Village With No Supermarket

A Lawson convenience store has opened in Ryujin Village, Wakayama Prefecture, bringing a much-needed lifeline to a rural community left without a supermarket. The store, which operates 24/7, was established through the passion of its owner, Atsushi Yamada, who sought to give back to the village where his grandfather was born.

Year-End Chaos in Shibuya: Street Drinking, Brawls, and Ambulance Dispatches

The streets of Shibuya became a chaotic scene during the year-end party season, with excessive drinking leading to public disorder. People were found sleeping on the streets, fights broke out among groups of young revelers, and police and emergency services were frequently called to intervene.

Santa Drops Presents Over Southern Islands

Santa takes to the skies, delivering presents to southern islands. From the rear of an open transport aircraft, boxes equipped with parachutes descend to the ground, marked by the glow of a blue light. These deliveries, bringing joy to residents of remote islands in the South Pacific, are part of an international joint exercise involving Japan's Air Self-Defense Force since 2015.

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