Society

Streets in Shibuya ready for New Year's countdown

Dec 31 (NHK) - A section near Tokyo's Shibuya railway station will be made a vehicle-free promenade for the upcoming New Year's countdown.

Tokyo police will close streets around Shibuya's famous pedestrian crossing to vehicle traffic from 9 PM on the New Year's Eve to 2 AM on New Year's Day.

The police introduced the measure last year to prevent incidents and accidents as crowds of young Japanese and foreign revelers gather.

Large riot police buses will be parked sideways around the station to block vehicles that might be used for a terror attack. The blockade is in response to a string of vehicle attacks in crowded parts of cities outside Japan.

An emergency response team with an elite firearms unit will be on standby to respond to any contingency.

Ishiba Announces New Cabinet Lineup

New Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Ishiba is moving forward with personnel appointments, aiming to appoint former Defense Minister Iwaya as the new Foreign Minister.

Two powerful storms approaching Japan

Japanese weather officials say that over the next few days Typhoon Krathon will likely approach the southwestern islands of Okinawa Prefecture. (NHK)

Tateyama Alpine Route Awash in Autumn Colors, Set to Peak in October

Autumn foliage is advancing early in the Tateyama region of the Northern Alps in Toyama Prefecture, with vibrant red and yellow hues starting to appear.

Hakamada Case Ends With Acquittal After 58 Years

The Hakamada case, a decades-long legal struggle, ended with an acquittal for Iwao Hakamada (88), who, along with his sister Hideko, fought for 58 years. Hakamada was suspected of the 1966 murder of a miso company executive’s family.

Japan launches information-gathering satellite on H2A rocket

A Japanese government information-gathering satellite has successfully been put into a planned orbit around Earth. (NHK)

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New Red Lights for Japan's Police Cars

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Former 'Breaking Down' Representative Arrested in Fake Investment Scheme

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Woman in Floral Mini-Skirt Targets Zoo Outlets with Mysterious Tape

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