Society

Hideki Matsui elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

Jan 16 (NHK) - Former Japanese baseball star Hideki Matsui has become the youngest inductee into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

The 43-year-old Matsui, nicknamed "Godzilla," was elected on Monday. This is his first year of eligibility.

Before Matsui, Hideo Nomo was the youngest inductee. He was elected at the age of 45 in 2014.

After graduating from high school, Matsui spent 10 seasons in Japan's professional league playing outfield for the Yomiuri Giants.

During this time, he led the league in homeruns and runs-batted-in 3 times.

He then moved to the majors and played for the New York Yankees. In 2009, he became the first Japanese player to be named World Series MVP.

During his career in Japan and the US, he hit 507 homeruns. He retired from professional baseball in 2012.

Akita Woman Becomes 13th Bear Victim

Japan’s record-breaking bear crisis has entered a new and deadly phase, with authorities confirming that a 79-year-old woman missing in Akita Prefecture was found dead in the mountains, believed to be the 13th fatality from bear attacks this year.

Second Bird Flu Case of the Season, Massive Culling Underway

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, prompting authorities to begin culling operations on Sunday afternoon.

Japan Faces Legal Hurdles in Deploying Military for Bear Control

Japan’s worsening bear problem has prompted calls for national intervention, but legal and operational barriers have complicated the government’s response. In 2025, bear attacks have reached record levels, leaving 12 people dead—double the previous high of six fatalities in 2023.

Moths Threaten Kyoto’s Famous Bamboo Shoots

Kyoto’s prized bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy that graces dining tables each spring, are facing an unprecedented crisis this year. The culprit is the Chinese bamboo moth (Sinachiku nomeiga), whose larvae feed on bamboo leaves, weakening the plants and severely reducing harvest yields.

Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

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Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

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Hachiko Statue Sealed Off Ahead of Halloween in Shibuya

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