Society

SDF chief apologizes for Iraq records scandal

Apr 06 (NHK) - The head of Japan's Self-Defense Forces has apologized for the delay in reporting the discovery of the daily logs of their activities in Iraq.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, SDF Joint Staff Chief Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano said then-Defense Minister Tomomi Inada and other officials should have been told immediately when the documents were discovered in March last year. He said the SDF has to take the blame.

Kawano also said he believes the SDF remains under civilian control, but many people think this is not the case and their criticism must be taken seriously.

He added that there appears to be a lack of understanding among SDF personnel about the serious nature of information disclosure and its potential consequences.

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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Three Men Break into Paris Home of Japanese Michelin Star Chef

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Australia nabs four Japanese for smuggling cigarettes

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Hakamada Case Ends With Acquittal After 58 Years

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

Strange incidents involving a woman placing black tape on outlets have been occurring around zoos in the Izu area of Shizuoka Prefecture.

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