Society

Fitch downgrades Japan's credit outlook

Jul 29 (NHK) - Analysts at Fitch Ratings say the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has prompted them to cut their outlook for Japan's credit rating.

They say they've lowered the projection from "stable" to "negative."

The analysts say Japan's early success in containing the virus hasn't been able to stop a sharp economic contraction.

They say the decision to issue more deficit bonds in an effort to spur growth will lead to an increase in financial vulnerability.

Despite the change in outlook, the analysts kept their single A rating in place. That's the 6th-highest level. They cited Japan's current account surplus for that decision.

Ratings agency S&P also recently downgraded its debt outlook for Japan, lowering it from "positive" to "stable."

Ishiba Shigeru elected LDP leader

Ishiba Shigeru has been elected leader of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The former LDP Secretary-General is now virtually assured of becoming the next prime minister. (NHK)

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

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New Red Lights for Japan's Police Cars

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Over 300 New Geoglyphs Discovered by Yamagata University in Nazca

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