Society

Japan aims to triple 5G population coverage in 2 years

Mar 30 (NHK) - The Japanese government is aiming to triple the availability of high-speed 5G wireless services over the next two years. The plan is to cover 95 percent of the population by March 2024.

Mobile carriers have prioritized expanding their networks in urban areas since the launch of 5G in 2020.

But only 30 percent of the population has access to the new technology.

The communications ministry consulted telecom firms and has set a goal of achieving 95 percent coverage by the end of fiscal 2023. It wants to get to 97 percent by fiscal 2025, and 99 percent by fiscal 2030.

Japan Mobility Show Opens, Toyota Unveils Century Coupe

The Japan Mobility Show opened on October 29th, marking the start of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition, where foreign manufacturers are stepping up their entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

Takaiichi and Trump Emphasize Importance of Japan-U.S. Alliance

Prime Minister Takaiichi’s first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Trump drew high praise from officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, who described the atmosphere as friendly and open. According to government sources, the two leaders addressed each other by their first names, “Sanae” and “Donald,” a gesture that one senior official called “120 points,” underscoring the success of the meeting.

Woman Found Dead Near Rice Field in Akita, Bear Attack Suspected

An elderly woman was found dead in a roadside ditch in Akita City on October 27th, with police investigating the possibility that she was attacked by a bear. A local resident discovered the woman lying face down in a drainage channel around 11 a.m. and called emergency services.

Nikkei Closes Above 50,000 for the First Time Ever

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at 50,512 yen on October 27th, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time in history and setting a new all-time high. The benchmark index rose 1,212 yen from the previous trading day, driven by strong gains across sectors.

McDonald's Japan to End Paper Straws

McDonald's Japan announced it will phase out the use of paper straws and introduce new lids that allow customers to drink directly from the cup without a straw starting on November 19th.

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Car Crashes Into Dealership in Gunma

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Trump Meets Japan's Emperor for First Time in Six Years

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Guinness Record Set in Sapporo for Largest Sentence Made from Bottle Caps

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Tokyo Court Rules Workplace Use of '-chan' as Sexual Harassment

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Nagoya High Court Confirms Acquittal in Cannabis Case

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Man Dies Trying to Save Elderly Couple From Bear

A 38-year-old man was killed on October 24th in the village of Higashinaruse, Akita Prefecture, after attempting to rescue a couple in their seventies who were being attacked by a bear.

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