Society

Japan govt. changes Japanese spelling of Ukraine capital Kyiv

Apr 01 (NHK) - The Japanese government has decided to change the Japanese spelling of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, adopting the spelling based on the Ukrainian pronunciation instead of the one based on the Russian language.

Starting on Friday, all official documents will use the revised spelling in the Japanese katakana alphabet.

Other Japanese names of Ukrainian cities with Russian-based spelling are also being changed to those based on the Ukrainian language.

Calls were coming from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to do so, on the view that it is not appropriate to use the Russian-based spelling for the Ukrainian capital at a time when Russia is invading Ukraine.

The foreign ministry consulted with the Ukrainian government on the issue.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in Twitter that he appreciates Japan's decision and hopes other countries will follow.

Earlier in 2020, NHK World changed the Ukrainian capital's English spelling to "Kyiv," in response to a request from the Ukrainian government. The capital used to be spelled as "Kiev."

Japan's incoming prime minister announces snap election on October 27

Japan's incoming prime minister Ishiba Shigeru will officially assume his post at the Diet on Tuesday. He says he will call a snap election on October 27. (NHK)

Renowned Satirical Illustrator Shōji Yamatō Passes Away at 87

Illustrator and satirical artist Shōji Yamatō passed away on Monday morning due to natural causes. He was 87 years old. In his renowned column for the Weekly Asahi, which started in 1976, he became famous for his distinctive caricatures of politicians and public figures, gaining popularity through his sharp social satire.

'Sugar Baby Riri' Gets Reduced Sentence

In the trial of Mai Watanabe, also known as 'Sugar Baby Riri' or 'Itadakijoshi Riri-chan,' the Nagoya High Court has handed the defendant a sentence of 8 years and 6 months in prison, six months less than the initial trial's verdict, along with a fine.

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.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Hammer-Wielding Man Still at Large

A violent home invasion occurred in a quiet neighborhood near Tokyo's Nishi-Kokubunji Station early Monday morning. A female resident, awakened by noises at her front door, encountered two men, who struck her with a hammer and bound her with adhesive tape.