7 Imperial family members to attend Abe's state funeral

TOKYO, Sep 22 (NHK) - Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and five other Imperial family members will attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo next week.

Japan's Imperial Household Agency announced on Wednesday that the funeral will also be attended by Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino; Princess Tomohito of Mikasa and her eldest daughter, Princess Akiko; and Princess Takamado and her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, as well as Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, will not attend the event but instead dispatch representatives and offer flowers.

Japan Plans to Raise Teacher Pay

Japan's Finance Ministry presented a plan on November 11th during the Fiscal System Council to gradually increase the 'teacher adjustment allowance' --currently awarded as a substitute for overtime pay -- from its current 4% of monthly salary to 10% over a span of five years.

Satellite Malfunction Leaves Japan Weather Images Unavailable

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Watami Acquires Subway, Aims to Open 3,000 Stores in Japan

Major izakaya chain operator Watami has acquired Subway Japan in a large-scale acquisition it views as a 'second founding,' aiming to establish a foothold in the fast-food market.

Skytree Begins 'Real-Time Translator'

Tokyo Skytree has started a pilot project for a 'Real-Time Translator' that can display up to 100 languages.

Mt. Fuji Trials Electric Self-Driving Buses

An autonomous driving experiment for electric vehicle (EV) buses is underway in mountainous terrain for the first time in Japan.

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