Nikkei Plummets Below 39,000

TOKYO, Mar 11 (News On Japan) - Tokyo's stock market experienced a sharp drop, with Nikkei at one stage falling nearly 1,200 points, the largest decline of the year, before closing at 38,820 yen, down 868 yen from the end of last week.

Last week, the stock price broke through 40,000 yen for the first time.

The decline was caused by a "drop in semiconductor stocks" and "yen appreciation."

The stock price of Nvidia, a major American semiconductor company, fell sharply at the end of last week, affecting semiconductor-related stocks such as Tokyo Electron.

Additionally, following remarks from a Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy board member at the end of last week, the market has strengthened its view that the BOJ will abandon negative interest rates next week. This has led to an appreciation of the yen.

The yen strengthened to around 146.50 yen per dollar, leading to a sell-off in export-related stocks and a temporary decline of nearly 1200 points.

This Wednesday is the "biggest climax" of this year's spring labor negotiations, with concentrated responses from major corporations.

Will the BOJ move to end the negative interest rates that have been in place for eight years to escape deflation? With this critical decision ahead, stock prices may continue to fluctuate significantly.

Source: TBS

Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) Path Uncertain, Could Loop Toward Japan

As of 3 a.m. on October 6th, Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) was located over the sea south of the Ogasawara Islands, almost stationary, with a central pressure of 994 hPa and maximum winds near the center reaching 23 meters per second. The typhoon is forecast to gradually move north while intensifying, reaching peak strength between the 8th and 9th. However, the storm’s path remains uncertain, and weather authorities are urging the public to stay alert for new updates.

Tokyu Line Trains Collide and Derail in Kawasaki, Services Suspended

Train services on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line were suspended between Shibuya and Saginuma stations from the first train on October 6th after a collision and derailment occurred at Kajigaya Station in Kawasaki City late Sunday night. The accident has also affected parts of the Oimachi Line, with no clear timetable yet for when operations will resume.

Spanish Tourist Injured in Bear Attack at World Heritage Shirakawa-go

A Spanish tourist was attacked by a bear while visiting Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage village in Gifu Prefecture known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, on October 5th. The incident adds to a growing number of bear encounters reported across Japan in recent weeks.

Takaichi Wins Leadership Race, Declares All Must Work Like Horses

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Honey Trap Crimes Becoming More Malicious

A string of so-called “honey trap” cases is drawing attention across Japan as schemes once limited to extortion have become increasingly violent, involving physical assaults and life-threatening intimidation.

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