Voters cast ballots for Lower House election

Oct 27 (NHK) - Voters across Japan are having their say. They're deciding which lawmakers will fill the Diet's powerful Lower House. All polling stations are set to close later tonight, by 8 PM.

All 465 seats in the chamber are up for grabs. 289 will be decided in single-seat districts and 176 through proportional representation. The benchmark for a Lower House majority is 233.

The ruling coalition went into the election with 279 seats. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru says he'll consider victory to be a maintained majority for the Liberal Democratic Party and junior partner Komeito.

Noda Yoshihiko, who heads the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, wants to stop that from happening.

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

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Trump's Victory: The End of Traditional Media in America?

"Harris is merely the runner-up; her media 'cheerleaders' are licking their wounds and will take longer to recover. After all, they were the ones who worked hardest to bring down Trump—yet, after eight years of effort, they’re weaker and more embarrassed than ever before," wrote Elle Purnell, an editor at The Federalist and one of the few traditional media figures who staunchly support Trump.

Middle East tensions are a crude awakening for Japan’s energy security strategy

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Hyogo Governor Secures Re-Election

Former Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito has secured re-election following the gubernatorial election triggered by his resignation.

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