Japanese Astronaut Onishi Becomes ISS Commander

Apr 19 (News On Japan) - Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has been appointed commander of the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the third Japanese to assume the role.

"I took over command of the International Space Station on April 18th, 2025, and officially became the commander," said Onishi.

A change-of-command ceremony was held aboard the ISS on April 18th, during which Onishi became the third Japanese national to take command of the station.

In his remarks, Onishi stated, "I believe this appointment is recognition by the international community of Japan's contributions to manned space exploration, and a sign of the expectations for our future."

Onishi arrived at the ISS last month aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. He is scheduled to remain on the station for six months, conducting various space experiments, including those in the Japanese experiment module Kibo.

Source: TBS

LDP-Komeito Coalition Collapses

Komeito leader Saito informed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Takaichi on October 10 that his party intends to withdraw from their coalition, bringing an end to a political partnership that has lasted 26 years, including periods when the LDP was in opposition. Leaders and secretary-generals of both parties met in the Diet at 1:45 p.m. on October 10 to discuss whether to continue the alliance, with Komeito insisting during the meeting that strengthening regulations on corporate and organizational political donations be accepted as a condition for maintaining the coalition.

Rain And Winds To Intensify Across Japan As Typhoon No. 23 Approaches

Japan is bracing for unsettled weather through the upcoming three-day holiday weekend, with Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) expected to influence conditions across much of the country while a seasonal front brings widespread rain to eastern regions. Forecasters say the rain will begin expanding on October 11, with showers intensifying across eastern and northeastern Japan during the day as a stationary front approaches, while easterly winds feeding into the system are also likely to bring rain to parts of the Pacific side of western Japan.

Deadly Tick-Borne Virus Detected in Tokyo Dog for First Time

Tokyo has confirmed its first case of a dog infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first time an animal infection has been recorded in the capital.

Why Are Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 22 Leaves Hachijo Island Devastated with Roofs Torn Off and Roads Blocked

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

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MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

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Osaka University’s Professor Shimon Sakaguchi has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering regulatory T cells that suppress excessive immune reactions, a landmark finding that has brought excitement to colleagues, students, and the medical community.

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Osaka University Professor Sakaguchi Wins Nobel Prize

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Osaka University Doctor Pioneers Brain Interface Technology

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Vast hillsides have been cleared for the construction of a large-scale solar power facility in Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture, leaving piles of felled trees scattered across the slopes. The development covers approximately 146 hectares, or the size of 32 Tokyo Domes, and involves cutting down about 365,000 trees to make way for 470,000 solar panels.

Huge Whirlwind Appears Off Japan's Northern Coast

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