Takara Tomy Recalls 40,000 Tomica Toys After Child Injuries

TOKYO, Sep 09 (News On Japan) - Takara Tomy announced on September 8th that it is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 units of the "Grand Mall Tomica Building (Tomica 55th Anniversary Special Edition)," which was released in July. The decision follows two reported cases in which children injured their fingers after they became caught in the rotating parts of the central "spiral elevator."

In addition, a product survey found 12 other instances where respondents said fingers had been caught in the same area. The company will provide refunds to customers who purchased the toy.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Japan to Release Oil Reserves as Early as March 16

Japan plans to release petroleum reserves as early as March 16 in response to surging crude oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the government also aiming to keep the nationwide average gasoline price at around 170 yen per liter.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Vessel Damaged in Persian Gulf, No Injuries Reported

A container ship owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines that had remained in the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was found to have sustained damage, although no injuries were reported among the crew.

Japan Approves Travel Authorization System

The Japanese government approved a bill on March 10th to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act to establish an electronic travel authorization system called JESTA that would screen foreign visitors before they arrive in Japan.

Mid-Winter Temperatures Return, Snow Falls in Central Tokyo

A blast of midwinter-like cold returned to the Kanto region, bringing rare March snowfall as Utsunomiya recorded its heaviest snow in 21 years for the month, while snow also fell in central Tokyo.

Two Men Fall While Climbing Mount Fuji

Two men fell while climbing Mount Fuji shortly before 3 p.m. on March 9th near the New Seventh Station, as authorities launched a rescue operation on the mountain where summit routes remain closed for the winter season.

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Japan Prepares Strategic Oil Release

The government has instructed domestic oil reserve bases to prepare for a possible release of stockpiled crude as tensions surrounding the Middle East raise concerns about energy supply and the broader industrial impact, including disruptions to ethylene production used in food packaging.

Asahi Profit Slumps Over 26%

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Tokyo Stocks Plummet in Monday Selling Frenzy

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei Stock Average closed sharply lower on March 9th, falling 2,892 points from last week’s close to finish at 52,728, marking the third-largest decline in its history amid a surge in global crude oil prices tied to tensions involving Iran.