News On Japan

Takaichi Launches Into First Major Diet Battle After 3 a.m. Study Session

TOKYO, Nov 08 (News On Japan) - The Budget Committee of the House of Representatives opened on November 7th, with Prime Minister Takaichi facing her first full-scale debate since taking office.

Reporting live from the National Diet Press Center, Fuji TV political correspondent Mako Fukuda said Takaichi entered the session after holding an intensive study meeting starting at 3 a.m., reflecting the administration’s view that “the first round is critical” in setting the tone for her leadership.

During the session, Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Masahiro Takamura asked about the government’s approach to responsible fiscal expansion to boost economic recovery. Takaichi responded: “Our top priority is securing people’s livelihoods and tackling rising prices. When households are struggling, the economy cannot become strong.”

Emphasizing the need for growth as the foundation for fiscal sustainability, Takaichi reiterated, “Without growth, we cannot secure the sustainability of public finances. We must build a strong economy at all costs.”

Addressing ongoing bear attacks across the country, she added, “This is a matter of life and death. We will act swiftly and implement necessary measures step by step.”

In the afternoon, the Constitutional Democratic Party is set to take the floor, preparing to intensify its questioning over corporate and organizational political donations, signaling a heated exchange ahead.

Source: FNN

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A 69-year-old security guard was lightly injured on November 28th when he was attacked by a bear inside a public restroom located in front of JR Numata Station in Gunma Prefecture.

The Chinese Embassy in Japan reiterated its call for citizens to refrain from traveling to the country after issuing a renewed advisory on November 26th, warning on social media that those already in Japan should take extra precautions to stay safe as embassy officials report a rise in requests for assistance from Chinese nationals who say they have faced discrimination since July.

Tokyo announced on November 26th that it will overhaul its lodging tax system by replacing the current fixed-rate structure with a uniform tax equivalent to 3% of accommodation fees, a move intended to respond to sharply rising hotel prices.

Onagawa in Miyagi Prefecture issued a warning on social media after receiving what was believed to be a photo of a bear spotted in town, but the image was later revealed to be a fake created with generative AI.

A powerful earthquake struck the Aso region of Kumamoto at around 6:01 p.m. on November 25th, toppling a residential gate in Aso City and scattering roof tiles across the road, while rockfalls and damage were reported in nearby areas.

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