News

Japan sent a destroyer through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in February, a move seen as a response to China's growing military presence in the region. The Akizuki's passage through the strait, which is considered international waters by most countries but disputed by China, was the second such mission by an MSDF destroyer in recent months.

SoftBank Corp. and the University of Electro-Communications are collaborating on SureTalk, an AI-powered app that translates sign language into text, aiming to bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities. The app has been used in municipal governments and events like the Tokyo Deaflympics, with hopes for wider adoption in public spaces.

Opposition parties in Japan are scrutinizing the LDP over unreported political funds, particularly focusing on the Abe faction's practice of returning excess fundraising money to lawmakers without reporting it. This follows accusations against former education minister Shimomura for allegedly instructing the resumption of this practice.

The Japanese government has begun releasing its massive stockpile of rice to combat soaring prices, with the first batch of 12 tons being distributed on March 18th. The government plans to release a total of 70,000 tons of stockpiled rice, with the aim of bringing down prices and benefiting consumers.

A reconstructed bust of a woman who lived in Tottori around 1,800 years ago was unveiled at the Aoya Kamijichi Historical Park, offering a glimpse into the facial features of a Yayoi period individual. The bust, based on DNA analysis of the woman's skull, reveals a striking appearance with light skin, straight hair, and double eyelids.