News

The LDP's decision to field Mio Sugita in the Upper House election has sparked backlash due to her past discriminatory remarks, with concerns that her candidacy could cost the party votes. Despite criticism, Sugita has gained support from conservative constituents and the backing of former senior members of the Abe faction within the LDP.

A sociable ocean sunfish at the Kaikyokan aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, fell sick after the aquarium closed for renovations, but perked up after staff set up human cutouts to simulate visitors. The sunfish, whose sex and age are unknown, started showing signs of distress and weight loss in December, refusing to eat jellyfish and rubbing its head against the tank.

A study by JAMSTEC, the University of Tokyo, and Hokkaido University found that global warming is causing an increase in endangered Japanese eel larvae reaching rivers in Hokkaido. This phenomenon is attributed to changes in ocean currents, potentially leading to an increase in the eel population in the region but also raising concerns about the impact on the local ecosystem and the need for conservation efforts.

Japan Airlines has become the first airline to operate an international flight with a riblet-shaped coating on its aircraft, inspired by shark skin, which is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 119 tons and 381 tons respectively over a year. This innovative technology could pave the way for a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.

Opposition parties in Japan are demanding answers from the LDP about unreported political funds within party factions, particularly the Abe faction's practice of returning excess funds from fundraising parties without reporting it. They are questioning the purpose, use, and origin of these funds, as well as why the practice resumed after Abe stepped down.