News

The discovery of a surge in endangered Japanese eel larvae reaching Hokkaido, attributed to climate-driven ocean current shifts, presents a glimmer of hope for the species' recovery. However, this development necessitates further research on the larvae's survival and growth in the new environment, alongside continued conservation efforts to safeguard their habitats and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Japanese eel population.

Discount store operator Trial Holdings Inc. will acquire supermarket company Seiyu Co. for about 380 billion yen ($2.5 billion), expanding its business areas to the Kanto and Chubu regions and making Seiyu a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition will boost Trial's annual sales to approximately 1.2 trillion yen, placing it among the top six domestic retailers.

The Liberal Democratic Party's decision to nominate controversial politician Mio Sugita, known for past discriminatory statements, for the upcoming Upper House election has led to internal criticism and public backlash. Although party leadership publicly condemned her past remarks, the final verdict regarding her nomination will be determined by voters in the election.

Japan dispatched the Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Akizuki through the Taiwan Strait as a deliberate political signal to China regarding its escalating military activity near Japanese waters. The Japanese government indicated it might continue similar missions if China's military actions persist.

Tensions are rising between Japan's ruling LDP and its coalition partner Komeito, with Komeito feeling increasingly overlooked and frustrated by the LDP's actions on issues like nuclear weapons and political funding. This discord raises concerns about the stability of the coalition and its ability to effectively govern.