News

Toyota has postponed the construction of a lithium-ion battery factory in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, citing sluggish demand for electric vehicles in the global market and higher construction costs due to rising material and labor expenses. The company is also considering delaying the release of its first next-generation electric vehicle model, a sedan from the luxury Lexus brand, to ensure the quality of new technologies involved.

Opposition leader Yuichiro Tamaki sparked controversy by suggesting that foreigners should not receive the same medical benefits as Japanese citizens, despite data showing foreigners account for a small fraction of healthcare expenditures. His remarks have been criticized as xenophobic and have fueled debate about the national health insurance program.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams finally returned to Earth after a nine-month stay on the International Space Station, thanks to a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched their replacements earlier in the day. Their return was delayed due to issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule, but they remained positive and continued to work diligently aboard the space station.

A group of researchers gained rare access to the Daisen "kofun" burial mound, a keyhole-shaped structure dating back to the fifth century, marking the first time scholars were allowed to enter the sacred site since the postwar era. The researchers hope to share their findings with the public and encourage the Imperial Household Agency to expand access to the site for further observation and potential public visitation.

Japan's Lower House passed the initial budget for fiscal 2025, marking a victory for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's minority government after revisions secured support from the opposition Nippon Ishin party. The budget includes record spending and measures like free high school education, but faces challenges including addressing unreported political funds within the LDP and debating the issue of separate surnames for married couples.