Kyodo News Digest: June 11, 2024
Iga Swiatek, a tennis player from Poland, won the women’s singles title at the French Open tennis tournament on June 9, 2024. She celebrated her victory by kissing the victor’s trophy in Paris. This news was featured in the local newspaper as a highlight of the day.
Japan is facing economic challenges as its population continues to shrink rapidly. The government is focusing on sustaining wage hikes to combat deflation and ensure consistent economic growth of over 1 percent. Strategic investments and policies are being considered to address labor shortages and boost growth potential in the coming years until fiscal 2030.
Cases of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, caused by a “flesh-eating” bacterium, have reached a record high in Japan. The disease, associated with streptococcus pyogenes, has led to limb necrosis and multiple organ failure in some cases. The national infectious disease institute reported that the number of cases this year has already surpassed last year’s record.
In efforts to address the gender pay gap in Japan, the government is planning to require more companies to disclose wage data. Currently, companies with over 300 employees are mandated to release this information. The new policy blueprint aims to expand this requirement to all companies with more than 100 employees to promote women’s economic empowerment and reduce pay disparities.
Tensions between South Korea and North Korea escalated when North Korean soldiers crossed the border, prompting South Korean troops to fire warning shots. The soldiers quickly returned to their side of the border after warnings were broadcast and shots were fired in the air. The incident occurred in the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas.
Japan’s football team secured a dominant victory over Syria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, winning 5-0. The team finished the second round of qualifiers with six straight wins and zero goals conceded in Group B. Players like Ayase Ueda, Ritsu Doan, Yuki Soma, and Takumi Minamino contributed to the team’s success.
In April, a tragic collision of two Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol helicopters resulted in the death of seven crew members. The Defense Ministry declared them dead after extensive search and rescue efforts. Only one body has been recovered so far, raising the death toll to eight.
North Korea has been upgrading its ballistic missile operating bases, focusing on improving living conditions for troops and their families. Satellite images revealed changes in the bases over the past five years, indicating efforts to enhance the quality of life and morale among the Strategic Force troops.
Over 30 students at the Tokyo Korean School were hospitalized after being exposed to pepper spray in a classroom. Emergency workers responded to reports of eye pain and minor symptoms among the students. The incident highlighted the importance of safety measures in educational institutions.
A member of a Japanese criminal syndicate based in the Philippines was deported and arrested for theft upon returning to Japan. Takayuki Kagoshima, affiliated with the “JP Dragon” syndicate, was suspected of conspiring to steal cash cards in Japan. The syndicate had ties to a crime ring led by a Japanese man known as “Luffy,” responsible for burglaries across Japan.
A mayoral candidate’s campaign flyer in Utsunomiya, Japan, raised copyright concerns for resembling a poster from the “Slam Dunk” manga series. The flyer, featuring prominent figures in basketball uniforms, including Toshimitsu Motegi, may have violated copyright laws. The candidate, Mikio Kobayashi, faced scrutiny following his defeat in the mayoral election in Kanuma.
In Wakayama Prefecture, a memorial ceremony was held for the Ottoman frigate Ertugrul, honoring the lives lost in the maritime tragedy. The ceremony paid tribute to the historical significance of the frigate and its crew, commemorating their legacy in Japanese-Turkish relations.