Earthquake Triggers Minor Tsunami in Northeast Japan
TOKYO – A magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, leading to a minor tsunami that reached northeastern Japan. Although no significant damage was reported, the incident prompted the evacuation of some residents in coastal areas and temporarily halted shinkansen bullet train services.
The Japan Meteorological Agency initially reported the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.7 before revising it to 6.9. The tremor struck at 5:03 p.m. off the Sanriku coast, with an estimated depth of about 16 kilometers. An alert for a tsunami up to 1 meter was issued for Iwate Prefecture following the event.
Political Leader Arrested Over Defamation Allegations
KOBE – Takashi Tachibana, the leader of a Japanese political party known for his controversial statements, was arrested on Sunday. He is accused of defaming a critic of a candidate he supported in the Hyogo gubernatorial election last November.
Tachibana, who heads the NHK Party, which opposes Japan’s public broadcaster, is alleged to have spread false information about Hideaki Takeuchi, a member of the Hyogo prefectural assembly. The case has sparked discussions about freedom of speech and the responsibilities of political figures.
Eiji Tsuburaya Recognized as First Japanese in Visual Effects Hall of Fame
TOKYO – Eiji Tsuburaya, the filmmaker and founder of a production company responsible for the Ultraman superhero franchise, has been inducted into the U.S. Visual Effects Society’s Hall of Fame. This makes him the first Japanese individual to receive this honor.
Tsuburaya Productions Co. announced that its president, Masayuki Nagatake, attended the award ceremony in Los Angeles. Tsuburaya, often referred to as the “father of tokusatsu (special effects),” joins other notable inductees such as Walt Disney and Stanley Kubrick.
Dozens Missing After Boat Capsizes Off Malaysia
SINGAPORE – A boat believed to be carrying nearly 100 migrants, including members of Myanmar’s Rohingya community, capsized near the Malaysia-Thailand maritime border. One woman was found dead, and six people were rescued, according to Malaysian official media.
The survivors included three Myanmar men, two Rohingya men, and a Bangladeshi man. A Rohingya woman’s body was also discovered drifting at sea, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants in the region.
NTT Docomo Develops Technology to Measure Pain
TOKYO – Japan’s mobile carrier NTT Docomo Inc. has developed a system that can quantify both physical and mental pain experienced by individuals. The technology aims to address the challenge of varying pain sensitivity among people.
According to the company, this is the world’s first technology that converts difficult-to-express pain levels into perceptions that others can understand through an analysis of brainwaves.
Godzilla Installation to Welcome Travelers at Tokyo Airport
TOKYO – From late December, travelers departing from Tokyo for international flights will be greeted by the world’s largest indoor Godzilla installation at Haneda Airport. The monument, which depicts the reptilian monster bursting from a building, will measure about 40 meters long and 9 meters high.
It will be located in the departures lobby of Terminal 3, offering a unique attraction for passengers and visitors alike.
Sumo Tournament Features Upset Victory
FUKUOKA – Rising sumo talent Hakuoho made a sensational start to the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament by defeating yokozuna Hoshoryu at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Sunday.
In another match, fellow yokozuna Onosato easily overcame veteran komusubi Takayasu in the final bout of the opening day, showcasing the competitive nature of the tournament.
Thailand Struggles to Mend Relations with Cambodia
BANGKOK – Thailand faces a challenging task in repairing its relationship with Cambodia after a recent peace agreement signed in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. The accord aims to reduce tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors following a deadly border dispute.
However, skepticism remains regarding whether the expanded cease-fire agreement, signed in Malaysia on October 26, will lead to meaningful progress. The Thai government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, faces pressure from the public and military officials who question the effectiveness of the agreement amid rising nationalism.
VIDEO: Seaweed Farming in Southwestern Japan