Stories from Japan

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on May 7 that an increasing number of Japanese people oppose the Japanese government's efforts to amend the constitution. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on the 7th that increasing numbers of Japanese citizens oppose the Koizumi government's path to constitutional amendment. This reflects opposition to the push for constitutional revision by Japanese right-wing forces. A crowd gathered on a Tokyo street corner, holding drenched posters and flags with a simple message: 'No war.' Protest messages against Japan becoming a war-capable nation featured a simple 'No war' message written in big, bold Japanese characters.

A speaker expressed concern that Japan might repeat past mistakes due to the Prime Minister's perceived failure to seriously reflect on history. A commentator expressed shame that 'Takashi,' implied to be Japan's Prime Minister, has not seriously reflected on the past, leading to concerns that Japan might resume exporting weapons that can be used to kill people.

The ancestral remains of seven indigenous Ainu people have been returned to Japan after more than 100 years. The remains had been housed at London's Natural History Museum, where they were taken for research.

An actor, initially unenthusiastic about an audition, was cast in a Kamen Rider role. The actor confirmed for a major Kamen Rider role is highly popular, drawing large crowds of fans, including at Kanazawa station. The movie featuring Kaname Jun in his Kamen Rider role has now been released in theaters. The Kamen Rider movie featuring Kaname Jun was filmed approximately half a year after the decision to produce it. Actor Kaname Jun encountered an overwhelming number of fans at Kanazawa Station after the movie's release, making it difficult for him to move. The film's release has drawn fan attention, with actor Kaname Jun reportedly encountering too many fans at Kanazawa Station to walk freely. Fans were so numerous at Kanazawa Station that movement was difficult, reinforcing the overwhelming response to the movie.

Japan's Prime Minister holds an approval rating between 53% and 70% in recent polls. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a super majority in the lower house election in February, giving the Prime Minister a dominant majority.

Upon taking office, a new leader named Ishiba has placed the economy high on her agenda. Her administration's moves are intended to create what Takahashi calls a 'high-pressure economy.' This approach involves fiscal expansionary policies to increase aggregate demand.

Archaeologists have observed that the production of Dogu figurines accelerated during times of crisis. This observation has led to the hypothesis that these figurines are linked to collective anxieties.

A discussion highlighted the past merger of Fuji Bank, Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, and Industrial Bank of Japan, noting that these three banks became one.

The music video for Noguchi Aya's song "Suddenly Fun and Forgetting to Breathe 2" was filmed and edited by the members themselves.

Prime Minister Sanae Takachi, who took office in October, hopes to amend Article 9 of Japan's constitution. This clause is known as the pacifist clause, adopted after World War II instead of a traditional military. Takachi stated that "times have changed" regarding the constitution. This declaration addresses Japan's national identity as a peaceful country.