January 18, 2025: Key News Highlights from Kyodo
A recent aerial photograph captured by a Kyodo News helicopter reveals a mountain fire in close proximity to a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) shooting range in Etajima, located in Hiroshima Prefecture, on January 17, 2025. The blaze ignited earlier that day when MSDF personnel were conducting underwater mine disposal training using explosives, which subsequently spread to the adjacent mountainside.
China to Impose Sentencing in Stabbing Incident Involving Japanese Nationals
A Chinese court is anticipated to deliver a sentence next week regarding a stabbing incident that occurred near Shanghai last June, injuring a Japanese mother and her child. The attack also resulted in the death of a Chinese bus attendant who attempted to intervene. This information was confirmed by a Japanese government source on Saturday. The initial hearing of the case, held at the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court earlier this month, was closed to the press.
Major League Baseball: Dodgers Sign Japanese Pitching Star
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached an agreement with Roki Sasaki, a promising young right-handed pitcher from Japan. Sasaki announced the news via an Instagram post on Friday. The 23-year-old, who has faced injury challenges, was posted by the Lotte Marines in December and chose the Dodgers after considering offers from other Major League Baseball teams, including the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees.
Natural Disasters Lead to Over 5,400 Deaths in Japan Due to Stress and Exhaustion
A report from Kyodo News indicates that more than 5,400 individuals have succumbed to severe stress and fatigue linked to evacuations following natural disasters in Japan over the past three decades. This figure, which includes deaths associated with the Noto Peninsula earthquake last year, has been recognized as "disaster-related deaths" since local governments began this classification following the Great Hanshin Earthquake on January 17, 1995.
Sino-U.S. Relations: Xi Jinping and Donald Trump Discuss Future Cooperation
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressed optimism for a positive beginning to their nations' relations during a telephone conversation on Friday, ahead of Trump's inauguration next week. Trump described the call as beneficial for the two largest economies in the world, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing global peace and safety.
7-Eleven Japan to Enhance Night Security Measures
In response to an increasing number of convenience stores operating overnight with only one employee due to a labor shortage, Seven-Eleven Japan Co. plans to bolster security measures. The new system will allow employees to control store access remotely, permitting entry when a sensor detects a customer at the door.
Sumo Wrestling: Hoshoryu Defeats Oho, Continues Promotion Bid
In the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, Ozeki Hoshoryu ended the unbeaten streak of No. 3 maegashira Oho, maintaining his aspirations for promotion. Hoshoryu achieved victory after a strong start at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, pushing Oho to the edge before executing a decisive rear push down.
Baseball: Aoyagi Signs Minor League Contract with Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that right-handed side-armer Koyo Aoyagi has signed a minor league contract, becoming a non-roster invitee for spring training. Aoyagi was posted by the Hanshin Tigers last December after a nine-season tenure with the team, and had to finalize a deal with an MLB club before the expiration of his 45-day posting window.
Retirement Announcement from Former Japan and Basel Forward Kakitani
Yoichiro Kakitani, a former forward for Japan and FC Basel, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35. Currently affiliated with J-League second division club Tokushima Vortis, Kakitani was a noteworthy player, having scored 21 goals during the 2013 J-League season and representing Japan at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he netted five goals in 18 appearances for the national team.
