A candlelight vigil was held on January 22, 2025, near the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, marking the fourth anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons coming into effect.

Here are the significant news updates from Kyodo News:

Masahiro Nakai Exits Show Business Amid Controversy

In a surprising announcement, Masahiro Nakai, a prominent television host and former member of the popular boy band SMAP, declared his retirement from the entertainment industry following allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision came as broadcasts featuring Nakai were suspended, creating a wave of shock among his fans in Japan and across Asia. Nakai, 52, addressed his supporters through a message on his fan club website.

Chinese Court Sentences Man to Death for Bus Attack

A court in Suzhou, China, has sentenced a 52-year-old man to death for a knife attack that occurred near Shanghai last June. The assault resulted in injuries to a Japanese mother and her child, while a Chinese bus attendant lost his life attempting to intervene. The Suzhou Intermediate People's Court revealed that the assailant, identified as Zhou Jiasheng, had been struggling with debt and had expressed a desire to end his life.

Japan's Trade Deficit Narrows Significantly

Japan's trade deficit saw a remarkable reduction of 44% in 2024, totaling 5.33 trillion yen (approximately $34 billion). According to government data released on Thursday, this improvement is attributed to record-high exports, driven primarily by strong demand for vehicles and semiconductors. Despite the positive export trend, Japan's trade balance has remained negative for four consecutive years, largely due to rising energy prices increasing import expenses.

Nissan Cancels Electric Vehicle Production Plans

Nissan Motor Co. announced it has scrapped plans to manufacture a small electric vehicle (EV) model at its assembly facility in Mississippi. This vehicle was intended to be one of five EV models produced at the Canton plant starting in 2026. The company stated that the plant will instead concentrate on projects with higher production potential.

No Abnormalities Found in Seawater Near Fukushima, Says China

Chinese authorities reported no abnormalities in seawater samples collected in October near the Fukushima nuclear plant. This finding may pave the way for China to reconsider its total ban on seafood imports from Japan. According to the Global Times, a state-affiliated media outlet, research institutions in China found no significant radioactive concentrations of tritium, cesium-137, or strontium-90 in the samples.

Bank of Japan Likely to Raise Interest Rates

The Bank of Japan is anticipated to increase its policy interest rate from 0.25% to 0.5% in a two-day meeting that commenced Thursday. This decision is expected in light of the favorable outlook for wage increases during this year's annual salary negotiations. If implemented, this rate hike would mark the first adjustment since October 2008, during the global financial crisis.

Japanese Economy Maintains Positive Outlook

In January, the Japanese government maintained its assessment that the economy is experiencing moderate recovery, expressing a more optimistic view of the current business climate. In its monthly report, the Cabinet Office described the economy as recovering steadily, albeit with some areas showing signs of stagnation. This marks the sixth consecutive month of maintaining the same overall economic assessment.

Record High Condominium Prices in Central Tokyo

The average price of newly constructed condominiums in central Tokyo surpassed 100 million yen ($639,000) for the second consecutive year, influenced by persistent high costs for building materials. However, the average price slightly declined by 2.6% to 111.81 million yen per unit within the 23 wards of the capital, according to data from the Real Estate Economic Institute.

Additionally, a new station has opened at the venue for the Osaka 2025 World Expo, signaling ongoing developments in preparation for the international event.