TOKYO – The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.
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Japan, New Zealand eye signing defense supply-sharing pact in talks in Dec.
TOKYO – Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is considering meeting his New Zealand counterpart Judith Collins in Tokyo in mid-December, with the signing of a defense supply-sharing pact eyed on the occasion, sources familiar with the matter said Saturday.
The talks, which will possibly take place on Dec. 18, are aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the face of China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. The two are also expected to discuss their efforts toward sealing a pact for the exchange of classified security information.
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ANA cancels 95 domestic flights due to Airbus software problem
TOKYO – All Nippon Airways Co. said Saturday that it has canceled 95 of its domestic flights due to a software problem reportedly affecting thousands of Airbus SE planes worldwide.
With 34 of ANA’s A320 jets requiring a software fix, the cancellations are expected to impact about 13,200 passengers using Haneda airport in Tokyo, as well as those in Akita, Saga, Tottori and other prefectures, the airline said.
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Japanese “One Piece” singer stopped mid-performance in Shanghai event
BEIJING – A Japanese singer whose songs feature in the popular anime “One Piece” was forced to stop performing on stage in Shanghai on Friday, the latest disruption in events involving Japanese artists in China amid a bilateral diplomatic row.
Maki Otsuki had been slated to perform for two days from Friday at the Bandai Namco Festival 2025, but her management posted a statement on her website Saturday that she had to “suddenly stop performing due to unavoidable circumstances” on Friday.
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Percentage of Japanese who see ties with U.S. as “good” declining: survey
TOKYO – The percentage of Japanese who perceived the country’s relations with the United States as “good” fell to the lowest level in 17 years, a government survey showed Friday, apparently reflecting the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
The latest drop to 70.8 percent from the October 2024 poll’s 85.5 percent marked the most negative evaluation since 2008, when the ratio fell below 70 percent.
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H.K. high-rise complex fire kills at least 128, blast “largely put out”
HONG KONG – The death toll from Hong Kong’s most fatal fire in decades has risen to 128 after two days, with about 80 people injured and the blaze “largely put out,” local authorities said Friday, as the search for more victims continues throughout the smoldering high-rise residential complex.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang said authorities are not ruling out more bodies being found. Meanwhile, dozens of people are being treated in hospital.
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Japan insurer offers product to cover lost profits due to bear intrusions
TOKYO – A Japanese insurance company will begin selling a product for tourist businesses that covers lost profits in an event they are temporarily unable to operate due to bear intrusions.
The product, which will be launched in December by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., is the first of its kind in the industry, covering economic damages caused by bear appearances and targeting operators of lodging facilities, golf courses, campgrounds, and other leisure businesses.
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Imperial Palace in Tokyo opens section for public to view fall foliage
TOKYO – The Imperial Palace in Tokyo opened its Inui Street to the public for fall foliage viewing on Saturday, allowing visitors to stroll among colorful maple trees until Dec. 7.
Around 500 people had gathered when the 750-meter route from the Sakashita gate to the Inui gate opened at 9 a.m., with many pausing to take photos of the red and yellow leaves with their smartphones. No advance registration is required.
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Football: Tanikawa shines as Japan overwhelm Canada in home friendly
NAGASAKI – Momoko Tanikawa scored and set up another as Japan cruised past Canada 3-0 in a women’s international football friendly on Saturday.
Nadeshiko Japan, ranked eighth in the world, got their first win over non-Asian opponents since winning the SheBelieves Cup in February as Mina Tanka and Aoba Fujino also got on the scoresheet at Peace Stadium in Nagasaki Prefecture.
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Video: “Hina” dolls of 2025 newsmakers
AloJapan.com