theTokyoBill Japan news brief

theTokyoBill Japan news brief, October 14 2024

In this episode: Japanese atomic bomb survivors awarded 2024 Nobel Peace Prize; New comet visible over Japan in October; Asia Power Index drops Japan to fourth place; South Korean exports aiming to overtake Japan’s; Police inspector pranks colleague; gets reprimanded

Broadcast on:: 14 Oct 2024
Audio Format:: other

A short (3-5 min.) English language news brief; stories from in and around Japan.

Music is Motivate by Wavecont, care of Pixabay.com.

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[Music] Welcome to the Tokyo Build, a short news brief on recent events in and around Japan. [Music] Nihon Hidankyo, a group of Japanese atomic bomb survivors, received the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in promoting a world-free of nuclear weapons. The committee wanted to honor all survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki and their peace advocacy. The committee warned about the dangers of nuclear weapon use, especially as more countries seek to obtain them. The award was praised by the Japanese Prime Minister and the European Commission President, and also acknowledged other activists like Nargis Mohammedi for their work in promoting social reforms. [Music] Comet Chuchinshan Atlas is set to be a rare sight in the western night sky in mid-October, becoming visible after sunset. Discovered in January, 2023, the comet is believed to have originated from the Wort Cloud and is making its first-ever approach to the Sun. Initially dimmed in June, it brightened again in September, developing a spectacular tail. Expected to reach its peak brightness around October 16th, the comet will be easiest to observe with binoculars. The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan predicts its brightness to range from a magnitude 1.5 to 4 by October 20th. Excitement surrounds this once-in-a-lifetime event, the comet not being expected to return from its journey towards the Sun. Japan has fallen to 4th place in the Asia-Pacific region, behind India, due to economic stagnation. The Asia Power Index evaluates nations' influence using 131 indicators, ranking the United States first, followed by China. Japan's technological advantage has declined against competitors like South Korea and China, leading to a decrease in foreign investment and declining productivity. However, Japan has seen a rise in defense networks with increased defense spending and training exercises with non-ally countries. India, with its youthful population, has improved significantly in rankings, along with Indonesia. Seoul is surpassing Tokyo in economic indicators, with Korea's exports growing rapidly and aiming to surpass Japan for the first time. Korea has excelled in international assessments and economic statistics like gross national income and national competitiveness. In 2024, Korea's exports reached $509 billion in the first nine months, with a 10.7% increase year-on-year. Experts believe Korea has the potential to outpace Japan in exports aiming for $700 billion in annual exports. The International Monetary Fund forecasts also predict higher gross domestic product per capita and real GDP growth per Korea compared to Japan, indicating Seoul's economic strength. In a case disclosed by the Kyoto Prefectural Police, a 50-year-old police chief inspector was admonished for having a hairdresser cut a pattern into a subordinate's hair without their consent. The chief inspector went with this subordinate to the salon they both patronized, beforehand arranging with the hairdresser to cut a circle and line design into their shaped head. The incident was uncovered by a co-worker, and the chief inspector was officially reprimanded by the police chief in late September. The chief inspector claimed he had intended the prank to be taken lightly, but admitted it went too far. This has been the Tokyo Bill. These stories and more you can read at thetokobill.com. I've been, and remain, Tokyo Bill. Thank you for listening, and take care. [Music]