theTokyoBill Japan news brief

theTokyoBill Japan news brief, October 25 2025

In this episode: Tokyo International Film Festival begins next week; Bus accident in Malaysia, one Japanese dead; COVID-19 death toll exceeds 30K since restrictions relaxed; Three billion yen in zero-interest loans lost; First 2024 Beaujolais shipment reaches Japan; New canned Yamazaki cocktail released by Suntory

Broadcast on:: 25 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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(upbeat music) - Welcome to the Tokyo Bill, a short news brief on recent events in and around Japan. The Tokyo International Film Festival, or TIF, is evolving for its 37th edition, emphasizing international exchange, supporting new filmmakers, and highlighting female perspectives. The festival has moved to Tokyo's Hibiya Ginza District, revamped its program, and collaborated with renowned filmmakers like Palm Door winner Hirokazu Kotaeda. This year's festival will showcase 120 films with a focus on Asian cinema, as well as a women's empowerment section featuring films by female directors. Initiatives like the TIF Teens Program and master classes aim to nurture future talent. TIF has secured funding through crowdfunding, and aims to establish itself as a hub for the Asian film industry. In Malaysia, a Japanese tourist died and 12 others were injured when their tour bus collided with a truck. The incident occurred in Perak State, while the bus was en route to the Cameron Highlands. The victims, all senior citizens from Japan, were taken to the hospital after the crash. The cause is under investigation. JTB Corporation, the travel agency involved, express condolences and is assisting with support for passengers and their families. The bus is reported as having met safety standards and was hired by a local operator. In Japan, more than 30,000 people died of COVID-19 in the first year after guidelines were lifted, exceeding deaths from influenza by 14 times. The majority of deaths were among those aged 65 and older. The government removed quarantine requirements for positive cases to normalize activities. Virology professor Hitoshi Oshitani emphasized the need to reduce deaths in an aging society. Financial support for COVID-19 treatment ended in April. New variants continue to be a concern with deaths decreasing in 2023 due to vaccination and immunity. Oshitani urged the government to provide financial aid for testing and vaccination for the elderly. In related news, the Japanese government's board of audit has found that about $3.1 billion of the $9.45 billion in interest-free loans provided to households during the coronavirus pandemic is unrecoverable. The loans were more lenient in criteria compared to existing low-interest loans with no plan for financial independence required. While repayments began in January 2023, deferrals have occurred due to reasons such as unemployment and delinquencies. The welfare ministry has received 140,000 repayment waiver applications as of August 2024. And plans to begin repayment for $2 billion worth of loans in January. The first shipment of Bojolei Novo wine from France arrived in Tokyo and Osaka. Importer Santori received 2,640 bottles at Haneda Airport. More shipments are expected at airports across Japan in the coming weeks. The first bottle will be on court at midnight on November 21st and will be sold for 3,256 yen or roughly $25 US. Japan traditionally celebrates the arrival of Bojolei Novo ahead of other countries hosting midnight parties. Santori plans to import 457,000 bottles this year, a 17% increase from the previous year. The record for sales in Japan was in 2004 with 12.5 million bottles. Although not really considered high class due to artificial flavorings and cheap alcohol, canned cocktails have been around in Japan for years. However, Santori is releasing what they call a premium canned highball featuring their prized single malt Yamazaki whiskey. Yamazaki whiskey is known for its deep flavor and has been popularized due to its association with whiskey highballs. With a richer flavor, 9% alcohol content and a price of 600 yen, this premium highball is stronger and more expensive than typical canned cocktails in Japan. 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. (upbeat music)