theTokyoBill Japan news brief

theTokyoBill Japan news brief, November 1 2024

In this episode: 2024 rice production on positive track; Fuji lake’s salmon under threat from invasive trout; Johnny Somali assaulted during livestream; Cycling regulations beefed up, harsh penalties for “distracted cycling”; Latest North Korean missile test marks longest flight to date

Duration:: 4m
Broadcast on:: 01 Nov 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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Welcome to the Tokyo Bell, a short news brief on recent events in and around Japan. Japan's rice production for 2024 is expected to exceed demand with 6.8 million tons forecasted to compare to estimated demand of 6.74 million tons. Private sector rice inventories are also expected to improve, potentially easing recent supply shortages and price surges. However, the price of rice may remain high due to inflation impacting production costs. Demand is expected to decrease in the long term, despite recent growth attributed to slower price increases and increased consumption in restaurants. Experts warn of a potential downturn in demand due to the reversal impact of rising prices and increased demand this year. The decline of Sakai salmon in Lake Motosu, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is being attributed to predation by invasive lake trout. The decrease in fish numbers has led to reduced revenue from fishing licenses. To address the issue, the Lake Motosu Fisheries Cooperative Association released only larger sized fish farm salmon into the lake and canceled the autumn fishing season. The prefectural government has banned the release of lake trout and efforts are being made to eliminate the invasive species and protect the population of other trout species in nearby lakeside. Other prefectures have also implemented measures to prevent the spread of alien fish species. Japanese ex-convict and YouTube prankster Johnny Somali has recently faced controversy in South Korea. During a live stream he was attacked on the street by a man, yet continued his broadcast with his head bandage. Somali was previously convicted in Japan for disruptive behavior and also caused uproar in Israel for harassing a female police officer. During his time in South Korea, Somali engaged in unruly behavior in public places, including playing obscene videos in public, throwing food in a restaurant and other anti-social acts, leading to his being assaulted in the street. Local media reported mixed reactions from social media users with some condemning the violence, others supporting it. Japan has tightened traffic regulations for bicycles with a revised road traffic law in effect. The new rules banned distracted cycling and imposed stricter penalties for using mobile devices while riding, including up to one year in prison, or a fine of 300,000 yen. Cyclists under the influence of alcohol face penalties if their breath alcohol level exceeds 0.15 milligrams per liter. MoPeds that have both pedals and motor engines are now classified as motorbikes. The National Police Agency reports over 49,000 bicycle-related accidents this year, with 126 attributed to distracted cycling. North Korea claimed to have test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile called the Kua Song-19, with leader Kim Jong Un expressing satisfaction at the successful test. The missile was fired towards the Sea of Japan, reaching a maximum altitude of 7,700 kilometers and flying a distance of 1,000 kilometers. The test showcased North Korea's advanced missile capabilities with the Kua Song-19 being a solid fuel missile that enhances preemptive strike and retaliatory capabilities. Kim stated that North Korea will continue to strengthen its nuclear forces, emphasizing its commitment to defending the country. The launch of the ICVM coincided with the upcoming presidential election in that country. This has been the Tokyo Build. These stories and more you can read at thetokobill.com I've been and remain Tokyo Build. Thank you for listening and take care. (upbeat music) (upbeat music)