jasdooit

TOKYO – The following is the most recent compilation of selected news summaries from Kyodo News.

———-

Japan sees 706,000 births in 2025, marking a new record low for the tenth consecutive year.

TOKYO – The number of children born in Japan in 2025 decreased compared to the previous year, reaching 705,809, the lowest figure since records began in 1899 and marking a new record for the tenth straight year, according to data released by the health ministry on Thursday.

The number, which encompasses foreign residents, decreased by 2.1 percent, or 15,179 births, compared to 2024, as the nation deals with an aging population and growing concerns about raising children because of rising living expenses amid inflation. However, the rate of decrease slowed from the previous year.

———-

Japan plans to develop an international guideline to limit space debris around the Moon.

TOKYO – The Japanese government is developing an international guideline for reducing space debris near the Moon, as lunar exploration increases and worries about a rise in defunct satellites grow, according to the nation’s space agency and other reports.

Japan hopes that a suggestion, which involves urging the design of satellites equipped with systems for de-orbiting after their missions, will gain support from approximately 60 countries that have signed the Artemis Accords, a U.S.-backed agreement detailing guidelines for the safe and sustainable exploration of space, potentially this fall.

———-

The Philippines, Japan, and the U.S. conduct a joint exercise in waters close to Taiwan.

ON THE ANTONIO LUNA – The Philippines, Japan, and the United States wrapped up a four-day naval exercise near the Bashi Channel, located between the Philippines and Taiwan, marking the first time the drill extended beyond the South China Sea.

The training took place within the Philippines’ Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity framework, which has previously included other nations, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

———-

Japan’s automakers see an increase in global sales during January, with Toyota achieving a record high.

NAGOYA – According to data released on Thursday, global vehicle sales by eight major Japanese automakers increased by 0.7 percent to 1.94 million units in January compared to the previous year, with five companies reporting growth driven by strong demand for new models and fuel-efficient vehicles, despite challenges posed by U.S. tariff policies.

Toyota Motor Corp. reported that its sales increased by 4.7 percent, reaching 822,577 units, which marks a new high for the month, fueled by strong demand for its hybrid models of the Corolla and Camry sedans in North America.

———-

Japan’s multi-party committee convenes for first meeting to explore a two-year reduction in food taxes

TOKYO – A multi-party “national committee” convened for its initial session on Thursday to address Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s commitment to remove the tax on food for a period of two years, despite major opposition groups choosing not to participate.

Takaichi informed the gathering that she hopes the council will reach a temporary decision before summer regarding a proposed two-year pause in the 8 percent consumption tax on food and drinks, and she expressed her desire to present the necessary legislation to parliament at the earliest opportunity.

———-

Students from Kyoto University show signs and artwork as a bold effort to maintain their traditions.

KYOTO – A number of students from Kyoto University broke university regulations this week to showcase their signs and visual art pieces right outside the institution, a long-standing custom they claim they are committed to maintaining.

The signs displayed on the sidewalk outside the school’s Yoshida Campus on Wednesday were scheduled for the beginning of the university’s entrance examination and occurred one day prior to an appeals court decision regarding the forced removal of comparable signboards.

———-

Pokemon to partner with Japan baseball on the 30th anniversary of the video game launch

OSAKA – The company behind the internationally renowned Pokemon franchise announced on Thursday that it will collaborate with Japanese professional baseball teams to introduce products and events celebrating the 30th anniversary of the brand’s initial video game.

As part of the anniversary events, Pokemon Co. announced it will partner with the 12 teams from Nippon Professional Baseball, featuring Pokémon-themed items and special games where the famous yellow character Pikachu will be present.

———-

Taiwan’s Lai presents the highest award to Japan-born home run legend Oh

TAIPEI – On Thursday, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te awarded one of the island’s most prestigious accolades to Sadaharu Oh, a renowned Japanese home run champion, in acknowledgment of his accomplishments and efforts in fostering baseball exchanges between the region and Japan.

Oh, the chairman of the SoftBank Hawks, was presented with the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon by Lai at his office in Taipei, where exhibition matches between Taiwanese and Japanese baseball teams are taking place ahead of the World Baseball Classic in March.

———-

Video: Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is part of Samurai Japan before the WBC