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

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Testimonies from survivors of the atomic bomb in Japan gain attention following the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize recognition

TOKYO – A group representing Japanese atomic bomb survivors conducted approximately 1.5 times more testimony sessions and lectures through its affiliated organizations compared to two years prior, following the receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize, according to a Kyodo News survey released on Sunday.

The total number of testimony sessions and lectures held in fiscal year 2025 reached 1,932, an increase of 625 compared to fiscal year 2023, across groups from 36 prefectures involved with the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, also referred to as Nihon Hidankyo.

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Japan will supply defense equipment to Cambodia through a security assistance initiative.

TOKYO – The Japanese government announced on Sunday that it will supply defense equipment valued at 500 million yen ($3 million) to the Cambodian military, as part of Tokyo’s security assistance program aimed at supporting allied partners.

As part of its initial delivery of defense equipment to Cambodia under the “official security assistance” program, Japan will provide communication equipment to the Cambodian army and patrol vessels to the navy, according to a statement from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Two individuals were confirmed deceased following a house collapse caused by heavy rainfall near Tokyo.

UTSUNOMIYA, Japan – A man and a woman discovered at the location of a collapsed house due to heavy rains near Tokyo were confirmed deceased, according to the local city on Sunday.

A two-story home in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, collapsed when mud from a hill behind the property flooded the ground floor as heavy rains hit several areas of the prefecture on Friday night.

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Seven people are injured when a 20-meter tree collapses during a soccer game in central Japan

SHIZUOKA, Japan – Seven individuals were hospitalized following a tree falling onto a sports field in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, during a soccer event for young students on Sunday, according to local officials.

Two young girls in preschool sustained minor injuries, while five women aged between their 30s and 40s are thought to have been hurt with injuries varying from slight to severe, although none are critical.

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A woman in her 20s passes away following an incident where a man falls from a building in central Japan.

NAGOYA – A woman in her 20s passed away early Sunday when a man fell from a 12-story apartment building in Nagoya, central Japan, and landed on her, according to police.

Houra Inaba, 23, and the individual were transported to a hospital following the event in Sakae district, a bustling area filled with numerous shops and entertainment venues, around 1 a.m. Shinsei Taguchi, 29, is still unconscious and in a critical state.

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Defense Minister Koizumi states that Japan should engage in discussion regarding nuclear arms

TOKYO – Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that Japan should engage in a discussion regarding nuclear arms, as certain European nations are aiming for increased nuclear deterrence.

Japan “cannot escape addressing” the matter, Koizumi stated during an online event released on Friday, likely referring to the government’s intended updates by year-end of three crucial national security documents.

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Baseball: Stanford’s powerful hitter Sasaki opts for MLB, will sign with the Marlins

HANAMAKI, Japan – Stanford University’s baseball player Rintaro Sasaki revealed on Sunday that he will start his professional baseball journey with the Miami Marlins, rejecting an offer from the SoftBank Hawks following his selection by both teams in their respective drafts.

“I desire a life where I have the freedom to decide whether to push myself or not, instead of being preoccupied with success or failure,” Sasaki mentioned at a press conference held in Hanamaki, within his hometown prefecture of Iwate.

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Sumo: Co-leader Aonishiki raises concerns about injuries with victory over Takanosho

NAGOYA – Ukrainian athlete Aonishiki made further progress toward becoming an ozeki during the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, although his win against top maegashira Takanosho might have had a price.

A 22-year-old sekiwake, whose fall from the second-highest position was caused by injuries to his feet and ankles, winced in discomfort and walked with a limp after maintaining a tie for first place at 7-1 following a hard-fought victory over former sekiwake Takanosho (3-5) via a push-out.