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

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Japan’s Diet approves “second capital” legislation as the 2026 main session effectively concludes

TOKYO – On Friday, Japan’s parliament approved a bill proposed by the ruling coalition aimed at establishing a “second capital” as an alternative to Tokyo during emergencies like disasters, clearing the path for the main session of this year to conclude following an eight-day extension.

The law encountered strong criticism from the opposition, who claimed it was specifically designed for the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party, the smaller coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party headed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

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Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi to Consider Cabinet and Party Leadership Reorganization, According to Sources

TOKYO – According to sources aware of the situation, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is contemplating a reorganization of her Cabinet and the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, potentially in August or September.

The reorganization might signal a significant change in ministers and seeks to rejuvenate her Cabinet’s image amid declining approval ratings according to recent surveys.

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ASEAN evaluates Suu Kyi’s progress as Myanmar returns to benchmark

MANILA – According to ASEAN diplomatic sources on Friday, the organization is evaluating the inclusion of “positive developments” related to the detained democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi as part of the conditions for Myanmar’s re-entry into major gatherings.

The group’s foreign ministers have assigned their top officials the responsibility of improving the standards for submitting their suggestions to the organization’s summit in November.

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A man was taken into custody in Kyoto due to loud guitar sounds that were said to have caused a neighbor’s sleeplessness.

KYOTO – A man was taken into custody on Thursday, suspected of playing loud radio and guitar sounds from his home in Kyoto for over seven years, leading neighbors to experience insomnia and other health issues, according to police.

Kazunori Yokoi is accused of exposing three individuals in their 60s and 70s to continuous radio and electric guitar music at high volume throughout the day and night, from June 2019 until July of this year, resulting in sleep deprivation and depression.

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A collection of traditional Japanese sliding door paintings reunited after 150 years apart

TOKYO – On Friday, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum presented to the media a collection of traditional Japanese paintings that had been separated for approximately 150 years, now reunited, which were displayed on eight sliding doors.

The artworks produced in the early 1600s by Kano Sogen Shigenobu, a painter from the renowned Kano school, will be featured at the museum from Saturday until October 18.

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Japanese women continue to rank first globally in life expectancy for the 41st consecutive year, while men are seventh.

TOKYO – According to government data released on Friday, the average lifespan for Japanese women and men in 2025 rose compared to the previous year, as death rates for certain types of cancer and heart disease decreased. Women continued to lead globally for the 41st consecutive year.

The typical lifespan for women increased by 0.20 years, reaching 87.33 years, while men’s life expectancy rose by 0.25 years to 81.35 years. Nevertheless, men’s position dropped to seventh from sixth, as per the data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

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United States, Iran suggested charges for the Strait of Hormuz contradict international law: Head of U.N. agency

LONDON – On Thursday, the head of the International Maritime Organization dismissed suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran to impose charges for the secure transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that such fees “do not align with international law.”

“If it does not align with international law, or if it lacks a fundamental basis for implementation, it is something that cannot be applied,” said IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez in an interview with Kyodo News in London.

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Sumo: Aonishiki defeats fellow top contender Kirishima, securing the lead alone

NAGOYA – Ukrainian sekiwake Aonishiki took the sole lead on Friday during the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament following a remarkable win against ozeki Kirishima, which pushed the Mongolian-born competitor down from the top of the rankings.

The 22-year-old Aonishiki, who secured his return to the ozeki division by achieving 10 victories on Wednesday, moved to 11-2 on Day 13 at IG Arena after defeating Kirishima (10-3) with a well-executed under-shoulder throw.