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Fumio Kishida withdraws from LDP Presidential race; Japan Set to elect new Prime Minister

At 67, Kishida’s decision to forgo re-election comes amid a backdrop of persistently low approval ratings for his Cabinet, which have languished in the low 20% range. The Kishida administration has faced criticism, particularly related to allegations of violations of the Political Funds Control Law by LDP factions, which has fueled calls within the party for new leadership.

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Mizuho Bank with new pair loan insurance product amid Tokyo’s soaring property prices

In July, Mizuho Bank launched a pioneering pair-loan group credit insurance product in collaboration with Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. This new offering is designed to alleviate the burden of mortgage repayments in the event of a borrower’s death or if they are diagnosed with cancer. Under this insurance scheme, the outstanding mortgage balance is effectively cleared if one of the borrowers passes away, ensuring that the surviving partner is not left with the full debt.

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Japan issues special advisory on Nankai Trough megaquake: urgent preparations advised

The Nankai Trough, a significant underwater trench stretching approximately 700 kilometers from Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture to the Hyuganada Sea in Miyazaki Prefecture, is a known seismic hotspot due to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath a landward plate. This subduction process, occurring at a rate of 3 to 5 centimeters annually, results in the accumulation of tectonic strain, which typically releases in massive earthquakes roughly every 100 to 150 years.

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Record high for women in Japanese Government noncareer exam

The surge in female representation among exam passers reflects the government's ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for individuals balancing career and family responsibilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance workplace conditions and provide greater opportunities for women, particularly those managing both professional and parental duties.

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DPFP leader Yuichiro Tamaki forced to shut down controversial AI website amid OpenAI restrictions

Launched on July 8, the AI Yuichiro platform was designed to replicate Tamaki's policy positions and offer responses in line with his political views. The initiative mirrored a similar tactic employed by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, whose AI-generated news anchor, "AI Yuriko," garnered considerable attention during her re-election campaign by presenting her policy stances.

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Kochi prefecture faces urgent challenge in evacuating elderly ahead of Nankai trough tsunami

In Nakatosa, Kochi Prefecture, the situation is particularly dire. Kohei Kiyooka, 39, a disaster prevention staffer at a local nursing home, described the heightened urgency following the recent advisory. With many residents reliant on wheelchairs or bedridden, the absence of nearby high ground adds to the urgency. Kiyooka has proactively secured seven “tsunami lifeboats” from the town—each capable of carrying 20 people—as a contingency measure. Despite these preparations, the challenge remains in securing alternative accommodation and ensuring timely evacuation. “We urgently need to discuss with the prefectural and central governments about securing alternative shelters,” Kiyooka emphasized.

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