Meteorological authorities have issued special warnings for intense rainfall affecting parts of Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures. Residents are advised to prepare for potential flooding and landslides.

Three high school students in Nakama, Fukuoka Prefecture, were honored for saving three elementary school pupils from a pond.

The Gifu Prefectural Government building, used as a filming location for the popular TV drama "Vivant," has become a major tourist attraction for fans of the series.

Japan announced plans to reuse soil from decontamination efforts in Fukushima in regional cities, specifically Miyagi and Saitama prefectures. This initiative aims to manage the vast quantities of soil collected after the nuclear disaster.

The Kanagawa Prefectural Police academy in Japan has updated its rules in July as part of an effort to attract more new police officers. This initiative aims to address recruitment challenges.

Kumamon, the public relations mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, has resumed his activities after taking a break since the Kumamoto earthquake.

Japan's Tottori Prefecture is intensifying its efforts to promote tourism related to the popular drama 'Vivant'. The initiative encourages visitors to explore filming locations and engage with the show's settings.

Former SDP minister Gordan Maras commented on the case of HDZ's Ličko-Senj County Prefect Ernest Petry, stating that knowing Petry was married with two children changed his stance.

High school students in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, have constructed a 3.5-meter-tall cardboard model of a Gundam for their upcoming school festival.

Racist, antisemitic, and sexist tags were discovered at a school in Le Havre, prompting the prefecture to denounce the acts as 'unacceptable' and damaging to the fundamental values of the Republic.

Ličko-senjski county prefect Ernest Petry is facing political pressure to resign after photographs and videos emerged showing him kissing a younger woman during an evening outing.

Torrential rain caused significant flooding in Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, with security camera footage showing residential streets engulfed by water and vehicles stranded.

An alert has been issued in Slobozia after environmental inspectors discovered that insufficiently treated wastewater was being discharged into the Ialomița River, though the prefect assured residents would not lose water access.

Minimum wages have increased in at least 17 prefectures across Japan, surpassing central government recommendations, a trend attributed to the postponement of the national goal to raise the average minimum wage to ¥1,500 this decade.

The Perseid meteor shower reached its peak in August, offering clear viewing opportunities in areas like Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

Unleaded gasoline prices have exceeded 2 euros per liter in 30 prefectures across Greece, forcing August travelers to pay significantly more at the pump due to the international oil rally.

France's Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, has warned of a 'very heavy bill' for the agricultural sector following a summer of five heatwaves, drought, and record fires, announcing a meeting with prefects to assess production losses.

A destructive fire near Omiš has completely destroyed 106 vehicles, 28 houses, and 45 vessels, prompting the county prefect to request a declaration of natural disaster and promise state aid.

Estonian police have detained 109 foreign nationals since July 21, with more than 50 claiming to be unaccompanied minors, according to the head of the Northern Prefecture's border guard bureau.

Kuniko Asai, an 83-year-old VTuber born in Manchuria during World War II, is sharing her experiences and those of others who returned to Japan from the region. She now lives in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Alojz Tomašević, a former county prefect convicted of domestic violence, has been appointed as an assistant director at a Veterans' Center in Pakrac, with a salary of 3000 euros.

Tourists on Costinești beach in Romania reported a 'pilotless flying object' drifting in the sea near the shore, prompting an alert from the prefect of Constanța.

Takaichi will remain in Japan to focus on the response to a powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture last month, canceling planned foreign trips this summer.

Hundreds of people have been trapped after a landslide occurred in Japan's Nagano Prefecture, following intense rainfall in the central region of the country.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a short-term forecast, indicating a high possibility of a linear rainband forming in the Chūetsu region of Niigata Prefecture within the next three hours.

In Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, a major center for mackerel processing, approximately 20% of seafood processors have gone bankrupt or ceased operations due to soaring prices of imported Norwegian mackerel, which constitutes most of their raw material.

Indrek Aru, head of the Police and Border Guard Board's North Prefecture border guard bureau, reported that 99 individuals believed to have no legal basis for staying in Estonia were caught in the past two weeks, leading to disputes in detention facilities.

Kumamoto Prefecture announced the names and ages of three individuals who died in the recent earthquake.

As of August 7, 7:30 AM, the death toll from the Kumamoto earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, including suspected disaster-related deaths, has reached 38, with 6,794 people still evacuated to shelters.

Kumamoto Prefecture, which suffered significant damage from a recent earthquake, is expected to continue experiencing intense heat on the 7th, with residents advised to take heatstroke precautions. Additionally, strong winds are anticipated due to the influence of Typhoon No. 13.

A video shows the tense situation in an operating room at Kumamoto General Hospital in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, during an earthquake, with the hospital resuming normal operations on the 5th after a temporary suspension of outpatient services.

A fire in a bamboo grove in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, is proving difficult to extinguish due to insufficient water pressure from hydrants, possibly caused by an earthquake.

Amid temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius and higher, the Tokyo prefectural government has suggested that employees wear shorts to the office for heat protection, a proposal that has sparked debate.

Kitadaito Village in Okinawa Prefecture issued an evacuation order for its entire population due to the approaching Typhoon No. 13, urging residents in dangerous areas and those feeling anxious to seek shelter.

Following a large explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and other authorities investigated the site. They concluded that an LP gas explosion from the facility's supply is highly probable, as LP gas was used for cooking and water heating in restaurants.

Nippon Paper is scheduled to hold its first press conference since a July 28 earthquake caused a factory chimney to collapse in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, resulting in nine fatalities.

Kumamoto Prefecture accepts disaster victims at a hotel secured as an evacuation site

France's Council of State has upheld a reform concerning the psychiatric infirmary of the Paris police prefecture, confirming the need to ensure the legal maximum stay of 48 hours is respected.

A 91-year-old man in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, died after being trapped in his home following an earthquake. His daughter expressed profound grief, stating she felt 'as if her heart had frozen.'

A baby girl born immediately after a strong earthquake in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, has been safely discharged from the clinic with her mother and is growing well.

Following the major earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan's National Tax Agency has extended tax filing and payment deadlines for affected residents and businesses. Additionally, Prime Minister Takaichi has instructed relevant ministers to ensure the complete resolution of water outages by the end of the month.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Kumamoto prefecture, which was struck by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, to assess recovery efforts that are being hampered by soaring temperatures.

A male high school student drowned while swimming in the sea in Murakami, Niigata Prefecture, and was confirmed dead after being transported to a hospital.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi visited earthquake-affected areas in Kumamoto Prefecture, inspecting the damage, meeting with evacuees, and proposing a plan for 'secondary evacuation' utilizing hotels and inns.

Western Japan is experiencing a significant temperature rise, with forecasts predicting extreme heat of 40 degrees Celsius in Kyushu, including Kumamoto, Saga, Fukuoka, and Oita prefectures. Authorities are urging residents to take thorough precautions against heatstroke.

Two passenger cars collided head-on in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, resulting in one fatality, two critically injured individuals, and five others, including two children, sustaining injuries. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Prime Minister Han Seong-suk held a luncheon meeting with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Clergy, to discuss national issues, including peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Princess Aiko visited the Toba Aquarium in Mie Prefecture, where she observed dugongs and sea otters. She also toured facilities involved in processing timber for the Shikinen Sengu, the periodic rebuilding of the Ise Grand Shrine.

A man believed to be in his 60s or 70s drowned in the Kiso River in Yatomi City, Aichi Prefecture, on the afternoon of August 1st. Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Ukedo Beach in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, has reopened to the public for the first time in 16 years, following its closure due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.

Firefighters in Rethymno, Crete, are continuing their battle against rekindled wildfires in the southern part of the prefecture, prompting new evacuation orders for the villages of Gefyra and Limni Preveli. While the village of Kerames is not currently at risk, the situation remains challenging.

A petition to prohibit hunting in areas impacted by wildfires has garnered over 345,000 signatures in France, prompting the Hunters' Federation to state that such decisions would be discussed on a case-by-case basis with local prefects.

Nippon Paper Industries has announced that nine people, including six of its employees and three from partner companies, died at its Yatsushiro factory in Kumamoto Prefecture. The deaths occurred after a chimney collapsed during an earthquake.

A 'toilet car' dispatched from Noto Town, which was affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, arrived in Hikawa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, to support areas severely damaged by the recent earthquake.

Kaneyama Town in Fukushima Prefecture issued an evacuation order for 162 households and 316 residents in specific districts, urging the elderly and disabled to evacuate due to heightened risk of landslides.

Franck Robine, a 59-year-old high-ranking civil servant with a career spanning various government roles, has transitioned to become the campaign director for French politician Bruno Retailleau, viewing it as a way to serve his country.

Rena Dourou, President of the SYRIZA-PS Parliamentary Group, held a meeting with members of the A' and B' Prefectural Committees of Thessaloniki, emphasizing the collective duty to reorganize the party.

The Vaslui Prefecture has announced the termination of its contract with a company responsible for destroying driving licenses, after the documents were discovered in a landfill in the Republic of Moldova.

Bandai Town in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, issued an evacuation order for three districts, affecting 398 households and 1068 people, due to potential dangers. The order is a Level 4 alert, urging residents to evacuate immediately.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, causing a house collapse in Uki City where four family members are missing. Experts warn of further strong tremors as the quake hit a long-feared high-risk fault zone.

A weather observatory issued an emergency warning after a tornado was sighted in western Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with further sudden gusts of wind expected in both western and eastern parts of the prefecture.

Police in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, have arrested a man in his 50s, a delivery driver, on suspicion of stealing a speed enforcement device belonging to the Saitama Prefectural Police in June, though the suspect denies the charges.

An unnamed man in Paris is suspected of injuring three women with 'two cold weapons' on Monday, July 27. He was arrested shortly after the attack, according to the Paris Police Prefecture.

Following the registration of Nara Prefecture's Asuka-Fujiwara archaeological sites as a World Cultural Heritage, officials in Asuka Village celebrated by displaying banners at the local government office.

A house fire in Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan, resulted in four people, including two children, being hospitalized in an unconscious state.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported approximately 100 millimeters of intense rainfall per hour in Nyuzen Town, Toyama Prefecture, by 2:30 AM, issuing a special warning for record short-term heavy rain due to the imminent danger of disaster.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are scheduled to make a day trip to Kumamoto Prefecture in late September to inspect areas severely damaged by recent earthquakes.

Japanese memory chipmaker Kioxia is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Iwate Prefecture to significantly increase production capacity for storage solutions driven by sustained artificial intelligence workloads.

Scientists report that increasingly hot summers across Japan are directly contributing to more frequent and intense precipitation events, as evidenced by recent severe flooding in Chiba Prefecture.

A powerful typhoon is bearing down on Japan’s Okinawa prefecture, leading to widespread flight cancellations and prompting local authorities to issue safety warnings.

Krapina-Zagorje County Prefect Željko Kolar has rejected blame for the waste issue in Poznanovec, attributing fault to the Ministry for instructions given, and announced that the removal of 13,200 tons of waste will begin in October.

Many foreign residents in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture reportedly experienced difficulties obtaining crucial information in the aftermath of last month's major earthquake.

A foreign tourist sustained injuries during a bear attack in Japan's Aomori Prefecture.

Ernest Petry has resigned from his position as the head of the Lika HDZ party but will continue to serve as county prefect. His removal from the prefect role would require either a referendum or a two-thirds majority vote in the assembly.

The Mainichi News Quiz for August 22 tests knowledge about events in Japan, specifically focusing on what quake-hit Kumamoto Prefecture residents are urged not to do.

Dome-like 'instant houses' are being erected in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, to provide shelter for victims affected by a recent earthquake in the region.

Hotels and ryokans in six southwestern Japanese prefectures, excluding Kumamoto, reported around 174,000 cancellations following the recent earthquake.

A 61-year-old doctor, Hitoshi Kuwahara, born and raised in Uki, Kumamoto, has been providing medical support to evacuees in the earthquake-hit prefecture for around three decades.

Three high school students were honored for jointly rescuing three elementary school children from a pond in Nakama, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Torrential rains in Japan's Chiba Prefecture, which caused significant damage and flooding, have led to calls for rethinking flood preparedness. Many owners of vehicles flooded during the August 13-14 downpour were left without insurance coverage.

Insurance claims and inquiries related to the Kumamoto earthquake have surpassed 40,000, encompassing the Kumamoto prefecture and six other prefectures in Kyushu.

Kumamon, the popular mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, visited a school being used as a temporary shelter to spread cheer among students and evacuees affected by the recent earthquake.

Two firms are collaborating with the city and prefecture of Akita to establish an AI data center, aiming to make it Japan's largest. The project seeks to attract AI-related businesses and human resources to the region.

Those killed included a man in his 60s or 70s found floating in a flooded road and a 66-year-old woman stuck in her submerged car, the Chiba Prefecture Disaster Management Office said. The post Thousands stranded as heavy rain kills at least four in Japan appeared first on Vanguard News.

The prefecture in Lyon banned a rally in support of an anti-immigration initiative, citing risks of public disorder due to a planned counter-rally by anti-fascist and anti-racist organizations.

Josip Bilaver, the prefect of Zadar County, announced the remediation of an illegal landfill in Benkovac and promised strict penalties for those responsible for the committed ecocide.

The tourism industry in Kumamoto Prefecture has been severely impacted by a recent earthquake, with the prefectural government estimating losses of approximately ¥6 billion.

Japan will apply a reconstruction aid law to all of Kumamoto Prefecture, making families whose homes were destroyed or partially damaged eligible for up to ¥3 million in aid for housing construction, repair, and rent.

Two people died in separate water accidents that occurred in the sea and a river in Aichi Prefecture on August 8th.

Two men drowned at a beach in Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, on the morning of August 8, with one man in his 60s transported to the hospital unconscious.

Kumamoto Prefecture, still recovering from a major earthquake, is expected to experience intense heat again on the 8th, with residents advised to take heatstroke precautions. Strong winds from Typhoon No. 13 are also a concern.

A tax official in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, has been dismissed for disciplinary reasons after receiving approximately 150 million yen from an elderly woman he met during a tax investigation. He then gambled the money on boat races and evaded taxes.

Weather warnings for record-breaking short-term heavy rainfall have been issued for Nagano Prefecture in Japan and for significant rain in Norrbotten, Sweden. Both regions are bracing for severe weather conditions.

A brush fire that broke out in a bamboo grove in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, on August 6 was largely extinguished approximately 13 hours later on August 7. Firefighters reported that the extinguishing efforts were hampered by insufficient water pressure from fire hydrants, possibly due to earthquake damage.

Following the collapse of a Nippon Paper factory chimney in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, which killed nine people during an earthquake, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has issued a notice requesting reports on chimney management from all private power generation operators.

Japanese authorities have issued evacuation orders for over 5,000 residents in Kagoshima prefecture as Typhoon Dolphin approaches, moving towards the East China Sea.

An earthquake with a seismic intensity of Shindo 4 was observed in Kumamoto, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima prefectures around 7:59 AM on the 6th, with no tsunami warning issued.

Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, recently hit by a major earthquake, is bracing for dangerous heat and potential impacts from Typhoon No. 13, urging residents to take heatstroke precautions.

One year after a wildfire burned 11,000 hectares in the agricultural region of Corbières in southern Aude, France, residents are working to restore their lands. They are awaiting a major plan to be presented by the prefecture.

L’I3P reçoit des personnes amenées par les services de police dans le cadre d’une garde à vue ou en raison d’un trouble avéré à l’ordre public pour évaluer la nécessité d’une hospitalisation…

Chip manufacturing plants in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture have begun restarting operations, showing a quick recovery after an earthquake caused relatively limited damage.

Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly Speaker Isao Kuranouchi has decided to establish a third-party committee to investigate allegations of money transfers related to the assembly's speaker and vice-speaker posts.

Romania's PSD party is calling for prosecutors to intervene against the USR, alleging a "scandalous abuse of office" by the Timiș prefect for applying only a "modest fine" to Timișoara mayor Dominic Fritz instead of terminating his mandate.

A court case has begun in Japan concerning the Kamisu mayoral election in Ibaraki Prefecture, where votes marked 'Manjuya' were deemed invalid, leading to a challenge by the mayor whose election was nullified.

The Japan Meteorological Agency held a press conference one week after a magnitude 7 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, providing updates on seismic activity and forecasts for heat and rain.

An earthquake with a seismic intensity of 4 was reported in Uki, Kumamoto, and an intensity of 3 in parts of Kumamoto and Nagasaki prefectures. There is no concern for a tsunami following the tremors.

The SDP of Požega-Slavonia County in Croatia has urged County Prefect Antonija Jozić to promptly announce transparent tenders for support in economy and agriculture, with clear criteria and deadlines.

Ráduly István, the prefect of Covasna county, has been indicted by prosecutors from the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) on charges of abuse of office, specifically for allegedly "preferentially assigning" a contract.

Kumamoto Prefecture experienced record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents already displaced by a recent earthquake.

Kumamoto Prefecture continues to experience seismic activity, including a magnitude 7 earthquake that led to one fatality, while also bracing for extreme heat with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius. Local authorities are advising residents to limit outdoor activities and are preparing secondary evacuation shelters in hotels.

A woman in her 30s was found collapsed and later died near the Yodo no Domon tourist spot in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, after being hit by falling rocks from the cave, with police investigating the circumstances.

An explosion at an apartment building in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, is under investigation after it was revealed that residents had reported a gas odor to the gas company approximately five and a half hours before the incident, with workers having responded to the call.

A Vietnamese man in his 20s was found unconscious in the sea at a beach in Kannonji City, Kagawa Prefecture, and later died. Police are investigating the incident, suspecting drowning while swimming.

Osaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, issued an evacuation order for 1031 residents across 537 households in the Onikobe, Nakayamahigashi, and Nakayamahigashi districts due to a level 4 landslide warning. Two evacuation centers have been opened.

Police reported that multiple people were injured after an explosion was heard at an apartment building in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, around 6:30 AM on the 1st. The exact conditions of the injured and the circumstances are under investigation.

Thousands of people who were evacuated due to forest fires in Gironde, France, have been given permission by the prefecture to return to their homes.

The Italian Ambassador to Japan, Mario Vattani, traveled to Fukuoka to express Italy's solidarity following a violent 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern island of Kyushu, particularly affecting the Kumamoto prefecture.

The prefect of Loire-Atlantique, France, has appealed to employers to be more flexible in releasing volunteer firefighters for operational duties, citing a shortage of personnel. The prefecture identified 2,944 employers with at least one volunteer firefighter.

The recent earthquake continues to impact major manufacturers in Kumamoto Prefecture and other parts of Kyushu, leading to ongoing factory shutdowns and operational disruptions.

The rural accommodation finds decadence in the northern prefecture's natural resources.

Hitachi and Toshiba have marked the shipment of a new N700ST high-speed train to Taiwan. The train, featuring orange and black lines on a white body, was displayed at a ceremony in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

The prefecture's foreign residents checked in with neighbors, translated information and warnings, and helped to secure emergency supplies after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake.

The Kumamoto Prefectural Government on Thursday said six people are in critical condition and five others seriously injured.

The mayor of Zaprešić, Turk, informed the county prefect about new investments in the city, including plans by companies Končar and Kraš to construct new production facilities.

Following the establishment of a law related to the 'sub-capital' concept, which designates alternative capital functions during large-scale disasters, Hiroshima Governor Yoko expressed his intention to seek designation for the prefecture.

One and a half years after a major road collapse in Yashio, Saitama, caused by corroded sewer pipes, 16 municipalities (76%) in the prefecture report difficulties in completing necessary repair work by the national deadline.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported approximately 100 millimeters of intense rainfall per hour near Ina, Nagano Prefecture, warning of imminent disaster and urging safety precautions.

Members of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, including Genaki Yoshimatsu and Hideyuki Eto, are scheduled to hold a press conference regarding alleged money transfers for the posts of chairman and vice-chairman, with Yoshimatsu expected to reveal appraisal results of recorded audio data.

Maebashi, the capital of Gunma prefecture, is quietly transforming into one of Japan's most creative cities, combining contemporary art and architecture with efforts to revitalize its city center.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 occurred in Akune, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, with a seismic intensity of 3. There is no risk of a tsunami.

A visitor explores the lesser-known prefectures of Toyama and Ishikawa, embracing local cuisine and cultural experiences that encourage a more open approach to travel.

Lika-Senj County Prefect Ernest Petry attended the ceremonial marking of the 35th anniversary of the first deployment of the 118th...

United Airlines announced plans to introduce direct flight services connecting San Francisco with Japan’s Okinawa prefecture and Osaka, expanding its Asian route network.

A couple owning several private beaches in La Ciotat, near Marseille, was ordered by the administrative court to remove their deckchairs within two days following a dispute with the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture.

The scandal-hit chairman of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, Kurauchi, is set to resign from his position as an assembly member.

Gordan Jandroković described Petry's resignation as president of the HDZ Ličko-senjska County organization as a logical decision, noting Petry remains the county prefect.

Traditional Japanese hand fans, known as Uchiwa, made in Kumamoto Prefecture and coated with fermented persimmon tannin, are gaining international attention for their centuries-old craftsmanship.

The Kanagawa Prefectural Police force has introduced significant changes to its police academy rules in July, reflecting a broader effort to address recruitment challenges stemming from Japan's declining birth rate.

A fire broke out on a vessel under construction in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, resulting in one fatality and nine injuries.

Details have emerged about the significant assets of a Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) county prefect, including 25 properties, two BMWs, and a Harley Davidson. Further reports also shed light on his personal life, including his relationship with a woman who works for the county.

A fourth-grade student in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, discovered rare bamboo blossoms in a mountainous area in late July. This unusual finding highlights a natural phenomenon that is seldom observed.

While Lika is grappling with a dangerous waste problem, County Prefect Petry of the HDZ party was photographed on a night out before an extraordinary parliamentary session on the issue, reigniting public controversy.

Teams of teachers, drawing on past disaster experiences, are assisting schools in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture to return to normal operations following an earthquake.

Public and private sector delegates from India's Uttar Pradesh and Japan's Yamanashi Prefecture met to strengthen cooperation in hydrogen technology and human resources.

Osaka Prefectural Police have arrested a former manager of Takenaka Corp., a major construction firm, on suspicion of breach of trust for allegedly inflating the cost of the Expo ring project.

Nanmoku, Japan's most aging municipality, is turning to its sister city in Peru to address a severe worker shortage and reverse its declining population. The mountain village in Gunma prefecture faces an existential threat due to demographic challenges.

A ferry anchored at Yatsushiro port in Kumamoto prefecture is providing free meals, bathing, medical services, and a children's play area to residents affected by the recent earthquake.

Blaženko Boban, the Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County, provided an explanation for why the SRUUK system, designed to send warnings to citizens and tourists, was not activated during the catastrophic fire in the Omiš and Lokve Rogoznice area.

Overnight stays by foreign guests in Japan have surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 39 prefectures, reaching an estimated 179.92 million in 2025, a 55.6% increase from 2019, according to a Japan Tourism Agency survey.

Heavy rainfall on Thursday led to widespread flooding across Chiba Prefecture, Japan, prompting the Japanese Meteorological Agency to issue the highest warning level for 18 cities and one municipality.

Vice-Admiral Olivier Lebas, former commander of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and Atlantic maritime prefect, died accidentally in a mountain fall.

Severe tropical storm Chan-hom is expected to make landfall near Tokyo, with Tokyo Electric Power Company reporting approximately 640 power outages in Ibaraki Prefecture.

The 15th tropical storm of the season is forecast to make landfall in Ibaraki and Fukushima prefectures, bringing strong winds and heavy rain as it heads towards the Sea of Japan.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an emergency weather warning for Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, after radar analysis indicated approximately 100 millimeters of intense rainfall within one hour, posing a significant disaster risk.

Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, participated in a Boy Scout camp in Hiroshima Prefecture, where he experienced making tonjiru (pork soup) for breakfast and crafting wooden coasters.

An earthquake with a seismic intensity of 3 was observed in northern Ibaraki Prefecture around 3:41 AM today, with no concerns of a tsunami.

A French court has validated the prefect's decision to close a mosque in Aulnay, citing incitement to violence, hatred, or discrimination linked to terrorism.

Nearly half of the current members of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly reported hearing rumors of money changing hands concerning the posts of speaker and vice-speaker.

Ten days after an earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, over 36,000 households continue to experience water outages, with full restoration of water pipes not expected until the end of the month.

A magnitude 4 earthquake occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, at approximately 7:49 PM local time, with no tsunami warning issued.

The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly has disclosed that its members spent over ¥260 million on 23 overseas inspections over the past three years, with one trip to Switzerland and France costing ¥30 million for six members.

As the number of living atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) declines, the Hiroshima Prefectural Medical Association is working to preserve and pass on their oral histories through second-generation speakers.

Honda announced that its automobile production has been impacted primarily due to damage sustained by a group company's auto parts manufacturer in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, following an earthquake. The company will decide on resuming production based on the parts manufacturer's recovery status.

The establishment of the NVVH in Hungary and support for a prefect in Romania highlight how anti-corruption initiatives are becoming politicized weapons in the region.

A seven-vehicle accident involving cars and trucks occurred on the Chuo Expressway in Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, injuring seven people who were transported to the hospital.

A house fire in Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, fully engulfed a two-story residence and spread to two nearby homes, with four family members who lived in the destroyed house currently unaccounted for.

River embankments in Kumamoto Prefecture have suffered damage, including subsidence and cracks, due to recent earthquakes. With Typhoon No. 13 expected to bring rain from September 6th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is rushing emergency repairs and urging increased vigilance against rising river levels.

The Arad City Hall decided on Tuesday to reduce public street lighting by 50% where technology allows and suspend architectural lighting, following an appeal from the prefect.

Nippon Paper Industries announced that its president and other officials will hold a press conference tomorrow, the first since the earthquake on the 28th of last month, which caused a factory chimney to collapse in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, resulting in 9 deaths.

Cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), primarily affecting children, have decreased from the previous week but remain high, with 28 prefectures in Japan exceeding alert levels.

A DMAT doctor dispatched to Kumamoto Prefecture following the recent earthquake highlighted the critical need for heatstroke prevention, noting ongoing water outages and daily transfers of dialysis patients. He stressed that heat countermeasures are especially vital compared to a previous earthquake in the region.

Croatia's SDP party has criticized an HDZ county prefect regarding the allocation of support grants, advocating for transparency and the abolition of the "fastest finger" model to ensure fairness for entrepreneurs and farmers.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi visited the earthquake-stricken Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan, where cleanup operations are underway in intense heat, with over 46,000 households still without water and thousands in emergency shelters.

Two women who died in an explosion at an Aeon shopping center in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture following a powerful earthquake were reportedly instructed by their employer to return inside to secure sales proceeds.

Alexandre Brugère, the Prefect of Hauts-de-Seine, is employing new powers granted by the narcotrafic law to forcefully evict drug dealers and criminals from public housing. This 'shock method' involves the prefect stepping in for landlords when necessary, leading to initial convictions.

Princess Aiko of Japan observed the traditional Okihiki event at the Ise Grand Shrines in Mie Prefecture, a ritual in preparation for the Shikinen Sengu (periodic rebuilding) of the shrines. Her participation marks a significant cultural event.

A two-year-old boy who went missing in Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture, while visiting his grandmother's house, has been found safe. Police and firefighters had been conducting a search for the child in the mountains near his grandmother's home.

Yokote City in Akita Prefecture, Japan, issued an evacuation order for 1,479 residents across 686 households due to heavy rain and the risk of sediment disasters. Two evacuation centers have been opened in response to Level 4 warnings.

A second-year middle school student was swept away while playing in the Yahagi River in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and was transported to the hospital unconscious.

A disaster intermediate support organization in Kumamoto Prefecture is coordinating aid efforts to prevent gaps in assistance, particularly due to ongoing water outages. The organization, established after an earthquake 10 years ago, connects aid providers with disaster victims to ensure efficient recovery.

Nataša Tramišak, the prefect of Osijek-Baranja County in Croatia, used an AI-generated image in an official Facebook post that displayed the wrong coat of arms for her county.

On July 30, approximately 30 buildings, including homes and warehouses in Sukagawa, Fukushima Prefecture, sustained damage such as blown-off roofs, with the meteorological observatory investigating the incident as likely caused by a sudden gust of wind.

Two high school students, aged 16 and 17, have been indicted for robbery and murder in connection with an incident in Tochigi Prefecture where three family members were attacked, bringing the total number of indicted suspects to four.

The prefect of fire-ravaged southwestern France announced the 'first somewhat optimistic day' since wildfires broke out, indicating progress in containment efforts.

Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs has drafted its first guidelines for prefectural governments to prevent religious corporations without actual activities from being exploited for tax evasion and other illicit purposes, including considering dissolution orders for suspicious organizations.

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck south-eastern Japan on Tuesday has risen to 34, authorities announced today, with thousands of residents now also facing sweltering heat. The disaster management office in Kumamoto prefecture, where the earthquake struck, said seven more bodies had been pulled from the rubble of a shopping centre in […] The post At least 34 dead in Japan earthquake as thousands of households left without power appeared first on ProtoThema English.

Eastern and Western Japan are experiencing dangerous heat with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, while parts of Tohoku and Niigata Prefecture face heavy rains and landslide warnings.

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox expressed concern after a powerful earthquake struck his hometown of Kumamoto, Japan. Kumamoto prefecture was hit by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday afternoon, causing significant damage across the region. Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kumamoto City, the prefecture's largest city, suffered a partial collapse following an explosion believed to have been triggered by the quake. A smokestack at Japan Paper also collapsed, leaving employees trapped, while sec

Authorities are investigating reports from passersby that Mount Mayuyama in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, is collapsing. The specific situation remains unclear.

The Kumamoto Prefectural Police investigation of a 1985 murder case was ruled unlawful, leading to an order for Kumamoto to pay damages over the wrongful conviction of a suspect who was acquitted in 2019.

An ideological battle is unfolding in France between ecologists and foresters regarding brush clearing regulations, with foresters criticizing European directives and prefectural decrees for paralyzing their work.

The Fukuoka High Court has ordered the state and Kumamoto Prefecture to pay compensation to the family of a man wrongly convicted in the 41-year-old Matsubashi Incident, acknowledging their responsibility.

Punch, a baby monkey at a zoo in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, known for using a plush toy as a mother substitute, celebrated its first birthday on the 26th, drawing many fans to the zoo.

An appraisal report has indicated that an audio recording, central to allegations of money transfers for the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly's vice-speaker post, is highly likely to be the voice of former Vice-Speaker Masayuki Nakao.