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2021.12.26 Japan English News, Quick Scan, Daily News
英語ニュース、ラジオ英語、英語教育
“Heavy snow likely on Japan Sea coast.
Weather officials are warning of heavy snow in areas along the Sea of Japan, urging people there to refrain from non-essential outings.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says a severe cold air mass is flowing over the country, bringing strong winds and snow. Officials say heavy snow is expected in a wide area along the Sea of Japan coast on Sunday. They warn it could leave vehicles stranded on roads.
Snow accumulation is expected to dramatically increase through Tuesday.”
“High oil prices making winter unpleasant in Sea of Japan’s coast.
Soaring oil prices are having a broad impact across the nation’s snowy regions. Manufacturing and transportation costs are rising not only for kerosene — indispensable for winter heating — but also for essential cold-weather items such as winter tires.
The main raw material for tires is synthetic rubber, which is made from refined petroleum. The cost of transporting tires and aluminum wheels from overseas factories has risen along with manufacturing costs.”
“Nearly 200,000 could die if Magnitude 9 level quake hits northern Japan.
The Japanese government has released new damage estimates under the scenario of a magnitude 9 level earthquake hitting off the Pacific coast of northern Japan, warning up to 199,000 people could die.
The Central Disaster Management Council predicts that most of the fatalities will be caused by the resulting tsunami, and a maximum of 220,000 buildings could be destroyed if such a quake occurs along the Japan Trench. The potential economic fallout for the region and country as a whole could be roughly 31.3 trillion yen.”
“Japan on alert as Omicron spreads in communities.
Japanese officials are on high alert as the Omicron coronavirus variant has started spreading in communities.
Untraceable Omicron infections have been detected in Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Fukuoka. The infected people have not been abroad recently.
The weekly average of new daily coronavirus cases is rising. Risk of infection increases during the New Year holidays as many people travel and attend gatherings.
Government officials are worried the Omicron variant could spread rapidly and put a strain on the medical system.”
“Dual train-bus vehicle starts commercial operation.
A railway company in western Japan has started commercial operation of what are known as Dual-Mode Vehicles, which run on both tracks and roads.
The minibus-modified hybrid transporter started running through rural areas in the Shikoku region on Saturday. Tokushima Prefecture says it’s the world’s first commercial operation of Dual-Mode Vehicles.
The vehicle was carrying 18 passengers. Its capacity has been reduced due to the coronavirus.”
“Tokyo VR firm gives customers taste of international travel.
A customer “travels” to popular tourist destinations through the use of virtual reality goggles at a First Airlines facility in the Asakusa district in Taito Ward, Tokyo. The company offers virtual overseas travel experiences at the facility, which has a room that is made to look like the interior of a private jet. As customers watch videos through their headsets, “flight attendants” serve them in-flight meals. Reservations are required, and the 2.5 hour trip costs 10,000 yen.”
“Mitsubishi UFJ to Make 300 Billion Yen Growth Investment.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. plans to make new investments of 200 billion yen to 300 billion yen in growth fields, its president, Hironori Kamezawa, has said in a recent interview.
The Japanese megabank group will specifically seek to invest in financial services in Asia, asset management in and outside Japan, and business acquisitions to strengthen its information technology operations.”
“Seiko Matsuda to Skip “”Kohaku Uta Gassen””.
NHK said Saturday that singer Seiko Matsuda has offered not to join this year’s “”Kohaku Uta Gassen”” live music show on New Year’s eve.
NHK did not comment on the reason for her decision.
On Dec. 18, actress and singer Sayaka Kanda, daughter of Matsuda and actor Masaki Kanda, died at age 35 after falling from a hotel building in Sapporo, the capital of Japan’s northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido.”
“Kaori Sakamoto clinches second national crown, Olympic berth.
Figure skating: Kaori Sakamoto delivered a commanding free skate performance Saturday to secure her second national championship and a berth at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Leading second-place Wakaba Higuchi by 4.57 points after Thursday’s short program, the 21-year-old Sakamoto totaled a season-best 234.06 at Saitama Super Arena as she reclaimed the Japanese women’s singles crown she first won in 2018.”
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