Overview
- A cross‑party working group chair has proposed keeping the existing mix of single‑member districts and proportional representation as the temporary framework for lower‑house elections, but the plan still requires agreement from all parties to become final.
- Kawasaki City acknowledged that about 15 tons of decontamination waste collected after the 2011 disaster were sent to a private final disposal site in Fukushima and said measured cesium levels have fallen to values below legal concern, though residents and experts have raised demands for clearer disclosure.
- The prime minister convened a ministerial meeting and directed the transport minister to study measures to stop vehicles entering flooded underpasses after a fatal car‑submersion case, and the government said it would speed fiscal support such as early ordinary grant transfers to affected municipalities.
- Water stress in the Yoshino River system forced the start of third‑tier intake restrictions from the Sameura/Ikeda dams that cut supply to Kagawa by about 50% and to Tokushima by roughly 18%, with officials warning a fourth stage could be considered if reservoir levels fall further.
- Forecasters warn of dangerous heat in parts of Kyushu and event schedules such as the expanded AFC Champions League Elite draw are unfolding simultaneously, increasing near‑term strain on emergency services, farmers facing reduced irrigation and local authorities managing public safety.