Overview
- Fukuoka Prefecture acknowledged a road project land purchase that rose from about ¥4.31 million to about ¥21.66 million after two re‑evaluations, calling the transaction not appropriate.
- The prefecture interviewed employees over suspected disclosures linked to the reporting and argued the case was not a protected report, a stance experts say undermines whistleblower safeguards.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faced her first Diet debate since taking office, with opposition lawmakers focusing on corporate donations as she offered low‑key replies.
- Reiwa Shinsengumi lawmaker Hitoshi Yamakawa settled a power‑harassment lawsuit from his time as Tomigusuku mayor, apologizing for causing mental distress to three former male employees.
- Hokkaido reported a red‑crowned crane found on Oct. 31 in Tsurui tested positive for type A avian influenza and will assess whether the strain is highly pathogenic.