Overview
- Japan’s Meteorological Agency cautioned that a strengthened winter pattern through Jan. 1 could bring heavy snow to Tohoku, disrupting transport and raising avalanche risks, with forecast totals of up to 70 centimeters in mountain areas.
- NHK reported that an analysis of 463 disaster-related deaths from the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake found that in just over 30 percent of cases the burden of moving for evacuation or medical transfer was a contributing factor.
- Keidanren and Japan Chamber leaders urged correcting yen weakness so wage gains can outpace inflation, noting continued pressure on households and smaller firms and welcoming rate hikes that support exchange-rate stabilization.
- Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te used a New Year news conference to condemn China’s expansionist ambitions and called for tighter coordination with Japan, the United States and Europe.
- Okinawa enters what local coverage calls an election year, with gubernatorial and Naha mayoral contests expected to feature a renewed clash between All Okinawa backers and LDP-aligned candidates over the Henoko base issue.