Overview

• The transport ministry said on Sept. 19 it will set up an expert committee with Yokkaichi City and local operators to examine the underground Kusunoki Parking flood that left 274 vehicles submerged.
• Early focus includes a suspected failure of stop-water boards, while the operator reports owner identification continues but vehicle removal remains unsafe with power still out and entry prohibited.
• The Environment Ministry announced a Sept. 24 interagency meeting to consider measures for a planned large solar project near the Kushiro Marsh National Park.
• Project work was temporarily halted after more trees were cut than permitted by about 0.5 hectares, with replanting planned and a possible restart reported for November.
• National politics moved forward as Yoshimasa Hayashi formally entered the LDP leadership race and Sanae Takaichi signaled a bid, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Keidanren chair Yoshinobu Tsutsui confirmed government–industry coordination following a U.S. tariffs agreement.