Domestic News Flash ·
Kumamoto earthquake magnitude 7: 2 dead in Aeon Mall collapse, rescue efforts continue
On the afternoon of the 28th, an earthquake with a maximum intensity of 7 struck Kumamoto Prefecture, causing widespread damage including the collapse of Aeon Mall Kumamoto (2 dead) and two people in cardiopulmonary arrest at a Nippon Paper factory. While the government scrambles to respond, Prime Minister Takaichi has stated she will 'decide' on a consumption tax cut, and the LDP has rolled out a series of policies including establishing an intelligence agency and increasing immigration staff. Following the passage of the sub-capital bill, competition among regions to host the facility is heating up.
11 sources2 min read
Magnitude 7 earthquake hits Kumamoto Prefecture, 2 dead in Aeon Mall collapse Around 4:30 p.m. on the 28th, an earthquake with a maximum intensity of 7 occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture. At Aeon Mall Kumamoto, the second floor collapsed, and the deaths of two women were confirmed. Additionally, two people are in cardiopulmonary arrest at a Nippon Paper factory. Widespread power outages and building damage have been reported, and rescue operations are ongoing. 123
PM Takaichi says she will 'decide' on consumption tax cut, meets with Aso and Suzuki Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the 28th held talks with LDP Vice President Taro Aso and Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki, seeking their understanding of a plan to lower the consumption tax on food to 1% for a limited period of two years. The Prime Minister stated 'I will decide' at a party executive meeting, and is expected to instruct the party to amend the law as early as the 30th. 45
LDP proposes creating new intelligence agency to enable foreign intelligence collection An LDP policy panel on the 28th approved a proposal for sweeping reform of the intelligence system, which includes introducing criminal penalties for foreign spies and establishing an independent foreign intelligence agency. This is a further strengthening measure following the launch of the National Intelligence Bureau on the 31st, and the government aims to enact new legislation. 67
226 immigration staff urgently increased, retired Self-Defense Forces personnel as immediate assets The government on the 28th decided at a cabinet meeting to urgently increase staff of the Immigration Services Agency by 226. It will add 176 immigration inspectors and 50 immigration control officers, aiming to strengthen crackdowns on illegal overstayers and speed up residency screenings. It will also call for hiring retired Self-Defense Forces personnel and police officers. 8910
Sub-capital bill passage prompts multiple regions to declare candidacy, competition intensifies Following the passage of the sub-capital bill in the Diet, multiple cities and prefectures, including Fukuoka, Sapporo, Nagoya, and Osaka, have declared their candidacy to host the alternate capital functions for times of disaster. Each local government is making preparations, and competition for official designation is expected to intensify moving forward. 11
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