PM Takaichi instructs measures for flooded roads after Chiba heavy rain; Kumamoto earthquake support to be decided within the month

Government to consider measures to prevent vehicle entry onto flooded roads after Chiba heavy rain At a ministerial meeting on the 18th, PM Takaichi instructed Land Minister Kaneko to consider measures to prevent entry during flooding, following the death of a driver in an underpass. Early payment of ordinary local allocation tax to affected municipalities is also expected to be decided soon. 123

Government to decide support package for Kumamoto earthquake within the month PM Takaichi met with Kumamoto Governor Kimura on the 18th and expressed the intention to compile support measures early, including infrastructure restoration and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Support for restoring privately owned wells is also being considered. 4

Government begins discussions on Japanese language learning program for foreign residents The government held the first meeting of an expert working group on the 18th to create a 'Japanese Language and Life Learning Program (tentative name)' for foreign residents to learn Japanese and social norms. It aims to pilot the program in fiscal 2028 and considers reflecting participation in conditions for permanent residence permits. 56

China's Foreign Ministry criticizes PM Takaichi by name for avoiding mention of 'reflection' Lin Jian, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, criticized PM Takaichi by name on the 17th for not mentioning 'reflection' or 'lessons' in her address at the war dead memorial ceremony, calling it 'a reversal of history.' China also strongly opposes cabinet ministers' visits to Yasukuni Shrine. 7

Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly postpones vote on no-confidence motion against Speaker Kurauchi at the last minute In the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, which has been rocked by allegations of money exchanges, the vote on a no-confidence motion against Speaker Kurauchi was halted at the last minute due to a motion by the Liberal Democratic Party's prefectural assembly group. Kurauchi had expressed his intention to resign as speaker before the extraordinary session, and confusion continues. 8910

Government presents draft basic principles requiring AI companies to disclose training data The government presented draft basic principles at an expert panel meeting on the 18th, requiring generative AI companies to disclose how they collect training data and respond to requests for disclosure from rights holders. The aim is to deter intellectual property infringement, but the principles are not legally binding. 11

Communist Party ranks second in party support in NHK poll; Koike reveals true feelings Regarding the NHK opinion poll showing the Communist Party's support rate ranking second after the Liberal Democratic Party, Secretary-General Koike Akira said, 'We won't be swayed by every fluctuation,' but also admitted, 'I'm happy.' 12