Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have been confirmed at seven poultry farms across Aichi and Chiba prefectures, necessitating the culling of approximately 1.44 million birds. Three affected farms are located in Aichi Prefecture (two in Handa, one in Tokoname, and one quail farm in Agui), while three additional farms are situated in Chiba’s Choshi and Asahi cities. This brings the nationwide total of confirmed bird flu cases this season to 39. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries established response headquarters in both prefectures to coordinate eradication efforts and prevent further spread.
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The Japanese government launched a compensation program for victims of forced sterilizations and abortions under the now-repealed eugenics law, offering 15 million yen to sterilization victims and 2 million yen to those forced to undergo abortions. This action follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling deeming the law unconstitutional and aims to compensate those not involved in existing lawsuits. The program, with applications open until January 16, 2030, provides significantly higher compensation than previous state benefits and includes free legal assistance for applicants. The government publicly apologized for its role in these past human rights violations.
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Leaked Russian military documents reveal 160 prioritized targets in Japan and South Korea, including both military and civilian infrastructure. These targets, detailed in training materials from 2008-2014, range from airfields and naval bases to nuclear power plants and transportation networks. Targeting civilian infrastructure in this manner would constitute a war crime. While the documents are dated, an expert suggests the core strategic elements likely remain relevant to current Russian planning.
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Leaked Russian military documents from 2013-2014, obtained by the Financial Times, detail target lists for a potential war with Japan and South Korea, including 160 sites such as nuclear power plants and key infrastructure. These plans, focusing on disrupting troop movements, highlight Russia’s strategic concerns about its eastern borders and potential vulnerabilities in a conflict with NATO. The documents, originating from the Russian Armed Forces’ Combined Arms Academy, also reveal insights into Russian nuclear weapons doctrine and wargame scenarios involving China and Europe. The targeting of civilian infrastructure, such as power plants and bridges, suggests a willingness to engage in widespread destruction. The FT notes that the plans’ overestimation of Russian missile capabilities is now evident.
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The Revolutionary Alliance of Unpopular Men, a Japanese group known for its anti-Christmas protests, cancelled its annual “Smash Christmas” demonstration due to a failure to submit the necessary paperwork. For 17 years, the group, which considers itself a support network for unpopular men, has protested on Christmas Eve against what it sees as a commercially driven, romantic holiday. This year’s cancellation comes despite plans for future protests targeting Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and White Day, reflecting the group’s broader opposition to societal norms and classism. The group’s origins stem from the founder’s personal rejection and subsequent belief that unpopularity is a class struggle.
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Over 2,500 Okinawans rallied on December 22nd to protest recent sexual assaults committed by U.S. servicemen, holding both the Japanese and U.S. governments accountable for failing to prevent recurring incidents. Participants passed a resolution demanding an apology and compensation for victims and emphasized the need to prevent future assaults. The protest highlighted the government’s failure to notify local authorities of the assaults, despite existing reporting systems. Young Okinawans, some of whom have participated in similar protests for years, vowed to ensure such incidents never happen again.
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Japan has provided Ukraine’s state budget with approximately $1.7 billion for World Bank projects focused on crucial sectors. These funds, disbursed between November and December, support social protection, healthcare reform, education improvements, business restoration, and smart fiscal governance. The funding is channeled through five specific World Bank programs: INSPIRE, SURGE, RISE, THRIVE, and LEARN. This contribution is part of a larger Japanese commitment of $3 billion to Ukraine, secured by frozen Russian assets.
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Following a conversation between President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Ishiba, Japan will provide an additional US$3 billion to Ukraine, sourced from frozen Russian assets. This funding will support crucial energy infrastructure repairs and shelter construction, vital given Russia’s recent attacks. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s defense and pursuit of peace. This contribution builds upon previous aid, including a US$1 billion transfer from frozen Russian assets.
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Following 150 days of imprisonment in Greenland on an Interpol red notice issued by Japan, Paul Watson was released after Denmark rejected Japan’s extradition request. The Danish justice minister cited insufficient assurances from Japan that Watson’s pre-trial detention would be credited towards any future sentence. Watson, a prominent anti-whaling activist, faces charges related to a 2010 incident involving a Japanese whaling ship, but maintains his innocence. His release allows him to reunite with his young sons for Christmas.
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Following a meeting in Kyiv, Ukrainian and Japanese Foreign Ministers Andrii Sybiha and Takeshi Iwaya announced a strengthened commitment to escalating sanctions against Russia and preventing sanctions evasion. Collaboration on Ukraine’s Victory Plan and Peace Formula implementation was also confirmed, alongside continued efforts toward visa liberalization. Japan will host a mine action conference for Ukraine next fall and plans further economic cooperation, including a December visit from Ukraine’s First Vice Prime Minister. The visit marked one of the first by a Japanese official to Ukraine after the formation of Japan’s new government.
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John Q. Hosedrinker