Hello and welcome to today’s news from Japan Daily News on January 1st, 2024. In tragic news, a motorcycle accident in Matsubushicho, Saitama claimed the life of a 15-year-old student. The motorcycle, carrying two middle school students, collided with a curb and overturned. One of the students sadly passed away, while the other sustained minor injuries. The police are investigating who was driving the motorcycle.

In other news, Tobu Department Store has come under scrutiny by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau. The department store has been accused of repeatedly selling duty-free items to foreign customers suspected of resale. As a result, the store has been ordered to pay approximately 90 million yen in back taxes.

Moving on to Shibuya, the popular district experienced congestion during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, according to the Shibuya Ward, there were no major disruptions reported.

On the renewable energy front, Japan’s largest offshore wind power plant has commenced commercial operations in Ishikari Bay, Hokkaido. The government considers offshore wind power as a crucial pillar in achieving decarbonization.

In a significant development for dementia care, the ‘Basic Act on Dementia’ has come into effect. This law aims to establish measures at the national and local levels to ensure a safe and supportive environment for individuals with dementia. With the law’s implementation, attention now turns to the upcoming introduction of new Alzheimer’s disease treatments.

In his New Year’s message, Emperor Naruhito expressed his thoughts on the challenges faced by Japan and the world. He offered his prayers for the new year to be filled with hope and progress amidst natural disasters, conflicts, and wars.

Lastly, we mourn the passing of beloved comedian Toshio Sakata, also known as ‘Aho no Sakata.’ Sakata, known for his comedic talent, passed away at the age of 82 due to natural causes in Osaka City. And now for the weather. Today in Tokyo, the weather will be partly cloudy with a maximum temperature of 11°C and a minimum temperature of 8°C. There is a 36% chance of overcast skies and a 0% chance of rain. The humidity will be 68% and the wind speed will be 22 km/h. Enjoy your day! Visit JapanDailyNews.com for the news, yen exchange rates, and a daily Japanese proverb.