Hello and welcome to today’s news from Japan Daily News on December 29th, 2023. In today’s news, Tokyo prosecutors have searched the local office and residence of Liberal Democratic Party member Yasumasa Ono in Gifu. The search is related to an investigation into a political funding party within the faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Ono is suspected of violating the Political Funds Control Act. The Tokyo prosecutors’ special investigation unit has also conducted searches at other locations connected to Ono in Tokyo. Moving on to our next story, a ferry caught fire off the coast of Akusekijima in Kagoshima prefecture. The fire broke out at around 6:40 am on the 29th. According to the village of Toshima, which operates the ferry, all 11 passengers were able to evacuate to lifeboats and then transfer to fishing boats before arriving safely at Akusekijima. There were no reported injuries. As we approach the end of the year and the beginning of the new year, authorities in Minami Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, are urging caution to hikers visiting the winter mountains to prevent accidents. They are checking the schedules and equipment of those who come to climb the mountains. In other news, the Hitachinaka Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture has unveiled a large dragon-shaped ground painting in anticipation of the upcoming ‘eto’ year. This artwork is a sight to behold for visitors to the park. With the transition of COVID-19 to category 5, the first New Year’s holiday season is experiencing congestion at airports, bullet trains, and highways. The influx of families and travelers has led to crowded flights and trains, as well as traffic jams on highways. Finally, a tragic incident occurred in Date City, Hokkaido, where an apartment building caught fire, resulting in the discovery of three bodies. The victims are believed to be an elderly couple and their son. The police are currently working to confirm their identities. And lastly, in the midst of the New Year’s travel rush, a three-car accident occurred on the Kanetsu Expressway in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. Four people were injured in the accident, but fortunately, their injuries were reported to be minor. That’s all for today’s news from Japan Daily News. Stay tuned for more updates. And now for the weather. Today in Tokyo, the weather will be clear with a high of 13°C and a low of 7°C. Visit JapanDailyNews.com for the news, yen exchange rates, and a daily Japanese proverb.