Hello and welcome to today’s news from Japan Daily News on January 25th, 2024. In today’s news, we have two significant stories from Japan. First, the number of bankruptcies among home care providers reached a record high last year, with a total of 67 cases. This increase can be attributed to severe shortages of caregivers and rising fuel costs. Experts analyze the situation, stating that intense competition for talent from other industries and the difficulty of resolving the labor shortage will continue. Moving on to our second story, heavy snowfall is affecting the Japan Sea region, particularly in Hokkaido and Tohoku. The cold air and winter pressure system have caused continuous snowfall, prompting the Meteorological Agency to issue warnings about the impact on transportation. Drivers are advised to exercise caution. Now let’s delve into the details of these stories.

The first news story highlights the concerning rise in bankruptcies among home care providers. Last year, a total of 67 cases were reported, marking the highest number on record. According to credit research companies, the severe shortage of caregivers and the soaring fuel costs have played a significant role in these bankruptcies. The research companies also analyze that the intense competition for talent from other industries makes it challenging to alleviate the labor shortage. This situation poses a significant problem for the home care sector.

Moving on to our second story, the Japan Sea region is experiencing heavy snowfall due to the influence of the strongest cold air and a winter pressure system this winter. Hokkaido and Tohoku, in particular, are facing intensified snowfall. The Meteorological Agency has issued a warning, urging people to be cautious about the impact on transportation. This heavy snowfall can lead to road closures, delays in train services, and disruptions in air travel. It is advisable for residents and travelers in the affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

That wraps up today’s news from Japan Daily News. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest happenings in Japan. Thank you for listening! And now for the weather. Today in Tokyo, the weather will be mostly clear with a high of 8°C and a low of 3°C. Visit JapanDailyNews.com for the news, yen exchange rates, and a daily Japanese proverb.