Hello and welcome to today’s news from Japan Daily News on June 17th, 2024. In today’s news, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning of heavy rain in the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture, as well as southern and western Japan and the Pacific side of eastern Japan. The rain is expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms and could become very intense, leading to the possibility of heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding in low-lying areas. The agency is urging residents to exercise caution and be prepared for potential disasters.

Moving on to our next story, a workshop was held in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where local residents discussed the challenges of recovery and future urban development following the Noto Peninsula earthquake. The workshop provided a platform for residents to exchange ideas and opinions on topics such as rebuilding efforts and long-term community development.

In Fukushima Prefecture’s Katsurao Village, a long-awaited event, the ‘Log Cutting Competition,’ was revived after a hiatus of 19 years. The event, which used to be a popular tradition in the village, involves participants competing to see who can cut a log the fastest. This event not only brings back a sense of normalcy but also contributes to the revitalization of the community in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

In other news, the defense team of a 97-year-old woman who was convicted of killing her brother-in-law in Osaki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, in 1979, known as the ‘Osaki Incident,’ has expressed their protest against the Kagoshima Prefectural Police Headquarters. The defense team claims that the police issued internal documents that seemed to encourage the disposal of investigative documents. They argue that this is a very serious issue and are demanding a retrial to prove the woman’s innocence.

Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince and Princess Akishino, attended a dance competition for people with disabilities in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. The event aimed to provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to enjoy dance and music. Princess Kako’s presence at the event highlighted the importance of inclusivity and support for individuals with special needs.

Moving on to the weather, many regions experienced scorching temperatures again today, with some areas reaching the criteria for a ‘midsummer day.’ The hot weather is expected to continue tomorrow as well, so please take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.

Lastly, due to the influence of low-pressure systems and cold air in the upper atmosphere, the atmospheric conditions in western and northern Japan have become highly unstable. This has led to the development of rain clouds in the Kinki and Tokai regions. Residents are advised to be cautious of lightning, gusty winds, and sudden heavy rainfall.

That’s all for today’s news. Thank you for listening to Japan Daily News. Stay informed and have a great day! And now for the weather. Today in Tokyo, the weather will be partly cloudy with a maximum temperature of 28°C and a minimum temperature of 24°C. There is a 100% chance of rain and a UV index of 6. Visit JapanDailyNews.com for the news, yen exchange rates, and a daily Japanese proverb.