Hello and welcome to today’s news from Japan Daily News on September 6th, 2024. In a tragic incident early this morning, a truck accident on the Chuo Expressway in Hachioji, Tokyo, resulted in the death of one driver. The accident occurred when a large truck collided with another that had broken down and was parked on the side of the road. As a result, the southbound lanes of the expressway are currently closed between the Hachioji Interchange and the Hachioji Junction, causing significant traffic disruptions.

In international news, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force training ship has made a port call in London for the first time in two years. This visit aims to deepen defense cooperation with the Royal Navy through joint training exercises and various exchange events. The collaboration highlights the ongoing commitment between Japan and the UK to enhance security in the region.

On the health front, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to subsidize part of the costs for the upcoming regular COVID-19 vaccinations, set to begin in October for senior citizens and other vulnerable groups. The aim is to keep the out-of-pocket expenses for individuals under 2500 yen, making vaccinations more accessible to the public.

In a significant development, a 20-year-old suspect involved in the case of a man’s body being abandoned at a clinic in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, has had his vehicle seized by police. The authorities are investigating the suspect’s route after the incident and are working to determine where the body was transported.

In Hyogo Prefecture, the Prefectural Assembly’s special committee is conducting a second round of questioning with Governor Saito regarding allegations of power harassment. Today’s session aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding a document that was created but did not protect the whistleblower, raising questions about the accountability of the officials involved.

Finally, today marks a special occasion as Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of the Akishino couple, celebrates his 18th birthday. With this milestone, he officially becomes a成年皇族, or adult member of the imperial family. His coming of age is particularly significant, as it is the first time in 39 years that a male imperial family member with a right to the throne has reached adulthood. And now for the weather. Today in Tokyo, it will be sunny with a high of 32 degrees Celsius and a low of 27 degrees Celsius. Visit JapanDailyNews.com for the news, yen exchange rates, and a daily Japanese proverb.