Hello and welcome to today’s news from Japan Daily News on September 25th, 2024. In Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, record rainfall has led to devastating consequences, with reports confirming eight fatalities and two individuals still missing. Authorities are also trying to reach five others whose whereabouts remain unknown, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations by police and firefighters.

In a separate but equally poignant story, the family of victims from a notorious murder case that occurred 58 years ago in Shizuoka Prefecture is reflecting on their emotions as a verdict in the retrial of Iwao Hakamada approaches. Hakamada, who was sentenced to death for the murder of four family members, awaits the Shizuoka District Court’s decision on the 26th. A grandson of the deceased couple has shared his thoughts and feelings through a personal account, revealing the impact of this long-standing case on his family.

Switching gears, we are now just 200 days away from the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, scheduled for next April. To commemorate the occasion, designs for a 10,000 yen gold coin and a 1,000 yen silver coin have been unveiled, adding excitement to the upcoming event.

Meanwhile, health officials are raising alarms about the rising cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease across Tokyo and six other prefectures. The infection, which primarily affects children and causes rashes on the hands and feet, has surpassed warning levels, prompting local governments to encourage preventive measures such as regular handwashing.

In the arts scene, an experiential exhibition showcasing handmade works by people with disabilities is currently being held in Minato, Tokyo. This unique event invites visitors to engage their senses while appreciating the creativity and talent of the artists involved.

On the topic of disaster recovery, experts are discussing the implications of the recent heavy rainfall in Noto, which has severely impacted areas still recovering from previous earthquakes. A specialist in urban planning emphasizes the need for community discussions that go beyond simple decisions about relocation. He suggests that even if communities are moved, it is vital to maintain connections and support networks at both the community and individual levels.

Lastly, Nagasaki Prefecture recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of the opening of the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen. To mark the occasion, an event was held at the train’s maintenance base in Omura City, where selected participants had the unique opportunity to wash the train known as ‘Kamome,’ fostering a sense of community and pride in this modern transportation achievement. And now for the weather. Today in Tokyo, expect a temperature around 21 degrees Celsius with patchy rain and a chance of drizzle later in the evening. Visit JapanDailyNews.com for the news, yen exchange rates, and a daily Japanese proverb.