Kyodo Daily: Nov. 15, 2025

TOKYO - The following is the most recent compilation of curated news briefs from Kyodo News. ---------- An LDP representative pledges to w...

TOKYO - The following is the most recent compilation of curated news briefs from Kyodo News.

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An LDP representative pledges to work towards maintaining stable relations between Japan and China, even with the travel advisory in place.

TOKYO - The head of policy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party stated on Saturday that the government should maintain a composed response to China's recommendation advising its citizens against traveling to Japan, highlighting the significance of maintaining stable relations between the two countries.

Takayuki Kobayashi said to journalists in Akita Prefecture, "We will keep engaging in discussions and strive to develop a positive and steady Japan-China relationship," while also expressing his desire to understand the rationale for China's actions.

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Trump lifts tariffs on agricultural goods as shift towards affordability occurs

WASHINGTON - On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly abandoned his key "reciprocal" tariff approach, reducing taxes on a wide range of agricultural goods favored by American shoppers amid increasing food costs and declining approval ratings.

Trump, who asserts that the cost of living has decreased since his return to power in January, issued an executive order that retroactively removes tariffs on beef, coffee, green tea, bananas, and numerous other agricultural items from his extensive import taxes applied to goods from almost every country.

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A Japanese group establishes the criteria for hot spring culture as part of a bid for UNESCO heritage status

TOKYO - The tradition of hot spring bathing in Japan, which is now being evaluated by a government committee for potential inclusion as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, has been described by an organization as a longstanding custom involving immersion in natural thermal waters to achieve mental and physical well-being.

The Tokyo-based Japan Onsen Association stated that it created the definition to explain how the tradition demonstrates the country's bond with nature and the idea that recovery is achieved through interaction with geothermal resources seen as "gifts" from the natural world.

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Japan to increase winter electricity and gas subsidies by double due to inflation, according to a source

TOKYO - According to a source involved in the matter, the Japanese government intends to increase monthly electricity and gas subsidies for families to approximately 2,000 yen ($13) this winter, aiming to reduce the effects of ongoing inflation.

The additional assistance, aimed at compensating for increased heating expenses between January and March, is anticipated to be part of an economic plan that will be prepared shortly by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration, with specifics still being deliberated.

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Renowned North Korean abductee's mother expresses sorrow over 48 years without reuniting

TOKYO - Saturday marked 48 years since Megumi Yokota vanished, a poignant example of North Korea's kidnapping of Japanese citizens in previous decades, with her mother Sakie still expressing sorrow over the lack of advancement on this matter.

Yokota, 89, expressed to journalists before the anniversary that the extended separation has left her "in shock," yet she continues to hold onto hope for a reunion. She and other family members of the abducted individuals have urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump to facilitate the return of their loved ones.

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FOCUS: With LDP celebrating 70 years, Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi's popularity could hinder reforms

TOKYO - The ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan celebrated the 70th anniversary of its establishment on Saturday, while worries persist that reforms following a political funding scandal may face delays, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi continues to gain increasing support.

Takaichi, Japan's inaugural female prime minister, has begun her tenure strongly since assuming office on October 21, as the LDP has altered its coalition partner for the first time in more than two decades, and she has skillfully managed several important diplomatic missions.

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A Japanese deaf football team initiates a fundraising campaign to support live broadcasts of the Deaflympics.

TOKYO - The Japanese Deaf Football Association is running a fundraising initiative to broadcast all soccer games from the Tokyo Deaflympics, which began on Saturday.

Even though only a limited number of matches are planned to be featured on the official YouTube channel, the organization aims to increase the broadcast coverage by utilizing the funds collected from the campaign, which is set to conclude around November 20 and has already exceeded its goal of 1.5 million yen ($9,800).

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FEATURE: Indian golfer Dagar aiming for additional golden success at the Tokyo Deaflympics

NEW DELHI - Indian golfer Diksha Dagar is set to participate in the Tokyo Deaflympics with the aim of protecting her championship and reviving the cherished memories she created in Japan during her Olympic participation in 2021.

Dagar made history as the first golfer from India to participate in the Summer Deaflympics in 2017, when the sport was introduced to the event. In the women's individual competition, she secured a silver medal in 2017 in Samsun, Turkey, and later earned a gold medal at the 2022 edition held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

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