Kyodo News Brief: Nov. 21, 2025

TOKYO - The following is the most recent compilation of curated news briefs from Kyodo News. ---------- Japan's government approves 21...

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

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Japan's government approves 21 trillion yen economic package under proponent of fiscal easing Prime Minister Takaichi

TOKYO - On Friday, the Japanese government gave its approval to a significant economic package valued at approximately 21.3 trillion yen ($135 billion) aimed at addressing increasing living expenses, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi strives to boost growth via expansive financial spending.

The initial economic support plan introduced by Takaichi, who assumed the role of prime minister only a month ago, is projected to total 42.8 trillion yen once combined with expenditures from local governments and the private sector, significantly exceeding the 39 trillion yen in previous year's initiatives.

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Japan criticizes China following the cancellation of a three-nation cultural discussion with South Korea

TOKYO - Japan's senior government spokesperson condemned China on Friday following its decision to delay a trilateral meeting of culture ministers that also includes South Korea, as tensions rise over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments regarding Taiwan, impacting private sector engagements.

At a press briefing, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara characterized comments made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning regarding the decision as "harming bilateral people-to-people interactions" and "contradictory" to the mutual objective of Tokyo and Beijing to establish positive and stable relations.

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Niigata government approves TEPCO's first nuclear reactor restart since Fukushima

NIIGATA, Japan - On Friday, Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi approved the resumption of operations at a nuclear reactor located at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power station, marking the first time for Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. to restart a reactor since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, one of the most severe nuclear incidents globally.

Hanazumi took the decision while recognizing that people in the Sea of Japan coastal prefecture are "strongly divided" regarding the restart of Unit 6 at the seven-reactor facility, as worries remain about TEPCO's management following repeated safety issues discovered at the plant.

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Japan's government to allocate 100 billion yen to chipmaker Rapidus

TOKYO - The Japanese government announced on Friday that it will allocate 100 billion yen ($640 million) to the chip startup Rapidus Corp., intensifying its initiatives to enhance economic security through the development of a local semiconductor supply chain.

The organization was founded in 2022, backed by funding from eight prominent Japanese firms, such as Toyota Motor Corporation and Sony Group Corporation.

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Japanese Prime Minister departs for South Africa to attend G20 summit while tensions rise with China

TOKYO - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi left on Friday for South Africa to participate in the G20 summit, drawing attention to whether she might meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang as tensions rise over her comments regarding Taiwan.

At the edges of the two-day gathering that begins on Saturday in Johannesburg, Takaichi plans to conduct bilateral discussions with leaders from developing and emerging economies of the Global South as well as members of the Group of Seven to enhance cooperation, according to Japanese government officials.

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Japan's influenza cases have reached a warning level at the quickest rate in a decade.

TOKYO - The Japanese government announced on Friday that the average number of flu patients at designated medical facilities across the country has reached alert levels at the quickest rate in a decade, with some experts suggesting the increasing number of incoming tourists as a possible reason for the epidemic spreading earlier than usual.

Approximately 3,000 facilities reported a total of 145,526 patients between November 10 and Sunday, with an average of 37.73 individuals per institution, exceeding the alert threshold of 30, as stated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

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Sumo: Legendary Champions Onosato, Hoshoryu Share Top Position in a Two-Way Tie

FUKUOKA - The yokozuna pair of Onosato and Hoshoryu secured a shared lead at 11-2 following intense matches on Friday during the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

Onosato pushed aside the top-ranked Ukrainian sekiwake Aonishiki, the other joint leader, from the summit of the rankings, while Hoshoryu ended ozeki Kotozakura's five-match winning streak on Day 13 of the 15-day competition held at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

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America reaffirms its dedication to Japan's security despite Tokyo's tensions with Beijing

WASHINGTON - On Thursday, the United States reaffirmed its dedication to Japan's security as "unshakable" under their long-standing defense agreement, in response to growing tensions between the country's major Asian ally and China.

U.S. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott made it clear on social media that the treaty covers the Japan-administered, China-claimed Senkaku Islands, located just 170 kilometers away from Taiwan.

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VIDEO: Fans applaud athletes during the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon