The Mainichi - Japan Daily News

TOKYO -- Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya unveiled the country's new passport design during a press conference on Dec. 20, announcing it will be

COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colorado (Kyodo) -- Olympic champion Ayumu Hirano claimed men's halfpipe gold and his 15-year-old compatriot Sara Shimizu won the women's title Friday as Japanese snowboarders took five of the six podium spots at the World Cup round in Colorado's Copper Mountain.

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The U.S. military on Friday began requiring its Osprey aircraft to undergo an additional safety inspection following a recent precautionary landing involving one of the transport planes, but said those meeting the standard can resume flights.

CHIBA -- A whale approximately 10 meters long was recently spotted in Tokyo Bay off Tokyo Disney Resort in the city of Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture.

TOKYO -- Many people have experienced being deprived of private time due to work emails and phone calls, and while advancements in communication technology have made remote work possible, there are concerns that it could also lead to long working hours. Recently, the "right to disconnect," which allows employees to refuse calls and emails outside of work hours, is being established primarily in Europe. Will it become common in Japan, too?

Amid ongoing price hikes in Japan, it is necessary to ease tax burdens on people struggling with the high cost of living. On the other hand, if debt-ridden state finances are to be further aggravated, it will only leave behind problems for future generations. Both the ruling and opposition parties should debate the issue with due responsibility.

TOKYO -- The 37th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), one of Asia's premier film festivals, took place from late October to early November. Beyond its competition section, highlights included an inaugural Centerpiece screening of a Hollywood blockbuster and the introduction of a new "women's empowerment" category. The Mainichi reflects on the glamorous event, which welcomed prominent actors and directors from Japan and beyond.

KADOMA, Osaka (Kyodo) -- Yuma Kagiyama qualified for the world figure skating championships by winning his first national title Saturday.

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Victorina Himeji came back to beat fellow SV.League club Saga Hisamitsu Springs 3-2 Saturday to claim their first women's national volleyball championship.