January 31, Wednesday, 2024

1. The Japanese government says two parliamentary vice ministers have decided to step down over a political fundraising scandal involving factions of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Informed sources say investigations have revealed undeclared revenues in the political fund reports of Komori Takuo and Kato Ryusho’s offices from their faction’s fundraising events.
2. NHK has learned more than 30 people died from exposure to the cold in Ishikawa Prefecture after the powerful New Year’s Day earthquake. Many of them are believed to have been waiting for rescue.
3. Japanese sumo wrestler Kotonowaka has been promoted to the second highest rank of Ozeki.