October 17, Thursday, 2024

1. Japanese actor Nishida Toshiyuki, who was known for performing wide-ranging roles in popular film and drama, has died at the age of 76. He was found collapsed at his home in Tokyo on Thursday. In the popular movie series “Tsuribaka nisshi,” Nishida played the role of a leading character Hama-chan, who is crazy about fishing.
2. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has met with the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea and said he will make all-out efforts to quickly bring them home. It was the first such meeting since Ishiba became prime minister, taking place Thursday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo.
3. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “Victory Plan” involves political and military issues that need to be addressed.