Japan

Intelligence for Better Decision Making

TEPCO resumes debris removal at Fukushima Daiichi
Sept. 11, 2024 | Indirect Indicator

- TEPCO will resume the suspended test removal of melted fuel debris from Unit 2 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the 10th. The initial start on August 22 was halted due to an error with pipe connections.

- An investigation revealed the error occurred because a subcontractor improperly transported and connected five pipes without subsequent checks from TEPCO employees.

- Preventive measures have been implemented, including a review of training and procedures related to the removal process.

- President Tomoaki Kobayakawa and officials inspected the plant on the 9th, verifying the correct connections of pipes via remote cameras.

- To avoid over-reliance on subcontractors, TEPCO aims to enhance safety management protocols, as emphasized by Governor Masao Uchibori.

- Fukushima peaches are now available at Harrods in London, part of an initiative to promote regional produce and dispel fears of radioactive contamination.

- The UK's removal of import restrictions on Fukushima food products is seen as a move based on scientific evidence, promoting reconstruction efforts in Fukushima.

- The IAEA reported that Japan's reuse of decontaminated soil meets global safety standards, aiding public understanding and managing radioactive waste.

- TEPCO plans to remove up to 3 grams of nuclear fuel debris from Unit 2, a critical step in the Fukushima plant's decommissioning, which is expected to be completed by 2051.

- The debris removal trial, initiated after multiple postponements since 2021 due to technical issues and high radiation challenges, aims to inform strategies for full-scale efforts.

Yamaguchi announces resignation as Komeito leader
Sept. 11, 2024 | Indirect Indicator

- Natsuo Yamaguchi will step down as Komeito leader at the end of his term, marking the first leadership change in the party in 15 years. Yamaguchi, who has been in leadership since succeeding Akihiro Ota in 2009, is the longest-serving chief of Komeito since its re-establishment in 1998.

- Announcing on September 10, 2024, Yamaguchi stated he would not run in the upcoming Komeito leadership election scheduled for later this month, despite some calls for him to stay in light of a potential snap general election.

- Yamaguchi acknowledged the presence of younger, capable personnel within Komeito and emphasized the appropriateness of passing the leadership baton, noting a wave of generational change sweeping through the political landscape both domestically and internationally.

- The official campaign period for Komeito's leadership election begins on September 18, with the election to select Yamaguchi's successor starting next week on Wednesday. Ishii is expected to be confirmed as the new leader during a party convention scheduled for September 28.

- Keiichi Ishii, Komeito's 66-year-old Secretary-General, is anticipated to succeed Yamaguchi as the next leader. The transfer of leadership to Ishii is expected to continue the trend of unopposed leadership elections in Komeito, aligning with the party's history since its founding in 1964.

- This decision comes in the context of leadership races occurring within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, with Yamaguchi noting that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida would not seek re-election.

Monitored Intelligence for Japan - Sept. 13, 2024


News
Media
486

Government
Releases
57

City/State
Releases
185

Embassy
Releases
1
Foreign
Service
Advisories
0
Academic/
Think
Tank
20


Podcasts
0


Videos
0

Social
Media
0

Business
Releases
2

Erudite Risk takes an all risks approach to intelligence reporting. We categorize key intelligence into one of 40 different risk intelligence categories.

The goal is to provide intelligence that allows decision makers to avoid being blindsided by what they may have missed, while informing them to make better decisions as well.

Risk Categories Reported on Today

Risk Category
Items Reported On
Supply Chain Issues
4
Extreme Weather Events
10
Regulation
11
North Korea
10
Strikes and Work Stoppages
3
Crime
8
Corporate Corruption or Fraud
4
Accidents
5
Natural Disasters
5
Pollution
1
South China Sea
1
Cyber Attacks and Data Loss
1
Product Recalls
2
Critical Infrastructure Failure
1
Political Scandal or Corruption
3
Climate Change
1
Man-made Environmental Disasters
1
Terrorism
1
Epidemics and Pandemics
1
Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes
1
Shifting Geopolitical Alliances
1

Erudite Risk also includes operations categories so you can monitor the environment for better decision making. Everything is tied together--what happens in risk affects operations and what happens in the market impacts risk profiles.

We categorize key intelligence into one of 30 different operations intelligence categories.

Different roles and functions within the organization can monitor different key issue areas. HR may monitor employment, wages, regulations, labor and management relations, etc., while P&L leaders may monitor overall developing trends.

Operations Categories Reported on Today

Operations Category
Items Reported On
Supply Chain Issues
13
Economic Growth
6
Asset Price Change
19
Bankruptcy-Insolvency
1
Privacy
2
Regulatory Enforcement Actions
2
Employment
1
Mergers & Acquisitions
10
Politics and Elections
4
Legal Exposure
1
Political Policy Resistance
3
Inflation
2
Budgets-Budgeting
2
Operating Results
1
Energy Prices
1

In crowded field, local votes could play bigger role in LDP election

Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Sept. 13, 2024 | Politics and Elections

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan is experiencing an unprecedented focus on local party member votes due to a record number of candidates in its presidential election. Voting is set for September 27, with the winner likely to become the next prime minister. Nine candidates have registered, including notable figures such as Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi. The election involves votes from both party lawmakers and rank-and-file members, with the crowded candidate field expected to disperse votes among LDP Diet members. Local votes are anticipated to play a crucial role, as candidates with local popularity may influence the votes of the Diet members. The current voting structure favors a significant impact from local assembly members, particularly in a runoff scenario where their votes carry less weight than those of Diet members. The election follows controversy from a political fund scandal, increasing the stakes for LDP leadership.

本日の決算発表予定 … タイミー、ギグワークス、ハートシードなど 47社 (9月12日)

Today's financial results announcements scheduled ... 47 companies including Timee, GigWorks, and Heartseed (September 12th)

Yahoo Finance | Local Language | News | Sept. 13, 2024 | Operating Results

On September 12th, 47 companies, including Timee, GigWorks, and Heartseed, are scheduled to announce their financial results. The article provides information on various stocks listed with their current prices and changes. Notable price data includes companies with significant price movements, such as a decrease of 145 for a stock priced at 2,055 and an increase of 85 for another stock priced at 1,230. The overall context highlights the anticipation surrounding the financial announcements of these companies.

自民総裁選、9氏届け出へ 過去最多、決選投票の公算

Nine candidates to submit for LDP presidential election, highest number ever, likely to lead to runoff election

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Sept. 13, 2024 | Politics and Elections

The LDP presidential election has attracted a record nine candidates, the highest number since the candidacy system was introduced in 1972. The election, announced on September 12, will decide the successor to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and culminate in a vote on September 27. Key issues include restoring public trust following a faction slush fund scandal and economic policies addressing rising prices. A runoff election is likely between the top two candidates, as the presence of many candidates may dilute votes. The nine candidates are Ishiba Shigeru, Kato Katsunobu, Kamikawa Yoko, Koizumi Shinjiro, Kono Taro, Kobayashi Takayuki, Takaichi Sanae, Hayashi Yoshimasa, and Motegi Toshimitsu. The election will utilize 734 votes total, including 367 from Diet members and an equal number from party members and supporters.

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