Authorities are urging caution due to a series of fires across Japan, exacerbated by dry air conditions. In Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, a house fire resulted in two fatalities, and in Matsuyama City, another fire claimed one life. The dry weather increases the risk of fires spreading quickly.
The severe cold was caused by cold air flowing into the upper atmosphere and radiative cooling, which led to temperatures dropping significantly. Recorded lows included -24.6°C in Rikubetsu, Hokkaido, -6.9°C in Suwa, Nagano, and -4.1°C in Saitama. Tokyo experienced its first sub-zero temperature of the season.
The highest bid was 207 million yen for a 276 kg bluefin tuna caught off the coast of Oma, Aomori Prefecture. This is the second-highest price recorded since 1999.
Concerns include the risk of avalanches and rapid snowmelt due to rising temperatures. Snow accumulation has exceeded 1 meter in some areas, more than three times the average for this time of year. A 75-year-old man died after falling from a roof while clearing snow.
Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Lionel Messi, Magic Johnson, and Bono were among the 19 recipients. They were honored for their contributions to national interests, world peace, cultural activities, and support for Parkinson's disease research.
The conflict continues with Israeli attacks resulting in 41 deaths on January 4 alone. The total death toll has reached 45,717. Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release have resumed in Qatar, but significant disagreements remain between the parties.
【主なニュース】▼各地で火災 空気の乾燥した状態続く 火の取り扱いに十分注意を ▼厳しい冷え込み 積雪1m超も 都心は今シーズン初の冬日 ▼豊洲市場で初競り 大間のクロマグロが最高値 2億700万円 など