Hello and welcome to a special addition of Lint NewsPlus on December 27.
Since this is the last NewsPlus of 2019, we're bringing you the top three news stories of the year, plus a runner-up, as chosen by Lint staff.
Runner-up－Just as Prime Minister Abe broke the record for longest-serving prime minister, he faced yet another scandal. This one centers around the government’s annual cherry-blossom-viewing party. The gathering has been held since 1952 and is supposed to include important figures in Japanese culture and society. However, it was revealed in November that Abe has been inviting large numbers of his own supporters, in possible violation of funding laws. One of the invited guests is also accused of fraudulent activities.
Number three－This fall, Japan hosted the first Rugby World Cup in Asia. Teams from twenty countries participated in matches all over Japan, with the home team, the Brave Blossoms, making it to the quarterfinals for the first time. Rugby fever hit the country hard, with record-breakingDictation Q1 attendance at the matches and unprecedented numbers watching on various medium. In the final match, South Africa came out on top over England to claim their third World Cup trophy.
Number two－On October 1st, a new consumptionDictation Q2 tax rate was implemented for the first time in five years. The 2 percent increase from 8 percent to 10 percent was feared by retailers and individuals alike to cause an economic slump, as the 3 percent increase did in 2014. However, it seems this year’s hike did not create economic trouble, thanks to some government measures to offset it, such as rebates for using cashless payment systems. However, there has been some confusion about what rate applies to certain food and in certain situations, like takeout vs. eating in at restaurants and cafes.
Number one－On April 1, the name of the new era that started May 1 was revealed. The name chosen, Reiwa, is composed of two kanji characters, literally translated as good fortune and harmony. It is said that its roots go deep into Japanese culture, being taken from the country’s oldest compilationDictation Q3 of poetry called Manyoshu. Reaction from the public was mostly positive, with some people saying the "wa" part makes them feel nostalgic for the Showa era. Others were concerned about the first kanji and its different translations, like “order,” that could have a negative meaning.
And that wraps it up for Lint NewsPlus 2019. This is Ruth Nakamura for everyone here at Lint. Have a happy New Year!
