He should have punched harder and knocked some sense into himself.
They say times are especially tough in the ramen business, with steadily soaring food prices and an intensely competitive market that demands prices be kept low. But let’s not overlook one silent victim in all this: a would-be scam artist working in a ramen restaurant who could barely get away with skimming profit when there isn’t much to begin with. These desperate times have apparently called for some really desperate measures. On 23 October, at about 9:40 in the evening, the 36-year-old manager of a Kumamoto Ramen Ikugen branch in Namegawa, Saitama Prefecture, called the 110 emergency police number and said he was robbed at knife point. When the police arrived, he told them that the robber jumped him right after closing time, punching him in the face and stealing roughly 670,000 yen (US$4,300) of the restaurant’s cash. Saitama Prefectural Police launched an investigation, but as it progressed, they began to notice some irregularities. The biggest one was that at the time of the robbery, there were no other people fitting the assailant’s description on surveillance cameras anywhere in the surrounding area. ▼ There are said to be around 5,000,000 surveillance cameras across Japan.
Tokyo Electric Power Company says it will restart a reactor Monday after an alarm caused it to halt its initial reactivation last month. TEPCO made the announcement on Friday regarding the No.6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture. The operator had restarted the reactor on January 21, but shut it down about 29 hours later, after an alert sounded while control rods were being extracted. Officials found a fault in the alarm settings for an inverter that regulates speed on a motor that moves a control rod. The inverter has no defect, but the alarm was programmed to be set off when it detects rare electric current disruptions that occur when the motor is started. TEPCO says the alarm was installed in 2023 mainly to be used for inspections, and officials concluded that its removal will not affect the motor and inverter's safety. The company also says it has deactivated the alarm for all control rods and that the trouble has been resolved. TEPCO now aims to resume commercial operation of the reactor on March 18. That is 20 days later than initially planned. It submitted a revised schedule to the Nuclear Regulation Authority on Friday. The chief of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, Inagaki Takeyuki, says he understands the safety concerns among residents around the facility. He also says TEPCO will provide them with information and properly handle any problem during steps toward commercial operation.
Quiz 1: Why did the No.6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant initially halt its reactivation last month? A. A defect was discovered in the reactor itself. B. An alarm sounded while control rods were being extracted. C. Residents staged a protest against the restart. D. The Nuclear Regulation Authority ordered the shutdown.
Quiz 2: What was the nature of the fault identified following the alarm activation? A. The inverter controlling the motor was defective. B. The control rods themselves had a mechanical failure. C. The alarm settings were incorrectly programmed to detect rare electric current disruptions. D. The motor moving the control rod was experiencing overheating.
Quiz 3: When does TEPCO now aim to resume commercial operation of the reactor? A. March 18 B. January 21 C. February 6 D. February 29
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
Japan's largest automaker, Toyota Motor, announced on Friday that Operating Officer Kon Kenta will become the new chief executive officer, effective April 1. Current CEO Sato Koji will become vice chairman and take on the newly established role of chief industry officer.
Okay, I understand. Here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to the format you requested.
Quiz 1: Who will become the new CEO of Toyota Motor, effective April 1? A. Sato Koji B. Kon Kenta C. Hiroshi Watanabe D. Akio Toyoda
Quiz 2: What new role will Sato Koji take on following his departure as CEO? A. Senior Advisor B. Chief Financial Officer C. Chief Industry Officer D. Head of Research and Development
Quiz 3: What is Toyota Motor's position in the Japanese automotive industry? A. Japan’s largest automaker B. Japan’s second largest automaker C. Japan’s third largest automaker D. A minor player in the Japanese automotive industry
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
Wine producers from central Japan gathered in London at a special event on Wednesday to promote their wares to sommeliers, importers and journalists. Nine wineries from Yamanashi Prefecture presented around 40 different types, many of them made from the Koshu grape. About 100 connoisseurs were there to sample the wares. One importer described the wines: "Absolutely fantastic. They are very fresh and sort of mineral driven. There is a beautiful citrus note that shines through... very food friendly. So we don't see enough of them in the UK, and I'd like to see more." Chuo Budoshu Company President Misawa Shigekazu represents the organizers of the event. He believes it's important to make their wines known in the trend-setting city of London. Misawa said he wants people to get to know the healthy and delicate flavor of Koshu wines, and that they pair well with many kinds of food.
Quiz 1: Where did the wine producers from central Japan gather to promote their wines? A. Yamanashi Prefecture B. London C. Tokyo D. Paris
Quiz 2: Approximately how many different types of wine were presented at the event? A. Nine B. Around 40 C. About 100 D. Just one
Quiz 3: What is the name of the grape that many of the wines are made from? A. Koshu B. Budoshu C. Yamanashi D. Shigekazu
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: B Quiz 3: A
Senior officials from Ukraine, Russia and the US have met for another round of talks to end the fighting. They said 157 prisoners each from Ukraine and Russia were exchanged after the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media Thursday that the captives included personnel from the Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, as well as civilians. He added that most had been held since 2022. The Russian defense ministry confirmed the release of its people and said they will receive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The peace talks, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday, included Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, and Igor Kostyukov, Russia's head of the military intelligence service. US special envoy Steve Witkoff led the American side. Witkoff said on social media that more work needs to be done, but he anticipates additional progress "in the coming weeks." It remains unclear whether progress was made over the issues of territory and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Quiz 1: According to the article, how many prisoners were exchanged between Ukraine and Russia? A. 100 prisoners each B. 157 prisoners each C. 200 prisoners each D. 50 prisoners each
Quiz 2: Who led the American side during the peace talks in Abu Dhabi? A. Kyrylo Budanov B. Volodymyr Zelenskyy C. Steve Witkoff D. Igor Kostyukov
Quiz 3: What did Ukrainian President Zelenskyy state regarding the prisoners who were released? A. Most had been held since 2022. B. They were all military personnel. C. They received immediate medical treatment. D. They were all released within the last month.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
Mitsubishi Motors posted a net loss of 4.4 billion yen, or roughly 28 million dollars, for the nine months to December, as US import tariffs hurt its earnings. The Japanese automaker reported on Thursday that consolidated sales fell 0.6 percent from a year earlier to 1.97 trillion yen or about 12 billion dollars. Operating profit plunged 69.8 percent to 31.6 billion yen, or roughly 200 million dollars. The company said the Trump administration's tariff measures pushed down operating profit by 37.3 billion yen, or nearly 238 million dollars. It also attributed the poor performance to exchange rate fluctuations. But the automaker revised up its sales forecast for the 12 months ending in March to 2.9 trillion yen, or about 18 billion dollars. Meanwhile, Suzuki Motor reported its first drop in operating profit for the April to December period in five years. Nine-month operating income fell 10.6 percent to 429.1 billion yen or roughly 2.7 billion dollars. Raw material costs have risen in India, where Suzuki has extensive production facilities. Revenue rose 5.4 percent to 4.51 trillion yen, or nearly 29 billion dollars. The automaker attributed the increase to a reduction in the tax on goods and services in India, the company's biggest market.
Quiz 1: What was Mitsubishi Motors' net loss for the nine months to December? A. 280 million yen B. 4.4 billion yen C. 31.6 billion yen D. 2.9 trillion yen
Quiz 2: What was the primary reason Mitsubishi Motors attributed its poor performance to, besides exchange rate fluctuations? A. Rising raw material costs in India B. A reduction in the tax on goods and services C. US import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration D. A drop in operating profit for the April to December period
Quiz 3: Which company reported its first drop in operating profit in five years? A. Suzuki Motor B. Mitsubishi Motors C. The Trump administration D. Japanese automakers
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
Senior US and Iranian officials are getting ready to hold talks in Oman this Friday on Tehran's nuclear program. The key question is whether this round will lead to an easing of tensions between the two countries. Iran's Tasnim News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, posted about the talks. It said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff will attend. The talks have been suspended since last June, when the US military carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The news agency said "the subject of the negotiations is limited to the nuclear issue and lifting sanctions on Iran." But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agenda should include other issues as well, including Iran's ballistic missiles, sponsorship of terrorist organizations, and treatment of its own people. The Trump administration has been boosting military pressure on Tehran. It has deployed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Arabian Sea region near Iran. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association, said that if they can agree to "some very modest initial steps," it could ease tensions. He emphasized that both sides need to act with "greater realism and greater flexibility" to avoid another conflict in the Middle East.
Okay, here are three four-choice quizzes based on the provided article, strictly adhering to the format you requested.
Quiz 1: When will senior US and Iranian officials hold talks regarding Tehran’s nuclear program? A. Next Monday B. This Friday C. Last June D. In six months
Quiz 2: According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, what is the primary subject of the negotiations? A. Iran’s ballistic missiles B. Treatment of Iran's own people C. The nuclear issue and lifting sanctions on Iran D. Sponsorship of terrorist organizations
Quiz 3: Which US official stated that the agenda for the talks should include more than just the nuclear issue and sanctions? A. Marco Rubio B. Steve Witkoff C. Daryl Kimball D. Abbas Araghchi
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
Intense snowfall could hit Japanese areas along the Sea of Japan and other parts of the country on Saturday and Sunday. Many of the locations have already received heavy snow accumulations in recent days. The Japan Meteorological Agency is urging people to firmly keep their guard up against traffic disruptions, avalanches and power outages. Snow could also fall and even pile up in Pacific-side areas that rarely see much snow, such as Tokyo's 23 wards and other southern parts of the Kanto region. Snowfall and winds are currently picking up in parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region along the Sea of Japan due to a rapidly developing low pressure system. Wind gusts recorded in the three hours through 5 a.m. on Friday reached 82.8 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido's Okushiri Town and 82.4 kilometers per hour in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. Snowfall in the six hours through 5 a.m. on Friday grew to 28 centimeters in Hokkaido's Sarufutsu Village and 20 centimeters in Noboribetsu City, also in the country's northernmost prefecture. Snowfall for the 24-hour period through Sunday morning is expected to be 70 centimeters in Niigata Prefecture and 50 centimeters in Hokkaido as well as the Tohoku, Hokuriku and Chugoku regions. Heavy snow is forecast to peak on Sunday. Snowfall for the 24-hour period through Monday morning is predicted to be 70 centimeters in Niigata Prefecture and Chugoku, and 50 centimeters in Tohoku, Hokuriku and Kinki. Meanwhile, blizzards are already buffeting some parts of Hokkaido, creating whiteout conditions in which visibility drops to zero. Similar weather could especially batter the prefecture's Soya and Kamikawa-Rumoi areas. People in those places should refrain from nonessential outings and take necessary precautions.
Quiz 1: What is the Japan Meteorological Agency urging people to be aware of? A. Increased sunshine and warmer temperatures B. Potential traffic disruptions, avalanches, and power outages C. A decrease in snowfall across the country D. Improvements in visibility due to clear skies
Quiz 2: Which region is predicted to receive up to 70 centimeters of snowfall in the 24-hour period through Sunday morning? A. Kanto region B. Pacific-side areas C. Niigata Prefecture D. Hokkaido
Quiz 3: What weather condition is currently impacting parts of Hokkaido, significantly reducing visibility? A. Blizzards creating whiteout conditions B. Intense sunshine causing glare C. Clear skies and high visibility D. Mild temperatures and gentle breezes
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
The Washington Post newspaper says it has laid off one-third of its staff in an effort to strengthen its financial footing. The paper announced in its Wednesday edition that it was also eliminating its sports section and closing several foreign bureaus in the Middle East and elsewhere. The New York Times and other US media say the laid-off workers include more than 300 of the roughly 800 journalists in the Washington Post newsroom. The newspaper is known for its investigative journalism. Its coverage of the Watergate scandal in the 1970s led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. In 2013, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos purchased the paper. He has since pushed for management reforms. But the Washington Post has been losing subscribers. Critics say that is partly due to decisions made by Bezos, including pulling back from an endorsement of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. They also say Bezos directed a more conservative turn on liberal opinion pages. In the Post article on the layoffs, a former editor condemned Bezos. He said his former boss initially "spoke forcefully and eloquently of a free press," but "there is no sign" of that spirit today. The New York Times has increased sales and profit with digital subscriptions. It also offers games on its smartphone app. The paper says the Post's cuts are a sign that Bezos has not yet figured out how to build and maintain a profitable publication on the internet.
Quiz 1: According to the article, what is the primary reason for the Washington Post’s layoffs? A. To expand its foreign bureaus. B. To strengthen its financial footing. C. To increase its sports coverage. D. To hire more journalists.
Quiz 2: What significant event in the 1970s is the Washington Post known for covering? A. The Iran-Contra Affair. B. The Kennedy Assassination. C. The Watergate scandal. D. The Vietnam War protests.
Quiz 3: What has contributed to criticism of Jeff Bezos's management of the Washington Post? A. Pulling back from endorsing a Democratic candidate in the 2024 presidential race. B. Increasing investment in investigative journalism. C. Expanding the sports section significantly. D. Hiring more foreign correspondents.
[Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: B Quiz 2: C Quiz 3: A
