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2024 in Japan

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{{Use American English|date=September 2023}}

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{{Year in Japan|2024}}

{{Year topic navigation|2024|Japan}}

Events in the year 2024 in Japan.

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Incumbents

=Governors=

Arts and entertainment

Events

= January =

  • January 1 –
  • Six wards in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, including Naka-ku, Minami-ku, Higashi-ku, Nishi-ku, and Kita-ku, are disestablished and replaced by two new wards, namely Hamana-ku and Chūō-ku.[https://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/documents/155794/rinjigou_02-05.pdf 区再編ガイドブック（広報はままつ臨時号）PDF版] (in Japanese) Hamamatsu City, November 5, 2023
  • A 7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes Ishikawa Prefecture,{{cite web |date=1 January 2024 |title=M 7.5 - 42 km NE of Anamizu, Japan |url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000m0xl/executive |access-date=1 January 2024 |publisher=United States Geological Survey |archive-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101074051/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000m0xl/executive |url-status=live}} killing 241 people.{{cite web|title=Reiwa 6-nen Notohantō jishin ni yoru higai-tō no jōkyō ni tsuite (kiki kanri kansatsu-shitsu)|script-title=ja:令和６年能登半島地震による被害等の状況について（危機管理監室）|trans-title=Regarding the status of damage caused by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake (Crisis Management Office)|url=https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/saigai/documents/higaihou_108_0312_1400.pdf|access-date=12 March 2024|language=ja|publisher=Crisis Management Office, Ishikawa Prefecture|date=12 March 2024}}
  • January 2 – 2024 Haneda Airport runway collision: A Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900 collides with a Japan Coast Guard DHC-8 aircraft and bursts into flames at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The Coast guard plane was going to deliver aid to those affected by the earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture the day before. All 379 occupants aboard the Japan Airlines flight are evacuated, while five of the six occupants aboard the Coast Guard aircraft are killed.{{Cite web |title=Japan Airlines plane fire: Five dead on coastguard plane after crash with jet on Haneda Airport runway |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-asia-67862184 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=BBC News |date=January 2, 2024 |language=en-gb}}
  • January 3 – Three men are stabbed on a train at Akihabara Station, Tokyo. A woman is arrested by police.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-04 |title=4 Men Stabbed on JR Yamanote Line; Woman in 20s Arrested at Tokyo's Akihabara Station |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/crime-courts/20240104-159699/ |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=japannews.yomiuri.co.jp |language=en}}
  • January 19 –
  • Japan becomes the fifth country to successfully land on the surface of the moon with the SLIM lunar lander mission.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}
  • 2023–2024 Japanese slush fund scandal: Several Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers are indicted in a scandal involving misuse of campaign funds, including incumbent lawmakers Yasutada Ōno and Yaichi Tanigawa, both of whom resign from the party following their indictments.{{Cite web |title=Prosecutors indict several LDP faction members over funds scandal |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/f4d6ea5b7d8f-update1-prosecutors-indict-several-ldp-faction-members-over-funds-scandal.html |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Kyodo News+}} The Seiwa Seisaku Kenkyūkai, Kōchikai, and Shisuikai factions of the Liberal Democratic Party all announce their intention to dissolve as a result of the scandal.{{Cite web |title=Biggest faction in Japan's ruling party decides to disband: lawmaker |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Biggest-faction-in-Japan-s-ruling-party-decides-to-disband-lawmaker |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB}}
  • January 23 – Two railway workers are injured after being electrocuted while trying to fix a massive power outage that shuts down the Shinkansen system in a section operated by JR East between Omiya Station in Saitama and Ueno Station in Tokyo. A train is also damaged during the outage.{{cite web |date=24 January 2024 |title=Disruption of Japan's Shinkansen service sends passengers scrambling |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/3009/ |access-date=24 January 2024 |work=NHK}}{{cite web |date=24 January 2024 |title=JR East: Damage to overhead power cable part led to Shinkansen disruption |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240124_22/ |access-date=24 January 2024 |work=NHK}}
  • January 24 – Ukrainian-born Karolina Shiino is announced as the winner of the 2024 Miss Nippon Grand Prix beauty pageant.{{cite news |last1=Khalil |first1=Shaimaa |title=Ukrainian-born model winning Miss Japan re-ignites identity debate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68078061 |publisher=BBC News |date=January 24, 2024 |access-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125034254/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68078061 |url-status=live }} She is the first naturalised Japanese citizen to win the pageant.{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Shweta |date=January 24, 2024 |title=Ukrainian-born Japanese woman sparks debate after being crowned Miss Japan |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/japan/ukraine-born-carolina-shiino-miss-japan-b2484527.html |work=The Independent |access-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125155038/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/japan/ukraine-born-carolina-shiino-miss-japan-b2484527.html |url-status=live}} Her win sparks debates over "Japaneseness" and the shifting demographics of Japan.{{cite news |last=Demetriou |first=Danielle |date=24 January 2024 |title=Ukrainian-born model crowned Miss Japan sparks national identity debate |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/01/24/ukrainian-born-model-crowned-miss-japan-carolina-shiino/ |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127075519/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/01/24/ukrainian-born-model-crowned-miss-japan-carolina-shiino/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Choi |first=Christy |date=2024-01-26 |title='I am absolutely Japanese': Ukrainian-born model sparks debate by winning Miss Japan pageant |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/26/style/miss-japan-karolina-shiino-ukraine/index.html |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126232906/https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/26/style/miss-japan-karolina-shiino-ukraine/index.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Quadri |first1=Sami |date=January 25, 2024 |title=Race row erupts after Ukrainian-born model wins Miss Japan title |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/miss-japan-winner-ukraine-carolina-shiino-tokyo-nagoya-b1134713.html |publisher=Evening Standard |access-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125160835/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/miss-japan-winner-ukraine-carolina-shiino-tokyo-nagoya-b1134713.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=奥原 |first1=慎平 |date=January 24, 2024 |title=「日本らしい美しさ」SNSで論議 椎野カロリーナさん、初の欧州ルーツ「ミス日本」 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20240124-AL6HMZMN3NAEPADI2R4UQKL7MQ/ |publisher=Sankei Shimbun |language=Japanese |access-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125171836/https://www.sankei.com/article/20240124-AL6HMZMN3NAEPADI2R4UQKL7MQ/ |url-status=live}}
  • January 25 – Kyoto Animation arson attack: A court sentences Shinji Aoba to death for a 2019 arson attack on a Kyoto Animation studio in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, which killed 36 people.{{Cite web |title=Japanese man sentenced to death for Kyoto Animation arson attack that killed 36 people |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/japan-kyoto-animation-fire-arson-attack-2019-arsonist-death-sentence-4073316 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=CNA |language=en}}
  • January 26 – 1974 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries bombing: Police announce they have arrested who they believe to be Satoshi Kirishima, a member of East Asia Anti-Japan Armed Front who has been a fugitive from justice for 50 years for his role in a series of bombings of companies.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-01-26 |title=Man believed to be long-time fugitive Satoshi Kirishima detained in Japan: reports |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/01/26/japan/crime-legal/fugitive-radical-caught/ |access-date=2024-01-27 |work=The Japan Times |language=en}}
  • January 29 – The man believed to be Satoshi Kirishima dies.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-29 |title=桐島聡容疑者を名乗る男が死亡 末期がんで入院中 |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUE290IA0Z20C24A1000000/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=日本経済新聞 |language=ja}} DNA comparison with relatives further confirms his identity as Kirishima.{{Cite news |date=2024-02-27 |title=Satoshi Kirishima: DNA test confirms dying man was one of Japan's most wanted |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68412672 |access-date=2024-02-27 |language=en-GB}}

= February =

  • February 5 – Ukrainian-born Karolina Shiino relinquishes her crown as winner of the 2024 Miss Nippon Grand Prix beauty pageant after news emerges of her having an affair with a married man.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68213223 | title=Ukraine-born Miss Japan winner relinquishes crown following affair }}{{cite web | url=https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/karolina-shiino-gives-up-miss-japan-crown/ | title=Ukrainian-born Miss Japan Karolina Shiino Gives up Crown | date=February 6, 2024 }}
  • February 27 – Sony announces it will cut 900 jobs across its global workforce and proposes the closure of London Studio as part of the restructuring.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=PlayStation's Sony to cut 900 jobs amid brutal year for video game industry layoffs |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/video-games/playstations-sony-cut-900-jobs-brutal-year-video-game-industry-layoffs-rcna140654 |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

=March=

  • March 4 – The Nikkei 225 reaches 40,000 points for the first time.{{Cite news |title=Japan's Nikkei Index Falls Below 1989 High After Historic Bull Run |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-03-11-2024/card/japan-s-nikkei-index-falls-below-1989-high-after-historic-bull-run-3rE09aFOVwmKC70phdcN |access-date=2024-03-12 |work=WSJ |language=en-US}}
  • March 11 – Two New Zealand skiers are killed and another is injured following an avalanche on Mount Yotei in Hokkaido.{{cite news|title=Two New Zealand skiers killed after avalanche in Japan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/12/japan-avalanche-kills-two-new-zealand-skiers-mount-yotei-hokkaido|work=The Guardian|access-date=12 March 2024}}
  • March 12 – A court in Fukuoka overturns the death sentence of Yakuza Kudo-kai leader Satoru Nomura imposed for a 1998 murder and sentences him to life in prison.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-12 |title=High court commutes death sentence for Japan yakuza boss to life |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240312/p2g/00m/0na/045000c |access-date=2024-03-12 |work=Mainichi Daily News |language=en}}
  • March 13 –
  • KAIROS-1, designed by Space One as Japan's first privately manufactured rocket, explodes seconds after its maiden launch from Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.{{Cite news |date=13 March 2024 |title=Space One rocket explodes soon after launch in Japan |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/space-one-kairos-rocket-explodes-launch-japan |access-date=14 March 2024}}
  • The Fuji-Q Highland amusement park announces the removal of the famed high-speed roller coaster Do-Dodonpa,{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2024 |title=Do-Dodonpa News |url=https://www.fujiq.jp/news/dododonpa_news.html}} which had been closed since August 2021 following numerous incidents resulting in injuries within a year.{{Cite news |date=2021-08-25 |title=Japanese rollercoaster shut as injuries investigated |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58328336 |access-date=2022-06-28}}
  • The Tokyo District Court orders the government to return the remains of Aum Shinrikyo leader Shoko Asahara, who was executed in 2018 for the Tokyo subway attack in 1995, to his family.{{cite news |date=13 March 2024 |title=Japan court orders government to hand over AUM founder remains to daughter |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/3ca5c9f9c19f-japan-court-orders-govt-to-hand-over-aum-founder-remains-to-daughter.html |language=en |work=Kyodo News |access-date=14 March 2024}}
  • March 14 –
  • In separate lawsuits, the Sapporo High Court and the Tokyo District Court rule that the non-recognition of same-sex marriage in Japan is unconstitutional.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Japan court rules ban on same-sex marriage is 'unconstitutional' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/14/japan-court-rules-ban-on-same-sex-marriage-is-unconstitutional |work=Al Jazeera}}
  • The Tokyo District Court convicts former State Minister of Justice Mito Kakizawa of vote-buying worth 2.8 million yen ($19,000) during mayoral elections in the Kōtō ward of Tokyo in April 2023 and sentences him to a two-year suspended sentence.{{Cite web |date=14 March 2024 |title=Japan's former state justice minister gets suspended sentence for vote-buying |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240314_11/ |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=NHK |language=en}}
  • The Tokyo District Court convicts former Member of the House of Councillors and YouTuber GaaSyy of online harassment and sentences him to a three-year suspended sentence.{{cite web | title=Ex-lawmaker GaaSyy given suspended sentence for online intimidation | website=NHK | date=14 March 2024 | url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240314_18/ | access-date=15 March 2024}}
  • March 16 – The Hokuriku Shinkansen railway extension from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, Fukui is completed.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2024-03-16 |title=北陸新幹線の金沢・敦賀間が開業 各地は観光客でにぎわう |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240316/k10014392841000.html |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=NHKニュース}}
  • March 20 –
  • The South Korean-flagged tanker Keoyoung Sun capsizes off the coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture during stormy weather. Nine crew members are found dead, while one person remains missing. Two people are rescued.{{cite web | title=One of two missing crew members of capsized South Korean tanker found | website=NHK | date=21 March 2024 | url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240321_22/ | access-date=21 March 2024}}
  • Aiko, Princess Toshi (only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako) graduates from Gakushuin University.{{cite web|url=https://sp.m.jiji.com/english/show/31910|title=Japanese Princess Aiko Graduates from Gakushuin University|publisher=Jiji Press|date=20 March 2024|access-date=11 May 2024}}
  • March 26 – The Kishida Cabinet allows the sale and export of fighter aircraft to other countries.{{cite web | title=Japan to sell fighter jets in latest break from post-war pacifist ideals | website=BBC | date=26 March 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68662465 | access-date=26 March 2024}}
  • March 29 – North Korean state media cites foreign minister Choe Son Hui as saying that North Korea rejects any talks with Japan on any issue, including Japanese abductees, after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he was willing to meet in person with leader Kim Jong Un.{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2024 |title=North Korea rules out any meetings with Japan |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-rules-out-any-meetings-with-japanese-officials-kcna-says-2024-03-29/ |work=Reuters}}
  • March 30 – Kobayashi red yeast rice scandal: Authorities raid a facility of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Company in Osaka after five deaths from kidney failure are linked to consumption of its health supplements containing the red mold benikoji.{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2024 |title=Japanese authorities raid a factory making health supplements linked to 5 deaths |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-supplements-recall-benikoji-factory-raid-a6c881aff4c4cc67627d09af269a45a3 |work=Associated Press}}

=April=

  • April 1 –
  • A magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes Iwate Prefecture, injuring two people.{{Cite news |date=2024-04-01 |title=Strong quake jolts northeastern Japan, logging lower 5 intensity |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/04/02/japan/strong-quake-in-tohoku/ |access-date=2024-04-18 |work=The Japan Times |language=en}}
  • The Imperial House of Japan opens an account on Instagram for the first time.{{Cite news |title=Japan's imperial family latest royals to join Instagram |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68710938 |access-date=4 April 2024 |work=BBC |language=en-US}}
  • Aiko, Princess Toshi joins the Japanese Red Cross Society as a full-time contract employee.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/04/01/japan/princess-aiko-joins-red-cross/|title=Princess Aiko joins Japanese Red Cross Society|publisher=The Japan Times|date=1 April 2024|access-date=11 May 2024}}
  • April 2 – The governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Heita Kawakatsu, announces his resignation following uproar over comments he made the previous day comparing civil servants with other professions.{{Cite news |title=Shizuoka governor to resign after gaffe insulting vegetable sellers |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/12d9f6c0cec4-shizuoka-gov-sparks-row-by-insulting-intellect-of-vegetable-sellers.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=Kyodo News |language=en-US}}
  • April 3 – A magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes off the coast of Taiwan, prompting tsunami warnings for Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. A 30-cm tsunami is observed at Yonaguni Island and Miyako Island while a 20-cm tsunami reaches Ishigaki Island.{{Cite web |date=2 April 2024 |title=Taiwan 7.7 magnitude earthquake sparks tsunami warning in Japan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/03/taiwan-earthquake-magnitude-tsunami-warning-japan-okinawa |access-date=3 April 2024 |website=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |date=3 April 2024 |title=Tsunami advisory lifted for areas of Okinawa |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240403_21/ |access-date=3 April 2024 |work=NHK}}
  • April 15 – Nearly 60,000 residents of Naha are ordered evacuated due to risks of landslides caused by heavy rains.{{Cite web |date=15 April 2024 |title=Evacuation order issued for residents in part of Naha, Okinawa |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240415_14/ |access-date=15 April 2024 |website=NHK}}{{Cite news |date=15 April 2024 |title=Evacuation order lifted for residents in parts of Naha, Okinawa |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240415_25/ |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=NHK}}
  • April 17 – A magnitude 6.6 earthquake strikes along the Bungo Channel between Shikoku and Kyushu, injuring 12 people.{{Cite news |date=2024-04-18 |title=12 injured after M6.6 quake in western Japan |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/6db0fbd4e374-m66-quake-in-western-japan-leaves-at-least-9-injured.html |access-date=2024-04-18 |work=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • April 20 – Two SH-60K helicopters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces crash into the Pacific Ocean following a possible collision during a training exercise near Torishima Island, killing eight people.{{Cite news |date=11 June 2024 |title=Government declares dead 7 crew missing since April SDF chopper collision |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/06/cae7f433d24e-urgent-govt-declares-dead-7-crew-missing-after-april-sdf-chopper-collision.html |access-date=11 June 2024 |work=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • April 23 – A spring imperial garden party is held at Akasaka Estate, during which Aiko, Princess Toshi makes her debut.{{Cite web |title=Princess Aiko makes debut at imperial garden party |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/04/24/japan/princess-aiko-garden-party-debut/ |date=2024-04-24 | access-date=2024-05-11 |website=The Japan Times}}
  • April 25 – Hiroyuki Miyazawa resigns as a member of the House of Representatives after reports emerge of him having an extra-marital affair.{{Cite web |title=Ex-state minister of defense Miyazawa resigns as Diet lawmaker |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240425_18/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=NHK}}
  • April 28 – By-elections are held for three seats in the House of Representatives (Tokyo 15th, Shimane 1st and Nagasaki 3rd districts), which are all won by the Constitutional Democratic Party.{{Cite web |title=Japan's main opposition CDP projected to win all 3 Lower House by-elections |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240428_13/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=NHK}}

=May=

  • May 14 – Three people are killed and two others are injured in an accident involving seven vehicles along the Metropolitan Expressway in Toda, Saitama Prefecture.{{Cite web |title=3 killed in accident involving 7 vehicles on expressway near Tokyo |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/5aa43e7f5563-3-die-in-accident-involving-7-vehicles-on-expressway-near-tokyo.html |access-date=17 May 2024 |website=Kyodo News}}
  • May 17 –
  • The National Diet approves a bill seeking to allow joint child custody for divorced couples.{{Cite web |title=Japan passes a revised law allowing joint child custody for divorced parents for the first time |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-child-custody-law-revision-9ddb15431470294dae180b5c9e3d9282 |access-date=17 May 2024 |website=Associated Press|date=May 17, 2024 }}
  • Three members of the Japan Wings Party (Tsubasa no tō), including a candidate of the House of Representatives by-election on April 28 are arrested on suspicion of disrupting other candidates' campaign rallies.{{Cite web |title=Head of fringe group arrested for obstructing rival lower house candidates |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/54a1ddd1c9f4-leader-of-fringe-group-arrested-for-obstructing-rival-diet-candidates.html |access-date=21 May 2024 |website=Kyodo News}}
  • May 23 – Four people, including three children are found dead in suspicious circumstances following a house fire in Shinagawa, Tokyo.{{Cite web |title=3 children, mother found dead in Tokyo home, father to be questioned |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/4176031ab402-4-people-likely-including-3-kids-found-dead-after-fire-in-tokyo.html |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=Kyodo News}}
  • May 24 – A probation officer is killed in Otsu, in what is suspected to be the first of its kind by their charge in Japan since 1964.{{Cite web|title=Man arrested for killing his probation officer in western Japan |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/06/c00264d40fbd-man-arrested-for-killing-his-probation-officer-in-western-japan.html |publisher=Kyodo News |date=8 June 2024|access-date=10 June 2024}}
  • May 26 – 2024 Shizuoka Prefecture gubernatorial election: Former Hamamatsu mayor and opposition-backed candidate Yasutomo Suzuki is elected governor.{{Cite web |title=Opposition-backed candidate wins in Shizuoka governor race |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/ae11cdf258bb-opposition-backed-candidate-set-to-win-in-shizuoka-governor-race.html |access-date=26 May 2024 |website=Kyodo News}}
  • May 30 – A member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is killed by an exploding grenade during a training accident at the Kitafuji training ground in Yamanashi Prefecture.{{Cite web |title=SDF member dies after grenade thrown by another during training |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/14ebbd968446-update1-sdf-member-unconscious-after-hand-grenade-explodes-during-training.html |access-date=30 May 2024 |website=Kyodo News}}

=June=

  • 3 June – A magnitude 5.8 earthquake hits Ishikawa Prefecture, injuring two people{{Cite web|title=M6.0 quake hits Noto Peninsula in central Japan, no tsunami threat |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/06/66046c91a54d-urgent-m59-earthquake-hits-noto-area-central-japan.html |publisher=Kyodo News |date=3 June 2024|access-date=3 June 2024}} and destroying five houses.{{Cite web|title=Earthquakes in north-central Japan collapse 5 homes that were damaged in deadly January quake |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-earthquake-ishikawa-6980c18b070a6b63dd5f28dbac081c5e |publisher=Associated Press |date=3 June 2024|access-date=3 June 2024}}
  • 4 June – Authorities raid the headquarters of Toyota as part of an investigation into data manipulation during safety certification tests.{{Cite web|title=Toyota raided as safety testing scandal grows |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wwj1p2wdyo |publisher=BBC |date=4 June 2024|access-date=4 June 2024}}
  • 6 June – Seven workers are injured following an explosion at a shipyard in Nishinari-ku, Osaka.{{Cite web|title=7 injured in explosion at Osaka shipyard |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/06/584218ff0afb-7-injured-after-explosion-at-osaka-shipyard.html |publisher=Kyodo News |date=6 June 2024|access-date=7 June 2024}}
  • 7 June – Four buildings are destroyed in a fire in Yokohama Chinatown.{{Cite web|title=Fire in Yokohama Chinatown burns at least 4 buildings, no injuries reported |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240607_31/ |publisher=NHK |date=7 June 2024|access-date=7 June 2024}}
  • 8 June – Kadokawa Corporation and the video-streaming platform Niconico suffer a ransomware cyberattack by a hacker group called BlackSuit.{{cite news |last1=Sudo |first1=Tatsuya |title=More Kadokawa data leaked as deadline for ransom passes |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15329137 |access-date=8 July 2024 |publisher=The Asahi Shimbun |date=July 2, 2024 |archive-date=July 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703111017/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15329137 |url-status=live }}
  • 10 June – The government allows the deportation of asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected multiple times.{{Cite web|title=Japan limits asylum claims under revised immigration control law |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240610_01/ |publisher=NHK |date=10 June 2024|access-date=10 June 2024}}
  • 14 June – Yayoi Kimura, the former mayor of Kōtō, Tokyo is given a suspended 1.5 year prison sentence for vote-buying by the Tokyo District Court.{{Cite web|title=Ex-mayor of Tokyo's Koto Ward given suspended sentence for vote-buying |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240614_15/ |publisher=NHK |date=14 June 2024|access-date=15 June 2024}}
  • 20 June –
  • A no-confidence motion against the Kishida Cabinet filed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is defeated in the House of Representatives.{{Cite web|title=No-confidence motion against Kishida Cabinet rejected in Japan's Lower House |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240620_15/ |publisher=NHK |date=20 June 2024|access-date=20 June 2024}}
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces sanctions on firms based in China, India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, for their alleged support to Russia in the Russo–Ukrainian war.{{Cite web |title=Japan sanctions China-based firms accused of supporting war in Ukraine |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2024/6/21/japan-sanctions-china-based-firms-accused-of-supporting-war-in-ukraine |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}
  • 28 June –
  • Thousands protest at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo over multiple alleged sexual assault cases involving U.S. servicemembers against residents of Okinawa Island.{{Cite web |title=Japan protests alleged sex assault cases involving US military in Okinawa |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/28/japan-protests-alleged-sex-assault-cases-involving-us-military-in-okinawa |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}
  • The Japanese government officially ends the usage of floppy disks in its transactions.{{Cite web |title=Japan declares victory in effort to end government use of floppy disks |url=https://www.rappler.com/technology/japan-declares-victory-to-end-government-use-floppy-disks/ |access-date=3 July 2024 |website=Rappler |date=July 3, 2024 |language=en}}

= July =

  • 2 July – Kobayashi red yeast rice scandal: 76 more deaths and at least 500 hospitalizations in Japan are linked to use of red yeast rice supplements distributed by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, causing kidney disease and other severe conditions.{{Cite web |title=小林製薬「紅麹サプリ」入院患者 腎疾患以外も含めると500人に |url=https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/news_society/articles/000357697.html |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=テレ朝news |language=ja}}
  • 3 July –
  • The Supreme Court of Japan rules that a defunct eugenics law that led to the forced sterilization of 24,500 people from 1948 to 1996 is unconstitutional. The court also invalidates a 20-year statute of limitations for complaints relating to the law.{{Cite web |title=Japan's top court rules forced sterilisation law unconstitutional |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240703-japan-s-top-court-rules-forced-sterilisation-law-unconstitutional |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=France 24 |date=July 3, 2024 |language=en}}
  • New 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen banknote design is issued by the Bank of Japan.{{cite web |title=20年ぶり新紙幣発行始まる 銀行には両替で多くの利用客 {{!}} NHK |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240703/k10014499941000.html |website=NHK |access-date=31 March 2025 |date=3 July 2024}}
  • 7 July – 2024 Tokyo gubernatorial election: Incumbent Yuriko Koike is reelected as Governor of Tokyo.{{Cite web|title=Tokyo Gov. Koike reelected, beating opposition Renho, rising ex-mayor |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/d0e5bc43b6ac-voting-under-way-for-tokyo-governorship-koikes-reelection-in-focus.html |publisher=Kyodo News |date=7 July 2024 |access-date=7 July 2024}}
  • 8 July – Japan and the Philippines sign a defense pact which allows the deployment of Japanese forces to the Philippines for military exercises.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-08 |title=Japan and the Philippines sign a defense pact in the face of shared alarm over China |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-philippines-reciprocal-access-agreement-0e37d57563d475d7507f1647b440e4c2 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=AP News |language=en}}
  • 12 July – Three people are killed in a landslide in Matsuyama.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-13 |title=3 confirmed dead in landslide in western Japan |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/b55d1ad08bc2-1-confirmed-dead-in-search-for-missing-in-landslide-in-western-japan.html |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 16 July – A man sets himself on fire at the city hall of Takahama, Aichi Prefecture, injuring himself and three city employees.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-16 |title=Man sets himself on fire at central Japan city hall, 3 staff injured |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/ccca437118b9-5-taken-to-hospital-after-alleged-arson-at-central-japan-city-hall.html |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 17 July – Prime Minister Fumio Kishida formally apologizes to 130 victims of forced sterilization under the Eugenics Protection Law which was declared unconstitutional on July 3, and approves compensation measures for more than 25,000 affected victims and their relatives{{Cite web |title=Japan PM Kishida apologizes to plaintiffs in forced sterilization lawsuits |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240717_20/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=NHK WORLD |language=en}} which are passed into law on 8 October.{{Cite web |title=Japan Diet enacts aid law on forced sterilization victims |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/daab7cabccc9-japan-diet-enacts-aid-law-on-forced-sterilization-victims.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 19 July – Ryo Sakai resigns as Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force following criticism over a series of scandals in the service. He is replaced in his position by Akira Saito.{{Cite web |title=Japan's top admiral steps down as SDF hit by scandals |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/aebe7fc8283d-update1-japans-top-admiral-steps-down-as-sdf-hit-by-scandals.html |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 23 July – The Japanese government imposes sanctions on illegal Israeli settlers in the West Bank for the first time in response to violence against Palestinians.{{Cite web |date=23 July 2024 |title=Japan imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank for 1st time |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/73d932dde89b-japan-imposes-sanctions-on-israeli-settlers-in-west-bank-for-1st-time.html |website=Kyodo News}}
  • July 26–August 11 – Japan at the 2024 Summer Olympics: The Japanese Olympic delegation wins 20 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze medals and places third out of 84 countries competing at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-12 |title=Olympics: Japan breaks new ground while playing to strengths in Paris |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/08/79846c439a45-olympics-japan-breaks-new-ground-while-playing-to-strengths-in-paris.html |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 27 July – The Sado mine is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2024 |title=UNESCO adds Japan's Sado mine site to World Heritage list |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/84b0277fea20-update1-unesco-adds-japans-sado-mine-site-to-world-heritage-list.html |work=Kyodo News}}
  • 28 July – Three people are reported killed in Yamagata and Akita Prefectures following days of flooding caused by heavy rains.{{Cite web |date=28 July 2024 |title=3 dead as heavy rain hits northeastern Japan |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/c537dccf73a0-refiling-3-dead-as-heavy-rain-hits-northeastern-japan.html |website=Kyodo News}}{{Cite web |date=26 July 2024 |title=2 dead as northeastern Japan battered by heavy rain |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/7b98b7af0b93-1-dead-3-missing-as-northeastern-japan-battered-by-heavy-rain.html |website=Kyodo News}}
  • 29 July – One person is reported dead and 147 others are sickened following an outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus linked to contaminated roasted unagi being sold at the Keikyu Department Store in Yokohama.{{Cite web |date=30 July 2024 |title=1 dead and dozens sickened after eating roasted eel from a Japanese department store |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-eel-food-poisoning-7393f8c55beed0dae91e01ebf0f8b731 |website=Associated Press}}

= August =

  • 3 August – 2024 Japan heatwaves: The Japan Meteorological Agency issues excessive heat warnings for 37 of 47 prefectures amid heat waves that have killed at least 59 people from heat stroke since April.{{Cite web |title=Intense heatwave to persist in much of Japan |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240803_05/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=NHK WORLD |language=en}} At least 123 people, many of whom were elderly, are subsequently reported to have died from heat illnesses in the Greater Tokyo Area alone in July.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=More than 120 people died in Tokyo from heatstroke in July as average temperatures hit record highs |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-heatstroke-death-elderly-5027f720692101bef9b787e6ae14312a |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=AP News |language=en}}
  • 5 August –
  • The Nikkei 225 stock market index falls by over 12%, suffering its worst two-day decline in history and its largest daily percent drop since Black Monday in October 1987.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-05 |title=Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index plunges 12.4% as investors dump a wide range of shares |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-stocks-nikkei-markets-yen-9fc2c2d7b2f85be89e8dd2db4054b9c5 |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=AP News |language=en}}
  • Kadokawa's official website and the video-sharing platform Niconico go back online after a two-month shutdown due to the ransoware attack on June 8. The result of an investigation released on the same day confirms that the attack leaked 254,241 user data.{{Cite news |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Kadokawa confirms data leak of 254,000 people due to cyberattack |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/08/06/companies/kadokawa-cyberattack-data-leak/ |access-date=August 28, 2024 |work=The Japan Times}}
  • 6 August –
  • Whaling company Kyodo Senpaku announces the country's first fin whale kill in fifty years off the coast of Iwate Prefecture.{{Cite web |last=Haro |first=Alexander |date=2024-08-05 |title=Japan Kills First Fin Whale Despite Global Condemnation |url=https://www.theinertia.com/news/japan-fin-whale-hunting-first-kill/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=The Inertia |language=en-US}}
  • The Nikkei 225 stock market index rises more than 10%, a day after declining by more than 12%.{{Cite news |date=2024-08-06 |title=Japanese stocks soar after massive sell-off shook global markets |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/japanese-stock-market-nikkei-225-index-rebound-trading |access-date=2024-08-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
  • 7 August – The US and British ambassadors to Japan announce their intent to boycott ceremonies marking the 79th anniversary of the Atomic bombing of Nagasaki following a decision by mayor Shiro Suzuki not to invite Israeli ambassador Gilad Cohen due to concerns over protests against the war in Gaza.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-07 |title=Western ambassadors to skip Nagasaki memorial after Israel snub |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/western-ambassadors-us-uk-skip-japan-nagasaki-memorial-israel-snub-4532321 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=CNA |language=en}}
  • 8 August –
  • A magnitude 7.1 earthquake strikes off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, injuring at least five people and causing a 0.5 meter tsunami.{{cite news|title=【被害】宮崎 日南市で2人けが 各地で住宅被害も|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240808/k10014542241000.html|date=8 August 2024|access-date=8 August 2024|publisher=NHK|language=ja}}{{Cite news |date=8 August 2024 |title=M7.1 quake hits southwestern Japan, 0.5-meter tsunami observed |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/08/2d60a6f3600d-urgent-m71-quake-hits-southwestern-japan-tsunami-advisories-issued.html |access-date=8 August 2024 |work=Kyodo News}} The earthquake prompts the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a 'Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information' advisory{{cite web |script-title=ja:気象庁｜南海トラフ地震に関連する情報 |trans-title=Information related to the Nankai Trough earthquake |url=https://www.data.jma.go.jp/eew/data/nteq/index.html |website=Japan Meteorological Agency |access-date=9 August 2024}} that a probability of a megathrust earthquake along the Nankai Trough was now "relatively higher" in the first advisory of its kind but clarifies that it was not imminent.{{Cite news |date=8 August 2024 |title=Japan sees higher-than-usual risk of megaquake off Pacific Coast |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/08/56a53fdbf25b-update1-japan-sees-higher-than-usual-risk-of-megaquake-off-pacific-coast.html |access-date=8 August 2024 |work=Kyodo News}} The warning is lifted on 15 August with no major seismic activity recorded.{{cite news |title=Japan lifts 'megaquake' warning after one week|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8nyg23z2go |access-date=15 August 2024 |work=BBC |date=15 August 2024 |language=en}}
  • Kobayashi red yeast rice scandal: The Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Company announces that it would discontinue the production of benikoji supplements.{{Cite web |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Japan's Kobayashi Pharmaceutical to end 'beni-koji' business |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240808_20/ |work=NHK}}
  • 14 August – Prime Minister Kishida withdraws his candidacy for re-election in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election scheduled in September, which would also end his premiership.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not run for party reelection |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/14/japan-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-will-not-run-for-party-reelection.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=CNBC |language=en}}
  • 15 August – Megumi Hirose resigns as a member of the House of Councillors from Iwate Prefecture following a scandal over alleged salary fraud involving a secretary with no duties.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-15 |title=Ex-ruling LDP lawmaker resigns amid salary fraud probe |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/08/8e3f72ae2675-ex-ruling-ldp-lawmaker-resigns-amid-salary-fraud-probe.html |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 16 August – Thousands of people are ordered to evacuate in northern Japan as Typhoon Ampil approaches the country.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Evacuation ordered in northern Japan, power out, flights, trains canceled as a typhoon approaches |url=https://apnews.com/article/typhoon-tokyo-weather-travel-ba8d2f8405a43942110873dd6912299a |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=AP News |language=en}}
  • 20 August – Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year old resident of Ashiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, becomes the world's oldest known living person.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-22 |title=A Japanese woman who loves bananas is now the world's oldest person |url=https://apnews.com/article/oldest-person-japan-guinness-records-0ee529d0fe6490143cc878a85bdf05cc |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=AP News |language=en}}
  • 26 August – Japan announces the first incursion into its airspace of Chinese military aircraft after a Shaanxi Y-9 surveillance plane flies over the Danjo Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture for two minutes.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-26 |title=Japan accuses China military of airspace violation for 1st time |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/08/417280dd4fae-urgent-japan-accuses-china-military-of-airspace-violation-for-1st-time.html |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 27 August – Three people are killed following a landslide in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture amid extreme weather caused by Typhoon Shanshan.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=Three dead as Typhoon Shanshan hits southern Japan |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg2vk1z2ggo |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=BBC |language=en}}
  • 28 August – Manabu Horii resigns as a member of the House of Representatives from Hokkaido following a scandal over his giving out condolence money to constituents for funerals he did not personally attend in violation of election laws.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-28 |title=Ex-LDP member Manabu Horii resigns as lawmaker over monetary donations |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/08/84372bcf7e55-ex-ldp-member-horii-resigns-as-lawmaker-over-monetary-donations.html |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 29–31 August – Hundreds of flights are cancelled and the Japan Meteorological Agency issues an alert in Kagoshima Prefecture as Typhoon Shanshan makes landfall over the area. At least six people are reported killed, with over 100 people injured.{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2024 |title=At least 6 dead in Japan as Typhoon Shanshan grinds on |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/japan/least-6-dead-japan-typhoon-shanshan-grinds-2024-08-31/ }}

= September =

  • 5 September – Belarus announces the arrest in July of a Japanese national on suspicion of spying on vital installations along the border with Ukraine on behalf of Japanese intelligence services.{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Japanese man arrested in Belarus on charges of acting as special services agent |website=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/belarus-japan-spying-e426fe48f32722a3c25eafbbdfeade79 }}
  • 6 September - Prince Hisahito of Akishino, second in line to the Japanese throne (Emperor Naruhito's nephew), turns 18-years-old and come of age.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/10/japan/prince-hisahito-turns-18/ |title=Japan's Prince Hisahito turns 18 |date=September 10, 2024 |publisher=The Japan Times |access-date=5 October 2024}}
  • 17 September – Yoshihiro Hidaka, the president of Yamaha Motor Company, is injured after being stabbed, allegedly by his daughter, at their residence in Iwata, Shizuoka.{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2024 |title=Yamaha Motor president injured allegedly by knife-wielding daughter |website=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/a0bb472215ff-yamaha-motor-president-injured-allegedly-by-knife-wielding-daughter.html }}
  • 18 September – Seiichi Katsurada, the CEO of Shiretoko Pleasure Cruise, is arrested on charges related to the sinking of the company vessel Kazu I in 2022 which killed all 26 people on board.{{cite news |title=Hokkaido boat operator's president arrested over 2022 fatal sinking |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/5ed7cd5b37cd-hokkaido-boat-operators-president-arrested-over-2022-fatal-sinking.html |publisher=Kyodo News |date=18 September 2024}}
  • 19 September – The Tōhoku Shinkansen suffers a decoupling incident involving the Hayabusa and Komachi trains, causing a suspension of services along the entire line.{{cite web |date=19 September 2024 |title=Tohoku Shinkansen services briefly halted after train car decoupling |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/19/japan/tohoku-shinkansen-halt/ |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=The Japan Times}}
  • 21–23 September – Seven people are killed and six others are reported missing following floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in Ishikawa Prefecture.{{cite news |title=Death toll rises to 7 after record rainfall in Japan's quake-hit Noto |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/d31c598fadfc-death-toll-rises-to-7-after-record-rainfall-in-japans-quake-hit-noto.html |publisher=Kyodo News |date=24 September 2024}}
  • 21 September – The 2024 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup final is held in Osaka, with Japan losing 17–41 to titleholders Fiji.{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240921-fiji-beat-japan-to-lift-pacific-nations-cup |title=Fiji beat Japan to lift Pacific Nations Cup |publisher=France 24 |date=21 September 2024 |access-date=21 September 2024}}
  • 22 September – Japan loses 0–1 to North Korea in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup final in Bogota, Colombia.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm28d15md0no |title=N Korea win record third U20 Fifa Women's World Cup |publisher=BBC |date=23 September 2024 |access-date=23 September 2024}}
  • 23 September –
  • 2024 Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan presidential election: Former prime minister Yoshihiko Noda is elected as leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, defeating three other candidates including former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano by 232 points to 180.{{cite news |title=Ex-PM Noda elected Japan main opposition leader, vows to win power |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/084c5eb995d0-japans-main-opposition-party-to-choose-new-leader-as-election-looms.html |publisher=Kyodo News |date=24 September 2024}}
  • Japanese fighter jets fire warning flares for the first time at a Russian military aircraft after it violated Japan's airspace.{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2024 |title=Japan says Russian patrol aircraft violated its airspace |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/japan-says-russian-patrol-aircraft-violated-its-airspace-2024-09-23/ }}
  • 25 September – The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sends the warship JS Sazanami into the Taiwan Strait for the first time to reportedly "convey a message" to China.{{Cite web |title=Japan sends warship into Taiwan Strait for first time |url=https://www.dw.com/en/japan-sends-warship-into-taiwan-strait-for-first-time/a-70326923 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=DW |language=en}}
  • 26 September – Iwao Hakamada, the world's longest-serving death row inmate, who has waited his potential execution since 1968, is acquitted by a court in Shizuoka after a retrial for four murders.{{Cite web |title=Iwao Hakamada: World's longest-serving death row inmate acquitted in Japan |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y9x6zrkrro |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=BBC |date=September 26, 2024 |language=en-GB}}
  • 27 September – 2024 Liberal Democratic Party (Japan) presidential election. Former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba defeats eight other candidates to become leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan.{{Cite web |title=Japan's scandal-hit ruling party picks next PM |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy89ez894rko |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=BBC News |date=September 27, 2024 |language=en}}
  • 30 September –
  • Incoming prime minister Shigeru Ishiba calls for a snap general election to be held on 27 October 2024.{{Cite web |title=Japan's incoming PM announces snap October election |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvd784n1meo |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=BBC News |date=September 30, 2024 |language=en}}
  • Motohiko Saitō resigns as governor of Hyogo Prefecture amid allegations of abuse of power.{{Cite web |title=Hyogo gubernatorial election set for Nov. 17 after embattled Saito loses seat |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20241001_03/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930214534/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20241001_03/ |archive-date=2024-09-30 |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=NHK World |language=en}}

= October =

  • 1 October – Shigeru Ishiba is sworn in as the 102nd prime minister of Japan and the Ishiba Cabinet is formed.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-01 |title=Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's newly elected prime minister, forms Cabinet with emphasis on defense |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-cabinet-kishida-ishiba-fa7f80b614a8bf298852b6766dbf6403 |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=AP News |language=en}}
  • 2 October –
  • The Nintendo Museum, the first museum dedicated to the history of Nintendo opens in Uji, Kyoto.{{Cite web |title=Nintendo's very first museum offers a nostalgic trip back in video game time |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/worlds-first-nintendo-museum-kyoto-japan-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=CNN |date=October 2, 2024 |language=en}}
  • A bomb that was dropped during World War II explodes on a taxiway at Miyazaki Airport, cancelling more than 80 flights.{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20241002/k10014598271000.html |title=宮崎空港 陥没は米軍の戦時中の不発弾と判明 滑走路は運用再開 |date=October 2, 2024 |trans-title=Miyazaki Airport cave-in identified as an unexploded wartime bomb from the US military; runway resumes operation |publisher=NHK |access-date=2 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/c91e860d2881-urgent-runway-closed-at-southwest-japan-airport-after-explosion-reported.html |title=Runway closed at southwest Japan airport after explosion on taxiway |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=2 October 2024}}
  • 6 October – Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, the Archbishop of Tokyo, is named a cardinal by Pope Francis, with his elevation to the College of Cardinals scheduled on December 8.{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/b17117075470-archbishop-of-tokyo-kikuchi-named-as-new-cardinal-of-catholic-church.html |title=Archbishop of Tokyo Kikuchi named as new cardinal of Catholic Church |work=Kyodo News |date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024}}
  • 9 October – Prime Minister Ishiba dissolves the House of Representatives.{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/e42cd3637fac-japan-pm-ishiba-to-dissolve-lower-house-for-oct-27-election.html |title=Japan PM Ishiba dissolves lower house for Oct. 27 election |work=Kyodo News |date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024}}
  • 11 October – Nihon Hidankyo, a group established by hibakusha, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their campaign against nuclear weapons that has "contributed greatly to the establishment of the nuclear taboo".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5y23qgx0qo |title=Japanese atomic bomb survivors win Nobel Peace Prize |work=BBC News |date=October 11, 2024 |access-date=October 11, 2024}}
  • 17 October – A bird flu outbreak is reported at a farm in Atsuma, Hokkaido, prompting the culling of 19,000 poultry.{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/58a6a26e48f7-japan-confirms-1st-bird-flu-outbreak-of-season-in-hokkaido.html |title=Japan confirms 1st bird flu outbreak of season, in Hokkaido |work=Kyodo News |date=October 17, 2024 |access-date=October 17, 2024}}
  • 19 October – A man is arrested after throwing incendiary devices at the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo and ramming his vehicle into a fence outside the Prime Minister's Office.{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241019-man-arrested-after-throwing-suspected-petrol-bombs-at-japan-ruling-party-hq-media |title=Man arrested after 'Molotov'-like bombs tossed at Japan ruling party HQ |work=France 24 |date=October 19, 2024 |access-date=October 19, 2024}}
  • 27 October – 2024 Japanese general election: The LDP loses its parliamentary majority for the first time since 2009.{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241026-japan-votes-with-new-pm-on-shaky-ground |title=Japan's ruling party fails to win majority in snap election |work=France 24 |date=October 27, 2024 |access-date=October 27, 2024}}
  • 28 October – Olympus Corporation CEO Stefan Kaufmann resigns following allegations of him purchasing illegal drugs.{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/0ac3ed892735-update1-olympus-ceo-kaufmann-resigns-amid-illegal-drug-purchase-allegation.html |title=Olympus CEO Kaufmann resigns amid illegal drug purchase allegation |work=Kyodo News |date=October 28, 2024 |access-date=October 28, 2024}}
  • 30 October – The Tokyo High Court rules that the non-recognition of same-sex marriage in Japan is unconstitutional and discriminatory.{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2024 |title=Japan high court rules same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/5e930eef8c28-urgent-japan-high-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional.html |work=Kyodo News}}

= November =

  • 6 November – The winter snowcap on Mount Fuji makes its latest-occurring formation since records began in 1894.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-06 |title=Snow seen on Mount Fuji after record absence |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/japan-mount-fuji-snow-weather-climate-change-4727291 |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=CNA |language=en}}
  • 9 November – Tetsuo Saito becomes leader of Komeito following an extraordinary party convention to replace Keiichi Ishii, who lost his parliamentary seat in the general election.{{cite news|title=Land minister Tetsuo Saito takes helm of Japan coalition partner Komeito |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/81247979a8aa-ex-land-minister-saito-takes-helm-of-japan-coalition-partner-komeito.html |work=Kyodo News |date=2024-11-09}}
  • 10 November – The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweeper Ukushima catches fire and sinks off the coast of Ōshima, Fukuoka, leaving one crew member missing.{{cite news|title=Japan minesweeper sinks after catching fire, 1 of crew still missing |date=2024-11-11 |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/e3461b59a2d1-japan-minesweeper-that-caught-fire-capsizes-1-of-crew-still-missing.html}}
  • 11 November – Shigeru Ishiba is reelected as prime minister during an extraordinary session of the Diet, defeating Yoshihiko Noda and Second Ishiba Cabinet is formed as the minority government.{{cite news|title=Japan's Ishiba stays as PM despite election setback |date=2024-11-11 |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0d91zl8e0o}}
  • 13 November – The Nuclear Regulation Authority disqualifies the Number 2 reactor of the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant from restarting operations, citing the possible existence of active fault lines in its vicinity.{{cite news|title=Japan's nuclear watchdog disqualifies a reactor for the first time since Fukushima disaster |date=2024-11-13 |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-nuclear-reactor-tsuruga-no-2-fukushima-ce7c1ee9db0e6978b27053bc1bc1839b}}
  • 16 November – A train operated by JR Freight derails near Hakodate, causing disruptions to train services in Hokkaido.{{cite news|title=Freight train derails in north Japan, prolonged disruption expected |date=2024-11-16 |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/26b71e819e81-freight-train-derails-in-north-japan-disrupts-services.html}}
  • 17 November –
  • A pleasure boat sinks after colliding with a tugboat in the Seto Inland Sea off the coast of Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, killing three people.{{cite news|title=3 killed as pleasure boat, tugboat collide in western Japan |date=2024-11-17 |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/fa6dbcac5ee6-man-killed-as-tugboat-pleasure-boat-collide-in-western-japan.html}}
  • 2024 Hyо̄go gubernatorial election: Motohiko Saitō is elected to a new term as governor of Hyogo Prefecture after being removed in September amid accusations of misconduct.{{cite news|title=Ex-Hyogo governor reelected despite power abuse scandal |date=2024-11-17 |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/af9110a98038-ex-hyogo-governor-set-to-be-reelected-despite-power-abuse-scandal.html}}
  • 22 November – Etsuro Sotoo becomes the first person from Japan to win the Ratzinger Prize for his contributions to the construction of the Sagrada Família church in Barcelona, Spain.{{cite news|title=Etsuro Sotoo becomes 1st Japanese, sculptor to win famed Vatican prize |date=2024-11-23 |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/bdf823b207ca-sotoo-becomes-1st-japanese-sculptor-to-win-famed-vatican-prize.html}}

= December =

  • 1 December – Osaka Prefecture governor Hirofumi Yoshimura is elected leader of the Japan Innovation Party.{{cite news|title=Osaka Gov. Yoshimura elected head of Japan's No. 2 opposition party |date=2024-12-01 |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/edaec66ed588-osaka-gov-yoshimura-elected-head-of-japans-no-2-opposition-party.html}}
  • 4 December –
  • Yuichiro Tamaki is suspended as leader of the Democratic Party for the People until 3 March 2025 amid controversy over his entering into an extramarital affair. He is replaced by Motohisa Furukawa.{{cite web |title=Head of influential Japan opposition party suspended over affair |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/865c3c357d88-head-of-influential-japan-opposition-party-suspended-over-affair.html |agency=Kyodo News |access-date=4 December 2024 |language=en }}
  • Sake is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible cultural heritage.{{Cite news |date=5 December 2024 |title=Japan's famous sake joins UNESCO's cultural heritage list, a boost to brewers and enthusiasts |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-sake-unesco-world-heritage-intangible-cultural-ffb84ba291342e62bf0e588729538351 |access-date=5 December 2024}}
  • 12 December – A law criminalizing the usage of cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol comes into effect.{{cite news|title=Japan criminalizes cannabis use as revised laws take effect |date=2024-12-12 |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/7c71d582ea2c-japan-criminalizes-cannabis-use-as-revised-laws-take-effect.html}}
  • 13 December –The Fukuoka High Court rules that the non-recognition of same-sex marriage in Japan is unconstitutional and violates the right to pursue happiness.{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2024 |title=Japan high court rules same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/61f3ab4f1d92-update1-japan-high-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional.html |work=Kyodo News}}

Sports

Deaths

=January=

= February =

  • 4 February – Yōko Abe, calligrapher (b. 1928).{{Cite web |date=2024-02-04 |title=安倍元総理の母の安倍洋子さん（95）死去 入院先の都内の病院で｜FNNプライムオンライン |url=https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/652822 |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=FNNプライムオンライン}}
  • 5 February – Tsutomu Hanahara, wrestler, Olympic champion (1964) (b. 1940).{{Cite web |title=レスリング金の花原勉さん死去 64年東京五輪グレコローマン：東京新聞 TOKYO Web |url=https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/307736 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=東京新聞 TOKYO Web |language=ja}}
  • 6 February – Seiji Ozawa, conductor (b. 1935)
  • 7 February – Ryōko Akamatsu, politician (b. 1929)
  • 12 February – Hirotake Yano, businessman (b. 1943)
  • 20 February – Yoko Yamamoto, actress (b. 1942){{cite news |title=山本陽子さん死去 ２月２日にテレビ出演も…熱海市内の病院で ６４年映画「抜き射ちの竜 拳銃の歌」で頭角 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20240222-NUB7I7XBDFKZLNPHZKYZHVIBZI/ |language=ja |access-date=21 February 2024 |newspaper=Sankei Sports |date=22 February 2024}}
  • 23 February – Giichi Tsunoda, politician (b. 1937)

= March =

  • 1 March – Akira Toriyama, manga artist (b. 1955){{cite web |last1=Speed |first1=Jessica |date=8 March 2024 |title=Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama dies at 68 |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/08/japan/dragon-ball-akira-toriyama-dies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308053328/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/08/japan/dragon-ball-akira-toriyama-dies/ |archive-date=8 March 2024 |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=The Japan Times}}
  • 4 March – Tarako, voice actress (b. 1960)
  • 10 March – Yutaka Yoshie, professional wrestler (b. 1974)
  • 14 March – Minori Terada, actor (b. 1942)
  • 18 March – Kenjiro Shinozuka, rally driver (b. 1948)
  • 21 March – Hideki Seo, fashion designer (b. 1974)
  • 29 March – Kenji Suzuki, freelancer journalist and television announcer of NHK (b. 1929)
  • 30 March – Yukiko Kato, author (b. 1936)

= April =

= May =

= June =

= July =

  • 6 July – Kimurayama Mamoru, sumo wrestler (b. 1981){{Cite web |title=元幕内・木村山の岩友親方が42歳で死去、引退後は名古屋場所の担当親方を長く務める【大相撲】：中日スポーツ・東京中日スポーツ |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/923762 |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=中日スポーツ・東京中日スポーツ |language=ja}}
  • 12 July – Noriko Ohara, voice actress (b. 1935){{Cite web |title=Noriko Ohara, voice actor behind Nobita of 'Doraemon,' dies at 88 |url=https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/arts-culture/nobita-voice-actor-noriko-ohara-dies/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Rappler |date=July 23, 2024 |language=en}}
  • 20 July – Tsutomu Shirosaki, Japanese Red Army militant (b. 1952){{Cite web |title=Ex-Japanese Red Army member imprisoned over Jakarta attack dies at 76 |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/ccddfdab5c4d-ex-japanese-red-army-member-imprisoned-over-jakarta-attack-dies-at-76.html |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Kyodo News |language=en}}
  • 30 July – Junro Anan, baseball player (b. 1937)

= August =

= September =

  • 3 September – Peeco, fashion critic (b. 1945)
  • 8 September – Emi Shinohara, voice actress (b. 1963)
  • 20 September – Sayuri, musician, singer, songwriter (b. 1996)
  • 29 September – Nobuyo Ōyama, voice actress (b. 1933){{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/11/asia/nobuyo-oyama-doraemon-actor-dies-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Nobuyo Oyama, voice of beloved 'Doraemon,' dies aged 90 |work=CNN |date=October 11, 2024 |access-date=October 11, 2024}}

= October =

= November =

= December =

  • 6 December – Miho Nakayama, singer, actress (b. 1970){{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy8xzly5yro |title=Japanese star Miho Nakayama found dead at 54 |work=BBC |date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 12, 2024}}
  • 11 December – Michio Mamiya, composer (b. 1929).{{Cite web |last=Pineda |first=Rafael Antonio |title=Grave of the Fireflies Composer Michio Mamiya Dies at 95 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-02-10/grave-of-the-fireflies-composer-michio-mamiya-dies-at-95/.221040 |website=Anime News Network |date=10 February 2025 |access-date=10 February 2025}}
  • 19 December – Tsuneo Watanabe, journalist and publisher (Yomiuri Shimbun), (b. 1926).{{cite web|title=Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings Editor-in-Chief Tsuneo Watanabe Dies of Pneumonia at 98|url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20241219-228612/|work=The Japan News|date=19 December 2024|access-date=19 December 2024}}
  • 25 December – Osamu Suzuki, automotive industry executive, president (1978–2000) and chairman (2000–2021) of Suzuki (b. 1930).{{cite news |title=Suzuki Motor former boss Osamu Suzuki, who turned the minicar maker into a global player, dies at 94s |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-suzuki-motor-india-495bf88bbc55c2e96faa447a5b5806f0 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |work=AP News |date=December 27, 2024 }}
  • 26 December - Chisako Kakehi, serial killer (b. 1946).{{cite news |title=Japan's "black widow" serial killer on death row dies |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/9b5a83329cd6-japans-black-widow-serial-killer-on-death-row-dies.html |access-date=December 27, 2024 |agency=Kyodo News |date=December 27, 2024 }}
  • 29 December - Tomiko Itooka, oldest person in the world (b. 1908).{{cite news |title=World's oldest person Tomiko Itooka dies aged 116 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9830vpp2p0o |access-date=January 4, 2025 |agency=BBC |date=January 4, 2025 }}

See also

=Country overviews=

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=Related timelines for current period=

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References

{{Reflist|2}}

External links

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{{Year in Asia|2024}}

{{Years in Japan}}

Japan

Japan

Category:2020s in Japan

Category:Years of the 21st century in Japan