[January 2025] Current Affairs Quiz

It was 15 days earlier than usual.

Tokyo’s first snowfall of 2024 was observed on December 19, which was 15 days earlier than usual. This was reportedly due to a winter-type pressure pattern and a mass of strong cold air, and Osaka City also recorded its first snowfall on the same day.

futehodo

The 2024 Buzzword of the Year went to “Futehodo.” It’s an abbreviation of the drama ‘Futekisetsu ni mo Hodo ga Aru!’ starring Sadao Abe. “Açaí bowl” is a dish made by topping an açaí fruit smoothie with fruits and granola, and “Mou ee deshou” (“That’s enough already”) is a line that became a hot topic from the drama ‘Jimenshi-tachi.’ All of these were words that drew major attention in 2024!

Information

In the Common Test for University Admissions starting in 2025, a new subject, Information, will be added. Since it is the first year of implementation, some universities will offer it as an elective rather than a required subject, and the weighting of the score will vary by university.

34% decrease

The number of New Year’s cards delivered on New Year’s Day 2025 decreased by 34% compared to the previous year. The number of New Year’s cards has been declining year by year, and the term “nengajo-jimai,” meaning giving up sending New Year’s cards, is drawing attention.

Under 16 years old

The bill was reportedly passed with the aim of preventing minors under 16 from becoming excessively absorbed in social media or getting caught up in troubles such as bullying or incidents triggered by social media. Coverage of this topic has prompted a reassessment within Japan of how young people should engage with social media.

Nissan

Nissan is reportedly aiming for a management integration with Honda. This move is seen as part of a strategic partnership intended to promote technological cooperation and reduce costs amid intensifying competition in the development of electrification and autonomous driving technologies.

deepfake video

Deepfake videos are a method of adding disinformation to real footage using AI technology, and they are drawing attention as a new security concern. McAfee has become a topic of discussion for launching a new service that detects them.