[November 2025] Current Affairs Quiz

Originally established for road maintenance

The provisional tax rate was introduced in 1974 to fund road development. As its name suggests, it was meant to be temporary, but it has been repeatedly extended, and its abolishment has finally been decided for the end of 2025. For reference, the surcharge is about 25 yen, and with the abolition of the provisional tax rate, gasoline prices are expected to fall by around 15 yen.

Kirin (Qilin)

A hacker group called Qilin has issued a claim of responsibility for carrying out a cyberattack on Asahi Group Holdings. Asahi Group Holdings has suffered system disruptions due to a ransomware attack—an extortion-type cyberattack—and has been forced to impose shipping restrictions on some products.

for the first time in 16 years

Oasis had not performed in Japan since their show at Fuji Rock in 2009. The 2025 concerts will be their first visit since then, marking their return to Japan after 16 years.

Brazil

In the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup, Japan’s national team earned their first-ever victory over powerhouse Brazil, a team they had never beaten before. Japan entered the second half trailing 0–2, but scored three goals to complete a come-from-behind win. This historic achievement marked their first win in 14 meetings, and many soccer fans celebrated the moment.

Imperial Household Ministry

The Imperial Household Agency, which handles affairs related to the Imperial Family, is responsible for managing and protecting imperial mausoleums. Due to a series of fallen-tree damages caused by typhoons at mausoleums nationwide—such as the Hashihaka Kofun cited in the question—a tree management plan will begin in 2026.

Person of Cultural Merit

In 2025, Masako Nozawa was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit. This is a system in which individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Japanese culture are chosen, and this is the first time that a voice actor has been selected.

mayor (of a municipality)

Under the emergency firearm hunting system, only the municipal mayor has the authority to decide whether capture with a hunting gun is necessary. Frontline police officers and hunting association members do not have this decision-making authority.