A taxi driver in Tokyo was arrested for deliberately driving into a flock of pigeons and killing one of them.

The police arrested 50-year-old Atsushi Ozawa on Sunday (Dec 3) after identifying him through surveillance camera footage of the November incident, Asahi Shimbun reported.

Police said that an arrest was necessitated because the driver’s actions were “highly malicious” given the professional nature of his job, the Fuji TV network reported.

They added that Ozawa should be held to a higher ethical standard on the road.

Ozawa “used his car to kill a common pigeon, which is not a game animal”, a Tokyo police spokesperson told AFP news agency.

<h2>'Roads are for humans, not pigeons'</h2>

According to local media reports, the accused told the police during interrogation that he drove into the birds because “roads are for people. It’s up to the pigeons to avoid cars.”

The police were first informed of the incident after a passerby, who was startled by loud engine noise, spotted the driver moving towards the birds.

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He told the police that Ozawa revived his engine after a traffic light turned green, before driving into the pigeons at around 37 miles per hour, Asahi Shimbun reported.

A postmortem examination was later performed on the pigeon, and it was found that the bird’s death was caused due to a traumatic shock.

If found guilty, Ozawa would have violated Japan's Wildlife Protection, Control, and Hunting Management Act.

<h2>Netizens dumbfounded by police's action&nbsp;</h2>

The unusual nature of the arrest sparked a debate on the social media platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aide-of-2611-terror-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-killed-in-pakistan-666762">Aide of 26/11 terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed killed in Pakistan</a>

"Wow, can you get arrested for running over a pigeon?" one user wrote on X.

"He could've just honked his car horn or something. But intentionally killing it? That's crossing the line," another posted.

(With inputs from agencies)

A taxi driver in Tokyo was arrested for deliberately driving into a flock of pigeons and killing one of them. The police arrested 50-year-old Atsushi Ozawa on Sunday (Dec 3) after identifying him through surveillance camera footage of the November incident, Asahi Shimbun reported.

A taxi driver in Tokyo was arrested for deliberately driving into a flock of pigeons and killing one of them. The police arrested 50-year-old Atsushi Ozawa on Sunday (Dec 3) after identifying him through surveillance camera footage of the November incident, Asahi Shimbun reported. Police said that an arrest was necessitated because the driver’s actions were “highly malicious” given the professional nature of his job, the Fuji TV network reported. They added that Ozawa should be held to a higher ethical standard on the road. Ozawa “used his car to kill a common pigeon, which is not a game animal”, a Tokyo police spokesperson told AFP news agency. 'Roads are for humans, not pigeons' According to local media reports, the accused told the police during interrogation that he drove into the birds because “roads are for people. It’s up to the pigeons to avoid cars.” The police were first informed of the incident after a passerby, who was startled by loud engine noise, spotted the driver moving towards the birds. Also read | Vegan diet behind troubled pregnancy? Here's what researchers think He told the police that Ozawa revived his engine after a traffic light turned green, before driving into the pigeons at around 37 miles per hour, Asahi Shimbun reported. A postmortem examination was later performed on the pigeon, and it was found that the bird’s death was caused due to a traumatic shock. If found guilty, Ozawa would have violated Japan's Wildlife Protection, Control, and Hunting Management Act. Netizens dumbfounded by police's action The unusual nature of the arrest sparked a debate on the social media platform. Also read | Aide of 26/11 terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed killed in Pakistan "Wow, can you get arrested for running over a pigeon?" one user wrote on X. "He could've just honked his car horn or something. But intentionally killing it? That's crossing the line," another posted. (With inputs from agencies)

Taxi driver in Tokyo arrested for killing a pigeon

Hometown hero Nasa Hataoka moved closer to her seventh career win Saturday as she headed into the final day of the LPGA Japan Classic tied for the lead with Shiho Kuwaki. Japan's Hataoka, who lives just 20 minutes away from the Taiheiyo Club's Minori Course, around 100 kilometres (60 miles) northeast of Tokyo, hit seven birdies and one bogey to card a six-under 66.

That put her on 20-under overall alongside compatriot Kuwaki, who hit eagles on the 12th and 17th holes. Hataoka, who is still looking for her first win of 2023, birdied the 17th to haul herself back level with Kuwaki, who also had two birdies in a bogey-free round of 66.

The leading pair sit one shot ahead of Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mone Inami and two in front of Sora Kamiya. Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura was in a group four strokes behind the leaders after carding a 66.

Suwannapura, who finished third behind France's Celine Boutier and Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul at last week's Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, fired six birdies in a bogey-free round. American Rose Zhang was a stroke further back after a 65 that included eight birdies and one bogey.

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But China's Lin Xiyu, who began the day two shots off the lead, slipped back to join Zhang on 15-under after hitting three bogeys in a round of 69. Scotland's defending champion Gemma Dryburgh fell back to 12-under.

Ten of the world's top 30 players are competing as the LPGA finishes its Asian swing with a tournament co-sanctioned with Japan's JLPGA.

Hometown hero Nasa Hataoka moved closer to her seventh career win Saturday as she headed into the final day of the LPGA Japan Classic tied for the lead with Shiho Kuwaki.

Hometown hero Nasa Hataoka moved closer to her seventh career win Saturday as she headed into the final day of the LPGA Japan Classic tied for the lead with Shiho Kuwaki. Japan's Hataoka, who lives just 20 minutes away from the Taiheiyo Club's Minori Course, around 100 kilometres (60 miles) northeast of Tokyo, hit seven birdies and one bogey to card a six-under 66. That put her on 20-under overall alongside compatriot Kuwaki, who hit eagles on the 12th and 17th holes. Hataoka, who is still looking for her first win of 2023, birdied the 17th to haul herself back level with Kuwaki, who also had two birdies in a bogey-free round of 66. The leading pair sit one shot ahead of Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mone Inami and two in front of Sora Kamiya. Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura was in a group four strokes behind the leaders after carding a 66. Suwannapura, who finished third behind France's Celine Boutier and Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul at last week's Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, fired six birdies in a bogey-free round. American Rose Zhang was a stroke further back after a 65 that included eight birdies and one bogey. Also Read: NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers closes in on improbable early return, joins practice 11 weeks after surgery But China's Lin Xiyu, who began the day two shots off the lead, slipped back to join Zhang on 15-under after hitting three bogeys in a round of 69. Scotland's defending champion Gemma Dryburgh fell back to 12-under. Ten of the world's top 30 players are competing as the LPGA finishes its Asian swing with a tournament co-sanctioned with Japan's JLPGA.

Golf: Nasa Hataoka ties lead with Shiho Kuwaki at LPGA Japan Classic

Japan on Thursday (September 7) launched a rocket carrying what it plans to be the country's first successful Moon lander, as was seen in the live footage shared by the country's space agency. 
 
The H2-A rocket, carrying the precision "Moon Sniper" lander blasted off at 8:42 am (2342 GMT Wednesday) and is expected to touch down on the lunar surface in a span of four to six months. 
 
The rocket was launched from Tanegashima in southern Japan after getting postponed three times due to bad weather and garnered around 35,000 online viewers. 
 
The rocket is also carrying a research satellite which has been developed by NASA, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-poised-to-make-giant-leap-in-its-space-endeavors-to-launch-moon-sniper-on-sept-7-633074">Japan poised to make giant leap in its space endeavours, to launch 'moon sniper' on Sept 7</a>

<h2>SLIM designed to land within 100 metres of target</h2>

The moon lander was launched by Japan just a month after India's craft landed near the south pole of the Moon, which was seen as a historic triumph for the country. 
 
The compact lander of Japan, officially called the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has been designed to successfully land within 100 metres of the specific target on the Moon's surface. 
 
"By creating the SLIM lander humans will make a qualitative shift towards being able to land where we want and not just where it is easy to land," said JAXA, before the launch. 
 
"By achieving this, it will become possible to land on planets even more resource-scarce than the Moon. Globally there are no previous instances of pinpoint landing on celestial bodies with significant gravity such as the Moon," it added. 
 
Till now, India, the United States, Russia and China have been able to place their spacecraft on the surface of the Moon and India became the first country to do so on the south pole. All the previous attempts by Japan have failed, including a lunar probe named Omotenashi sent by it last year as part of the Artemis programme of the United States.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Unification Church to be dissolved in Japan?

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Omotenashi, which was the size of a backpack, would have been the smallest Moon lander in the world. However, after the probe was launched by the powerful rocket of NASA from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission faced issues and finally they lost communication with it. 
 
Japan also faced problems with launch rockets, after the next-generation H3 model failed after liftoff in March and reliable solid-fuel Epsilon was unsuccessful last October.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan on Thursday (September 7) launched a rocket carrying what it plans to be the country's first successful Moon lander, as was seen in the live footage shared by the country's space agency.

Japan on Thursday (September 7) launched a rocket carrying what it plans to be the country's first successful Moon lander, as was seen in the live footage shared by the country's space agency. The H2-A rocket, carrying the precision "Moon Sniper" lander blasted off at 8:42 am (2342 GMT Wednesday) and is expected to touch down on the lunar surface in a span of four to six months. The rocket was launched from Tanegashima in southern Japan after getting postponed three times due to bad weather and garnered around 35,000 online viewers. The rocket is also carrying a research satellite which has been developed by NASA, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). ALSO READ | Japan poised to make giant leap in its space endeavours, to launch 'moon sniper' on Sept 7 SLIM designed to land within 100 metres of target The moon lander was launched by Japan just a month after India's craft landed near the south pole of the Moon, which was seen as a historic triumph for the country. The compact lander of Japan, officially called the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has been designed to successfully land within 100 metres of the specific target on the Moon's surface. "By creating the SLIM lander humans will make a qualitative shift towards being able to land where we want and not just where it is easy to land," said JAXA, before the launch. "By achieving this, it will become possible to land on planets even more resource-scarce than the Moon. Globally there are no previous instances of pinpoint landing on celestial bodies with significant gravity such as the Moon," it added. Till now, India, the United States, Russia and China have been able to place their spacecraft on the surface of the Moon and India became the first country to do so on the south pole. All the previous attempts by Japan have failed, including a lunar probe named Omotenashi sent by it last year as part of the Artemis programme of the United States. WATCH | Gravitas: Unification Church to be dissolved in Japan? Omotenashi, which was the size of a backpack, would have been the smallest Moon lander in the world. However, after the probe was launched by the powerful rocket of NASA from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission faced issues and finally they lost communication with it. Japan also faced problems with launch rockets, after the next-generation H3 model failed after liftoff in March and reliable solid-fuel Epsilon was unsuccessful last October. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan's 'Moon Sniper' lander blasts off into space after three postponements

In a rather unconventional approach to combat drink-driving, Japanese police are now encouraging individuals to consume alcohol.&nbsp;

After consuming alcohol, drivers are made to navigate a driving course and see for themselves how well they can handle driving.

<h2>The inspiration behind this campaign</h2>

CNN reports that this initiative was devised by the Chikushino Police Department in Fukuoka, southwest Japan, as part of its awareness campaign against drink-driving.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-a-silent-threat-deadlier-than-smoking-and-alcohol-reveals-new-study-630309">Air pollution: A silent threat deadlier than smoking and alcohol, reveals new study</a>

The campaign was launched after a tragic incident in August 2006, where a drunk driver claimed the lives of three children on a local bridge. This latest edition of the campaign took place at the Chikushino Automobile School in Chikushino City on August 22 and had 10 participants, including a 77-year-old.&nbsp;

<h2>How it went</h2>

Drivers were first evaluated on their reflexes and driving skills while sober. They were then provided enough alcohol to exceed the legal limit and given a driving course to complete.

Talking to CNN, a police spokesperson revealed that each participant had a driving instructor with them throughout the exercise, even riding with them in their respective vehicles.

Conducted within the confines of the driving school premises, the "hands-on event" allowed "drivers to experience for themselves the difference between driving before and after drinking and to get a sense of how dangerous drink-driving can be," said the spokesperson.

<h2>The results</h2>

Many participants, as per the spokesperson, acknowledged that the experience highlighted how they had been "overconfident" about their ability to drive under the influence of alcohol. They also realised that they made more errors than they thought they would. A few participants also noticed that their ability to control the vehicle was affected.

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The police spokesperson expressed hope that "that more drivers will realise how dangerous drunk driving is."

<h2>Japan and alcohol consumption</h2>

Japan maintains relatively low alcohol consumption levels, found a 2021 study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).&nbsp;

The nation witnessed a further decline in its alcohol consumption during the pandemic due to restrictions affecting the bar and other alcohol-selling places.

Japanese people consume an average of 8 litres per capita alcohol annually, this is equivalent to about 1.6 bottles of wine or 3 litres of beer per week per person.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a rather unconventional approach to combat drink-driving, Japanese police are now encouraging individuals to consume alcohol. After consuming alcohol, drivers are made to navigate a driving course and see for themselves how well they can handle driving.

In a rather unconventional approach to combat drink-driving, Japanese police are now encouraging individuals to consume alcohol. After consuming alcohol, drivers are made to navigate a driving course and see for themselves how well they can handle driving. The inspiration behind this campaign CNN reports that this initiative was devised by the Chikushino Police Department in Fukuoka, southwest Japan, as part of its awareness campaign against drink-driving. Also read | Air pollution: A silent threat deadlier than smoking and alcohol, reveals new study The campaign was launched after a tragic incident in August 2006, where a drunk driver claimed the lives of three children on a local bridge. This latest edition of the campaign took place at the Chikushino Automobile School in Chikushino City on August 22 and had 10 participants, including a 77-year-old. How it went Drivers were first evaluated on their reflexes and driving skills while sober. They were then provided enough alcohol to exceed the legal limit and given a driving course to complete. Talking to CNN, a police spokesperson revealed that each participant had a driving instructor with them throughout the exercise, even riding with them in their respective vehicles. Conducted within the confines of the driving school premises, the "hands-on event" allowed "drivers to experience for themselves the difference between driving before and after drinking and to get a sense of how dangerous drink-driving can be," said the spokesperson. The results Many participants, as per the spokesperson, acknowledged that the experience highlighted how they had been "overconfident" about their ability to drive under the influence of alcohol. They also realised that they made more errors than they thought they would. A few participants also noticed that their ability to control the vehicle was affected. Also read | Hidden cost of Russia-Ukraine war: Children losing out on education, warns UNICEF The police spokesperson expressed hope that "that more drivers will realise how dangerous drunk driving is." Japan and alcohol consumption Japan maintains relatively low alcohol consumption levels, found a 2021 study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The nation witnessed a further decline in its alcohol consumption during the pandemic due to restrictions affecting the bar and other alcohol-selling places. Japanese people consume an average of 8 litres per capita alcohol annually, this is equivalent to about 1.6 bottles of wine or 3 litres of beer per week per person. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Drink and drive? Japanese police use unique approach to show dangers of drunk driving

The Japanese environment ministry said on Sunday (August 27) that tests of seawater near the Fukushima nuclear power plant did not detect any radioactivity. Japan had started releasing water from the plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, sparking protests in the nation and neighbouring countries.

The Japanese environment ministry said on Sunday (August 27) that tests of seawater near the Fukushima nuclear power plant did not detect any radioactivity. Japan had started releasing water from the plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, sparking protests in the nation and neighbouring countries. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the government said that the water is safe after being filtered to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. The report said the ministry's tests of samples from 11 points near the plant showed concentrations of tritium below the lower limit of detection — 7 to 8 becquerels of tritium per litre. "It would have no adverse impact on human health and the environment," the ministry added. Speaking to Reuters, an official said the ministry would publish test results every week for the next three months at least. Citizens angry about discharge of water The Japanese government's decision to release water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant has angered citizens. Reuters reported that in early August, various organisations mobilised a petition-signing campaign in opposition to the discharge of contaminated water into the sea. As of Sunday, over 60,000 signatures had been collected from different regions across Japan. "The number of signatures on the Internet exceeded 60,000 yesterday, with over 50,000 signatures being added following the Cabinet's decision to move forward with the discharge on Tuesday," local media journalist Fujikura Hidekazu said. Hidekazu asserted that the government was blatantly disregarding the sentiments of residents, warning that the forced discharge would inevitably wreak havoc on vital industries such as agriculture and fisheries. "With the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, both agriculture and fisheries will be pushed into a further state of crisis. Many fear that Fukushima's fishing industry will never be able to rebound," the journalist added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japanese ministry says seawater radioactivity below limits near Fukushima plant

Barbenheimer is not being celebrated in Japan. Warner Bros Japan has criticised what it called 'extremely regrettable' tweets shared by their US counterparts in a post. Turns out Japan, unlike the rest of the world, is not keen to hype both Barbie and Oppenheimer together.&nbsp; 
 
There has been a growing backlash in Japan against the clubbing of the two films, While Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a satire of the iconic doll, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is a biopic on J Robert Oppenheimer,&nbsp;the scientist who created atomic bombs that the US dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. 
 
A translation of the statement, which was posted on Japan’s Twitter account for the Barbie film, reads: “Because the movies Barbie and Oppenheimer were both released in the US on 21 July, there is currently a movement driven by overseas fans to watch them together (#Barbenheimer), but this is not an official movement. We find the reaction to this fan-driven movement from the official US account for the movie Barbie to be extremely regrettable. We take this very seriously and are asking the US head office to take appropriate action. We apologise to those offended by these inconsiderate actions.” 
 
The simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer resulted in millions around the world seeing the two vastly different blockbusters as an ironic double bill termed as Barbenheimer. 
 
On social media, users have been sharing memes and art combining the fun pink imagery of Barbie with mushroom clouds and fiery explosions in Oppenheimer.&nbsp; 
 
#NoBarbenheimer trends in Japan 
 
Japan is yet to see the two films. While Barbie is set to release on August 11, the release date of Oppenheimer in the country is not known. Some state that the film may not get a release at all in the country.&nbsp; 
 
The hashtag #NoBarbenheimer has been trending in Japan in the last week, with some social media users criticising the concept of Barbenheimer as trivialising nuclear weapons and the impact the bombings had on Japan, the only country to experience a nuclear attack.&nbsp;

One #nobarbenheimer post, reads, “The official Barbie movie account is completely on board with the atomic bomb and mushroom cloud memes, so Barbie is a no-go as well.” 
 
Despite the sensitive subject matter, Japan often shows foreign films depicting the events of the second world war without backlash. But that has not been the case with Nolan's latest. Oppenheimer has been criticised for not showing the extent of the devastation wrought on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where estimates suggest that&nbsp;up to 220,000 people died in the bombings and their aftermath.

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Barbenheimer is not being celebrated in Japan. Warner Bros Japan has criticised what it called 'extremely regrettable' tweets shared by their US counterparts in a post.

Barbenheimer is not being celebrated in Japan. Warner Bros Japan has criticised what it called 'extremely regrettable' tweets shared by their US counterparts in a post. Turns out Japan, unlike the rest of the world, is not keen to hype both Barbie and Oppenheimer together. There has been a growing backlash in Japan against the clubbing of the two films, While Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a satire of the iconic doll, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is a biopic on J Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who created atomic bombs that the US dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. A translation of the statement, which was posted on Japan’s Twitter account for the Barbie film, reads: “Because the movies Barbie and Oppenheimer were both released in the US on 21 July, there is currently a movement driven by overseas fans to watch them together (#Barbenheimer), but this is not an official movement. We find the reaction to this fan-driven movement from the official US account for the movie Barbie to be extremely regrettable. We take this very seriously and are asking the US head office to take appropriate action. We apologise to those offended by these inconsiderate actions.” The simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer resulted in millions around the world seeing the two vastly different blockbusters as an ironic double bill termed as Barbenheimer. On social media, users have been sharing memes and art combining the fun pink imagery of Barbie with mushroom clouds and fiery explosions in Oppenheimer. #NoBarbenheimer trends in Japan Japan is yet to see the two films. While Barbie is set to release on August 11, the release date of Oppenheimer in the country is not known. Some state that the film may not get a release at all in the country. The hashtag #NoBarbenheimer has been trending in Japan in the last week, with some social media users criticising the concept of Barbenheimer as trivialising nuclear weapons and the impact the bombings had on Japan, the only country to experience a nuclear attack. One #nobarbenheimer post, reads, “The official Barbie movie account is completely on board with the atomic bomb and mushroom cloud memes, so Barbie is a no-go as well.” Despite the sensitive subject matter, Japan often shows foreign films depicting the events of the second world war without backlash. But that has not been the case with Nolan's latest. Oppenheimer has been criticised for not showing the extent of the devastation wrought on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where estimates suggest that up to 220,000 people died in the bombings and their aftermath.

Japan refuses to co-market Barbie and Oppenheimer together over Nolan's depiction of nuclear war

Japan's infamous Joker assailant who attempted to kill and burn innocent people on a train in Tokyo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison.&nbsp;

Tokyo District Court's Tachikawa branch found 26-year-old Kyota Hattori guilty of attempted murder and starting a fire on the train, while dressed as DC comic book villain, the Joker.&nbsp;

The incident took place in October 2021, on the day of Halloween, at around 8 pm on a Keio Line train, heading to Shinjuku Station.&nbsp;Hattori boarded the train, dressed in a purple suit, green shirt and a tie, leading to him being called the Joker.

Afterwards, he stabbed a passenger in his 70s whilst trying to kill 12 others by starting a&nbsp;fire. While the stabbed man sustained&nbsp;a critical condition, he survived and nobody died in the attack.&nbsp;

During a hearing last month, Hattori admitted to the stabbing and lighting the&nbsp;train carriage on fire, but denied the latter part of the indictment, saying there was no intent to murder when he lit up the coach.&nbsp;

“I don’t know if the arson can be considered attempted murder,” Hattori said.

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At the time of his arrest, Hattori told the police that he "adores" the Joker character from the Batman films. He wanted to kill multiple people and receive the death penalty.&nbsp;Police said he made the plan to “stab and burn passengers on a crowded Halloween day on an express train that people couldn’t flee". He also&nbsp;told them he had spread lighter fluid on the train.

“He held a knife and started spreading liquid. He was committing this act without showing any emotion, just mechanically. I think that brought fear to everyone," one of the witnesses in the carriage&nbsp;said at the time.&nbsp;

<h2>Violent crimes in Japan&nbsp;</h2>

Violent crime is rare in Japan but Hattori's attack came a little more than a month after nine people were wounded in a similar train attack where the suspect handed himself to the police after fleeing the scene.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, another gruesome crime was reported&nbsp;in the country's northern city of Sapporo where a headless body of a man was discovered in one of the 'love hotel' rooms.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beheaded-man-found-inside-japanese-love-hotel-woman-and-her-parents-arrested-619591">Also read |&nbsp;Beheaded man found inside Japan’s ‘love hotel’; woman and her parents arrested</a>

The naked and headless body of the victim slumped in a bathtub, was found by one of the hotel workers.&nbsp;None of his belongings were found in the room and the bed appeared unused.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan's infamous Joker assailant who attempted to kill and burn innocent people on a train in Tokyo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison. Tokyo District Court's Tachikawa branch found 26-year-old Kyota Hattori guilty of attempted murder and starting a fire on the train, while dressed as DC comic book villain, the Joker.

Japan's infamous Joker assailant who attempted to kill and burn innocent people on a train in Tokyo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison. Tokyo District Court's Tachikawa branch found 26-year-old Kyota Hattori guilty of attempted murder and starting a fire on the train, while dressed as DC comic book villain, the Joker. The incident took place in October 2021, on the day of Halloween, at around 8 pm on a Keio Line train, heading to Shinjuku Station. Hattori boarded the train, dressed in a purple suit, green shirt and a tie, leading to him being called the Joker. Afterwards, he stabbed a passenger in his 70s whilst trying to kill 12 others by starting a fire. While the stabbed man sustained a critical condition, he survived and nobody died in the attack. During a hearing last month, Hattori admitted to the stabbing and lighting the train carriage on fire, but denied the latter part of the indictment, saying there was no intent to murder when he lit up the coach. “I don’t know if the arson can be considered attempted murder,” Hattori said. Watch | Delhi: 16-year-old girl's murder caught on camera, accused arrested At the time of his arrest, Hattori told the police that he "adores" the Joker character from the Batman films. He wanted to kill multiple people and receive the death penalty. Police said he made the plan to “stab and burn passengers on a crowded Halloween day on an express train that people couldn’t flee". He also told them he had spread lighter fluid on the train. “He held a knife and started spreading liquid. He was committing this act without showing any emotion, just mechanically. I think that brought fear to everyone," one of the witnesses in the carriage said at the time. Violent crimes in Japan Violent crime is rare in Japan but Hattori's attack came a little more than a month after nine people were wounded in a similar train attack where the suspect handed himself to the police after fleeing the scene. Earlier this month, another gruesome crime was reported in the country's northern city of Sapporo where a headless body of a man was discovered in one of the 'love hotel' rooms. Also read | Beheaded man found inside Japan’s ‘love hotel’; woman and her parents arrested The naked and headless body of the victim slumped in a bathtub, was found by one of the hotel workers. None of his belongings were found in the room and the bed appeared unused. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan's Joker assailant sentenced to 23 years in prison

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of&nbsp;his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries. The move is aimed at resuscitating&nbsp;the country's defence industry where research and development has become unprofitable due to the export ban.&nbsp;

During the address, Kishida called on the coalition to find an acceptable way around the unwritten rules or the guidelines that control the country's defence exports. He also informed that the government will soon present its view on the matter.&nbsp;

<h2>Three principles&nbsp;</h2>

According to three principles adopted on exports of weapons in 1967, Japan banned the sales of weapons to communist nations, those under United Nations embargoes and countries currently or about to be engaged in an armed conflict.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-military-expansion-raises-concern-over-regional-stability-616936">Watch |&nbsp;China's military expansion raises concern over regional stability</a>

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LDP and Kometio on July 5 presented a working report, reviewing the 'three principles'. The report argued that Japan would agree to export defence equipment with lethal weaponry, including non-combat vehicles and ships to nations with which Tokyo collaborates on security matters.&nbsp;

Japanese media reports state that the&nbsp;government is heavily leaning towards abolishing the prohibition on weapons exports as the next-generation fighters are sure to be shipped by ally countries, such as Britain and Italy, to third nations regardless of Japan's policies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-considering-exporting-weapons-to-countries-under-invasion-report-570482">Also read |&nbsp;Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report</a>

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war</h2>

However, the most prominent reason to revisit the principles might be the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Seeing the&nbsp;allies and their military industries making huge profits, Tokyo may have been charmed into loosening its position. Lifting the ban could suddenly make the Japanese defence sector lucrative once again, bring in a tax windfall and create more jobs while reducing reliance on expensive defence imports.&nbsp;

While the government mulls its stance, a poll published by Nikkie earlier this year showed that only 16 per cent&nbsp;of the respondents supported Japan sending arms to Ukraine while 76 per cent&nbsp;were against it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries. The move is aimed at resuscitating the country's defence industry where research and development has become unprofitable due to the export ban. During the address, Kishida called on the coalition to find an acceptable way around the unwritten rules or the guidelines that control the country's defence exports. He also informed that the government will soon present its view on the matter. Three principles According to three principles adopted on exports of weapons in 1967, Japan banned the sales of weapons to communist nations, those under United Nations embargoes and countries currently or about to be engaged in an armed conflict. Watch | China's military expansion raises concern over regional stability × LDP and Kometio on July 5 presented a working report, reviewing the 'three principles'. The report argued that Japan would agree to export defence equipment with lethal weaponry, including non-combat vehicles and ships to nations with which Tokyo collaborates on security matters. Japanese media reports state that the government is heavily leaning towards abolishing the prohibition on weapons exports as the next-generation fighters are sure to be shipped by ally countries, such as Britain and Italy, to third nations regardless of Japan's policies. Also read | Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report Russia-Ukraine war However, the most prominent reason to revisit the principles might be the Russia-Ukraine war. Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country. Seeing the allies and their military industries making huge profits, Tokyo may have been charmed into loosening its position. Lifting the ban could suddenly make the Japanese defence sector lucrative once again, bring in a tax windfall and create more jobs while reducing reliance on expensive defence imports. While the government mulls its stance, a poll published by Nikkie earlier this year showed that only 16 per cent of the respondents supported Japan sending arms to Ukraine while 76 per cent were against it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Is Japan looking to supply lethal arms to Ukraine?

A 17-year-old Canadian has been brought for questioning by Japanese authorities after it was discovered he carved his name into an eighth-century UNESCO-listed temple in the historic city of Nara.

A 17-year-old Canadian has been brought for questioning by Japanese authorities after it was discovered he carved his name into an eighth-century UNESCO-listed temple in the historic city of Nara. The incident took place in the 1,200-year-old Toshodaiji Kondo temple complex on the afternoon of July 7. ''On the southwest side of Toshodaiji Kondo, there are wooden pillars supporting the roof. On the pillars to the side, the boy carved ‘Julian' on a wooden pillar about 170 centimetres above the ground with his nail,'' a police official was quoted as saying by CNN. The teenager defaced the pillar, situated in the temple's "Golden Hall" which is a designated national treasure. His parents were with him when he vandalised the ancient property, writing the word "Julian" by scratching the pillar. A tourist saw the teen defacing the pillar and told him to stop before notifying the temple employees. A monk at the temple said, "even though it [vandalism] may have been done without malice, it is still regrettable and sad". Under Japanese law, any person found damaging an object of "important cultural property" could face up to five years in prison or a fine of $2,120 (¥300,000; £1,650). The temple is one of the eight sites that make up the historic monuments of ancient Nara which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. “Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and the excavated remains of the great Imperial Palace provide a vivid picture of life in the Japanese capital in the 8th century, a period of profound political and cultural change,” reads the UNESCO inscription. WATCH | Climate activists turn Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain black × Man defaces Colosseum This is not the first instance where a tourist has been found defacing a centuries-old, historical monument. Last month, a tourist from Britain carved his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum in Rome. After becoming a subject of ridicule internationally, 27-year-old Ivan Dimitrov, the culprit, said he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument. Also read | Tourist who carved names on Colosseum says he didn't realise it was 2,000-years-old In a letter addressed to the Italian authorities, Dimitrov said only now did he realise “the seriousness of the deed committed”. “Through these lines I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the letter. If convicted, he faces a fine of at least $16,500 (€15,000; £12,900) and a prison term of up to five years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Teenager defaces 8th-century UNESCO-listed temple in Japan, brought in for questioning

Japan has become the latest country to alter its definition of rape. The Asian country has passed laws that redefine rape and raise the age of consent. Moving forward, the definition of rape includes "non consensual sexual intercourse" which is a stark contrast to the previous definition of "forcible sexual intercourse".

Japan has become the latest country to alter its definition of rape. The Asian country has passed laws that redefine rape and raise the age of consent. Moving forward, the definition of rape includes "non consensual sexual intercourse" which is a stark contrast to the previous definition of "forcible sexual intercourse". The Lower House of the Japanese parliament passed the bill last month and the Upper House did the same on Friday. Additionally, the legal window for reporting rape has been raised to 15 years from 10 years, to give survivors more time to come forward. The age of consent has been raised from 13, among the world's lowest, to 16 years old. Although a caveat has been added, which states that a person who has had sex with a minor aged 13 to 15 will only be punished if they are five or more years older than the minor. The language of the law lays down eight scenarios where an individual victim is unable to provide consent to sexual intercourse. These include the situation when the victim is intoxicated with alcohol or drugs or has been threatened using violence. Another scenario takes into measure the abuse of power, which usually occurs in place of work where refusal to engage in sexual acts with a powerful person can have devastating effects. Japan, largely has been a conservative country where victims of sexual assaults are seen in a bad light. A 2021 government survey showed it is due to this stigma that only about six per cent of men and women reported an assault to the police, and nearly half of the women said they couldn’t do so because of “embarrassment”. Changing rape definition works Changing the definition of rape has shown tangible results. In 2018, Sweden changed the legal definition rape to sex without consent, akin to the one in Japan. As a result, the National Council on Crime Prevention (Bra) noted that convictions had risen from 190 in 2017 to 333 in 2019. “We were surprised there was such an increase. It’s a good sign. This has led to greater justice for victims of rape," Bra senior researcher Stina Holmberg said at the time. Also read | Japan brings legislation to ban upskirting, secret filming of sexual acts Japan attempts to keep sexual crimes in check The Japanese government has been amending the laws to tackle increased sexual crimes. Last month, a bill was brought in that prohibits "upskirting" (taking pictures up a girl's skirt unbeknownst to her) and secret filming of sexual acts. The gropers, often called "chikan" in the local language, prey on women, especially in the famously crowded public transport system. For long, there had been demands from the public to bring a law making the offence punishable. WATCH | Gravitas: Millions in Japan told to take immediate cover × Reports state that anyone found violating the law could face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to $22,000 (Three million Japanese yen). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan alters definition of rape after passing landmark bill in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio&nbsp;Kishida's son will resign as his aide, the premier said on Monday, after photos of the son and other relatives apparently pretending to hold a news conference at the official residence sparked an uproar.

Kishida&nbsp;told reporters that Shotaro&nbsp;Kishida&nbsp;would step down as his secretary from Thursday, saying the change was due to "inappropriate" behaviour at the official residence.

A weekly magazine last week published photos of the younger&nbsp;Kishida&nbsp;and relatives apparently pretending to hold a news conference at the podium where the prime minister usually stands.

"His behaviour in a public space was inappropriate for someone who is in an official position as a political aide. I've decided to replace him for accountability,"&nbsp;Kishida&nbsp;said.

The revelations come at an inopportune time for&nbsp;Kishida, who had gained a boost in popularity with the recent Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima and was widely criticised by the opposition.

Seiji Osaka, a senior lawmaker with Japan's largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said the dismissal should have come earlier, according to Kyodo news agency.

"This is too late. I suspect (Kishida) appointed someone who is not capable (of being the) prime minister's aide to the post," Osaka was quoted as saying.

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's son will resign as his aide, the premier said on Monday, after photos of the son and other relatives apparently pretending to hold a news conference at the official residence sparked an uproar.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's son will resign as his aide, the premier said on Monday, after photos of the son and other relatives apparently pretending to hold a news conference at the official residence sparked an uproar. Kishida told reporters that Shotaro Kishida would step down as his secretary from Thursday, saying the change was due to "inappropriate" behaviour at the official residence. A weekly magazine last week published photos of the younger Kishida and relatives apparently pretending to hold a news conference at the podium where the prime minister usually stands. "His behaviour in a public space was inappropriate for someone who is in an official position as a political aide. I've decided to replace him for accountability," Kishida said. The revelations come at an inopportune time for Kishida, who had gained a boost in popularity with the recent Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima and was widely criticised by the opposition. Seiji Osaka, a senior lawmaker with Japan's largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said the dismissal should have come earlier, according to Kyodo news agency. "This is too late. I suspect (Kishida) appointed someone who is not capable (of being the) prime minister's aide to the post," Osaka was quoted as saying. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan PM Kishida says his son to quit as aide after 'inappropriate' behaviour

Japan has no plans to become a NATO member, even though the military alliance was planning a liaison office in Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday

Kishida was responding to questions after&nbsp;Japan's ambassador to the US Koji Tomita, earlier this month said Tokyo and NATO were working towards opening an office - the first in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region.

"I am not aware of any decision made&nbsp;at NATO regarding the establishment of the office,"&nbsp;Kishida told a Wednesday parliament session.&nbsp;

<h2>China reacts sharply&nbsp;</h2>

After Kishida's statement not ruling&nbsp;out the possibility of opening a NATO office, China reacted sternly. Beijing said Asia-Pacific does not welcome NATO's plan.&nbsp;

"We want to say that the Asia-Pacific does not welcome group confrontation, does not welcome military confrontation," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

Mao warned that Japan should be "extra cautious on the issue of military security" given its "history of aggression".&nbsp;

Beijing continues to refer to the maritime regions east of the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean as Asia-Pacific, despite the entire world having moved on to the accurate and factual lexicon - the Indo-Pacific, which refers to&nbsp;India's centrality in the region.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;NATO to strengthen partnership with Japan amid the ongoing Ukraine war

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<h2>What did the Japanese ambassador say?&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier this month, Tomita, at an event hosted&nbsp;by the National Press Club in Washington said Japan and NATO were working in the direction of opening the liaison office.

"The point you mentioned is one of the things that we are working on to strengthen our partnership. But I really haven't heard any final confirmation of that, but we are working in that direction," said Tomita, when quizzed about the Nikkei Asia report.&nbsp;

Nikkei Asia reported that NATO and Japan plan to upgrade their levels of cooperation. It added that the office was due to open next year and would enable&nbsp;discussions with NATO's security partners, such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, with geopolitical challenges from China and Russia in mind.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-checkmating-china-in-indo-pacific-us-led-alliance-to-open-tokyo-office-588627">ALSO READ |&nbsp;NATO checkmating China in Indo-Pacific? US-led alliance to open Tokyo office</a>

The&nbsp;developments come against the backdrop of NATO chief&nbsp;Jens Stoltenberg visiting the country in January and pledging to&nbsp;strengthen ties in the face of "historic" security challenges.&nbsp;

Even then, Beijing said high vigilance; was needed as the US-led military alliance continues its "eastward expansion".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Japan has no plans to become a NATO member, even though the military alliance was planning a liaison office in Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday Kishida was responding to questions after Japan's ambassador to the US Koji Tomita, earlier this month said Tokyo and NATO were working towards opening an office - the first in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region.

Japan has no plans to become a NATO member, even though the military alliance was planning a liaison office in Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday Kishida was responding to questions after Japan's ambassador to the US Koji Tomita, earlier this month said Tokyo and NATO were working towards opening an office - the first in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region. "I am not aware of any decision made at NATO regarding the establishment of the office," Kishida told a Wednesday parliament session. China reacts sharply After Kishida's statement not ruling out the possibility of opening a NATO office, China reacted sternly. Beijing said Asia-Pacific does not welcome NATO's plan. "We want to say that the Asia-Pacific does not welcome group confrontation, does not welcome military confrontation," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. Mao warned that Japan should be "extra cautious on the issue of military security" given its "history of aggression". Beijing continues to refer to the maritime regions east of the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean as Asia-Pacific, despite the entire world having moved on to the accurate and factual lexicon - the Indo-Pacific, which refers to India's centrality in the region. ALSO WATCH | NATO to strengthen partnership with Japan amid the ongoing Ukraine war × What did the Japanese ambassador say? Earlier this month, Tomita, at an event hosted by the National Press Club in Washington said Japan and NATO were working in the direction of opening the liaison office. "The point you mentioned is one of the things that we are working on to strengthen our partnership. But I really haven't heard any final confirmation of that, but we are working in that direction," said Tomita, when quizzed about the Nikkei Asia report. Nikkei Asia reported that NATO and Japan plan to upgrade their levels of cooperation. It added that the office was due to open next year and would enable discussions with NATO's security partners, such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, with geopolitical challenges from China and Russia in mind. ALSO READ | NATO checkmating China in Indo-Pacific? US-led alliance to open Tokyo office The developments come against the backdrop of NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg visiting the country in January and pledging to strengthen ties in the face of "historic" security challenges. Even then, Beijing said high vigilance; was needed as the US-led military alliance continues its "eastward expansion". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan won't join NATO, says Kishida, acknowledging alliance wants to open office in Tokyo

On the sidelines of the G7 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. The duo&nbsp;discussed India's G20 presidency as well as Japan's G7 presidency. In other news, Moscow launched yet another overnight attack on the capital city of Kyiv. The military officials in Ukraine said air defence system remained active but debris led to fire on the roof of one of the residential buildings.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-and-japans-kishida-hold-talks-on-sidelines-of-g7-594288">PM Narendra Modi meets Japan's Kishida on sidelines of G7 in Hiroshima</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20).&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353033-pm-modi-in-hiroshima.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-71-earthquake-rocks-east-of-new-caledonia-in-pacific-ocean-594298">Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued</a>

Another 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked east of New Caledonia Saturday in the Pacific Ocean, the US Geological Survey said. This comes a day after a major quake of magnitude 7.7 hit the same area.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353039-untitled-design-2023-05-19t092912097.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intensifies-attack-on-kyiv-overnight-air-defence-remains-active-594323">Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine overnight; Kyiv says air defence active</a>

Loud explosions were heard as Kyiv came under heavy air attack from the Russian side overnight. Authorities on early Saturday informed that falling debris were reported in three districts of the capital city while a residential building&nbsp;roof caught fire.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/16/352040-2023-05-16t025554z1lynxmpej4f031rtroptp4ukraine-crisis-attack-kyiv.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-summit-biden-looks-forward-to-meeting-ukraines-zelensky-says-white-house-594309">G7 Summit: Biden 'looks forward' to meeting Ukraine's Zelensky, says White House</a>

United States President Joe Biden "looks forward" to holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Hiroshima, stated the White House on Saturday, confirming the meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/20/353046-untitled-design-2023-05-20t084717032.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistani-police-besiege-imran-khans-home-as-deadline-for-him-to-hand-over-suspects-expires-594333">WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistani police besiege Imran Khan's home as deadline for him to hand over suspects expires</a>

Pakistani police kept up their siege around the home of Imran Khan as a 24-hour deadline given to the former premier to hand over suspects allegedly sheltered inside expired on Thursday.

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On the sidelines of the G7 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. The duo discussed India's G20 presidency as well as Japan's G7 presidency.

On the sidelines of the G7 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. The duo discussed India's G20 presidency as well as Japan's G7 presidency. In other news, Moscow launched yet another overnight attack on the capital city of Kyiv. The military officials in Ukraine said air defence system remained active but debris led to fire on the roof of one of the residential buildings. Click on headlines to read more: PM Narendra Modi meets Japan's Kishida on sidelines of G7 in Hiroshima Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20). Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued Another 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked east of New Caledonia Saturday in the Pacific Ocean, the US Geological Survey said. This comes a day after a major quake of magnitude 7.7 hit the same area. Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine overnight; Kyiv says air defence active Loud explosions were heard as Kyiv came under heavy air attack from the Russian side overnight. Authorities on early Saturday informed that falling debris were reported in three districts of the capital city while a residential building roof caught fire. G7 Summit: Biden 'looks forward' to meeting Ukraine's Zelensky, says White House United States President Joe Biden "looks forward" to holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Hiroshima, stated the White House on Saturday, confirming the meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit. WATCH | Pakistani police besiege Imran Khan's home as deadline for him to hand over suspects expires Pakistani police kept up their siege around the home of Imran Khan as a 24-hour deadline given to the former premier to hand over suspects allegedly sheltered inside expired on Thursday. ×

Morning news brief: Modi meets Kishida in Hiroshima, Kyiv faces overnight attacks, and more

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Hiroshima, Japan for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit following an invitation by the Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida as Tokyo&nbsp;holds the presidency this year. He will also travel to three countries in the span of four to five days from May 19 to May 24.&nbsp;

The Indian PM is also expected to address sessions at the G7 on subjects like peace, stability and prosperity of a sustainable planet; food, fertiliser and energy security; health; gender equality; climate change and environment and so on.&nbsp;

This year’s summit of the group world’s most advanced economies will be focused on nuclear disarmament; economic resilience and security; regional issues; climate and energy; and food, health, and development.&nbsp;

India’s participation at the G7 summit signals “increasing recognition” that New Delhi should be a part of any serious effort to resolve global challenges including those for peace, security, development and environmental preservation, said Foreign Secretary of India, Vinay Kwatra, in a press conference.&nbsp;

The Indian PM is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit including a meeting with his Japanese counterpart. He is also scheduled to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima.

PM Modi is set to leave for the four-day international visit where he will travel to three countries Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia where he will participate in meetings of three summits G7, Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), and Quad respectively.&nbsp; 
 
Notably, the Indian PM is scheduled to have&nbsp;over 40 engagements with&nbsp;over two&nbsp;dozen world leaders in summits as well as&nbsp;bilateral meetings.

The Indian PM will then travel to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where he will host the 3rd Summit of FIPIC jointly with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, on May 22. He will also hold bilateral engagements in Papua New Guinea, including meetings with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and PM&nbsp;Marape.&nbsp;

FIPIC involves India and 14 Pacific Island Countries, namely, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Notably, Modi will be the first Indian PM to visit Papua New Guinea.

Indian PM Modi will also hold his first meeting with the New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Papua New Guinea. The Indian PM&nbsp;will then travel to Australia from May 22 to May 24 following an invitation from his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney for the Quad Leaders’ Summit.&nbsp;

PM Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with PM&nbsp;Albanese on May 24, marking his 5th meeting with the Australian counterpart this year. PM Modi will also interact with Australian CEOs and business leaders, and address the Indian diaspora at a community event in Sydney, said the MEA.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Hiroshima, Japan for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit following an invitation by the Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida as Tokyo holds the presidency this year.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Hiroshima, Japan for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit following an invitation by the Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida as Tokyo holds the presidency this year. He will also travel to three countries in the span of four to five days from May 19 to May 24. The Indian PM is also expected to address sessions at the G7 on subjects like peace, stability and prosperity of a sustainable planet; food, fertiliser and energy security; health; gender equality; climate change and environment and so on. This year’s summit of the group world’s most advanced economies will be focused on nuclear disarmament; economic resilience and security; regional issues; climate and energy; and food, health, and development. India’s participation at the G7 summit signals “increasing recognition” that New Delhi should be a part of any serious effort to resolve global challenges including those for peace, security, development and environmental preservation, said Foreign Secretary of India, Vinay Kwatra, in a press conference. The Indian PM is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit including a meeting with his Japanese counterpart. He is also scheduled to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima. PM Modi is set to leave for the four-day international visit where he will travel to three countries Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia where he will participate in meetings of three summits G7, Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), and Quad respectively. Notably, the Indian PM is scheduled to have over 40 engagements with over two dozen world leaders in summits as well as bilateral meetings. The Indian PM will then travel to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where he will host the 3rd Summit of FIPIC jointly with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, on May 22. He will also hold bilateral engagements in Papua New Guinea, including meetings with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and PM Marape. FIPIC involves India and 14 Pacific Island Countries, namely, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Notably, Modi will be the first Indian PM to visit Papua New Guinea. Indian PM Modi will also hold his first meeting with the New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Papua New Guinea. The Indian PM will then travel to Australia from May 22 to May 24 following an invitation from his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney for the Quad Leaders’ Summit. PM Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with PM Albanese on May 24, marking his 5th meeting with the Australian counterpart this year. PM Modi will also interact with Australian CEOs and business leaders, and address the Indian diaspora at a community event in Sydney, said the MEA. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian PM Modi's three nation visit to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia

Candidates representing the ruling party led by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida clinched victory over four of five parliamentary seats up in the by-elections on Sunday, stated the domestic media, in what looked like a sign of increasing support for the premier.

Political analysts said that it would be interesting to see if Kishida takes advantage of the momentum and calls for a snap election after dissolving the lower house of parliament.

However, Kishida, on Monday morning said that he was not planning to call a snap election currently. "I am determined to advance important policies while listening to the voices of the people," he said.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-shot-japans-former-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-what-was-the-motive-495459">Shinzo Abe, the assassinated ex-PM of Japan, whose rare state funeral is causing a furore</a>

The by-elections, which were closely watched, were held eight days after PM Kishida safely escaped an attack that took place when he was giving an speech outdoors for the by-elections.

A cylindrical object was hurled by a man which exploded and emitted white smoke near the prime minister in Wakayama. However, PM Kishida remained unharmed in the attack.

The incident revived people's memories of former premier Shinzo Abe's assassination at an election campaign event last July.

Former defence minister Nobuo Kishi's eldest son Nobuchiyo Kishi won a seat in the parliament's lower house in southwestern Yamaguchi prefecture, reported public broadcaster NHK as well as other media outlets.

A candidate, representing Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), also won a lower house seat in Yamaguchi which was earlier held by Abe, added the reports.

Kishida, who recently witnessed a recovery in his cabinet's support ratings, is organising a Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit in Hiroshima, which is his hometown, next month.

"This is a boost for the early dissolution of the Diet after the Hiroshima summit," stated Hiroshi Shiratori, who is a professor of political science working at Hosei University in Tokyo.

WATCH | Japan: Smoke bomb thrown at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida | World News | WION

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The candidates representing the ruling party also clinched an upper house seat in Oita prefecture which is on the southwestern island of Kyushu as well as a lower house seat in Chiba prefecture near the capital city, stated NHK said, what the analysts stated should have turned into an easier race for the LDP candidate.

"The fact that it was as close as it was is not an encouraging sign," stated Tobias Harris, deputy director of the Indo-Pacific programme at the German Marshall Fund, a Washington-based think tank.

In Wakayama prefecture, where Kishida recently faced an attack, a candidate who was representing the conservative Japan Innovation Party clinched the seat of the lower house which was left for grabs, as per the broadcaster.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Candidates representing the ruling party led by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida clinched victory over four of five parliamentary seats up in the by-elections on Sunday, stated the domestic media, in what looked like a sign of increasing support for the premier.

Candidates representing the ruling party led by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida clinched victory over four of five parliamentary seats up in the by-elections on Sunday, stated the domestic media, in what looked like a sign of increasing support for the premier. Political analysts said that it would be interesting to see if Kishida takes advantage of the momentum and calls for a snap election after dissolving the lower house of parliament. However, Kishida, on Monday morning said that he was not planning to call a snap election currently. "I am determined to advance important policies while listening to the voices of the people," he said. ALSO READ | Shinzo Abe, the assassinated ex-PM of Japan, whose rare state funeral is causing a furore The by-elections, which were closely watched, were held eight days after PM Kishida safely escaped an attack that took place when he was giving an speech outdoors for the by-elections. A cylindrical object was hurled by a man which exploded and emitted white smoke near the prime minister in Wakayama. However, PM Kishida remained unharmed in the attack. The incident revived people's memories of former premier Shinzo Abe's assassination at an election campaign event last July. Former defence minister Nobuo Kishi's eldest son Nobuchiyo Kishi won a seat in the parliament's lower house in southwestern Yamaguchi prefecture, reported public broadcaster NHK as well as other media outlets. A candidate, representing Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), also won a lower house seat in Yamaguchi which was earlier held by Abe, added the reports. Kishida, who recently witnessed a recovery in his cabinet's support ratings, is organising a Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit in Hiroshima, which is his hometown, next month. "This is a boost for the early dissolution of the Diet after the Hiroshima summit," stated Hiroshi Shiratori, who is a professor of political science working at Hosei University in Tokyo. WATCH | Japan: Smoke bomb thrown at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida | World News | WION The candidates representing the ruling party also clinched an upper house seat in Oita prefecture which is on the southwestern island of Kyushu as well as a lower house seat in Chiba prefecture near the capital city, stated NHK said, what the analysts stated should have turned into an easier race for the LDP candidate. "The fact that it was as close as it was is not an encouraging sign," stated Tobias Harris, deputy director of the Indo-Pacific programme at the German Marshall Fund, a Washington-based think tank. In Wakayama prefecture, where Kishida recently faced an attack, a candidate who was representing the conservative Japan Innovation Party clinched the seat of the lower house which was left for grabs, as per the broadcaster. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan's ruling party clinches four of five seats in by-elections

The bankruptcy filing of Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit has dealt a significant blow to Japan's plans of building a domestic space industry, including the Kyushu-based spaceport designed to attract tourism.&nbsp;

Oita prefecture had partnered with Virgin Orbit in 2020 to create its first Asian spaceport at Oita Airport using a Boeing 747 for horizontal rocket launches. However, the original plan to launch small satellites from Oita as early as last year never occurred, leading to another setback in Japan's attempt to become a player in the crowded market for commercial satellite launches after two recent rocket launch failures.&nbsp;

Two Japanese companies, ANA Holdings unit All Nippon Airways Trading Co and little-known Japanese satellite development start-up iQPS Inc, emerged among the top six creditors when Virgin Orbit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. ANA, owed $1.65 million, had entered into a provisional deal with Virgin Orbit in 2021 for 20 flights of its LauncherOne rocket at the Oita spaceport. Fukuoka-based iQPS had paid a $5.2 million deposit to launch its small, lightweight constellation satellites weighing around 100 kilograms.&nbsp;

Oita prefecture had estimated that the spaceport would produce economic benefits worth about $97 million dollars in the region over the five years from the initial launch, attracting around 240,000 tourists. Local businesses created alien-related souvenirs, from alien passports to "E.T." bicycles, in anticipation of the spaceport's opening. Locals are still hopeful that a spaceport will eventually emerge, and an economics lecturer at Oita University noted that there are other companies and competitors besides Virgin Orbit that are considering horizontal launches, so Oita still has many options to re-enter into a contract with them.&nbsp;

While Japan has big ambitions for space, recent setbacks such as the failed medium-lift H3 rocket in March and the solid-fuel Epsilon rocket in October have some experts urging Japan to shift the focus of its space industry. Cyber and space expert Jun Nagashima suggested that Japan is concentrating too much on launches and that it would be better for Japan to compete in different activities and areas in space, especially with SpaceX coming out with affordable rockets that can be used repeatedly.&nbsp;

Despite the challenges, Japan's hopes of building a domestic space industry and attracting tourists to its spaceports remain intact, and the country will likely continue to pursue new opportunities and partnerships in the rapidly evolving space sector.

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The bankruptcy filing of Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit has dealt a significant blow to Japan's plans of building a domestic space industry, including the Kyushu-based spaceport designed to attract tourism.

The bankruptcy filing of Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit has dealt a significant blow to Japan's plans of building a domestic space industry, including the Kyushu-based spaceport designed to attract tourism. Oita prefecture had partnered with Virgin Orbit in 2020 to create its first Asian spaceport at Oita Airport using a Boeing 747 for horizontal rocket launches. However, the original plan to launch small satellites from Oita as early as last year never occurred, leading to another setback in Japan's attempt to become a player in the crowded market for commercial satellite launches after two recent rocket launch failures. Two Japanese companies, ANA Holdings unit All Nippon Airways Trading Co and little-known Japanese satellite development start-up iQPS Inc, emerged among the top six creditors when Virgin Orbit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. ANA, owed $1.65 million, had entered into a provisional deal with Virgin Orbit in 2021 for 20 flights of its LauncherOne rocket at the Oita spaceport. Fukuoka-based iQPS had paid a $5.2 million deposit to launch its small, lightweight constellation satellites weighing around 100 kilograms. Oita prefecture had estimated that the spaceport would produce economic benefits worth about $97 million dollars in the region over the five years from the initial launch, attracting around 240,000 tourists. Local businesses created alien-related souvenirs, from alien passports to "E.T." bicycles, in anticipation of the spaceport's opening. Locals are still hopeful that a spaceport will eventually emerge, and an economics lecturer at Oita University noted that there are other companies and competitors besides Virgin Orbit that are considering horizontal launches, so Oita still has many options to re-enter into a contract with them. While Japan has big ambitions for space, recent setbacks such as the failed medium-lift H3 rocket in March and the solid-fuel Epsilon rocket in October have some experts urging Japan to shift the focus of its space industry. Cyber and space expert Jun Nagashima suggested that Japan is concentrating too much on launches and that it would be better for Japan to compete in different activities and areas in space, especially with SpaceX coming out with affordable rockets that can be used repeatedly. Despite the challenges, Japan's hopes of building a domestic space industry and attracting tourists to its spaceports remain intact, and the country will likely continue to pursue new opportunities and partnerships in the rapidly evolving space sector. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Virgin Orbit bankruptcy casts shadow over Japan's space dreams

Japan's entertainment industry last year was rocked by serious allegations against a prominent director in a reminder of of global #MeToo movement against sexual abuse. Director Hideo Sakaki, 51, was accused by several women in the industry of being coerced into sex with him. The release of his movie - Honeymoon (Mitsugetsu) - was delayed after four women spoke to Shukan Bunshun, a weekly magazine, and made startling allegations against him. Later, more women came to the fore. Claims also emerged against Shion Sono, the director of a number of several popular feature films, and actor Houka Kinoshita.

Even as apologies followed, a massive campaign was launched against such abuses in the sector. A petition was signed by Cannes’ Palme d’Or-winning Hirokazu Kore-eda, Cannes Jury Prize winner Koji Fukada among other prominent names, as they stressed: "These acts are unforgivable". The country is now witnessing a surge in a fresh trend with intimacy coordinators making inroads, according to a report by news agency AFP.&nbsp; Director Kenji Kuwashima, who is working with Momoko Nishiyama for a movie, sees her as "defending both parties". "In the end, everyone wants the same thing: to make the best production possible," he told AFP.

"In the United States, everyone knows what an intimacy coordinator is, but in Japan, I have to start by explaining what it is that I do, and that I'm not the director's enemy," Nishiyama said, explaining her role and the related challenges.

&nbsp;

<h2>What is an intimacy coordinator</h2>

&nbsp;

An intimacy coordinator is the link between actors and production. The coordinator has also been described as "someone whose job is to help and support actors performing in intimate scenes (= ones involving sex) in a film or play and to make sure that they do not experience anything unwanted or offensive during these performances," by the Cambridge dictionary. It is also the intimacy coordinator's job to discuss boundaries with each actor before rehearsals or filming starts. Their role is becoming increasingly important amid heightened sensitivity in film industries, especially Hollywood.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/emma-thompson-backs-intimacy-coordinators-after-sean-beans-criticism-506256">Japan's rare intimacy coordinators in demand after abuse scandals</a>

Last year, Game of Thrones star Sean Bean drew criticism for the remark's they "ruin" and "spoil the spontaneity of a sex scene".

(With agency inputs)

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Japan's entertainment industry last year was rocked by serious allegations against a prominent director in a reminder of of global #MeToo movement against sexual abuse.

Japan's entertainment industry last year was rocked by serious allegations against a prominent director in a reminder of of global #MeToo movement against sexual abuse. Director Hideo Sakaki, 51, was accused by several women in the industry of being coerced into sex with him. The release of his movie - Honeymoon (Mitsugetsu) - was delayed after four women spoke to Shukan Bunshun, a weekly magazine, and made startling allegations against him. Later, more women came to the fore. Claims also emerged against Shion Sono, the director of a number of several popular feature films, and actor Houka Kinoshita. Even as apologies followed, a massive campaign was launched against such abuses in the sector. A petition was signed by Cannes’ Palme d’Or-winning Hirokazu Kore-eda, Cannes Jury Prize winner Koji Fukada among other prominent names, as they stressed: "These acts are unforgivable". The country is now witnessing a surge in a fresh trend with intimacy coordinators making inroads, according to a report by news agency AFP. Director Kenji Kuwashima, who is working with Momoko Nishiyama for a movie, sees her as "defending both parties". "In the end, everyone wants the same thing: to make the best production possible," he told AFP. "In the United States, everyone knows what an intimacy coordinator is, but in Japan, I have to start by explaining what it is that I do, and that I'm not the director's enemy," Nishiyama said, explaining her role and the related challenges. What is an intimacy coordinator An intimacy coordinator is the link between actors and production. The coordinator has also been described as "someone whose job is to help and support actors performing in intimate scenes (= ones involving sex) in a film or play and to make sure that they do not experience anything unwanted or offensive during these performances," by the Cambridge dictionary. It is also the intimacy coordinator's job to discuss boundaries with each actor before rehearsals or filming starts. Their role is becoming increasingly important amid heightened sensitivity in film industries, especially Hollywood. Also read: Japan's rare intimacy coordinators in demand after abuse scandals Last year, Game of Thrones star Sean Bean drew criticism for the remark's they "ruin" and "spoil the spontaneity of a sex scene". (With agency inputs) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Role of intimacy coordinators in spotlight in Japan after sex abuse row

The first new medium-lift launcher of Japan in three decades, the H3 rocket, failed in its first launch on Friday after two secondary booster engines which were strapped to the side of the space vehicle failed to ignite.

Amid the live-streamed event, the main engine of the H3 rocket had cut off after the launch countdown went to zero, and the 57-metre (187ft) rocket remained standing on its launch pad at the Tanegashima spaceport. Along with the rocket was its payload, the ALOS-3 land observation satellite, which has an infrared sensor designed to detect ballistic missiles of North Korea.

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ABORT. Japan's H3 rocket aborted its inaugural launch moments before liftoff, following ignition of its main engines. <a href="https://t.co/q04XSKONQf">https://t.co/q04XSKONQf</a> <a href="https://t.co/VxGGllpLOd">pic.twitter.com/VxGGllpLOd</a>
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The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said that the failure in the rocket's launch is being investigated. The H3 rocket was built by Japan to increase the nation's independent access to space and increase its chances of seizing a major share in the global launch market in comparison to its rival Elon Musk's SpaceX.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/after-failure-on-maiden-flight-india-all-set-for-new-sslv-rocket-launch-on-feb-10-559511">After failure on maiden flight, India all set for new SSLV rocket launch on Feb 10</a>

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The rocket was designed to put commercial and government satellites into orbit and deliver supplies to the International Space Station. As part of the deepening co-operation of Tokyo with the United States in space, cargo will be carried out by later variants to the Gateway lunar space station which will be built by NASA as part of its programme for people to return to the moon.

WATCH | WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket

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Japan has been promised a seat in one of the United States crewed lunar missions. H3's builder and launch manager, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, hoped that the rocket will boost the country's space ambitions as SpaceX plans commercial launch of reusable rockets, which includes Falcon 9.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The first new medium-lift launcher of Japan in three decades, the H3 rocket, failed in its first launch on Friday after two secondary booster engines which were strapped to the side of the space vehicle failed to ignite.

The first new medium-lift launcher of Japan in three decades, the H3 rocket, failed in its first launch on Friday after two secondary booster engines which were strapped to the side of the space vehicle failed to ignite. Amid the live-streamed event, the main engine of the H3 rocket had cut off after the launch countdown went to zero, and the 57-metre (187ft) rocket remained standing on its launch pad at the Tanegashima spaceport. Along with the rocket was its payload, the ALOS-3 land observation satellite, which has an infrared sensor designed to detect ballistic missiles of North Korea. ABORT. Japan's H3 rocket aborted its inaugural launch moments before liftoff, following ignition of its main engines. https://t.co/q04XSKONQf pic.twitter.com/VxGGllpLOd — Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) February 17, 2023 × The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said that the failure in the rocket's launch is being investigated. The H3 rocket was built by Japan to increase the nation's independent access to space and increase its chances of seizing a major share in the global launch market in comparison to its rival Elon Musk's SpaceX. ALSO READ | After failure on maiden flight, India all set for new SSLV rocket launch on Feb 10 The rocket was designed to put commercial and government satellites into orbit and deliver supplies to the International Space Station. As part of the deepening co-operation of Tokyo with the United States in space, cargo will be carried out by later variants to the Gateway lunar space station which will be built by NASA as part of its programme for people to return to the moon. WATCH | WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket Japan has been promised a seat in one of the United States crewed lunar missions. H3's builder and launch manager, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, hoped that the rocket will boost the country's space ambitions as SpaceX plans commercial launch of reusable rockets, which includes Falcon 9. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WATCH | Japan's new H3 rocket fails to lift off in first-ever launch attempt

The Japanese defence ministry confirmed that the first-ever joint fighter jet drill between Japan and India began on Monday. The exercises, which are being conducted at the Air Self-Defence Force’s (ASDF) Hyakuri Air Base in the northeastern Ibaraki prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, will end on January 26.

The motive of the drills is to “promote mutual understanding, strengthen defence cooperation between the air forces” and enhance the force's tactical skills, the ASDF said in a statement, Japan Times reported.

The military exercises are being carried out in a bid to fortify defence and security ties amid China's expanding military power in the Indo-Pacific area.

While Japan's ASDF is anticipated to field four F-2 and four F-15 planes for the 11-day air combat training, the Indian Air Force is planning to send four Su-30MKI fighters, two C-17 Globemaster transport planes, an IL-78 aerial refuelling tanker, and nearly 150 personnel, as per Kyodo News.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/india-news/malabar-exercise-involving-india-japan-us-and-australia-culminates-in-seas-off-japan-534859" hreflang="en">Malabar Exercise involving India, Japan, US and Australia culminates in seas off Japan</a>

The exercise, which will train participants for a variety of "air combat missions in a complex environment," will strengthen a “long-standing bond of friendship” and pave the way for greater communication between the two air forces, the Indian defence ministry said.

As Tokyo broadens its network of security allies across the world, India has now joined the United States, Australia, Britain and Germany as the fifth nation to send fighter jets to Japan for joint exercises. Joint exercises between Indian and Japanese ground and maritime self-defence troops have already been held.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/wion-dispatch-india-japan-agree-to-hold-military-drills-and-defence-co-operation-514180" hreflang="en">India, Japan agree to hold military drills and defence co-operation</a>

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The drills which were first agreed upon in November 2019 during a security meeting were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both nations decided to intensify their security cooperation through measures, such as joint manoeuvres, towards a “common strategic goal of achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific, that is inclusive and resilient, based on the rule of law and free from coercion,” La Prensa Latina reported.

Japan and India are members of the Quad, along with Australia and the US. Quad is a multilateral security arrangement designed to thwart Beijing's expanding influence in the area. The last Quad summit was held in May 2022 in Tokyo.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Japanese defence ministry confirmed that the first-ever joint fighter jet drill between Japan and India began on Monday. The exercises, which are being conducted at the Air Self-Defence Force’s (ASDF) Hyakuri Air Base in the northeastern Ibaraki prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, will end on January 26.

The Japanese defence ministry confirmed that the first-ever joint fighter jet drill between Japan and India began on Monday. The exercises, which are being conducted at the Air Self-Defence Force’s (ASDF) Hyakuri Air Base in the northeastern Ibaraki prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, will end on January 26. The motive of the drills is to “promote mutual understanding, strengthen defence cooperation between the air forces” and enhance the force's tactical skills, the ASDF said in a statement, Japan Times reported. The military exercises are being carried out in a bid to fortify defence and security ties amid China's expanding military power in the Indo-Pacific area. While Japan's ASDF is anticipated to field four F-2 and four F-15 planes for the 11-day air combat training, the Indian Air Force is planning to send four Su-30MKI fighters, two C-17 Globemaster transport planes, an IL-78 aerial refuelling tanker, and nearly 150 personnel, as per Kyodo News. Also Read | Malabar Exercise involving India, Japan, US and Australia culminates in seas off Japan The exercise, which will train participants for a variety of "air combat missions in a complex environment," will strengthen a “long-standing bond of friendship” and pave the way for greater communication between the two air forces, the Indian defence ministry said. As Tokyo broadens its network of security allies across the world, India has now joined the United States, Australia, Britain and Germany as the fifth nation to send fighter jets to Japan for joint exercises. Joint exercises between Indian and Japanese ground and maritime self-defence troops have already been held. Watch | India, Japan agree to hold military drills and defence co-operation The drills which were first agreed upon in November 2019 during a security meeting were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both nations decided to intensify their security cooperation through measures, such as joint manoeuvres, towards a “common strategic goal of achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific, that is inclusive and resilient, based on the rule of law and free from coercion,” La Prensa Latina reported. Japan and India are members of the Quad, along with Australia and the US. Quad is a multilateral security arrangement designed to thwart Beijing's expanding influence in the area. The last Quad summit was held in May 2022 in Tokyo. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India, Japan begin first joint fighter jet drill near Tokyo:  Japanese Defence Ministry

Henley Passport Index: Most powerful passports for 2023

As the scandal of corruption during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics widens further, prosecutors in Japan raided the headquarters of the ad agency Dentsu Inc and an events company on Friday, said a Reuters report. Dentsu, an international advertising and public relations company headquartered in Tokyo, is currently the largest advertising agency in Japan and the fifth largest network in the world in terms of worldwide revenues.&nbsp;

The public broadcaster NHK and local media reported that the companies are being investigated on suspicion of rigging bids for contracts related to Olympics test events. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-its-forces-killed-iranian-military-personnel-in-crimea-537410">Ukraine claims its forces killed Iranian military personnel in Crimea</a> 
 
The new investigation follows a sponsorship bribery scandal that had resulted in Dentsu Inc offices being raided earlier this year. 
 
The shares of Dentsu Inc’s parent company, Dentsu Group Inc, fell by 2.7 per cent on the news of the fresh probe, while shares of the event company Cerespo Co Ltd tumbled 11 per cent. 
 
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and the Japan Fair Trade Commission refused to comment on the suspected bid-rigging reports.

WATCH |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics 2020: Less than a thousand people attend opening ceremony

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Meanwhile, Dentsu issued a statement saying, “We continue to fully cooperate with this investigation.”&nbsp;Cerespo did not even respond to a request for comment. 
 
The raids were conducted after advertising agency ADK Holdings informed the Fair Trade Commission of its involvement in collusion on bid-rigging, reported Kyodo news agency, but an ADK representative declined to comment. 
 
It may be noted that if a company reports its involvement in any wrongdoing, then it can result in leniency from regulators when penalties are handed out. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-busy-holiday-season-over-20000-workers-leave-zhengzhou-iphone-plant-537298">Ahead of busy holiday season, over 20,000 workers leave Zhengzhou iPhone plant</a> 
 
In the earlier scandal, Haruyuki Takahashi, a former member of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics board and before that a Dentsu Inc executive, was arrested in August on suspicion of receiving bribes from Olympic sponsors. 
 
Executives from ADK, suits retailer Aoki Holdings and publishing firm Kadokawa have also been arrested in the bribery scandal. 
 
Dentsu Group Inc. is an advertising behemoth valued at around $9 billion, and has an extensive international business. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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As the scandal of corruption during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics widens further, prosecutors in Japan raided the headquarters of the ad agency Dentsu Inc and an events company on Friday, said a Reuters report.

As the scandal of corruption during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics widens further, prosecutors in Japan raided the headquarters of the ad agency Dentsu Inc and an events company on Friday, said a Reuters report. Dentsu, an international advertising and public relations company headquartered in Tokyo, is currently the largest advertising agency in Japan and the fifth largest network in the world in terms of worldwide revenues. The public broadcaster NHK and local media reported that the companies are being investigated on suspicion of rigging bids for contracts related to Olympics test events. ALSO READ | Ukraine claims its forces killed Iranian military personnel in Crimea The new investigation follows a sponsorship bribery scandal that had resulted in Dentsu Inc offices being raided earlier this year. The shares of Dentsu Inc’s parent company, Dentsu Group Inc, fell by 2.7 per cent on the news of the fresh probe, while shares of the event company Cerespo Co Ltd tumbled 11 per cent. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and the Japan Fair Trade Commission refused to comment on the suspected bid-rigging reports. WATCH | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Less than a thousand people attend opening ceremony × Meanwhile, Dentsu issued a statement saying, “We continue to fully cooperate with this investigation.” Cerespo did not even respond to a request for comment. The raids were conducted after advertising agency ADK Holdings informed the Fair Trade Commission of its involvement in collusion on bid-rigging, reported Kyodo news agency, but an ADK representative declined to comment. It may be noted that if a company reports its involvement in any wrongdoing, then it can result in leniency from regulators when penalties are handed out. ALSO READ | Ahead of busy holiday season, over 20,000 workers leave Zhengzhou iPhone plant In the earlier scandal, Haruyuki Takahashi, a former member of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics board and before that a Dentsu Inc executive, was arrested in August on suspicion of receiving bribes from Olympic sponsors. Executives from ADK, suits retailer Aoki Holdings and publishing firm Kadokawa have also been arrested in the bribery scandal. Dentsu Group Inc. is an advertising behemoth valued at around $9 billion, and has an extensive international business. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Olympics scandal widens: Prosecutors raid Tokyo headquarters of ad giant Dentsu

U.S. allies Australia and Japan agreed to share more sensitive intelligence and deepen their military cooperation as they signed a security pact aimed at countering China's rising military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida and Anthony Albanese inked the accord at the annual Australia-Japan Leaders' Meeting in the Western Australia capital Perth on Saturday as they updated a 2007 pact, to respond to a changed regional security environment, reported Reuters. 
 
The earlier 15-year-old agreement had been drafted when terrorism and weapons proliferation were the overriding concerns.&nbsp; 
 
“This landmark declaration sends a strong signal to the region of our strategic alignment,” said Albanese, hailing the ‘Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation’. 
Without citing China or North Korea by name, Kishida said the agreement was a response to an ‘increasingly harsh strategic environment’. &nbsp; 
 
In their fourth summit since Albanese took office in May, the two leaders said the agreement would serve “as a compass” for security cooperation for the next decade and agreed to consult and study responses to emergencies that could affect regional security, said an AFP report. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-australia-to-also-investigate-reports-that-china-hired-its-ex-military-pilots-526810">After UK, Australia to also investigate reports that China hired its ex-military pilots</a> 
 
Albanese and Kishida also discussed climate change, and expressed support for a regional transition to net zero carbon emissions, boosting investment in clean energy tech and both countries are committed to net zero by 2050. 
 
Under the bolstered accord, the two countries agreed that their military forces would train together in Northern Australia, and would “expand and strengthen cooperation across defence, intelligence sharing,” reported Reuters quoting Australian officials.&nbsp; 
 
International affairs expert Bryce Wakefield told AFP, Australia and Japan do not have armies of overseas intelligence operatives and foreign informants needed to play in the major leagues of global espionage, but they have remarkable signals and geospatial capabilities -- electronic eavesdropping and high-tech satellites that provide invaluable intelligence on adversaries. 
 
Japan does not have a foreign spy agency equivalent to America's CIA, Britain's MI6, Russia's FSB or Australia's much smaller agency ASIO.&nbsp; 
Wakefield, director of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, said the agreement could have larger significance for Japan by providing it a template to accelerate intelligence ties with countries like Britain. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/60-years-of-1962-indo-china-war-it-wont-be-a-cakewalk-for-the-aggressor-again-527115">60 years of India-China war: It won’t be a cakewalk for the aggressor again</a> 
 
Some even consider the pact to be a key step towards Japan joining the powerful Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance between Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. 
 
“It is an epoch-making event for Japan. This will also strengthen the Quad (Australia, India, Japan and the United States) and is the first step for Japan joining the Five Eyes,” Ken Kotani, an expert in the history of Japanese intelligence at Nihon University told AFP. 
Such a proposition would have been impossible a few decades ago. But events in Japan’s neighbourhood have forced a rethink of the country’s pacifist policies established after World War II, Kotani added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-yen-hits-150-mark-against-us-dollar-worst-since-august-1990-527077">Japanese yen hits 150-mark against US dollar - worst since August 1990</a> 
 
As reported extensively by WION,&nbsp;in recent years, North Korea has repeatedly launched missiles over and around Japan, while China has built the world’s largest navy, revamped the globe’s biggest standing army, and amassed a nuclear and ballistic arsenal right on Japan’s doorstep.&nbsp; 
 
Kishida told reporters that the signing of the updated joint security declaration was one of the biggest achievements of his visit. 
 
“I expressed my determination that all necessary options for the defence of our country, including the counterstrike capability, would be contemplated. Japan’s defence capability will be fundamentally reinforced in the next five years,” he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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U.S. allies Australia and Japan agreed to share more sensitive intelligence and deepen their military cooperation as they signed a security pact aimed at countering China's rising military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. allies Australia and Japan agreed to share more sensitive intelligence and deepen their military cooperation as they signed a security pact aimed at countering China's rising military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida and Anthony Albanese inked the accord at the annual Australia-Japan Leaders' Meeting in the Western Australia capital Perth on Saturday as they updated a 2007 pact, to respond to a changed regional security environment, reported Reuters. The earlier 15-year-old agreement had been drafted when terrorism and weapons proliferation were the overriding concerns. “This landmark declaration sends a strong signal to the region of our strategic alignment,” said Albanese, hailing the ‘Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation’. Without citing China or North Korea by name, Kishida said the agreement was a response to an ‘increasingly harsh strategic environment’. In their fourth summit since Albanese took office in May, the two leaders said the agreement would serve “as a compass” for security cooperation for the next decade and agreed to consult and study responses to emergencies that could affect regional security, said an AFP report. ALSO READ | After UK, Australia to also investigate reports that China hired its ex-military pilots Albanese and Kishida also discussed climate change, and expressed support for a regional transition to net zero carbon emissions, boosting investment in clean energy tech and both countries are committed to net zero by 2050. Under the bolstered accord, the two countries agreed that their military forces would train together in Northern Australia, and would “expand and strengthen cooperation across defence, intelligence sharing,” reported Reuters quoting Australian officials. International affairs expert Bryce Wakefield told AFP, Australia and Japan do not have armies of overseas intelligence operatives and foreign informants needed to play in the major leagues of global espionage, but they have remarkable signals and geospatial capabilities -- electronic eavesdropping and high-tech satellites that provide invaluable intelligence on adversaries. Japan does not have a foreign spy agency equivalent to America's CIA, Britain's MI6, Russia's FSB or Australia's much smaller agency ASIO. Wakefield, director of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, said the agreement could have larger significance for Japan by providing it a template to accelerate intelligence ties with countries like Britain. ALSO READ | 60 years of India-China war: It won’t be a cakewalk for the aggressor again Some even consider the pact to be a key step towards Japan joining the powerful Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance between Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. “It is an epoch-making event for Japan. This will also strengthen the Quad (Australia, India, Japan and the United States) and is the first step for Japan joining the Five Eyes,” Ken Kotani, an expert in the history of Japanese intelligence at Nihon University told AFP. Such a proposition would have been impossible a few decades ago. But events in Japan’s neighbourhood have forced a rethink of the country’s pacifist policies established after World War II, Kotani added. ALSO READ | Japanese yen hits 150-mark against US dollar - worst since August 1990 As reported extensively by WION, in recent years, North Korea has repeatedly launched missiles over and around Japan, while China has built the world’s largest navy, revamped the globe’s biggest standing army, and amassed a nuclear and ballistic arsenal right on Japan’s doorstep. Kishida told reporters that the signing of the updated joint security declaration was one of the biggest achievements of his visit. “I expressed my determination that all necessary options for the defence of our country, including the counterstrike capability, would be contemplated. Japan’s defence capability will be fundamentally reinforced in the next five years,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan, Australia ink ‘landmark’ security pact to counter China’s military build-up in Indo-Pacific

In advance of a large and powerful typhoon that is forecast to make landfall on Sunday and produce up to half a metre (20 inches) of rain, the Japan Meteorological Agency recommended inhabitants to leave areas of the southern island of Kyushu on Saturday.&nbsp;

The United States&nbsp;Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center has designated Nanmadol as a super typhoon, and it has the potential to be the most deadly tropical storm to hit Japan in decades.

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Typhoon <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nanmadol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nanmadol</a> rapidly intensified to super typhoon status with an estimated intensity of 135 kt, just shy of category 5-equivalent intensity. 
 
Latest forecasts expect the storm to recurve and then track overland along the spine of southern Japan. That's a terrifying scenario. <a href="https://t.co/tWT5TBGPcW">pic.twitter.com/tWT5TBGPcW</a>
— Dr. Kim Wood (@DrKimWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrKimWood/status/1570888045976748032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The prospect of strong waves and heavy rains in the area has prompted Japan's weather agency to say it may issue a "special warning" for Kagoshima prefecture and other areas of Kyushu, the country's southernmost main island, as early as Saturday evening. According to local media, it would be the first such alert for any prefecture north of the Okinawa island group.&nbsp;

JMA official Ryuta Kurora advised locals to leave the area before it gets dark during a news conference that was broadcast on television due to the possibility of "unprecedented" storms and rains.&nbsp;

The agency predicted that southern Kyushu might receive 500 millimetres of rain on Sunday while central Tokai could receive 300 millimetres.

Prior to more extensive suspensions on Sunday, Kyushu Railway Co. started suspending several train routes on Saturday. According to broadcaster NHK, numerous weekend flights in the south have been cancelled.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/juxtapose-dramatic-expansion-of-bahrain-by-building-land-on-sea-1987-vs-2022-515720">Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022</a>

On Saturday afternoon, Nanmadol, the 14th typhoon of the season, was moving northwest at a speed of 20 kilometres (12 miles) per hour as it passed through southern Japan's Minami-Daito Island. According to the JMA, the storm's centre is experiencing winds of 198 km/h (123 mph), with gusts as high as 270 kph.&nbsp;

The storm, which is comparable in strength to an Atlantic Ocean class 5 hurricane, is expected to turn eastward and pass over Tokyo on Tuesday before dissipating into the sea by Wednesday.

As the storm neared, domestic stations displayed pictures of severe gusts and rain pelting Japan's southern island chain of Okinawa.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In advance of a large and powerful typhoon that is forecast to make landfall on Sunday and produce up to half a metre (20 inches) of rain, the Japan Meteorological Agency recommended inhabitants to leave areas of the southern island of Kyushu on Saturday.

In advance of a large and powerful typhoon that is forecast to make landfall on Sunday and produce up to half a metre (20 inches) of rain, the Japan Meteorological Agency recommended inhabitants to leave areas of the southern island of Kyushu on Saturday. The United States Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center has designated Nanmadol as a super typhoon, and it has the potential to be the most deadly tropical storm to hit Japan in decades. Typhoon #Nanmadol rapidly intensified to super typhoon status with an estimated intensity of 135 kt, just shy of category 5-equivalent intensity. Latest forecasts expect the storm to recurve and then track overland along the spine of southern Japan. That's a terrifying scenario. pic.twitter.com/tWT5TBGPcW — Dr. Kim Wood (@DrKimWood) September 16, 2022 × The prospect of strong waves and heavy rains in the area has prompted Japan's weather agency to say it may issue a "special warning" for Kagoshima prefecture and other areas of Kyushu, the country's southernmost main island, as early as Saturday evening. According to local media, it would be the first such alert for any prefecture north of the Okinawa island group. JMA official Ryuta Kurora advised locals to leave the area before it gets dark during a news conference that was broadcast on television due to the possibility of "unprecedented" storms and rains. The agency predicted that southern Kyushu might receive 500 millimetres of rain on Sunday while central Tokai could receive 300 millimetres. Prior to more extensive suspensions on Sunday, Kyushu Railway Co. started suspending several train routes on Saturday. According to broadcaster NHK, numerous weekend flights in the south have been cancelled. Also Read: Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022 On Saturday afternoon, Nanmadol, the 14th typhoon of the season, was moving northwest at a speed of 20 kilometres (12 miles) per hour as it passed through southern Japan's Minami-Daito Island. According to the JMA, the storm's centre is experiencing winds of 198 km/h (123 mph), with gusts as high as 270 kph. The storm, which is comparable in strength to an Atlantic Ocean class 5 hurricane, is expected to turn eastward and pass over Tokyo on Tuesday before dissipating into the sea by Wednesday. As the storm neared, domestic stations displayed pictures of severe gusts and rain pelting Japan's southern island chain of Okinawa. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: Most destructive tropical 'super typhoon' in decades to strike southern Japan

Japanese government said on Tuesday (September 6) that it expects to spend about 1.7 billion yen (USD 12 million) on a state funeral for Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister who was assassinated in July. The huge expenditure is proving to be deeply unpopular among Japanese voters. A poll has showed that about half of Japanese voters oppose the expenditure.

Abe was shot dead on the campaign trail in July, and the government expects dozens of current and former heads of state to pay condolences at the September 27 service in Tokyo.

Security at the event alone is expected to cost around 800 million yen. Another 600 million will be spent on hosting and 250 million for the ceremony.

"Delegates from more than 190 foreign (countries and regions) will likely participate," said Hirozaku Matsuno, top governemnt spokesman, on Tuesday.

Shinzo Abe's funeral is due to be held at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan, a venue used for concerts and sports events that also hosted Japan's last state funeral for a former prime minister in 1967.

But state funerals for former politicians are rare in Japan, and a weekend poll published Monday by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper found that 56 percent of voters oppose the event, against 38 percent in favour.

Other recent polls have shown similar levels of opposition, and Kishida has said he is ready to answer questions on the issue in parliament.

His government's approval ratings have taken a hit in recent weeks, in part due to the funeral decision.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese government said on Tuesday (September 6) that it expects to spend about 1.7 billion yen (USD 12 million) on a state funeral for Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister who was assassinated in July.

Japanese government said on Tuesday (September 6) that it expects to spend about 1.7 billion yen (USD 12 million) on a state funeral for Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister who was assassinated in July. The huge expenditure is proving to be deeply unpopular among Japanese voters. A poll has showed that about half of Japanese voters oppose the expenditure. Abe was shot dead on the campaign trail in July, and the government expects dozens of current and former heads of state to pay condolences at the September 27 service in Tokyo. Security at the event alone is expected to cost around 800 million yen. Another 600 million will be spent on hosting and 250 million for the ceremony. "Delegates from more than 190 foreign (countries and regions) will likely participate," said Hirozaku Matsuno, top governemnt spokesman, on Tuesday. Shinzo Abe's funeral is due to be held at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan, a venue used for concerts and sports events that also hosted Japan's last state funeral for a former prime minister in 1967. But state funerals for former politicians are rare in Japan, and a weekend poll published Monday by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper found that 56 percent of voters oppose the event, against 38 percent in favour. Other recent polls have shown similar levels of opposition, and Kishida has said he is ready to answer questions on the issue in parliament. His government's approval ratings have taken a hit in recent weeks, in part due to the funeral decision. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Japan: Public unhappy over government plan to spend USD 12mn for Abe funeral

Following a ferocious volcanic explosion in southern Japan on Sunday, the national weather agency issued its highest notice for the mountain, urging dozens of residents to leave their homes. Sakurajima on Kagoshima erupted shortly after 8 o'clock in the evening, and television cameras captured lava and thick plumes of ash erupting from it (1100 GMT). The volcano, which is a popular tourist destination, frequently spews out smoke and ash. Large cinders were thrown by the blast on Sunday around 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) away from the crater, according to a statement from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

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Terrifying footage! 
 
Japan's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sakurajima?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sakurajima</a> volcano has erupted spewing ash a couple miles into the sky. <a href="https://t.co/japz4kRBh1">pic.twitter.com/japz4kRBh1</a>
— Anonymous Operations (@AnonOpsSE) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnonOpsSE/status/1551204198670340102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Sakurajima is now on level five alert status, which is the highest level and calls for evacuations. It was at level three before to the eruption, which prohibits access to the peak. The JMA advised residents in Arimura and Furusato towns who live within three kilometres of Sakurajima's summit crater to exercise extreme caution.&nbsp;

In the two towns, there are 77 people, according to Kagoshima City. NHK, a public station, claims that there were no early reports of damage.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missiles-destroyed-ukrainian-military-infrastructure-in-odessa-claims-russia-500218">Missiles only destroyed Ukrainian military infrastructure in Odessa, claims Russia</a>

Japan is home to numerous active volcanoes and is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," which is where the majority of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions throughout the world are reported. Sakurajima was once an island but has now been joined to a peninsula as a result of earlier eruptions. When Kuchinoerabu island, also in Kagoshima, erupted in 2015, Japan last issued the highest evacuation notice for a volcano.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Following a ferocious volcanic explosion in southern Japan on Sunday, the national weather agency issued its highest notice for the mountain, urging dozens of residents to leave their homes.

Following a ferocious volcanic explosion in southern Japan on Sunday, the national weather agency issued its highest notice for the mountain, urging dozens of residents to leave their homes. Sakurajima on Kagoshima erupted shortly after 8 o'clock in the evening, and television cameras captured lava and thick plumes of ash erupting from it (1100 GMT). The volcano, which is a popular tourist destination, frequently spews out smoke and ash. Large cinders were thrown by the blast on Sunday around 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) away from the crater, according to a statement from the Japan Meteorological Agency. Terrifying footage! Japan's #Sakurajima volcano has erupted spewing ash a couple miles into the sky. pic.twitter.com/japz4kRBh1 — Anonymous Operations (@AnonOpsSE) July 24, 2022 × Sakurajima is now on level five alert status, which is the highest level and calls for evacuations. It was at level three before to the eruption, which prohibits access to the peak. The JMA advised residents in Arimura and Furusato towns who live within three kilometres of Sakurajima's summit crater to exercise extreme caution. In the two towns, there are 77 people, according to Kagoshima City. NHK, a public station, claims that there were no early reports of damage. Also Read: Missiles only destroyed Ukrainian military infrastructure in Odessa, claims Russia Japan is home to numerous active volcanoes and is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," which is where the majority of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions throughout the world are reported. Sakurajima was once an island but has now been joined to a peninsula as a result of earlier eruptions. When Kuchinoerabu island, also in Kagoshima, erupted in 2015, Japan last issued the highest evacuation notice for a volcano. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch | Southern Japan volcanic eruption prompts evacuation alert

Japan hosted the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, on Tuesday (May 24) as leaders of the United States, Australia and India visited Tokyo, the vibrant capital city, to hold talks and discuss issues of mutual interest.

Japan hosted the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, on Tuesday (May 24) as leaders of the United States, Australia and India visited Tokyo, the vibrant capital city, to hold talks and discuss issues of mutual interest. While talking about Japan and its economy, how can we not discuss the stunning robots? Yes, it's quintessential to mention them. After all, they are the hardest workers. Japan is often called the robot capital of the world and one can watch them doing all kinds of odd jobs here. From security guards to doctors to therapy experts, robots do various jobs. To the rest of the world, it might look weird, but in Japan, it's normal as humanoids are pretty common. In fact, they are part of Japanese culture and religion. Robots are an important part of the Japanese economy. ALSO READ | Why Japan prefers higher inflation A report published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) in March this year revealed that Japan is the world's number one industrial robot manufacturer, delivering 45 per cent of the global supply. As per the report, Japan's robot suppliers have increased their production capacity considerably. Their export ratio rose to 78 per cent in 2020 and at that time, 136,069 industrial robots were shipped. Experts have noted that the highly robotized country, Japan, is the frontrunner globally in the use of robots in day-to-day life. The country is finding ways to have a friendlier society, which will be connected by robots. Watch this report: × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In Japan, humanoids are pretty common: Watch

For the first time since the pandemic year of 2020, Japan is going to open its borders for tourists. The government said on Tuesday (March 17) that it will first allow small groups from this month.

Japan has been closed to almost all tourists since the spring of 2020.

Authorities only recently began allowing some students and business visitors to enter.

Presently, there are no plans to lift border restrictions fully. The trial would allow small groups from US, Australia, Thailand and Singapore. Tourists in these groups would have to have opted for package tours with predetermined itineraries.

"Japanese travel companies will organise the tours and local guides will accompany them," an Japan Tourism Agency official told AFP.

Participants will have to be triple-vaccinated against Covid and have private medical insurance.

There will be no change to the current testing requirements for entering Japan, with visitors having to submit a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before departure and to test again upon arrival.

The agency is currently discussing the plan with regions that are expected to be of interest to foreign tourists, the official said.&nbsp;

How many tourists will be able to join each tour is yet to be decided.

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For the first time since the pandemic year of 2020, Japan is going to open its borders for tourists. The government said on Tuesday (March 17) that it will first allow small groups from this month.

For the first time since the pandemic year of 2020, Japan is going to open its borders for tourists. The government said on Tuesday (March 17) that it will first allow small groups from this month. Japan has been closed to almost all tourists since the spring of 2020. Authorities only recently began allowing some students and business visitors to enter. Presently, there are no plans to lift border restrictions fully. The trial would allow small groups from US, Australia, Thailand and Singapore. Tourists in these groups would have to have opted for package tours with predetermined itineraries. "Japanese travel companies will organise the tours and local guides will accompany them," an Japan Tourism Agency official told AFP. Participants will have to be triple-vaccinated against Covid and have private medical insurance. There will be no change to the current testing requirements for entering Japan, with visitors having to submit a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before departure and to test again upon arrival. The agency is currently discussing the plan with regions that are expected to be of interest to foreign tourists, the official said. How many tourists will be able to join each tour is yet to be decided. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan to open borders for tourists for the first time since pandemic

In the fifth edition of WION Global Summit, Japan’s former state minister of defenCe, Yasuhide Nakayama, said that if Chinese President Xi Jinping is smart, he will not invade Taiwan. &nbsp;

The Japanese ex-minister was taking part as a dialogue partner in the first session of the summit on "Waving the white flag on armed conflicts". &nbsp;&nbsp;

While raising the issue of Taiwan, the Japanese leader said that worldwide media is currently only focused on Ukraine, but what about Myanmar, and Taiwan? &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-wions-global-summit-indian-ambassador-to-uae-sunjay-sudhir-says-threats-to-peace-are-rising-479367" hreflang="en">At WION’s summit, Indian ambassador to UAE says threats to peace are rising</a>

“Japan, and Taiwan are very close. I hope China chooses peace,” Nakayama also said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the issue of Ukraine war, he said that not just Europe, even Japan faces threat from Russian activities. In fact, all the neighbours of Russia are affected by the war. &nbsp;

"After World War ended with Japanese surrender, the USSR invaded and occupied Japanese northern territory island. It is still under their control. They are still continuing military activity near our country," the leader said. &nbsp;

Watch | WION Global Summit 2022: Is there any foreseeable end to Russia-Ukraine war?

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"The US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We will never forget that they&nbsp;bombed us but President Obama came to my country and prayed for the victims of the war and we had bombed Pearl Harbour too. It was in the past. Now, the Japan and the US are most trustable allies," Nakayama added, while highlighting the importance of reconciliation for global peace.&nbsp;&nbsp;

World leaders should come together and talk. If they want to fight, smack each other or use scissors, stone, paper and decide. But save the lives of soldiers and civilians. This is the way to get world peace,&nbsp;he remarked. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the fifth edition of WION Global Summit, Japan’s former state minister of defenCe, Yasuhide Nakayama, said that if Chinese President Xi Jinping is smart, he will not invade Taiwan.

In the fifth edition of WION Global Summit, Japan’s former state minister of defenCe, Yasuhide Nakayama, said that if Chinese President Xi Jinping is smart, he will not invade Taiwan. The Japanese ex-minister was taking part as a dialogue partner in the first session of the summit on "Waving the white flag on armed conflicts". While raising the issue of Taiwan, the Japanese leader said that worldwide media is currently only focused on Ukraine, but what about Myanmar, and Taiwan? Also Read: At WION’s summit, Indian ambassador to UAE says threats to peace are rising “Japan, and Taiwan are very close. I hope China chooses peace,” Nakayama also said. On the issue of Ukraine war, he said that not just Europe, even Japan faces threat from Russian activities. In fact, all the neighbours of Russia are affected by the war. "After World War ended with Japanese surrender, the USSR invaded and occupied Japanese northern territory island. It is still under their control. They are still continuing military activity near our country," the leader said. Watch | WION Global Summit 2022: Is there any foreseeable end to Russia-Ukraine war? × "The US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We will never forget that they bombed us but President Obama came to my country and prayed for the victims of the war and we had bombed Pearl Harbour too. It was in the past. Now, the Japan and the US are most trustable allies," Nakayama added, while highlighting the importance of reconciliation for global peace. World leaders should come together and talk. If they want to fight, smack each other or use scissors, stone, paper and decide. But save the lives of soldiers and civilians. This is the way to get world peace, he remarked. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

WION Global Summit: Japan's ex-minister Yasuhide Nakayama says if Xi is smart, China will not invade Taiwan

The Japanese island chain of Okinawa marked the 50th anniversary on Sunday of the end of U.S. occupation and its return to Japan with calls for more economic growth and fewer U.S. bases despite growing worries over its proximity to an increasingly assertive China.

Okinawa, a string of tropical islands off far southwest Japan much closer to Taiwan than Tokyo, suffered massive devastation in World War Two. Two months of bloody battles between US&nbsp;and Japanese forces left as many as a third of its people dead. Nearly 30 years of U.S. rule followed.

On May 15, 1972, the islands were finally returned to Japan in what was seen as a hopeful step forward from the war's painful legacy. But today they still host the majority of U.S. military bases in Japan, a devil's bargain that has provided jobs but also fed worries about crime and military accidents.

Now, as China grows increasingly assertive in the Pacific region and tensions rise around nearby Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province, Okinawans are concerned that they could once more end up on the front lines - especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"These are small islands," said a protester on the island of Miyako, host to Japan's newest army base, declining to give her name.

"Building up a military base will not protect them but rather make them a target of attack."

Okinawans have long resented having to bear the outsize burden of hosting U.S. bases, and the issue has occasionally sparked massive protests. Of 812 Okinawans polled by public broadcaster NHK in March, 56% said they strongly opposed U.S. bases; only a quarter of 1,115 people outside the prefecture said the same.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged this, as well as the economic inequalities that still make Okinawa one of Japan's poorest areas, in remarks at a government ceremony in Okinawa.

"Even now, fifty years on, Okinawa still bears a heavy burden," he said. "We take this seriously and will do our utmost to reduce it."

Okinawa's current governor, Denny Tamaki, noted that despite his prefecture's small area, it still hosts 70% of U.S. bases in Japan, adding: "We still haven't been able to make Okinawa an island of peace."

In a written message, U.S. President Joe Biden - who will visit Japan next week - lauded bilateral ties and shared values.

"I am profoundly grateful for Japan’s resolute support for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law and for Okinawa’s contribution to advancing these ideals," he said.

Tensions in Okinawa are likely to rise further given that lawmakers in Kishida's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have said they want a commitment to more defence spending, including missiles that can hit targets on foreign soil - missiles that could be deployed on Okinawa.

Outside the ceremony, the mood was subdued.

"What has changed? Nothing much, really," one man, visiting a memorial for citizens who died in the war, told NHK.

"We can't celebrate or be happy. It's just another historical marker."

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&nbsp;

The Japanese island chain of Okinawa marked the 50th anniversary on Sunday of the end of U.S. occupation and its return to Japan with calls for more economic growth and fewer U.

The Japanese island chain of Okinawa marked the 50th anniversary on Sunday of the end of U.S. occupation and its return to Japan with calls for more economic growth and fewer U.S. bases despite growing worries over its proximity to an increasingly assertive China. Okinawa, a string of tropical islands off far southwest Japan much closer to Taiwan than Tokyo, suffered massive devastation in World War Two. Two months of bloody battles between US and Japanese forces left as many as a third of its people dead. Nearly 30 years of U.S. rule followed. On May 15, 1972, the islands were finally returned to Japan in what was seen as a hopeful step forward from the war's painful legacy. But today they still host the majority of U.S. military bases in Japan, a devil's bargain that has provided jobs but also fed worries about crime and military accidents. Now, as China grows increasingly assertive in the Pacific region and tensions rise around nearby Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province, Okinawans are concerned that they could once more end up on the front lines - especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "These are small islands," said a protester on the island of Miyako, host to Japan's newest army base, declining to give her name. "Building up a military base will not protect them but rather make them a target of attack." Okinawans have long resented having to bear the outsize burden of hosting U.S. bases, and the issue has occasionally sparked massive protests. Of 812 Okinawans polled by public broadcaster NHK in March, 56% said they strongly opposed U.S. bases; only a quarter of 1,115 people outside the prefecture said the same. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged this, as well as the economic inequalities that still make Okinawa one of Japan's poorest areas, in remarks at a government ceremony in Okinawa. "Even now, fifty years on, Okinawa still bears a heavy burden," he said. "We take this seriously and will do our utmost to reduce it." Okinawa's current governor, Denny Tamaki, noted that despite his prefecture's small area, it still hosts 70% of U.S. bases in Japan, adding: "We still haven't been able to make Okinawa an island of peace." In a written message, U.S. President Joe Biden - who will visit Japan next week - lauded bilateral ties and shared values. "I am profoundly grateful for Japan’s resolute support for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law and for Okinawa’s contribution to advancing these ideals," he said. Tensions in Okinawa are likely to rise further given that lawmakers in Kishida's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have said they want a commitment to more defence spending, including missiles that can hit targets on foreign soil - missiles that could be deployed on Okinawa. Outside the ceremony, the mood was subdued. "What has changed? Nothing much, really," one man, visiting a memorial for citizens who died in the war, told NHK. "We can't celebrate or be happy. It's just another historical marker." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Japan's Okinawa marks half century since US handover as regional tensions grow

Japanese actress and singer Sayaka Kanda has reportedly died after an apparent fall from a hotel in Sapporo, in northern Japan. Her office confirmed the news to media outlets on Sunday. She was 35. 
 
Kanda was found lying in an outdoor space on Saturday around 1 pm on the 14th floor of the 22 story hotel where she was staying. She was rushed to the hospital and was declared dead the same night. Kanda was known for voicing the lead character Anna in the Japanese dubbed version of Disney hit 'Frozen'.&nbsp; 
 
The local police are investigating the case. They haven't ruled out suicide or foul play so far. 
 
Kanda was scheduled to perform the lead role in the musical 'My Fair Lady' at a Sapporo theatre on Saturday but when she did not show up for a daytime performance, people were where sent to look for her. She did attend the rehearsal on Friday, said the production company. 
 
Kanda began her singing career in 2001. She is the daughter of actor Masaki Kanda.

Japanese actress and singer Sayaka Kanda has reportedly died after an apparent fall from a hotel in Sapporo, in northern Japan. Her office confirmed the news to media outlets on Sunday.

Japanese actress and singer Sayaka Kanda has reportedly died after an apparent fall from a hotel in Sapporo, in northern Japan. Her office confirmed the news to media outlets on Sunday. She was 35. Kanda was found lying in an outdoor space on Saturday around 1 pm on the 14th floor of the 22 story hotel where she was staying. She was rushed to the hospital and was declared dead the same night. Kanda was known for voicing the lead character Anna in the Japanese dubbed version of Disney hit 'Frozen'. The local police are investigating the case. They haven't ruled out suicide or foul play so far. Kanda was scheduled to perform the lead role in the musical 'My Fair Lady' at a Sapporo theatre on Saturday but when she did not show up for a daytime performance, people were where sent to look for her. She did attend the rehearsal on Friday, said the production company. Kanda began her singing career in 2001. She is the daughter of actor Masaki Kanda.

Japanese actress Sayaka Kanda dies after apparent fall from a high rise building

For the first time, the Russian coastal defence missile systems have been dispatched near Pacific islands also claimed by Japan.

Russia moved the Bastion mobile defence system to Matua, a deserted volcanic island in the middle of the Kuril Island chain. Japan&nbsp;claims four of the southernmost islands.

Matua is an inhabited landmass near the centre of the Kuril Islands.

After World War II, the&nbsp; Soviet Union took control of the islands. Earlier, it was the home of a large Japanese base. It is now the focus of Russian efforts to boost military presence in the Pacific.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-choose-diplomacy-or-face-consequences-blinken-tells-russias-lavrov-433535">Ukraine: Choose diplomacy or face consequences, Blinken tells Russia's Lavrov</a>

On Thursday, Russia's Defence Ministry released a video showing its massive missile carriers moving ashore from amphibious landing vessels and driving along the coast of the volcanic island to take firing positions as part of drills.

The ministry said the deployment involved setting up living quarters for personnel, hangars for the vehicles and other infrastructure, reports news agency AP.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-prepares-plan-to-protect-ukraine-putin-slams-drone-deployment-at-border-433950">Biden prepares plan to protect Ukraine; Putin slams drone deployment at border</a>

“The missile crews of the Pacific Fleet will be on round-the-clock watch on this remote island in the central part of the Kuril Ridge to control the adjacent water area and strait zones,”&nbsp;the Russian Eastern Military District said in a statement.

The Bastion is capable of hitting sea targets at a range of up to 500 kilometres.

In 2016, Russia stationed the Bal and the Bastion coastal defence missile systems on two of the four southernmost Kuril Islands.

In the following years, it followed up by sending top-of-the-line air defence missiles systems there and setting up an air base on the Iturup Island where fighter jets were deployed.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time, the Russian coastal defence missile systems have been dispatched near Pacific islands also claimed by Japan. Russia moved the Bastion mobile defence system to Matua, a deserted volcanic island in the middle of the Kuril Island chain.

For the first time, the Russian coastal defence missile systems have been dispatched near Pacific islands also claimed by Japan. Russia moved the Bastion mobile defence system to Matua, a deserted volcanic island in the middle of the Kuril Island chain. Japan claims four of the southernmost islands. Matua is an inhabited landmass near the centre of the Kuril Islands. After World War II, the Soviet Union took control of the islands. Earlier, it was the home of a large Japanese base. It is now the focus of Russian efforts to boost military presence in the Pacific. Also read | Ukraine: Choose diplomacy or face consequences, Blinken tells Russia's Lavrov On Thursday, Russia's Defence Ministry released a video showing its massive missile carriers moving ashore from amphibious landing vessels and driving along the coast of the volcanic island to take firing positions as part of drills. The ministry said the deployment involved setting up living quarters for personnel, hangars for the vehicles and other infrastructure, reports news agency AP. Also read | Biden prepares plan to protect Ukraine; Putin slams drone deployment at border “The missile crews of the Pacific Fleet will be on round-the-clock watch on this remote island in the central part of the Kuril Ridge to control the adjacent water area and strait zones,” the Russian Eastern Military District said in a statement. The Bastion is capable of hitting sea targets at a range of up to 500 kilometres. In 2016, Russia stationed the Bal and the Bastion coastal defence missile systems on two of the four southernmost Kuril Islands. In the following years, it followed up by sending top-of-the-line air defence missiles systems there and setting up an air base on the Iturup Island where fighter jets were deployed. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia beefs up military presence near Pacific islands claimed by Japan

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