&nbsp;Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to appoint former education minister Yoshimasa Hayashi as new foreign minister, Jiji news agency reported on Saturday (November 6).

The appointment will be part of a new cabinet that Kishida is expected to craft on Wednesday, after his ruling party won a Lower House election on October 31.

Kishida had earlier said he may take on the role of foreign minister until a new Cabinet is formed this month, as the incumbent foreign minister took over a key ruling party post.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to appoint former education minister Yoshimasa Hayashi as new foreign minister, Jiji news agency reported on Saturday (November 6).

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to appoint former education minister Yoshimasa Hayashi as new foreign minister, Jiji news agency reported on Saturday (November 6). The appointment will be part of a new cabinet that Kishida is expected to craft on Wednesday, after his ruling party won a Lower House election on October 31. Kishida had earlier said he may take on the role of foreign minister until a new Cabinet is formed this month, as the incumbent foreign minister took over a key ruling party post.

Japan PM Kishida to appoint ex-education minister Hayashi as foreign minister: Report

Japan confirmed on Tuesday plans to gradually ease COVID-19 border curbs, but fell short of demands by business lobbies to open up in line with major trading partners.

In relaxing its controls, Japan will take a phased approach, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters, responding to media reports that quarantine periods for business travellers would be cut to three days from 10.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-kishida-vows-to-devote-himself-to-ending-covid-19-crisis-419051">Japan PM Kishida vows to devote himself to ending COVID-19 crisis</a>

&nbsp;

The easing could start next Monday, while daily limits on the numbers of border entrants would be raised to 5,000 people later this month from 3,500, national broadcaster NHK said.

Domestic and foreign business groups have lobbied the government to ease border curbs to match other nations. The United States and European Union allow entry for travellers from most countries with proof of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a>.

Overseas business groups welcomed the shorter quarantine but said the easing did not go far enough. 
A bigger problem is the remaining hold on long-term visas, said Michael Mroczek, president of the European Business Council in Japan.

"Not being able to bring essential personnel to Japan is currently the No. 1 issue for European industry," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-ruling-party-unveils-manifesto-with-focus-on-coronavirus-defence-420125">Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence</a>

Christopher LaFleur, an adviser to the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), said relaxing was "necessary to jumpstart Japan's economic recovery from the damage of the pandemic."

He added, "The ACCJ recommends that Japan accept recognised vaccination and other health documentation issued overseas."

Japan cut its quarantine period for vaccinated people to 10 days from 14 last month when it lifted its emergency measures in much of the country.

But as other nations adopted vaccine passport systems to smooth travel, Japan has stuck to its quarantine system. One chief executive had become a "quarantine monk", he told Reuters last week, after three isolation stints after overseas trips.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party may feel it has more leeway to reform border controls after Sunday's election secured its grip on power, said Kenneth Mori McElwain, a professor of political science at the University of Tokyo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suicides-among-children-in-japan-at-record-high-during-pandemic-report-420561">Suicides among children in Japan at record high during pandemic: Report</a>

"The LDP's success in next summer's upper house election will hinge in large part on how much the economy has recovered," McElwain said.

"While international travel won't make or break the economy, it's an easy-to-observe metric that may shape public sentiment."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases have fallen dramatically as vaccinations have covered more than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the population. New infections in Tokyo slid to 9 on Monday, versus more than 5,000 each day during the August wave driven by the infectious Delta variant.

Vaccine checks and testing around international trips should be enough to keep down infections now that the pandemic has ebbed, said Haruka Sakamoto, a physician and researcher at Keio University.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan: 48% decrease in cases of COVID-19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-48-decrease-in-cases-of-covid-19-419319/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"People who have received two doses of vaccine should not be quarantined," she said. "Strict border controls are causing a significant negative impact on Japan`s business and international students."

Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific, Australia and Thailand significantly eased their border curbs on Monday, for the first time in 18 months.

Japan confirmed on Tuesday plans to gradually ease COVID-19 border curbs, but fell short of demands by business lobbies to open up in line with major trading partners.

Japan confirmed on Tuesday plans to gradually ease COVID-19 border curbs, but fell short of demands by business lobbies to open up in line with major trading partners. In relaxing its controls, Japan will take a phased approach, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters, responding to media reports that quarantine periods for business travellers would be cut to three days from 10. Also Read | Japan PM Kishida vows to devote himself to ending COVID-19 crisis The easing could start next Monday, while daily limits on the numbers of border entrants would be raised to 5,000 people later this month from 3,500, national broadcaster NHK said. Domestic and foreign business groups have lobbied the government to ease border curbs to match other nations. The United States and European Union allow entry for travellers from most countries with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Overseas business groups welcomed the shorter quarantine but said the easing did not go far enough. A bigger problem is the remaining hold on long-term visas, said Michael Mroczek, president of the European Business Council in Japan. "Not being able to bring essential personnel to Japan is currently the No. 1 issue for European industry," he said. Also read | Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence Christopher LaFleur, an adviser to the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), said relaxing was "necessary to jumpstart Japan's economic recovery from the damage of the pandemic." He added, "The ACCJ recommends that Japan accept recognised vaccination and other health documentation issued overseas." Japan cut its quarantine period for vaccinated people to 10 days from 14 last month when it lifted its emergency measures in much of the country. But as other nations adopted vaccine passport systems to smooth travel, Japan has stuck to its quarantine system. One chief executive had become a "quarantine monk", he told Reuters last week, after three isolation stints after overseas trips. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party may feel it has more leeway to reform border controls after Sunday's election secured its grip on power, said Kenneth Mori McElwain, a professor of political science at the University of Tokyo. Also read | Suicides among children in Japan at record high during pandemic: Report "The LDP's success in next summer's upper house election will hinge in large part on how much the economy has recovered," McElwain said. "While international travel won't make or break the economy, it's an easy-to-observe metric that may shape public sentiment." COVID-19 cases have fallen dramatically as vaccinations have covered more than 70 per cent of the population. New infections in Tokyo slid to 9 on Monday, versus more than 5,000 each day during the August wave driven by the infectious Delta variant. Vaccine checks and testing around international trips should be enough to keep down infections now that the pandemic has ebbed, said Haruka Sakamoto, a physician and researcher at Keio University. Watch | Japan: 48% decrease in cases of COVID-19 "People who have received two doses of vaccine should not be quarantined," she said. "Strict border controls are causing a significant negative impact on Japan`s business and international students." Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific, Australia and Thailand significantly eased their border curbs on Monday, for the first time in 18 months.

Japan eases COVID-19 border curbs, trails major partners

Japanese voters went to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to endorse the conservative government of Fumio Kishida or weaken the new prime minister and possibly return the world's third-largest economy to a period of political uncertainty.

The vote is a test&nbsp;for Kishida, who called the election soon after taking the top post early this month, and for his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has been battered by its perceived mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Already, Kishida has struggled to advance policies to help poorer people, while securing a big boost in military spending and taking a harder line on China.

With his lacklustre image failing to inspire voters, the LDP is on the brink of losing its sole majority in the lower house of parliament for the first time since 2009, opinion polls show, although its coalition with junior partner Komeito is forecast to remain in control.

Japan's vaccination drive initially lagged other advanced nations. More than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the population is now fully vaccinated and infections have dropped sharply, but some voters remain wary.

"It's hard to say the pandemic is completely snuffed out and society is stable, so we shouldn`t have any big changes in coronavirus policy," said Naoki Okura, a doctor, after voting in Tokyo.

"Rather than demanding a change in government, I think we should demand continuity."

Tough Contests, Revolving Door?

Several key LDP lawmakers are also facing particularly tough contests, including Akira Amari, the party's secretary general.

"Revolving-door prime ministers is a weakness that many outside of Japan fear," Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in a blog post. "Prime Minister Kishida will need a unified party and a strong electoral showing on October&nbsp;31 if he is to successfully tackle Japan's difficult national agenda."

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Turnout will be crucial, since higher turnout tends to favour the opposition. As of 10 a.m., three hours after polls opened, turnout stood at 6.32 per cent, down 0.83 point from the previous lower house poll - but 16.6 million voted in advance, the Internal Affairs Ministry said.

The biggest opposition group, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is expected to gain seats but not come near toppling Kishida's coalition.

"The only party with policies aimed at people in their 20s and 30s is the Constitutional Democrats, things like income tax and so on," said office worker Daisuke Matsumoto, 27. "It's true other parties have policies aimed at child-raising, but what about those of us who are childless?"

A big loss of LDP seats could lead to party infighting, returning Japan to an era of short-lived administrations that diminished its global stature, until Shinzo Abe helmed the country for a record eight years to September 2020. The dovish Komeito could also gain more clout within the coalition.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-ruling-party-unveils-manifesto-with-focus-on-coronavirus-defence-420125">Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence</a>

Uncertainty is high, with the Nikkei newspaper estimating 40 per cent&nbsp;of single-seat districts have close races and recent polls showing some 40per cent&nbsp;of voters undecided.

Voting ends at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT), with projected results likely to come soon afterward from media exit polls.

Kishida's publicly stated goal is for his coalition to keep a majority, at least 233 seats, of the 465 in the lower house. Before the election, the coalition had a commanding two-thirds majority of 305, with the LDP holding 276.

Investors and political watchers are focussed on whether the LDP - in power for all but brief spells since it was formed in 1955 - can keep its majority as a single party. Losing that would erode Kishida's power base in the factional LDP and the party's standing against the Komeito.

The usually splintered opposition is united, arranging for only one party - including the widely shunned Japanese Communist Party - to face off against the coalition in most districts, with analysts saying this is creating a number of neck-and-neck battles.

But the opposition has failed to capture the hearts of voters, with only 8 per cent&nbsp;supporting the Constitutional Democrats while 39 per cent back the LDP, according to a poll last week by public broadcaster NHK.

"The other political parties are all scattered, so I can't leave it to them with confidence," said Hiroki Kita, 49 and an advertising executive.

"There's only the LDP, but it's a negative choice."

Japanese voters went to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to endorse the conservative government of Fumio Kishida or weaken the new prime minister and possibly return the world's third-largest economy to a period of political uncertainty.

Japanese voters went to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to endorse the conservative government of Fumio Kishida or weaken the new prime minister and possibly return the world's third-largest economy to a period of political uncertainty. The vote is a test for Kishida, who called the election soon after taking the top post early this month, and for his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has been battered by its perceived mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read | Japan's Kishida sends offering to controversial Tokyo shrine Already, Kishida has struggled to advance policies to help poorer people, while securing a big boost in military spending and taking a harder line on China. With his lacklustre image failing to inspire voters, the LDP is on the brink of losing its sole majority in the lower house of parliament for the first time since 2009, opinion polls show, although its coalition with junior partner Komeito is forecast to remain in control. Japan's vaccination drive initially lagged other advanced nations. More than 70 per cent of the population is now fully vaccinated and infections have dropped sharply, but some voters remain wary. "It's hard to say the pandemic is completely snuffed out and society is stable, so we shouldn`t have any big changes in coronavirus policy," said Naoki Okura, a doctor, after voting in Tokyo. "Rather than demanding a change in government, I think we should demand continuity." Tough Contests, Revolving Door? Several key LDP lawmakers are also facing particularly tough contests, including Akira Amari, the party's secretary general. "Revolving-door prime ministers is a weakness that many outside of Japan fear," Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in a blog post. "Prime Minister Kishida will need a unified party and a strong electoral showing on October 31 if he is to successfully tackle Japan's difficult national agenda." Also Read | Fukushima wastewater release can’t be delayed, says Japan PM Kishida Turnout will be crucial, since higher turnout tends to favour the opposition. As of 10 a.m., three hours after polls opened, turnout stood at 6.32 per cent, down 0.83 point from the previous lower house poll - but 16.6 million voted in advance, the Internal Affairs Ministry said. The biggest opposition group, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is expected to gain seats but not come near toppling Kishida's coalition. "The only party with policies aimed at people in their 20s and 30s is the Constitutional Democrats, things like income tax and so on," said office worker Daisuke Matsumoto, 27. "It's true other parties have policies aimed at child-raising, but what about those of us who are childless?" A big loss of LDP seats could lead to party infighting, returning Japan to an era of short-lived administrations that diminished its global stature, until Shinzo Abe helmed the country for a record eight years to September 2020. The dovish Komeito could also gain more clout within the coalition. Also Read | Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence Uncertainty is high, with the Nikkei newspaper estimating 40 per cent of single-seat districts have close races and recent polls showing some 40per cent of voters undecided. Voting ends at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT), with projected results likely to come soon afterward from media exit polls. Kishida's publicly stated goal is for his coalition to keep a majority, at least 233 seats, of the 465 in the lower house. Before the election, the coalition had a commanding two-thirds majority of 305, with the LDP holding 276. Investors and political watchers are focussed on whether the LDP - in power for all but brief spells since it was formed in 1955 - can keep its majority as a single party. Losing that would erode Kishida's power base in the factional LDP and the party's standing against the Komeito. The usually splintered opposition is united, arranging for only one party - including the widely shunned Japanese Communist Party - to face off against the coalition in most districts, with analysts saying this is creating a number of neck-and-neck battles. But the opposition has failed to capture the hearts of voters, with only 8 per cent supporting the Constitutional Democrats while 39 per cent back the LDP, according to a poll last week by public broadcaster NHK. "The other political parties are all scattered, so I can't leave it to them with confidence," said Hiroki Kita, 49 and an advertising executive. "There's only the LDP, but it's a negative choice."

Japan votes in test for new PM Kishida, political stability

Massive amounts of volcanic pumice pebbles spewed from an undersea volcano in the Pacific Ocean have been piling up on southern Japanese coasts, damaging ports and fishing boats, and prompting the central government to establish a task force to deal with the unwanted arrivals as a natural disaster, officials said.

The gray pebbles were spewed and floating from the Fukutokuokanoba undersea volcano in the Ogasawara island chain, which erupted in mid-August. The island is about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south of Tokyo.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki told reporters Friday that the pumice pebble damages have so far affected 11 ports on Okinawa and 19 others in the Kagoshima prefecture on Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu.

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About 40 fishing boats have been damaged, including six that were unable to move, and ferry services connecting remote islands in Okinawa and Kagoshima have been temporarily suspended.

He warned that the pebbles are moving farther to the north and could affect entire Japanese coasts. 
At the Kunigami village on the northern tip of Okinawa's main island, a shovel car started scooping up the massive pebbles that filled the port like a landfill.

The government task force, at its first meeting late Thursday, decided to provide support for local municipalities as a disaster recovery project, and that damages to fishing industries will be covered by insurance, Isozaki said.

The total cost of damages from the volcanic pebbles is still unknown.

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Okinawa government&nbsp;Denny Tamaki, at a prefectural task force meeting, said there has been a huge impact on the fisheries and tourism industries as well as the environment&nbsp;and that the problem must be tackled quickly.

Japan Coast Guard's regional divisions routinely monitor the coasts and distribute photos and pebble pileup updates on a map. The Nuclear Regulation Authority also watches the pebble movements to avoid any impact on Japan's coastal nuclear power plants.

Massive amounts of volcanic pumice pebbles spewed from an undersea volcano in the Pacific Ocean have been piling up on southern Japanese coasts, damaging ports and fishing boats, and prompting the central government to establish a task force to deal with the unwanted arrivals as a natural disaster, officials said.

Massive amounts of volcanic pumice pebbles spewed from an undersea volcano in the Pacific Ocean have been piling up on southern Japanese coasts, damaging ports and fishing boats, and prompting the central government to establish a task force to deal with the unwanted arrivals as a natural disaster, officials said. The gray pebbles were spewed and floating from the Fukutokuokanoba undersea volcano in the Ogasawara island chain, which erupted in mid-August. The island is about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south of Tokyo. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki told reporters Friday that the pumice pebble damages have so far affected 11 ports on Okinawa and 19 others in the Kagoshima prefecture on Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu. Also Read | Volcano effect: Japanese ships sunk during World War 2 resurface at Iwo Jima About 40 fishing boats have been damaged, including six that were unable to move, and ferry services connecting remote islands in Okinawa and Kagoshima have been temporarily suspended. He warned that the pebbles are moving farther to the north and could affect entire Japanese coasts. At the Kunigami village on the northern tip of Okinawa's main island, a shovel car started scooping up the massive pebbles that filled the port like a landfill. The government task force, at its first meeting late Thursday, decided to provide support for local municipalities as a disaster recovery project, and that damages to fishing industries will be covered by insurance, Isozaki said. The total cost of damages from the volcanic pebbles is still unknown. Also Read | Lava blocks the size of buildings falling from La Palma volcano Okinawa government Denny Tamaki, at a prefectural task force meeting, said there has been a huge impact on the fisheries and tourism industries as well as the environment and that the problem must be tackled quickly. Japan Coast Guard's regional divisions routinely monitor the coasts and distribute photos and pebble pileup updates on a map. The Nuclear Regulation Authority also watches the pebble movements to avoid any impact on Japan's coastal nuclear power plants.

Pumice pebbles from undersea volcano are causing damage in Japan

Japan's Princess Mako married her sweetheart Kei Komuro on Tuesday forgoing traditional rites following years of controversy.

Here are some things to know about what is considered the world's oldest monarchy:

Who are Japan's royals?

Mako is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, who came to the throne in 2019 after his father abdicated, beginning a new imperial era named "Reiwa".

The family has a myth-filled history dating back more than 2,600 years and is said to be descended from the legendary sun goddess Amaterasu.

While 61-year-old Naruhito holds no political power under Japan's post-war constitution, he is an important symbolic figurehead.

<img alt="Japan's Princess Mako and her fiancée Kei Komuro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4be161-4657-4570-a8d3-f0bb9bb836ef" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/mako_0.jpg" />

The emperor and empress host state visits and ritual ceremonies at the Imperial Palace, their main residence within vast grounds in the heart of Tokyo.

But their status can be a sensitive topic in Japan, given its 20th century history of war waged in the name of Mako's great-grandfather Hirohito.

Why is Mako leaving?

The Imperial Household Law, in place since 1947, only allows male family members to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne, while women lose their title if they wed a commoner.

This means Mako, 30, has left the royal family after marrying law graduate Komuro, four years after they first announced their engagement.

Mako's 15-year-old brother Hisahito is currently the only male heir to the throne other than their father, Crown Prince Akishino.

If Hisahito does not have a male child, the line of succession will be broken -- prompting some debate about changing the rules, with polls showing the Japanese public broadly support women being allowed to rule.

Although traditionalists are vehemently against the idea, Japan has had as many as eight empresses in the past.

The last one, Gosakuramachi, was on the throne about 250 years ago.

<img alt="Japan's Princess Mako and her fiancée Kei Komuro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ec0b59a-2262-4444-80f7-880f3a984043" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/prince.jpg" />

Why such a scandal? 
The Japanese royal family faces huge pressure to conform to tradition and meet exacting standards of behaviour, with each move intensely scrutinised.

A furore erupted after tabloid reports alleged Komuro's mother had failed to repay a four-million-yen ($35,000) loan from a former fiance.

When the couple's union was finally announced earlier this month, the Imperial Household Agency said Mako was suffering complex PTSD because of the media coverage.

Mako and Komuro did not conduct traditional wedding rites and gave up the lump-sum payment usually made to women marrying out of the royal family, reportedly worth up to 153 million yen.

Has this happened before? 
It is the first time in Japan's post-war history that a royal wedding took place with no elaborate rituals.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-princess-mako-to-marry-after-delay-and-controversy-417350">Japan's Princess Mako to marry after delay and controversy</a>

Other female royals have suffered from stress-related illnesses, especially after joining the family through marriage.

Mako's aunt Empress Masako, a former high-flying diplomat, has struggled for years, with some observers blaming the pressure of producing a male heir. The imperial couple have one daughter, Aiko, who is 19 years old.

And Michiko, wife to Naruhito's father Akihito and the first commoner to marry into the family, also faced criticism from hardliners and tabloid gossip, especially in the early years of their marriage.

She once lost her voice for months, and has also suffered stomach problems linked to stress.

Japan's Princess Mako married her sweetheart Kei Komuro on Tuesday forgoing traditional rites following years of controversy. Here are some things to know about what is considered the world's oldest monarchy: Who are Japan's royals?

Japan's Princess Mako married her sweetheart Kei Komuro on Tuesday forgoing traditional rites following years of controversy. Here are some things to know about what is considered the world's oldest monarchy: Who are Japan's royals? Mako is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, who came to the throne in 2019 after his father abdicated, beginning a new imperial era named "Reiwa". The family has a myth-filled history dating back more than 2,600 years and is said to be descended from the legendary sun goddess Amaterasu. While 61-year-old Naruhito holds no political power under Japan's post-war constitution, he is an important symbolic figurehead. The emperor and empress host state visits and ritual ceremonies at the Imperial Palace, their main residence within vast grounds in the heart of Tokyo. But their status can be a sensitive topic in Japan, given its 20th century history of war waged in the name of Mako's great-grandfather Hirohito. Why is Mako leaving? The Imperial Household Law, in place since 1947, only allows male family members to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne, while women lose their title if they wed a commoner. This means Mako, 30, has left the royal family after marrying law graduate Komuro, four years after they first announced their engagement. Mako's 15-year-old brother Hisahito is currently the only male heir to the throne other than their father, Crown Prince Akishino. If Hisahito does not have a male child, the line of succession will be broken -- prompting some debate about changing the rules, with polls showing the Japanese public broadly support women being allowed to rule. Although traditionalists are vehemently against the idea, Japan has had as many as eight empresses in the past. The last one, Gosakuramachi, was on the throne about 250 years ago. Why such a scandal? The Japanese royal family faces huge pressure to conform to tradition and meet exacting standards of behaviour, with each move intensely scrutinised. A furore erupted after tabloid reports alleged Komuro's mother had failed to repay a four-million-yen ($35,000) loan from a former fiance. When the couple's union was finally announced earlier this month, the Imperial Household Agency said Mako was suffering complex PTSD because of the media coverage. Mako and Komuro did not conduct traditional wedding rites and gave up the lump-sum payment usually made to women marrying out of the royal family, reportedly worth up to 153 million yen. Has this happened before? It is the first time in Japan's post-war history that a royal wedding took place with no elaborate rituals. Also Read | Japan's Princess Mako to marry after delay and controversy Other female royals have suffered from stress-related illnesses, especially after joining the family through marriage. Mako's aunt Empress Masako, a former high-flying diplomat, has struggled for years, with some observers blaming the pressure of producing a male heir. The imperial couple have one daughter, Aiko, who is 19 years old. And Michiko, wife to Naruhito's father Akihito and the first commoner to marry into the family, also faced criticism from hardliners and tabloid gossip, especially in the early years of their marriage. She once lost her voice for months, and has also suffered stomach problems linked to stress.

Myths, marriages and Mako: Japan's imperial family

A boat's crew casts a net into the seemingly clean waters off Japan's Izu peninsula, but not to catch fish -- they are scooping up microplastics to learn more about the pollution's impact on marine life.

Tiny floating fragments from plastic packaging, synthetic clothing and fishing nets have proliferated over the past four decades, and are now found in every part of the world's oceans -- even the deepest trench.

The planet's seafloor is littered with an estimated 14 million tonnes of microplastics, according to a study released last year, and scientists say more research on them is urgently needed, including their effect on ecosystems, the food chain and human health.

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So a team of French and Japanese researchers is analysing samples from the archipelago's coastal waters to study how microplastics make their way into the sea, and how much seeps into the ocean floor.

They are also examining the so-called "plastisphere", where micro-organisms live among discarded plastic.

"It's a new ecosystem that didn't exist before the 1970s. So we don't really know which types of microbes are associated with this plastic," Sylvain Agostini, scientific director of the Tara-Jambio project, told AFP.

Having left the funnel-shaped net nicknamed "the sock" to drift for 15 minutes near the surface, the crew hoisted it back on deck to inspect their catch.

"This blue stuff is microplastics, and that's polystyrene, I believe," Agostini said.

They have collected more than 200 samples since their study began in April 2020, all of which contain microplastics.

Jonathan Ramtahal, a student from Trinidad and Tobago taking part in the research, said the team aims to determine whether the bacteria they find is "harmful to the wider food chain".

"Is it something we should be worried about -- do they transport any vectors for diseases? The diversity of bacteria can give us an idea of how it changes in different environments," he said.

'Lead by example'&nbsp;

Other studies have shown that microplastics have infiltrated the planet's most remote regions, and France's Tara Ocean Foundation has previously researched them in the Mediterranean and large European rivers.

Now the foundation is in Japan, the second-biggest producer of plastic packaging waste per capita according to the United Nations.

The Japanese government says its vast waste management scheme stops plastic from finding its way to the sea, and industry research shows 85 percent of plastic waste in Japan is recycled -- although much is burnt for energy, emitting carbon dioxide.

Keiji Nakajima, director of marine plastic pollution control at the environment ministry, said Japan's waters are also affected by the waste of its neighbours.

"Japan's streets and streams are cleaner than those of other countries," he said.

The nation sits "downstream of a major oceanic current that sweeps in plastic waste produced in Southeast Asia and China", Nakajima added.

A 2018 UN report named the United States as the biggest generator of plastic packaging waste per capita, with China the largest overall.

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&nbsp;

Agostini, an assistant professor at the University of Tsukuba northeast of Tokyo, said that while "there is some truth" in this explanation, it is not watertight.

When plastic waste is found at a river's estuary, or a secluded bay, it's clear that "it doesn't come from thousands of kilometres away", he said.

The Tara-Jambio project is unlikely to settle that debate when its findings are published in several years time, but Agostini argues that if even a small proportion of Japan's plastic waste seeps into the ocean, it is still an "enormous quantity".

Japan is taking small steps to reduce its reliance on plastic: in 2019, it set a target to recycle 100 per cent of new plastic by 2035, and last year, stores began charging for plastic bags.

"Packaging habits are ingrained" in Japan, said Kazuo Inaba, head of the Japanese marine-station network Jambio, but he and the team say change is necessary.

"If developed countries don't lead by example, no one will do it," Agostini said.

A boat's crew casts a net into the seemingly clean waters off Japan's Izu peninsula, but not to catch fish -- they are scooping up microplastics to learn more about the pollution's impact on marine life.

A boat's crew casts a net into the seemingly clean waters off Japan's Izu peninsula, but not to catch fish -- they are scooping up microplastics to learn more about the pollution's impact on marine life. Tiny floating fragments from plastic packaging, synthetic clothing and fishing nets have proliferated over the past four decades, and are now found in every part of the world's oceans -- even the deepest trench. The planet's seafloor is littered with an estimated 14 million tonnes of microplastics, according to a study released last year, and scientists say more research on them is urgently needed, including their effect on ecosystems, the food chain and human health. Also Read | In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protest So a team of French and Japanese researchers is analysing samples from the archipelago's coastal waters to study how microplastics make their way into the sea, and how much seeps into the ocean floor. They are also examining the so-called "plastisphere", where micro-organisms live among discarded plastic. "It's a new ecosystem that didn't exist before the 1970s. So we don't really know which types of microbes are associated with this plastic," Sylvain Agostini, scientific director of the Tara-Jambio project, told AFP. Having left the funnel-shaped net nicknamed "the sock" to drift for 15 minutes near the surface, the crew hoisted it back on deck to inspect their catch. "This blue stuff is microplastics, and that's polystyrene, I believe," Agostini said. They have collected more than 200 samples since their study began in April 2020, all of which contain microplastics. Jonathan Ramtahal, a student from Trinidad and Tobago taking part in the research, said the team aims to determine whether the bacteria they find is "harmful to the wider food chain". "Is it something we should be worried about -- do they transport any vectors for diseases? The diversity of bacteria can give us an idea of how it changes in different environments," he said. 'Lead by example' Other studies have shown that microplastics have infiltrated the planet's most remote regions, and France's Tara Ocean Foundation has previously researched them in the Mediterranean and large European rivers. Now the foundation is in Japan, the second-biggest producer of plastic packaging waste per capita according to the United Nations. The Japanese government says its vast waste management scheme stops plastic from finding its way to the sea, and industry research shows 85 percent of plastic waste in Japan is recycled -- although much is burnt for energy, emitting carbon dioxide. Keiji Nakajima, director of marine plastic pollution control at the environment ministry, said Japan's waters are also affected by the waste of its neighbours. "Japan's streets and streams are cleaner than those of other countries," he said. The nation sits "downstream of a major oceanic current that sweeps in plastic waste produced in Southeast Asia and China", Nakajima added. A 2018 UN report named the United States as the biggest generator of plastic packaging waste per capita, with China the largest overall. Also Read | Israel declares climate change 'national security' issue Agostini, an assistant professor at the University of Tsukuba northeast of Tokyo, said that while "there is some truth" in this explanation, it is not watertight. When plastic waste is found at a river's estuary, or a secluded bay, it's clear that "it doesn't come from thousands of kilometres away", he said. The Tara-Jambio project is unlikely to settle that debate when its findings are published in several years time, but Agostini argues that if even a small proportion of Japan's plastic waste seeps into the ocean, it is still an "enormous quantity". Japan is taking small steps to reduce its reliance on plastic: in 2019, it set a target to recycle 100 per cent of new plastic by 2035, and last year, stores began charging for plastic bags. "Packaging habits are ingrained" in Japan, said Kazuo Inaba, head of the Japanese marine-station network Jambio, but he and the team say change is necessary. "If developed countries don't lead by example, no one will do it," Agostini said.

Into the 'plastisphere': Scientists comb Japan waters to study new eco threat

Two dozen Japanese ships that were sunk near the island of Iwo Jima during&nbsp;World War 2 have been raised from the ocean floor due to seismic activity at Mount Suribachi, one of Japan's most dangerous volcanoes.

The 24 transport vessels were captured by US forces during the war. Satellite images from Japan's All Nippon News showed hulks of the ships raised from the ocean floor. During the war, the ships were moved to western part of the island to make up for absence of a port at that time.

The seabed in the area has started rising due to the seismic activity from Mount Suribachi. Due to the seismic activity, the sunken ships are sitting on volcanic ash.

The island of Iwo Jima has no inhabitants today but Japanese military has a presence there. It was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War 2. The island was of strategic significance&nbsp;to US, which thought of using it as a naval base that will in turn support the invasion of Japanese mainland.

During the battle to capture the island, the US lost 7,000 soldiers while the Japanese had 20,000 casualties.

It is on this island that the iconic photo of US troops raising the US flag was taken.

Two dozen Japanese ships that were sunk near the island of Iwo Jima during World War 2 have been raised from the ocean floor due to seismic activity at Mount Suribachi, one of Japan's most dangerous volcanoes.

Two dozen Japanese ships that were sunk near the island of Iwo Jima during World War 2 have been raised from the ocean floor due to seismic activity at Mount Suribachi, one of Japan's most dangerous volcanoes. The 24 transport vessels were captured by US forces during the war. Satellite images from Japan's All Nippon News showed hulks of the ships raised from the ocean floor. During the war, the ships were moved to western part of the island to make up for absence of a port at that time. The seabed in the area has started rising due to the seismic activity from Mount Suribachi. Due to the seismic activity, the sunken ships are sitting on volcanic ash. The island of Iwo Jima has no inhabitants today but Japanese military has a presence there. It was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War 2. The island was of strategic significance to US, which thought of using it as a naval base that will in turn support the invasion of Japanese mainland. During the battle to capture the island, the US lost 7,000 soldiers while the Japanese had 20,000 casualties. It is on this island that the iconic photo of US troops raising the US flag was taken.

Volcano effect: Japanese ships sunk during World War 2 resurface at Iwo Jima

On Wednesday, Mount Aso erupted, spewing ash thousands of meters into the sky as hikers rushed away from the popular tourist site.

No injuries were reported as a result of the late-morning eruption. However, the&nbsp;Japan Meteorological Agency has raised the alert level for the volcano to three on a scale of five.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lockdown-ends-for-3000-la-palma-residents-as-volcano-cloud-passes-420154">Lockdown ends for 3,000 La Palma residents as volcano cloud passes</a>

Volcanic ash and hot gas were emitted as high as 3,500 metres (11,500 feet), people have been warned not to approach the volcano, authorities are checking if any hikers are trapped or hurt.

Watch the dramatic explosion here:

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BREAKING: Mount Aso erupts in southern Japan. 
 
Completely Horrible Eruption of Mount Aso in Kyushu Japan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Japan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/volcano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#volcano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Erupcion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Erupcion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mountaso?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mountaso</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eruption?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eruption</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaPalma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaPalma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CumbreVieja?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CumbreVieja</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CanaryIslands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CanaryIslands</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canarias?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canarias</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Etna?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Etna</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kilauea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kilauea</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Espana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Espana</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawaii?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawaii</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%83%9E%E3%82%A6%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#マウント</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%81%9D%E3%81%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#そう</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#日本</a> <a href="https://t.co/qH8bDy3oGF">pic.twitter.com/qH8bDy3oGF</a>
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChaudharyParvez/status/1450671959553937414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Human lives are our priority and we are working with the Self Defence Forces, police and firefighters to effectively deal with the situation," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.

Tomoaki Ozaki, an official of the Japan Meteorological Agency, cautioned those near the mountain for large flying rocks and pyroclastic materials.

A televised press conference by Ozaki warned that even far-away areas should exercise caution due to the possibility of ash and pebbles being carried by the wind. He also said that toxic gases could have been released.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-the-continent-with-low-emissions-and-high-suffering-risks-losing-rare-glaciers-to-global-warming-422039">Africa: The continent with low emissions and high suffering, risks losing rare glaciers to global warming</a>

The last time the JMA raised its warning for Aso to the three-out-of-five level was when it erupted in 2016.

There has been an increase in volcanic activity there in the past few days, including a small eruption on Thursday.

Mount Aso's massive caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-meter (5,223-foot) volcano is a popular tourist destination.

Japan is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Wideangle: The world's most dangerous volcanoes

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-the-worlds-most-dangerous-volcanoes-419370/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The island lies on the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire" where many of the planet's quakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded.

Japan suffered its deadliest eruption in nearly nine decades in September 2014, when Mount Ontake suddenly erupted, killing an estimated 63 people.

On Wednesday, Mount Aso erupted, spewing ash thousands of meters into the sky as hikers rushed away from the popular tourist site. No injuries were reported as a result of the late-morning eruption.

On Wednesday, Mount Aso erupted, spewing ash thousands of meters into the sky as hikers rushed away from the popular tourist site. No injuries were reported as a result of the late-morning eruption. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency has raised the alert level for the volcano to three on a scale of five. Also read | Lockdown ends for 3,000 La Palma residents as volcano cloud passes Volcanic ash and hot gas were emitted as high as 3,500 metres (11,500 feet), people have been warned not to approach the volcano, authorities are checking if any hikers are trapped or hurt. Watch the dramatic explosion here: BREAKING: Mount Aso erupts in southern Japan. Completely Horrible Eruption of Mount Aso in Kyushu Japan.#Japan #ASO #volcano #Erupcion #mountaso #eruption #LaPalma #CumbreVieja #CanaryIslands #Canarias #Etna #Kilauea #Espana #Hawaii #マウント#そう #日本 pic.twitter.com/qH8bDy3oGF — Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) October 20, 2021 × "Human lives are our priority and we are working with the Self Defence Forces, police and firefighters to effectively deal with the situation," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters. Tomoaki Ozaki, an official of the Japan Meteorological Agency, cautioned those near the mountain for large flying rocks and pyroclastic materials. A televised press conference by Ozaki warned that even far-away areas should exercise caution due to the possibility of ash and pebbles being carried by the wind. He also said that toxic gases could have been released. Also read | Africa: The continent with low emissions and high suffering, risks losing rare glaciers to global warming The last time the JMA raised its warning for Aso to the three-out-of-five level was when it erupted in 2016. There has been an increase in volcanic activity there in the past few days, including a small eruption on Thursday. Mount Aso's massive caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-meter (5,223-foot) volcano is a popular tourist destination. Japan is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Watch | WION Wideangle: The world's most dangerous volcanoes The island lies on the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire" where many of the planet's quakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded. Japan suffered its deadliest eruption in nearly nine decades in September 2014, when Mount Ontake suddenly erupted, killing an estimated 63 people.

WATCH: Mount Aso Volcano erupts in Japan; dramatic explosion sends ash 11,500 feet into the air

After years of controversy, Japan's Princess Mako will marry this month, but she will forego traditional rites and will not take a usual payment given to royal women marrying commoners.

"Princess Mako will marry on October 26," an Imperial Household Agency official told AFP, adding that "wedding ceremony, reception banquet and other rituals won't be held, and a lump-sum payment won't be provided."

Princess Mako, who is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, has been engaged to sweetheart Kei Komuro since 2017.

But the union has come under criticism, with the agency saying the 29-year-old princess was suffering complex post-traumatic stress disorder because of media coverage.

Mako, the daughter of Japan's crown prince, has endured years of sniping and stalling over her plans to marry Komuro, also 29.

Japan's imperial succession rules mean that Mako will lose her title after the marriage.

But her partner has still been heavily scrutinized over allegations that his mother borrowed money from a former fiance and failed to repay it.

After tabloid reporting on the claims, a furore erupted around the young couple in a country where the royal family is held to an exacting standard.

The pair postponed their wedding, and Komuro moved to the United States for law school in a move that was widely seen as a bid to defuse the negative attention.

Crown Prince Akishino last year said he supported his daughter's marriage, but that she needed to win the public's "understanding".

However, the pair appear to have decided they have waited long enough, and are now expected to move to New York after marrying.

Komuro returned to Japan earlier this week to a media frenzy, with particular scrutiny of his newly grown ponytail.

He is observing Japan's mandatory 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals, and local media said the couple were expected to reunite for the first time in around three years after he emerges on October 11.

- 'No need to attack her' -

Mako will become the first royal to forego traditional marriage rites and a payment -- reportedly up to $1.3 million -- since World War II, according to Japanese media.

The tumult around her marriage, and the couple's decision to move to the United States, have made for inevitable comparisons with another royal couple: Britain Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The marriage news topped headlines, with several newspapers printing special editions to mark the announcement, but reaction online was divided, with some unhappy but others welcoming the wedding.

"Congratulations. Imperial family members should have a right to make a decision on their lives," wrote one Twitter user.

The term "complex PTSD" was trending on Japanese Twitter, with some expressing sympathy for the princess.

"It's not surprising if she's developed complex PTSD. There is no need to attack her further, is there?" wrote one person on Twitter.

But others cast doubt on the announcement, with another Twitter user saying "this timing means 'don't criticize.'"

Mako is sister to Prince Hisahito, 15, currently the only eligible male heir to the throne other than his father.

Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne can pass only to male members of the family, and the children of female royals who marry outside the aristocracy are not included.

The strict rules have raised fears for the future of the royal family, with just two male heirs and no prospect of new ones for years to come.

But attempts to debate succession reform have been met with staunch opposition from traditionalists.

Mako is not the first member of the royal family to suffer the consequences of hostile media attention. Empress Masako has long battled a stress-induced illness that emerged after she struggled with the pressure to bear a son and royal restrictions on travel.

After years of controversy, Japan's Princess Mako will marry this month, but she will forego traditional rites and will not take a usual payment given to royal women marrying commoners.

After years of controversy, Japan's Princess Mako will marry this month, but she will forego traditional rites and will not take a usual payment given to royal women marrying commoners. "Princess Mako will marry on October 26," an Imperial Household Agency official told AFP, adding that "wedding ceremony, reception banquet and other rituals won't be held, and a lump-sum payment won't be provided." Princess Mako, who is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, has been engaged to sweetheart Kei Komuro since 2017. But the union has come under criticism, with the agency saying the 29-year-old princess was suffering complex post-traumatic stress disorder because of media coverage. Mako, the daughter of Japan's crown prince, has endured years of sniping and stalling over her plans to marry Komuro, also 29. Japan's imperial succession rules mean that Mako will lose her title after the marriage. But her partner has still been heavily scrutinized over allegations that his mother borrowed money from a former fiance and failed to repay it. After tabloid reporting on the claims, a furore erupted around the young couple in a country where the royal family is held to an exacting standard. The pair postponed their wedding, and Komuro moved to the United States for law school in a move that was widely seen as a bid to defuse the negative attention. Crown Prince Akishino last year said he supported his daughter's marriage, but that she needed to win the public's "understanding". However, the pair appear to have decided they have waited long enough, and are now expected to move to New York after marrying. Komuro returned to Japan earlier this week to a media frenzy, with particular scrutiny of his newly grown ponytail. He is observing Japan's mandatory 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals, and local media said the couple were expected to reunite for the first time in around three years after he emerges on October 11. - 'No need to attack her' - Mako will become the first royal to forego traditional marriage rites and a payment -- reportedly up to $1.3 million -- since World War II, according to Japanese media. The tumult around her marriage, and the couple's decision to move to the United States, have made for inevitable comparisons with another royal couple: Britain Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The marriage news topped headlines, with several newspapers printing special editions to mark the announcement, but reaction online was divided, with some unhappy but others welcoming the wedding. "Congratulations. Imperial family members should have a right to make a decision on their lives," wrote one Twitter user. The term "complex PTSD" was trending on Japanese Twitter, with some expressing sympathy for the princess. "It's not surprising if she's developed complex PTSD. There is no need to attack her further, is there?" wrote one person on Twitter. But others cast doubt on the announcement, with another Twitter user saying "this timing means 'don't criticize.'" Mako is sister to Prince Hisahito, 15, currently the only eligible male heir to the throne other than his father. Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne can pass only to male members of the family, and the children of female royals who marry outside the aristocracy are not included. The strict rules have raised fears for the future of the royal family, with just two male heirs and no prospect of new ones for years to come. But attempts to debate succession reform have been met with staunch opposition from traditionalists. Mako is not the first member of the royal family to suffer the consequences of hostile media attention. Empress Masako has long battled a stress-induced illness that emerged after she struggled with the pressure to bear a son and royal restrictions on travel.

Japan's Princess Mako to marry after delay and controversy

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida as their new leader on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Kishida beat his rival Taro Kono in a close race. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had earlier decided to step down from office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-vaccines-minister-kono-leads-opinion-poll-on-succeeding-suga-412498">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Japan's vaccines minister Kono leads opinion poll on succeeding Suga</a>

Two woman candidates Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda had dropped out of the race. The country is set to go to the polls later this year.

Kishida, 64, is widely known as a consensus builder. The former banker will have to address the economic problems in the country after it suffered due to the pandemic. Kishida has reportedly proposed a spending package to boost the economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-to-back-vaccine-minister-kono-in-ldp-leadership-race-410605">Also Read:&nbsp;Japan PM Suga to back vaccine minister Kono in LDP leadership race</a>

The new LDP leader had promised a more aggressive policy to beat the virus and proposed mass vaccination for citizens. Kishida had said the country needed to produce oral drugs and that the government needs to speed up efforts to overcome the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-japan-to-ease-emergency-measures-gradually-as-number-of-cases-fall-416687">Also Read:&nbsp;Japan to ease emergency measures gradually as number of cases fall &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

"I want us to move toward and achieve the target of bringing our socio-economic activity back to near normalcy at the start of next year," Kishida asserted.

Kishida toughest test however is likely to be in the elections set to be held in November.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida as their new leader on Wednesday. Kishida beat his rival Taro Kono in a close race.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida as their new leader on Wednesday. Kishida beat his rival Taro Kono in a close race. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had earlier decided to step down from office. Also Read: Japan's vaccines minister Kono leads opinion poll on succeeding Suga Two woman candidates Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda had dropped out of the race. The country is set to go to the polls later this year. Kishida, 64, is widely known as a consensus builder. The former banker will have to address the economic problems in the country after it suffered due to the pandemic. Kishida has reportedly proposed a spending package to boost the economy. Also Read: Japan PM Suga to back vaccine minister Kono in LDP leadership race The new LDP leader had promised a more aggressive policy to beat the virus and proposed mass vaccination for citizens. Kishida had said the country needed to produce oral drugs and that the government needs to speed up efforts to overcome the virus. Also Read: Japan to ease emergency measures gradually as number of cases fall "I want us to move toward and achieve the target of bringing our socio-economic activity back to near normalcy at the start of next year," Kishida asserted. Kishida toughest test however is likely to be in the elections set to be held in November. (With inputs from Agencies)

Fumio Kishida elected as new leader of Japan's ruling LDP, set to be next PM

Two people in Japan died after they received shots of Moderna’s Covid vaccine. These two men from Japan had been vaccinated from the lot that was later suspended.<o:p></o:p>

The two men were in their 30s and died within few days of receiving second dose of the Moderna vaccine, Japan’s health ministry reported.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wuhans-covid-patients-face-serious-health-problems-year-after-recovery-study-408880">Wuhan's Covid patients face serious health problems year after recovery: Study</a></o:p>

"At this time, we do not have any evidence that these deaths are caused by the Moderna <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a>," Moderna and Takeda said in a statement on Saturday. "It is important to conduct a formal investigation to determine whether there is any connection."<o:p></o:p>

As of now, the cause of death is still unclear but the authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.<o:p></o:p>

For now, it is believed that the doses were from the same stock that had earlier been suspended. Japanese authorities suspended 1.63 million doses of the Moderna Covid vaccine that had been shipped to 864 centres around the country. The decision was taken more than a week after Japan’s domestic distributor, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co, had reported that some vials may be contaminated.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/srilanka-extends-national-lockdown-for-another-week-after-covid-surge-408978">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/srilanka-extends-national-lockdown-for-another-week-after-covid-surge-408978/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the government claims that suspension of the Moderna batches was simply a precaution. <o:p></o:p>

Experts are staying clear of drawing a connection between the deaths of the Japanese men and their vaccine intake. "There may only be a temporal relationship between vaccination and death," Fumie Sakamoto, the infection control manager at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo told Reuters. "There are so many things we still don't know to make any conclusions on these two cases."<o:p></o:p>

Two people in Japan died after they received shots of Moderna’s Covid vaccine. These two men from Japan had been vaccinated from the lot that was later suspended.

Two people in Japan died after they received shots of Moderna’s Covid vaccine. These two men from Japan had been vaccinated from the lot that was later suspended. The two men were in their 30s and died within few days of receiving second dose of the Moderna vaccine, Japan’s health ministry reported. Also read | Wuhan's Covid patients face serious health problems year after recovery: Study "At this time, we do not have any evidence that these deaths are caused by the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine," Moderna and Takeda said in a statement on Saturday. "It is important to conduct a formal investigation to determine whether there is any connection." As of now, the cause of death is still unclear but the authorities have launched an investigation into the matter. For now, it is believed that the doses were from the same stock that had earlier been suspended. Japanese authorities suspended 1.63 million doses of the Moderna Covid vaccine that had been shipped to 864 centres around the country. The decision was taken more than a week after Japan’s domestic distributor, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co, had reported that some vials may be contaminated. WATCH | However, the government claims that suspension of the Moderna batches was simply a precaution. Experts are staying clear of drawing a connection between the deaths of the Japanese men and their vaccine intake. "There may only be a temporal relationship between vaccination and death," Fumie Sakamoto, the infection control manager at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo told Reuters. "There are so many things we still don't know to make any conclusions on these two cases."

Two men die after second dose of Moderna's Covid vaccine: Japan government

Japanese crypto-exchange platform Liquid has announced that some of its crypto wallets have been compromised, due to which the exchange has suspended all deposit and withdrawal operations.

They announced this suspension via a tweet that said, "We are sorry to announce that #LiquidGlobal warm wallets were compromised, we are moving assets into the cold wallet.

We are currently investigating and will provide regular updates. In the meantime, deposits and withdrawals will be suspended."

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Important Notice: 
We are sorry to announce that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiquidGlobal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiquidGlobal</a> warm wallets were compromised, we are moving assets into the cold wallet. 
 
We are currently investigating and will provide regular updates. In the meantime deposits and withdrawals will be suspended.
— Liquid Global Official (@Liquid_Global) <a href="https://twitter.com/Liquid_Global/status/1428176357515612165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A cold wallet is kept offline and is more secure, whereas a warm wallet is available online and enables customers to access their crypto-assets instantly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expect-us-hacktivist-group-anonymous-targets-elon-musk-over-his-crypto-market-hold-389832">'Expect us': Hacktivist group Anonymous targets Elon Musk over his crypto market hold</a>

This latest attack on Liquid follows a similar attack last month on crypto platform Poly Network, in which over $600m in major cryptocurrencies was stolen.

Elliptic, a blockchain analytics firm, reported that&nbsp;in this latest attack on Liquid, the&nbsp;hacker escaped with cryptocurrencies worth $94 million.&nbsp;This includes $30.9 million in ether, 12.9 million in XRP, $4.8 million in bitcoin, $7.7 million in stablecoins and $37.4 million in other tokens.

Interestingly, the Poly attack hacker&nbsp;returned some of the assets they stole and received a 'bug bounty' from Poly of $478,000 in return. However, Elliptic is concerned, that crypto-related ransom attacks could become more commonplace.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hackers-return-260-million-to-crypto-platform-poly-network-after-massive-theft-404728">Hackers return $260 million to crypto platform Poly Network after massive theft</a>

This isn't the first time Liquid has been breached; in November 2020, the exchange acknowledged a user data leak.&nbsp;

Japanese crypto-exchange platform Liquid has announced that some of its crypto wallets have been compromised, due to which the exchange has suspended all deposit and withdrawal operations.

Japanese crypto-exchange platform Liquid has announced that some of its crypto wallets have been compromised, due to which the exchange has suspended all deposit and withdrawal operations. They announced this suspension via a tweet that said, "We are sorry to announce that #LiquidGlobal warm wallets were compromised, we are moving assets into the cold wallet. We are currently investigating and will provide regular updates. In the meantime, deposits and withdrawals will be suspended." Important Notice: We are sorry to announce that #LiquidGlobal warm wallets were compromised, we are moving assets into the cold wallet. We are currently investigating and will provide regular updates. In the meantime deposits and withdrawals will be suspended. — Liquid Global Official (@Liquid_Global) August 19, 2021 × A cold wallet is kept offline and is more secure, whereas a warm wallet is available online and enables customers to access their crypto-assets instantly. Also read | 'Expect us': Hacktivist group Anonymous targets Elon Musk over his crypto market hold This latest attack on Liquid follows a similar attack last month on crypto platform Poly Network, in which over $600m in major cryptocurrencies was stolen. Elliptic, a blockchain analytics firm, reported that in this latest attack on Liquid, the hacker escaped with cryptocurrencies worth $94 million. This includes $30.9 million in ether, 12.9 million in XRP, $4.8 million in bitcoin, $7.7 million in stablecoins and $37.4 million in other tokens. Interestingly, the Poly attack hacker returned some of the assets they stole and received a 'bug bounty' from Poly of $478,000 in return. However, Elliptic is concerned, that crypto-related ransom attacks could become more commonplace. Also read | Hackers return $260 million to crypto platform Poly Network after massive theft This isn't the first time Liquid has been breached; in November 2020, the exchange acknowledged a user data leak.

Japanese crypto-exchange 'Liquid' hacked, millions in crypto-currencies stolen

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on visited the disputed Kuril Islands and said authorities wanted to establish a free economic zone there. This sparked a protest from Japan.

Kuril Islands are located north of Japan's Hokkaido island. The islands have been controlled by Russia since Soviet troops captured them in the dying days of Second World War.

The territorial dispute has kept the two countries from signing a peace accord that would formally end their wartime hostilities.&nbsp;

During his visit to Iturup, the largest and northernmost island of the archipelago, Mishustin proposed exempting the islands from customs duty and reducing taxes for businesses.

"This set of measures is unprecedented," Mishustin said.

"We may also think about exempting from taxpayer obligations those who work and invest here," Mishustin added. 
He added that the measures would be extended to the main activities on the island with some exemptions, such as the production of alcohol.

"This special regime will help intensify economic activity here. I will report these proposals to the Russian president and a relevant decision will be made," Mishustin said.&nbsp;

Japanese foreign ministry issued a protest over Mishustin's visit and summoned Russian ambassador.

In a post on Facebook, ambassador Mikhail Galuzin called the protest "unacceptable".

The head of Russia's government "visits Russian regions as he sees fit," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

"There is political will on Russia's part to develop good relations with Japan, we value our economic cooperation very much," Peskov added.

The Russian foreign ministry said for its part that it summoned Japan's ambassador and expressed its protest against the "unfriendly steps" taken by Tokyo.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on visited the disputed Kuril Islands and said authorities wanted to establish a free economic zone there. This sparked a protest from Japan.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on visited the disputed Kuril Islands and said authorities wanted to establish a free economic zone there. This sparked a protest from Japan. Kuril Islands are located north of Japan's Hokkaido island. The islands have been controlled by Russia since Soviet troops captured them in the dying days of Second World War. The territorial dispute has kept the two countries from signing a peace accord that would formally end their wartime hostilities. During his visit to Iturup, the largest and northernmost island of the archipelago, Mishustin proposed exempting the islands from customs duty and reducing taxes for businesses. "This set of measures is unprecedented," Mishustin said. "We may also think about exempting from taxpayer obligations those who work and invest here," Mishustin added. He added that the measures would be extended to the main activities on the island with some exemptions, such as the production of alcohol. "This special regime will help intensify economic activity here. I will report these proposals to the Russian president and a relevant decision will be made," Mishustin said. Japanese foreign ministry issued a protest over Mishustin's visit and summoned Russian ambassador. In a post on Facebook, ambassador Mikhail Galuzin called the protest "unacceptable". The head of Russia's government "visits Russian regions as he sees fit," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "There is political will on Russia's part to develop good relations with Japan, we value our economic cooperation very much," Peskov added. The Russian foreign ministry said for its part that it summoned Japan's ambassador and expressed its protest against the "unfriendly steps" taken by Tokyo. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan fumes as Russia talks of free-trade zone on Kuril Islands

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday. 
 
The report of Moon's visit comes amid a political uproar in Seoul triggered by comments by a Japanese diplomat on Moon that created new tension in already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. 
 
Moon's office said on Monday the visit was still uncertain. 
 
The leaders are likely to discuss issues that have strained relations over generations, including compensation for people forced to work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Yomiuri report said. 
 
Japan is also planning to replace a senior Seoul-based diplomat after his widely reported comment last week likening Moon's dealings with Japan to "masturbation", the Yomiuri said. 
 
On Monday, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement that the two countries were in discussions but that there has been no decision on a trip by Moon. 
 
"It is still uncertain whether a visit to Japan and a meeting will take place as there has been no satisfactory action taken by the Japanese side over the last-minute obstacle to a (summit) meeting," it said. 
 
South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Friday that a senior diplomat at Japan's embassy in Seoul had said Moon was "masturbating" when describing the South Korean leader's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo. 
 
South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, summoned Japan's Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on Saturday to protest. 
 
"He also demanded the Japanese government to promptly take tangible and due steps to prevent a recurrence of such situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement. 
 
A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said no one could immediately comment on the reports. 
 
Suga this month called relations between Japan and South Korea "very difficult", adding that it was up to Seoul to provide a response to the problems. South Korea's presidential Blue House has said a visit by Moon may be possible if he could meet Suga and if progress on some agreements could be expected.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday. The report of Moon's visit comes amid a political uproar in Seoul triggered by comments by a Japanese diplomat on Moon that created new tension in already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. Moon's office said on Monday the visit was still uncertain. The leaders are likely to discuss issues that have strained relations over generations, including compensation for people forced to work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Yomiuri report said. Japan is also planning to replace a senior Seoul-based diplomat after his widely reported comment last week likening Moon's dealings with Japan to "masturbation", the Yomiuri said. On Monday, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement that the two countries were in discussions but that there has been no decision on a trip by Moon. "It is still uncertain whether a visit to Japan and a meeting will take place as there has been no satisfactory action taken by the Japanese side over the last-minute obstacle to a (summit) meeting," it said. South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Friday that a senior diplomat at Japan's embassy in Seoul had said Moon was "masturbating" when describing the South Korean leader's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo. South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, summoned Japan's Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on Saturday to protest. "He also demanded the Japanese government to promptly take tangible and due steps to prevent a recurrence of such situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said no one could immediately comment on the reports. Suga this month called relations between Japan and South Korea "very difficult", adding that it was up to Seoul to provide a response to the problems. South Korea's presidential Blue House has said a visit by Moon may be possible if he could meet Suga and if progress on some agreements could be expected.

Japan's Suga, S Korea's Moon to hold first summit meeting on Friday: Report

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth,&nbsp;the top government spokesman said on Sunday,&nbsp;Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic.

Tokyo is going into its fourth COVID-19 state of emergency from Monday till&nbsp;August&nbsp;22, just&nbsp;less than two weeks before hosting the Olympics. It has fuelled&nbsp;fears of extended pain for restaurants hit by shorter hours and a ban on alcohol consumption.

In a debate programme on public broadcaster NHK,&nbsp;Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said, "First of all, we must proceed with anti-infection measures and vaccination in cooperation with the citizens, and provide support for businesses and people in need."&nbsp; 
 
"Then, we want to flexibly take economic measures without hesitation," Kato said, without mentioning the size or timing of further stimulus measures. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have escalated calls for a new relief package, with party heavyweight Toshihiro Nikai saying an extra budget of around 30 trillion yen ($270 billion) is needed. 
 
Suga, who must call a general election later this year, said on Thursday, the government wants to focus on areas, such as corporate financing, employment and restaurants, and wants to deliver as early as possible. 
 
He said the government would respond flexibly as he was tackling the coronavirus hit to the economy with an economic package always in mind.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth, the top government spokesman said on Sunday, Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic.

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth, the top government spokesman said on Sunday, Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic. Tokyo is going into its fourth COVID-19 state of emergency from Monday till August 22, just less than two weeks before hosting the Olympics. It has fuelled fears of extended pain for restaurants hit by shorter hours and a ban on alcohol consumption. In a debate programme on public broadcaster NHK, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said, "First of all, we must proceed with anti-infection measures and vaccination in cooperation with the citizens, and provide support for businesses and people in need." "Then, we want to flexibly take economic measures without hesitation," Kato said, without mentioning the size or timing of further stimulus measures. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have escalated calls for a new relief package, with party heavyweight Toshihiro Nikai saying an extra budget of around 30 trillion yen ($270 billion) is needed. Suga, who must call a general election later this year, said on Thursday, the government wants to focus on areas, such as corporate financing, employment and restaurants, and wants to deliver as early as possible. He said the government would respond flexibly as he was tackling the coronavirus hit to the economy with an economic package always in mind. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan government ready to deploy economic stimulus flexibly: Spokesman

Japanese opposition lawmakers slammed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Monday for what they called his 'Olympics first'&nbsp;attitude in prioritising the event even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise on the country.

Suga pushed back at the criticism during a question and answer session in the Japanese parliament, saying his role is to do his utmost to ensure the health and safety of all during the July 23-August 8&nbsp;games.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Amid opposition, Japan Prime Minister says has &quot;never put Olympics first&quot;">Amid opposition, Japan Prime Minister says has "never put Olympics first"</a>

Concerns are rising about the ability of Suga's government to get infections under control ahead of the Olympics, which start in just over two months.

Suga decided Friday to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo until May 31 and expand the measure to six prefectures from the current four.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India Covid crisis: Japan, UNDP reach out to northeast states with oxygen ">India Covid crisis: Japan, UNDP reach out to northeast states with oxygen&nbsp;</a>

Japan logged about 7,000 new cases on Saturday, a highest since mid-January.

Suga added he arranged for Pfizer to donate its vaccine for athletes via the IOC, which would contribute to holding the games safely.

Public calls for a cancellation have been on the rise.

An online petition calling for the Olympics to be cancelled has gained more than 300,000 signatures in a week while a weekend survey by Japan's largest newspaper showed about 60% of the respondents calling for a cancellation.

IOC President Thomas Bach cancelled his planned trip to Japan next week because of surging cases of COVID-19 in the country, the Tokyo Olympic organising committee said on Monday in a statement.

Bach was to visit Hiroshima next Monday and meet the torch relay and then probably travel to Tokyo.&nbsp;

Japanese opposition lawmakers slammed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Monday for what they called his 'Olympics first' attitude in prioritising the event even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise on the country.

Japanese opposition lawmakers slammed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Monday for what they called his 'Olympics first' attitude in prioritising the event even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise on the country. Suga pushed back at the criticism during a question and answer session in the Japanese parliament, saying his role is to do his utmost to ensure the health and safety of all during the July 23-August 8 games. Also read | Amid opposition, Japan Prime Minister says has "never put Olympics first" Concerns are rising about the ability of Suga's government to get infections under control ahead of the Olympics, which start in just over two months. Suga decided Friday to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo until May 31 and expand the measure to six prefectures from the current four. Also read | India Covid crisis: Japan, UNDP reach out to northeast states with oxygen Japan logged about 7,000 new cases on Saturday, a highest since mid-January. Suga added he arranged for Pfizer to donate its vaccine for athletes via the IOC, which would contribute to holding the games safely. Public calls for a cancellation have been on the rise. An online petition calling for the Olympics to be cancelled has gained more than 300,000 signatures in a week while a weekend survey by Japan's largest newspaper showed about 60% of the respondents calling for a cancellation. IOC President Thomas Bach cancelled his planned trip to Japan next week because of surging cases of COVID-19 in the country, the Tokyo Olympic organising committee said on Monday in a statement. Bach was to visit Hiroshima next Monday and meet the torch relay and then probably travel to Tokyo.

Japanese PM slammed by lawmakers for prioritising Olympics amid pandemic

Full stadiums will be "very difficult" at the Tokyo Olympics, the head of the Games warned Wednesday, as organisers pushed back a decision on how many domestic fans can attend until June.

Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games for the first time, and a ruling on Japan-based fans was expected by the end of this month.

But with parts of the country including Tokyo under a coronavirus state of emergency, organisers said they needed more time. The Games open in less than three months on July 23.

"As we look into the evolving situation with the domestic infections status involving new strains, we have agreed that a decision regarding spectator capacity at the Olympic and Paralympic venues will be made in June," Olympic officials said after top-level talks.

Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto said it was now unlikely that fans would fill venues as in past Olympics.

"We have to watch the situation and consider accordingly. As of now, full venues is very difficult, I understand that," she said.

"There may be a time that we have to decide on the Games behind closed doors, no spectators," she added.

But "to the extent possible, as many people as possible should be able to enjoy the Tokyo Games".

Organisers also announced new virus rules for athletes including daily antigen virus testing -- up from a previous plan for tests every four days.

Unclear or positive results will be followed up with additional tests to confirm.

"If you have a confirmed positive test for Covid-19 during the Games... you will not be allowed to compete," an updated virus rule book warns.

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'All necessary measures' -</h2>

&nbsp;

Those deemed "close contacts" of any athlete testing positive may still be able to compete, with their situation assessed on a "case-by-case basis" and depending on "the likelihood of you spreading the virus", the guide added.

Athletes are encouraged, but not required, to get vaccinated before the Games, and the restrictions will still apply to those who are inoculated.

Olympic organisers hope that bolstering virus rules for the Games will help build support in Japan, where polls show most people back either a cancellation or further delay.

Updates to the rules for other Games participants including thousands of foreign media are expected on Friday.

"We are ready with you to take all the necessary measures to minimise the risks to make the Japanese people feel safe," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at the start of talks with organisers and Japanese officials.

"Our top priority is health and safety for everyone –- not only for the participants of the Olympic Games but, first and foremost, also of our gracious hosts, the Japanese people."

Those violating the rules will face a disciplinary committee and could be stripped of their right to compete.

Japan has seen a comparatively minor virus outbreak, with just over 10,000 deaths, but it is now battling what experts call a fourth wave of cases.

<h2>- 'People are anxious' -</h2>

A new state of emergency was imposed on Tokyo and three other areas on April 25, and the government's top medical adviser warned Wednesday that discussions should start soon on how the Games could be held if infections remain high by the summer.

"What's very important is the situation of the infections and how overwhelmed the medical system is," Shigeru Omi told parliament in response to a question from an opposition lawmaker.

"I think it is time to discuss the Olympics," he added, while stopping short of calling for either a postponement or cancellation.

Olympic officials insist the Games can still be held safely, with Hashimoto last week saying organisers are "not thinking about cancellation".

And Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto also ruled out a further delay to the Games on Wednesday.

"That's something we've never discussed with the IOC or others," he said, noting that the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and 2024 Paris Games leave little room for further postponement.

Hashimoto also defended the decision to keep moving ahead, telling reporters "there are so many people who are looking forward to the Games", while acknowledging "there are a lot of people who are anxious".

"That's the reality, and we need to look at both sides," she added.

Olympic chiefs took the unprecedented decision to ban overseas fans in March, in a bid to reduce virus risks.&nbsp;

Domestic ticket sales have not yet resumed after last year's postponement. Organisers said around 4.48 million tickets had been sold in Japan, and nearly a million for the Paralympics.

Tickets purchased by overseas fans are being refunded, and organisers have also said that anyone who bought tickets in Japan is eligible for a refund if crowd numbers are cut.

nf-amk-sah/kaf/jfx

Full stadiums will be "very difficult" at the Tokyo Olympics, the head of the Games warned Wednesday, as organisers pushed back a decision on how many domestic fans can attend until June.

Full stadiums will be "very difficult" at the Tokyo Olympics, the head of the Games warned Wednesday, as organisers pushed back a decision on how many domestic fans can attend until June. Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games for the first time, and a ruling on Japan-based fans was expected by the end of this month. But with parts of the country including Tokyo under a coronavirus state of emergency, organisers said they needed more time. The Games open in less than three months on July 23. "As we look into the evolving situation with the domestic infections status involving new strains, we have agreed that a decision regarding spectator capacity at the Olympic and Paralympic venues will be made in June," Olympic officials said after top-level talks. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto said it was now unlikely that fans would fill venues as in past Olympics. "We have to watch the situation and consider accordingly. As of now, full venues is very difficult, I understand that," she said. "There may be a time that we have to decide on the Games behind closed doors, no spectators," she added. But "to the extent possible, as many people as possible should be able to enjoy the Tokyo Games". Organisers also announced new virus rules for athletes including daily antigen virus testing -- up from a previous plan for tests every four days. Unclear or positive results will be followed up with additional tests to confirm. "If you have a confirmed positive test for Covid-19 during the Games... you will not be allowed to compete," an updated virus rule book warns. - 'All necessary measures' - Those deemed "close contacts" of any athlete testing positive may still be able to compete, with their situation assessed on a "case-by-case basis" and depending on "the likelihood of you spreading the virus", the guide added. Athletes are encouraged, but not required, to get vaccinated before the Games, and the restrictions will still apply to those who are inoculated. Olympic organisers hope that bolstering virus rules for the Games will help build support in Japan, where polls show most people back either a cancellation or further delay. Updates to the rules for other Games participants including thousands of foreign media are expected on Friday. "We are ready with you to take all the necessary measures to minimise the risks to make the Japanese people feel safe," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at the start of talks with organisers and Japanese officials. "Our top priority is health and safety for everyone –- not only for the participants of the Olympic Games but, first and foremost, also of our gracious hosts, the Japanese people." Those violating the rules will face a disciplinary committee and could be stripped of their right to compete. Japan has seen a comparatively minor virus outbreak, with just over 10,000 deaths, but it is now battling what experts call a fourth wave of cases. - 'People are anxious' - A new state of emergency was imposed on Tokyo and three other areas on April 25, and the government's top medical adviser warned Wednesday that discussions should start soon on how the Games could be held if infections remain high by the summer. "What's very important is the situation of the infections and how overwhelmed the medical system is," Shigeru Omi told parliament in response to a question from an opposition lawmaker. "I think it is time to discuss the Olympics," he added, while stopping short of calling for either a postponement or cancellation. Olympic officials insist the Games can still be held safely, with Hashimoto last week saying organisers are "not thinking about cancellation". And Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto also ruled out a further delay to the Games on Wednesday. "That's something we've never discussed with the IOC or others," he said, noting that the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and 2024 Paris Games leave little room for further postponement. Hashimoto also defended the decision to keep moving ahead, telling reporters "there are so many people who are looking forward to the Games", while acknowledging "there are a lot of people who are anxious". "That's the reality, and we need to look at both sides," she added. Olympic chiefs took the unprecedented decision to ban overseas fans in March, in a bid to reduce virus risks. Domestic ticket sales have not yet resumed after last year's postponement. Organisers said around 4.48 million tickets had been sold in Japan, and nearly a million for the Paralympics. Tickets purchased by overseas fans are being refunded, and organisers have also said that anyone who bought tickets in Japan is eligible for a refund if crowd numbers are cut. nf-amk-sah/kaf/jfx

Full venues at Tokyo Olympics 'very difficult': organisers

A South Korean court on Wednesday upheld Japan's state immunity to dismiss a lawsuit raised by a group of women, who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, contradicting a ruling in a separate earlier case that ordered Tokyo to compensate victims. &nbsp;

Remnants of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula remain contentious for both sides, with many surviving 'comfort women', a Japanese euphemism for the sex abuse victims, demanding Tokyo's formal apology and compensation.&nbsp;

Diplomatic tension flared in January when another judge at the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favour of other women in a separate case, ordering Japan to pay compensation for the first time. That verdict had drawn a rebuke from Tokyo, which says the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and a 2015 deal.&nbsp;

But on Wednesday, a judge at the same court recognised Japan's right to state immunity from overseas lawsuits, contradicting the January ruling that Japan could not assert immunity for 'a crime against humanity’. &nbsp;

"If an exception on state immunity is acknowledged, a diplomatic clash would be inevitable during the process of forcing the ruling’s implementation," judge Min Seong-cheol said, dismissing the latest case brought by the 20 ‘comfort women’ victims and their relatives. &nbsp;

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said after Wednesday's ruling that the Japanese government cannot be subject to South Korean jurisdiction and the entire lawsuit should be dropped. &nbsp;

"As the Japanese government, we will continue to strongly ask the South Korean side for an appropriate action," Kato said, during a regular briefing.&nbsp;

Lee Yong-soo, a 'comfort women' victim and one of the plaintiffs, called the ruling 'absurd, nonsense’, saying she would seek international litigation over the case. &nbsp;

Justice Min also said the issue should be resolved via diplomatic consultations, and the 2015 agreement could provide the groundwork for a solution despite some flaws in negotiations. &nbsp;

Under that deal, Tokyo issued an official apology and provided 1 billion yen ($9.3 million) to a fund to help comfort women victims, with both sides promising to 'irreversibly' end the dispute.&nbsp;

But some victims, including Lee, had rejected the settlement saying the government did not sufficiently consult them during the negotiations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A South Korean court on Wednesday upheld Japan's state immunity to dismiss a lawsuit raised by a group of women, who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, contradicting a ruling in a separate earlier case that ordered Tokyo to compensate victims.

A South Korean court on Wednesday upheld Japan's state immunity to dismiss a lawsuit raised by a group of women, who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, contradicting a ruling in a separate earlier case that ordered Tokyo to compensate victims. Remnants of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula remain contentious for both sides, with many surviving 'comfort women', a Japanese euphemism for the sex abuse victims, demanding Tokyo's formal apology and compensation. Diplomatic tension flared in January when another judge at the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favour of other women in a separate case, ordering Japan to pay compensation for the first time. That verdict had drawn a rebuke from Tokyo, which says the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and a 2015 deal. But on Wednesday, a judge at the same court recognised Japan's right to state immunity from overseas lawsuits, contradicting the January ruling that Japan could not assert immunity for 'a crime against humanity’. "If an exception on state immunity is acknowledged, a diplomatic clash would be inevitable during the process of forcing the ruling’s implementation," judge Min Seong-cheol said, dismissing the latest case brought by the 20 ‘comfort women’ victims and their relatives. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said after Wednesday's ruling that the Japanese government cannot be subject to South Korean jurisdiction and the entire lawsuit should be dropped. "As the Japanese government, we will continue to strongly ask the South Korean side for an appropriate action," Kato said, during a regular briefing. Lee Yong-soo, a 'comfort women' victim and one of the plaintiffs, called the ruling 'absurd, nonsense’, saying she would seek international litigation over the case. Justice Min also said the issue should be resolved via diplomatic consultations, and the 2015 agreement could provide the groundwork for a solution despite some flaws in negotiations. Under that deal, Tokyo issued an official apology and provided 1 billion yen ($9.3 million) to a fund to help comfort women victims, with both sides promising to 'irreversibly' end the dispute. But some victims, including Lee, had rejected the settlement saying the government did not sufficiently consult them during the negotiations. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean court dismisses lawsuit by 'comfort women', contradicts earlier ruling 

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials. Biden's top emissaries are in Taiwan to discuss military situation vis-a-vis China. And tomorrow, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will be at the White House. On the agenda, once again, is China.

US appears to be doing a balancing act. Will this approach work or is&nbsp;confrontation inevitable?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-bidens-new-rules-of-engagement-for-china-377834/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Timing of John Kerry's Shanghai visit is crucial. Biden is due to hold a climate summit of 40 countries next week. Kerry's mission is hence very important. The US Wants China to control its emissions, give-up coal-fired power stations and stop financing coal ventures abroad.

It's ironic, because the US and China are the world's worst polluters. A global summit would not be needed if these two nations cut their emissions.

America, quite hypocritically, will pollute and also preach. So Kerry is in China to convince it to cut emissions. It won't be easy and the reasons are as much political as financial.

Financial because switching to green energy will need investments. Political, because why should China listen to America, when America doesn't listen to China on Taiwan?

Moreover, Kerry's visit is coinciding with another American mission. A delegation has touched down in Taipei.

This is Joe Biden's first unofficial delegation to Taiwan. A former lawmaker and two former senior state department officials are part of it.

Over the next three days, they will meet senior Taiwanese officials. Reports say, Taiwan will brief the American side about China's recent provocations. They will also demand more support from Washington.

On Thursday, Biden's emissaries met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

Tsai told the delegation that China's military activities are threatening regional peace and stability.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Biden administration for reiterating on numerous occasions the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan strait. Recently we have seen that China has frequently dispatched military vessels and aircraft to carry out manoeuvres in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. These actions alter the status quo in the indo-pacific and threaten regional peace and stability," said Tsai Ing-wen.

This couldn't go unnoticed in Beijing. Earlier today, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a response.

It told the US to 'Take caution' and adhere to the One China principle.

The same old line. But accompanied by new provocations.

This month, &nbsp;25 Chinese warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence zone. This was the largest incursion in months. And it wasn't the only provocation. The Chinese Navy conducted drills in the Taiwan strait.

The threat is serious. The US Intelligence community has come up with a report. It decodes China's military assertiveness in several regional disputes. The American assessment says there could be two reasons behind China's aggression.

One, Beijing wants to use military actions to demonstrate strength. Two, Beijing wants to compel neighbours to accept its claims over disputed territory.

"China is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbors to acquiesce to beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan," said Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence.

These aggressive actions against Taiwan are expected to come up on Friday as well.&nbsp;

That's when the third big meeting will take place. Joe Biden will sit down with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga in Washington. Reports say China is expected to dominate the talks. The US wants Japan to back Taiwan.

Biden wants Suga to issue a joint statement of support to Taiwan.

This is tricky, because Japan has its own territorial dispute with China over Senkaku Islands. And a joint statement on Taiwan will only further aggravate the situation with China.

So three meetings, one agenda. Getting china to come to heel. This could prove to be biden's biggest test so far.

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials.

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials. Biden's top emissaries are in Taiwan to discuss military situation vis-a-vis China. And tomorrow, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will be at the White House. On the agenda, once again, is China. US appears to be doing a balancing act. Will this approach work or is confrontation inevitable? Timing of John Kerry's Shanghai visit is crucial. Biden is due to hold a climate summit of 40 countries next week. Kerry's mission is hence very important. The US Wants China to control its emissions, give-up coal-fired power stations and stop financing coal ventures abroad. It's ironic, because the US and China are the world's worst polluters. A global summit would not be needed if these two nations cut their emissions. America, quite hypocritically, will pollute and also preach. So Kerry is in China to convince it to cut emissions. It won't be easy and the reasons are as much political as financial. Financial because switching to green energy will need investments. Political, because why should China listen to America, when America doesn't listen to China on Taiwan? Moreover, Kerry's visit is coinciding with another American mission. A delegation has touched down in Taipei. This is Joe Biden's first unofficial delegation to Taiwan. A former lawmaker and two former senior state department officials are part of it. Over the next three days, they will meet senior Taiwanese officials. Reports say, Taiwan will brief the American side about China's recent provocations. They will also demand more support from Washington. On Thursday, Biden's emissaries met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai told the delegation that China's military activities are threatening regional peace and stability. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Biden administration for reiterating on numerous occasions the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan strait. Recently we have seen that China has frequently dispatched military vessels and aircraft to carry out manoeuvres in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. These actions alter the status quo in the indo-pacific and threaten regional peace and stability," said Tsai Ing-wen. This couldn't go unnoticed in Beijing. Earlier today, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a response. It told the US to 'Take caution' and adhere to the One China principle. The same old line. But accompanied by new provocations. This month, 25 Chinese warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence zone. This was the largest incursion in months. And it wasn't the only provocation. The Chinese Navy conducted drills in the Taiwan strait. The threat is serious. The US Intelligence community has come up with a report. It decodes China's military assertiveness in several regional disputes. The American assessment says there could be two reasons behind China's aggression. One, Beijing wants to use military actions to demonstrate strength. Two, Beijing wants to compel neighbours to accept its claims over disputed territory. "China is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbors to acquiesce to beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan," said Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence. These aggressive actions against Taiwan are expected to come up on Friday as well. That's when the third big meeting will take place. Joe Biden will sit down with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga in Washington. Reports say China is expected to dominate the talks. The US wants Japan to back Taiwan. Biden wants Suga to issue a joint statement of support to Taiwan. This is tricky, because Japan has its own territorial dispute with China over Senkaku Islands. And a joint statement on Taiwan will only further aggravate the situation with China. So three meetings, one agenda. Getting china to come to heel. This could prove to be biden's biggest test so far.

US tries a balancing act vis-a-vis China

A senior Japanese ruling party official said on Thursday that cancelling this year's Olympics in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;remains an option if the coronavirus crisis becomes too dire, dropping a bomb on a hot-button issue and sending social media into a frenzy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/training-or-terror-chinas-state-sports-system-turning-kids-into-factory-products-377634" hreflang="en">Training or terror? China's state sports system turning kids into factory products</a>

"If it seems impossible to do it any more, then we have to stop, decisively," Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, said in comments to broadcaster TBS.

Cancellation is "of course" an option, he said, adding: "If the Olympics were to spread infection, then what are the Olympics for?"

With the country in the midst of a fourth wave of coronavirus infections, doubts over whether&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;would be able to host the Summer Games - already an unpopular idea with the public - have resurfaced in recent weeks.

But government and organising officials have consistently insisted the Games would go ahead, and the fact that a ruling party heavyweight made the comment was enough to give his comments top billing on domestic news. "Olympics Cancelled" was trending on Twitter in Japan with more than 45,000 tweets from users as of Thursday afternoon.

"If this person says it, Olympics cancellation looks like a reality," tweeted @marumaru_clm in reference to Nikai, who is a key backer of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and is known for his frank comments.

"Yay! This is great! Finally, it's cancelled, cancelled, cancelled!" tweeted another user, @haruha3156.

Nikai later issued a written statement to explain his stance.

"I want the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics and Paralympics to succeed," the statement said. "At the same time, to the question of whether we would host the (Games) no matter what, that is not the case. That's what I meant by my comments."

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;government declined to comment, while the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 organising committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Japan is grappling with rising COVID-19 infections, with new cases in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;jumping to 729 on Thursday, the most since early February.&nbsp;Tokyo, Osaka and several other prefectures entered a quasi-state of emergency this month, asking bars and restaurants to shorten their hours.

Still, the government is pushing ahead with preparations incorporating social distancing measures and other restrictions for the postponed Games, which are set to begin on July 23 and will be held without international spectators. A scaled-back torch relay is already underway.

"We'll hold (the Games) in a way that's feasible," Taro Kono, a popular minister in charge of Japan's vaccination drive, said on a separate TV programme, according to Kyodo News. "That may be without spectators," he added.

Japan's top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, acknowledged the pandemic had entered a fourth wave, driven by mutant strains, with Kyoto University professor Hiroshi Nishiura urging in a magazine commentary that the Olympics be postponed.

Akira Koike, an opposition lawmaker with the Japanese Communist Party, reacted to Nikai's comments on Twitter saying that holding the event was already "impossible" and that a swift decision on cancellation should be made.

Cancelling or postponing the Games would probably not hurt Japan's economy much but would have a larger effect on&nbsp;Tokyo's service sector, a senior International Monetary Fund official said on Wednesday.

A senior Japanese ruling party official said on Thursday that cancelling this year's Olympics in Tokyo remains an option if the coronavirus crisis becomes too dire, dropping a bomb on a hot-button issue and sending social media into a frenzy.

A senior Japanese ruling party official said on Thursday that cancelling this year's Olympics in Tokyo remains an option if the coronavirus crisis becomes too dire, dropping a bomb on a hot-button issue and sending social media into a frenzy. ALSO READ: Training or terror? China's state sports system turning kids into factory products "If it seems impossible to do it any more, then we have to stop, decisively," Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, said in comments to broadcaster TBS. Cancellation is "of course" an option, he said, adding: "If the Olympics were to spread infection, then what are the Olympics for?" With the country in the midst of a fourth wave of coronavirus infections, doubts over whether Tokyo would be able to host the Summer Games - already an unpopular idea with the public - have resurfaced in recent weeks. But government and organising officials have consistently insisted the Games would go ahead, and the fact that a ruling party heavyweight made the comment was enough to give his comments top billing on domestic news. "Olympics Cancelled" was trending on Twitter in Japan with more than 45,000 tweets from users as of Thursday afternoon. "If this person says it, Olympics cancellation looks like a reality," tweeted @marumaru_clm in reference to Nikai, who is a key backer of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and is known for his frank comments. "Yay! This is great! Finally, it's cancelled, cancelled, cancelled!" tweeted another user, @haruha3156. Nikai later issued a written statement to explain his stance. "I want the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to succeed," the statement said. "At the same time, to the question of whether we would host the (Games) no matter what, that is not the case. That's what I meant by my comments." The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the Tokyo government declined to comment, while the Tokyo 2020 organising committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Japan is grappling with rising COVID-19 infections, with new cases in Tokyo jumping to 729 on Thursday, the most since early February. Tokyo, Osaka and several other prefectures entered a quasi-state of emergency this month, asking bars and restaurants to shorten their hours. Still, the government is pushing ahead with preparations incorporating social distancing measures and other restrictions for the postponed Games, which are set to begin on July 23 and will be held without international spectators. A scaled-back torch relay is already underway. "We'll hold (the Games) in a way that's feasible," Taro Kono, a popular minister in charge of Japan's vaccination drive, said on a separate TV programme, according to Kyodo News. "That may be without spectators," he added. Japan's top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, acknowledged the pandemic had entered a fourth wave, driven by mutant strains, with Kyoto University professor Hiroshi Nishiura urging in a magazine commentary that the Olympics be postponed. Akira Koike, an opposition lawmaker with the Japanese Communist Party, reacted to Nikai's comments on Twitter saying that holding the event was already "impossible" and that a swift decision on cancellation should be made. Cancelling or postponing the Games would probably not hurt Japan's economy much but would have a larger effect on Tokyo's service sector, a senior International Monetary Fund official said on Wednesday.

Are the Olympics being cancelled? It remains an option, says Japanese official

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington.&nbsp;

Suga was addressing his ruling Liberal Democratic Party's annual convention, just hours ahead of the planned lifting of a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo region.&nbsp;

Suga said after the state of emergency is lifted is 'an extremely important time' for virus prevention.&nbsp;

"We must not put our guards down ... To prevent the infections from rebounding," he said.&nbsp;

Suga on Thursday announced that the months-long emergency measures for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama would end at midnight on Sunday, a move underscoring his government's eagerness to minimise burdens on businesses and keep the economy going, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential for an upsurge.&nbsp;

The lifting of the measure comes just days before the Olympic torch relay starts from Fukushima, northeast of Tokyo and the site of the 2011 nuclear crisis, as a symbol of reconstruction.&nbsp;

Suga renewed his pledge to achieve the Olympics in July as 'a proof of the victory against the coronavirus', after its one-year postponement due to the pandemic. Olympic officials decided on Saturday to bar spectators from abroad.&nbsp;

"We will deliver courage and hope from Japan to the world," Suga said.&nbsp;

Suga also wants to keep the infections low ahead of his planned Washington visit in early April for his first in-person summit with President Joe Biden. He will be the first foreign leader to meet in person, underscoring the importance of the Japan-US Alliance.&nbsp;

Suga, who received the first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine last week, said he looks forward to discussing pandemic measures, as well as cooperation in dealing with China's growing influence in the region.&nbsp;

"We would still face ups and downs, but we will surely find a light ahead of us," Suga said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington. Suga was addressing his ruling Liberal Democratic Party's annual convention, just hours ahead of the planned lifting of a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo region. Suga said after the state of emergency is lifted is 'an extremely important time' for virus prevention. "We must not put our guards down ... To prevent the infections from rebounding," he said. Suga on Thursday announced that the months-long emergency measures for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama would end at midnight on Sunday, a move underscoring his government's eagerness to minimise burdens on businesses and keep the economy going, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential for an upsurge. The lifting of the measure comes just days before the Olympic torch relay starts from Fukushima, northeast of Tokyo and the site of the 2011 nuclear crisis, as a symbol of reconstruction. Suga renewed his pledge to achieve the Olympics in July as 'a proof of the victory against the coronavirus', after its one-year postponement due to the pandemic. Olympic officials decided on Saturday to bar spectators from abroad. "We will deliver courage and hope from Japan to the world," Suga said. Suga also wants to keep the infections low ahead of his planned Washington visit in early April for his first in-person summit with President Joe Biden. He will be the first foreign leader to meet in person, underscoring the importance of the Japan-US Alliance. Suga, who received the first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine last week, said he looks forward to discussing pandemic measures, as well as cooperation in dealing with China's growing influence in the region. "We would still face ups and downs, but we will surely find a light ahead of us," Suga said. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM pledges to prevent coronavirus' resurgence as emergency measures end 

Less than five months before the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics Japan is set to partially lift the state of emergency, suggested reports.

Emergency measures are currently in force in 10 regions including Tokyo. The measures are to end on March 7, but they will be lifted just over a week early in around six prefectures, reports said

The greater Tokyo area will stay under the measure as the pace of decline in new infections has slowed, the reports said.

Several prefectures have requested the state of emergency be lifted and the government will present a plan to do so before making a formal decision, top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato told reporters.

A formal announcement is expected later Friday with the measure ending Sunday.

Japan's virus measures have been less strict than in other places, emphasising mask-wearing and ventilation over tough lockdowns.

Earlier this month, parliament passed a new law adding enforcement measures including fines for businesses that do not close early.&nbsp;

The new law took effect 10 days later.

(With AFP inputs)

Less than five months before the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics Japan is set to partially lift the state of emergency, suggested reports. Emergency measures are currently in force in 10 regions including Tokyo.

Less than five months before the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics Japan is set to partially lift the state of emergency, suggested reports. Emergency measures are currently in force in 10 regions including Tokyo. The measures are to end on March 7, but they will be lifted just over a week early in around six prefectures, reports said The greater Tokyo area will stay under the measure as the pace of decline in new infections has slowed, the reports said. Several prefectures have requested the state of emergency be lifted and the government will present a plan to do so before making a formal decision, top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato told reporters. A formal announcement is expected later Friday with the measure ending Sunday. Japan's virus measures have been less strict than in other places, emphasising mask-wearing and ventilation over tough lockdowns. Earlier this month, parliament passed a new law adding enforcement measures including fines for businesses that do not close early. The new law took effect 10 days later. (With AFP inputs)

Japan to partially lift state of emergency called over COVID outbreak

Not long after Japan ramped up its fight against the coronavirus last spring, Nazuna Hashimoto started suffering panic attacks. The gym in Osaka where she worked as a personal trainer suspended operations, and her friends were staying home at the recommendation of the government.

Afraid to be alone, she would call her boyfriend of just a few months and ask him to come over. Even then, she was sometimes unable to stop crying. Her depression, which had been diagnosed earlier in the year, spiraled. “The world I was living in was already small,” she said. “But I felt it become smaller.”

By July, Hashimoto could see no way out, and she tried to kill herself. Her boyfriend found her, called an ambulance and saved her life. She is speaking out publicly about her experience now because she wants to remove the stigma associated with talking about mental health in Japan.

While the pandemic has been difficult for many in Japan, the pressures have been compounded for women. As in many countries, more women have lost their jobs. In Tokyo, the country’s largest metropolis, about 1 in 5 women live alone, and the exhortations to stay home and avoid visiting family have exacerbated feelings of isolation. Other women have struggled with the deep disparities in the division of housework and child care during the work-from-home era, or suffered from a rise in domestic violence and sexual assault.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-appoints-minister-of-loneliness-to-fight-pandemic-driven-isolation-364026">Japan appoints 'Minister of Loneliness' to fight pandemic-driven isolation</a>

The rising psychological and physical toll of the pandemic has been accompanied by a worrisome spike in suicide among women. In Japan, 6,976 women took their lives last year, nearly 15% more than in 2019. It was the first year-over-year increase in more than a decade.

Each suicide — and suicide attempt — represents an individual tragedy rooted in a complex constellation of reasons. But the increase among women, which extended across seven straight months last year, has concerned government officials and mental health experts who have worked to reduce what had been among the highest rates of suicide in the world. (While more men than women killed themselves last year, fewer men did so than in 2019. Overall, suicides increased by slightly less than 4%.)

The situation has reinforced long-standing challenges for Japan. Talking about mental health issues, or seeking help, is still difficult in a society that emphasizes stoicism.

The pandemic has also amplified the stresses in a culture that is grounded in social cohesion and relies on peer pressure to drive compliance with government requests to wear masks and practice good hygiene. Women, who are often designated as primary caregivers, at times fear public humiliation if they somehow fail to uphold these measures or get infected with the coronavirus.

“Women bear the burden of doing virus prevention,” said Yuki Nishimura, a director of the Japanese Association of Mental Health Services. “Women have to look after their families’ health, and they have to look after cleanliness and can get looked down upon if they are not doing it right.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pandemic-raises-japan-suicide-rate-after-decade-of-decline-358517" hreflang="en">Pandemic raises Japan suicide rate after decade of decline</a>

In one widely publicized account, a 30-something woman who had been recuperating from the coronavirus at home killed herself. The Japanese media seized on her note expressing anguish over the possibility that she had infected others and caused them trouble, while experts questioned whether shame may have driven her to despair.

“Unfortunately the current tendency is to blame the victim,” said Michiko Ueda, an associate professor of political science at Waseda University in Tokyo who has researched suicide. Ueda found in surveys last year that 40% of respondents worried about social pressure if they contracted the virus.

“We don’t basically support you if you are not ‘one of us,’” said Ueda. “And if you have mental health issues you are not one of us.”

Experts have also worried that a succession of Japanese film and television stars who took their own lives last year may have spurred a string of copycat suicides. After Yuko Takeuchi, a popular, award-winning actress, took her life in late September, the number of women taking their own lives in the following month jumped by close to 90% compared to the previous year.

Shortly after Takeuchi’s death, Nao, 30, started writing a blog to chronicle her lifelong battles with depression and eating disorders. She wrote candidly about her suicide attempt three years earlier.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-raises-japan-suicide-rate-after-decade-of-decline-358517" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-raises-japan-suicide-rate-after-decade-of-decline-358517&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLvbyH2__uAhWPxjgGHdJcC8s4ChAWMAN6BAgIEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EHco3uKQXqvTpqcnnhg43" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-raises-japan-suicide-rate-after-decade-of-decline-358517" target="_blank">Pandemic raises Japan&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;rate after decade of decline</a>

Such openness about mental health struggles is still relatively rare in Japan. The celebrity suicides prompted Nao, whose family name has been withheld at her request to protect her privacy, to reflect on how she might have reacted if she had hit her emotional nadir during the pandemic.

“When you’re at home alone, you feel very isolated from society and that feeling is really painful,” she said. “Just imagining if I was in that situation right now, I think the suicide attempt would have happened a lot earlier, and probably I think I would have succeeded.”

Writing about her challenges, Nao, who is now married, said she wanted to help others who might be feeling desperate, particularly at a time when so many people are sequestered from friends and colleagues.

“Knowing someone went through or is going through something similar as you — and knowing that someone is seeking professional help for that and that it actually helped — would encourage people to do a similar thing,” said Nao, who said she wanted to help remove the taboos associated with mental illness in Japan.

Nao’s husband could see how much she struggled with the long working hours and brutal office culture at the consulting firm where they first met. Then when she quit, she felt adrift.

During the pandemic, women have suffered disproportionate job losses. They made up the bulk of employees within the industries most affected by infection control measures, including restaurants, bars and hotels.

About half of all working women hold part-time or contract jobs, and when business flatlined, companies cut those employees first. In the first nine months of last year, 1.44 million such workers lost their jobs, more than half of them women.

Although Nao quit her consulting job voluntarily to seek psychiatric treatment, she remembers feeling wracked with insecurity, no longer able to pay her rent. When she and her then-fiancé decided to accelerate their wedding plans, her father accused her of being selfish.

“I just felt like I lost everything,” she recalled.

Those feelings, she said, triggered the depression that led to her suicide attempt. After spending some time in a psychiatric hospital and continuing medication, her self-confidence improved. She found a four-day-a-week job working in the digital operation of a magazine group and is now able to manage the workload.

In the past, suicide rates in Japan have spiked during times of economic crisis, including after the burst of the property-based bubble in the 1990s and the global downturn in 2008.

During those periods, it was men who were most affected by job losses and who killed themselves at higher rates. Historically, suicides among men in Japan have outnumbered those among women by a factor of at least 2-1.

“They became more desperate after losing their jobs or fortunes,” said Testuya Matsubayashi, a professor of political science at Osaka University who specializes in social epidemiology.

Last year, Matsubayashi noted that in those Japanese prefectures with the highest unemployment rates, suicides among women under 40 rose the most. More than two-thirds of the women who killed themselves in 2020 were unemployed.

Among women under 40, suicides rose by close to 25%, and among adolescents, the number of high school girls taking their lives doubled last year.

In Hashimoto’s case, fears of financial dependence contributed to her sense of hopelessness.

Even when the gym where she worked as a personal trainer reopened, she did not feel emotionally stable enough to return. She then felt guilty about relying on her boyfriend, emotionally and financially.

She had met Nozomu Takeda, 23, who works in the construction industry, at the gym, where he was her training client. They had been dating only three months when she confided that her depression was becoming untenable.

Unable to afford therapy and suffering severe anxiety attacks, she said she identified with others who “felt very pushed into a corner.”

When she attempted suicide, all she could think about was freeing Takeda from the responsibility of taking care of her. “I wanted to take the burden off him,” she said.

Even those who have not lost jobs may have come under extra stress. Before the pandemic, working from home was extremely rare in Japan. Then women suddenly had to worry not only about pleasing their bosses from afar, but also about juggling new safety and hygiene protocols for their children, or protecting elderly parents who were more vulnerable to the virus.

The expectations to excel did not change, but their contact with friends and other support networks diminished.

“If they can’t get together with other people or share their stresses with other people, then it’s not really surprising” that they are feeling pressured or depressed, said Kumiko Nemoto, a professor of sociology at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.

Having survived her own suicide attempt, Hashimoto now wants to help others learn to talk through their emotional problems and connect them to professionals.

Takeda says he appreciates how Hashimoto speaks openly about her depression. “She is the type of person who really shares what she needs and what is wrong,” he said. “So it was very easy for me to support her because she vocalizes what she needs.”

Together, the couple developed an app, which they are calling Bloste (short for “blow off steam”), to match therapists with those seeking counseling. Hashimoto is trying to recruit both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers, who are more likely to charge affordable rates for young clients.

Eventually, she would like to train as a therapist herself, with a special focus on women.

“The country has mainly focused on moving women up the career ladder and their economic well-being,” Hashimoto said. “But I would like to emphasize women’s mental health.”

—

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). In Japan, contact TELL Lifeline at 03-5774-0992 or telljp.com/lifeline/, or go to the Japanese-language site inochinodenwa.org. You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.

Not long after Japan ramped up its fight against the coronavirus last spring, Nazuna Hashimoto started suffering panic attacks. The gym in Osaka where she worked as a personal trainer suspended operations, and her friends were staying home at the recommendation of the government.

Not long after Japan ramped up its fight against the coronavirus last spring, Nazuna Hashimoto started suffering panic attacks. The gym in Osaka where she worked as a personal trainer suspended operations, and her friends were staying home at the recommendation of the government. Afraid to be alone, she would call her boyfriend of just a few months and ask him to come over. Even then, she was sometimes unable to stop crying. Her depression, which had been diagnosed earlier in the year, spiraled. “The world I was living in was already small,” she said. “But I felt it become smaller.” By July, Hashimoto could see no way out, and she tried to kill herself. Her boyfriend found her, called an ambulance and saved her life. She is speaking out publicly about her experience now because she wants to remove the stigma associated with talking about mental health in Japan. While the pandemic has been difficult for many in Japan, the pressures have been compounded for women. As in many countries, more women have lost their jobs. In Tokyo, the country’s largest metropolis, about 1 in 5 women live alone, and the exhortations to stay home and avoid visiting family have exacerbated feelings of isolation. Other women have struggled with the deep disparities in the division of housework and child care during the work-from-home era, or suffered from a rise in domestic violence and sexual assault. Also read| Japan appoints 'Minister of Loneliness' to fight pandemic-driven isolation The rising psychological and physical toll of the pandemic has been accompanied by a worrisome spike in suicide among women. In Japan, 6,976 women took their lives last year, nearly 15% more than in 2019. It was the first year-over-year increase in more than a decade. Each suicide — and suicide attempt — represents an individual tragedy rooted in a complex constellation of reasons. But the increase among women, which extended across seven straight months last year, has concerned government officials and mental health experts who have worked to reduce what had been among the highest rates of suicide in the world. (While more men than women killed themselves last year, fewer men did so than in 2019. Overall, suicides increased by slightly less than 4%.) The situation has reinforced long-standing challenges for Japan. Talking about mental health issues, or seeking help, is still difficult in a society that emphasizes stoicism. The pandemic has also amplified the stresses in a culture that is grounded in social cohesion and relies on peer pressure to drive compliance with government requests to wear masks and practice good hygiene. Women, who are often designated as primary caregivers, at times fear public humiliation if they somehow fail to uphold these measures or get infected with the coronavirus. “Women bear the burden of doing virus prevention,” said Yuki Nishimura, a director of the Japanese Association of Mental Health Services. “Women have to look after their families’ health, and they have to look after cleanliness and can get looked down upon if they are not doing it right.” Also read| Pandemic raises Japan suicide rate after decade of decline In one widely publicized account, a 30-something woman who had been recuperating from the coronavirus at home killed herself. The Japanese media seized on her note expressing anguish over the possibility that she had infected others and caused them trouble, while experts questioned whether shame may have driven her to despair. “Unfortunately the current tendency is to blame the victim,” said Michiko Ueda, an associate professor of political science at Waseda University in Tokyo who has researched suicide. Ueda found in surveys last year that 40% of respondents worried about social pressure if they contracted the virus. “We don’t basically support you if you are not ‘one of us,’” said Ueda. “And if you have mental health issues you are not one of us.” Experts have also worried that a succession of Japanese film and television stars who took their own lives last year may have spurred a string of copycat suicides. After Yuko Takeuchi, a popular, award-winning actress, took her life in late September, the number of women taking their own lives in the following month jumped by close to 90% compared to the previous year. Shortly after Takeuchi’s death, Nao, 30, started writing a blog to chronicle her lifelong battles with depression and eating disorders. She wrote candidly about her suicide attempt three years earlier. Also read| Pandemic raises Japan suicide rate after decade of decline Such openness about mental health struggles is still relatively rare in Japan. The celebrity suicides prompted Nao, whose family name has been withheld at her request to protect her privacy, to reflect on how she might have reacted if she had hit her emotional nadir during the pandemic. “When you’re at home alone, you feel very isolated from society and that feeling is really painful,” she said. “Just imagining if I was in that situation right now, I think the suicide attempt would have happened a lot earlier, and probably I think I would have succeeded.” Writing about her challenges, Nao, who is now married, said she wanted to help others who might be feeling desperate, particularly at a time when so many people are sequestered from friends and colleagues. “Knowing someone went through or is going through something similar as you — and knowing that someone is seeking professional help for that and that it actually helped — would encourage people to do a similar thing,” said Nao, who said she wanted to help remove the taboos associated with mental illness in Japan. Nao’s husband could see how much she struggled with the long working hours and brutal office culture at the consulting firm where they first met. Then when she quit, she felt adrift. During the pandemic, women have suffered disproportionate job losses. They made up the bulk of employees within the industries most affected by infection control measures, including restaurants, bars and hotels. About half of all working women hold part-time or contract jobs, and when business flatlined, companies cut those employees first. In the first nine months of last year, 1.44 million such workers lost their jobs, more than half of them women. Although Nao quit her consulting job voluntarily to seek psychiatric treatment, she remembers feeling wracked with insecurity, no longer able to pay her rent. When she and her then-fiancé decided to accelerate their wedding plans, her father accused her of being selfish. “I just felt like I lost everything,” she recalled. Those feelings, she said, triggered the depression that led to her suicide attempt. After spending some time in a psychiatric hospital and continuing medication, her self-confidence improved. She found a four-day-a-week job working in the digital operation of a magazine group and is now able to manage the workload. In the past, suicide rates in Japan have spiked during times of economic crisis, including after the burst of the property-based bubble in the 1990s and the global downturn in 2008. During those periods, it was men who were most affected by job losses and who killed themselves at higher rates. Historically, suicides among men in Japan have outnumbered those among women by a factor of at least 2-1. “They became more desperate after losing their jobs or fortunes,” said Testuya Matsubayashi, a professor of political science at Osaka University who specializes in social epidemiology. Last year, Matsubayashi noted that in those Japanese prefectures with the highest unemployment rates, suicides among women under 40 rose the most. More than two-thirds of the women who killed themselves in 2020 were unemployed. Among women under 40, suicides rose by close to 25%, and among adolescents, the number of high school girls taking their lives doubled last year. In Hashimoto’s case, fears of financial dependence contributed to her sense of hopelessness. Even when the gym where she worked as a personal trainer reopened, she did not feel emotionally stable enough to return. She then felt guilty about relying on her boyfriend, emotionally and financially. She had met Nozomu Takeda, 23, who works in the construction industry, at the gym, where he was her training client. They had been dating only three months when she confided that her depression was becoming untenable. Unable to afford therapy and suffering severe anxiety attacks, she said she identified with others who “felt very pushed into a corner.” When she attempted suicide, all she could think about was freeing Takeda from the responsibility of taking care of her. “I wanted to take the burden off him,” she said. Even those who have not lost jobs may have come under extra stress. Before the pandemic, working from home was extremely rare in Japan. Then women suddenly had to worry not only about pleasing their bosses from afar, but also about juggling new safety and hygiene protocols for their children, or protecting elderly parents who were more vulnerable to the virus. The expectations to excel did not change, but their contact with friends and other support networks diminished. “If they can’t get together with other people or share their stresses with other people, then it’s not really surprising” that they are feeling pressured or depressed, said Kumiko Nemoto, a professor of sociology at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. Having survived her own suicide attempt, Hashimoto now wants to help others learn to talk through their emotional problems and connect them to professionals. Takeda says he appreciates how Hashimoto speaks openly about her depression. “She is the type of person who really shares what she needs and what is wrong,” he said. “So it was very easy for me to support her because she vocalizes what she needs.” Together, the couple developed an app, which they are calling Bloste (short for “blow off steam”), to match therapists with those seeking counseling. Hashimoto is trying to recruit both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers, who are more likely to charge affordable rates for young clients. Eventually, she would like to train as a therapist herself, with a special focus on women. “The country has mainly focused on moving women up the career ladder and their economic well-being,” Hashimoto said. “But I would like to emphasize women’s mental health.” — If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). In Japan, contact TELL Lifeline at 03-5774-0992 or telljp.com/lifeline/, or go to the Japanese-language site inochinodenwa.org. You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.

As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women

As the cases surge, Japan's Prime Minister&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga is mulling declaring a state of emergency in the greater Tokyo area amid rising concerns of a "very severe" third wave of the novel coronavirus infections.

"The national government will consider issuing a state of emergency," Suga said in a daily press conference. He also added that the vaccination drives will begin in the country in late February and also reported that he will be among the first ones to receive the vaccine to assure citizens there is nothing to worry about.

"Initially, we wish to start vaccination of medical workers, the elderly and those who work at elderly care facilities," he said. "I will also take the lead in getting vaccinated."

While he has shown confidence in the developing and developed vaccines, he has urged locals to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping out. he has also requested people to not to step out for non-essential work.

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The Japanese government is also aiming to introduce legislation to penalise businesses that will be found guilty of not adhering to coronavirus guidelines such as the shortened working hours of businesses and capped entry of people in shops and restaurants.

While the country awaits a final decision on a national lockdown, Suga has assured people that "limited and focused measures" will be effective, but has denied giving any further clarifications.

Suga's statement has come a few days after the Tokyo governor&nbsp;Yuriko Koike and leaders of three other neighbouring regions called on the central government urging them to impose a state of emergency in the respective areas.

However, the central government has been hesitant about imposing a state of emergency fearing another downward spiral in the national economy that Suga has struggled with since he joined the office in September. Suga, although, now feels "a stronger message was necessary".

The biggest concern for Suga's government right now is the upcoming Tokyo Olympics which are scheduled in less than six months. The Olympics were scheduled to be held in 2020 but were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to huge losses for the country. This year, however, Suga has announced that his government does not plan to push the much-awaited event any further and believes the Games will be "proof that mankind overcame the virus".

As the cases surge, Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is mulling declaring a state of emergency in the greater Tokyo area amid rising concerns of a "very severe" third wave of the novel coronavirus infections.

As the cases surge, Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is mulling declaring a state of emergency in the greater Tokyo area amid rising concerns of a "very severe" third wave of the novel coronavirus infections. "The national government will consider issuing a state of emergency," Suga said in a daily press conference. He also added that the vaccination drives will begin in the country in late February and also reported that he will be among the first ones to receive the vaccine to assure citizens there is nothing to worry about. "Initially, we wish to start vaccination of medical workers, the elderly and those who work at elderly care facilities," he said. "I will also take the lead in getting vaccinated." While he has shown confidence in the developing and developed vaccines, he has urged locals to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping out. he has also requested people to not to step out for non-essential work. WATCH| × The Japanese government is also aiming to introduce legislation to penalise businesses that will be found guilty of not adhering to coronavirus guidelines such as the shortened working hours of businesses and capped entry of people in shops and restaurants. While the country awaits a final decision on a national lockdown, Suga has assured people that "limited and focused measures" will be effective, but has denied giving any further clarifications. Suga's statement has come a few days after the Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike and leaders of three other neighbouring regions called on the central government urging them to impose a state of emergency in the respective areas. However, the central government has been hesitant about imposing a state of emergency fearing another downward spiral in the national economy that Suga has struggled with since he joined the office in September. Suga, although, now feels "a stronger message was necessary". The biggest concern for Suga's government right now is the upcoming Tokyo Olympics which are scheduled in less than six months. The Olympics were scheduled to be held in 2020 but were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to huge losses for the country. This year, however, Suga has announced that his government does not plan to push the much-awaited event any further and believes the Games will be "proof that mankind overcame the virus".

Japan's PM mulls over state of emergency amid rising coronavirus cases

India and Japan have finalised text of the cybersecurity agreement that promotes cooperation in security and resilience in the areas of Critical Information Infrastructure, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Earlier on Wednesday in Tokyo, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Japanese FM Motegi Toshimitsu for the 13th India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. EAM is on a 2 day Japan visit, and on the first day participated in the Quad--India, Japan, US, Australia FMs meet.

During the meet, the Indian read out said, both the ministers emphasized that a "free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" must be premised on "diversified and resilient supply chains" and welcomed the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative between India, Japan, Australia agreed last month.

Both sides reaffirmed "similarities in their respective Indo-Pacific visions," that are based on "rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity". The calls for respect for territorial integrity comes amid Chinese aggressiveness, in South China Sea, with India at Line of Actual control in Eastern Ladakh and with Japan in Senkaku Islands.

Japan has agreed to be the "lead partner in the connectivity pillar" of the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). The initiative was proposed by Indian PM in November at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok.

Other key issues discussed between the 2 foreign ministers were UN Reforms, North Korea developments.

India and Japan have finalised text of the cybersecurity agreement that promotes cooperation in security and resilience in the areas of Critical Information Infrastructure, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI).

India and Japan have finalised text of the cybersecurity agreement that promotes cooperation in security and resilience in the areas of Critical Information Infrastructure, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI). Earlier on Wednesday in Tokyo, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Japanese FM Motegi Toshimitsu for the 13th India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. EAM is on a 2 day Japan visit, and on the first day participated in the Quad--India, Japan, US, Australia FMs meet. During the meet, the Indian read out said, both the ministers emphasized that a "free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" must be premised on "diversified and resilient supply chains" and welcomed the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative between India, Japan, Australia agreed last month. Both sides reaffirmed "similarities in their respective Indo-Pacific visions," that are based on "rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity". The calls for respect for territorial integrity comes amid Chinese aggressiveness, in South China Sea, with India at Line of Actual control in Eastern Ladakh and with Japan in Senkaku Islands. Japan has agreed to be the "lead partner in the connectivity pillar" of the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). The initiative was proposed by Indian PM in November at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok. Other key issues discussed between the 2 foreign ministers were UN Reforms, North Korea developments.

India and Japan agree on cyber security agreement on 5G, AI cooperation 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held-wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, covering entire gamut of bilateral ties including expansion of India-Japan collaboration in third countries.

In the talks held under the framework of strategic dialogue, the two foreign ministers also deliberated on long-pending reform of the United Nations and ways to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The external affairs minister tweeted that the talks covered cooperation in areas of manufacturing, skill development, infrastructure, information and communication technology and health.

He also said that the "special partnership" between India and Japan can make a big difference in post-COVID recovery.

The security dialogue took place a day after talks among the foreign ministers of the Quadrilateral coalition comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia.

"Explored further expansion of our third country collaboration, with focus on development projects. Reviewed global situation and developments pertaining to UN reform. Our shared commitment can help realise stability, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar said Last month, Jaishankar had said that India and Japan were looking at working together in third countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar reflecting growing congruence of their strategic interests.

The ties between the two countries are expanding at a rapid pace including in defence and security, manufacturing and information and communication technology.

The two countries are also cooperating in developing 5G technology in an apparent attempt to counter China's growing prowess in the area.

Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific also has emerged as a key focus area of the two countries in the wake of China's rising muscle flexing in the region.

Jaishankar and Motegi are also understood to have discussed preparations for the annual India-Japan summit which is likely to take place by end of this year.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held-wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, covering entire gamut of bilateral ties including expansion of India-Japan collaboration in third countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held-wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, covering entire gamut of bilateral ties including expansion of India-Japan collaboration in third countries. In the talks held under the framework of strategic dialogue, the two foreign ministers also deliberated on long-pending reform of the United Nations and ways to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The external affairs minister tweeted that the talks covered cooperation in areas of manufacturing, skill development, infrastructure, information and communication technology and health. He also said that the "special partnership" between India and Japan can make a big difference in post-COVID recovery. The security dialogue took place a day after talks among the foreign ministers of the Quadrilateral coalition comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia. "Explored further expansion of our third country collaboration, with focus on development projects. Reviewed global situation and developments pertaining to UN reform. Our shared commitment can help realise stability, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar said Last month, Jaishankar had said that India and Japan were looking at working together in third countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar reflecting growing congruence of their strategic interests. The ties between the two countries are expanding at a rapid pace including in defence and security, manufacturing and information and communication technology. The two countries are also cooperating in developing 5G technology in an apparent attempt to counter China's growing prowess in the area. Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific also has emerged as a key focus area of the two countries in the wake of China's rising muscle flexing in the region. Jaishankar and Motegi are also understood to have discussed preparations for the annual India-Japan summit which is likely to take place by end of this year.

India, Japan hold strategic dialogue; focus on expanding collaboration in third countries

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader.&nbsp;

Most of the LDP factions united to give Suga a 70% majority on September 14th. &nbsp;Two days later, Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister by Japan’s Diet.&nbsp;

71-year-old Suga has, in recognition of the support he has received, swiftly reappointed most of the heavyweights in Shinzo Abe’s outgoing cabinet. &nbsp;However, a new face is attracting both interest and attention.&nbsp;

It is Shinzo Abe’s younger brother Nobuo Kishi, appointed defence minister.&nbsp;

The Abe cabinet’s defence minister, Taro Kano, also a former foreign minister, was shifted to Administrative Reforms.

With increased Chinese and North Korean belligerence on Japan’s doorstep, &nbsp;Shinzo Abe was already building a consensus on whether Japan should militarise more sharply. In fact, Japan has been steadily improving its indigenous armaments industry under Abe. &nbsp;

Now Kishi, though new to the defence arena, will take the agenda forward. In a pointedly pacifist Japan post WWII, it was only allowed a token military capacity. Japan has been long dependent on American military protection, including its nuclear weapons umbrella. This protection applies to Taiwan in the region as well.&nbsp;

But giving the vastly altered political, economic and military landscape in 2020, the time has come to accelerate Japan’s own military preparedness in the face of an ever-growing Chinese military. &nbsp;

Japan, like Taiwan, recognises it needs a much improved and bigger offensive capacity in the event of war. It must vastly upgrade its Army, Navy and Air Force. It needs weapons that can strike missile launch sites in North Korea and China.&nbsp;

That Shinzo Abe signed a treaty with India for mutual access to each other’s military facilities just days before handing over the baton is indicative. Suga and Kishi are likely to take matters forward.

Economic issues to take centrestage for Suga

As the world’s third-largest, Japan’s economy, already long in recession, plagued by indebtedness, &nbsp;an ageing population, labour shortages, is now in distress. The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the Japanese economy further. For Suga, as he has already indicated, economic issues will take centre stage. He wants to move sharply on greater digitisation for example.

There is the difficult question on when to hold the Tokyo Olympics, expected to be a substantial revenue earner, but postponed for a year by the pandemic already.&nbsp;

Economic issues may also become crucial in order to win the next elections. This even though the Japanese opposition is in fair disarray.

A number of Japanese manufacturers are being assisted financially by the Japanese government to move out of China. They will relocate, to India, and other countries. Japan enjoys a very good relationship with Vietnam also.&nbsp;

Taro Aso, a former prime minister was retained by Suga as the finance minister, as was Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s seniormost diplomat, as foreign minister. Suga himself has travelled very little outside Japan, though he has been successful at developing tourism to Japan.&nbsp;

Overall, Yoshihide Suga is credited with being an excellent administrator. He was virtually Abe’s shadow prime minister.&nbsp;

Son of a strawberry farmer

Suga has risen to the top job in Japanese politics despite having no family background in it. He is the son of a strawberry farmer from Akita Prefecture. Suga is certainly no political blueblood like his mentor Shinzo Abe. But this may work well for him and the LDP with the every-man on the street. &nbsp;

What's in it for India?

This change of guard in Japan comes at a critical juncture for India and its place in the world. &nbsp;Its nearly five-month-old military and economic confrontation with China promises to be a game-changer.&nbsp;

It is qualitatively different from the policy positions India has taken in the past. This time, India is pushing back against Chinese imperialism in no uncertain terms. The outcome is thought by many learned observers, as likely to go in India’s favour.&nbsp;

This, if an armed conflict, even a two-front war breaks out, involving both China and its ally Pakistan. &nbsp;India is battle-hardened with professional soldiers, and China is practically untested and has a largely conscripted military low on morale and ability.

The way the world is looking at this stand-off is already significant. Even before it has come to war, it is already impacting strategic calculations. The ground is shifting in South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, West Asia, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific. That India is standing up to Chinese bullying without flinching is an inspiration to many other countries. &nbsp;

It is also germane to the US and NATO alliance and its notions of geo-politics in the region, the Indo-Russian relationship, the emerging Quad Nations of Japan, the US, Australia and India. It has intensified the developing relationship with Israel and the Gulf countries of West Asia. They too are overcoming old dogmas and forging historical ties never seen before. China may be with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, but is it working for them?

Japan watches China

China is in truth on the backfoot. This is of course, not just because of India. Japan is watching closely. The freedom of the seas and its sea lanes in the South China Sea, the safety of the Japanese islands in the East China Sea, affect Japan - but others in the region as well. &nbsp;South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia, are all being intimidated by China as well.&nbsp;

Several countries are reeling from the debt traps they have walked into with the Chinese, including Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and of course, Pakistan. Others, like Bangladesh and Myanmar are teetering on the brink.&nbsp;

China’s sharp trade practices, including dumping of goods at vastly reduced prices to cripple competition and industry from elsewhere, is also now being challenged with boycotts and sanctions.&nbsp;

All this flux for China could well present huge economic opportunity for Japan, as more and more countries turn away from predatory China following India’s lead.&nbsp;

Suga may well see in an economic boom for Japan if he plays his cards right. That the pushback to China is backed by the Western powers provides an excellent backstop.

The relationship with India, is ripe for improving to the next level. It has been warming up ever since the arrival of the Modi administration in 2014 and the personal chemistry between Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi. Now, &nbsp;if both countries strike while the iron is hot, it could assume stellar proportions.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader.

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader. Most of the LDP factions united to give Suga a 70% majority on September 14th. Two days later, Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister by Japan’s Diet. 71-year-old Suga has, in recognition of the support he has received, swiftly reappointed most of the heavyweights in Shinzo Abe’s outgoing cabinet. However, a new face is attracting both interest and attention. It is Shinzo Abe’s younger brother Nobuo Kishi, appointed defence minister. The Abe cabinet’s defence minister, Taro Kano, also a former foreign minister, was shifted to Administrative Reforms. With increased Chinese and North Korean belligerence on Japan’s doorstep, Shinzo Abe was already building a consensus on whether Japan should militarise more sharply. In fact, Japan has been steadily improving its indigenous armaments industry under Abe. Now Kishi, though new to the defence arena, will take the agenda forward. In a pointedly pacifist Japan post WWII, it was only allowed a token military capacity. Japan has been long dependent on American military protection, including its nuclear weapons umbrella. This protection applies to Taiwan in the region as well. But giving the vastly altered political, economic and military landscape in 2020, the time has come to accelerate Japan’s own military preparedness in the face of an ever-growing Chinese military. Japan, like Taiwan, recognises it needs a much improved and bigger offensive capacity in the event of war. It must vastly upgrade its Army, Navy and Air Force. It needs weapons that can strike missile launch sites in North Korea and China. That Shinzo Abe signed a treaty with India for mutual access to each other’s military facilities just days before handing over the baton is indicative. Suga and Kishi are likely to take matters forward. Economic issues to take centrestage for Suga As the world’s third-largest, Japan’s economy, already long in recession, plagued by indebtedness, an ageing population, labour shortages, is now in distress. The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the Japanese economy further. For Suga, as he has already indicated, economic issues will take centre stage. He wants to move sharply on greater digitisation for example. There is the difficult question on when to hold the Tokyo Olympics, expected to be a substantial revenue earner, but postponed for a year by the pandemic already. Economic issues may also become crucial in order to win the next elections. This even though the Japanese opposition is in fair disarray. A number of Japanese manufacturers are being assisted financially by the Japanese government to move out of China. They will relocate, to India, and other countries. Japan enjoys a very good relationship with Vietnam also. Taro Aso, a former prime minister was retained by Suga as the finance minister, as was Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s seniormost diplomat, as foreign minister. Suga himself has travelled very little outside Japan, though he has been successful at developing tourism to Japan. Overall, Yoshihide Suga is credited with being an excellent administrator. He was virtually Abe’s shadow prime minister. Son of a strawberry farmer Suga has risen to the top job in Japanese politics despite having no family background in it. He is the son of a strawberry farmer from Akita Prefecture. Suga is certainly no political blueblood like his mentor Shinzo Abe. But this may work well for him and the LDP with the every-man on the street. What's in it for India? This change of guard in Japan comes at a critical juncture for India and its place in the world. Its nearly five-month-old military and economic confrontation with China promises to be a game-changer. It is qualitatively different from the policy positions India has taken in the past. This time, India is pushing back against Chinese imperialism in no uncertain terms. The outcome is thought by many learned observers, as likely to go in India’s favour. This, if an armed conflict, even a two-front war breaks out, involving both China and its ally Pakistan. India is battle-hardened with professional soldiers, and China is practically untested and has a largely conscripted military low on morale and ability. The way the world is looking at this stand-off is already significant. Even before it has come to war, it is already impacting strategic calculations. The ground is shifting in South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, West Asia, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific. That India is standing up to Chinese bullying without flinching is an inspiration to many other countries. It is also germane to the US and NATO alliance and its notions of geo-politics in the region, the Indo-Russian relationship, the emerging Quad Nations of Japan, the US, Australia and India. It has intensified the developing relationship with Israel and the Gulf countries of West Asia. They too are overcoming old dogmas and forging historical ties never seen before. China may be with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, but is it working for them? Japan watches China China is in truth on the backfoot. This is of course, not just because of India. Japan is watching closely. The freedom of the seas and its sea lanes in the South China Sea, the safety of the Japanese islands in the East China Sea, affect Japan - but others in the region as well. South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia, are all being intimidated by China as well. Several countries are reeling from the debt traps they have walked into with the Chinese, including Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and of course, Pakistan. Others, like Bangladesh and Myanmar are teetering on the brink. China’s sharp trade practices, including dumping of goods at vastly reduced prices to cripple competition and industry from elsewhere, is also now being challenged with boycotts and sanctions. All this flux for China could well present huge economic opportunity for Japan, as more and more countries turn away from predatory China following India’s lead. Suga may well see in an economic boom for Japan if he plays his cards right. That the pushback to China is backed by the Western powers provides an excellent backstop. The relationship with India, is ripe for improving to the next level. It has been warming up ever since the arrival of the Modi administration in 2014 and the personal chemistry between Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi. Now, if both countries strike while the iron is hot, it could assume stellar proportions. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Continuity, economy and militarism: Japan's new PM Yoshihide Suga has his plate full

World War II&nbsp;&nbsp;ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism.

"The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force." Today's Japan led by Shinzo Abe wants to change this.

North korea launched two ballistic missiles that fell in Japanese waters last year. Over the last 100 days, Japan had to peacefully watch China send its longest dispatch of vessels to Senkaku Islands in east China sea. Senkaku belong to Japan. Instead of engaging China with military might, Japan went to international media to raise its concerns. Abe believes japan can no longer hide behind the weak shield of pacifism.

North korea's nuclear program and China's military incursions add weight to his arguments. Since his election in 2012, Abe has introduced a series of 'war bills'. The most sweeping changes made to defence laws since the end of world war II. China hasn't been pleased. In 2013, Abe announced a five-year military expansion plan, calling it "Proactive pacifism''. In 2015 -- despite public opposition -- Japanese military legislation was passed. This allowed Japan to participate in foreign conflicts, to help out allies.

Earlier it could go to war only in self-defence. In 2018, Abe activated Japan's marine unit, which had been disbanded after world war. In the same year, they conducted Japan's biggest ever military exercise simulations of air combat, ballistic missile defense and, amphibious landings. All aimed at countering North Korea and China. In 2019, Japan began developing supersonic guide bombs and hypersonic missiles.

Japan is a nuclear state but in 1976, Japan promised not to use a nuclear weapon But, even before his election. Abe said Japan's constitution does not ban possession of nuclear weapons. He wants to keep a minimum set of tactical, nuclear war-heads.

This is the modern Japan. Equipped to the hilt and ready to strike but hesitant due to a gruesome past.

World War II ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism. "The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force.

World War II ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism. "The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force." Today's Japan led by Shinzo Abe wants to change this. North korea launched two ballistic missiles that fell in Japanese waters last year. Over the last 100 days, Japan had to peacefully watch China send its longest dispatch of vessels to Senkaku Islands in east China sea. Senkaku belong to Japan. Instead of engaging China with military might, Japan went to international media to raise its concerns. Abe believes japan can no longer hide behind the weak shield of pacifism. North korea's nuclear program and China's military incursions add weight to his arguments. Since his election in 2012, Abe has introduced a series of 'war bills'. The most sweeping changes made to defence laws since the end of world war II. China hasn't been pleased. In 2013, Abe announced a five-year military expansion plan, calling it "Proactive pacifism''. In 2015 -- despite public opposition -- Japanese military legislation was passed. This allowed Japan to participate in foreign conflicts, to help out allies. Earlier it could go to war only in self-defence. In 2018, Abe activated Japan's marine unit, which had been disbanded after world war. In the same year, they conducted Japan's biggest ever military exercise simulations of air combat, ballistic missile defense and, amphibious landings. All aimed at countering North Korea and China. In 2019, Japan began developing supersonic guide bombs and hypersonic missiles. Japan is a nuclear state but in 1976, Japan promised not to use a nuclear weapon But, even before his election. Abe said Japan's constitution does not ban possession of nuclear weapons. He wants to keep a minimum set of tactical, nuclear war-heads. This is the modern Japan. Equipped to the hilt and ready to strike but hesitant due to a gruesome past.

Japan shifts gear to counter Chinese, North Korea aggression

Fourteen people were feared dead and nine more were missing after a nursing home was flooded in western Japan on Saturday following a record heavy rain hit the region.

Fourteen people were feared dead and nine more were missing after a nursing home was flooded in western Japan on Saturday following a record heavy rain hit the region. The victims were found "in cardio-respiratory arrest" at the facility for elderly people that was inundated after a nearby river broke its banks, governor Ikuo Kabashima from the western region of Kumamoto told reporters. Authorities in Japan use that term before a doctor officially certifies death. Meanwhile, Japan asked thousands of people to evacuate their homes on its southern island of Kyushu, Reuters report said quoting local media. With the region facing the risk of further floods and landslides, authorities told 92,200 households in the prefectures of Kumamoto and Kagoshima to vacate their homes, the Kyodo news agency said. "The heavy rainfall is likely to continue until Sunday, and people in the area are required to be on maximum alert," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, adding that as many as 10,000 soldiers would be sent to join the rescue operations. The flooding of the Kuma River in the region had cut off homes and washed away a bridge, said national broadcaster NHK, which displayed television footage of houses and cars inundated by muddy waters. Japan's Meteorological Agency downgraded its alert from the highest level it had initially posted to warn against floods and landslides triggered by the rain never seen before in the region, the broadcaster said. (With inputs from agencies)

14 feared dead at flooded nursing home in Japan

Japan was poised to lift its nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus on Monday, gradually reopening the world's third-biggest economy after new cases slowed to a crawl.

Japan was poised to lift its nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus on Monday, gradually reopening the world's third-biggest economy after new cases slowed to a crawl. Compared to hard-hit areas in Europe, the United States, Russia and Brazil, Japan has been spared the worst of the pandemic, with 16,581 cases in total and 830 deaths. Yet with infections threatening to run out of control, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared an initial state of emergency for Tokyo and six other regions on April 7 -- later expanding it to cover the entire country. Businesses and schools were urged to shut and people were requested to remain home but Japan's "lockdown" was far softer than in other parts of the world and there was no punishment for anyone flouting the rules. Citizens largely heeded the orders, with most of Tokyo's famously packed streets falling quiet, and the number of new infections has fallen from a peak of around 700 per day to just a few dozen nationally. There does not appear to be one single reason why the pandemic has hit Japan less hard than other comparable countries and trying to pinpoint possible causes has become a favourite sport on social media. High levels of hygiene and general health, removing shoes indoors, widespread masks, bowing as a greeting rather than shaking hands or kissing: all have been advanced as possible reasons but analysts agree there has been no silver bullet.

Japan set to lift coronavirus emergency as cases slow

Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, will consult with experts at a meeting on Monday to extend the national state of emergency until May 31, news agency Reuters reported quoting broadcaster NHK on Sunday.

Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, will consult with experts at a meeting on Monday to extend the national state of emergency until May 31, news agency Reuters reported quoting broadcaster NHK on Sunday. The government will also discuss further action on how to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the report added. The virus has so far infected 15,589 people and killed 530 in the country. The current state of emergency is set to expire on Wednesday, the last day of a week-long national holiday. Japan's economy minister said earlier the country could also ease some of the current coronavirus-related curbs on economic activity by allowing places such as parks and museums to reopen, provided proper preventive measures were in place.

Japan PM Abe to consult with experts to extend state of emergency until May 31: Report

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