While surgical masks have been highly sought after this year, Joe Biden rubber masks are also seeing some demand. Ogawa Studios, a Japanese manufacturer, began producing masks resembling the U.S. president-elect in the middle of October, ahead of last week's election.

Firm in Japan makes Joe Biden rubber masks

Japan is famous for its quirky solutions to all problems. Now, a town in Japan has put robot wolves to work. No kidding, the wolves have been deployed in various places to scare off bears. In the countryside, bears have become a dangerous nuisance for people.

Situated on the northern island of Hokkaido, the town of Takikawa recently bought a pair of robots and installed them at hotspots after noticing bears in the streets. The wild animals that are dangerous to humans were seen roaming through neighbourhoods in September. Officials in the city noted that no encounters have been reported since then.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/climate-change-could-wipe-out-polar-bears-by-2100-report-314956" hreflang="en">Climate change could wipe out polar bears by 2100: Report</a>

In Japan, bear sightings are currently at a five-year high, mostly in rural areas of north and west Japan, as national broadcaster NHK had reported.

Bears have been involved in over a dozen attacks on human, two of which were fatal. This triggered the government to step-up efforts to tackle the attacks.

The government convened an emergency meeting last month to address the threat of bears.

The&nbsp; 'Monster Wolf' robot consists of a body-like shaggy on four legs, a blond mane and glowing-red eyes.&nbsp;

Once its motion detectors are activated, it moves its head, flashes different lights, and emits 60 different types of sounds that resemble wolfish howling. Since 2018, machinery maker Ohta Seiki has sold about 70 units of the robot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/climate-change-and-human-encroachment-increasing-cannibalism-among-polar-bears-283061" hreflang="en">Climate change and human encroachment increasing cannibalism among polar bears</a>

The robot is based on Japanese wolves that roamed central and northern islands of Japan before they were hunted to extinction more than a century ago.

According to Takikawa city officials, bears become more active and dangerous while searching for food before they go into hibernation in late November.

Japan is famous for its quirky solutions to all problems. Now, a town in Japan has put robot wolves to work. No kidding, the wolves have been deployed in various places to scare off bears.

Japan is famous for its quirky solutions to all problems. Now, a town in Japan has put robot wolves to work. No kidding, the wolves have been deployed in various places to scare off bears. In the countryside, bears have become a dangerous nuisance for people. Situated on the northern island of Hokkaido, the town of Takikawa recently bought a pair of robots and installed them at hotspots after noticing bears in the streets. The wild animals that are dangerous to humans were seen roaming through neighbourhoods in September. Officials in the city noted that no encounters have been reported since then. Also read: Climate change could wipe out polar bears by 2100: Report In Japan, bear sightings are currently at a five-year high, mostly in rural areas of north and west Japan, as national broadcaster NHK had reported. Bears have been involved in over a dozen attacks on human, two of which were fatal. This triggered the government to step-up efforts to tackle the attacks. The government convened an emergency meeting last month to address the threat of bears. The 'Monster Wolf' robot consists of a body-like shaggy on four legs, a blond mane and glowing-red eyes. Once its motion detectors are activated, it moves its head, flashes different lights, and emits 60 different types of sounds that resemble wolfish howling. Since 2018, machinery maker Ohta Seiki has sold about 70 units of the robot. Also read: Climate change and human encroachment increasing cannibalism among polar bears The robot is based on Japanese wolves that roamed central and northern islands of Japan before they were hunted to extinction more than a century ago. According to Takikawa city officials, bears become more active and dangerous while searching for food before they go into hibernation in late November.

Japan: Town deploys 'Monster Wolf' robots to scare off wild bears

Suicides in Japan rose for the fourth month in a row, according to police data. After the four month run upto October, the number of suicides are now at the highest level in the country in over five years. According to activists, the coronavirus-induced economic slowdown is to be blamed for this. Women in particular remain affected.&nbsp;

Reuters reported that preliminary police data showed that the total number of suicides had increased to 2,153 for October. This marks an increase of over 300 from the previous month. Additionally, it represents the highest number of suicides in the country since May 2015.

For women, the number of suicide cases rose by 82.6 per cent. They accounted for 851 suicides. For men, the increase was 21.3 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japan-announces-deadline-for-attaining-zero-emissions-carbon-neutral-society-337953" hreflang="en">Japan announces deadline for attaining zero-emissions, carbon neutral society</a>

Cases of suicide in Japan had been declining until July, when the effects of the coronavirus on the economy became more prominent. Due to the pandemic, businesses were shut, and millions across the globe were asked to stay in by their governments. Owing to this, economic hardships rose for many.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-pandemic-to-worsen-japans-suicide-rate-302298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Women have more chances of being employed in non-permanent situations, for instance in retail or service jobs. And they have been disproportionately affected by loss of livelihood.

Culturally, in Japan, suicide is seen as a way to avoid shame and dishonour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/now-japanese-man-in-nara-develops-edible-plastic-bag-to-save-deer-population-337051" hreflang="en">Now, Japanese man in Nara develops 'edible' plastic bag to save deer population</a>

Additionally, seeking help for one’s ailments was stigmatised in Japan for long. The country has the highest rate of suicide among G7 nations.

In 2007, the country launched a suicide prevention programme to stem deaths caused by suicide. This was triggered by the 2003 suicide numbers in the country, whereby 34,427 people killed themselves.

Putting proactive measures in motion, and by identifying groups at the highest risk of suicide, the country was able to lower the rate of suicide among its citizens. In 2019, the the numbers were down to 20,000.

Suicides in Japan rose for the fourth month in a row, according to police data. After the four month run upto October, the number of suicides are now at the highest level in the country in over five years.

Suicides in Japan rose for the fourth month in a row, according to police data. After the four month run upto October, the number of suicides are now at the highest level in the country in over five years. According to activists, the coronavirus-induced economic slowdown is to be blamed for this. Women in particular remain affected. Reuters reported that preliminary police data showed that the total number of suicides had increased to 2,153 for October. This marks an increase of over 300 from the previous month. Additionally, it represents the highest number of suicides in the country since May 2015. For women, the number of suicide cases rose by 82.6 per cent. They accounted for 851 suicides. For men, the increase was 21.3 per cent. Also read: Japan announces deadline for attaining zero-emissions, carbon neutral society Cases of suicide in Japan had been declining until July, when the effects of the coronavirus on the economy became more prominent. Due to the pandemic, businesses were shut, and millions across the globe were asked to stay in by their governments. Owing to this, economic hardships rose for many. Women have more chances of being employed in non-permanent situations, for instance in retail or service jobs. And they have been disproportionately affected by loss of livelihood. Culturally, in Japan, suicide is seen as a way to avoid shame and dishonour. Also read: Now, Japanese man in Nara develops 'edible' plastic bag to save deer population Additionally, seeking help for one’s ailments was stigmatised in Japan for long. The country has the highest rate of suicide among G7 nations. In 2007, the country launched a suicide prevention programme to stem deaths caused by suicide. This was triggered by the 2003 suicide numbers in the country, whereby 34,427 people killed themselves. Putting proactive measures in motion, and by identifying groups at the highest risk of suicide, the country was able to lower the rate of suicide among its citizens. In 2019, the the numbers were down to 20,000.

Japan: Suicides up to highest level in 5 years due to coronavirus-related economic woes

Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, has been formally sworn in as first in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne

WION Dispatch: Japan emperor's brother proclaimed 1st in line to throne

According to a poll, business sentiment of Japanese manufacturers and service-sector firms was the least pessimistic in nine months in November, as the world’s third-largest economy showed signs of pulling out of a coronavirus-induced recession.

World Business Watch: Japan manufacturers less pessimistic in November

Japan has formally crowned Prince Fumihito heir as the first in line heir to the throne in a ceremony that took place in Tokyo on Sunday.

Japan formally proclaims Crown Prince Fumihito heir to throne

Japan has formally crowned Prince Akishino heir as the first in line heir to the throne in a ceremony that took place on Sunday. This has been the last in a line of a series of ceremonies. The announcement came a year after his elder brother, Emperor Naruhito, became the monarch after their father's abdication.

The ceremonies lasted the entire day at the palace. This ceremony was originally to take place in April but was postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which had sent the entire world in a lockdown. However, Japan managed to avert a disaster and was not one of the worst-hit countries.

Prince Akishino was the one who was crowned, and not Princess Aiko as, according to the Japanese law, the only male can inherit the throne, which makes&nbsp;Naruhito's only offspring, 18-year-old Princess Aiko,&nbsp;ineligible to sit on the throne. There have been discussions to scrap this rule in the past, however, the discussions came to an end when Akishino's wife gave birth to a son,&nbsp;Hisahito, in 2006.

The ceremonies this time were not organised at a large scale and were kept as a low-key affair due to the fear of a possible spread of the novel coronavirus. The newly crowned Prince was standing at a distance from his supporters, who were all seen wearing a mask. "I deeply ponder the responsibility of Crown Prince and will discharge my duties," the 54-year-old&nbsp;Akishino said.

Akishino, 54, is one of just three heirs to the throne along with Hisahito, 14, and Prince Hitachi, 84, the younger brother of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who stepped down last year in Japan`s first abdication in two centuries.

People of Jpan are now, once again, discussing the importance of letting women, too, take over the throne if the King has no son, or if the Princess is the oldest sibling in the royal family. However, no such official discussion has been initiated on this topic yet.&nbsp;

Japan has formally crowned Prince Akishino heir as the first in line heir to the throne in a ceremony that took place on Sunday. This has been the last in a line of a series of ceremonies.

Japan has formally crowned Prince Akishino heir as the first in line heir to the throne in a ceremony that took place on Sunday. This has been the last in a line of a series of ceremonies. The announcement came a year after his elder brother, Emperor Naruhito, became the monarch after their father's abdication. The ceremonies lasted the entire day at the palace. This ceremony was originally to take place in April but was postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which had sent the entire world in a lockdown. However, Japan managed to avert a disaster and was not one of the worst-hit countries. Prince Akishino was the one who was crowned, and not Princess Aiko as, according to the Japanese law, the only male can inherit the throne, which makes Naruhito's only offspring, 18-year-old Princess Aiko, ineligible to sit on the throne. There have been discussions to scrap this rule in the past, however, the discussions came to an end when Akishino's wife gave birth to a son, Hisahito, in 2006. The ceremonies this time were not organised at a large scale and were kept as a low-key affair due to the fear of a possible spread of the novel coronavirus. The newly crowned Prince was standing at a distance from his supporters, who were all seen wearing a mask. "I deeply ponder the responsibility of Crown Prince and will discharge my duties," the 54-year-old Akishino said. Akishino, 54, is one of just three heirs to the throne along with Hisahito, 14, and Prince Hitachi, 84, the younger brother of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who stepped down last year in Japan`s first abdication in two centuries. People of Jpan are now, once again, discussing the importance of letting women, too, take over the throne if the King has no son, or if the Princess is the oldest sibling in the royal family. However, no such official discussion has been initiated on this topic yet.

Japan: Crown Prince Akishino heir proclaimed to throne in a small ceremony

The southern Japanese city of Kitakyushu will host the 2021 Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) announced on Sunday, the first time a city has hosted both in the same year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-place-for-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-as-sanjay-manjrekar-picks-his-ipl-2020-xi-341695" hreflang="en">No place for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma as Sanjay Manjrekar picks his IPL 2020 XI</a>

The Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will take place from October&nbsp;17 to 24, followed by the rhythmic competition starting two days later.

There have been questions over where next year's world championships were to be held, after Denmark withdrew from hosting the artistic competition in July.

The championships take place annually, except during Olympic years.

The FIG made the announcement at a friendly gymnastics event in Tokyo, where athletes from Russia, China, Japan and the United States competed in what has been seen as a major trial run ahead of next year's postponed Olympics in the city.

Japan has hosted gymnastics world championships on many occasions previously, most recently the 2011 artistic competition in Tokyo.

The southern Japanese city of Kitakyushu will host the 2021 Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) announced on Sunday, the first time a city has hosted both in the same year.

The southern Japanese city of Kitakyushu will host the 2021 Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) announced on Sunday, the first time a city has hosted both in the same year. Also read: No place for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma as Sanjay Manjrekar picks his IPL 2020 XI The Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will take place from October 17 to 24, followed by the rhythmic competition starting two days later. There have been questions over where next year's world championships were to be held, after Denmark withdrew from hosting the artistic competition in July. The championships take place annually, except during Olympic years. The FIG made the announcement at a friendly gymnastics event in Tokyo, where athletes from Russia, China, Japan and the United States competed in what has been seen as a major trial run ahead of next year's postponed Olympics in the city. Japan has hosted gymnastics world championships on many occasions previously, most recently the 2011 artistic competition in Tokyo.

Japan's Kitakyushu to host both 2021 Gymnastics World Champs - FIG

Suzuki Motor Corp forecast operating profit to fall by a quarter to 160 billion yen ($1.5 billion) in the year to March as sales, including in its key Indian market, shrink amid the coronavirus pandemic.

World Business Watch: Suzuki Expects annual profit to shrink by 25% as India sales slump

164 dogs were discovered in a tiny house in western Japan in what an animal rights group calls one of the worst cases of animal hoarding in the country. The canines, found in mid-October in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, were living in a 30 square metre (323 square feet) residence and were mostly malnourished and infected with parasites.

164 dogs rescued from animal hoarding house in western Japan

Japan is holding a drill with American soldiers. The US is supplying Taiwan with advanced weapons. Australia will join India, Japan and the US for the Malabar Exercise next month. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how US & its allies are building an Asian NATO.

Gravitas: How the United States is building the Asian NATO

Shodai Horiren belongs to a proud and growing tribe of Japanese tattoo aficionados who defy deeply-rooted social taboos associating tattoos with crime, turning their skin into vivid palettes of colour with elaborate full-body designs, often from Japanese legends.

Growing tribe of Japanese proudly defies tattoo taboo, eyes Olympics boost

Japan and the United States began air, sea and land exercises on Monday (October 26) around Japan in a show of force in the face of increased Chinese military activity in the region.

Japan and US begin major military exercise as concern about China grows

ANA Holdings Inc plans to cut about 3,500 jobs in three years as Japan's largest airline operator braces for its biggest-ever annual loss due to a plunge in demand driven by the coronavirus pandemic, the Yomiuri daily reported.

Japan's ANA to cut 3,500 jobs in 3 years as it anticipates prolonged virus woes

October 25 in history: Japan hands over Taiwan to China, first Indian elections, & more

Britain and Japan are set to sign a trade deal on Friday at a ceremony in Tokyo, marking London's first major post-Brexit agreement as it holds an intense round of negotiations with the European Union.

The deal covers sectors from food to textiles and tech and largely replicates the existing EU-Japan arrangement, which will no longer apply to Britain at the end of this year.

The British government has touted it as a chance to boost trade between the two countries by £15.2 billion ($19.5 billion, 16.5 billion euros).&nbsp;

It is due to take effect on January 1 -- the end of a transition period in which London and Brussels are trying to thrash out the terms of their new relationship.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-seals-temporary-brexit-trade-deal-with-efta-nations-337136">Also read:&nbsp;UK seals temporary Brexit trade deal with EFTA nations</a>

Britain and the European Union resumed their fraught talks on Thursday after the UK ended a week of threats to abandon the long-running negotiations.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier arrived in London with negotiators vowing to work around the clock to salvage a trade deal and avert potential economic chaos at the end of the year -- although key sticking points still remain.

Britain's International Trade Minister Liz Truss is in Tokyo to sign the deal with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, after it was agreed in principle by the pair last month during a video call.

Truss said in a statement that Friday's signing was "a landmark moment for Britain" that "strengthens ties with a like-minded democracy, key ally and major investor".

"It secures major wins that would be impossible as part of the EU and brings together two of the world's most technologically advanced nations," her ministry added in a statement.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has been trumpeted by London as a sign to Brexit opponents that agreements can be struck elsewhere.

Japan's parliament will still need to ratify the deal by the end of the year for it to come into effect.

UK-Japanese trade was worth more than £30 billion last year, according to the British government, and their agreement has a particular focus on the food and drink, finance and tech sectors.

Britain formally left the EU in January this year, following a 2016 seismic referendum that saw voters opt to end five decades of European integration.

But under the terms of its divorce, the country will only be free of EU structures from 2021.

Britain and Japan are set to sign a trade deal on Friday at a ceremony in Tokyo, marking London's first major post-Brexit agreement as it holds an intense round of negotiations with the European Union.

Britain and Japan are set to sign a trade deal on Friday at a ceremony in Tokyo, marking London's first major post-Brexit agreement as it holds an intense round of negotiations with the European Union. The deal covers sectors from food to textiles and tech and largely replicates the existing EU-Japan arrangement, which will no longer apply to Britain at the end of this year. The British government has touted it as a chance to boost trade between the two countries by £15.2 billion ($19.5 billion, 16.5 billion euros). It is due to take effect on January 1 -- the end of a transition period in which London and Brussels are trying to thrash out the terms of their new relationship. Also read: UK seals temporary Brexit trade deal with EFTA nations Britain and the European Union resumed their fraught talks on Thursday after the UK ended a week of threats to abandon the long-running negotiations. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier arrived in London with negotiators vowing to work around the clock to salvage a trade deal and avert potential economic chaos at the end of the year -- although key sticking points still remain. Britain's International Trade Minister Liz Truss is in Tokyo to sign the deal with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, after it was agreed in principle by the pair last month during a video call. Truss said in a statement that Friday's signing was "a landmark moment for Britain" that "strengthens ties with a like-minded democracy, key ally and major investor". "It secures major wins that would be impossible as part of the EU and brings together two of the world's most technologically advanced nations," her ministry added in a statement. The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has been trumpeted by London as a sign to Brexit opponents that agreements can be struck elsewhere. Japan's parliament will still need to ratify the deal by the end of the year for it to come into effect. UK-Japanese trade was worth more than £30 billion last year, according to the British government, and their agreement has a particular focus on the food and drink, finance and tech sectors. Britain formally left the EU in January this year, following a 2016 seismic referendum that saw voters opt to end five decades of European integration. But under the terms of its divorce, the country will only be free of EU structures from 2021.

Britain inks post-Brexit trade deal with Japan

Japanese airline operator ANA Holdings is expected to suffer a net loss of around $4.8 billion for the fiscal year to March after the COVID-19 pandemic battered travel demand.

World Business Watch: Japan's ANA to book its biggest loss in history

The Quad now has a distinct military dimension. Australia will now join India, US, and Japan in the Malabar Exercise next month. While Japan is arming a rival of China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how an Indo-Pacific alliance against China is taking shape.

Gravitas: Countering the Dragon: How an Indo-Pacific alliance is taking shape

According to US information security firm CrowdStrike, the attacks were the first cases of their kind in the country.

Japanese vaccine producers under cyber attacks: Reports

Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga is in Vietnam amid Chinese aggression in South China sea. The two countries have reached on agreements to strengthen security and economic ties.

WION Dispatch: Japan,Vietnam exchange agreements on transfer of defence gear

Australia is set to join the Malabar trilateral naval exercise comprising India, Japan and US. The naval exercises will have all 4 Quad members now.

News Alert: Australia to join Malabar naval exercise for the first time

Japanese, Vietnam PMs agree on importance of peace

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies.&nbsp;

Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company.

If the scale of any merger is unprecedented, the country intends to launch investigations.

"If the size of any merger or business-tie up is big, we can launch an anti-monopoly investigation into the buyer's process of acquiring a start-up (like Fitbit)," he further told Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/twitter-issues-clarification-following-backlash-for-showing-jk-in-china-336376" hreflang="en">Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&amp;K in China</a>

He added that Japan is closely observing similar moves in the world, especially Europe. ”We're closely watching developments including in Europe”, he added.

In August 2020, European Union regulators had initiated an investigation into a potential deal between Google and Fitbit. Alphabet’s Google was set to lock a $2.1 billion deal to counter Apple and Samsung in the wearable market.

After this move, the country will be able to effectively challenge market abuses by the four Big Tech companies - GAFA, or Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon which are currently under scrutiny in Europe and the United States.

Furuya further told Reuters that GAFA companies follow similar business practices globally, and called global coordination “crucial”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinese-hackers-targeting-biden-and-trump-are-faking-mcafee-software-google-336251" hreflang="en">Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google</a>

"This is an area I will push through aggressively. “We'll work closely with our US and European counterparts, and respond if to any moves that hamper competition”, he said.

Furuya took charge of the position in September, and also suggested that they would also be observing Japan’s phone market.

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies. Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company.

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies. Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company. If the scale of any merger is unprecedented, the country intends to launch investigations. "If the size of any merger or business-tie up is big, we can launch an anti-monopoly investigation into the buyer's process of acquiring a start-up (like Fitbit)," he further told Reuters. Also read: Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&K in China He added that Japan is closely observing similar moves in the world, especially Europe. ”We're closely watching developments including in Europe”, he added. In August 2020, European Union regulators had initiated an investigation into a potential deal between Google and Fitbit. Alphabet’s Google was set to lock a $2.1 billion deal to counter Apple and Samsung in the wearable market. After this move, the country will be able to effectively challenge market abuses by the four Big Tech companies - GAFA, or Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon which are currently under scrutiny in Europe and the United States. Furuya further told Reuters that GAFA companies follow similar business practices globally, and called global coordination “crucial”. Also read: Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google "This is an area I will push through aggressively. “We'll work closely with our US and European counterparts, and respond if to any moves that hamper competition”, he said. Furuya took charge of the position in September, and also suggested that they would also be observing Japan’s phone market.

Japan likely to join US, Europe in regulation of Big Tech companies

Japan's new prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, leaves today on his first overseas foray since taking over from Shinzo Abe last month, heading to Vietnam and Indonesia.

Japan opens another anti-China front; PM Yoshihide Suga departs for Vietnam

Japan's Fukushima plant holds 1.2 million tonnes of radioactive water. Disposing it is crucial to decommissioning the plant. Japanese media reports indicate the government has found a possible dumpsite - the Pacific Ocean. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Japan to dump radioactive water in the sea

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake.&nbsp;

The defense expenditure in Japan has since been kept to a minimum and its entire focus is on scientific, technological and industrial advancement. With such proactive pursuits, Japan has achieved spectacular growth and now remains one of the most respected and admired countries in the world.

Unfortunately, it appears that China would not allow Japan to live in peace.

The Senkaku island dispute has been dug up by China. It claims ownership and in doing so, ends up provoking Japan. To what extent will Japan be able to resist China's moves?

Apart from Japan’s commitment to the cause of peace, the problem for Japan in dealing with China is huge level of Japanese investment in China and the high volume of trade.

Almost every large company in Japan has deep involvement in China. Japan cannot ignore this while tackling China

Japan would certainly like to avoid friction with China but there needs to be reciprocity from China in this approach.

In recent years, China has constantly given signals that it wants to dominate in every way. Though US President Donald Trump declared a trade war with China to check its aggressive plans, no country including Japan has extended active support to the US in this effort.

Attracted by the large Chinese market and wary about safety of its investment in China, every nation wants to avoid confrontation with China. While President Trump has taken the bull by the horn, no one knows whether the next President of the USA, (if President Trump was to lose the election) would adopt the same policy of tough measures with China.&nbsp;

In such a situation, Japanese government is in a spot as to how to go ahead with China. At the same time, Japan cannot surrender its sovereignty over Senkaku islands to China.

China certainly knows the Japanese government’s predicament. It would certainly not mind conducting a limited war with Japan, knowing fully well that the USA and other West European countries will not go to Japan’s defense beyond a certain point.

With what appears to be a reckless government in China, Japan has now entered in the QUAD alliance. However, it is still not known to what extent the QUAD alliance would help Japan in the event of military conflict.

Certainly, Japan now has to take measures to defend itself against China’s aggression. It faces the most serious challenge to its policy of confrontation with none.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake.

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake. The defense expenditure in Japan has since been kept to a minimum and its entire focus is on scientific, technological and industrial advancement. With such proactive pursuits, Japan has achieved spectacular growth and now remains one of the most respected and admired countries in the world. Unfortunately, it appears that China would not allow Japan to live in peace. The Senkaku island dispute has been dug up by China. It claims ownership and in doing so, ends up provoking Japan. To what extent will Japan be able to resist China's moves? Apart from Japan’s commitment to the cause of peace, the problem for Japan in dealing with China is huge level of Japanese investment in China and the high volume of trade. Almost every large company in Japan has deep involvement in China. Japan cannot ignore this while tackling China Japan would certainly like to avoid friction with China but there needs to be reciprocity from China in this approach. In recent years, China has constantly given signals that it wants to dominate in every way. Though US President Donald Trump declared a trade war with China to check its aggressive plans, no country including Japan has extended active support to the US in this effort. Attracted by the large Chinese market and wary about safety of its investment in China, every nation wants to avoid confrontation with China. While President Trump has taken the bull by the horn, no one knows whether the next President of the USA, (if President Trump was to lose the election) would adopt the same policy of tough measures with China. In such a situation, Japanese government is in a spot as to how to go ahead with China. At the same time, Japan cannot surrender its sovereignty over Senkaku islands to China. China certainly knows the Japanese government’s predicament. It would certainly not mind conducting a limited war with Japan, knowing fully well that the USA and other West European countries will not go to Japan’s defense beyond a certain point. With what appears to be a reckless government in China, Japan has now entered in the QUAD alliance. However, it is still not known to what extent the QUAD alliance would help Japan in the event of military conflict. Certainly, Japan now has to take measures to defend itself against China’s aggression. It faces the most serious challenge to its policy of confrontation with none. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Will Senkaku Island dispute lead to China-Japan war?

The coronavirus pandemic has turned one Japanese theme park into a new workplace for teleworkers. On Thursday (October 15), Yomiuriland, an amusement park in Tokyo, launched an "amusement workstation" package to include a business working area next to its pool, and a ride on its observation Ferris wheel with a portable WiFi router.

Office in a ferris wheel - Japanese amusement park offers rides as remote workspace

Tensions between China and Japan are also rising amid the East Asian dispute, Japan has now unveiled a massive 3000-tonne submarine known as 'The Big Whale' submarine. Watch report.

Japan unveils 'The Big Whale': Tensions rising between Japan and China

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Japan may not attend a leaders' meeting with South Korea and China this year unless "proper measures" are taken in a dispute with South Korea over compensation for wartime forced labour.

Ties between the two Asian neighbours soured after South Korea's Supreme Court in 2018 ordered a Japanese steelmaker to pay compensation for forced labour, which prompted Tokyo to impose export curbs on some key high-tech materials.

South Korea is set to host the trilateral summit, held roughly once a year, but Kyodo news agency quoted diplomatic sources as saying it would be "impossible" for new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to visit unless Japan's concerns over the issue were addressed. This view had been conveyed to South Korea.

The South Korean Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that Nippon Steel Corp should pay compensation to four South Koreans for forced labour during World War Two, and a lower court in 2019 approved the seizure of part of the assets of the company.

Nippon Steel filed an appeal against the ruling in August.

Japan argues the ruling violates international law because all claims for compensation rising from Japan's 1910-1945 colonisation of the Korean peninsula were settled under a 1965 treaty.

Suga, who took office last month, called for both countries to repair their frayed ties in his first conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

But Suga also later said Japan would "continue to firmly seek appropriate action from South Korea".

Japan may not attend a leaders' meeting with South Korea and China this year unless "proper measures" are taken in a dispute with South Korea over compensation for wartime forced labour.

Japan may not attend a leaders' meeting with South Korea and China this year unless "proper measures" are taken in a dispute with South Korea over compensation for wartime forced labour. Ties between the two Asian neighbours soured after South Korea's Supreme Court in 2018 ordered a Japanese steelmaker to pay compensation for forced labour, which prompted Tokyo to impose export curbs on some key high-tech materials. South Korea is set to host the trilateral summit, held roughly once a year, but Kyodo news agency quoted diplomatic sources as saying it would be "impossible" for new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to visit unless Japan's concerns over the issue were addressed. This view had been conveyed to South Korea. The South Korean Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that Nippon Steel Corp should pay compensation to four South Koreans for forced labour during World War Two, and a lower court in 2019 approved the seizure of part of the assets of the company. Nippon Steel filed an appeal against the ruling in August. Japan argues the ruling violates international law because all claims for compensation rising from Japan's 1910-1945 colonisation of the Korean peninsula were settled under a 1965 treaty. Suga, who took office last month, called for both countries to repair their frayed ties in his first conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. But Suga also later said Japan would "continue to firmly seek appropriate action from South Korea".

Japan may not attend summit in Korea due to wartime labour dispute

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