The Indian Ocean is crucial to China's trade and energy. But it is India that enjoys a strategic advantage in these waters. What happens if India decides to stage a blockade? WION's Molly Gambhir tells you the answer.

Gravitas: Why China fears India

Navies of India, Australia, Japan and the US are participating in the Malabar exercise. China's state mouthpiece - Global times say the drills are an obvious step towards a 'mini-NATO'. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how the QUAD alliance is evolving with the Malabar exercise.

Gravitas: What China thinks about the Malabar Exercise

Australia and Japan are deepening their defence partnership. The allies have reached a broad agreement that allows their forces to train in each other's territory. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how this pact could strengthen the QUAD.

Gravitas: How Australia and Japan could strengthen the QUAD

The Asian country Japan is observing a surge in coronavirus cases, months after the country successfully battled the deadly virus. However, the government has decided to not declare an emergency for now.

A government chief spokesman said the government officials and experts will monitor the infection rates and the capacity of hospitals to cope with the demand.&nbsp;

The residents have been urged to stay home and step out only in case of emergencies, and use face masks when stepping out. The revised guidelines came as the country recorded a record high of&nbsp;2,201 cases on Thursday morning. Following the new record, the country is expected to go an alert level in the next few days. However, the claim has not been substantiated by the Japanese government.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-deliveries-could-begin-before-christmas-344012">Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine deliveries could begin before Christmas</a>

"We will respond appropriately based on conditions,"&nbsp;Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a regular press briefing.

Japan's capital city, Tokyo, has however raised the city to an alert level, and the local government made the announcement at a coronavirus panel meeting of the metropolitan government.

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso has declined the rumours of a second cash handout for households after the surge in coronavirus cases. When asked in the parliament if he could consider a second handout, he declined saying he was not thinking about it this time.

The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will be taking a decision based on the updates.

The Asian country Japan is observing a surge in coronavirus cases, months after the country successfully battled the deadly virus. However, the government has decided to not declare an emergency for now.

The Asian country Japan is observing a surge in coronavirus cases, months after the country successfully battled the deadly virus. However, the government has decided to not declare an emergency for now. A government chief spokesman said the government officials and experts will monitor the infection rates and the capacity of hospitals to cope with the demand. The residents have been urged to stay home and step out only in case of emergencies, and use face masks when stepping out. The revised guidelines came as the country recorded a record high of 2,201 cases on Thursday morning. Following the new record, the country is expected to go an alert level in the next few days. However, the claim has not been substantiated by the Japanese government. Also read| Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine deliveries could begin before Christmas "We will respond appropriately based on conditions," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a regular press briefing. Japan's capital city, Tokyo, has however raised the city to an alert level, and the local government made the announcement at a coronavirus panel meeting of the metropolitan government. Meanwhile, the Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso has declined the rumours of a second cash handout for households after the surge in coronavirus cases. When asked in the parliament if he could consider a second handout, he declined saying he was not thinking about it this time. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will be taking a decision based on the updates.

Japan to monitor virus cases, no cash handout for second time: Finance Minister Taro Aso

Coronavirus infections in Tokyo hit a record daily high of 493 cases on Wednesday, as local media reported the Japanese capital was preparing to raise its alert level for infections to the highest of four stages

Tokyo coronavirus cases hit record 493, may raise alert level

A Japanese institute has rolled out a robot to ensure that people abide by social distancing measures, in a social experiment in a football club shop in Osaka, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan’s institute develops robot asking people to follow social anti-COVID measures

Watch in this video of 'World Business Watch': Strong economic data from China & Japan, Asian stocks hit record peak.

World Business Watch: Strong economic data from China & Japan, Asian stocks hit record peak

US President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region.&nbsp;

Despite Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat, the head of states of all the three nations earlier congratulated Biden on his victory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-makes-first-white-house-appointment-names-klain-as-chief-of-staff-342522">Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff</a>

In his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the latter told Biden about the "increasingly severe" security situation in the region, as per various Japanese officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-of-america-is-back-in-the-game-joe-biden-tells-world-leaders-342283">United States of America is ‘back in the game’: Joe Biden tells world leaders</a>

Biden, in his response, spoke of America's "deep commitment to the defence of Japan" and to decades-old treaty obligations, as per his transition team.

In a move likely to invite Beijing's wrath, the president-elect reportedly confirmed this defence commitment extended to the Senkakus, an uninhabited island chain claimed by both Japan and China which has been a major conflicting issue for decades.

Biden, in his 14-minute-conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said to have called the US-South Korea partnership as "the linchpin of security and prosperity" in the region and vowed to work collectively on "shared challenges", including North Korea and climate change.

South Korea's presidential Blue House said both leaders had agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's swearing-in.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-secure-indo-pacific-is-on-joe-bidens-mind-342777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In his call with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Biden reportedly highlighted the need of "confronting climate change", which the conservative government in Canberra has been criticised for severely in recent times.&nbsp;

However, describing the call as "very warm", Morrison said Biden did not speak on net-zero carbon targets, focussing instead on "emissions reduction technologies".

Biden was also invited to visit Australia next year for the 70th anniversary of a security treaty between both the nations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President-elect Joe Biden dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region.

US President-elect Joe Biden dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region. Despite Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat, the head of states of all the three nations earlier congratulated Biden on his victory. Also read | Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff In his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the latter told Biden about the "increasingly severe" security situation in the region, as per various Japanese officials. Also read | United States of America is ‘back in the game’: Joe Biden tells world leaders Biden, in his response, spoke of America's "deep commitment to the defence of Japan" and to decades-old treaty obligations, as per his transition team. In a move likely to invite Beijing's wrath, the president-elect reportedly confirmed this defence commitment extended to the Senkakus, an uninhabited island chain claimed by both Japan and China which has been a major conflicting issue for decades. Biden, in his 14-minute-conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said to have called the US-South Korea partnership as "the linchpin of security and prosperity" in the region and vowed to work collectively on "shared challenges", including North Korea and climate change. South Korea's presidential Blue House said both leaders had agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's swearing-in. × In his call with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Biden reportedly highlighted the need of "confronting climate change", which the conservative government in Canberra has been criticised for severely in recent times. However, describing the call as "very warm", Morrison said Biden did not speak on net-zero carbon targets, focussing instead on "emissions reduction technologies". Biden was also invited to visit Australia next year for the 70th anniversary of a security treaty between both the nations.

Joe Biden dials Asian Pacific allies, reassures American commitments

Japan's Panasonic Corp has appointed its head of automotive business Yuki Kusumi as the company's next chief executive officer, replacing Kazuhiro Tsuga, who was the architect of a partnership with Tesla Inc.

The 55-year-old will take the reins on April 1, Panasonic said on Friday, after a three-decade career at the company which has seen Kusumi lead the automotive component business and the TV operations, much like his predecessor. Tsuga, 63, will become chairman.

The change comes as Panasonic has begun to benefit from a partnership with Tesla, which was central to the incumbent chief's strategy.

Strong sales of Tesla electric vehicles (EV) have allowed Panasonic's battery business to eke out profits this year, following several years of production troubles and delays at the U.S. partner.

Kusumi also oversaw the launch of a joint battery venture with Toyota Motor Corp in April, which took over Panasonic's business in thin, rectangular-shaped prismatic batteries, a different format from cylindrical batteries used in Tesla EVs.

Under Tsuga's 8-year leadership, Panasonic has shifted its focus away from low-margin consumer electronics to batteries, factory machines and components. Panasonic's partnership with Tesla includes a $1.6 billion bet on a battery joint venture in Nevada, which was signed in 2014.

The company focus on business customers, however, has yet to generate stable profits, and the new chief is likely to be tasked with further overhauling a sprawling business portfolio that ranges from facial steamers to bicycles.

Price pressure on the battery business for Tesla could also intensify as the U.S. company has outlined a plan to halve the cost of its EV batteries and bring more production of the key auto component in-house.

Panasonic said separately that it would change to a holding company structure in April 2022, to clarify responsibilities of each business division and speed up decision-making processes.

Japan's Panasonic Corp has appointed its head of automotive business Yuki Kusumi as the company's next chief executive officer, replacing Kazuhiro Tsuga, who was the architect of a partnership with Tesla Inc.

Japan's Panasonic Corp has appointed its head of automotive business Yuki Kusumi as the company's next chief executive officer, replacing Kazuhiro Tsuga, who was the architect of a partnership with Tesla Inc. The 55-year-old will take the reins on April 1, Panasonic said on Friday, after a three-decade career at the company which has seen Kusumi lead the automotive component business and the TV operations, much like his predecessor. Tsuga, 63, will become chairman. The change comes as Panasonic has begun to benefit from a partnership with Tesla, which was central to the incumbent chief's strategy. Strong sales of Tesla electric vehicles (EV) have allowed Panasonic's battery business to eke out profits this year, following several years of production troubles and delays at the U.S. partner. Kusumi also oversaw the launch of a joint battery venture with Toyota Motor Corp in April, which took over Panasonic's business in thin, rectangular-shaped prismatic batteries, a different format from cylindrical batteries used in Tesla EVs. Under Tsuga's 8-year leadership, Panasonic has shifted its focus away from low-margin consumer electronics to batteries, factory machines and components. Panasonic's partnership with Tesla includes a $1.6 billion bet on a battery joint venture in Nevada, which was signed in 2014. The company focus on business customers, however, has yet to generate stable profits, and the new chief is likely to be tasked with further overhauling a sprawling business portfolio that ranges from facial steamers to bicycles. Price pressure on the battery business for Tesla could also intensify as the U.S. company has outlined a plan to halve the cost of its EV batteries and bring more production of the key auto component in-house. Panasonic said separately that it would change to a holding company structure in April 2022, to clarify responsibilities of each business division and speed up decision-making processes.

Panasonic appoints company veteran Kusumi as CEO, replacing Tsuga

US President-elect Joe Biden in phone calls with the leaders of Australia, Japan and South Korea emphasised on maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Joe Biden's call to Asian leaders amid growing China threat

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

japan

Japan, News on Japan, stories on Japan, articles on Japan, Japan stories at Wion, Japan news, Japan latest news