Japan's ailing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to resign. Speculation about Abe’s health and tenure had risen after he made two visits to a hospital recently.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe set to resign: Report

Archaeologists have excavated more than 1,500 human bones in the western Japanese city of Osaka. The site is called the "Umeda Tomb" and is thought to be a burial site dating back to 160 years.

Archaeologists have excavated more than 1,500 human bones in the western Japanese city of Osaka. The site is called the "Umeda Tomb" and is thought to be a burial site dating back to 160 years. According to city officials, the "Umeda Tomb", is believed to be one of seven historical gravesites from the late Edo and early Meiji periods around the 1850s to 1860s. The researchers came across 350 small graves as well as remains of animals like four piglets, horses, and cats during the excavation. As per the Osaka City Cultural Properties Association, people buried at the site were most probably residents from around Osaka Castle town, with many believed to be in their 30s or small children. Some looked to have had signs of disease on their hands and feet, it said. According to the association, multiple bodies were found in some graves and many experts believe that they were buried together due to deaths related to an epidemic disease. (Inputs from Reuters)

'Umeda tomb': Archaeologists excavate over 1,500 human bones in Osaka

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited hospital twice in the past two weeks, and that has sparked concerns and rumours about his health.

To add to the rumours, three anonymous sources, close to the PM, have revealed that Abe will be consulting a team of doctors once, before facing the media for a conference due to be held on Friday.

The statements have further fueled up rumours surrounding Abe's health, which started when the PM recently visited the hospital for more than seven hours, without revealing the reason behind the visit. Abe, who has earlier struggled with&nbsp;ulcerative colitis, said the visit for a general medical check-up as he simply wants to take care of himself.

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Abe's close aids and his ministers have, at several instances, claimed that the leader has been working very hard during the pandemic and therefore looked very tired. Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura claimed that Abe, now, looked "very well" on Tuesday and "gave us various instructions in the usual manner”.

“We want him to continue to look after his health and show us his leadership,” she continued.

Abe has been at the post of Prime Minister since 2012. This is his second term, as the first term was short-lived in 2007 due to his struggles with ulcerative colitis. However, the Prime Minister has been keeping the health issue under control with the help of doctor-prescribed medication.

Now, two weeks ago, the concerns about his health resurfaced after&nbsp;Abe was spotted entering Tokyo's Keio University Hospital — a visit that lasted more than seven hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/speculations-arise-as-shinzo-abe-spotted-in-hospital-for-second-time-in-a-week-322843">Also read:&nbsp;Speculations arise as Shinzo Abe spotted in hospital for second time in a week</a>

At that time,&nbsp;Akira Amari, Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party`s tax panel, had said that Abe has been suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work for coronavirus relief for Japanese citizens.&nbsp;"I want him to take a break," Amari had told local media. "He has a strong sense of responsibility and feels it's wrong to take a break."

Abe is set to hold a press conference on Friday, and reports suggest he might clear the air about his health. He will be staying silent on the subject till then, local media reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited hospital twice in the past two weeks, and that has sparked concerns and rumours about his health. To add to the rumours, three anonymous sources, close to the PM, have revealed that Abe will be consulting a team of doctors once, before facing the media for a conference due to be held on Friday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited hospital twice in the past two weeks, and that has sparked concerns and rumours about his health. To add to the rumours, three anonymous sources, close to the PM, have revealed that Abe will be consulting a team of doctors once, before facing the media for a conference due to be held on Friday. The statements have further fueled up rumours surrounding Abe's health, which started when the PM recently visited the hospital for more than seven hours, without revealing the reason behind the visit. Abe, who has earlier struggled with ulcerative colitis, said the visit for a general medical check-up as he simply wants to take care of himself. × Abe's close aids and his ministers have, at several instances, claimed that the leader has been working very hard during the pandemic and therefore looked very tired. Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura claimed that Abe, now, looked "very well" on Tuesday and "gave us various instructions in the usual manner”. “We want him to continue to look after his health and show us his leadership,” she continued. Abe has been at the post of Prime Minister since 2012. This is his second term, as the first term was short-lived in 2007 due to his struggles with ulcerative colitis. However, the Prime Minister has been keeping the health issue under control with the help of doctor-prescribed medication. Now, two weeks ago, the concerns about his health resurfaced after Abe was spotted entering Tokyo's Keio University Hospital — a visit that lasted more than seven hours. Also read: Speculations arise as Shinzo Abe spotted in hospital for second time in a week At that time, Akira Amari, Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party`s tax panel, had said that Abe has been suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work for coronavirus relief for Japanese citizens. "I want him to take a break," Amari had told local media. "He has a strong sense of responsibility and feels it's wrong to take a break." Abe is set to hold a press conference on Friday, and reports suggest he might clear the air about his health. He will be staying silent on the subject till then, local media reported.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to consult doctors before facing media on Friday

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly in a coma. Whereas, Japan PM Shinzo Abe is unwell. Nothing more is known. As always, the secrecy is fuelling speculation. Palki Sharma Upadhyay explains why political leaders refuse to talk about their visit to the doctor.

Gravitas: Why Politicians Keep Illness A Secret

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe made a second trip to the hospital in a single week. The nature of his ailment is unclear.

He suffers from an inflammatory bowel condition. It ended his first term as prime minister in 2007.

66-year-old, Shinzo Abe, is on medication and his office refuses to share details. The secrecy has sparked speculation. Will Abe be able to finish his term?

In terms of secrecy, North Korea is the master. Supreme leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly in a coma. His disappearance for three weeks in April had raised suspicions over his health.

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He made a reappearance in recent months. But, all those photographs are being declared fake. Possibly those of a body double. Now, there is speculation that Kim Jong Un is dead and that his sister Kim Yo-Jong is preparing to take over.

Chinese president Xi Jinping too has a history of keeping his illness a secret. In 2012, just before taking office, he disappeared for two weeks. There were rumours that he was receiving treatment for heart troubles. Some say there were assassination attempts too.

Russian President Vladimir Putin too went missing. In 2015, for 10 days --- Russians didn't know where he was.

In America, Hillary Clinton made headlines with a fall. In 2016 --- she fainted after a 9/11 memorial service in New York. Authorities said the weather was too hot, but critics said the reason was something else.

In 2019, German chancellor Angela Merkel began to shake vigorously. This was the third bout of shaking in a single month. Merkel insisted she was very well. But she never clarified what happened.

The throne awaits no one. &nbsp;Most politicians have aged perhaps not too well, given the wear and tear of politics.

They have access to first-class medical care. But being seen at a hospital signals a political death. Is that why political leaders are so secretive about their illness?

Hence proved! Politicians are scared of doctors.

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe made a second trip to the hospital in a single week. The nature of his ailment is unclear. He suffers from an inflammatory bowel condition.

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe made a second trip to the hospital in a single week. The nature of his ailment is unclear. He suffers from an inflammatory bowel condition. It ended his first term as prime minister in 2007. 66-year-old, Shinzo Abe, is on medication and his office refuses to share details. The secrecy has sparked speculation. Will Abe be able to finish his term? In terms of secrecy, North Korea is the master. Supreme leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly in a coma. His disappearance for three weeks in April had raised suspicions over his health. He made a reappearance in recent months. But, all those photographs are being declared fake. Possibly those of a body double. Now, there is speculation that Kim Jong Un is dead and that his sister Kim Yo-Jong is preparing to take over. Chinese president Xi Jinping too has a history of keeping his illness a secret. In 2012, just before taking office, he disappeared for two weeks. There were rumours that he was receiving treatment for heart troubles. Some say there were assassination attempts too. Russian President Vladimir Putin too went missing. In 2015, for 10 days --- Russians didn't know where he was. In America, Hillary Clinton made headlines with a fall. In 2016 --- she fainted after a 9/11 memorial service in New York. Authorities said the weather was too hot, but critics said the reason was something else. In 2019, German chancellor Angela Merkel began to shake vigorously. This was the third bout of shaking in a single month. Merkel insisted she was very well. But she never clarified what happened. The throne awaits no one. Most politicians have aged perhaps not too well, given the wear and tear of politics. They have access to first-class medical care. But being seen at a hospital signals a political death. Is that why political leaders are so secretive about their illness? Hence proved! Politicians are scared of doctors.

Speculations arise as Shinzo Abe spotted in hospital for second time in a week

Japan's longest-serving prime minister, Shinzo Abe, visited a Tokyo hospital on Monday, as concerns grew over his ability to continue in his post, because of health issues and fatigue from handling the coronavirus crisis.

If Abe is incapacitated, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as finance minister, would take over temporarily. If Abe resigned, he would stay on until formally replaced, which would require the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to elect a new leader, who would then be formally elected in parliament.

Here are details of some likely contenders to take the helm of the world's third-largest economy.

TARO ASO

Finance minister Aso, 79, who also doubles as deputy prime minister, has been a core member of Abe's administration. Without a clear consensus on who should succeed Abe, LDP lawmakers could elect Aso as a temporary leader if Abe resigns.

In 2008, Aso was elected LDP leader and hence, premier, in hopes that he could revive the long-dominant party's fortunes. Instead, the LDP was ousted in a historic election defeat in 2009, languishing in the opposition for the next three years.

The grandson of a former premier, Aso mixes policy experience with a fondness for manga comics and a tendency towards gaffes.

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SHIGERU ISHIBA

A hawkish former defence minister and rare LDP critic of Abe, Ishiba, 63, regularly tops surveys of lawmakers whom voters want to see as the next premier, but is less popular with the party's lawmakers.

The soft-spoken security maven has also held portfolios for agriculture and reviving local economies.

He defeated Abe in the first round of a party presidential election in 2012, thanks to strong grassroots support, but lost in the second round when only MPs could vote. Then, in a 2018 party leadership poll, Ishiba lost heavily to Abe.

He has criticised the Bank of Japan's ultra-low interest rates for hurting regional banks and called for higher public works spending to remedy growing inequality.

FUMIO KISHIDA

Kishida, 63, served as foreign minister under Abe from 2012 to 2017, but diplomacy remained mainly in the prime minister's grip.

The low-key lawmaker from Hiroshima has been widely seen as Abe's preferred successor but ranks low in voter surveys.

Kishida hails from one of the party's more dovish factions and is seen as less keen on revising the post-war constitution's pacifist Article 9 than Abe, for whom it is a cherished goal.

The BOJ's hyper-easy monetary policy "cannot go on forever," Kishida has said.

TARO KONO

Defence Minister Taro Kono, 56, has a reputation as a maverick but has toed the line on key Abe policies, including a stern stance in a feud with South Korea over wartime history.

Educated at Georgetown University and a fluent English speaker, he previously served as foreign minister and minister for administrative reform.

He has differentiated his conservative stances from those of his father, former chief cabinet secretary Yohei Kono, who authored a landmark 1993 apology to “comfort women”, a euphemism for women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels.

YOSHIHIDE SUGA

Suga, 71, a self-made politician and loyal lieutenant since Abe's troubled term as premier in 2006 and 2007, was among a band of allies who pushed Abe to run again for the top post in 2012.

Back in office, Abe tapped Suga as chief cabinet secretary, acting as top government spokesman, coordinating policies and keeping bureaucrats in line.

Talk of Suga as a contender bubbled up in April 2019 after he unveiled the new imperial era name, "Reiwa", for use on Japanese calendars after the enthronement of the new emperor.

Suga's clout was dented somewhat by scandals that toppled two cabinet ministers close to him last October.

SHINJIRO KOIZUMI

The name of Koizumi, 39, now environment minister and the son of charismatic former premier Junichiro Koizumi, is often floated as a future premier, but many consider him too young.

He shares some of Abe’s conservative views and has paid his respects at Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine for war dead.

Koizumi has projected a reforming image on the basis of efforts to cut Japan's backing for coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, but has typically taken care not to offend party elders.

KATSUNOBU KATO, YASUTOSHI NISHIMURA

As health minister, Kato, 64, was in the limelight in the early days of Japan's coronavirus outbreak but then Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, 57, a former trade official, emerged as point person on virus policy.

In 2015, Kato, a father of four, was handed the portfolio for boosting Japan's rock-bottom birth rate, a task that met little success. He is a former official of the finance ministry.

SEIKO NODA

Noda, 59, has made no secret of her desire to become Japan's first female premier. An Abe critic, the former internal affairs minister, who also held the portfolio for women's empowerment, fell short of backing to join the race for party leader in 2018.

Japan's longest-serving prime minister, Shinzo Abe, visited a Tokyo hospital on Monday, as concerns grew over his ability to continue in his post, because of health issues and fatigue from handling the coronavirus crisis.

Japan's longest-serving prime minister, Shinzo Abe, visited a Tokyo hospital on Monday, as concerns grew over his ability to continue in his post, because of health issues and fatigue from handling the coronavirus crisis. If Abe is incapacitated, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as finance minister, would take over temporarily. If Abe resigned, he would stay on until formally replaced, which would require the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to elect a new leader, who would then be formally elected in parliament. Here are details of some likely contenders to take the helm of the world's third-largest economy. TARO ASO Finance minister Aso, 79, who also doubles as deputy prime minister, has been a core member of Abe's administration. Without a clear consensus on who should succeed Abe, LDP lawmakers could elect Aso as a temporary leader if Abe resigns. In 2008, Aso was elected LDP leader and hence, premier, in hopes that he could revive the long-dominant party's fortunes. Instead, the LDP was ousted in a historic election defeat in 2009, languishing in the opposition for the next three years. The grandson of a former premier, Aso mixes policy experience with a fondness for manga comics and a tendency towards gaffes. SHIGERU ISHIBA A hawkish former defence minister and rare LDP critic of Abe, Ishiba, 63, regularly tops surveys of lawmakers whom voters want to see as the next premier, but is less popular with the party's lawmakers. The soft-spoken security maven has also held portfolios for agriculture and reviving local economies. He defeated Abe in the first round of a party presidential election in 2012, thanks to strong grassroots support, but lost in the second round when only MPs could vote. Then, in a 2018 party leadership poll, Ishiba lost heavily to Abe. He has criticised the Bank of Japan's ultra-low interest rates for hurting regional banks and called for higher public works spending to remedy growing inequality. FUMIO KISHIDA Kishida, 63, served as foreign minister under Abe from 2012 to 2017, but diplomacy remained mainly in the prime minister's grip. The low-key lawmaker from Hiroshima has been widely seen as Abe's preferred successor but ranks low in voter surveys. Kishida hails from one of the party's more dovish factions and is seen as less keen on revising the post-war constitution's pacifist Article 9 than Abe, for whom it is a cherished goal. The BOJ's hyper-easy monetary policy "cannot go on forever," Kishida has said. TARO KONO Defence Minister Taro Kono, 56, has a reputation as a maverick but has toed the line on key Abe policies, including a stern stance in a feud with South Korea over wartime history. Educated at Georgetown University and a fluent English speaker, he previously served as foreign minister and minister for administrative reform. He has differentiated his conservative stances from those of his father, former chief cabinet secretary Yohei Kono, who authored a landmark 1993 apology to “comfort women”, a euphemism for women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels. YOSHIHIDE SUGA Suga, 71, a self-made politician and loyal lieutenant since Abe's troubled term as premier in 2006 and 2007, was among a band of allies who pushed Abe to run again for the top post in 2012. Back in office, Abe tapped Suga as chief cabinet secretary, acting as top government spokesman, coordinating policies and keeping bureaucrats in line. Talk of Suga as a contender bubbled up in April 2019 after he unveiled the new imperial era name, "Reiwa", for use on Japanese calendars after the enthronement of the new emperor. Suga's clout was dented somewhat by scandals that toppled two cabinet ministers close to him last October. SHINJIRO KOIZUMI The name of Koizumi, 39, now environment minister and the son of charismatic former premier Junichiro Koizumi, is often floated as a future premier, but many consider him too young. He shares some of Abe’s conservative views and has paid his respects at Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine for war dead. Koizumi has projected a reforming image on the basis of efforts to cut Japan's backing for coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, but has typically taken care not to offend party elders. KATSUNOBU KATO, YASUTOSHI NISHIMURA As health minister, Kato, 64, was in the limelight in the early days of Japan's coronavirus outbreak but then Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, 57, a former trade official, emerged as point person on virus policy. In 2015, Kato, a father of four, was handed the portfolio for boosting Japan's rock-bottom birth rate, a task that met little success. He is a former official of the finance ministry. SEIKO NODA Noda, 59, has made no secret of her desire to become Japan's first female premier. An Abe critic, the former internal affairs minister, who also held the portfolio for women's empowerment, fell short of backing to join the race for party leader in 2018.

How possible successors stack up if Japan PM Abe resigns

Scare squad: Japanese try to forget COVID-19 by lying in coffins

A safe full of cash went missing from the Ninja Museum in&nbsp;Japan in a stunt that could only be pulled by...trained ninjas.

Thieves came in during late hours of the night and nobody was able to spot them or even get a hint of their presence in the museum. Moments later, when they left, a safe of 150 kilogramme was missing.

The&nbsp;Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in central Japan is a popular tourist attraction and is dedicated to the Ninja legendary group that is known for its stealth mode and secrecy.

Early investigation reports assumed the museum was robbed in a similar fashion as the lga-ryu ninja group's techniques. However, later investgations revealed that the theives were not as skillful as the well-known ninjas, as the thieves had forced their way into the museum office with a crowbar.

The safe that weighed around 150 kgs (330 pounds) had nearly&nbsp;$9,500 that the museum had collected from the visitros in form of admission fee over 1,100 weekends.

The museum honours two of the famous ninja clans based out of&nbsp;Iga, which is 350 kilometres (220 miles) southwest of Tokyo. It allows visitors to learn about the ninja skills, throw star-shaped weapons and live the ninja-experience by offering interactive experiences.

A safe full of cash went missing from the Ninja Museum in Japan in a stunt that could only be pulled by...trained ninjas. Thieves came in during late hours of the night and nobody was able to spot them or even get a hint of their presence in the museum.

A safe full of cash went missing from the Ninja Museum in Japan in a stunt that could only be pulled by...trained ninjas. Thieves came in during late hours of the night and nobody was able to spot them or even get a hint of their presence in the museum. Moments later, when they left, a safe of 150 kilogramme was missing. The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in central Japan is a popular tourist attraction and is dedicated to the Ninja legendary group that is known for its stealth mode and secrecy. Early investigation reports assumed the museum was robbed in a similar fashion as the lga-ryu ninja group's techniques. However, later investgations revealed that the theives were not as skillful as the well-known ninjas, as the thieves had forced their way into the museum office with a crowbar. The safe that weighed around 150 kgs (330 pounds) had nearly $9,500 that the museum had collected from the visitros in form of admission fee over 1,100 weekends. The museum honours two of the famous ninja clans based out of Iga, which is 350 kilometres (220 miles) southwest of Tokyo. It allows visitors to learn about the ninja skills, throw star-shaped weapons and live the ninja-experience by offering interactive experiences.

Safe full of cash robbed from Ninja museum in Japan

There are severe sewer problems in Japan. And in Hong Kong. What the coronavirus pandemic has done is giving the authorities a more interesting way to resolve them.

The humble manhole cover might not seem like much of a blank canvas, but one Japanese city is reimagining the possibilities with illuminated versions featuring anime characters.

Tokorozawa, near Tokyo, is hoping the unusual additions will attract visitors, including enthusiasts of the painted decorated manhole covers that adorn some of Japan's streets.

Japan is no stranger to decorative manhole covers, boasting everything from ornately engraved versions to ones painted with city mascots.

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A total of 28 manhole covers were installed throughout the city on August 1, featuring anime characters like Gundam robot and from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" sci-fi animation series and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" TV series.

The covers light up from 6 pm to 2 am using solar power, illuminating the pavements that lead from the city's main train station to a new cultural complex, featuring an anime museum.

They are part of the project in which the city collects revenue by allowing private companies -- in this case major media group Kadokawa -- to use manhole covers for advertising.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong, a deluge of trash from takeaway containers and disposable cutlery is cluttering the streets and parks as coronavirus restrictions on dining in restaurants eat away at the city’s capacity to dispose of its garbage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/transparency-for-safety-see-through-public-toilets-installed-in-tokyo-321451">Also read|&nbsp;Transparency for safety: See-through public toilets installed in Tokyo</a>

The dining restrictions in the China-ruled Asian financial hub ban eating in any outlet after 6 p.m. At other times in the day, restaurants can only operate at half-capacity and with two people per table.

As a result, plastic from eating out has doubled from last year since takeaway food is the only option for many people who do not cook at home. Hundreds of thousands of people in the crowded city live in compact apartments with tiny or non-existent kitchens.

Pavements in residential and office areas are littered with Styrofoam boxes and coffee cups spilling out from bins, while plastic bags and wrappers are seen floating at popular swimming sites.

Single use plastic tableware is one of the top ten categories of marine litter in Hong Kong, according to the World Wildlife Fund Hong Kong.

To this end, WWF-Hong Kong said it was working with delivery companies, Deliveroo and Foodpanda, to combat disposable plastic cutlery.

The government also has started promoting minimising the use of disposable tableware “wherever practicable”, such as not asking for plastic bags or disposable tableware when ordering takeaways.

A waste charging bill, proposed over a decade ago and aimed at tackling soaring waste, was put off the legislative agenda again in June due to time constraints.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

There are severe sewer problems in Japan. And in Hong Kong. What the coronavirus pandemic has done is giving the authorities a more interesting way to resolve them.

There are severe sewer problems in Japan. And in Hong Kong. What the coronavirus pandemic has done is giving the authorities a more interesting way to resolve them. The humble manhole cover might not seem like much of a blank canvas, but one Japanese city is reimagining the possibilities with illuminated versions featuring anime characters. Tokorozawa, near Tokyo, is hoping the unusual additions will attract visitors, including enthusiasts of the painted decorated manhole covers that adorn some of Japan's streets. Japan is no stranger to decorative manhole covers, boasting everything from ornately engraved versions to ones painted with city mascots. × A total of 28 manhole covers were installed throughout the city on August 1, featuring anime characters like Gundam robot and from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" sci-fi animation series and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" TV series. The covers light up from 6 pm to 2 am using solar power, illuminating the pavements that lead from the city's main train station to a new cultural complex, featuring an anime museum. They are part of the project in which the city collects revenue by allowing private companies -- in this case major media group Kadokawa -- to use manhole covers for advertising. Meanwhile in Hong Kong, a deluge of trash from takeaway containers and disposable cutlery is cluttering the streets and parks as coronavirus restrictions on dining in restaurants eat away at the city’s capacity to dispose of its garbage. Also read| Transparency for safety: See-through public toilets installed in Tokyo The dining restrictions in the China-ruled Asian financial hub ban eating in any outlet after 6 p.m. At other times in the day, restaurants can only operate at half-capacity and with two people per table. As a result, plastic from eating out has doubled from last year since takeaway food is the only option for many people who do not cook at home. Hundreds of thousands of people in the crowded city live in compact apartments with tiny or non-existent kitchens. Pavements in residential and office areas are littered with Styrofoam boxes and coffee cups spilling out from bins, while plastic bags and wrappers are seen floating at popular swimming sites. Single use plastic tableware is one of the top ten categories of marine litter in Hong Kong, according to the World Wildlife Fund Hong Kong. To this end, WWF-Hong Kong said it was working with delivery companies, Deliveroo and Foodpanda, to combat disposable plastic cutlery. The government also has started promoting minimising the use of disposable tableware “wherever practicable”, such as not asking for plastic bags or disposable tableware when ordering takeaways. A waste charging bill, proposed over a decade ago and aimed at tackling soaring waste, was put off the legislative agenda again in June due to time constraints.

Rubbish problems: Japan city lights up sewer covers, takeaway waste clutters Hong Kong

A drive-through haunted house has opened in Tokyo. It means horror fans can get the thrill of fear without stepping out of their vehicles. It's a living nightmare - but a socially distanced one. Zombies attack vehicles, smearing them with blood. But the visitors inside are safely separated from their ghoulish stalkers by the windscreen.

Drive-in haunted house offers socially distanced horrors

A Japanese city neighbouring Tokyo has spruced up its manhole covers with fans' favourite anime characters. Since August 1, manhole covers across the city were illuminated with solar-powered LED lights in designs borrowed from popular anime television series such a "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Gundam", the city's Waterworks and Sewerage department said.

Japan installs its first LED illuminated manholes with anime motifs

The owner of the bulk carrier which ran in aground in Mauritius and is currently causing an oil spill in one of the world’s most pristine environments, Nagashiki Shipping on Wednesday claimed that it is awaiting judicial decisions on the arrest of two ship officers.

The Japanese company issued a statement on Wednesday after two people were arrested overnight in Mauritius. One of them was the captain of the carrier, MV Wakashio, and the other an officer.

"Endangering safe navigation"

They were both arrested on charges of endangering safe navigation.

No further details of the operation underway were provided, but the company added that they would support the crew and families of the arrested.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/pandemic-effect-oil-rigs-face-closure-worldwide-amid-shift-towards-clean-energy-321537" hreflang="en">Pandemic effect: Oil rigs face closure worldwide amid shift towards clean energy</a>

"We sincerely apologise for causing a great deal of inconvenience to everyone involved, including everyone in Mauritius, due to this grounding accident and oil spill," the statement read.

On July 25, the MV Wakashio struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean, after which it started spilling oil on August 6. Due to this, the government of Mauritius had to announce an environmental emergency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/mauritius-arrests-indian-captain-deputy-of-oil-spill-ship-321566" hreflang="en">Mauritius arrests Indian captain, deputy of oil-spill ship</a>

The spread is pertinent because it affects a vast area of endangered corals. It could in turn cause the death of fishes and other aquatic life in what is being termed the country’s worst ecological disaster.

Emergency crews had removed most of the ship’s remaining oil before it split into two on Saturday.

The ship’s removal from the ocean is bound to take months.

The owner of the bulk carrier which ran in aground in Mauritius and is currently causing an oil spill in one of the world’s most pristine environments, Nagashiki Shipping on Wednesday claimed that it is awaiting judicial decisions on the arrest of two ship officers.

The owner of the bulk carrier which ran in aground in Mauritius and is currently causing an oil spill in one of the world’s most pristine environments, Nagashiki Shipping on Wednesday claimed that it is awaiting judicial decisions on the arrest of two ship officers. The Japanese company issued a statement on Wednesday after two people were arrested overnight in Mauritius. One of them was the captain of the carrier, MV Wakashio, and the other an officer. "Endangering safe navigation" They were both arrested on charges of endangering safe navigation. No further details of the operation underway were provided, but the company added that they would support the crew and families of the arrested. Also read: Pandemic effect: Oil rigs face closure worldwide amid shift towards clean energy "We sincerely apologise for causing a great deal of inconvenience to everyone involved, including everyone in Mauritius, due to this grounding accident and oil spill," the statement read. On July 25, the MV Wakashio struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean, after which it started spilling oil on August 6. Due to this, the government of Mauritius had to announce an environmental emergency. Also read: Mauritius arrests Indian captain, deputy of oil-spill ship The spread is pertinent because it affects a vast area of endangered corals. It could in turn cause the death of fishes and other aquatic life in what is being termed the country’s worst ecological disaster. Emergency crews had removed most of the ship’s remaining oil before it split into two on Saturday. The ship’s removal from the ocean is bound to take months.

Japanese carrier's officers arrested in Mauritius amid oil spillage

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went through a medical check-up on Monday after he had been complaining of fatigue due to heavy workload due to coronavirus emergency.

Abe was spotted entering&nbsp;Tokyo's Keio University Hospital on Monday morning, and local media reported he might return home by late evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-faces-ww2-anniversary-in-shadow-of-coronavirus-319862">Also read:&nbsp;Japan faces WW2 anniversary in shadow of coronavirus</a>

The local media believes it is a regular check-up that Abe goes through twice a year. However, the visit has come after&nbsp;Akira Amari, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party`s tax panel, said that Abe has been suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work for coronavirus relief for Japanese citizens.

"I want him to take a break," Amari told local media. "He has a strong sense of responsibility and feels it's wrong to take a break."

Abe was last seen in public at a Tokyo ceremony commemorating Japan's World War Two defeat.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-ministers-visit-yasukuni-shrine-first-since-2016-320773">Also read:&nbsp;Japanese ministers visit Yasukuni Shrine, first since 2016</a>

The local media has been running detailed reports about Abe's health and some even reported the Prime Minister vomited blood. All these reports, however, have not been verified or proved right.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga urged people to stay calm and said, "I see the prime minister every day, and I think he has no (health) problems at all, as he has been carrying out his duties smoothly."

The concerns have been rising since Abe has a history of&nbsp;ulcerative colitis, due to which he had to step down from his position in 2007. However, the Prime Minister has been keeping the health issue under control with the help of doctor-prescribed medication.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso will be taking over Abe's&nbsp;role, if need be.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went through a medical check-up on Monday after he had been complaining of fatigue due to heavy workload due to coronavirus emergency.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went through a medical check-up on Monday after he had been complaining of fatigue due to heavy workload due to coronavirus emergency. Abe was spotted entering Tokyo's Keio University Hospital on Monday morning, and local media reported he might return home by late evening. Also read: Japan faces WW2 anniversary in shadow of coronavirus The local media believes it is a regular check-up that Abe goes through twice a year. However, the visit has come after Akira Amari, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party`s tax panel, said that Abe has been suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work for coronavirus relief for Japanese citizens. "I want him to take a break," Amari told local media. "He has a strong sense of responsibility and feels it's wrong to take a break." Abe was last seen in public at a Tokyo ceremony commemorating Japan's World War Two defeat. Also read: Japanese ministers visit Yasukuni Shrine, first since 2016 The local media has been running detailed reports about Abe's health and some even reported the Prime Minister vomited blood. All these reports, however, have not been verified or proved right. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga urged people to stay calm and said, "I see the prime minister every day, and I think he has no (health) problems at all, as he has been carrying out his duties smoothly." The concerns have been rising since Abe has a history of ulcerative colitis, due to which he had to step down from his position in 2007. However, the Prime Minister has been keeping the health issue under control with the help of doctor-prescribed medication. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso will be taking over Abe's role, if need be.

Japan's PM Shinzo Abe goes for check-up after coronavirus work piles on

Japan's economy shrank a record 7.8 percent in the April-June quarter, the worst contraction in the nation's modern history, data showed Monday, as the coronavirus deepens the country's economic woes.

The contraction from the previous quarter was slightly worse than expectations but is still significantly less severe than declines seen in many other industrial economies.

Still, it is the worst economic contraction for Japan since comparable data became available in 1980, eclipsing the brutal impact of the 2008 global financial crisis.

And some analysts labelled it the worst fall since data began to be compiled in 1955, though a change in calculation methods in 1980 makes the comparison complicated.

It was the third straight quarter of negative growth, confirming a deepening recession for Japan, and raising the prospect that the government will consider pumping further stimulus into the economy.

"The fall of the Japanese economy in April and May under the state of emergency went beyond expectations. Record falls are expected in both internal and external demand," Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Daiichi Life Research Institute, wrote in a note before the official release of the data.

Coronavirus deepens recession

The economy contracted an annualised 27.8 percent, with domestic demand falling 4.8 percent and exports of goods and services plunging 18.5 percent.

But imports fell only 0.5 percent, faring better than the 4.2 percent fall seen in the January-March period.

For the past year to March 2020, Japan's real GDP came to 0.0 percent, compared with a 0.3 percent growth seen in fiscal 2018, the Cabinet Office said.

Japan was already struggling with a stagnating economy and the impact of a consumption tax hike implemented last year before the pandemic hit.

It has seen a smaller coronavirus outbreak compared to some of the worst-hit countries, with infections approaching 55,000 and deaths at slightly under 1,100.

A nationwide state of emergency was imposed as cases spiked in April, but the restrictions were significantly looser than in many countries, with no enforcement mechanism to shutter businesses or keep people at home.&nbsp;

The emergency was lifted in June, and the government has been reluctant to reintroduce measures, even as infections rise again.

Some recovery was seen in Japan after the government lifted the state of emergency, but it was not enough to offset the severe falls felt in April and May, Shinke said.

Hope for recovery

The contraction in April-June compared with the market's expectation of a 7.6 percent contraction, the median forecast of major economists surveyed by the Nikkei business daily.

The figure was less severe than quarter-on-quarter falls in some other major economies, including the United States, which logged a 9.5 percent contraction, and Germany with a 10.1 percent decline for the same quarter.

Japan imposed looser restriction against the coronavirus and fared better than its industrial peers, said Naoya Oshikubo, senior economist at SuMi Trust.

"A collapse in personal consumption... will be the largest single factor behind weak domestic demand. Personal consumption was particularly weak in April-May when the national state of emergency was in effect in Japan," he wrote before the data was published.

"Capital investment was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as uncertainty meant companies put their investment plans on hold," Oshikubo said.

Despite the figures, analysts said the economy could now expect a rebound, with Oshikubo projecting 2.6 growth for the July-September quarter.

"The recovery will likely be driven by rising domestic and external demand in addition to normalisation in Western nations as many countries' lockdown measures are lifted," Oshikubo said.&nbsp;

Personal consumption, which fell 8.2 percent in the April-June quarter, should benefit from a government stimulus payment of 100,000 yen ($939) to all residents of Japan, he said.

Japan's economy shrank a record 7.8 percent in the April-June quarter, the worst contraction in the nation's modern history, data showed Monday, as the coronavirus deepens the country's economic woes.

Japan's economy shrank a record 7.8 percent in the April-June quarter, the worst contraction in the nation's modern history, data showed Monday, as the coronavirus deepens the country's economic woes. The contraction from the previous quarter was slightly worse than expectations but is still significantly less severe than declines seen in many other industrial economies. Still, it is the worst economic contraction for Japan since comparable data became available in 1980, eclipsing the brutal impact of the 2008 global financial crisis. And some analysts labelled it the worst fall since data began to be compiled in 1955, though a change in calculation methods in 1980 makes the comparison complicated. It was the third straight quarter of negative growth, confirming a deepening recession for Japan, and raising the prospect that the government will consider pumping further stimulus into the economy. "The fall of the Japanese economy in April and May under the state of emergency went beyond expectations. Record falls are expected in both internal and external demand," Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Daiichi Life Research Institute, wrote in a note before the official release of the data. Coronavirus deepens recession The economy contracted an annualised 27.8 percent, with domestic demand falling 4.8 percent and exports of goods and services plunging 18.5 percent. But imports fell only 0.5 percent, faring better than the 4.2 percent fall seen in the January-March period. For the past year to March 2020, Japan's real GDP came to 0.0 percent, compared with a 0.3 percent growth seen in fiscal 2018, the Cabinet Office said. Japan was already struggling with a stagnating economy and the impact of a consumption tax hike implemented last year before the pandemic hit. It has seen a smaller coronavirus outbreak compared to some of the worst-hit countries, with infections approaching 55,000 and deaths at slightly under 1,100. A nationwide state of emergency was imposed as cases spiked in April, but the restrictions were significantly looser than in many countries, with no enforcement mechanism to shutter businesses or keep people at home. The emergency was lifted in June, and the government has been reluctant to reintroduce measures, even as infections rise again. Some recovery was seen in Japan after the government lifted the state of emergency, but it was not enough to offset the severe falls felt in April and May, Shinke said. Hope for recovery The contraction in April-June compared with the market's expectation of a 7.6 percent contraction, the median forecast of major economists surveyed by the Nikkei business daily. The figure was less severe than quarter-on-quarter falls in some other major economies, including the United States, which logged a 9.5 percent contraction, and Germany with a 10.1 percent decline for the same quarter. Japan imposed looser restriction against the coronavirus and fared better than its industrial peers, said Naoya Oshikubo, senior economist at SuMi Trust. "A collapse in personal consumption... will be the largest single factor behind weak domestic demand. Personal consumption was particularly weak in April-May when the national state of emergency was in effect in Japan," he wrote before the data was published. "Capital investment was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as uncertainty meant companies put their investment plans on hold," Oshikubo said. Despite the figures, analysts said the economy could now expect a rebound, with Oshikubo projecting 2.6 growth for the July-September quarter. "The recovery will likely be driven by rising domestic and external demand in addition to normalisation in Western nations as many countries' lockdown measures are lifted," Oshikubo said. Personal consumption, which fell 8.2 percent in the April-June quarter, should benefit from a government stimulus payment of 100,000 yen ($939) to all residents of Japan, he said.

Japan reports its worst GDP on record: Economy shrinks record 7.8% in April-June

Asia's second-largest economy has been hit by the biggest economic contraction in the second quarter. The economy has shrunk at its fastest rate on record as it battles the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic crushes business, consumer spending in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underwent a medical check-up in hospital on Monday, a government source said, amid concern voiced by a top official that the premier was suffering from fatigue from handling the coronavirus pandemic.

Abe,&nbsp;Japan's longest-serving prime minister, left hospital after the examination, Jiji news agency said.

He had the check-up at Tokyo's Keio University Hospital, the source familiar with the situation told Reuters.&nbsp;

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato, a close aide to the premier, said he understood it was a regular check-up and he was "not at all" worried about Abe's health.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japans-pm-shinzo-abe-goes-for-check-up-after-coronavirus-work-piles-on-321072" hreflang="en">Japan's PM Shinzo Abe goes for check-up after coronavirus work piles on</a>

"All I know is from media reports. And I understand it was reported as a regular check-up," Kato told reporters.

Abe gets a regular check-up twice a year, with his most recent on June 13, Kyodo news agency said, adding that Monday's visit was a follow-up to the June check-up, citing a hospital source.

Abe's office did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

The news follows weekend comments by Akira Amari, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's tax panel, that Abe, 65, could be suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work over the response to the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/comfort-woman-row-japan-warns-south-korea-against-abes-statue-316505" hreflang="en">'Comfort woman' row: Japan warns South Korea against Abe's statue</a>

"I want him to take a break," Amari told a Fuji TV news programme on Sunday. "He has a strong sense of responsibility and feels it's wrong to take a break."

Abe, in office since 2012 in his second stint as prime minister, resigned from his first term in 2007 because of struggles with ulcerative colitis, which he now keeps under control with medication that was not previously available.

Japanese media have speculated about Abe's health this month, including detailed reports on Abe's walking speed. Weekly magazine Flash said Abe had vomited blood at his office on July 6. Reuters was unable to verify the report.

"I see the prime minister every day, and I think he has no (health) problems at all, as he has been carrying out his duties smoothly," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told an Aug. 5 news conference in response to questions following the report.

Abe has discharged regular duties in recent weeks and was last seen in public on Saturday, at a Tokyo ceremony commemorating&nbsp;Japan's World War Two defeat.

While there are no reports that he is unable to perform his duties, should that be the case, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as finance minister, would take over.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underwent a medical check-up in hospital on Monday, a government source said, amid concern voiced by a top official that the premier was suffering from fatigue from handling the coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underwent a medical check-up in hospital on Monday, a government source said, amid concern voiced by a top official that the premier was suffering from fatigue from handling the coronavirus pandemic. Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, left hospital after the examination, Jiji news agency said. He had the check-up at Tokyo's Keio University Hospital, the source familiar with the situation told Reuters. Health Minister Katsunobu Kato, a close aide to the premier, said he understood it was a regular check-up and he was "not at all" worried about Abe's health. Also read: Japan's PM Shinzo Abe goes for check-up after coronavirus work piles on "All I know is from media reports. And I understand it was reported as a regular check-up," Kato told reporters. Abe gets a regular check-up twice a year, with his most recent on June 13, Kyodo news agency said, adding that Monday's visit was a follow-up to the June check-up, citing a hospital source. Abe's office did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. The news follows weekend comments by Akira Amari, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's tax panel, that Abe, 65, could be suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work over the response to the virus. Also read: 'Comfort woman' row: Japan warns South Korea against Abe's statue "I want him to take a break," Amari told a Fuji TV news programme on Sunday. "He has a strong sense of responsibility and feels it's wrong to take a break." Abe, in office since 2012 in his second stint as prime minister, resigned from his first term in 2007 because of struggles with ulcerative colitis, which he now keeps under control with medication that was not previously available. Japanese media have speculated about Abe's health this month, including detailed reports on Abe's walking speed. Weekly magazine Flash said Abe had vomited blood at his office on July 6. Reuters was unable to verify the report. "I see the prime minister every day, and I think he has no (health) problems at all, as he has been carrying out his duties smoothly," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told an Aug. 5 news conference in response to questions following the report. Abe has discharged regular duties in recent weeks and was last seen in public on Saturday, at a Tokyo ceremony commemorating Japan's World War Two defeat. While there are no reports that he is unable to perform his duties, should that be the case, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as finance minister, would take over.

Japan PM leaves hospital after check-up amid health concerns

Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of officials from the ministry and other specialists to Mauritius to assess the damage from an oil spill.

A Japanese bulk carrier struck a coral reef off Mauritius on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and triggering a state of "environmental emergency" in what some scientists call the country's worst ecological disaster.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-ship-that-caused-mauritius-oil-spill-was-approved-in-annual-checks-319686">Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks</a>

On Friday, some residual oil from the ship leaked into the ocean, said Mauritius Marine Conservation Society President Jacqueline Sauzier. "Booms have been placed around the ship to contain the spill," she said.

Most of the oil from the MV Wakashio have been pumped out, the Mauritian government said on Thursday, but 166 tonnes of fuel oil were still inside the bulk carrier and authorities were working to remove them.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/images-show-the-extent-of-ecological-damage-caused-by-oil-spill-off-mauritian-coast-319374">Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast</a>

Removing the ship will be a delicate operation and is likely to take months. France, which once ruled Mauritius as a colony, has said it will assist with the cleanup.

Koizumi also told reporters on Saturday he saw the oil spill as a grave crisis that could lead to a loss of biodiversity.

The ship, MV Wakashio, is owned by Japan's Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines.

Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of officials from the ministry and other specialists to Mauritius to assess the damage from an oil spill.

Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of officials from the ministry and other specialists to Mauritius to assess the damage from an oil spill. A Japanese bulk carrier struck a coral reef off Mauritius on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and triggering a state of "environmental emergency" in what some scientists call the country's worst ecological disaster. Also read: Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks On Friday, some residual oil from the ship leaked into the ocean, said Mauritius Marine Conservation Society President Jacqueline Sauzier. "Booms have been placed around the ship to contain the spill," she said. Most of the oil from the MV Wakashio have been pumped out, the Mauritian government said on Thursday, but 166 tonnes of fuel oil were still inside the bulk carrier and authorities were working to remove them. Also see: Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast Removing the ship will be a delicate operation and is likely to take months. France, which once ruled Mauritius as a colony, has said it will assist with the cleanup. Koizumi also told reporters on Saturday he saw the oil spill as a grave crisis that could lead to a loss of biodiversity. The ship, MV Wakashio, is owned by Japan's Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines.

Japan to send team of ministry officials, specialists to Mauritius to assist in oil spill

Two Japanese cabinet ministers paid their respects on Saturday at a war shrine seen by neighbouring countries as a symbol of Tokyo's past militarism, in the first such visit since 2016.

Nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual cash offering to the Yasukuni Shrine in central Tokyo to mark Saturday's 75th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II but was not expected to visit in person, local media said.

Yasukuni honours 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century.

But it also enshrines senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes by an international tribunal after the war.

Education Minister Koichi Hagiuda, one of the two ministers to visit the shrine along with Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, said he did so to pay tribute to the war dead.

"I paid respects... to the souls of those who nobly sacrificed themselves during the war," Hagiuda told reporters.

Abe last visited the shrine in December 2013 to mark his first year in power, sparking fury in Beijing and Seoul and earning a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.

Two Japanese cabinet ministers paid their respects on Saturday at a war shrine seen by neighbouring countries as a symbol of Tokyo's past militarism, in the first such visit since 2016.

Two Japanese cabinet ministers paid their respects on Saturday at a war shrine seen by neighbouring countries as a symbol of Tokyo's past militarism, in the first such visit since 2016. Nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual cash offering to the Yasukuni Shrine in central Tokyo to mark Saturday's 75th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II but was not expected to visit in person, local media said. Yasukuni honours 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century. But it also enshrines senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes by an international tribunal after the war. Education Minister Koichi Hagiuda, one of the two ministers to visit the shrine along with Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, said he did so to pay tribute to the war dead. "I paid respects... to the souls of those who nobly sacrificed themselves during the war," Hagiuda told reporters. Abe last visited the shrine in December 2013 to mark his first year in power, sparking fury in Beijing and Seoul and earning a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.

Japanese ministers visit Yasukuni Shrine, first since 2016

President Moon Jae-in vowed on Friday to spotlight the plight of South Korea's last few surviving "comfort women", as those forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels are known, in efforts to resolve a dispute with its neighbour over the thorny issue.

The comments figured in a recorded message to a 100-strong gathering of activists, government officials, and others in the city of Cheonan to commemorate the victims of Japanese wartime sexual violence.

It was the third such memorial day, instituted by Moon's government in 2018, after effectively abandoning a 2015 pact between Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Moon's predecessor that had aimed for compensation for the women and an apology.

"The most important principle of resolving the problem is 'victim-centrism'," Moon, who has called the deal flawed for failing to fully reflect the desires of the survivors, said in Friday's remarks.

The event was held on a smaller scale than some in the past, hit by worries over the spread of the coronavirus, recent heavy rain, and a finance scandal in the activist community.

Lee Yong-soo, one of those prominent among the surviving comfort women, whose numbers have dwindled to just 17 now, urged survivors not to lose heart over the scandal.

"Don’t be angry," said Lee, speaking from a wheelchair. "There are people who are making efforts to resolve the (comfort women) issue. Please keep them healthy and give them happiness."

Lee, who has accused the longtime leader of an activist group of politically and financially exploiting victims, called for a halt to its weekly protest rallies outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul.

The group's former leader, Yoon Mi-hyang, has denied any wrongdoing but apologised for causing controversy. 
Ties between Seoul and Tokyo have long been strained by disputes dating from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule over the Korea peninsula.

Last year Japan put curbs on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea after a court in its neighbour ordered Japanese firms to pay compensation to Koreans forced to work for them during the war.

Relations with Japan are expected to figure once again in an independence day speech by Moon set for Saturday. 
The day is also the anniversary of the end of World War Two, when Abe is expected to send a ritual offering to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine, where wartime leaders convicted as war criminals by an Allied tribunal are honoured along with war dead, though avoiding a personal visit.

President Moon Jae-in vowed on Friday to spotlight the plight of South Korea's last few surviving "comfort women", as those forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels are known, in efforts to resolve a dispute with its neighbour over the thorny issue.

President Moon Jae-in vowed on Friday to spotlight the plight of South Korea's last few surviving "comfort women", as those forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels are known, in efforts to resolve a dispute with its neighbour over the thorny issue. The comments figured in a recorded message to a 100-strong gathering of activists, government officials, and others in the city of Cheonan to commemorate the victims of Japanese wartime sexual violence. It was the third such memorial day, instituted by Moon's government in 2018, after effectively abandoning a 2015 pact between Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Moon's predecessor that had aimed for compensation for the women and an apology. "The most important principle of resolving the problem is 'victim-centrism'," Moon, who has called the deal flawed for failing to fully reflect the desires of the survivors, said in Friday's remarks. The event was held on a smaller scale than some in the past, hit by worries over the spread of the coronavirus, recent heavy rain, and a finance scandal in the activist community. Lee Yong-soo, one of those prominent among the surviving comfort women, whose numbers have dwindled to just 17 now, urged survivors not to lose heart over the scandal. "Don’t be angry," said Lee, speaking from a wheelchair. "There are people who are making efforts to resolve the (comfort women) issue. Please keep them healthy and give them happiness." Lee, who has accused the longtime leader of an activist group of politically and financially exploiting victims, called for a halt to its weekly protest rallies outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul. The group's former leader, Yoon Mi-hyang, has denied any wrongdoing but apologised for causing controversy. Ties between Seoul and Tokyo have long been strained by disputes dating from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule over the Korea peninsula. Last year Japan put curbs on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea after a court in its neighbour ordered Japanese firms to pay compensation to Koreans forced to work for them during the war. Relations with Japan are expected to figure once again in an independence day speech by Moon set for Saturday. The day is also the anniversary of the end of World War Two, when Abe is expected to send a ritual offering to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine, where wartime leaders convicted as war criminals by an Allied tribunal are honoured along with war dead, though avoiding a personal visit.

South Korea's Moon Jae In to focus on victims in 'comfort women' dispute with Japan

Tokyo-based carrier First Airlines offers two-hour virtual reality ‘flights’ through Japan’s popular sights.

Japanese company is offering virtual flights | Japan technology | WION

The coronavirus pandemic has been ruining a lot of lives in the induced lockdown. Weddings are wrecked, and honeymoons too.

One such is of a Japanese couple Rikiya and Ayumi Kataoka, who had their honeymoon wrecked by the coronavirus pandemic.

But they did not let the ordeal ruin dampen their spirit. In fact, their resourcefulness in enforced exile in Cape Verde has won them appointments as ambassadors for its Olympic team.

The Kataokas had completed a third of their round-the-world trip when a suspension in long-haul flights stranded them for five months in the archipelago of 10 tiny islands off the coast of West Africa.

Unable to resume their journey to Europe and then home to Japan and unwilling to head to the African mainland, where virus cases are spiking, they had to trade their skills with domestic businesses to earn funds in the absence of work visas.

But Cape Verde’s Olympics officials were so intrigued by the ties the couple had built with locals that they decided to include the Kataokas in their team heading to the rearranged games in Tokyo next July.

“They want me to be an ambassador of the Olympic team,” Rikiya told Reuters via Zoom, speaking from the island of Sal.&nbsp;

“When I go back to Tokyo, I will do a job for them.”

Cape Verde, who have never won an Olympic medal despite participating in every summer Games since 1996, hope to take three or four athletes to Tokyo.

Not only will the Kataokas be useful for their local knowledge but the islands’ officials hope the recognition helps repay the couple for their work in promoting the islands, where their plight turned them into minor celebrities.

“We felt the urge of giving back,” said Leonardo Cunha, the islands’ chef de mission for Tokyo.

“The guys are Japanese citizens and they deserve, in the name of the friendship we have with Japan, just to be well-treated,” he added.

“It was our interest to accompany them on their journey as well (and) making them part of our adventure in Japan.”

Miles from home with dwindling funds, the Kataokas could easily have panicked, but Rikiya, who occasionally works as a videographer back home, made social media videos here tagging hotels and restaurants, in exchange for lodging and food.

“I shot many things in restaurants and hotels, as a volunteer,” he said, adding that had prompted job offers.

“For example, the restaurant owner offered me a job... and then they gave me food for free.”

Wife Ayumi modelled for the shoots when not doubling as a reviewer.

That kind of enterprise could pay off in Japan for the Cape Verde Olympic Committee, which learnt of the couple when they moved into a hotel owned by American former windsurfing world champion Josh Angulo.

“You go to another planet, Planet Olympics,” said Cunha, describing the benefits for the Kataokas.

“When they will arrive there, they will be in shock, because it is so big and so emotional, they really will understand where our invitation comes from and what it will mean for them.”

The coronavirus pandemic has been ruining a lot of lives in the induced lockdown. Weddings are wrecked, and honeymoons too. One such is of a Japanese couple Rikiya and Ayumi Kataoka, who had their honeymoon wrecked by the coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has been ruining a lot of lives in the induced lockdown. Weddings are wrecked, and honeymoons too. One such is of a Japanese couple Rikiya and Ayumi Kataoka, who had their honeymoon wrecked by the coronavirus pandemic. But they did not let the ordeal ruin dampen their spirit. In fact, their resourcefulness in enforced exile in Cape Verde has won them appointments as ambassadors for its Olympic team. The Kataokas had completed a third of their round-the-world trip when a suspension in long-haul flights stranded them for five months in the archipelago of 10 tiny islands off the coast of West Africa. Unable to resume their journey to Europe and then home to Japan and unwilling to head to the African mainland, where virus cases are spiking, they had to trade their skills with domestic businesses to earn funds in the absence of work visas. But Cape Verde’s Olympics officials were so intrigued by the ties the couple had built with locals that they decided to include the Kataokas in their team heading to the rearranged games in Tokyo next July. “They want me to be an ambassador of the Olympic team,” Rikiya told Reuters via Zoom, speaking from the island of Sal. “When I go back to Tokyo, I will do a job for them.” Cape Verde, who have never won an Olympic medal despite participating in every summer Games since 1996, hope to take three or four athletes to Tokyo. Not only will the Kataokas be useful for their local knowledge but the islands’ officials hope the recognition helps repay the couple for their work in promoting the islands, where their plight turned them into minor celebrities. “We felt the urge of giving back,” said Leonardo Cunha, the islands’ chef de mission for Tokyo. “The guys are Japanese citizens and they deserve, in the name of the friendship we have with Japan, just to be well-treated,” he added. “It was our interest to accompany them on their journey as well (and) making them part of our adventure in Japan.” Miles from home with dwindling funds, the Kataokas could easily have panicked, but Rikiya, who occasionally works as a videographer back home, made social media videos here tagging hotels and restaurants, in exchange for lodging and food. “I shot many things in restaurants and hotels, as a volunteer,” he said, adding that had prompted job offers. “For example, the restaurant owner offered me a job... and then they gave me food for free.” Wife Ayumi modelled for the shoots when not doubling as a reviewer. That kind of enterprise could pay off in Japan for the Cape Verde Olympic Committee, which learnt of the couple when they moved into a hotel owned by American former windsurfing world champion Josh Angulo. “You go to another planet, Planet Olympics,” said Cunha, describing the benefits for the Kataokas. “When they will arrive there, they will be in shock, because it is so big and so emotional, they really will understand where our invitation comes from and what it will mean for them.”

Stranded Japanese honeymooners end up as Cape Verde's Olympic team ambassadors

In a 4 1/2-minute radio speech on Aug. 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in World War Two, telling his subjects he had resolved to pave the way for peace by "enduring the unendurable".

Seventy-five years later, the unresolved legacy of the conflict haunts Tokyo's ties with China and South Korea, even as the countries cope with a COVID-19 pandemic that is forcing Japan to scale back its Aug. 15 ceremony for war dead.

In Japan, consensus over the war's legacy is elusive.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has adopted a less-apologetic stance and wants to revise a post-war, pacifist constitution that conservatives see as a humiliating symbol of defeat. A majority of the public opposes altering the charter, long viewed as a breakwater against repeating past mistakes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japans-abe-to-avoid-visit-to-war-linked-shrine-on-75th-war-anniversary-jiji-319233" hreflang="en">Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji</a>

"The legacy of the war, the unresolved issues of historical justice and historical understanding, remain very much with us," said Daniel Sneider, a lecturer in East Asian studies at Stanford University.

"Does time heal all wounds? Soon there will be nobody who experienced the war ... Do the issues disappear?" Sneider added. "No, they don't, because they are so wrapped up with the formation of identity in all these countries."

Many Koreans, who mark Aug. 15 as "National Liberation Day", still resent Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, while China has bitter memories of Japan's invasion and occupation from 1931 to 1945. It celebrates "Victory Over Japan" day on Sept. 3, one day after Tokyo's formal surrender.

A LONG SHADOW

Partly because the COVID-19 pandemic dominates attention, debate over Japan's war responsibility has been more muted than on the 70th anniversary, which Abe marked with a controversial statement.

At the time, Abe expressed "utmost grief" over the conflict but said future generations should not have to keep apologising for mistakes of the past and offered no fresh apology.

"Fear of getting drawn into military conflict continues to strongly impact public opinion while ... a defensive attitude among Japan's conservative political leaders about Japan's actions during the war keeps them from saying and doing things that might convince their neighbours that Japan is truly repentant," said Gerry Curtis, a Columbia University professor emeritus. "It will probably take 100 years for Japan to move out from the shadow of the Second World War."

Disputes with Seoul over Koreans forced to work for wartime Japanese firms and "comfort women", a euphemism for those pushed into Japan's wartime military brothels, are still flashpoints.

A South Korea court last week said it would begin procedures to sell assets of Nippon Steel Corp seized after the Japanese company did not follow a 2018 order by Seoul's Supreme Court to compensate Korean wartime workers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japans-okinawa-declares-state-of-emergency-as-covid-19-cases-soar-317507" hreflang="en">Japan's Okinawa declares state of emergency as COVID-19 cases soar</a>

Tokyo says the issue was settled by a 1965 treaty normalising ties and has threatened retaliation if the sale goes ahead. The feud between the U.S. security allies spilled over into trade and security last year.&nbsp;

"Relations will face another crisis, albeit not immediately," said Chang Ho-jin, a former South Korean presidential secretary.

Tokyo regards the comfort women controversy as resolved by a 2015 agreement under which Abe apologised and pledged a fund to support the survivors, but South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s government has declared the deal flawed.&nbsp;

CHINA TIES&nbsp;

Japan's ties with China had improved ahead of a planned visit by President Xi Jinping, but the trip was postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

Some Japanese ruling party members want the visit cancelled over Beijing's clampdown on Hong Kong and its push to assert territorial claims in the East China Sea. The row over disputed islets there could flare up if Beijing, as reported by some Japanese media, this month ends a ban on its fishing vessels entering surrounding waters.

China, locked in a confrontation with the United States over human rights, trade and security, has sidelined historical spats with Japan.&nbsp;

Tokyo shares U.S. concerns about China, but the Asian neighbours' economies are deeply intertwined.

"History issues have not been resolved, but they are on the back burner," said Andrew Horvat, a visiting professor at Tokyo's Josai International University.&nbsp;

Since 2013, Abe has not visited Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, where wartime leaders convicted as war criminals are honoured with war dead, avoiding a potential flashpoint with Beijing.

But the risk of renewed feuds persists.&nbsp;

"Although decades have passed, our wounds from the war have not completely healed," said Huang Dahui, a Japan expert at the Renmin University of China.&nbsp;

In a 4 1/2-minute radio speech on Aug. 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in World War Two, telling his subjects he had resolved to pave the way for peace by "enduring the unendurable".

In a 4 1/2-minute radio speech on Aug. 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in World War Two, telling his subjects he had resolved to pave the way for peace by "enduring the unendurable". Seventy-five years later, the unresolved legacy of the conflict haunts Tokyo's ties with China and South Korea, even as the countries cope with a COVID-19 pandemic that is forcing Japan to scale back its Aug. 15 ceremony for war dead. In Japan, consensus over the war's legacy is elusive. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has adopted a less-apologetic stance and wants to revise a post-war, pacifist constitution that conservatives see as a humiliating symbol of defeat. A majority of the public opposes altering the charter, long viewed as a breakwater against repeating past mistakes. Also read: Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji "The legacy of the war, the unresolved issues of historical justice and historical understanding, remain very much with us," said Daniel Sneider, a lecturer in East Asian studies at Stanford University. "Does time heal all wounds? Soon there will be nobody who experienced the war ... Do the issues disappear?" Sneider added. "No, they don't, because they are so wrapped up with the formation of identity in all these countries." Many Koreans, who mark Aug. 15 as "National Liberation Day", still resent Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, while China has bitter memories of Japan's invasion and occupation from 1931 to 1945. It celebrates "Victory Over Japan" day on Sept. 3, one day after Tokyo's formal surrender. A LONG SHADOW Partly because the COVID-19 pandemic dominates attention, debate over Japan's war responsibility has been more muted than on the 70th anniversary, which Abe marked with a controversial statement. At the time, Abe expressed "utmost grief" over the conflict but said future generations should not have to keep apologising for mistakes of the past and offered no fresh apology. "Fear of getting drawn into military conflict continues to strongly impact public opinion while ... a defensive attitude among Japan's conservative political leaders about Japan's actions during the war keeps them from saying and doing things that might convince their neighbours that Japan is truly repentant," said Gerry Curtis, a Columbia University professor emeritus. "It will probably take 100 years for Japan to move out from the shadow of the Second World War." Disputes with Seoul over Koreans forced to work for wartime Japanese firms and "comfort women", a euphemism for those pushed into Japan's wartime military brothels, are still flashpoints. A South Korea court last week said it would begin procedures to sell assets of Nippon Steel Corp seized after the Japanese company did not follow a 2018 order by Seoul's Supreme Court to compensate Korean wartime workers. Also read: Japan's Okinawa declares state of emergency as COVID-19 cases soar Tokyo says the issue was settled by a 1965 treaty normalising ties and has threatened retaliation if the sale goes ahead. The feud between the U.S. security allies spilled over into trade and security last year. "Relations will face another crisis, albeit not immediately," said Chang Ho-jin, a former South Korean presidential secretary. Tokyo regards the comfort women controversy as resolved by a 2015 agreement under which Abe apologised and pledged a fund to support the survivors, but South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s government has declared the deal flawed. CHINA TIES Japan's ties with China had improved ahead of a planned visit by President Xi Jinping, but the trip was postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some Japanese ruling party members want the visit cancelled over Beijing's clampdown on Hong Kong and its push to assert territorial claims in the East China Sea. The row over disputed islets there could flare up if Beijing, as reported by some Japanese media, this month ends a ban on its fishing vessels entering surrounding waters. China, locked in a confrontation with the United States over human rights, trade and security, has sidelined historical spats with Japan. Tokyo shares U.S. concerns about China, but the Asian neighbours' economies are deeply intertwined. "History issues have not been resolved, but they are on the back burner," said Andrew Horvat, a visiting professor at Tokyo's Josai International University. Since 2013, Abe has not visited Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, where wartime leaders convicted as war criminals are honoured with war dead, avoiding a potential flashpoint with Beijing. But the risk of renewed feuds persists. "Although decades have passed, our wounds from the war have not completely healed," said Huang Dahui, a Japan expert at the Renmin University of China.

Japan faces WW2 anniversary in shadow of coronavirus

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been accused of delivering two near-identical speeches to mark the anniversaries of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A plagiarism detection app found that Abe’s speech in Nagasaki on Sunday duplicated 93% of a speech he had delivered in Hiroshima three days earlier, a major newspaper in Japan Mainichi Shimbun reported.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been accused of delivering two near-identical speeches to mark the anniversaries of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A plagiarism detection app found that Abe’s speech in Nagasaki on Sunday duplicated 93% of a speech he had delivered in Hiroshima three days earlier, a major newspaper in Japan Mainichi Shimbun reported. The English-language versions of the speeches on Abe’s official website also show a high degree of duplication, according to The Guardian. The opening paragraph mentions each city’s name, and continues: “I reverently express my sincere condolences to the souls of the great number of atomic bomb victims. I also extend my heartfelt sympathy to those still suffering even now from the after-effects of the atomic bomb.” Aside from the ceremony titles, the passages match word for word. Also read | Japan faces WW2 anniversary in shadow of coronavirus Abe did, however, use different wording when referring to how each city had rebuilt in the years after Japan’s wartime defeat. An estimated 140,000 people died immediately and in the months after the Hiroshima bombing on 6 August 1945, while 74,000 died during and after the attack on Nagasaki three days later. Apart from the cities’ names, the statements’ closing paragraphs used the same wording, with Abe voicing hope for a world “without nuclear weapons”. Also read: 'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki The apparent decision not to tailor the statements to each city’s experience angered survivors of the bombings, who are known as hibakusha, the Guardian report added. “It’s the same every year,” Koichi Kawano, head of a hibakusha liaison council in Nagasaki, told the Mainichi Shimbun. “He talks gibberish and leaves, as if to say, ‘There you go. Goodbye.’ He just changed the word ‘Hiroshima’ to ‘Nagasaki.’ He’s looking down on A-bomb survivors.”

Japan PM's near-identical speeches in Hiroshima and Nagasaki spark anger

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean&nbsp;and has started off an environmental catastrophe.

It has now been revealed that the&nbsp;ship, that spilled almost&nbsp;1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed.

The ship, known as&nbsp;MV Wakashio, is owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. Mitsui has now set up a task force to look into this matter.

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"We will do our utmost towards resolving the situation quickly," the company said in a statement. Mitsui will also be sending a personnel to the site of the spill to help the task force.

The company has also claimed that the impact on earnings from the spill would not be big enough to&nbsp;to warrant a financial disclosure.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said the ship has now stopped leaking oil into the Indian Ocean but the island nation must still prepare for "a worst case scenario".

The oil spill caused an environment emergency in Mauritius.

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean and has started off an environmental catastrophe. It has now been revealed that the ship, that spilled almost 1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed.

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean and has started off an environmental catastrophe. It has now been revealed that the ship, that spilled almost 1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed. The ship, known as MV Wakashio, is owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. Mitsui has now set up a task force to look into this matter. × "We will do our utmost towards resolving the situation quickly," the company said in a statement. Mitsui will also be sending a personnel to the site of the spill to help the task force. The company has also claimed that the impact on earnings from the spill would not be big enough to to warrant a financial disclosure. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said the ship has now stopped leaking oil into the Indian Ocean but the island nation must still prepare for "a worst case scenario". The oil spill caused an environment emergency in Mauritius.

Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks

Nagasaki on Sunday (August 9) marked the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing which devastated the city and instantly killed tens of thousands of people at the end of World War II. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the memorial ceremony was scaled back with an attendance of about 500, which is one tenth of usual years, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Nagasaki urges world again to ban atomic bombs on its 75th bombing anniversary

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past.

The shrine, dedicated to Japanese who have died during past wars including World War Two, is seen as a potent symbol of the controversy that persists over the conflict’s legacy in East Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/unspeakable-horror-the-tale-of-attacks-on-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-318534">Have a look|&nbsp;'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki</a>

“He will make a ritual offering to the shrine out of his personal expenses as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as he has done in previous years,” sources close to the matter said, according to the report.

Since 1978, the shrine has also honoured leaders convicted as “Class A” war criminals at an allied tribunal in 1948, making it deeply controversial at home and abroad.

Abe’s last visit to the shrine, shortly after he took office in December 2013, caused outrage in China and South Korea, who see the visits as a sign that Japan has not repented for its militarist past and war atrocities.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past. The shrine, dedicated to Japanese who have died during past wars including World War Two, is seen as a potent symbol of the controversy that persists over the conflict’s legacy in East Asia. Have a look| 'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki “He will make a ritual offering to the shrine out of his personal expenses as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as he has done in previous years,” sources close to the matter said, according to the report. Since 1978, the shrine has also honoured leaders convicted as “Class A” war criminals at an allied tribunal in 1948, making it deeply controversial at home and abroad. Abe’s last visit to the shrine, shortly after he took office in December 2013, caused outrage in China and South Korea, who see the visits as a sign that Japan has not repented for its militarist past and war atrocities.

Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji

Yogetsu Akasaka - A monk in Japan has combined beatboxing with spiritual hymns. His creations are now going viral. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Meet Akasaka | Japan's beatboxing monk

Oil spill of Japanese bulk carrier triggers crisis in Mauritius. Experts have feared of greater damage to Mauritius coastline.

Oil spill of Japanese bulk carrier triggers crisis in Mauritius

The music grows gradually: first a snare drum-like beat, then a throaty drone layered on top, followed by high-pitched humming. And then the monk begins to chant the heart sutra.

The unique musical experience is the work of Yogetsu Akasaka, a Japanese musician and formally trained Buddhist monk who has become a viral phenomenon with tracks marrying religious chanting with beatboxing.

His Heart Sutra Looping Remix, featuring the 37-year-old dressed in the formal robes worn by Buddhist monks at funerals, has been viewed on YouTube more than half a million times since it was posted in May.

The seven-minute video was filmed in a studio, and shows Akasaka layering sounds via a beatbox device called a Loopstation and then chanting the religious text on top.

The idea came to him during the state of emergency imposed in Japan over the coronavirus pandemic, when both his work as a musician and a monk overseeing funeral and memorial services dried up.

"It was all cancelled. So I had no job, I had no income. And to me, it was really a pain, but at the same time, I thought it was a really good opportunity to think about myself or to think about the future of Buddhism," he told AFP.

"I was trying to find my own way to deliver Buddhist teachings to people not only in Japan but also all over the world."

- Changing views -

Akasaka has long been interested both in music and religion.

He began beatboxing around 15 years ago, buying a looping machine in 2009 to help him build layered sounds, and during years spent in the United States and Australia he occasionally busked to make money.

He came to religion a little later, initially rejecting suggestions from his father -- who became a Buddhist monk in his 50s, when Akasaka was in high school.

"In Japan, it's very common that the son of a priest succeeds their father... And so my father sometimes asked me if I wanted to become a monk and succeed him. And I would say no, I was not interested in it," he said.

But after he turned 30, Akasaka began to reconsider as he thought more about the meaning of life and death, and he eventually spent a little over two years training to be a monk.

In Japan, it is not uncommon for monks to fulfil religious duties and maintain a non-religious career, like Akasaka's work as a musician.

Recently he has organised livestreaming sessions of his music, soliciting donations to help see him through the pandemic.

But he also hopes that by combining his two passions, he can offer a fresh perspective on Buddhism to younger people, particularly in Japan, where he says the religion is largely associated with death and funeral rites.

"Most of them believe Buddhism is something for a person who died already. But it's actually not," he said.

"So maybe, if my music attracts younger people, it will be a good opportunity for them to know about Buddhism."

The music grows gradually: first a snare drum-like beat, then a throaty drone layered on top, followed by high-pitched humming. And then the monk begins to chant the heart sutra.

The music grows gradually: first a snare drum-like beat, then a throaty drone layered on top, followed by high-pitched humming. And then the monk begins to chant the heart sutra. The unique musical experience is the work of Yogetsu Akasaka, a Japanese musician and formally trained Buddhist monk who has become a viral phenomenon with tracks marrying religious chanting with beatboxing. His Heart Sutra Looping Remix, featuring the 37-year-old dressed in the formal robes worn by Buddhist monks at funerals, has been viewed on YouTube more than half a million times since it was posted in May. The seven-minute video was filmed in a studio, and shows Akasaka layering sounds via a beatbox device called a Loopstation and then chanting the religious text on top. The idea came to him during the state of emergency imposed in Japan over the coronavirus pandemic, when both his work as a musician and a monk overseeing funeral and memorial services dried up. "It was all cancelled. So I had no job, I had no income. And to me, it was really a pain, but at the same time, I thought it was a really good opportunity to think about myself or to think about the future of Buddhism," he told AFP. "I was trying to find my own way to deliver Buddhist teachings to people not only in Japan but also all over the world." - Changing views - Akasaka has long been interested both in music and religion. He began beatboxing around 15 years ago, buying a looping machine in 2009 to help him build layered sounds, and during years spent in the United States and Australia he occasionally busked to make money. He came to religion a little later, initially rejecting suggestions from his father -- who became a Buddhist monk in his 50s, when Akasaka was in high school. "In Japan, it's very common that the son of a priest succeeds their father... And so my father sometimes asked me if I wanted to become a monk and succeed him. And I would say no, I was not interested in it," he said. But after he turned 30, Akasaka began to reconsider as he thought more about the meaning of life and death, and he eventually spent a little over two years training to be a monk. In Japan, it is not uncommon for monks to fulfil religious duties and maintain a non-religious career, like Akasaka's work as a musician. Recently he has organised livestreaming sessions of his music, soliciting donations to help see him through the pandemic. But he also hopes that by combining his two passions, he can offer a fresh perspective on Buddhism to younger people, particularly in Japan, where he says the religion is largely associated with death and funeral rites. "Most of them believe Buddhism is something for a person who died already. But it's actually not," he said. "So maybe, if my music attracts younger people, it will be a good opportunity for them to know about Buddhism."

Beatboxing for Buddha: Japan monk's musical outreach

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