Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week,&nbsp;Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for&nbsp;the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election.

Kishida is seen as one of the favourites of Abe and had earlier, too, expressed his intentions to run for the elections. However, he has not managed to gain attraction from the masses.

Abe's resignation has brought in the announcement of&nbsp;unexpected elections to replace him.&nbsp;Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new Prime Minister for the country.

The party will be voting on September 14 and the candidates are required to register their names on September, and can start campaigning immediately after.&nbsp;An official announcement from the Liberal Democratic Party is expected either later Tuesday or Wednesday, but a decision on a limited vote that will exclude rank-and-file members has already been approved.

The&nbsp;parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16, according to local reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-will-replace-abe-and-when-japan-pms-resignation-sparks-leadership-race-323707">Also read|&nbsp;Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race</a>

Shinzo Abe resigned last week after weeks of speculation and rumours around his ill-health. The former Prime Minister of Japan has been battling&nbsp;the disease of ulcerative colitis for years and his two recent hospital visits within a week had sparked rumours and concerns about his wellbeing.

“I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe said.

Earlier, last week,&nbsp;loyalist Yoshihide Suga, had&nbsp;emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and said he doesn't want the job. Instead, he says, his focus is on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said.

Other than him, former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is also expected to contest the elctions. He has been an Abe-critic for a very long time, and says he aimsto revive Japan's regional economies. Unlike Kishida, Ishiba is favoured by the public, but not by Parliament members.

Many more names such as Taro Aso, Taro Kono, Shinjiro Koizumi, Toshimitsu Motegi, Katsunobu Kato, Seiko Noda have come forward. However, no official announcements have been made on these names.

Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week, Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election.

Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week, Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election. Kishida is seen as one of the favourites of Abe and had earlier, too, expressed his intentions to run for the elections. However, he has not managed to gain attraction from the masses. Abe's resignation has brought in the announcement of unexpected elections to replace him. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new Prime Minister for the country. The party will be voting on September 14 and the candidates are required to register their names on September, and can start campaigning immediately after. An official announcement from the Liberal Democratic Party is expected either later Tuesday or Wednesday, but a decision on a limited vote that will exclude rank-and-file members has already been approved. The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16, according to local reports. Also read| Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race Shinzo Abe resigned last week after weeks of speculation and rumours around his ill-health. The former Prime Minister of Japan has been battling the disease of ulcerative colitis for years and his two recent hospital visits within a week had sparked rumours and concerns about his wellbeing. “I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe said. Earlier, last week, loyalist Yoshihide Suga, had emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and said he doesn't want the job. Instead, he says, his focus is on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said. Other than him, former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is also expected to contest the elctions. He has been an Abe-critic for a very long time, and says he aimsto revive Japan's regional economies. Unlike Kishida, Ishiba is favoured by the public, but not by Parliament members. Many more names such as Taro Aso, Taro Kono, Shinjiro Koizumi, Toshimitsu Motegi, Katsunobu Kato, Seiko Noda have come forward. However, no official announcements have been made on these names.

Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe

Japan's factory activity contracted at the slowest pace in six months in August, reducing some of the heat on policymakers pressured to take more radical steps to prevent the economy from sliding deeper into recession.

Japan's August factory activity shrinks at slowest pace in 6 months

Two crew members from a tugboat involved in cleaning up an oil spill off Mauritius were killed late on Monday when their vessel collided with a barge in bad weather, a local lawmaker said.

Four other members of the crew were rescued by helicopter and two were still missing, Mahend Gungerpersad, a member of parliament for the opposition Labour Party, told Reuters on Tuesday.

"This incident is going to add to the prevailing anger," he said, referring to weekend protests over the handling of the operation to contain the oil spill and the deaths of dozens of dolphins in the area.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/at-least-40-dolphins-die-in-area-hit-by-mauritius-oil-spill-323756" hreflang="en">At least 40 dolphins die in area hit by Mauritius oil spill</a>

"We had the oil spill, then we had the deaths of the dolphins and now two people who have been killed."

The MV Wakashio, a Japanese bulk carrier, struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island nation's coast in July, spilling thousands of tonnes of crude oil into the sea and choking marine life in a pristine lagoon.

According to Gungerpersad, the tugboat and barge sent out a distress signal at between 7.30 and 8.00 p.m. on Monday. The tugboat capsized after the collision. Both ships were moving parts salvaged from the site of the oil spill into the port.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japanese-ship-deviated-from-shipping-lane-before-mauritius-impact-says-report-322156" hreflang="en">Japanese ship deviated from shipping lane before Mauritius impact, says report</a>

Mauritians have been angered by what Gungerpersad called "mismanagement" and "incompetence" by the government in its handling of the crisis.

Apart from dolphin deaths, the spill has threatened decades of work to conserve local sea birds and plant species in a nearby protected reserve.

Two crew members from a tugboat involved in cleaning up an oil spill off Mauritius were killed late on Monday when their vessel collided with a barge in bad weather, a local lawmaker said.

Two crew members from a tugboat involved in cleaning up an oil spill off Mauritius were killed late on Monday when their vessel collided with a barge in bad weather, a local lawmaker said. Four other members of the crew were rescued by helicopter and two were still missing, Mahend Gungerpersad, a member of parliament for the opposition Labour Party, told Reuters on Tuesday. "This incident is going to add to the prevailing anger," he said, referring to weekend protests over the handling of the operation to contain the oil spill and the deaths of dozens of dolphins in the area. Also read: At least 40 dolphins die in area hit by Mauritius oil spill "We had the oil spill, then we had the deaths of the dolphins and now two people who have been killed." The MV Wakashio, a Japanese bulk carrier, struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island nation's coast in July, spilling thousands of tonnes of crude oil into the sea and choking marine life in a pristine lagoon. According to Gungerpersad, the tugboat and barge sent out a distress signal at between 7.30 and 8.00 p.m. on Monday. The tugboat capsized after the collision. Both ships were moving parts salvaged from the site of the oil spill into the port. Also read: Japanese ship deviated from shipping lane before Mauritius impact, says report Mauritians have been angered by what Gungerpersad called "mismanagement" and "incompetence" by the government in its handling of the crisis. Apart from dolphin deaths, the spill has threatened decades of work to conserve local sea birds and plant species in a nearby protected reserve.

Two Mauritians killed in accident near site of Japanese ship oil spill

Former Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is the most popular choice among the public to be the next prime minister, media opinion polls showed, as the race kicks off to succeed Shinzo Abe after his abrupt resignation last week.

Ishiba has about 34% of the public`s support, more than double the 14% for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the second-most popular choice, a weekend Kyodo News survey showed.

A Nikkei/TV Tokyo poll showed Ishiba with 28% support, followed by current Defence Minister Taro Kono with 15%. Suga came in fourth place with 11%, the poll showed.

The surveys highlight a split between public opinion and internal Liberal Democratic Party politics.

Suga - a longtime lieutenant of Abe`s in a key supporting role - is expected to get the backing of the faction led by LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai and of other major factions, local media reported, putting him in a favourable position.

That would make it an uphill battle for Ishiba, a vocal Abe critic who unsuccessfully challenged the out-going premier in the last LDP leadership race in 2018 and is considered less popular within the party.

Another potential candidate, LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, came in last place in both of the public opinion surveys.

Abe`s resignation announcement on Friday, citing the worsening of a chronic illness, set the stage for the party leadership election, which public broadcaster NHK said was likely to place around Sept. 13 to 15.

The LDP president is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the party`s majority in the lower house of parliament.

Brad Glosserman, deputy director of the Center for Rule-Making Strategies at Tama University, said Suga was the safe bet in terms of internal LDP dynamics, but might not be ideal come election time. A general election must be held by late October 2021.

"He doesn`t seem to have either the charisma or the vision to push Japan in a new direction. He seems to be the eternal Number Two - he delivers on promises made by his boss," said Glosserman.

Former Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is the most popular choice among the public to be the next prime minister, media opinion polls showed, as the race kicks off to succeed Shinzo Abe after his abrupt resignation last week.

Former Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is the most popular choice among the public to be the next prime minister, media opinion polls showed, as the race kicks off to succeed Shinzo Abe after his abrupt resignation last week. Ishiba has about 34% of the public`s support, more than double the 14% for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the second-most popular choice, a weekend Kyodo News survey showed. A Nikkei/TV Tokyo poll showed Ishiba with 28% support, followed by current Defence Minister Taro Kono with 15%. Suga came in fourth place with 11%, the poll showed. The surveys highlight a split between public opinion and internal Liberal Democratic Party politics. Suga - a longtime lieutenant of Abe`s in a key supporting role - is expected to get the backing of the faction led by LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai and of other major factions, local media reported, putting him in a favourable position. That would make it an uphill battle for Ishiba, a vocal Abe critic who unsuccessfully challenged the out-going premier in the last LDP leadership race in 2018 and is considered less popular within the party. Another potential candidate, LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, came in last place in both of the public opinion surveys. Abe`s resignation announcement on Friday, citing the worsening of a chronic illness, set the stage for the party leadership election, which public broadcaster NHK said was likely to place around Sept. 13 to 15. The LDP president is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the party`s majority in the lower house of parliament. Brad Glosserman, deputy director of the Center for Rule-Making Strategies at Tama University, said Suga was the safe bet in terms of internal LDP dynamics, but might not be ideal come election time. A general election must be held by late October 2021. "He doesn`t seem to have either the charisma or the vision to push Japan in a new direction. He seems to be the eternal Number Two - he delivers on promises made by his boss," said Glosserman.

Ex-defence minister Ishiba is people's choice for next Japan PM, says polls

Shinzo Abe has announced that he will resign as Prime Minister of Japan due to ill health. Who will be Abe's successor? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas | Shinzo Abe Resigns: Who will succeed him?

A Japanese company has finally built a car that managed to take off with a human sitting inside.Japan's SkyDrive Inc. has carried out a successful though modest test flight with a person sitting in the cabin of the car.

Japan flying car successfully carries out test flight, plans to launch flying taxis

It is not common to see world leaders step down from their post due to health issues. Most of times, the leaders try to hide it for as long as they can. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has broken the unsaid rule and stepped down because of his ill health.&nbsp;

A Prime Minister or a President's health is almost a state secret and any leak spells incompetence, the end of a career, and loss of trust.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622" hreflang="en">Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

In a movie&nbsp;based on Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, it was shown that a sick leader is seen as an unfit leader, and a&nbsp;person troubled by health problems loses his or her ability to make the best decisions.

However, world leaders cling to their post even in ill health and&nbsp;choose to prioritise power over people.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-leaders-who-refused-to-step-down-despite-ill-health-323796/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2016, the Chief Minister of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu died in office. Jayalalithaa was hospitalised for over two months. Though she handed over her duties to a party leader, there was no talk of officially handing over the baton. She remained the southern&nbsp;state's Chief Minister till her death.

The same year, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir died in office. His illness too was a prolonged one. He was in the ICU&nbsp;for two weeks but he held on to power till his last breath.

A lot of questions were raised about the health of Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he was serving as India's 10th Prime Minister. Reports said there were two senior doctors at his door step each morning. The media repeatedly asked whether India's Prime Minister was unwell but&nbsp;there were questions about who would replace Vajpayee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-abe-resigns-how-the-world-is-reacting-to-the-news-323702">Also read|&nbsp;Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news</a>

This is not just an Indian problem; leaders across the world have hidden their illness from the public due to the fear of being branded 'unfit'.

American President, John F Kennedy had addison's disease. It was concealed from the public and the President took his drugs secretly. Americans were also not told about Woodrow Wilson's stroke in 1919.

In 1893, Grover Cleveland needed a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his mouth and believe it or not, he did it on a friend's yacht, secretly.

French President François Mitterrand died of prostate cancer in 1996. This was a year after the end of his two terms. His doctors concealed his health condition from the french public.

Even our neighbour, Pakistan, has had similar examples. Mohammad Ali Jinnah had tuberculosis and the people of Pakistan had no clue about it. Seventy two years after his death, there is still no clarity about his health condition. Infact, Pakistan's current Prime Minister Imran Khan recently thought Jinnah had cancer, and well, he was trolled for it.

Leaders hold the lives of people in their hands, and the decisions they make have far-reaching effects. The question that these examples raise is that can leaders make the best decisions for their country and citizens when&nbsp;struggling with ill-health?

The answer can be simply given by one example: Jayalalithaa lead 77 million people and was loved by the locals of the southern state. She handled a state budget worth $27 billion. While the state loved her,&nbsp;did she do justice to her people by clinging on to power even when she was bed ridden?

This is a question for all leaders who put power over people. However,&nbsp;Shinzo Abe is a welcome exception.

It is not common to see world leaders step down from their post due to health issues. Most of times, the leaders try to hide it for as long as they can. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has broken the unsaid rule and stepped down because of his ill health.

It is not common to see world leaders step down from their post due to health issues. Most of times, the leaders try to hide it for as long as they can. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has broken the unsaid rule and stepped down because of his ill health. A Prime Minister or a President's health is almost a state secret and any leak spells incompetence, the end of a career, and loss of trust. Also see| Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns In a movie based on Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, it was shown that a sick leader is seen as an unfit leader, and a person troubled by health problems loses his or her ability to make the best decisions. However, world leaders cling to their post even in ill health and choose to prioritise power over people. In 2016, the Chief Minister of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu died in office. Jayalalithaa was hospitalised for over two months. Though she handed over her duties to a party leader, there was no talk of officially handing over the baton. She remained the southern state's Chief Minister till her death. The same year, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir died in office. His illness too was a prolonged one. He was in the ICU for two weeks but he held on to power till his last breath. A lot of questions were raised about the health of Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he was serving as India's 10th Prime Minister. Reports said there were two senior doctors at his door step each morning. The media repeatedly asked whether India's Prime Minister was unwell but there were questions about who would replace Vajpayee. Also read| Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news This is not just an Indian problem; leaders across the world have hidden their illness from the public due to the fear of being branded 'unfit'. American President, John F Kennedy had addison's disease. It was concealed from the public and the President took his drugs secretly. Americans were also not told about Woodrow Wilson's stroke in 1919. In 1893, Grover Cleveland needed a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his mouth and believe it or not, he did it on a friend's yacht, secretly. French President François Mitterrand died of prostate cancer in 1996. This was a year after the end of his two terms. His doctors concealed his health condition from the french public. Even our neighbour, Pakistan, has had similar examples. Mohammad Ali Jinnah had tuberculosis and the people of Pakistan had no clue about it. Seventy two years after his death, there is still no clarity about his health condition. Infact, Pakistan's current Prime Minister Imran Khan recently thought Jinnah had cancer, and well, he was trolled for it. Leaders hold the lives of people in their hands, and the decisions they make have far-reaching effects. The question that these examples raise is that can leaders make the best decisions for their country and citizens when struggling with ill-health? The answer can be simply given by one example: Jayalalithaa lead 77 million people and was loved by the locals of the southern state. She handled a state budget worth $27 billion. While the state loved her, did she do justice to her people by clinging on to power even when she was bed ridden? This is a question for all leaders who put power over people. However, Shinzo Abe is a welcome exception.

Health or power: What the world leaders can learn from Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

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

WION Dispatch: Shinzo Abe resigns as Japanese PM over health concerns

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s signature shock-and-awe `Abenomics` stimulus strategy was already faltering even before his decision on Friday to step down due to health reasons.

That blunt assessment by many Japan observers underlined the daunting political challenge Abe has faced in his efforts to pull the economy out of decades of economic stagnation.

And the coronavirus crisis may have just put the final nail in the coffin to his `three arrows` reform programme as the economy sinks deeper into recession, analysts say.

After sweeping to power in late 2012, Abe deployed his three arrows of Abenomics - large-scale monetary easing, fiscal spending and structural reforms - to reignite the world`s third biggest economy after years of subpar growth and falling prices.

There were some quick-hit successes.

The Bank of Japan`s "bazooka" stimulus programme lifted business sentiment and helped weaken the yen, giving exporters windfall profits that trickled down to wages and new jobs.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-over-health-concerns-323582">Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns</a>

Corporate governance reforms drew in huge amounts of overseas money, pushing up foreign ownership of Japan`s listed stocks to a record 31.7% in 2014 from 28% in 2012. It stood at 29.6% in 2019.

"We were able to end 20 years of deflation with the three arrows of Abenomics," the prime minister told a news conference on Friday announcing his resignation, when asked what he thought were his legacies.

But Abe will leave behind a pile of unfinished business for his successor.

"The focus at the moment will be on the coronavirus recovery and controlling the infection, regardless of who will be the next prime minister," said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute.

"There has been talk that Abenomics has been having a harmful impact, so I think the focal point will be on suggestions how to make changes to it."

The biggest disappointment for the prime minister, and many Japan observers, is that the third-arrow reforms to reshape an economy hobbled by low productivity, a rapidly ageing population and a rigid labour market, have proved elusive.

"Abenomics has singularly failed to deliver Japan the domestic conditions that would spark higher growth beyond more reliance on external demand," said Brian Kelly, Managing Partner at Asian Century Quest.

PAYING THE PRICE

Now, Japan is paying the price as COVID-19 wipes out the short-term benefits brought by Abenomics, such as an inbound tourism boom, reflated growth and rising job availability.

Abe`s failure to entice companies to spend more on capital expenditure has given Japan Inc a huge cash-pile that served as a liquidity buffer to weather the pandemic`s shock.

But the experience may give firms an excuse to keep hoarding cash rather than spend on new business opportunities, which could stifle innovation and weigh on Japan`s potential growth - factors Abe was focussed on addressing through the third arrow.

"COVID-19 may have reassured corporate executives that cash is indeed king," said Hideo Hayakawa, a senior fellow at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research. "My fear is that companies may feel even more inclined to save rather than spend."

Social distancing policies and other business constrains to contain the virus may cripple potential growth - already low due to slow progress in deregulating highly-protected medical and agriculture industries, and accepting more foreign workers to address chronic labour shortages.

Japan`s potential growth rate, which used to exceed 4% in the 1980s, slid near zero last year from around 1% before Abenomics began, according to BOJ estimates.

"Structural reform, or the third arrow, has been the declaring failure of Abenomics," said Samuel Tombs, chief U.K. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

"Even the government`s signature immigration reform last year was much ado about nothing, in practice."

DEFLATIONARY MINDSET

COVID-19 also dashed a grand experiment of Abenomics that aimed to turn around Japan`s "deflationary mindset," in which companies and households hold off on spending on expectations that low growth and wages will persist.

The economy stumbled to a record contraction in the second quarter that shrank nominal gross domestic product (GDP) to 507 trillion yen ($4.8 trillion), around levels marked in 2013 and far distant from Abe`s 600-trillion-yen target.

"Japan`s economy may have performed better after Abenomics, but not enough to change public sentiment dramatically," said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

"With the pandemic, we`ll likely see growth fall further. With many legacies of Abenomics wiped out, we know now there was no magic wand to fix Japan`s chronic woes," he said.

Moreover, with the BOJ having exhausted its tool-kit to achieve its elusive 2% inflation target, policymakers face the challenge of seeking to revive the economy with a dearth of ammunition.

Japan`s huge debt also limits room for big fiscal spending, which may keep any economic recovery weak, analysts say.

"Japan failed to normalise monetary and fiscal policies when the economy was in better shape," said former BOJ board member Takahide Kiuchi. "Now, it`s paying the price." ($1 = 106.6900 yen) 
&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s signature shock-and-awe `Abenomics` stimulus strategy was already faltering even before his decision on Friday to step down due to health reasons.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s signature shock-and-awe `Abenomics` stimulus strategy was already faltering even before his decision on Friday to step down due to health reasons. That blunt assessment by many Japan observers underlined the daunting political challenge Abe has faced in his efforts to pull the economy out of decades of economic stagnation. And the coronavirus crisis may have just put the final nail in the coffin to his `three arrows` reform programme as the economy sinks deeper into recession, analysts say. After sweeping to power in late 2012, Abe deployed his three arrows of Abenomics - large-scale monetary easing, fiscal spending and structural reforms - to reignite the world`s third biggest economy after years of subpar growth and falling prices. There were some quick-hit successes. The Bank of Japan`s "bazooka" stimulus programme lifted business sentiment and helped weaken the yen, giving exporters windfall profits that trickled down to wages and new jobs. Also Read: Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns Corporate governance reforms drew in huge amounts of overseas money, pushing up foreign ownership of Japan`s listed stocks to a record 31.7% in 2014 from 28% in 2012. It stood at 29.6% in 2019. "We were able to end 20 years of deflation with the three arrows of Abenomics," the prime minister told a news conference on Friday announcing his resignation, when asked what he thought were his legacies. But Abe will leave behind a pile of unfinished business for his successor. "The focus at the moment will be on the coronavirus recovery and controlling the infection, regardless of who will be the next prime minister," said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute. "There has been talk that Abenomics has been having a harmful impact, so I think the focal point will be on suggestions how to make changes to it." The biggest disappointment for the prime minister, and many Japan observers, is that the third-arrow reforms to reshape an economy hobbled by low productivity, a rapidly ageing population and a rigid labour market, have proved elusive. "Abenomics has singularly failed to deliver Japan the domestic conditions that would spark higher growth beyond more reliance on external demand," said Brian Kelly, Managing Partner at Asian Century Quest. PAYING THE PRICE Now, Japan is paying the price as COVID-19 wipes out the short-term benefits brought by Abenomics, such as an inbound tourism boom, reflated growth and rising job availability. Abe`s failure to entice companies to spend more on capital expenditure has given Japan Inc a huge cash-pile that served as a liquidity buffer to weather the pandemic`s shock. But the experience may give firms an excuse to keep hoarding cash rather than spend on new business opportunities, which could stifle innovation and weigh on Japan`s potential growth - factors Abe was focussed on addressing through the third arrow. "COVID-19 may have reassured corporate executives that cash is indeed king," said Hideo Hayakawa, a senior fellow at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research. "My fear is that companies may feel even more inclined to save rather than spend." Social distancing policies and other business constrains to contain the virus may cripple potential growth - already low due to slow progress in deregulating highly-protected medical and agriculture industries, and accepting more foreign workers to address chronic labour shortages. Japan`s potential growth rate, which used to exceed 4% in the 1980s, slid near zero last year from around 1% before Abenomics began, according to BOJ estimates. "Structural reform, or the third arrow, has been the declaring failure of Abenomics," said Samuel Tombs, chief U.K. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. "Even the government`s signature immigration reform last year was much ado about nothing, in practice." DEFLATIONARY MINDSET COVID-19 also dashed a grand experiment of Abenomics that aimed to turn around Japan`s "deflationary mindset," in which companies and households hold off on spending on expectations that low growth and wages will persist. The economy stumbled to a record contraction in the second quarter that shrank nominal gross domestic product (GDP) to 507 trillion yen ($4.8 trillion), around levels marked in 2013 and far distant from Abe`s 600-trillion-yen target. "Japan`s economy may have performed better after Abenomics, but not enough to change public sentiment dramatically," said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. "With the pandemic, we`ll likely see growth fall further. With many legacies of Abenomics wiped out, we know now there was no magic wand to fix Japan`s chronic woes," he said. Moreover, with the BOJ having exhausted its tool-kit to achieve its elusive 2% inflation target, policymakers face the challenge of seeking to revive the economy with a dearth of ammunition. Japan`s huge debt also limits room for big fiscal spending, which may keep any economic recovery weak, analysts say. "Japan failed to normalise monetary and fiscal policies when the economy was in better shape," said former BOJ board member Takahide Kiuchi. "Now, it`s paying the price." ($1 = 106.6900 yen)

Abenomics fails to deliver as Japan braces for post-Abe era

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the country's longest-serving leader, announced at a press conference on Friday that he has decided to step down due to health reasons.

Japanese PM Abe announces resignation over worsening health

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.

Japan: Bowel illness force Longest serving PM Shinzo Abe to resign

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

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