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

Japanese company is offering virtual flights | Japan technology | WION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Japan faces WW2 anniversary in shadow of coronavirus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gravitas: Meet Akasaka | Japan's beatboxing monk

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

Oil spill of Japanese bulk carrier triggers crisis in Mauritius

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

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

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

Beatboxing for Buddha: Japan monk's musical outreach

It's been 75 years since America dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. For survivors, the war isn't over yet. Discarded N-treaties, faster missiles, cyber-attacks, and artificial intelligence - the new nuclear threats are greater than before. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the world isn't any wiser.

Gravitas: 75 Years After Hiroshima | Will new tech raise the threat of nuke war?

To be a monk means to renounce the world. Monks dedicate their entire lives towards spiritual pursuits, they renounce mainstream society. But a monk from Japan is breaking new grounds. Watch report.

Monk's beatboxing video goes viral: 'Spirituality is to connect with god'

Bells tolled in Hiroshima on Thursday (August 6) for the 75th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing, with ceremonies downsized due to the coronavirus and the city's mayor urging nations to reject selfish nationalism and unite to fight all threats.

Hiroshima marks 75 years since atomic bombing in scaled-back ceremony

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in his speech at the ceremony, said Japan is committed to nuclear weapons ban but said a nuclear-free world could not be achieved overnight and that it has to start from dialogue between opposite sides.

Japan: 75 years since first atomic bombing | Hiroshima Bombing Anniversary | Shinzo Abe

Japan marks 75th anniversary of Hiroshima atomic bombing | World War 2 | WION | World News

95-year-old Lee Hak-rae is obsessed by brutal events of 75 years ago that defined his life, including being designated a World War Two criminal

Japan's last Koren war criminal wants recognition

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will visit Britain this week for what he said will be difficult talks with British Trade Minister Liz Truss, in the hope of finding middle ground and concluding a post-Brexit trade deal.

"It is indispensable to swiftly form a framework for trade and investment between Japan and Britain that will replace the Japan-EU EPA to ensure the smooth continuation of bilateral businesses," Motegi told reporters on Tuesday, referring to an economic partnership agreement with the EU.

The two countries hope to clinch a deal before Britain’s transition out of the European Union concludes at the year end, to avoid any gaps in bilateral trade arrangements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-shifts-gear-to-counter-chinese-north-korea-aggression-317933">Also read:&nbsp;Japan shifts gear to counter Chinese, North Korea aggression</a>

Motegi`s Aug. 5-7 visit to Britain will be the first overseas trip for any Japanese government minister since the global spread of the novel coronavirus, he said.

"Difficult negotiations such as this, where national interest is at stake, cannot be conducted over the telephone," he told a regular news conference.

"We will negotiate face-to-face. I`m afraid negotiations will last many hours, but I would like to find middle ground and reach an agreement."

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will visit Britain this week for what he said will be difficult talks with British Trade Minister Liz Truss, in the hope of finding middle ground and concluding a post-Brexit trade deal.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will visit Britain this week for what he said will be difficult talks with British Trade Minister Liz Truss, in the hope of finding middle ground and concluding a post-Brexit trade deal. "It is indispensable to swiftly form a framework for trade and investment between Japan and Britain that will replace the Japan-EU EPA to ensure the smooth continuation of bilateral businesses," Motegi told reporters on Tuesday, referring to an economic partnership agreement with the EU. The two countries hope to clinch a deal before Britain’s transition out of the European Union concludes at the year end, to avoid any gaps in bilateral trade arrangements. Also read: Japan shifts gear to counter Chinese, North Korea aggression Motegi`s Aug. 5-7 visit to Britain will be the first overseas trip for any Japanese government minister since the global spread of the novel coronavirus, he said. "Difficult negotiations such as this, where national interest is at stake, cannot be conducted over the telephone," he told a regular news conference. "We will negotiate face-to-face. I`m afraid negotiations will last many hours, but I would like to find middle ground and reach an agreement."

Japanese minister to visit Britain for 'difficult' talks on trade deal

At the end of World War-II, Japan adopted pacifism - vowing never to attack any other country. Now, Japan wants to acquire strike weapons to protect itself in a volatile neighbourhood. Does this end Japan's era of pacifism? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay bring you a report on Japan's new war strategy.

Gravitas: Is Japan abandoning pacifism?

Coronavirus has forced the whole world to wear a mask to protect themselves from the infectious virus and Japan's robotic startup has come up with an update to the protective gear. Donut Robotics unveiled a new mask called 'C-Mask'. This smart mask will help users connect it with their smartphones so that they could make calls without accessing their phones.

The mask developed by Donut Robotics also includes a speech recognition technology. This will helps people send a text message just by speaking without needing to access their phones at all. But the key objective of this startup was to make a mask that could make interpersonal communication much easier, especially during COVID times when social distancing norms are in place.

The mask is made with plastic and silicone with more pores to the comfort of users.

The mask comes with a special ability, the C Mask will translate Japanese into eight other languages. These languages include &nbsp;Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, English, Spanish, and French. The translation software in the mask was actually created for a robot called Cinnamon.&nbsp;

Cinnamon, was an initiative by the company to provide live translation and speech services for visitors at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, however, the plan could not go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Users could amplify their voice just in case the person on the receiving end does not hear because of the mask.&nbsp;

The embedded microphone connects to the user's smartphone via Bluetooth, to help conduct voice calls and speech messages.

This mask launch in Japan and 5,000 units will be shipped in September. It will cost around 3,980 Yen ($37).&nbsp;

Coronavirus has forced the whole world to wear a mask to protect themselves from the infectious virus and Japan's robotic startup has come up with an update to the protective gear.

Coronavirus has forced the whole world to wear a mask to protect themselves from the infectious virus and Japan's robotic startup has come up with an update to the protective gear. Donut Robotics unveiled a new mask called 'C-Mask'. This smart mask will help users connect it with their smartphones so that they could make calls without accessing their phones. The mask developed by Donut Robotics also includes a speech recognition technology. This will helps people send a text message just by speaking without needing to access their phones at all. But the key objective of this startup was to make a mask that could make interpersonal communication much easier, especially during COVID times when social distancing norms are in place. The mask is made with plastic and silicone with more pores to the comfort of users. The mask comes with a special ability, the C Mask will translate Japanese into eight other languages. These languages include Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, English, Spanish, and French. The translation software in the mask was actually created for a robot called Cinnamon. Cinnamon, was an initiative by the company to provide live translation and speech services for visitors at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, however, the plan could not go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic. Users could amplify their voice just in case the person on the receiving end does not hear because of the mask. The embedded microphone connects to the user's smartphone via Bluetooth, to help conduct voice calls and speech messages. This mask launch in Japan and 5,000 units will be shipped in September. It will cost around 3,980 Yen ($37).

Japanese robotic startup launches 'C Mask' that helps you talk in 8 unique languages

A group of Japanese lawmakers is seeking to restrict the use of TikTok and other apps developed by Chinese firms

After India and U.S, Japan looks to put curbs on TikTok and other chinese apps

Takuya Shimbo, the third-generation owner of a Tokyo public bath house, was full of plans for a new style public bath - with craft beer and live music - that he hoped would help revive the dying industry.

Tokyo bathhouse owners struggle to keep business afloat amid pandemic

Leander Paes gave India hope with a determined run into the semifinals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. At a time when Indian players struggled to win Grand Slam matches, Paes defied the odds by storming into the semis. Paes'charge was eventually ended by top seed Andre Agassi but not before the Tennis great was made to work hard for the win. Paes speaks to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the emotions of that match and how an injury almost derailed his medal hopes.

WION Broadband Olympics Edition: How Paes made Agassi work hard for the win

A Hiroshima court issued a rare ruling Wednesday expanding the designation of atomic bomb survivors to include more people hit by radioactive "black rain", 75 years after the US nuclear attack on Japan at the end of World War II. 
 
The Hiroshima District Court said all 84 plaintiffs, aged from their 70s through 90s, should be granted medical benefits given to the victims of the attack, known locally as "hibakusha". 
 
After the war, the central government designated certain areas as having been significantly impacted by the bombing, and offered free medical care to those who were there at the time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hiroshima-high-court-overrules-go-ahead-for-restarting-nuclear-plant-near-fault-line-275510" hreflang="en">Hiroshima High Court overrules go-ahead for restarting nuclear plant near fault line</a> 
 
The plaintiffs were in areas outside that zone but that were showered in radioactive "black rain" following the August 6, 1945 attack, and argued that they suffered health effects similar to those inside the government-designated areas. 
 
"There is no irrationality in the residents' statements that they were soaked in the black rain," presiding judge Yoshiyuki Takashima told the court, according to broadcaster NHK. 
 
"Medical documents show that the residents are experiencing illnesses that are believed to have links with the atomic bomb, and that fulfil legal conditions required of hibakusha," he said. 
 
Japan offers generous healthcare for the elderly. Those who are 75 or older pay 10 percent of costs, but the case also carried symbolic value for those who have argued for years that they too suffered in the horrific attack. 
 
After the verdict was announced, a man emerged from the courthouse and unfurled a banner reading "complete victory" as plaintiffs and their supporters erupted in cheers. 
 
As of March, the central government recognised 136,682 people as hibakusha, including those who lived in Nagasaki, which was the target of the second and final atomic raid on August 9, 1945.&nbsp; 
 
Around 140,000 people were killed in the Hiroshima bombing and its aftermath, and 74,000 perished in the Nagasaki attack. Japan will hold ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the two bombings next week.

A Hiroshima court issued a rare ruling Wednesday expanding the designation of atomic bomb survivors to include more people hit by radioactive "black rain", 75 years after the US nuclear attack on Japan at the end of World War II.

A Hiroshima court issued a rare ruling Wednesday expanding the designation of atomic bomb survivors to include more people hit by radioactive "black rain", 75 years after the US nuclear attack on Japan at the end of World War II. The Hiroshima District Court said all 84 plaintiffs, aged from their 70s through 90s, should be granted medical benefits given to the victims of the attack, known locally as "hibakusha". After the war, the central government designated certain areas as having been significantly impacted by the bombing, and offered free medical care to those who were there at the time. Also read: Hiroshima High Court overrules go-ahead for restarting nuclear plant near fault line The plaintiffs were in areas outside that zone but that were showered in radioactive "black rain" following the August 6, 1945 attack, and argued that they suffered health effects similar to those inside the government-designated areas. "There is no irrationality in the residents' statements that they were soaked in the black rain," presiding judge Yoshiyuki Takashima told the court, according to broadcaster NHK. "Medical documents show that the residents are experiencing illnesses that are believed to have links with the atomic bomb, and that fulfil legal conditions required of hibakusha," he said. Japan offers generous healthcare for the elderly. Those who are 75 or older pay 10 percent of costs, but the case also carried symbolic value for those who have argued for years that they too suffered in the horrific attack. After the verdict was announced, a man emerged from the courthouse and unfurled a banner reading "complete victory" as plaintiffs and their supporters erupted in cheers. As of March, the central government recognised 136,682 people as hibakusha, including those who lived in Nagasaki, which was the target of the second and final atomic raid on August 9, 1945. Around 140,000 people were killed in the Hiroshima bombing and its aftermath, and 74,000 perished in the Nagasaki attack. Japan will hold ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the two bombings next week.

Japan court recognises more Hiroshima bomb survivors

Lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party have decided to push for steps to restrict the use of Chinese-owned video app TikTok, concerned that user data may end up in the hands of the Chinese government, public broadcaster NHK said.

A group of lawmakers led by former economy minister Akira Amari made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday and plans to submit a proposal to the government as early as September, NHK reported on Tuesday evening.

TikTok, owned by Beijing ByteDance Technology Co, is facing scrutiny in the United States over concerns that China could force the company to turn over its user data. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said this month action was imminent to address national security risks posed by TikTok.

TikTok has said that it has never provided user data to China and that it would not do so if asked.

The app is also under scrutiny in Australia over potential risks to data privacy, while in India, it was banned in late June along with 58 other Chinese-origin apps considered a threat to national security.&nbsp;

Lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party have decided to push for steps to restrict the use of Chinese-owned video app TikTok, concerned that user data may end up in the hands of the Chinese government, public broadcaster NHK said.

Lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party have decided to push for steps to restrict the use of Chinese-owned video app TikTok, concerned that user data may end up in the hands of the Chinese government, public broadcaster NHK said. A group of lawmakers led by former economy minister Akira Amari made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday and plans to submit a proposal to the government as early as September, NHK reported on Tuesday evening. TikTok, owned by Beijing ByteDance Technology Co, is facing scrutiny in the United States over concerns that China could force the company to turn over its user data. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said this month action was imminent to address national security risks posed by TikTok. TikTok has said that it has never provided user data to China and that it would not do so if asked. The app is also under scrutiny in Australia over potential risks to data privacy, while in India, it was banned in late June along with 58 other Chinese-origin apps considered a threat to national security.

Japan lawmakers to urge government to put curbs on TikTok use

Japan on Tuesday warned South Korea against a statue erected in the country showing&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bowing to a "comfort woman"&nbsp;on display.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said on Tuesday&nbsp;if reports of the statue on display were true, it would be an "unforgivable" breach of international protocol.

South Korea's private botanic garden in the rural Pyeongchang county displayed statues that appears to depict&nbsp;Japan's PM&nbsp;Abe, kneeling and bowing to a seated "comfort woman," a euphemism for women forced to work in&nbsp;Japan's wartime brothels.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-denies-possibility-of-another-war-in-north-korea-thanks-reliable-effective-nuclear-arms-316451" hreflang="en">Kim Jong Un denies possibility of another war; thanks country's nuclear arms</a>

The head of a privately run botanic garden, Kim Chang-ryul, who commissioned the statue called "Eternal Atonement" said the kneeling figure was meant to depict anyone who could be in the position to apologise formally for the historic wrong, and not Abe in particular.

South Korea's foreign ministry said there may be international protocol to consider, but declined further comment, saying it was an act by a private citizen.

The issue of comfort women, mostly Koreans forced to work in&nbsp;Japan's brothels before and during World War Two, and the question of whether victims were adequately compensated have long been a thorn in ties between the two countries.

Japan&nbsp;regards the matter as "finally and irreversibly resolved" by a 2015 agreement reached by Abe and then South Korean President Park Geun-hye under which Abe apologised and pledged a fund to support the survivors.

But South Korean President Moon Jae-in's government has declared the deal flawed, in effect voiding it.

Similar statues of girls alone have been set up in front of the&nbsp;Japanese Embassy in Seoul and elsewhere to honour the women.

Ties were strained last year when&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;imposed export curbs on high-tech materials to South Korea following a South Korean court ruling ordering&nbsp;Japanese firms to pay compensation to Koreans forced to work for them during the war.

Japan on Tuesday warned South Korea against a statue erected in the country showing Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bowing to a "comfort woman" on display. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said on Tuesday if reports of the statue on display were true, it would be an "unforgivable" breach of international protocol.

Japan on Tuesday warned South Korea against a statue erected in the country showing Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bowing to a "comfort woman" on display. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said on Tuesday if reports of the statue on display were true, it would be an "unforgivable" breach of international protocol. South Korea's private botanic garden in the rural Pyeongchang county displayed statues that appears to depict Japan's PM Abe, kneeling and bowing to a seated "comfort woman," a euphemism for women forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels. Also read: Kim Jong Un denies possibility of another war; thanks country's nuclear arms The head of a privately run botanic garden, Kim Chang-ryul, who commissioned the statue called "Eternal Atonement" said the kneeling figure was meant to depict anyone who could be in the position to apologise formally for the historic wrong, and not Abe in particular. South Korea's foreign ministry said there may be international protocol to consider, but declined further comment, saying it was an act by a private citizen. The issue of comfort women, mostly Koreans forced to work in Japan's brothels before and during World War Two, and the question of whether victims were adequately compensated have long been a thorn in ties between the two countries. Japan regards the matter as "finally and irreversibly resolved" by a 2015 agreement reached by Abe and then South Korean President Park Geun-hye under which Abe apologised and pledged a fund to support the survivors. But South Korean President Moon Jae-in's government has declared the deal flawed, in effect voiding it. Similar statues of girls alone have been set up in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul and elsewhere to honour the women. Ties were strained last year when Japan imposed export curbs on high-tech materials to South Korea following a South Korean court ruling ordering Japanese firms to pay compensation to Koreans forced to work for them during the war.

'Comfort woman' row: Japan warns South Korea against Abe's statue

A new study by non-profit organisation Global Fishing Watch said Thursday that North Korea ''ghost ships'' had washed up in Japan because of China's ''dark'' fishing fleet.

Japan's north coast was&nbsp;the site of a macabre phenomena in which North Korea's fishing boats were washed up on shore carrying several dead bodies, more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from their homeland.

Satellite technologies were used by the authors of the report to analyze marine traffic in northeast Asia in 2017 and 2018 and found that hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels were sailing in waters off North Korea.&nbsp;

Pushing North Korea's fleet, which are poorly equipped to travel long distances, the Chinese ships appeared to be fishing there illegally.&nbsp;

Approximately 900 Chinese ships in 2017 and 700 in the following year violated the international law by selling North Korean fish internationally.

They caught more than 160,000 metric tons of Pacific flying squid, one of the region's most valuable seafood products, in 2017 and 2018, more than South Korea and Japan combined during the same period. The estimated catch was worth more than $440 million.

A UN report which was published in March claimed that North Korea earned an estimated $120 million in 2018 by selling or transferring fishing rights in violation of UN sanctions.

Pyongyang's fish trade was sanctioned in 2017 by the United Nations Security Council as part of its effort to punish the Kim Jong Un regime for its repeated ballistic missile tests that year. It was worth an estimated $300 million a year at that time.

A new study by non-profit organisation Global Fishing Watch said Thursday that North Korea ''ghost ships'' had washed up in Japan because of China's ''dark'' fishing fleet.

A new study by non-profit organisation Global Fishing Watch said Thursday that North Korea ''ghost ships'' had washed up in Japan because of China's ''dark'' fishing fleet. Japan's north coast was the site of a macabre phenomena in which North Korea's fishing boats were washed up on shore carrying several dead bodies, more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from their homeland. Satellite technologies were used by the authors of the report to analyze marine traffic in northeast Asia in 2017 and 2018 and found that hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels were sailing in waters off North Korea. Pushing North Korea's fleet, which are poorly equipped to travel long distances, the Chinese ships appeared to be fishing there illegally. Approximately 900 Chinese ships in 2017 and 700 in the following year violated the international law by selling North Korean fish internationally. They caught more than 160,000 metric tons of Pacific flying squid, one of the region's most valuable seafood products, in 2017 and 2018, more than South Korea and Japan combined during the same period. The estimated catch was worth more than $440 million. A UN report which was published in March claimed that North Korea earned an estimated $120 million in 2018 by selling or transferring fishing rights in violation of UN sanctions. Pyongyang's fish trade was sanctioned in 2017 by the United Nations Security Council as part of its effort to punish the Kim Jong Un regime for its repeated ballistic missile tests that year. It was worth an estimated $300 million a year at that time.

North Korean 'ghost ships' washed up in Japan due to China's 'dark' fishing fleet

Reports say that Asia's second-largest economy, Japan is set to declare a recession after 71 straight months of growth. Watch the WION report from Tokyo.

Recession coming in Japan: Asian economy sinks deeper

Reports say Asia's second-largest economy Japan is set to declare recession after 71 straight months of growth. Watch this video to know more.

Video: Japan set to declare recession after 71 straight months of growth

Tokyo residents on Thursday (July 23) skeptically looked forward to another year-long wait for the Olympics after this year's scheduled Games were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo residents skeptically look forward to another year-long wait for Olympics

At a time China is engaged in a global trade war, the US is tracking its exports. Asia's largest economy is now facing another big threat which is off companies leaving the country. Japan will now start paying companies to move factories out of China.

Manufacturing moving out of China: Japan to give incentives to companies

Judo emerged in Japan as a modern martial art form which has since then evolved into an Olympic sport. Watch this segment to know how Judo uniforms are made.

How are Judo uniforms made? Minimum effort for maximum efficiency

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