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

Tokyo is likely to see coronavirus cases top 280 on Thursday (July 16), Governor Yuriko Koike said, in what would mark a record daily high for the Japanese capital.

Japan: Tokyo reports 280 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

Japan: Tokyo witnesses sudden spike in COVID-19 cases

He's just eight years old but Ryan Kaji is already wildly successful and famous. He has 25.7 million followers on YouTube and was named 2019's highest paid content creator on the platform, raking in $26 million. However, since the coronavirus lockdown, Kaji, like many other influencers, has pivoted. Now, the family creates more content about fun activities to do during lockdown, and talks to experts about the virus.

YouTube child star Ryan Kaji pivots to help families in lockdown

COVID-19 cases are rising in Japan's Tokyo and the city is on a red alert. Tokyo's governor Yuriko Koike has described the situation as rather severe. Watch the WION report from Tokyo.

Red alert declared in Tokyo | Tokyo witnesses a sudden spike in daily cases | COVID-19 pandemic

Tokyo is considering raising its alert for coronavirus infections to the highest of four levels, officials said on Wednesday, after a spike in cases to record numbers in the Japanese capital.

Fearing a second wave of infections spreading from the capital, local municipalities and opposition lawmakers also urged the central government to suspend a major campaign aimed at boosting domestic tourism.

Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, however, said on Wednesday the government would proceed with the so-called 'Go To' travel aid campaign, which includes offers such as discounts for shopping and food, but move cautiously.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japan-accuses-china-of-pushing-territorial-claims-during-coronavirus-pandemic-313133" hreflang="en">Japan accuses China of pushing territorial claims during coronavirus pandemic</a>

"Obviously we will consider the thoughts of many of our people, while monitoring the situation ahead," Nishimura, who leads the government's coronavirus policy, told parliament.

The programme is one of the biggest outsourcing contracts in a stimulus budget announced in April, but has already been postponed due to public criticism over the cost of subcontracting back-office work to a private contractor.

The campaign, starting this month, has also come under fire on social media, with the coronavirus fuelling an unusual outburst of political anger on social media networks in Japan.

In Tokyo, daily coronavirus cases exceeded 200 in four of the last six days, touching an all-time high of 243 cases last Friday as testing among workers in the metropolis's red-light districts turned up infections among young people in their 20s and 30s.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/new-alliance-against-huawei-five-eyes-with-d-10-nations-including-india-south-korea-japan-313060" hreflang="en">New alliance against Huawei: 'Five eyes' with 'D-10' nations including India, South Korea &amp; Japan</a>

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confirmed that Tokyo would hold a "monitoring" meeting with experts on Wednesday, moving up the weekly gathering by a day, to discuss the recent rise in cases.

"My understanding is that we're in a rather severe situation now," she told reporters ahead of a planned media conference later on Wednesday.

A Tokyo government official separately told Reuters that the metropolitan government was considering raising its alert to the highest level.

Tokyo's latest cluster has been traced to a theatre with at least 37 cases in Shinjuku, a busy entertainment area and home to one of Asia's biggest red-light districts which has been the centre of a recent spike in infections.

Tokyo is considering raising its alert for coronavirus infections to the highest of four levels, officials said on Wednesday, after a spike in cases to record numbers in the Japanese capital.

Tokyo is considering raising its alert for coronavirus infections to the highest of four levels, officials said on Wednesday, after a spike in cases to record numbers in the Japanese capital. Fearing a second wave of infections spreading from the capital, local municipalities and opposition lawmakers also urged the central government to suspend a major campaign aimed at boosting domestic tourism. Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, however, said on Wednesday the government would proceed with the so-called 'Go To' travel aid campaign, which includes offers such as discounts for shopping and food, but move cautiously. Also read: Japan accuses China of pushing territorial claims during coronavirus pandemic "Obviously we will consider the thoughts of many of our people, while monitoring the situation ahead," Nishimura, who leads the government's coronavirus policy, told parliament. The programme is one of the biggest outsourcing contracts in a stimulus budget announced in April, but has already been postponed due to public criticism over the cost of subcontracting back-office work to a private contractor. The campaign, starting this month, has also come under fire on social media, with the coronavirus fuelling an unusual outburst of political anger on social media networks in Japan. In Tokyo, daily coronavirus cases exceeded 200 in four of the last six days, touching an all-time high of 243 cases last Friday as testing among workers in the metropolis's red-light districts turned up infections among young people in their 20s and 30s. Also read: New alliance against Huawei: 'Five eyes' with 'D-10' nations including India, South Korea & Japan Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike confirmed that Tokyo would hold a "monitoring" meeting with experts on Wednesday, moving up the weekly gathering by a day, to discuss the recent rise in cases. "My understanding is that we're in a rather severe situation now," she told reporters ahead of a planned media conference later on Wednesday. A Tokyo government official separately told Reuters that the metropolitan government was considering raising its alert to the highest level. Tokyo's latest cluster has been traced to a theatre with at least 37 cases in Shinjuku, a busy entertainment area and home to one of Asia's biggest red-light districts which has been the centre of a recent spike in infections.

Tokyo may raise coronavirus alert as travel campaign comes under fire

Theme parks around the world are reopening with added safety measures. In Japan, amusement parks have told their visitors to not scream on the roller coaster. They want visitors to 'scream inside their heart'.

Gravitas: Why you can't scream on roller coasters in Japan

Japan's annual defence review accuses China of pushing its territorial claims amid the coronavirus pandemic and suspects Beijing of spreading propaganda and disinformation as it provides medical aid to nations fighting COVID-19.&nbsp;

China "is continuing to attempt to alter the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea," Japan said in the defence white paper approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The white paper described "relentless" intrusions in waters around a group of islets claimed by both nations in the East China Sea, known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/new-alliance-against-huawei-five-eyes-with-d-10-nations-including-india-south-korea-japan-313060" hreflang="en">New alliance against Huawei: 'Five eyes' with 'D-10' nations including India, South Korea &amp; Japan</a>

In the South China Sea, it said Beijing was asserting territorial claims by establishing administrative districts around disputed islands, that forced countries distracted by the coronavirus outbreak to respond.

Japan's criticism of China echoes similar comments made by the United States, and comes as tension in the region increases as Beijing and Washington conduct separate military drills in the resource-rich South China Sea and as relations between the world's two largest economies deteriorated.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday rejected China's disputed claims to offshore resources in most of the South China Sea, saying they were "completely unlawful".

Beijing insists its intentions in the waterway, through which around $3 trillion of global trade passes each year, are peaceful.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/as-china-eyes-multi-billion-dollar-iran-deal-indias-chabahar-port-may-lose-relevance-313054" hreflang="en">As China eyes multi-billion dollar Iran deal, India's Chabahar port may lose relevance</a>

Japan sees China as a longer-term and more serious threat than nuclear-armed North Korea. Beijing now spends four times as much as Tokyo on defence as it builds a large modern military.&nbsp;

Japan's defence review also claimed China appeared to be responsible for "propaganda" and "disinformation" amid "social uncertainties and confusion" caused by the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Such disinformation included online claims that the coronavirus was brought to China by a U.S. military member, or that Chinese herbal remedies could treat COVID-19, a defence ministry official said at a briefing.

Other threats faced by Japan include North Korea's ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles as well as a resurgence of military activity by Russia in the skies and waters in Japan, at times in joint drills with China, the defence review said.

Japan's annual defence review accuses China of pushing its territorial claims amid the coronavirus pandemic and suspects Beijing of spreading propaganda and disinformation as it provides medical aid to nations fighting COVID-19.

Japan's annual defence review accuses China of pushing its territorial claims amid the coronavirus pandemic and suspects Beijing of spreading propaganda and disinformation as it provides medical aid to nations fighting COVID-19. China "is continuing to attempt to alter the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea," Japan said in the defence white paper approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government on Tuesday. The white paper described "relentless" intrusions in waters around a group of islets claimed by both nations in the East China Sea, known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. Also read: New alliance against Huawei: 'Five eyes' with 'D-10' nations including India, South Korea & Japan In the South China Sea, it said Beijing was asserting territorial claims by establishing administrative districts around disputed islands, that forced countries distracted by the coronavirus outbreak to respond. Japan's criticism of China echoes similar comments made by the United States, and comes as tension in the region increases as Beijing and Washington conduct separate military drills in the resource-rich South China Sea and as relations between the world's two largest economies deteriorated. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday rejected China's disputed claims to offshore resources in most of the South China Sea, saying they were "completely unlawful". Beijing insists its intentions in the waterway, through which around $3 trillion of global trade passes each year, are peaceful. Also read: As China eyes multi-billion dollar Iran deal, India's Chabahar port may lose relevance Japan sees China as a longer-term and more serious threat than nuclear-armed North Korea. Beijing now spends four times as much as Tokyo on defence as it builds a large modern military. Japan's defence review also claimed China appeared to be responsible for "propaganda" and "disinformation" amid "social uncertainties and confusion" caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Such disinformation included online claims that the coronavirus was brought to China by a U.S. military member, or that Chinese herbal remedies could treat COVID-19, a defence ministry official said at a briefing. Other threats faced by Japan include North Korea's ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles as well as a resurgence of military activity by Russia in the skies and waters in Japan, at times in joint drills with China, the defence review said.

Japan accuses China of pushing territorial claims during coronavirus pandemic

Grab a seat of the next toller coaster ride. Fasten your seat, wait for the ride to kick-off. But, don't scream.

At a time when the world is falling apart, you are not allowed to scream. Stay calm, when even your mask is about to fly off.&nbsp;

When even GoPro seems shaken, you are not allowed to scream. No screaming as you come down from thousands of feet at a brisk pace.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-theme-parks-instruct-riders-to-keep-their-screams-inside-and-be-serious-311970">Japan: Theme parks instruct riders to keep their 'screams inside' and be 'serious'</a>

You just have to remain silent as you take a roller coaster ride. Is that even possible practically?

Japanese theme parks say this is possible. With the opening of the country's amusement parks, this weird rule is being discussed everywhere.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-you-cant-scream-on-roller-coasters-in-japan-313102/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The rule has been recommended to contain the spread of coronavirus infection.&nbsp;

People who want to take this ride are now confused. They want to buy the tickets, but how could they not scream.&nbsp;

Some visitors at the Fuji-Q Highland park asked this question to the authorities. So, the park executives recorded a demonstration video to show visitors how it's done.&nbsp;

Daisuke Iwata and Koichiro Horiuchi tasted success on social media after a video showed their straight, almost bored faces while taking a roller coaster ride became an instant hit.&nbsp;

They have inspired the "serious face challenge".

Some people have clicked themselves relaxing on a roller coaster ride. Here's a look.&nbsp;

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今日は夫婦で心の中で絶叫❗️いろんな疲れやストレスが吹っ飛びました。 
FUJIYAMAよ…またいつか会いに行くから、待っててね❗️ 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E7%9C%9F%E9%A1%94%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#真顔チャレンジ</a> <a href="https://t.co/qY84W2D4jg">pic.twitter.com/qY84W2D4jg</a>
— はると (@E2MMiCmqSNMrDxR) <a href="https://twitter.com/E2MMiCmqSNMrDxR/status/1279700714743230465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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カメラ向こうか正面向くか迷った末のカメラ目線 
FUJIYAMA4回も乗れたしめっちゃ楽しかった！！<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E7%9C%9F%E9%A1%94%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#真顔チャレンジ</a> <a href="https://t.co/dM2qabGp8M">pic.twitter.com/dM2qabGp8M</a>
— なおっきー (@ike_naokki) <a href="https://twitter.com/ike_naokki/status/1277563784907780096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ここ以外終始気持ち悪いほど笑ってました <a href="https://t.co/SBwMQKWgnn">pic.twitter.com/SBwMQKWgnn</a>
— ゆーゆ〜@壮絶な竹富島ロス (@yadoya_nizato) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadoya_nizato/status/1275277667160342528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The best performances will get free day passes to the theme park.&nbsp;

This challenge shows that it may just be possible to not scream a roller coaster ride.&nbsp;

And this will definitely be in the list of new things the pandemic has taught us.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Grab a seat of the next toller coaster ride. Fasten your seat, wait for the ride to kick-off. But, don't scream. At a time when the world is falling apart, you are not allowed to scream.

Grab a seat of the next toller coaster ride. Fasten your seat, wait for the ride to kick-off. But, don't scream. At a time when the world is falling apart, you are not allowed to scream. Stay calm, when even your mask is about to fly off. When even GoPro seems shaken, you are not allowed to scream. No screaming as you come down from thousands of feet at a brisk pace. Also read | Japan: Theme parks instruct riders to keep their 'screams inside' and be 'serious' You just have to remain silent as you take a roller coaster ride. Is that even possible practically? Japanese theme parks say this is possible. With the opening of the country's amusement parks, this weird rule is being discussed everywhere. The rule has been recommended to contain the spread of coronavirus infection. People who want to take this ride are now confused. They want to buy the tickets, but how could they not scream. Some visitors at the Fuji-Q Highland park asked this question to the authorities. So, the park executives recorded a demonstration video to show visitors how it's done. Daisuke Iwata and Koichiro Horiuchi tasted success on social media after a video showed their straight, almost bored faces while taking a roller coaster ride became an instant hit. They have inspired the "serious face challenge". Some people have clicked themselves relaxing on a roller coaster ride. Here's a look. 今日は夫婦で心の中で絶叫❗️いろんな疲れやストレスが吹っ飛びました。 FUJIYAMAよ…またいつか会いに行くから、待っててね❗️ #真顔チャレンジ pic.twitter.com/qY84W2D4jg — はると (@E2MMiCmqSNMrDxR) July 5, 2020 × カメラ向こうか正面向くか迷った末のカメラ目線 FUJIYAMA4回も乗れたしめっちゃ楽しかった！！#真顔チャレンジ pic.twitter.com/dM2qabGp8M — なおっきー (@ike_naokki) June 29, 2020 × #真顔チャレンジ#富士急ハイランド ここ以外終始気持ち悪いほど笑ってました pic.twitter.com/SBwMQKWgnn — ゆーゆ〜@壮絶な竹富島ロス (@yadoya_nizato) June 23, 2020 × The best performances will get free day passes to the theme park. This challenge shows that it may just be possible to not scream a roller coaster ride. And this will definitely be in the list of new things the pandemic has taught us.

Serious Face Challenge: How not to scream while taking a roller coaster ride

Japan on Tuesday came out with its defence white paper on the security in the region and highlighted the growing Chinese aggressiveness in the region and plans to status quo unilaterally in several areas in Asia including India, Bhutan and South China.

Japanese defence minister Tarō Kōno speaking on the white paper as quoted by news agency Associated Press (AP) said, Bejing has been, "unilaterally enforcing its power on the border between China and India, the Bhutan border, in the South China Sea, the East China Sea and multiple places. We wrote specifically about its behaviour (in the white paper)."

<img alt="Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47bfecc1-4041-492f-b585-e20f3d5951ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/111111.JPG" /> 
 
China's People's Liberation Army's Recent Activities in the Surrounding Sea Area and Airspace of Japan. (Picture courtesy from Japanese Defence Ministry's White Paper)

While the Japanese defence minister talked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, Japan, the white paper emphasises on Senkaku islands and the South China Sea.&nbsp;

The white paper by the Japanese defence ministry as seen by WION said, "China has relentlessly continued unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion in the sea area around the Senkaku Islands, leading to a grave matter of concern."&nbsp;

Explaining how "The Chinese Navy and Air Force have in recent years expanded and intensified their activities in the surrounding sea areas and the airspace of Japan, and there are cases involving the one-sided escalation of activities."

Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea are administered by Japan but China claims them.&nbsp;

On the South China Sea issue, Japanese defence ministry white papers said," China is moving forward with militarization, as well as expanding and intensifying its activities in the maritime and aerial domains, thereby continuing unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion to create a fait accompli."

On the increased capabilities by the Chinese forces "in more distant seas such as the Indian Ocean in recent years", the defence white papers said, "China’s support for the construction of port infrastructure in Indian Ocean countries as well as Pacific island countries could lead China to secure bases available for its military purpose".

This is something that has been a worry for India, given China's first overseas base in Djibouti and presence in Pakistan's Gwadar port.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Both India and Japan have been increasing defence partnership. In September 2019, a Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting was held followed by the first Japan-India 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting in November of the same year.&nbsp;

On COVID, the white paper said, that the "pandemic may expose and intensify strategic competition among countries intending to create international and regional orders more preferable to themselves and to expand their influence."

Japan on Tuesday came out with its defence white paper on the security in the region and highlighted the growing Chinese aggressiveness in the region and plans to status quo unilaterally in several areas in Asia including India, Bhutan and South China.

Japan on Tuesday came out with its defence white paper on the security in the region and highlighted the growing Chinese aggressiveness in the region and plans to status quo unilaterally in several areas in Asia including India, Bhutan and South China. Japanese defence minister Tarō Kōno speaking on the white paper as quoted by news agency Associated Press (AP) said, Bejing has been, "unilaterally enforcing its power on the border between China and India, the Bhutan border, in the South China Sea, the East China Sea and multiple places. We wrote specifically about its behaviour (in the white paper)." China's People's Liberation Army's Recent Activities in the Surrounding Sea Area and Airspace of Japan. (Picture courtesy from Japanese Defence Ministry's White Paper) While the Japanese defence minister talked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, Japan, the white paper emphasises on Senkaku islands and the South China Sea. The white paper by the Japanese defence ministry as seen by WION said, "China has relentlessly continued unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion in the sea area around the Senkaku Islands, leading to a grave matter of concern." Explaining how "The Chinese Navy and Air Force have in recent years expanded and intensified their activities in the surrounding sea areas and the airspace of Japan, and there are cases involving the one-sided escalation of activities." Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea are administered by Japan but China claims them. On the South China Sea issue, Japanese defence ministry white papers said," China is moving forward with militarization, as well as expanding and intensifying its activities in the maritime and aerial domains, thereby continuing unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion to create a fait accompli." On the increased capabilities by the Chinese forces "in more distant seas such as the Indian Ocean in recent years", the defence white papers said, "China’s support for the construction of port infrastructure in Indian Ocean countries as well as Pacific island countries could lead China to secure bases available for its military purpose". This is something that has been a worry for India, given China's first overseas base in Djibouti and presence in Pakistan's Gwadar port. Both India and Japan have been increasing defence partnership. In September 2019, a Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting was held followed by the first Japan-India 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting in November of the same year. On COVID, the white paper said, that the "pandemic may expose and intensify strategic competition among countries intending to create international and regional orders more preferable to themselves and to expand their influence."

From India to Bhutan to South China Sea, Beijing unilaterally attempting to change status quo: Japan 

A Japanese director's documentary following the real life of ordinary people in post-epidemic Wuhan has again become a hit in both China and Japan.

Japanese director documents real life in post-epidemic Wuhan

Several US Marines at two bases on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa have been infected with the coronavirus. The outbreaks occurred at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which is at the center of a relocation dispute, and Camp Hansen.

To this end, Okinawa’s governor on Saturday demanded an adequate explanation from the US military for this massive outbreak.

The governor even said he could say only that a “few dozen” cases had been found recently because the US military asked that the exact figure not be released.

Local media said about 60 people had been infected.

The Marines said in a statement Friday that the troops were taking additional protective measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus and were restricting off-base activities. The statement said measures are “to protect our forces, our families, and the local community,” without providing details on the infections.

Japan has so far reported about 21,000 cases and 1,000 deaths, with Tokyo reporting more than 200 new cases for a third straight day Saturday.

Okinawa is home to more than half of about 50,000 American troops based in Japan under a bilateral security pact. It has about 150 cases of the coronavirus.

Several US Marines at two bases on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa have been infected with the coronavirus. The outbreaks occurred at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which is at the center of a relocation dispute, and Camp Hansen.

Several US Marines at two bases on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa have been infected with the coronavirus. The outbreaks occurred at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which is at the center of a relocation dispute, and Camp Hansen. To this end, Okinawa’s governor on Saturday demanded an adequate explanation from the US military for this massive outbreak. The governor even said he could say only that a “few dozen” cases had been found recently because the US military asked that the exact figure not be released. Local media said about 60 people had been infected. The Marines said in a statement Friday that the troops were taking additional protective measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus and were restricting off-base activities. The statement said measures are “to protect our forces, our families, and the local community,” without providing details on the infections. Japan has so far reported about 21,000 cases and 1,000 deaths, with Tokyo reporting more than 200 new cases for a third straight day Saturday. Okinawa is home to more than half of about 50,000 American troops based in Japan under a bilateral security pact. It has about 150 cases of the coronavirus.

Several US Marines in Japan's Okinawa contract coronavirus

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