Institute for Economics and Peace ranks the most peaceful countries

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's <a href="http://wionews.com/world/japan-to-seek-help-from-lebanon-over-fugitive-carlos-ghosn-272709">mysterious escape from Japan</a> to Lebanon last month.&nbsp;

Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case.&nbsp;

Mrs Ghosn told a French newspaper that she was in Beirut with her children for Christmas when she received a call about her husband's escape which she described as the best surprise "in all my life!"&nbsp;

"Fleeing was the only possible choice as he saw his trial being postponed indefinitely and he was being detained in conditions that deprived him of his rights with the aim of dehumanising him," she said as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-how-did-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-escape-to-lebanon-271401">'Unexpected surprise' - How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon?&nbsp;</a>

She alleged that her husband is a victim of an "industrial plot and the war between Renault and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosns-escape-extremely-regrettable-nissan-272597">Nissan</a>", adding that he cannot plead guilty for something that he did not do.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Carlos Ghosn is expected to hold a press conference in Lebanon on Wednesday. This will be the first time when Ghosn will be holding a public conference after fleeing from Japan where he is facing trial.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nissan-ex-boss-carlos-ghosn-to-hold-press-conference-on-january-8-272754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn said after landing in Beirut.&nbsp;

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon last month.&nbsp;

Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers.

Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan.

The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which include hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges.&nbsp;

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon last month. Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case.

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon last month. Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case. Mrs Ghosn told a French newspaper that she was in Beirut with her children for Christmas when she received a call about her husband's escape which she described as the best surprise "in all my life!" "Fleeing was the only possible choice as he saw his trial being postponed indefinitely and he was being detained in conditions that deprived him of his rights with the aim of dehumanising him," she said as reported by news agency AFP. Also read: 'Unexpected surprise' - How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon? She alleged that her husband is a victim of an "industrial plot and the war between Renault and Nissan", adding that he cannot plead guilty for something that he did not do. Meanwhile, Carlos Ghosn is expected to hold a press conference in Lebanon on Wednesday. This will be the first time when Ghosn will be holding a public conference after fleeing from Japan where he is facing trial. × "I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn said after landing in Beirut. Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon last month. Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers. Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan. The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which include hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges.

Wasn't aware of anything: Carlos Ghosn's wife after Japanese authorities issue arrest warrant for her

Japanese automaker Nissan on Tuesday slammed its former chief Carlos Ghosn for jumping bail, calling his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-fled-by-bullet-train-japan-vows-to-bolster-borders-272500">escape</a> "extremely regrettable" and vowing continued legal action to hold him accountable.

Ghosn, who faced trial on financial misconduct charges that he denies, fled Japan on December 29 for Lebanon, in an elaborate and apparently carefully planned escape.

Watch:&nbsp;'The Great Escape' of ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-great-escape-of-carlos-ghosn-271595/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His bail-jumping has prompted outrage from Japanese officials, but he insists that he would have been unable to receive a fair trial in Japan.&nbsp;

In a statement, Nissan said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Former+Nissan+boss+Carlos+Ghosn+reportedly+escaped+Tokyo+on+public+bullet+train">Ghosn's escape</a> "in violation of his bail conditions is an act that defies Japan's judicial system. Nissan finds it extremely regrettable."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-how-did-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-escape-to-lebanon-271401">'Unexpected surprise': How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon?&nbsp;</a>

The firm said its "robust, thorough internal investigation" had "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn".

"The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan," it added.

Ghosn alleges that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-flees-to-lebanon-japan-calls-it-cowardly-act-271393">charges against him</a> stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and local Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the Japanese automaker with its alliance partner, French firm Renault.

Ghosn is due to give a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, where he has said he will provide details about the alleged "coup" against him.

Japanese automaker Nissan on Tuesday slammed its former chief Carlos Ghosn for jumping bail, calling his escape "extremely regrettable" and vowing continued legal action to hold him accountable.

Japanese automaker Nissan on Tuesday slammed its former chief Carlos Ghosn for jumping bail, calling his escape "extremely regrettable" and vowing continued legal action to hold him accountable. Ghosn, who faced trial on financial misconduct charges that he denies, fled Japan on December 29 for Lebanon, in an elaborate and apparently carefully planned escape. Watch: 'The Great Escape' of ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn His bail-jumping has prompted outrage from Japanese officials, but he insists that he would have been unable to receive a fair trial in Japan. In a statement, Nissan said Ghosn's escape "in violation of his bail conditions is an act that defies Japan's judicial system. Nissan finds it extremely regrettable." Also read: 'Unexpected surprise': How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon? The firm said its "robust, thorough internal investigation" had "incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn". "The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan," it added. Ghosn alleges that the charges against him stem from a "coup" inside Nissan by disgruntled executives and local Japanese officials who feared his plans to more closely integrate the Japanese automaker with its alliance partner, French firm Renault. Ghosn is due to give a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, where he has said he will provide details about the alleged "coup" against him.

Ghosn's escape 'extremely regrettable': Nissan

Japan&nbsp;has&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;for&nbsp;help&nbsp;regarding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosns-escape-extremely-regrettable-nissan-272597">Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn</a>, a top&nbsp;Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking&nbsp;from&nbsp;local authorities.

The former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Nissan Motor Co Ltd</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fiat-chrysler-french-carmaker-psa-agree-on-mega-merger-268996">Renault SA</a>&nbsp; chairman became an international&nbsp;fugitive&nbsp;after he fled to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-fled-by-bullet-train-japan-vows-to-bolster-borders-272500">Lebanon</a>, his childhood home, last week to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in&nbsp;Japan, where he faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct.

He&nbsp;has&nbsp;denied any wrongdoing and&nbsp;has&nbsp;said he was the victim of "backstabbing" and a "conspiracy" that wanted to derail his efforts to bring the two automakers towards a merger.

Japanese authorities said on Monday they may press for&nbsp;Ghosn's extradition&nbsp;from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;to face the charges, even though the Middle Eastern country does not normally extradite its nationals.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-send-warship-planes-to-middle-east-to-protect-vessels-270515">Yoshihide Suga</a>, sidestepped questions about what exactly&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;had asked of&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;beyond "finding out the truth".

"It's necessary to carefully consider the legal systems of both countries," he told a news conference, referring to any requests for the extradition of a&nbsp;fugitive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Ghosn</a>&nbsp;is due to speak to the media in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Wednesday where he is widely expected to detail some of the claims he&nbsp;has&nbsp;made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018.

Citing an interview with&nbsp;Ghosn, Fox Business reported that the former executive said he&nbsp;has&nbsp;"actual evidence" and documents to show there was a&nbsp;Japanese government-backed coup to "take him out". He plans to identify those he believes responsible at a news conference, the broadcaster reported.

Separately, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ghosn-fled-japan-after-security-firm-hired-by-nissan-stopped-surveillance-sources-272140">Nissan</a> said&nbsp;Ghosn's flight&nbsp;from&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;would not affect its policy of holding him responsible for "serious misconduct".

"The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;accountable for the harm that his misconduct&nbsp;has&nbsp;caused to Nissan," the&nbsp;Japanese automaker said in a statement.

Japan has asked Lebanon for help regarding Carlos Ghosn, a top Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking from local authorities.

Japan has asked Lebanon for help regarding Carlos Ghosn, a top Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking from local authorities. The former Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Renault SA chairman became an international fugitive after he fled to Lebanon, his childhood home, last week to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct. He has denied any wrongdoing and has said he was the victim of "backstabbing" and a "conspiracy" that wanted to derail his efforts to bring the two automakers towards a merger. Japanese authorities said on Monday they may press for Ghosn's extradition from Lebanon to face the charges, even though the Middle Eastern country does not normally extradite its nationals. On Tuesday, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, sidestepped questions about what exactly Japan had asked of Lebanon beyond "finding out the truth". "It's necessary to carefully consider the legal systems of both countries," he told a news conference, referring to any requests for the extradition of a fugitive. Ghosn is due to speak to the media in Lebanon on Wednesday where he is widely expected to detail some of the claims he has made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018. Citing an interview with Ghosn, Fox Business reported that the former executive said he has "actual evidence" and documents to show there was a Japanese government-backed coup to "take him out". He plans to identify those he believes responsible at a news conference, the broadcaster reported. Separately, Nissan said Ghosn's flight from Japan would not affect its policy of holding him responsible for "serious misconduct". "The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan," the Japanese automaker said in a statement.

Japan to seek 'help' from Lebanon over fugitive Carlos Ghosn

Kane Tanaka has extended her record as the world's oldest person by celebrating her 117th birthday at a nursing home in Fukuoka in southern Japan on Sunday (January 5).

World's oldest living person celebrates her 117th birthday

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-wont-extradite-ghosn-if-he-arrives-in-country-government-271678">Nissan</a> boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Carlos Ghosn</a> jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape.

The 65-year-old executive skipped bail nearly a week ago, fleeing Japan where he was awaiting trial on multiple counts of financial misconduct that he denies.

The details of his escape remain spotty, with Japan saying it is still investigating how he slipped past strict security measures imposed as part of his bail conditions.

Citing people involved in the investigation,&nbsp;Nippon Television Network&nbsp;(NTV) said Monday that Ghosn boarded a "shinkansen" bullet train from Tokyo's Shinagawa station on December 29.

He got off at a station in western Osaka, arriving around 7:30 pm and taking a taxi to a hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV said.

He is thought to have taken a private jet the same day from the airport, bound for Istanbul, where he switched planes and continued to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fugitive-carlos-ghosn-to-be-summoned-by-lebanese-judiciary-official-271961">Beirut</a>.

Last week, local media reported Ghosn was caught on security camera leaving his Tokyo home by himself around noon on December 29.

But the exact circumstances of his departure from Japan are still shrouded in mystery.

The justice ministry said it did not have records of Ghosn departing Japan.

"It is believed that he used some wrongful methods to illegally leave the country," Justice Minister Masako Mori said at a press conference on Monday.

"I have instructed the immigration agency to further tighten the departure process," she added.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ghosn was loaded onto the flight from Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin.

The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosn-used-our-jets-illegally-in-escape-from-japan-turkish-company-says-271956">Turkey</a> as saying that holes had been drilled into the bottom of the container to ensure the businessman could breathe.

Japan's transport ministry told reporters that luggage checks are not mandatory for private jets.&nbsp;

"Operators of private jets decide if luggage checks are necessary or not while airline operators are obliged to conduct security checks under Japan's aviation law," a ministry official told reporters.

"The security checks are carried out to prevent danger such as bombs, and to prevent hijacks," he said, adding such risks are considered less likely for private jets.

Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, was able to enter Lebanon on a French passport, according to airport documents

A court in Tokyo had allowed Ghosn to keep a second French passport as he needed one to travel inside Japan, a source close to the matter has told reporters.

Japan has launched a probe into the humiliating security lapse and prosecutors said they would "coordinate with the relevant agencies to swiftly and appropriately investigate the matter."

Ghosn has vowed to give his own account at a hotly awaited press conference in Beirut this week.

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape.

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape. The 65-year-old executive skipped bail nearly a week ago, fleeing Japan where he was awaiting trial on multiple counts of financial misconduct that he denies. The details of his escape remain spotty, with Japan saying it is still investigating how he slipped past strict security measures imposed as part of his bail conditions. Citing people involved in the investigation, Nippon Television Network (NTV) said Monday that Ghosn boarded a "shinkansen" bullet train from Tokyo's Shinagawa station on December 29. He got off at a station in western Osaka, arriving around 7:30 pm and taking a taxi to a hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV said. He is thought to have taken a private jet the same day from the airport, bound for Istanbul, where he switched planes and continued to Beirut. Last week, local media reported Ghosn was caught on security camera leaving his Tokyo home by himself around noon on December 29. But the exact circumstances of his departure from Japan are still shrouded in mystery. The justice ministry said it did not have records of Ghosn departing Japan. "It is believed that he used some wrongful methods to illegally leave the country," Justice Minister Masako Mori said at a press conference on Monday. "I have instructed the immigration agency to further tighten the departure process," she added. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ghosn was loaded onto the flight from Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin. The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in Turkey as saying that holes had been drilled into the bottom of the container to ensure the businessman could breathe. Japan's transport ministry told reporters that luggage checks are not mandatory for private jets. "Operators of private jets decide if luggage checks are necessary or not while airline operators are obliged to conduct security checks under Japan's aviation law," a ministry official told reporters. "The security checks are carried out to prevent danger such as bombs, and to prevent hijacks," he said, adding such risks are considered less likely for private jets. Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, was able to enter Lebanon on a French passport, according to airport documents A court in Tokyo had allowed Ghosn to keep a second French passport as he needed one to travel inside Japan, a source close to the matter has told reporters. Japan has launched a probe into the humiliating security lapse and prosecutors said they would "coordinate with the relevant agencies to swiftly and appropriately investigate the matter." Ghosn has vowed to give his own account at a hotly awaited press conference in Beirut this week.

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn reportedly escaped Tokyo on public bullet train

Japan's Justice Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-minister-in-a-week-resigns-from-japan-cabinet-258957">Masako Mori</a> said on Sunday the ministry has ordered&nbsp;tightening&nbsp;of&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;procedures&nbsp;in the wake of the escape of ousted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ghosn-fled-japan-after-security-firm-hired-by-nissan-stopped-surveillance-sources-272140">Nissan Motor</a> Co boss Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn.

Mori also said in a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;Ghosn's "apparently illegal" departure was very regrettable and promised a thorough investigation to uncover the truth, adding that there was no record of his leaving&nbsp;Japan.

She also said that&nbsp;Ghosn's skipping bail cannot be justified and that the court has revoked his bail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fugitive-carlos-ghosn-to-be-summoned-by-lebanese-judiciary-official-271961">Ghosn</a>&nbsp;became an international fugitive&nbsp;after&nbsp;he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in&nbsp;Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes.

Japan's Justice Minister Masako Mori said on Sunday the ministry has ordered tightening of immigration procedures in the wake of the escape of ousted Nissan Motor Co boss Carlos Ghosn.

Japan's Justice Minister Masako Mori said on Sunday the ministry has ordered tightening of immigration procedures in the wake of the escape of ousted Nissan Motor Co boss Carlos Ghosn. Mori also said in a statement Ghosn's "apparently illegal" departure was very regrettable and promised a thorough investigation to uncover the truth, adding that there was no record of his leaving Japan. She also said that Ghosn's skipping bail cannot be justified and that the court has revoked his bail. Ghosn became an international fugitive after he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes.

Japan to tighten immigration procedures after Carlos Ghosn flees country

Kane Tanaka has extended her record as the world's oldest person by celebrating her 117th birthday at a nursing home in Fukuoka in southern Japan.

Tanaka marked her birthday with a party on Sunday along with staff and friends at the nursing home, television footage from local broadcaster TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting Co showed.

Tanaka, whose birthday was on January&nbsp;2, took a bite from a slice of her big birthday cake. "Tasty," she said with a smile. "I want some more."

Tanaka was last year confirmed as the oldest living person, aged 116 years 66 days old as of March 9, according to Guinness World Records.

Tanaka's record age is symbolic of Japan's fast-ageing population, which coupled with its falling birthrate is raising concerns about labour shortages and prospects for future economic growth.

The number of babies born in Japan fell an estimated 5.9 per cent&nbsp;last year to fewer than 900,000 for the first time since the government started compiling data in 1899, according to Japan's welfare ministry.

Tanaka was born prematurely in 1903 and married Hideo Tanaka in 1922, Guinness World Records said. The couple had four children and adopted a fifth.

Kane Tanaka has extended her record as the world's oldest person by celebrating her 117th birthday at a nursing home in Fukuoka in southern Japan. Tanaka marked her birthday with a party on Sunday along with staff and friends at the nursing home, television footage from local broadcaster TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting Co showed.

Kane Tanaka has extended her record as the world's oldest person by celebrating her 117th birthday at a nursing home in Fukuoka in southern Japan. Tanaka marked her birthday with a party on Sunday along with staff and friends at the nursing home, television footage from local broadcaster TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting Co showed. Tanaka, whose birthday was on January 2, took a bite from a slice of her big birthday cake. "Tasty," she said with a smile. "I want some more." Tanaka was last year confirmed as the oldest living person, aged 116 years 66 days old as of March 9, according to Guinness World Records. Tanaka's record age is symbolic of Japan's fast-ageing population, which coupled with its falling birthrate is raising concerns about labour shortages and prospects for future economic growth. The number of babies born in Japan fell an estimated 5.9 per cent last year to fewer than 900,000 for the first time since the government started compiling data in 1899, according to Japan's welfare ministry. Tanaka was born prematurely in 1903 and married Hideo Tanaka in 1922, Guinness World Records said. The couple had four children and adopted a fifth.

Japanese woman, Kane Tanaka turns 117 years old, extends record as world's oldest person

A bluefin&nbsp;tuna&nbsp;sold for 193.2&nbsp;million&nbsp;yen ($1.8&nbsp;million) in the&nbsp;first&nbsp;auction&nbsp;of the new year at&nbsp;Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, the&nbsp;second-highest&nbsp;price on record, NHK broadcaster reported.

The&nbsp;tuna&nbsp;was caught off northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinese-airlines-turn-to-asia-as-long-haul-losses-pile-up-263544">Aomori Prefecture</a> and weighed 276 kilograms (608 lbs), according to NHK, which translates into a price of about 700,000 yen per kilogram.

The successful bidder was Kiyoshi Kimura, the head of the company that runs a sushi restaurant chain "Sushizanmai," NHK said.

Last year Kimura paid a record 333.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;yen for a&nbsp;tuna&nbsp;at the&nbsp;auction, exceeding his previous record price in 2013.

A bluefin tuna sold for 193.2 million yen ($1.8 million) in the first auction of the new year at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, the second-highest price on record, NHK broadcaster reported.

A bluefin tuna sold for 193.2 million yen ($1.8 million) in the first auction of the new year at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, the second-highest price on record, NHK broadcaster reported. The tuna was caught off northern Aomori Prefecture and weighed 276 kilograms (608 lbs), according to NHK, which translates into a price of about 700,000 yen per kilogram. The successful bidder was Kiyoshi Kimura, the head of the company that runs a sushi restaurant chain "Sushizanmai," NHK said. Last year Kimura paid a record 333.6 million yen for a tuna at the auction, exceeding his previous record price in 2013.

Tuna sells for $1.8 million in first Tokyo auction of 2020, second highest ever

In the wake <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-wildlife-destroyed-by-intense-wildfires-could-take-decades-to-recover-271954">devastating bushfires</a> in Australia, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> has deferred his visit to India which was likely to take place this month.&nbsp;

PM Morrison was also supposed to visit Japan this month, the trip has been postponed.&nbsp;

"I should stress that both of those scheduled meetings are postponed and will move quickly to identify another opportunity," Morrison said as reported by news agency Reuters.

This would have been Morrison's first visit to India after taking charge as the Australian PM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to Morrison to visit India.

"So I am honoured to accept the invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi to visit India in January, including to deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue," Morrison had said during the Sydney townhall.&nbsp;

"My visit will be another step in cementing India in the top tier of Australia’s partnerships," he added.

PM Morrison had congratulated Modi after the latter won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

PM Modi also congratulated "Prime Minister Morrison for guiding his Liberal-National Coalition Party to victory in recently concluded elections in Australia," a Ministry of External Affairs release said.

In the wake devastating bushfires in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has deferred his visit to India which was likely to take place this month. PM Morrison was also supposed to visit Japan this month, the trip has been postponed.

In the wake devastating bushfires in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has deferred his visit to India which was likely to take place this month. PM Morrison was also supposed to visit Japan this month, the trip has been postponed. "I should stress that both of those scheduled meetings are postponed and will move quickly to identify another opportunity," Morrison said as reported by news agency Reuters. This would have been Morrison's first visit to India after taking charge as the Australian PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to Morrison to visit India. "So I am honoured to accept the invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi to visit India in January, including to deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue," Morrison had said during the Sydney townhall. "My visit will be another step in cementing India in the top tier of Australia’s partnerships," he added. PM Morrison had congratulated Modi after the latter won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi also congratulated "Prime Minister Morrison for guiding his Liberal-National Coalition Party to victory in recently concluded elections in Australia," a Ministry of External Affairs release said.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms 

Ousted Nissan boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fugitive-carlos-ghosn-to-be-summoned-by-lebanese-judiciary-official-271961">Carlos Ghosn</a> left his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/safe-haven-yen-lifted-us-dollar-hits-in-grim-data-after-qassem-soleimani-strike-272054">Tokyo</a> residence after a private security firm hired by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosn-used-our-jets-illegally-in-escape-from-japan-turkish-company-says-271956">Nissan Motor Co</a> stopped monitoring him, three sources familiar with the matter told media on Saturday.

Ghosn has become an international fugitive after he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-receives-interpol-arrest-warrant-for-carlos-ghosn-271708">Lebanon</a> to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes.

Nissan had hired a private security company to watch Ghosn, who was on bail and awaiting trial, to check whether he met any people involved in the case, the three sources said.

But his lawyers warned the security company to stop watching him as it would be a violation of his human rights, and Ghosn was planning to file a complaint against the company, the sources said.

The security company stopped its surveillance by December&nbsp;29, the sources said.

One of his lawyers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-flees-to-lebanon-japan-calls-it-cowardly-act-271393">Junichiro Hironaka</a>, told reporters in November that they were considering steps to prevent people from stalking Ghosn.

A Nissan spokesperson declined to comment.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing investigative sources, said a surveillance camera placed by the authorities in Ghosn's home showed him leaving alone around noon on Sunday, and did not show him returning.

It is unclear how Ghosn, who holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese citizenship, was able to orchestrate his departure from Japan. He entered Lebanon legally on a French passport, one source has told media.

A Turkish private jet operator said on Friday that Ghosn used two of its planes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosn-used-our-jets-illegally-in-escape-from-japan-turkish-company-says-271956">illegally</a> in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents.

Ghosn has said he will speak publicly about his escape on January&nbsp;8.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/one-year-after-arrest-ghosn-seeks-to-throw-out-case-against-him-262666">Takashi Takano</a>, who is also one of Ghosn's lawyers, wrote in his blog on Saturday that he felt infuriated and betrayed when he found out about Ghosn's escape from Japan but that he felt some understanding.

"I was betrayed. But it is not Carlos Ghosn who betrayed me," he wrote in his blog.

Takano said Ghosn was not allowed to communicate with his wife Carole without permission and the ex-Nissan boss was also concerned about his chances of getting a fair trial.

On December 24, Ghosn and his wife held a one-hour video call, which required a lawyer's presence, and they talked about their children, relatives and friends, Takano wrote. Takano was present during the video call.

Few people would have been able to escape as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-alone-organised-my-departure-from-japan-fugitive-carlos-ghosn-271734">Ghosn</a> did, but if they had the means and contacts, they certainly might try or at least consider trying, Takano wrote.

Ghosn was first arrested in Tokyo in November 2018, shortly after his private jet touched down at the airport. He faces four charges, which he denies&nbsp;including hiding income and enriching himself through payments to dealerships in the Middle East.

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn left his Tokyo residence after a private security firm hired by Nissan Motor Co stopped monitoring him, three sources familiar with the matter told media on Saturday.

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn left his Tokyo residence after a private security firm hired by Nissan Motor Co stopped monitoring him, three sources familiar with the matter told media on Saturday. Ghosn has become an international fugitive after he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes. Nissan had hired a private security company to watch Ghosn, who was on bail and awaiting trial, to check whether he met any people involved in the case, the three sources said. But his lawyers warned the security company to stop watching him as it would be a violation of his human rights, and Ghosn was planning to file a complaint against the company, the sources said. The security company stopped its surveillance by December 29, the sources said. One of his lawyers, Junichiro Hironaka, told reporters in November that they were considering steps to prevent people from stalking Ghosn. A Nissan spokesperson declined to comment. Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing investigative sources, said a surveillance camera placed by the authorities in Ghosn's home showed him leaving alone around noon on Sunday, and did not show him returning. It is unclear how Ghosn, who holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese citizenship, was able to orchestrate his departure from Japan. He entered Lebanon legally on a French passport, one source has told media. A Turkish private jet operator said on Friday that Ghosn used two of its planes illegally in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents. Ghosn has said he will speak publicly about his escape on January 8. Takashi Takano, who is also one of Ghosn's lawyers, wrote in his blog on Saturday that he felt infuriated and betrayed when he found out about Ghosn's escape from Japan but that he felt some understanding. "I was betrayed. But it is not Carlos Ghosn who betrayed me," he wrote in his blog. Takano said Ghosn was not allowed to communicate with his wife Carole without permission and the ex-Nissan boss was also concerned about his chances of getting a fair trial. On December 24, Ghosn and his wife held a one-hour video call, which required a lawyer's presence, and they talked about their children, relatives and friends, Takano wrote. Takano was present during the video call. Few people would have been able to escape as Ghosn did, but if they had the means and contacts, they certainly might try or at least consider trying, Takano wrote. Ghosn was first arrested in Tokyo in November 2018, shortly after his private jet touched down at the airport. He faces four charges, which he denies including hiding income and enriching himself through payments to dealerships in the Middle East.

Ghosn fled Japan after security firm hired by Nissan stopped surveillance: Sources

Fugitive former Nissan chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-flees-to-lebanon-japan-calls-it-cowardly-act-271393">Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn</a>&nbsp;met&nbsp;Lebanon's&nbsp;president&nbsp;after&nbsp;fleeing&nbsp;from&nbsp;Japan, where he was smuggled out of house arrest by a private security company, two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;close to&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

Also Watch:&nbsp;'The Great Escape' of Carlos Ghosn

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-great-escape-of-carlos-ghosn-271595/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

One of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;was greeted warmly by&nbsp;President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-pm-designate-begins-tough-talks-to-form-government-269503">Michel Aoun</a> on Monday&nbsp;after&nbsp;flying into Beirut via Istanbul and was now in a buoyant and combative mood and felt secure.

The plan to slip&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Japan, which marked the latest twist in a year-old saga that has shaken the global auto industry, was crafted over three months, the two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

"It was a very professional operation from start to finish," one of them said.

In his meeting at the presidency,&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;thanked Aoun for the support he had given him and his wife Carole while he was in detention, the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said. He now needs the protection and security of his government&nbsp;after&nbsp;fleeing&nbsp;Japan, the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;added.

The meeting between Aoun and&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;has not been made public and a media adviser to the&nbsp;president's office denied the two men had&nbsp;met. The two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said specifics of the meeting were described to them by&nbsp;Ghosn.

Ghosn&nbsp;could not be reached for comment on the meeting and has been silent publicly other than to issue a written statement shortly&nbsp;after&nbsp;his arrival saying he had "escaped injustice and political persecution."

Lebanese&nbsp;officials have said there would be no need to take legal measures against&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;because he entered the country legally on a French passport, although&nbsp;Ghosn's French,&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;and Brazilian passports are with lawyers in&nbsp;Japan.

The French and&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;foreign ministries have said they were unaware of the circumstances of his journey.

Lebanon has no extradition agreement with&nbsp;Japan.

Ghosn&nbsp;was first arrested in Tokyo in November 2018 and faces four charges,&nbsp;which he denies,&nbsp;including hiding income and enriching himself through payments to car dealerships in the Middle East.

He has enjoyed an outpouring of support from Lebanon since his 2018 arrest, with billboards proclaiming, "We are all Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn" erected in solidarity with his case.

Under the terms of his bail, he had been confined to his house in Tokyo and had to have cameras installed at the entrance. He was prevented from communicating with his wife, Carole, and had his use of the internet and other communications curtailed.

The&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said the&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;ambassador to&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;had visited him daily while he was in detention.

While some&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;media have floated a Houdini-like account of&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments&nbsp;after&nbsp;a private concert in his home, his wife called the account "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-nissan-chief-carlos-ghosn-flies-to-lebanon-271146">fiction</a>".

She declined to provide details of the exit of one of the most recognised titans of industry. The accounts of the two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;suggest a carefully planned escape known only to a few.

They said a private security firm oversaw the plan, which involved shuttling&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;out via a private jet to Istanbul before pushing onward to Beirut, with even the pilot unaware of&nbsp;Ghosn's presence on board.

An attorney for&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;said he would hold a news conference in Beirut on January&nbsp;8. The&nbsp;sources&nbsp;close to&nbsp;Ghosn, however, said a date for the news conference had yet to be finalised. They said&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;was unwilling to share details of his escape so as not to jeopardise those who aided him in&nbsp;Japan.

He is staying at the home of a relative of his wife, but plans to return soon to a gated villa in the upscale Beirut neighbourhood of Achrafieh, one of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Nissan sacked&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;as chairman, saying internal investigations revealed misconduct including understating his salary while he was its chief executive, and transferring $5 million of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japanese-auto-major-nissan-orders-drastic-spending-cuts-271085">Nissan</a> funds to an account in which he had an interest.

In Lebanon,&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;is considered a poster boy for success in a country where rampant unemployment pushes young&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;abroad to find work and the economy relies heavily on remittances amid a deep financial crisis that has sparked a wave of protests.

Ghosn&nbsp;was born in Brazil of&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;descent and lived in Lebanon as a child. He oversaw a turnaround at French carmaker Renault that won him the nickname "Le Cost Killer" and used similar&nbsp;methods to revive Nissan.

Fugitive former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn met Lebanon's president after fleeing from Japan, where he was smuggled out of house arrest by a private security company, two sources close to Ghosn said on Wednesday.

Fugitive former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn met Lebanon's president after fleeing from Japan, where he was smuggled out of house arrest by a private security company, two sources close to Ghosn said on Wednesday. Also Watch: 'The Great Escape' of Carlos Ghosn × One of the sources said Ghosn was greeted warmly by President Michel Aoun on Monday after flying into Beirut via Istanbul and was now in a buoyant and combative mood and felt secure. The plan to slip Ghosn out of Japan, which marked the latest twist in a year-old saga that has shaken the global auto industry, was crafted over three months, the two sources said. "It was a very professional operation from start to finish," one of them said. In his meeting at the presidency, Ghosn thanked Aoun for the support he had given him and his wife Carole while he was in detention, the sources said. He now needs the protection and security of his government after fleeing Japan, the sources added. The meeting between Aoun and Ghosn has not been made public and a media adviser to the president's office denied the two men had met. The two sources said specifics of the meeting were described to them by Ghosn. Ghosn could not be reached for comment on the meeting and has been silent publicly other than to issue a written statement shortly after his arrival saying he had "escaped injustice and political persecution." Lebanese officials have said there would be no need to take legal measures against Ghosn because he entered the country legally on a French passport, although Ghosn's French, Lebanese and Brazilian passports are with lawyers in Japan. The French and Lebanese foreign ministries have said they were unaware of the circumstances of his journey. Lebanon has no extradition agreement with Japan. Ghosn was first arrested in Tokyo in November 2018 and faces four charges, which he denies, including hiding income and enriching himself through payments to car dealerships in the Middle East. He has enjoyed an outpouring of support from Lebanon since his 2018 arrest, with billboards proclaiming, "We are all Carlos Ghosn" erected in solidarity with his case. Under the terms of his bail, he had been confined to his house in Tokyo and had to have cameras installed at the entrance. He was prevented from communicating with his wife, Carole, and had his use of the internet and other communications curtailed. The sources said the Lebanese ambassador to Japan had visited him daily while he was in detention. While some Lebanese media have floated a Houdini-like account of Ghosn being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments after a private concert in his home, his wife called the account "fiction". She declined to provide details of the exit of one of the most recognised titans of industry. The accounts of the two sources suggest a carefully planned escape known only to a few. They said a private security firm oversaw the plan, which involved shuttling Ghosn out via a private jet to Istanbul before pushing onward to Beirut, with even the pilot unaware of Ghosn's presence on board. An attorney for Ghosn said he would hold a news conference in Beirut on January 8. The sources close to Ghosn, however, said a date for the news conference had yet to be finalised. They said Ghosn was unwilling to share details of his escape so as not to jeopardise those who aided him in Japan. He is staying at the home of a relative of his wife, but plans to return soon to a gated villa in the upscale Beirut neighbourhood of Achrafieh, one of the sources said. Nissan sacked Ghosn as chairman, saying internal investigations revealed misconduct including understating his salary while he was its chief executive, and transferring $5 million of Nissan funds to an account in which he had an interest. In Lebanon, Ghosn is considered a poster boy for success in a country where rampant unemployment pushes young Lebanese abroad to find work and the economy relies heavily on remittances amid a deep financial crisis that has sparked a wave of protests. Ghosn was born in Brazil of Lebanese descent and lived in Lebanon as a child. He oversaw a turnaround at French carmaker Renault that won him the nickname "Le Cost Killer" and used similar methods to revive Nissan.

Carlos Ghosn met Lebanese president after fleeing Japan: Sources

The fugitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-receives-interpol-arrest-warrant-for-carlos-ghosn-271708">Carlos Ghosn</a> who was also former&nbsp;Renault-Nissan's chairman&nbsp;is due to be summoned by Lebanon's public prosecutor next week as per officials. He had also skipped bail in Japan and fled to Beirut.&nbsp;

The Lebanese authorities have already stressed that Ghosn who holds the French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities had entered the country legally and that Beirut had no extradition agreement with Japan.

An official speaking to media on condition of anonymity said a summons was expected to be handed to Ghosn next week, as a result of Interpol issuing a "red notice" against him.

Watch:&nbsp;Interpol sends red notice to Lebanon about fugitive Carlos Ghosn

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/interpol-sends-red-notice-to-lebanon-about-fugitive-carlos-ghosn-271918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Lebanese judiciary is obliged to hear him. But it can still decide whether to arrest him or let him remain free," the official said, adding that Ghosn could be heard on January 7 or 8.

Ghosn, once Japan's best-paid corporate executive, was arrested in November 2018 and has been under house arrest since April, facing multiple charges of financial misconduct.

Claiming the Japanese judiciary was "rigged" and that he would not receive a fair trial, Ghosn skipped bail on December 30 and flew to Beirut on a private jet.

The exact circumstances of his escape remain unclear.

The 65-year-old is due to talk to the press in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-nissan-chief-carlos-ghosn-flies-to-lebanon-271146">Beirut</a> next week.

"I have not fled justice. I have escaped injustice and political persecution," said Ghosn in a December 31 statement.

An Interpol 'red notice' is a request to law enforcement across the world to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant.

Japan is probing how <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-wont-extradite-ghosn-if-he-arrives-in-country-government-271678">Ghosn</a> was able to slip out and Turkey has also detained seven individuals over Ghosn's transit through Istanbul, where he changed private jets on his way to Lebanon.

Ghosn, who was born in Brazil, is well connected in Lebanon, where he owns stakes in several major business ventures and firms.

The fugitive Carlos Ghosn who was also former Renault-Nissan's chairman is due to be summoned by Lebanon's public prosecutor next week as per officials. He had also skipped bail in Japan and fled to Beirut.

The fugitive Carlos Ghosn who was also former Renault-Nissan's chairman is due to be summoned by Lebanon's public prosecutor next week as per officials. He had also skipped bail in Japan and fled to Beirut. The Lebanese authorities have already stressed that Ghosn who holds the French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities had entered the country legally and that Beirut had no extradition agreement with Japan. An official speaking to media on condition of anonymity said a summons was expected to be handed to Ghosn next week, as a result of Interpol issuing a "red notice" against him. Watch: Interpol sends red notice to Lebanon about fugitive Carlos Ghosn × "The Lebanese judiciary is obliged to hear him. But it can still decide whether to arrest him or let him remain free," the official said, adding that Ghosn could be heard on January 7 or 8. Ghosn, once Japan's best-paid corporate executive, was arrested in November 2018 and has been under house arrest since April, facing multiple charges of financial misconduct. Claiming the Japanese judiciary was "rigged" and that he would not receive a fair trial, Ghosn skipped bail on December 30 and flew to Beirut on a private jet. The exact circumstances of his escape remain unclear. The 65-year-old is due to talk to the press in Beirut next week. "I have not fled justice. I have escaped injustice and political persecution," said Ghosn in a December 31 statement. An Interpol 'red notice' is a request to law enforcement across the world to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant. Japan is probing how Ghosn was able to slip out and Turkey has also detained seven individuals over Ghosn's transit through Istanbul, where he changed private jets on his way to Lebanon. Ghosn, who was born in Brazil, is well connected in Lebanon, where he owns stakes in several major business ventures and firms.

Fugitive Carlos Ghosn to be summoned by Lebanese judiciary: Official

As per the briefing of a&nbsp;turkish private jet operator, on Friday the ex-Nissan boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-how-did-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-escape-to-lebanon-271401">Carlos Ghosn</a> used two of its planes illegally in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents.

MNG Jet said it had filed a criminal complaint about the incident, a day after Turkish police detained seven people, including four pilots, as part of an investigation into Ghosn's passage through Istanbul en route to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-alone-organised-my-departure-from-japan-fugitive-carlos-ghosn-271734">Lebanon</a>.

Ghosn has become an international fugitive after he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes.

Lebanon on Thursday received an Interpol arrest warrant for Ghosn, whose surprise escape from his home in Tokyo to a separate home in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-wont-extradite-ghosn-if-he-arrives-in-country-government-271678">Beirut</a> has not been fully explained.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing investigative sources, said a surveillance camera captured the former Nissan Motor Co chairman leaving his Tokyo residence alone shortly before his escape.

The security footage was taken by a camera installed at his house in central Tokyo around noon on Sunday, and the camera did not show him returning home, NHK said.

By early Monday, he had touched down in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-flees-to-lebanon-japan-calls-it-cowardly-act-271393">Istanbul</a>.

MNG Jet said in its statement it leased two jets to two different clients in agreements that "were seemingly not connected to each other." One plane flew from Osaka to Istanbul, the other from Istanbul to Beirut.

"The name of Mr Ghosn did not appear in the official documentation of any of the flights," it said.

"After having learnt through the media that the leasing was benefiting Mr Ghosn and not the officially declared passengers, MNG Jet launched an internal inquiry and filed a criminal complaint in Turkey," it added.

An employee admitted to falsifying the records and confirmed he "acted in his individual capacity," the company said.

The pilots and other detainees, including two airport ground staff and one cargo worker, were sent to court on Friday after giving statements to police, according to a Reuters witness.

Ghosn has said he will speak publicly about his escape on January&nbsp;8.

Some Lebanese media have floated a Houdini-like account of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-receives-interpol-arrest-warrant-for-carlos-ghosn-271708">Ghosn</a> being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments after a private concert in his home, but his wife has called the account "fiction".

NHK said police suspected Ghosn may have left his home to meet up with someone before heading to an airport. Under the terms of his bail, Ghosn was required to have security cameras installed at the entrance of his house.

As per the briefing of a turkish private jet operator, on Friday the ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn used two of its planes illegally in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents.

As per the briefing of a turkish private jet operator, on Friday the ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn used two of its planes illegally in his escape from Japan, with an employee falsifying lease records to exclude his name from the documents. MNG Jet said it had filed a criminal complaint about the incident, a day after Turkish police detained seven people, including four pilots, as part of an investigation into Ghosn's passage through Istanbul en route to Lebanon. Ghosn has become an international fugitive after he revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Lebanon to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces charges relating to alleged financial crimes. Lebanon on Thursday received an Interpol arrest warrant for Ghosn, whose surprise escape from his home in Tokyo to a separate home in Beirut has not been fully explained. Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing investigative sources, said a surveillance camera captured the former Nissan Motor Co chairman leaving his Tokyo residence alone shortly before his escape. The security footage was taken by a camera installed at his house in central Tokyo around noon on Sunday, and the camera did not show him returning home, NHK said. By early Monday, he had touched down in Istanbul. MNG Jet said in its statement it leased two jets to two different clients in agreements that "were seemingly not connected to each other." One plane flew from Osaka to Istanbul, the other from Istanbul to Beirut. "The name of Mr Ghosn did not appear in the official documentation of any of the flights," it said. "After having learnt through the media that the leasing was benefiting Mr Ghosn and not the officially declared passengers, MNG Jet launched an internal inquiry and filed a criminal complaint in Turkey," it added. An employee admitted to falsifying the records and confirmed he "acted in his individual capacity," the company said. The pilots and other detainees, including two airport ground staff and one cargo worker, were sent to court on Friday after giving statements to police, according to a Reuters witness. Ghosn has said he will speak publicly about his escape on January 8. Some Lebanese media have floated a Houdini-like account of Ghosn being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments after a private concert in his home, but his wife has called the account "fiction". NHK said police suspected Ghosn may have left his home to meet up with someone before heading to an airport. Under the terms of his bail, Ghosn was required to have security cameras installed at the entrance of his house.

Ghosn used two of our jets illegally his escape from Japan, says Turkish company

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito said Thursday he hoped for a year without natural disasters, delivering his first New Year speech since ascending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-new-emperor-naruhito-officially-takes-up-post-214938">the Chrysanthemum Throne</a> to tens of thousands of well-wishers.

"I'm glad to celebrate the New Year together with you," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/japanese-emperor-naruhito-formally-proclaims-his-enthronement-in-sokui-no-rei-257452">Naruhito</a> told the crowd, many waving Japanese flags and shouting "Banzai", meaning "long life".

"On the other hand, I'm worried about many people still living difficult lives because of typhoons and heavy rain last year," said the 59-year-old emperor, accompanied by Empress <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-imperial-couple-rides-through-tokyo-in-grand-enthronement-parade-261155">Masako</a>.

"I hope this year will be a good and peaceful year without any natural disasters," he said.

Last month the royal couple visited people in Japan's northeastern region hit by powerful typhoon Hagibis in October, which killed more than 80 people and caused huge damage to local infrastructure.

Also attending the traditional New year celebration was Naruhito's father <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-an-era-as-japans-emperor-akihito-abdicates-214724">Akihito</a>, who became the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in around two centuries when he stepped down from the throne on April 30, ending his three-decade reign.

The central Tokyo palace, surrounded by stone walls and moats, is opened to the public twice a year, on the emperor's birthday and the second day of New Year,&nbsp;for the royal family to greet well-wishers.

The emperor will appear four more times at the balcony later in the day.

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito said Thursday he hoped for a year without natural disasters, delivering his first New Year speech since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne to tens of thousands of well-wishers.

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito said Thursday he hoped for a year without natural disasters, delivering his first New Year speech since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne to tens of thousands of well-wishers. "I'm glad to celebrate the New Year together with you," Naruhito told the crowd, many waving Japanese flags and shouting "Banzai", meaning "long life". "On the other hand, I'm worried about many people still living difficult lives because of typhoons and heavy rain last year," said the 59-year-old emperor, accompanied by Empress Masako. "I hope this year will be a good and peaceful year without any natural disasters," he said. Last month the royal couple visited people in Japan's northeastern region hit by powerful typhoon Hagibis in October, which killed more than 80 people and caused huge damage to local infrastructure. Also attending the traditional New year celebration was Naruhito's father Akihito, who became the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in around two centuries when he stepped down from the throne on April 30, ending his three-decade reign. The central Tokyo palace, surrounded by stone walls and moats, is opened to the public twice a year, on the emperor's birthday and the second day of New Year, for the royal family to greet well-wishers. The emperor will appear four more times at the balcony later in the day.

Hope this year will be peaceful without natural disasters: Japan emperor Naruhito

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has stunned the world with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-flees-to-lebanon-japan-calls-it-cowardly-act-271393">surprise escape to Lebanon</a>. Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers. In such a situation, the mystery around Ghosn's escape raises&nbsp;many questions and a flurry of speculations.

Media reports across the globe are busy speculating possible ways which Ghosn could have taken to flee Japan and outwit strict Japanese surveillance.&nbsp;

While some outlandish theories in Lebanese media suggest Ghosn being smuggled from his house in a container for musical instruments, others speculate the involvement of a diplomatic aide or another country to come to Ghosn's rescue.&nbsp;

What we do know is that a private jet was involved in Ghosn's escape to Lebanon and a French passport - most likely a fake one considering all his passports were already in possession of the lawyers.&nbsp;

Ghosn's lawyer Hironaka says he must have had fled with the help of a "large organization".&nbsp;

Hironaka on Tuesday described his escape as an "unexpected surprise".&nbsp;Hironaka last met Ghosn on December 25 and said he knew nothing about his escape, adding that Ghosn's three passports were in possession of the lawyers.

Lebanese foreign ministry source stated that Ghosn's entry into Lebanon was legal and on a French passport, using his Lebanese ID with normal security procedures.&nbsp;

A Reuters report describes Ghosn's place where he lived for the last seven months. "Nestled in a leafy enclave of Tokyo", the place is situated in an area where "most people pay little attention to Westerners or luxury cars".

There always seemed to be a car at the end of the street near Ghosn's house, said one Western expat who had lived in the area for nine months.

Ghosn arrived in Beirut on a private jet from Istanbul on December 30. In a statement, Ghosn said he fled to Lebanon and that he will no longer be a hostage by a "rigged Japanese justice system". He said he can now communicate with the media freely.&nbsp;

"I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn said.&nbsp;

What is interesting is the fact that Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan.

The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which includes hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon. Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers.

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon. Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers. In such a situation, the mystery around Ghosn's escape raises many questions and a flurry of speculations. Media reports across the globe are busy speculating possible ways which Ghosn could have taken to flee Japan and outwit strict Japanese surveillance. While some outlandish theories in Lebanese media suggest Ghosn being smuggled from his house in a container for musical instruments, others speculate the involvement of a diplomatic aide or another country to come to Ghosn's rescue. What we do know is that a private jet was involved in Ghosn's escape to Lebanon and a French passport - most likely a fake one considering all his passports were already in possession of the lawyers. Ghosn's lawyer Hironaka says he must have had fled with the help of a "large organization". Hironaka on Tuesday described his escape as an "unexpected surprise". Hironaka last met Ghosn on December 25 and said he knew nothing about his escape, adding that Ghosn's three passports were in possession of the lawyers. Lebanese foreign ministry source stated that Ghosn's entry into Lebanon was legal and on a French passport, using his Lebanese ID with normal security procedures. A Reuters report describes Ghosn's place where he lived for the last seven months. "Nestled in a leafy enclave of Tokyo", the place is situated in an area where "most people pay little attention to Westerners or luxury cars". There always seemed to be a car at the end of the street near Ghosn's house, said one Western expat who had lived in the area for nine months. Ghosn arrived in Beirut on a private jet from Istanbul on December 30. In a statement, Ghosn said he fled to Lebanon and that he will no longer be a hostage by a "rigged Japanese justice system". He said he can now communicate with the media freely. "I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn said. What is interesting is the fact that Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan. The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which includes hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges. (With inputs from agencies)

'Unexpected surprise': How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon? 

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has said that he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-nissan-chief-carlos-ghosn-flies-to-lebanon-271146">fled to Lebanon</a> to escape the 'injustice' in Japan. Ghosn is currently on bail and his surprising escape to Lebanon has raised many questions. &nbsp;

Ghosn's lawyer Junichiro Hironaka on Tuesday described his escape as an "unexpected surprise".&nbsp;

Hironaka last met Ghosn on December 25 and said he knew nothing about his escape, adding that Ghosn's three passports were in possession of the lawyers.&nbsp;

"I will let the court know we are baffled regarding this situation. I will provide the court with any information we receive," he said as reported by news agency Reuters.

It remains a mystery how Ghosn, who holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese passports, was able to flee to Lebanon from Japan, even&nbsp;after he was under strict surveillance by Japanese authorities while out on bail and had surrendered his passports.&nbsp;

Ghosn arrived in Beirut on a private jet from Istanbul on December 30, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

After reaching Lebanon, Ghosn released a statement saying that he will no longer be a hostage by a "rigged Japanese justice system" and can now communicate with the media freely, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Lebanese as well as the Japanese authorities claim having no information on Ghosn's escape.&nbsp;

Lebanese foreign ministry source stated that Ghosn's entry into Lebanon was legal and on a French passport, using his Lebanese ID with normal security procedures.&nbsp;

Japanese state media reported saying that a person resembling Ghosn had entered Beirut international airport but under a different name.&nbsp;

Japanese media on Wednesday slammed Ghosn's escape and called it a "cowardly" act, one that mocks Japan's justice system, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has said that he fled to Lebanon to escape the 'injustice' in Japan. Ghosn is currently on bail and his surprising escape to Lebanon has raised many questions.

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has said that he fled to Lebanon to escape the 'injustice' in Japan. Ghosn is currently on bail and his surprising escape to Lebanon has raised many questions. Ghosn's lawyer Junichiro Hironaka on Tuesday described his escape as an "unexpected surprise". Hironaka last met Ghosn on December 25 and said he knew nothing about his escape, adding that Ghosn's three passports were in possession of the lawyers. "I will let the court know we are baffled regarding this situation. I will provide the court with any information we receive," he said as reported by news agency Reuters. It remains a mystery how Ghosn, who holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese passports, was able to flee to Lebanon from Japan, even after he was under strict surveillance by Japanese authorities while out on bail and had surrendered his passports. Ghosn arrived in Beirut on a private jet from Istanbul on December 30, Reuters reported. After reaching Lebanon, Ghosn released a statement saying that he will no longer be a hostage by a "rigged Japanese justice system" and can now communicate with the media freely, Reuters reported. Meanwhile, the Lebanese as well as the Japanese authorities claim having no information on Ghosn's escape. Lebanese foreign ministry source stated that Ghosn's entry into Lebanon was legal and on a French passport, using his Lebanese ID with normal security procedures. Japanese state media reported saying that a person resembling Ghosn had entered Beirut international airport but under a different name. Japanese media on Wednesday slammed Ghosn's escape and called it a "cowardly" act, one that mocks Japan's justice system, news agency AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

'Unexpected surprise': Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn flees to Lebanon, Japan calls it 'cowardly' act  

December 30 in history: From hoisting of India's first flag of Independence to first colour television sale in US

Ousted Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn confirmed on Tuesday that he is in Lebanon and would now no longer be held hostage by a a rigged "Japanese justice system".&nbsp;

"I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied," Ghosn said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/one-year-after-arrest-ghosn-seeks-to-throw-out-case-against-him-262666">One year after arrest, Ghosn seeks to throw out case against him</a>

Former Nissan chief was seen in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Monday, raising questions about how one of the world's most prominent businessmen left Japan before his trial.&nbsp;

It was reported that Ghosn holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese passports.&nbsp;

A Lebanese security source said that Ghosn arrived in Beirut Monday, adding: "It's unclear how he left Japan."

Another source said that Ghosn will come up with a statement soon.&nbsp;

The former Nissan president is facing a trial in Japan for multiple charges of financial misconduct and is currently on bail.&nbsp;

Ghosn and his lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns of the impossibility of a fair trial in Japan and have called for the rejection of the case, citing mis-steps by the prosecutors' office.&nbsp;

"Carlos Ghosn is not looking to flee his responsibilities, but he's fleeing the injustice of the Japanese system," a source closely involved with the case said.&nbsp;

As per reports from Lebanese media, Ghosn took a private plane from Turkey to reach Lebanon, where his parents were born and where he spent most of his childhood after arriving there as a toddler.&nbsp;

Ghosn's lawyers declined to comment on Ghosn's arrival to Beirut.&nbsp;

Japan's justice ministry said that the country does not have an extradition agreement with Lebanon, which means Ghosn could not be forced to return to Tokyo to face trial.

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Ousted Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn confirmed on Tuesday that he is in Lebanon and would now no longer be held hostage by a a rigged "Japanese justice system". "I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied," Ghosn said in a statement.

Ousted Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn confirmed on Tuesday that he is in Lebanon and would now no longer be held hostage by a a rigged "Japanese justice system". "I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied," Ghosn said in a statement. Also read: One year after arrest, Ghosn seeks to throw out case against him Former Nissan chief was seen in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Monday, raising questions about how one of the world's most prominent businessmen left Japan before his trial. It was reported that Ghosn holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese passports. A Lebanese security source said that Ghosn arrived in Beirut Monday, adding: "It's unclear how he left Japan." Another source said that Ghosn will come up with a statement soon. The former Nissan president is facing a trial in Japan for multiple charges of financial misconduct and is currently on bail. Ghosn and his lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns of the impossibility of a fair trial in Japan and have called for the rejection of the case, citing mis-steps by the prosecutors' office. "Carlos Ghosn is not looking to flee his responsibilities, but he's fleeing the injustice of the Japanese system," a source closely involved with the case said. As per reports from Lebanese media, Ghosn took a private plane from Turkey to reach Lebanon, where his parents were born and where he spent most of his childhood after arriving there as a toddler. Ghosn's lawyers declined to comment on Ghosn's arrival to Beirut. Japan's justice ministry said that the country does not have an extradition agreement with Lebanon, which means Ghosn could not be forced to return to Tokyo to face trial. (with inputs from agencies)

Ousted Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn confirms he is in Lebanon

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/microsoft-increases-data-protection-responsibilities-for-european-union-262842">Microsoft&nbsp;</a>Corp said on Monday it has taken control of web domains which were used by a hacking group called "Thallium" to steal&nbsp;information.

Thallium is believed to be operating from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-of-retaliation-against-us-south-korea-military-drills-261949">North&nbsp;Korea</a>,&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;said in a blog post, and the&nbsp;hackers'&nbsp;targeted government employees, think tanks, university staff members and individuals working on nuclear proliferation issues, among others.

Most of the targets were based in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-trade-deal-may-not-be-signed-this-year-263497">United States</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/typhoon-hagibis-how-does-how-japan-survive-earthquakes-and-other-natural-calamities-255761">Japan</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-acquisition-of-us-f-35-fighter-aimed-at-opening-gate-to-invade-north-north-korea-state-media-234830">South&nbsp;Korea</a>, the company said.&nbsp;

Thallium tricked victims through a technique known as "spear-phishing", using credible-looking emails that appear legitimate at first glance.

Microsoft&nbsp;said it now has control of 50 web domains used by the group to conduct its operations, following a case filed against the hacking group in the US&nbsp;District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and a subsequent court order.

Thallium also used malware to compromise systems and steal data, and is the fourth nation-state group against which&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;has taken legal action, the company said.

Microsoft Corp said on Monday it has taken control of web domains which were used by a hacking group called "Thallium" to steal information. Thallium is believed to be operating from North Korea, Microsoft said in a blog post, and the hackers' targeted government employees, think tanks, university staff members and individuals working on nuclear proliferation issues, among others.

Microsoft Corp said on Monday it has taken control of web domains which were used by a hacking group called "Thallium" to steal information. Thallium is believed to be operating from North Korea, Microsoft said in a blog post, and the hackers' targeted government employees, think tanks, university staff members and individuals working on nuclear proliferation issues, among others. Most of the targets were based in the United States, as well as Japan and South Korea, the company said. Thallium tricked victims through a technique known as "spear-phishing", using credible-looking emails that appear legitimate at first glance. Microsoft said it now has control of 50 web domains used by the group to conduct its operations, following a case filed against the hacking group in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and a subsequent court order. Thallium also used malware to compromise systems and steal data, and is the fourth nation-state group against which Microsoft has taken legal action, the company said.

North Korea-linked hackers stole sensitive information: Microsoft

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">Tokyo 2020</a> organisers will take "emergency countermeasures" after asbestos was found at the water polo venue for next year's Games after initially opting against treating it when it was discovered two years ago, Asahi newspaper reported on Monday.

Asbestos, which was once widely used in fireproofing and insulation, has been linked to several health hazards including mesothelioma and other types of cancer.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo 2020 were not immediately reachable for comment. Much of Japan is closed for New Year holidays.

The Asahi report said the Tokyo government found the asbestos in fireproof material sprayed on part of the structure supporting the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center's roof.

While Japanese construction industry regulations state asbestos should be removed or covered up, the Tokyo government deemed the amount not to be large in scale, in a stable condition and not accessible so decided to leave it, Asahi said.

Organisers had since decided to take "emergency countermeasures", Asahi said without providing further details.

The report is the latest headache for Tokyo 2020 organisers, who have faced concerns over elevated levels of bacteria in the water in Tokyo bay and how athletes will cope with sweltering summer heat, which has led the marathon event to be moved to the far northern city of Sapporo.

Tokyo 2020 organisers will take "emergency countermeasures" after asbestos was found at the water polo venue for next year's Games after initially opting against treating it when it was discovered two years ago, Asahi newspaper reported on Monday.

Tokyo 2020 organisers will take "emergency countermeasures" after asbestos was found at the water polo venue for next year's Games after initially opting against treating it when it was discovered two years ago, Asahi newspaper reported on Monday. Asbestos, which was once widely used in fireproofing and insulation, has been linked to several health hazards including mesothelioma and other types of cancer. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo 2020 were not immediately reachable for comment. Much of Japan is closed for New Year holidays. The Asahi report said the Tokyo government found the asbestos in fireproof material sprayed on part of the structure supporting the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center's roof. While Japanese construction industry regulations state asbestos should be removed or covered up, the Tokyo government deemed the amount not to be large in scale, in a stable condition and not accessible so decided to leave it, Asahi said. Organisers had since decided to take "emergency countermeasures", Asahi said without providing further details. The report is the latest headache for Tokyo 2020 organisers, who have faced concerns over elevated levels of bacteria in the water in Tokyo bay and how athletes will cope with sweltering summer heat, which has led the marathon event to be moved to the far northern city of Sapporo.

Tokyo 2020 to take measures after asbestos found at venue: Sources

Focused on profitability, the Japanese auto major Nissan has told its managers to slash non-essential spending as the automaker grapples with slumping car sales and tumbling profits.

The penny-pinching drive is in place for the rest of the financial year until end-March and will most likely continue into the coming business year.

According to reports, managers have been told to put the kibosh on unnecessary travel, sales incentives and promotional events to “conserve every yen."

Meetings that three or four people would once have travelled to attend in person, might now only have one Nissan representative.

The extensive spending cuts come in tandem with Nissan’s decision this month to order a two-day furlough for US Employees January &nbsp;2-3. There is also an effective travel ban for staff in the United States, where sales have been particularly hard hit.

Focused on profitability, the Japanese auto major Nissan has told its managers to slash non-essential spending as the automaker grapples with slumping car sales and tumbling profits.

Focused on profitability, the Japanese auto major Nissan has told its managers to slash non-essential spending as the automaker grapples with slumping car sales and tumbling profits. The penny-pinching drive is in place for the rest of the financial year until end-March and will most likely continue into the coming business year. According to reports, managers have been told to put the kibosh on unnecessary travel, sales incentives and promotional events to “conserve every yen." Meetings that three or four people would once have travelled to attend in person, might now only have one Nissan representative. The extensive spending cuts come in tandem with Nissan’s decision this month to order a two-day furlough for US Employees January 2-3. There is also an effective travel ban for staff in the United States, where sales have been particularly hard hit.

Japanese auto major Nissan orders drastic spending cuts

Japanese manga artist highlights 'daily suffering' of Uighur women

Japan&nbsp;will&nbsp;send&nbsp;a&nbsp;warship&nbsp;and patrol planes to&nbsp;protect&nbsp;Japanese ships in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;as the situation in the region, from which it sources nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, remains volatile,&nbsp;Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday.

Under the plan approved by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-likely-to-visit-indias-imphal-in-december-265170">Shinzo Abe</a>'s cabinet, a helicopter-equipped destroyer and two P-3C patrol planes will be dispatched for information-gathering aimed at ensuring safe passage for&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;through the region.

If there are any emergencies, a special order would be issued by the&nbsp;Japanese defence minister to allow the forces to use weapons to&nbsp;protect&nbsp;ships in danger.

"Peace and stability in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;are extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community including&nbsp;Japan," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference.

"Also, it is very important to make sure&nbsp;Japan-related ships can sail safely in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East, the world's major source of energy."

Friction between Iran and the United States has increased since last year, when US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> pulled the United States out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran and re-imposed sanctions on it, crippling its economy.

In May and June, there were several attacks on international merchant&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;in the region, including the&nbsp;Japanese-owned tanker Kokuka Courageous, which the United States blamed on Iran. Tehran denies the accusations.

Oil importers and refiners welcomed the government's decision.

"The&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;situation remains unpredictable. We believe the decision, made against this backdrop, will benefit the safe passage of ships in the region," Petroleum Association of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;President Takashi Tsukioka said in a statement.

Japan, a US&nbsp;ally that has maintained friendly ties with Iran, has opted to launch its own operation rather than join a US-led mission to&nbsp;protect&nbsp;shipping in the region.

Abe last week briefed visiting Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-discusses-progress-in-india-iran-bilateral-ties-269834">Hassan Rouhani</a> on Tokyo's plan to&nbsp;send&nbsp;naval forces to the Gulf.

The planned operation is set to cover high seas in the Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, but not the Strait of Hormuz.

The&nbsp;Japanese government aims to start the operation of the patrol planes next month, while the destroyer will likely begin activities in the region in February, a defence ministry official said.

The government decision is effective for one year through December 26, 2020. A fresh cabinet approval is necessary to extend the armed force's activities in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East.

A European operation to ensure safe shipping in the Gulf will also get underway next month when a French&nbsp;warship&nbsp;starts patrolling there.

Japan will send a warship and patrol planes to protect Japanese ships in the Middle East as the situation in the region, from which it sources nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, remains volatile, Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday.

Japan will send a warship and patrol planes to protect Japanese ships in the Middle East as the situation in the region, from which it sources nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, remains volatile, Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday. Under the plan approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet, a helicopter-equipped destroyer and two P-3C patrol planes will be dispatched for information-gathering aimed at ensuring safe passage for Japanese vessels through the region. If there are any emergencies, a special order would be issued by the Japanese defence minister to allow the forces to use weapons to protect ships in danger. "Peace and stability in the Middle East are extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community including Japan," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference. "Also, it is very important to make sure Japan-related ships can sail safely in the Middle East, the world's major source of energy." Friction between Iran and the United States has increased since last year, when US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran and re-imposed sanctions on it, crippling its economy. In May and June, there were several attacks on international merchant vessels in the region, including the Japanese-owned tanker Kokuka Courageous, which the United States blamed on Iran. Tehran denies the accusations. Oil importers and refiners welcomed the government's decision. "The Middle East situation remains unpredictable. We believe the decision, made against this backdrop, will benefit the safe passage of ships in the region," Petroleum Association of Japan President Takashi Tsukioka said in a statement. Japan, a US ally that has maintained friendly ties with Iran, has opted to launch its own operation rather than join a US-led mission to protect shipping in the region. Abe last week briefed visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tokyo's plan to send naval forces to the Gulf. The planned operation is set to cover high seas in the Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, but not the Strait of Hormuz. The Japanese government aims to start the operation of the patrol planes next month, while the destroyer will likely begin activities in the region in February, a defence ministry official said. The government decision is effective for one year through December 26, 2020. A fresh cabinet approval is necessary to extend the armed force's activities in the Middle East. A European operation to ensure safe shipping in the Gulf will also get underway next month when a French warship starts patrolling there.

Japan to send warship, aircraft to Middle East to protect vessels

Japan is set to send a warship and planes&nbsp;to the Middle East to protect its vessels, the government said on Friday.&nbsp;

"Peace and stability in the Middle East is extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community including Japan," the country's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said

"Also, it is very important to make sure Japan-related ships can sail safely in the Middle East, the world's major source of energy," Suga added.

The government said it would be dispatching a destroyer and two P-3C patrol planes to ensure safe passage for Japanese vessels through the region.

Japan sources nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil imports from the Middle East and the situation in the region remains volatile.&nbsp;

There have been several instances of tanker attacks in the Middle East this year&nbsp;which the US has blamed on Iran.

In September, Iran's Revolutionary Guards had detained the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations, two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar.&nbsp;

In June, Trump had accused Iran of carrying out twin tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman, saying the incident had Iran "written all over it."

"Iran did do it," Trump said in an interview.

The US military had released a video that it said showed Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from the side of a Japanese-owned oil tanker after attacks on the Kokuka Courageous and the Norwegian-owned Front Altair.

The &nbsp;US military's Central Command also released photographs showing the alleged mine but it was difficult to declassify. Iran denied it had anything to do with the incident.

Sending warships to areas of military tension is a highly sensitive issue in Japan because its pacifist post-World War-II constitution strictly limits the use of force by the military.&nbsp;

PM Abe, however, has gradually expanded Japan's military role in recent years.

The government decision is effective for one year through December 26, 2020. A fresh cabinet approval is necessary to extend the armed force's activities in the Middle East.

Japan is set to send a warship and planes to the Middle East to protect its vessels, the government said on Friday. "Peace and stability in the Middle East is extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community including Japan," the country's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said "Also, it is very important to make sure Japan-related ships can sail safely in the Middle East, the world's major source of energy," Suga added.

Japan is set to send a warship and planes to the Middle East to protect its vessels, the government said on Friday. "Peace and stability in the Middle East is extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community including Japan," the country's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said "Also, it is very important to make sure Japan-related ships can sail safely in the Middle East, the world's major source of energy," Suga added. The government said it would be dispatching a destroyer and two P-3C patrol planes to ensure safe passage for Japanese vessels through the region. Japan sources nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil imports from the Middle East and the situation in the region remains volatile. There have been several instances of tanker attacks in the Middle East this year which the US has blamed on Iran. In September, Iran's Revolutionary Guards had detained the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations, two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. In June, Trump had accused Iran of carrying out twin tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman, saying the incident had Iran "written all over it." "Iran did do it," Trump said in an interview. The US military had released a video that it said showed Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from the side of a Japanese-owned oil tanker after attacks on the Kokuka Courageous and the Norwegian-owned Front Altair. The US military's Central Command also released photographs showing the alleged mine but it was difficult to declassify. Iran denied it had anything to do with the incident. Sending warships to areas of military tension is a highly sensitive issue in Japan because its pacifist post-World War-II constitution strictly limits the use of force by the military. PM Abe, however, has gradually expanded Japan's military role in recent years. The government decision is effective for one year through December 26, 2020. A fresh cabinet approval is necessary to extend the armed force's activities in the Middle East.

Japan to send warship, planes to Middle East to protect vessels

Japan Cabinet Approves MSDF Units' Dispatch To Middle East. #WION #Gravitas #Japan #WestAsia

Gravitas: Japan to send naval troops to West Asia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-and-south-korea-should-reunite-say-70-seoul-citizens-270181">South Korea</a>'s Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse.

The ruling is expected to have little impact on the 2015 agreement as it has been effectively abandoned by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has called it seriously flawed and inadequate to resolve the issue that has been for many years a source of rancour between the neighbours.

Constitutional Court President Yoo Nam-Seok said the agreement was a political one that tried to resolve the comfort women issue and, unlike a treaty between two countries, did not create legal responsibilities on the part of the governments.

Comfort women is a euphemism for the thousands of girls and women, most of them Korean, who were forced to work in Japan's brothels before and during World War Two when Japan occupied Korea.

"It cannot be said that the rights of the victims of the Japanese military were infringed upon by this agreement," Yoo said in the court's ruling.

Bitterness over Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula is a major influence on their relations and has been at the heart of rancour this year that has seen their ties plunge to their worst in decades.

The 2015 agreement, reached by Moon's conservative predecessor, Park Geun-Hye, and Japanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-meets-japans-abe-in-beijing-calls-for-advancing-bilateral-ties-269799">Prime Minister Shinzo Abe</a>, was welcomed by the United States at the time as an important step towards reconciliation.

But surviving comfort women saw it as unjust and the constitutional petition was brought by 29 of them, and 12 of their families.

They argued that it violated their rights as they were not consulted when the governments agreed to close the matter as "irreversibly resolved" with an apology by Japan and a 1 billion yen&nbsp;fund to compensate the women.

"This could have been an opportunity to address their pain," said Rhee Dong-Joon, a lawyer representing the women.

"It is disappointing that the Constitutional Court failed to bring closure to their hurting.”

The ruling comes after Moon and Abe held talks for the first time in 15 months on Tuesday and stressed the need to improve ties, after the worst period of tension between the countries in decades when South Korean anger over Japans' wartime behaviour spilt into the trade arena.

Last week, Japan partially eased curbs put in place in July on the export of key high-tech material to South Korea. The trade restrictions were followed by the two countries removing each other from their list of favoured trade partners.

No one knows how many Koreans were forced to work in Japan's military brothels.

South Korean activists say there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims, only a few of whom have ever told of the abuse they endured at the hands of Japanese forces.

Since the early 1990s, nearly 250 women came forward to talk about their experiences. Only 20 of them survive.

South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse.

South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse. The ruling is expected to have little impact on the 2015 agreement as it has been effectively abandoned by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has called it seriously flawed and inadequate to resolve the issue that has been for many years a source of rancour between the neighbours. Constitutional Court President Yoo Nam-Seok said the agreement was a political one that tried to resolve the comfort women issue and, unlike a treaty between two countries, did not create legal responsibilities on the part of the governments. Comfort women is a euphemism for the thousands of girls and women, most of them Korean, who were forced to work in Japan's brothels before and during World War Two when Japan occupied Korea. "It cannot be said that the rights of the victims of the Japanese military were infringed upon by this agreement," Yoo said in the court's ruling. Bitterness over Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula is a major influence on their relations and has been at the heart of rancour this year that has seen their ties plunge to their worst in decades. The 2015 agreement, reached by Moon's conservative predecessor, Park Geun-Hye, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was welcomed by the United States at the time as an important step towards reconciliation. But surviving comfort women saw it as unjust and the constitutional petition was brought by 29 of them, and 12 of their families. They argued that it violated their rights as they were not consulted when the governments agreed to close the matter as "irreversibly resolved" with an apology by Japan and a 1 billion yen fund to compensate the women. "This could have been an opportunity to address their pain," said Rhee Dong-Joon, a lawyer representing the women. "It is disappointing that the Constitutional Court failed to bring closure to their hurting.” The ruling comes after Moon and Abe held talks for the first time in 15 months on Tuesday and stressed the need to improve ties, after the worst period of tension between the countries in decades when South Korean anger over Japans' wartime behaviour spilt into the trade arena. Last week, Japan partially eased curbs put in place in July on the export of key high-tech material to South Korea. The trade restrictions were followed by the two countries removing each other from their list of favoured trade partners. No one knows how many Koreans were forced to work in Japan's military brothels. South Korean activists say there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims, only a few of whom have ever told of the abuse they endured at the hands of Japanese forces. Since the early 1990s, nearly 250 women came forward to talk about their experiences. Only 20 of them survive.

South Korea’s top court dismisses 'comfort women' petition against deal with Japan

Japan will send a military vessel and two patrol planes to help protect waterways in the Middle East but will not join a US-led coalition in the region. #WION #Japan #JapanMilitary #JapanOilVessel

Japan to send warship, planes to Middle East to protect oil vessels

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-appeal-against-wadas-four-year-doping-ban-269167">Tokyo Olympics</a> organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events.

"We will keep telling the public that costs will stay at 1.35 trillion yen ($12 billion) and won't rise from here," Toshiro Mutoh, CEO of Tokyo 2020, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

But that the budgeted figure did not include an estimated 3 billion yen needed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/more-tokyo-olympic-events-rescheduled-due-to-heat-concern-266444">move the marathon</a> and walking races to the northern city of Sapporo.

Mutoh did not comment on who would be footing the bill for moving the venue, saying only that it would be the next big issue that needed to be sorted out by stake-holders including the Tokyo and Sapporo municipal governments.

"There's an incentive to make the budget appear as small as possible. But you do need money to host the Games. As a compromise, you may need to lower the level of service. But garnering a consensus for this is very difficult," he said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-recieves-a-four-year-olympic-ban-266130">International Olympic Committee</a> (IOC) stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon and race walk would be moved to Sapporo to avoid Tokyo's scorching summer heat.

The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who had insisted that the prestigious events remain in the capital.

Mutoh said while there were "problems" in the process in which the decision was made, it was an appropriate one to protect athletes.

"The process was a bit abrupt. But the decision was the right one," he said. "If we proceeded with our original plan to hold the marathon and race walk games in Tokyo, and ended up having athletes being sent to hospitals, the public backlash could be huge."

Mutoh countered criticism that the budget for hosting Tokyo 2020 was far exceeding initial estimates, saying the disparity was due to the difference in the definition of "Games-related" costs.

Expenditures for launching a weather-monitoring satellite and promoting environment-friendly vehicles, for instance, were defined as "Games-related" spending by Japan's Board of Audit, even though they were for more general purposes, Mutoh said.

The Tokyo Olympics run from July 24 to August&nbsp;9 next year.

Tokyo Olympics organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events.

Tokyo Olympics organisers sought to reassure Japan's public that the cost for hosting the Games will not exceed budgeted estimates, amid worries over possible overruns caused partly by late venue switches for the marathon and walking events. "We will keep telling the public that costs will stay at 1.35 trillion yen ($12 billion) and won't rise from here," Toshiro Mutoh, CEO of Tokyo 2020, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday. But that the budgeted figure did not include an estimated 3 billion yen needed to move the marathon and walking races to the northern city of Sapporo. Mutoh did not comment on who would be footing the bill for moving the venue, saying only that it would be the next big issue that needed to be sorted out by stake-holders including the Tokyo and Sapporo municipal governments. "There's an incentive to make the budget appear as small as possible. But you do need money to host the Games. As a compromise, you may need to lower the level of service. But garnering a consensus for this is very difficult," he said. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon and race walk would be moved to Sapporo to avoid Tokyo's scorching summer heat. The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who had insisted that the prestigious events remain in the capital. Mutoh said while there were "problems" in the process in which the decision was made, it was an appropriate one to protect athletes. "The process was a bit abrupt. But the decision was the right one," he said. "If we proceeded with our original plan to hold the marathon and race walk games in Tokyo, and ended up having athletes being sent to hospitals, the public backlash could be huge." Mutoh countered criticism that the budget for hosting Tokyo 2020 was far exceeding initial estimates, saying the disparity was due to the difference in the definition of "Games-related" costs. Expenditures for launching a weather-monitoring satellite and promoting environment-friendly vehicles, for instance, were defined as "Games-related" spending by Japan's Board of Audit, even though they were for more general purposes, Mutoh said. The Tokyo Olympics run from July 24 to August 9 next year.

Tokyo 2020 CEO pledges to keep Games costs under budget

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on.

According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899.

The dwindling number of births will put more strain on welfare finances to support snowballing costs of supporting an ageing population, which would undermine economic growth, analysts say.

There were 512,000 more deaths than births this year, the first time the figure has surpassed 500,000, with 864,000 babies born. Last year, 918,400 babies were born.

This was the biggest decline in births since 1975, driven by fewer women aged 25 to 39, said a ministry official in charge of compiling the data.

The government is hoping for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent&nbsp;- which would appear a tall order given the rate was 1.42 per cent&nbsp;in 2018.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on. According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899.

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on. According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899. The dwindling number of births will put more strain on welfare finances to support snowballing costs of supporting an ageing population, which would undermine economic growth, analysts say. There were 512,000 more deaths than births this year, the first time the figure has surpassed 500,000, with 864,000 babies born. Last year, 918,400 babies were born. This was the biggest decline in births since 1975, driven by fewer women aged 25 to 39, said a ministry official in charge of compiling the data. The government is hoping for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent - which would appear a tall order given the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018. (With inputs from Reuters)

Japan's childbirth rate hits lowest level since records began in 1899

Tokyo prosecutors&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;ruling Liberal Democratic Party&nbsp;lawmaker&nbsp;Tsukasa Akimoto on Wednesday on&nbsp;suspicion&nbsp;of&nbsp;accepting&nbsp;bribes&nbsp;from a Chinese company interested in setting up a&nbsp;casino&nbsp;in&nbsp;Japan, public broadcaster&nbsp;NHK&nbsp;reported.

Akimoto was a senior vice minister in the Cabinet Office until October 2018 and&nbsp;oversaw the government's policy on opening&nbsp;casinos, as part of Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-meets-japans-abe-in-beijing-calls-for-advancing-bilateral-ties-269799">Shinzo Abe's</a> plan to stimulate the economy and tourism.

Akimoto's office, asked about the reported arrest, said it had not heard anything. Tokyo prosecutors declined to comment.

Akimoto, whose office was raided by prosecutors last week, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing through his Twitter account and in comments to media.

The main&nbsp;Japanese government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-journalist-wins-damages-in-high-profile-lawsuit-over-alleged-rape-268819">Yoshihide Suga</a>, said he was not aware of the reported arrest but wanted preparations for integrated resorts to move ahead as quickly as possible.

The reported arrest drew criticism from opponents of&nbsp;casinos, which have been consistently unpopular in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;despite the government's push to have them in operation during the early 2020s.

The government sees&nbsp;casinos anchoring "integrated resorts" that include shopping outlets and hotels and would be aimed at bolstering local economies, tourism and tax revenue.

"This shakes the foundation of the government's integrated-resort policy," Kazuhiro Haraguchi, parliamentary affairs chief for the opposition Democratic Party For the People, told Kyodo News.

"If a deputy minister in the Cabinet Office with authority (over&nbsp;the&nbsp;casino&nbsp;issue) used his position to get money, it would be outrageous."

An opinion poll in October found 57.9 per cent&nbsp;opposition to integrated resorts versus 26.6 per cent support.

Tokyo prosecutors arrested ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto on Wednesday on suspicion of accepting bribes from a Chinese company interested in setting up a casino in Japan, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Tokyo prosecutors arrested ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto on Wednesday on suspicion of accepting bribes from a Chinese company interested in setting up a casino in Japan, public broadcaster NHK reported. Akimoto was a senior vice minister in the Cabinet Office until October 2018 and oversaw the government's policy on opening casinos, as part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plan to stimulate the economy and tourism. Akimoto's office, asked about the reported arrest, said it had not heard anything. Tokyo prosecutors declined to comment. Akimoto, whose office was raided by prosecutors last week, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing through his Twitter account and in comments to media. The main Japanese government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, said he was not aware of the reported arrest but wanted preparations for integrated resorts to move ahead as quickly as possible. The reported arrest drew criticism from opponents of casinos, which have been consistently unpopular in Japan despite the government's push to have them in operation during the early 2020s. The government sees casinos anchoring "integrated resorts" that include shopping outlets and hotels and would be aimed at bolstering local economies, tourism and tax revenue. "This shakes the foundation of the government's integrated-resort policy," Kazuhiro Haraguchi, parliamentary affairs chief for the opposition Democratic Party For the People, told Kyodo News. "If a deputy minister in the Cabinet Office with authority (over the casino issue) used his position to get money, it would be outrageous." An opinion poll in October found 57.9 per cent opposition to integrated resorts versus 26.6 per cent support.

Japanese Lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes over casino

japan

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