<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

Russia released 24 Japanese fishermen and their vessels on Tuesday, after detaining them for allegedly exceeding the octopus catch quota off a chain of disputed Pacific islands, Japan's foreign ministry said.

The five boats departed a port in Kunashiri island, one of the four southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/are-japan-and-russia-ready-to-resolve-the-kuril-islands-dispute-190414">Kuril islands disputed</a> by Tokyo and Moscow, a foreign ministry official in charge of Russian affairs confirmed.

The fishermen are in good health, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga later told reporters.

The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Japan's Hokkaido in the final days of World War II and Russia has continued to maintain&nbsp;a military presence there ever since.

The five ships were detained last week after a Russian inspection deemed they had exceeded their quota for octopus allowed under a 1998 agreement.

Foreign ministers discussed the incident at talks last Thursday, which also tried to find a breakthrough in the long-lagging dispute between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abe-talks-fail-to-break-island-impasse-192098">Moscow and Tokyo</a> over the islands.

Details about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pms-visit-to-disputed-island-irks-japan-240205">Russian</a> allegation "will be probed by relevant organisations", the Japanese ministry official added.

A Russian court ordered the fishermen to pay an 11 million yen ($100,000) fine, which was paid before leaving for Japan, sources said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have met more than two dozen times since 2013 over the territorial dispute, which prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty to formally end World War II.

Tokyo maintains its claim over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-talks-with-japan-over-territorial-dispute-could-take-years-202872">Nationalist sentiment</a> on both sides makes both governments wary of considering concessions.

Russia released 24 Japanese fishermen and their vessels on Tuesday, after detaining them for allegedly exceeding the octopus catch quota off a chain of disputed Pacific islands, Japan's foreign ministry said.

Russia released 24 Japanese fishermen and their vessels on Tuesday, after detaining them for allegedly exceeding the octopus catch quota off a chain of disputed Pacific islands, Japan's foreign ministry said. The five boats departed a port in Kunashiri island, one of the four southern Kuril islands disputed by Tokyo and Moscow, a foreign ministry official in charge of Russian affairs confirmed. The fishermen are in good health, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga later told reporters. The Soviet Union seized the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Japan's Hokkaido in the final days of World War II and Russia has continued to maintain a military presence there ever since. The five ships were detained last week after a Russian inspection deemed they had exceeded their quota for octopus allowed under a 1998 agreement. Foreign ministers discussed the incident at talks last Thursday, which also tried to find a breakthrough in the long-lagging dispute between Moscow and Tokyo over the islands. Details about the Russian allegation "will be probed by relevant organisations", the Japanese ministry official added. A Russian court ordered the fishermen to pay an 11 million yen ($100,000) fine, which was paid before leaving for Japan, sources said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have met more than two dozen times since 2013 over the territorial dispute, which prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty to formally end World War II. Tokyo maintains its claim over the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan. Nationalist sentiment on both sides makes both governments wary of considering concessions.

Russia releases Japanese fishermen, boats held near disputed Pacific islands

The trilateral summit between South Korea, Japan and China has come to an end. The summit saw some major commitments made on free trade and North Korea. Free trade and economic cooperation were also at the forefront of the meetings between the leaders. #TrilateralSummit #China #SouthKorea #Japan

WION Dispatch: China-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit ends

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-south-korea-committed-to-dialogue-to-resolve-north-korea-issue-china-269879">Japan</a> since the government started compiling data in 1899.

Japan has a humongous ageing population, and this development might increase the strain on welfare finances for the elderly. This, according to analysts might undermine economic growth.

Additionally, there were 512,000 more deaths than births in Japan this year.

As per figures provided by Reuters, this is the first time that the number of deaths is more than 500,000, with the approximate figure of new babies at 864,000 this year.&nbsp;

Last year alone, 918,400 babies were born.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-meets-japans-abe-in-beijing-calls-for-advancing-bilateral-ties-269799">government of Japan</a> announced hopes for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent, which might be difficult to achieve considering the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018.

This momentous decline in births may be attributed to fewer women aged 25 to 39.

Since 1975, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-releases-japan-fishing-boats-held-near-disputed-islands-269911">Japan</a> hasn't witnessed a decline this big.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of Japan since the government started compiling data in 1899.

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of Japan since the government started compiling data in 1899. Japan has a humongous ageing population, and this development might increase the strain on welfare finances for the elderly. This, according to analysts might undermine economic growth. Additionally, there were 512,000 more deaths than births in Japan this year. As per figures provided by Reuters, this is the first time that the number of deaths is more than 500,000, with the approximate figure of new babies at 864,000 this year. Last year alone, 918,400 babies were born. The government of Japan announced hopes for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent, which might be difficult to achieve considering the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018. This momentous decline in births may be attributed to fewer women aged 25 to 39. Since 1975, Japan hasn't witnessed a decline this big. (With inputs from agencies)

Number of babies born falls by 5.9% for first time in Japan's history

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True Royalty TV is like a Netflix for all things royal programming

A Japanese government agency has proposed releasing radioactive water from the stricken&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-acquits-energy-bosses-over-fukushima-disaster-250636">Fukushima </a>nuclear plant into the environment, as storage space runs out.

The plant suffered a meltdown about nine years ago after it was hit by an earthquake-triggered tsunami. About a million tonnes of contaminated water has built up since then and the tanks that hold it are almost full.

Watch: Namei after Fukushima 2011

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/360-wion-namei-after-fukushima-2011-3046/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government's Agency for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-voices-concern-over-future-energy-as-he-comforts-victims-of-fukushima-disaster-264290">Natural Resources and Energy</a> on Monday proposed three ways to deal with the water releasing it into the sea, into the air using vaporisation or a combination of the two.

"There is no option (any longer) of simply storing the water for a long period of time," an agency official told AFP on Tuesday.

An extensive pumping and filtration system is in place at the plant, which each day brings up tonnes of newly contaminated water and filters out almost all radioactive elements.

The process leaves only tritium, which experts say is only harmful to humans in&nbsp;very large doses.&nbsp;

No decision was taken at Monday's meeting but "no members voiced opposition to the view that a technically realistic way is discharging the water into the sea or the air," according to the agency official.

The panel has been discussing how to dispose of the liquid for years and no deadline has been set for it to report to the government.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-fukushima-plant-a-million-tonne-headache-radioactive-water-253979">radioactive water </a>comes from several different sources, including water used for cooling at the plant groundwater that seeps into the plant daily and rainwater.

Properly filtered Fukushima water could be diluted with seawater and safely released into the ocean without causing environmental problems, the International Atomic Energy Agency argues.

Discharging it into the environment could trigger protests however not only from local fishermen and farmers but also from neighbouring countries.

The treated water is currently kept in a thousand huge tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi site.

Plant operator TEPCO is building more tanks but all will be full by the summer of 2022.

A Japanese government agency has proposed releasing radioactive water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the environment, as storage space runs out. The plant suffered a meltdown about nine years ago after it was hit by an earthquake-triggered tsunami.

A Japanese government agency has proposed releasing radioactive water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the environment, as storage space runs out. The plant suffered a meltdown about nine years ago after it was hit by an earthquake-triggered tsunami. About a million tonnes of contaminated water has built up since then and the tanks that hold it are almost full. Watch: Namei after Fukushima 2011 The government's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy on Monday proposed three ways to deal with the water releasing it into the sea, into the air using vaporisation or a combination of the two. "There is no option (any longer) of simply storing the water for a long period of time," an agency official told AFP on Tuesday. An extensive pumping and filtration system is in place at the plant, which each day brings up tonnes of newly contaminated water and filters out almost all radioactive elements. The process leaves only tritium, which experts say is only harmful to humans in very large doses. No decision was taken at Monday's meeting but "no members voiced opposition to the view that a technically realistic way is discharging the water into the sea or the air," according to the agency official. The panel has been discussing how to dispose of the liquid for years and no deadline has been set for it to report to the government. The radioactive water comes from several different sources, including water used for cooling at the plant groundwater that seeps into the plant daily and rainwater. Properly filtered Fukushima water could be diluted with seawater and safely released into the ocean without causing environmental problems, the International Atomic Energy Agency argues. Discharging it into the environment could trigger protests however not only from local fishermen and farmers but also from neighbouring countries. The treated water is currently kept in a thousand huge tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi site. Plant operator TEPCO is building more tanks but all will be full by the summer of 2022.

Japan planning to release Fukushima radioactive water as storage space runs out

The number of babies born in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-south-korea-committed-to-dialogue-to-resolve-north-korea-issue-china-269879">Japan</a> fell an estimated 5.9 per cent&nbsp;this year to fewer than 900,000 for the first time since the government started compiling data in 1899, the welfare ministry said on Tuesday.

The dwindling number of births will put more strain on welfare finances to support snowballing costs of supporting an ageing population, which would undermine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-to-trim-total-govt-bond-issuance-next-fiscal-year-sources-268875">economic growth</a>, 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.

The number of babies born in Japan fell an estimated 5.9 per cent this year to fewer than 900,000 for the first time since the government started compiling data in 1899, the welfare ministry said on Tuesday.

The number of babies born in Japan fell an estimated 5.9 per cent this year to fewer than 900,000 for the first time since the government started compiling data in 1899, the welfare ministry said on Tuesday. 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.

Fewer than 900,000 new Japanese babies this year for first time on record

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-might-cancel-india-trip-report-268002">Shinzo Abe</a> will meet President Xi Jinping separately before going to the southwestern city of Chengdu for a trilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Though various economic matters will also be on the agenda - as well as tensions between Seoul and Tokyo - North Korea appears likely to dominate the agenda.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a meeting of top military officials to discuss boosting the country's military capability, state news agency reported on Sunday.

North Korea has set a year-end deadline for the United States to change what it says is a policy of hostility amid a stalemate in efforts to make progress on their pledge to end the North's nuclear programme and establish lasting peace.

Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump have met three times since June 2018, but there has been no substantive progress in dialogue while the North demanded crushing international sanctions be lifted first.

On Saturday, the state media said the United States would "pay dearly" for taking issue with the North's human rights record and said Washington's "malicious words" would only aggravate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

US&nbsp;special envoy for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-another-crucial-test-at-satellite-launch-site-report-268259">North Korea</a> Stephen <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-biegun-to-north-korea-were-here-you-know-how-to-reach-us-268526">Biegun</a> met with two senior Chinese diplomats during his two-day visit to Beijing last week, following similar meeting in South Korea and Japan days earlier, as diplomats make last-ditch attempts to prevent new confrontation.

Beijing, jointly with Russia, proposed last week that the United Nations Security Council <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-make-un-proposal-to-ease-sanctions-against-nuclear-armed-north-korea-268814">lift some sanctions</a> in what it calls an attempt to break the current deadlock and seek to build support.

But it's unclear whether Beijing can convince Seoul and Tokyo to break ranks from Washington, which has made its opposition clear and can veto any resolution.

Though South Korea sees China as instrumental in reviving negotiations, it has so far sidestepped questions on whether it supports the new proposal by Beijing and Moscow. Japan, which has historically been a staunch supporter of sanctions against North Korea, has also refrained from commenting on the proposal.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet President Xi Jinping separately before going to the southwestern city of Chengdu for a trilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet President Xi Jinping separately before going to the southwestern city of Chengdu for a trilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Though various economic matters will also be on the agenda - as well as tensions between Seoul and Tokyo - North Korea appears likely to dominate the agenda. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a meeting of top military officials to discuss boosting the country's military capability, state news agency reported on Sunday. North Korea has set a year-end deadline for the United States to change what it says is a policy of hostility amid a stalemate in efforts to make progress on their pledge to end the North's nuclear programme and establish lasting peace. Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump have met three times since June 2018, but there has been no substantive progress in dialogue while the North demanded crushing international sanctions be lifted first. On Saturday, the state media said the United States would "pay dearly" for taking issue with the North's human rights record and said Washington's "malicious words" would only aggravate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun met with two senior Chinese diplomats during his two-day visit to Beijing last week, following similar meeting in South Korea and Japan days earlier, as diplomats make last-ditch attempts to prevent new confrontation. Beijing, jointly with Russia, proposed last week that the United Nations Security Council lift some sanctions in what it calls an attempt to break the current deadlock and seek to build support. But it's unclear whether Beijing can convince Seoul and Tokyo to break ranks from Washington, which has made its opposition clear and can veto any resolution. Though South Korea sees China as instrumental in reviving negotiations, it has so far sidestepped questions on whether it supports the new proposal by Beijing and Moscow. Japan, which has historically been a staunch supporter of sanctions against North Korea, has also refrained from commenting on the proposal.

China's Xi to meet Japan, South Korea leaders as North Korea tensions rise

The leaders of China, Japan and South Korea will be holding a trilateral summit in China this week amid feuds over trade, military manoeuvring and historical animosities. Most striking has been a complex dispute between Seoul and Tokyo, while Beijing has recently sought to tone down its disagreements with its two neighbours. Ahead of the trilateral summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping met the South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Beijing. #TrilateralSummit #China #SouthKorea #NorthKorea #Japan

WION Dispatch: China to hold trilateral summit over trade, regional disputes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-north-korea-talks-more-important-than-anything-south-korea-tells-china-269749">Chinese</a> President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations.

''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said.

According to Xi, the relationship between the two countries is facing important developments. He asserted his country's stand on maintaining close communication with the Japanese side. He hopes to benefit more people through cooperation.&nbsp;

''China and Japan should enhance mutual trust in security, safeguard the multilateral mechanism and uphold free trade'', he added.

Abe praised the current momentum of relations between both countries. Abe said that this relationship is important for the peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

The Japanese PM hopes to expand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-prepare-for-trilateral-summit-amid-tensions-269632">practical cooperation</a> with China in trade, investment, innovation, tourism, culture, sports and other areas.

''The two countries should strengthen communication and coordination on regional issues'', he added.

Abe is in China for the 8th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting, which will take place in China's southwestern city of Chengdu on Tuesday. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will chair the meeting.

Xi called on the two countries to expand practical cooperation in various sectors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations. ''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations. ''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said. According to Xi, the relationship between the two countries is facing important developments. He asserted his country's stand on maintaining close communication with the Japanese side. He hopes to benefit more people through cooperation. ''China and Japan should enhance mutual trust in security, safeguard the multilateral mechanism and uphold free trade'', he added. Abe praised the current momentum of relations between both countries. Abe said that this relationship is important for the peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. The Japanese PM hopes to expand practical cooperation with China in trade, investment, innovation, tourism, culture, sports and other areas. ''The two countries should strengthen communication and coordination on regional issues'', he added. Abe is in China for the 8th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting, which will take place in China's southwestern city of Chengdu on Tuesday. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will chair the meeting. Xi called on the two countries to expand practical cooperation in various sectors. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi meets Japan's Abe in Beijing, calls for advancing bilateral ties

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-planned-across-city-during-christmas-week-after-massive-uighur-rally-269745">Hong Kong</a> should ''continue to be free and open''. The city has been rocked by pro-democracy protests over the last few months.&nbsp;

The Japanese PM recently met Chinese President Xi Jinping before attending a trilateral meeting, which will also be attended by the South Korean president Moon Jae-in.

In a press briefing after the Xi-Abe meeting, Otaka Masato, spokesman for the Japanese minister of foreign affairs, said Abe "urged China to continue its self-restraint" over Hong Kong and expressed "hope for an early resolution of the situation".

The two leaders also discussed North Korea and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, the spokesman said, and Xi "asked for support" for a joint China-Russia draft UN resolution which proposed easing sanctions against the nuclear-armed state.&nbsp;

"Mr Abe reiterated that he is very much concerned about the situation...(and) mentioned that under the 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong should continue to be free and open and to be able to enjoy its development," said Otaka.

Hong Kongers have been protesting against Chinese interference in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-who-at-officers-seize-guns-269548">city's affairs</a>. The city, as per the ''One country, two systems'' scheme was guaranteed freedoms when the British left in 1997.

China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place.

Instances of police brutality have been causing a major uproar, with many demanding an independent investigation into it. The police have consistently denied using excessive force.

Earlier on Sunday, more than 1,000 people rallied in support of China's ethnic Uighur Muslims, who have been detained en masse in camps in China's northwestern Xinjiang region.

Beijing and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-next-hong-kongers-rally-for-chinas-uighurs-269572">Hong Kong's government</a> have made clear any call for independence would never be tolerated.

"Advocating Hong Kong independence ... is not conducive to the overall and long term interest of Hong Kong society. It is also contrary to the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong," the city government said in a statement overnight.

The protests, which are now running into its six month, have become less violent and organised. Since June this year, more than 6,000 people have been arrested.

According to the Japanese spokesman, Xi replied to Abe's comments on Hong Kong by repeating China's position that Hong Kong "is a domestic matter".

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently said that Hong Kong should ''continue to be free and open''. The city has been rocked by pro-democracy protests over the last few months.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently said that Hong Kong should ''continue to be free and open''. The city has been rocked by pro-democracy protests over the last few months. The Japanese PM recently met Chinese President Xi Jinping before attending a trilateral meeting, which will also be attended by the South Korean president Moon Jae-in. In a press briefing after the Xi-Abe meeting, Otaka Masato, spokesman for the Japanese minister of foreign affairs, said Abe "urged China to continue its self-restraint" over Hong Kong and expressed "hope for an early resolution of the situation". The two leaders also discussed North Korea and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, the spokesman said, and Xi "asked for support" for a joint China-Russia draft UN resolution which proposed easing sanctions against the nuclear-armed state. "Mr Abe reiterated that he is very much concerned about the situation...(and) mentioned that under the 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong should continue to be free and open and to be able to enjoy its development," said Otaka. Hong Kongers have been protesting against Chinese interference in the city's affairs. The city, as per the ''One country, two systems'' scheme was guaranteed freedoms when the British left in 1997. China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place. Instances of police brutality have been causing a major uproar, with many demanding an independent investigation into it. The police have consistently denied using excessive force. Earlier on Sunday, more than 1,000 people rallied in support of China's ethnic Uighur Muslims, who have been detained en masse in camps in China's northwestern Xinjiang region. Beijing and Hong Kong's government have made clear any call for independence would never be tolerated. "Advocating Hong Kong independence ... is not conducive to the overall and long term interest of Hong Kong society. It is also contrary to the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong," the city government said in a statement overnight. The protests, which are now running into its six month, have become less violent and organised. Since June this year, more than 6,000 people have been arrested. According to the Japanese spokesman, Xi replied to Abe's comments on Hong Kong by repeating China's position that Hong Kong "is a domestic matter".

Hong Kong should ''continue to be free and open'': Japanese PM Abe

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday discussed events in Iran and North Korea with US President Donald Trump in a lengthy phone call, the Kyodo news agency reported.

The phone conversation, which Abe told reporters took place at Trump's request, came on the same day that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-slams-irrational-us-nuclear-deal-withdrawal-269506">Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrapped up his two-day visit to Japan</a>.

Rouhani's trip came after deadly protests over fuel price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by US sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Japan is a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, and Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rivals.

Abe did not refer to Iran when he met with reporters just before midnight Saturday, but a Japanese government source told Kyodo that Abe did talk to Trump about his discussions with Rouhani.

The Abe-Trump phone call lasted about 75 minutes, according to Kyodo.

Abe told reporters that he and the US leader talked about what Kyodo described as a "coordinated response" towards North Korea.

Pyongyang has shown frustration at the lack of sanctions relief after three summits with Trump.

Earlier this month it promised a "Christmas gift" if the US did not come up with concessions by the end of the year after it placed a moratorium on long-range missile tests.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday discussed events in Iran and North Korea with US President Donald Trump in a lengthy phone call, the Kyodo news agency reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday discussed events in Iran and North Korea with US President Donald Trump in a lengthy phone call, the Kyodo news agency reported. The phone conversation, which Abe told reporters took place at Trump's request, came on the same day that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrapped up his two-day visit to Japan. Rouhani's trip came after deadly protests over fuel price hikes in Iran, where the economy has been hit by US sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme. Japan is a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, and Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rivals. Abe did not refer to Iran when he met with reporters just before midnight Saturday, but a Japanese government source told Kyodo that Abe did talk to Trump about his discussions with Rouhani. The Abe-Trump phone call lasted about 75 minutes, according to Kyodo. Abe told reporters that he and the US leader talked about what Kyodo described as a "coordinated response" towards North Korea. Pyongyang has shown frustration at the lack of sanctions relief after three summits with Trump. Earlier this month it promised a "Christmas gift" if the US did not come up with concessions by the end of the year after it placed a moratorium on long-range missile tests.

Japan's Abe discusses Iran, North Korea in call with Trump: Report

President Hassan Rouhani will make the first visit to Japan by an Iranian head of state for two decades Friday, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-to-trim-total-govt-bond-issuance-next-fiscal-year-sources-268875">Tokyo</a> seeks to mediate between Tehran and Washington amid spiralling nuclear tensions.

The trip comes after violent protests last month over petroleum price hikes in Iran, as Washington-imposed sanctions over its nuclear programme hit the Iranian economy.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-two-iranian-judges-for-overseeing-iranian-regimes-miscarriage-of-justice-269258">United States </a>re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme.

Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei has played down the mediation aspect of the trip, saying the visit to Tokyo had "nothing to do with issues such as negotiations with America".

However, he acknowledged that "our Japanese friends usually convey messages or initiatives, which we welcome... and seriously examine".

As a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rival powers.

Last week, Abe said he would strive "as much as possible to ease tensions" in the Middle East, noting Japan's alliance with Washington and "favourable relations" with Tehran.

Abe travelled to Tehran in June to try to ease the tension between the United States and Iran in the Gulf.

Japan was formerly a major buyer of Iranian crude but stopped purchases to comply with the US sanctions.

Rouhani comes to Japan from Kuala Lumpur where he called on Muslim countries at a summit to band together to fight US "economic terrorism".

Osamu Miyata, head of Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies in Japan (CCISJ), told AFP that Abe would find it difficult to steer a path between US President Donald Trump and Rouhani.

The US sanctions "are having a serious impact on every aspect of Iran - people's daily life, the country's finances, and inflation in imported goods", Hitoshi Suzuki, an expert on Middle Eastern studies at Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), told AFP.

"It would be difficult to have tangible achievements from the Rouhani-Abe meeting this time, but in the long-term, Japan can warn the US that the current sanctions are having a serious negative impact," added Suzuki.

"This could prompt Iranian domestic politics to move in the opposite direction hoped for by the US -&nbsp;For example, hawks leading Iran to the resume nuclear development, or the emergence of an anti-democratic Iran," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-visit-japan-amid-heightened-tensions-with-united-states-268703">Abe and Rouhani</a> are expected to inspect a guard of honour before summit talks and dinner.

They are not scheduled to brief reporters after the talks.&nbsp;

President Hassan Rouhani will make the first visit to Japan by an Iranian head of state for two decades Friday, as Tokyo seeks to mediate between Tehran and Washington amid spiralling nuclear tensions.

President Hassan Rouhani will make the first visit to Japan by an Iranian head of state for two decades Friday, as Tokyo seeks to mediate between Tehran and Washington amid spiralling nuclear tensions. The trip comes after violent protests last month over petroleum price hikes in Iran, as Washington-imposed sanctions over its nuclear programme hit the Iranian economy. The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme. Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei has played down the mediation aspect of the trip, saying the visit to Tokyo had "nothing to do with issues such as negotiations with America". However, he acknowledged that "our Japanese friends usually convey messages or initiatives, which we welcome... and seriously examine". As a key US ally that also maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has tried to build bridges between the two rival powers. Last week, Abe said he would strive "as much as possible to ease tensions" in the Middle East, noting Japan's alliance with Washington and "favourable relations" with Tehran. Abe travelled to Tehran in June to try to ease the tension between the United States and Iran in the Gulf. Japan was formerly a major buyer of Iranian crude but stopped purchases to comply with the US sanctions. Rouhani comes to Japan from Kuala Lumpur where he called on Muslim countries at a summit to band together to fight US "economic terrorism". Osamu Miyata, head of Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies in Japan (CCISJ), told AFP that Abe would find it difficult to steer a path between US President Donald Trump and Rouhani. The US sanctions "are having a serious impact on every aspect of Iran - people's daily life, the country's finances, and inflation in imported goods", Hitoshi Suzuki, an expert on Middle Eastern studies at Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), told AFP. "It would be difficult to have tangible achievements from the Rouhani-Abe meeting this time, but in the long-term, Japan can warn the US that the current sanctions are having a serious negative impact," added Suzuki. "This could prompt Iranian domestic politics to move in the opposite direction hoped for by the US - For example, hawks leading Iran to the resume nuclear development, or the emergence of an anti-democratic Iran," he said. Abe and Rouhani are expected to inspect a guard of honour before summit talks and dinner. They are not scheduled to brief reporters after the talks.

Iran's Rouhani to meet Japan PM amid tension with US

Japan&nbsp;plans to&nbsp;trim&nbsp;its overall government&nbsp;bond&nbsp;issuance&nbsp;to the market by 0.5 per cent next&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;year&nbsp;from current&nbsp;year's levels, government officials said on Wednesday, as 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> balances supporting growth and reining in huge public debt.

The drop would mark the seventh straight&nbsp;year&nbsp;of declines in&nbsp;total&nbsp;debt&nbsp;issuance, despite rising&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;spending as worries grow that cooling global growth and the US-China <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-at-g20-summit-231112">trade war</a> could hit corporate tax income in export-led&nbsp;Japan.

The government is set to sell 128.8 trillion yen ($1.19 trillion) of&nbsp;Japanese government&nbsp;bonds (JGBs) in the&nbsp;next&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;year&nbsp;beginning in April 2020, down from this&nbsp;year's 129.4 trillion yen, the two officials said on condition of anonymity because the plan has not yet been announced.

Of the&nbsp;total, the government is considering increasing&nbsp;issuance&nbsp;of JGBs with maturity of 40&nbsp;years by 600 billion yen from the current&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;year&nbsp;to 3 trillion yen, the officials said, in a nod to solid demand from investors hunting for yield amid&nbsp;years of ultra-low interest rates.

Issuance&nbsp;plans for other maturities will remain unchanged, they added.

New&nbsp;bond&nbsp;issuance&nbsp;for&nbsp;next&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;year, which excludes&nbsp;bonds issued to roll over those reaching maturity, will fall for the 10th straight&nbsp;year&nbsp;to 32.56 trillion yen, versus this&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;year's 32.7 trillion yen.

The government is expected to approve its draft budget for&nbsp;next&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;year&nbsp;on Friday.

The general-account budget will hit a record 102.66 trillion yen in spending due to increases in welfare to support the fast-ageing population as well as military outlay, according to the draft. Tax revenue is estimated at 63.51 trillion yen.

After peaking at a record 156.6 trillion yen issued in&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;2013, government&nbsp;bond&nbsp;issuance&nbsp;has been declining, supporting Abe's arguments that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;is keeping its&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;house in order while boosting spending to reflate the economy.

The government has managed to&nbsp;trim&nbsp;the amount of JGBs sold to the market in recent&nbsp;years, partly by tapping funds raised in the past from "front-loading" JGB&nbsp;issuance, which took advantage of low borrowing costs.

Still,&nbsp;Japan's public debt is the highest among advanced economies and&nbsp;total&nbsp;spending under&nbsp;next&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;year's budget is likely to hit a new record. And yet,&nbsp;bond&nbsp;yields have been kept low due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bank-of-japan-suggests-future-rate-cut-but-holds-fire-for-now-258962">Bank of&nbsp;Japan's</a> aggressive buying under a policy that caps 10-year&nbsp;government&nbsp;bond&nbsp;yields around 0 per cent.

The BOJ's ultra-loose monetary policy has crushed yields across the curve, forcing investors to hoard super-long government&nbsp;bonds in search of higher returns.

Wary of the implications of a flattening yield curve on financial institutions' profits, BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda has repeatedly warned against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-business-mood-gloomiest-in-nearly-seven-years-as-trade-war-bites-267983">excessive falls</a> in super-long yields.

The increase in supply of 40-year&nbsp;bonds could alleviate the pain of investors, though many analysts doubt the effect on steepening the yield curve would be sustainable.

Japan plans to trim its overall government bond issuance to the market by 0.5 per cent next fiscal year from current year's levels, government officials said on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe balances supporting growth and reining in huge public debt.

Japan plans to trim its overall government bond issuance to the market by 0.5 per cent next fiscal year from current year's levels, government officials said on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe balances supporting growth and reining in huge public debt. The drop would mark the seventh straight year of declines in total debt issuance, despite rising fiscal spending as worries grow that cooling global growth and the US-China trade war could hit corporate tax income in export-led Japan. The government is set to sell 128.8 trillion yen ($1.19 trillion) of Japanese government bonds (JGBs) in the next fiscal year beginning in April 2020, down from this year's 129.4 trillion yen, the two officials said on condition of anonymity because the plan has not yet been announced. Of the total, the government is considering increasing issuance of JGBs with maturity of 40 years by 600 billion yen from the current fiscal year to 3 trillion yen, the officials said, in a nod to solid demand from investors hunting for yield amid years of ultra-low interest rates. Issuance plans for other maturities will remain unchanged, they added. New bond issuance for next fiscal year, which excludes bonds issued to roll over those reaching maturity, will fall for the 10th straight year to 32.56 trillion yen, versus this fiscal year's 32.7 trillion yen. The government is expected to approve its draft budget for next fiscal year on Friday. The general-account budget will hit a record 102.66 trillion yen in spending due to increases in welfare to support the fast-ageing population as well as military outlay, according to the draft. Tax revenue is estimated at 63.51 trillion yen. After peaking at a record 156.6 trillion yen issued in fiscal 2013, government bond issuance has been declining, supporting Abe's arguments that Japan is keeping its fiscal house in order while boosting spending to reflate the economy. The government has managed to trim the amount of JGBs sold to the market in recent years, partly by tapping funds raised in the past from "front-loading" JGB issuance, which took advantage of low borrowing costs. Still, Japan's public debt is the highest among advanced economies and total spending under next fiscal year's budget is likely to hit a new record. And yet, bond yields have been kept low due to the Bank of Japan's aggressive buying under a policy that caps 10-year government bond yields around 0 per cent. The BOJ's ultra-loose monetary policy has crushed yields across the curve, forcing investors to hoard super-long government bonds in search of higher returns. Wary of the implications of a flattening yield curve on financial institutions' profits, BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda has repeatedly warned against excessive falls in super-long yields. The increase in supply of 40-year bonds could alleviate the pain of investors, though many analysts doubt the effect on steepening the yield curve would be sustainable.

Japan to trim total govt bond issuance next fiscal year: Sources

Rare Victory For A #MeToo Complainant In Japan. #Gravitas #Metoo

Gravitas: Journalist Wins #Metoo Case In Japan

Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-for-talks-if-united-states-lifts-sanctions-iran-266151">Hassan Rouhani</a> will visit Japan on December&nbsp;20-21 and meet Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-might-cancel-india-trip-report-268002">Shinzo Abe</a>, as the Asian country, a US&nbsp;ally, looks to resolve Tehran's nuclear impasse with Washington.

Japan maintains friendly ties with both the United States and Iran and has previously tried to ease tensions between the two countries, which severed diplomatic relations after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah.

Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington since last year when President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-democrats-seek-testimony-from-bolton-and-other-trump-aides-268609"> Donald Trump</a> pulled out the United States from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and re-imposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.

"Our country will persistently continue to support diplomatic efforts in cooperation with the United States, Iran and various other related countries aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East," Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, told a news conference on Tuesday.

He said the two leaders will meet on December 20.

Rouhani plans to tell Abe that the Iranian government would not oppose the deployment of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East, Kyodo news agency reported, citing a source.

Iran has rejected the presence of foreign forces in the region, saying it would create insecurity for oil and shipping.

Kyodo said the Japanese deployment will be sent to the Gulf of Oman, the northern part of the Arabian Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, citing a draft plan.

Tokyo has decided not to be part of a US-led&nbsp;coalition to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for the world's oil industry, the news agency added.

The Nikkei business daily has previously said that Japan's government would propose deploying one escort ship and a patrol aircraft from the Maritime Self-Defense Force on a one-year mission that could be renewed annually.

It plans to finalise the plan by year-end, the Nikkei has reported.

Iran's state news agency IRNA on Monday quoted Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-plans-to-send-270-sailors-to-middle-east-to-guard-ships-266288"> Abbas Araghchi </a>as saying that Rouhani will travel to Japan on Friday for a visit that will be in line with the national interest of both countries.

"Japan's foreign policy is based on courage and farsightedness and this has been proved for many times in historical ties between the two countries," Araghchi said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will visit Japan on December 20-21 and meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as the Asian country, a US ally, looks to resolve Tehran's nuclear impasse with Washington.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will visit Japan on December 20-21 and meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as the Asian country, a US ally, looks to resolve Tehran's nuclear impasse with Washington. Japan maintains friendly ties with both the United States and Iran and has previously tried to ease tensions between the two countries, which severed diplomatic relations after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah. Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington since last year when President Donald Trump pulled out the United States from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and re-imposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy. "Our country will persistently continue to support diplomatic efforts in cooperation with the United States, Iran and various other related countries aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East," Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, told a news conference on Tuesday. He said the two leaders will meet on December 20. Rouhani plans to tell Abe that the Iranian government would not oppose the deployment of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East, Kyodo news agency reported, citing a source. Iran has rejected the presence of foreign forces in the region, saying it would create insecurity for oil and shipping. Kyodo said the Japanese deployment will be sent to the Gulf of Oman, the northern part of the Arabian Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, citing a draft plan. Tokyo has decided not to be part of a US-led coalition to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for the world's oil industry, the news agency added. The Nikkei business daily has previously said that Japan's government would propose deploying one escort ship and a patrol aircraft from the Maritime Self-Defense Force on a one-year mission that could be renewed annually. It plans to finalise the plan by year-end, the Nikkei has reported. Iran's state news agency IRNA on Monday quoted Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that Rouhani will travel to Japan on Friday for a visit that will be in line with the national interest of both countries. "Japan's foreign policy is based on courage and farsightedness and this has been proved for many times in historical ties between the two countries," Araghchi said.

Iran's Rouhani to visit Japan amid heightened tensions with United States

Members of the Japan team who won the 2011 women's football&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-uefa-announces-new-playoff-system-for-2022-world-cup-qualifiers-266326">World Cup</a> will start the Japan leg of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-medals-unveiled-a-year-before-games-238165">Tokyo 2020 Olympic</a> torch relay, organisers said on Tuesday.

More details of the route were revealed along with the approximately 10,000 people who will carry the Olympic flame as it tours all Japan’s 47 prefectures ahead of the Games opening ceremony in July.

The ‘Nadeshiko’ holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people because their World Cup victory in Germany came months after the devastating 2011 tsunami and earthquake.

With Tokyo 2020 billed by organisers as the "reconstruction Olympics", and the torch relay starting in Fukushima, the selection of coach Norio Sasaki and his players to begin the relay on March 26 came as little surprise.

“In the very beginning, when I heard I would be the first runner and torchbearer I was very, very surprised,” said forward Kozue Ando who plays for Urawa Reds.

“But being with all the other World Cup-winning members, we will be able to do something together so I am looking forward to it.”

Defender Azusa Iwashimizu, another Nadeshiko star, is expecting to give birth in March but hopes she will be able to take her new child on the relay.

“I would like to run carrying my baby,” she said.

The relay is due to pass many of Japan’s most iconic landmarks over the 121-day journey, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-conducts-live-fire-drills-near-mount-fuji-244776">Mount Fuji</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hiroshima-marks-74th-anniversary-of-bloody-atomic-bombing-241120">Hiroshima’s</a> Peace Memorial Park, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-engulfs-world-heritage-castle-in-japans-okinawa-258989">Kumamoto Castle</a>.

The Olympic flame is scheduled to be lit, as per tradition, in Greece on March 12 before arriving in Japan, at Matsushima Airbase in Miyagi prefecture, on March 20.

After a five-day tour of the areas most affected by the 2011 disaster, the torch relay will begin from the J-Village in Fukushima.

Members of the Japan team who won the 2011 women's football World Cup will start the Japan leg of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay, organisers said on Tuesday.

Members of the Japan team who won the 2011 women's football World Cup will start the Japan leg of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay, organisers said on Tuesday. More details of the route were revealed along with the approximately 10,000 people who will carry the Olympic flame as it tours all Japan’s 47 prefectures ahead of the Games opening ceremony in July. The ‘Nadeshiko’ holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people because their World Cup victory in Germany came months after the devastating 2011 tsunami and earthquake. With Tokyo 2020 billed by organisers as the "reconstruction Olympics", and the torch relay starting in Fukushima, the selection of coach Norio Sasaki and his players to begin the relay on March 26 came as little surprise. “In the very beginning, when I heard I would be the first runner and torchbearer I was very, very surprised,” said forward Kozue Ando who plays for Urawa Reds. “But being with all the other World Cup-winning members, we will be able to do something together so I am looking forward to it.” Defender Azusa Iwashimizu, another Nadeshiko star, is expecting to give birth in March but hopes she will be able to take her new child on the relay. “I would like to run carrying my baby,” she said. The relay is due to pass many of Japan’s most iconic landmarks over the 121-day journey, including Mount Fuji, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, and Kumamoto Castle. The Olympic flame is scheduled to be lit, as per tradition, in Greece on March 12 before arriving in Japan, at Matsushima Airbase in Miyagi prefecture, on March 20. After a five-day tour of the areas most affected by the 2011 disaster, the torch relay will begin from the J-Village in Fukushima.

Japan’s 2011 women’s football champions to begin Tokyo 2020 torch relay

Senior&nbsp;Japanese and&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;trade&nbsp;officials met on Monday for the first time since&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;imposed controls on exports to its neighbor of high-technology materials, plunging testy relations between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-jim-mattis-exit-sparks-concern-among-us-allies-185709">US&nbsp;allies</a> into a new crisis.

Japan&nbsp;imposed the curbs on exports to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">South&nbsp;Korea</a>&nbsp;of three materials used to make semiconductors in July, threatening a pillar of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean economy and the global supply chain of chips.

Japan&nbsp;cited its concern about insufficient&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean controls on the materials, suggesting they might have been shipped to North&nbsp;Korea, although the curbs came as relations soured&nbsp;over&nbsp;a&nbsp;dispute&nbsp;over&nbsp;Japan's wartime actions.

Yoichi Iida, director-general at the&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;trade&nbsp;ministry's&nbsp;trade&nbsp;control department, and his&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean counterpart Lee Ho-Hyeon met in Tokyo for the first senior-level bilateral talks in three and a half years.

The two made no comment to each other or to media as they shook hands at the beginning of their&nbsp;meeting.

On their agenda will be&nbsp;Japan's tighter rules on its exports and its removal of&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;from its list of countries with fast-track&nbsp;trade&nbsp;status.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;responded by dropping&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;from its favored-trade&nbsp;list and threatening to end security cooperation.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-rejects-south-korea-deal-over-wartime-forced-labour-228878"> Yoshihide Suga </a>played down expectations for any&nbsp;quick&nbsp;solution to the&nbsp;dispute&nbsp;on Monday.

"We look forward to a comprehensive assessment," Suga told a news conference, suggesting a solution would take time.

Relations between the neighbors have been plagued for years for bitterness&nbsp;over&nbsp;Japan’s colonisation of the&nbsp;Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945, which saw forced use of labor by&nbsp;Japanese companies and the use of “comfort women”, a&nbsp;Japanese euphemism for girls and women, many of them&nbsp;Korean, forced to work in its wartime brothels.

Japan's July&nbsp;trade&nbsp;restrictions came as it complained of the erosion of trust with&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;after a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean court ruled last year that&nbsp;Japanese companies had to pay compensation to&nbsp;South&nbsp;Koreans forced to work in&nbsp;Japanese factories during&nbsp;Japan’s occupation.

Japan&nbsp;believes the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and the court ruling violated international law.

The&nbsp;trade&nbsp;dispute&nbsp;has raised fears about security cooperation although&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;last month decided to retain an intelligence-sharing pact with&nbsp;Japan, after threatening to end it.

Senior Japanese and South Korean trade officials met on Monday for the first time since Japan imposed controls on exports to its neighbor of high-technology materials, plunging testy relations between the US allies into a new crisis.

Senior Japanese and South Korean trade officials met on Monday for the first time since Japan imposed controls on exports to its neighbor of high-technology materials, plunging testy relations between the US allies into a new crisis. Japan imposed the curbs on exports to South Korea of three materials used to make semiconductors in July, threatening a pillar of the South Korean economy and the global supply chain of chips. Japan cited its concern about insufficient South Korean controls on the materials, suggesting they might have been shipped to North Korea, although the curbs came as relations soured over a dispute over Japan's wartime actions. Yoichi Iida, director-general at the Japanese trade ministry's trade control department, and his South Korean counterpart Lee Ho-Hyeon met in Tokyo for the first senior-level bilateral talks in three and a half years. The two made no comment to each other or to media as they shook hands at the beginning of their meeting. On their agenda will be Japan's tighter rules on its exports and its removal of South Korea from its list of countries with fast-track trade status. South Korea responded by dropping Japan from its favored-trade list and threatening to end security cooperation. Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga played down expectations for any quick solution to the dispute on Monday. "We look forward to a comprehensive assessment," Suga told a news conference, suggesting a solution would take time. Relations between the neighbors have been plagued for years for bitterness over Japan’s colonisation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945, which saw forced use of labor by Japanese companies and the use of “comfort women”, a Japanese euphemism for girls and women, many of them Korean, forced to work in its wartime brothels. Japan's July trade restrictions came as it complained of the erosion of trust with South Korea after a South Korean court ruled last year that Japanese companies had to pay compensation to South Koreans forced to work in Japanese factories during Japan’s occupation. Japan believes the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and the court ruling violated international law. The trade dispute has raised fears about security cooperation although South Korea last month decided to retain an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, after threatening to end it.

Japan, South Korea meet over trade dispute but no quick fix seen

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he is still planning to visit India next week, according to Bloomberg as a Japanese media report said he may consider cancelling the visit amid violent protests in the northeast over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Japan PM's India visit postponed officially due to protests after CAB

Japan PM's  India visit postponed officially due to protests after CAB

Japanese big manufacturers' business mood sank to a near seven-year low in the fourth quarter, a closely watched central bank survey showed, as the US-China trade war and soft global demand weighed on the export-reliant economy.

Companies expect conditions to remain unchanged or even worsen three months ahead, the Bank of Japan's "tankan" quarterly survey showed, suggesting that the fallout from the trade conflict could hurt broader sectors of the economy.

But there were some bright signs. Non-manufacturers' sentiment appeared to weather the hit from October's sales tax hike with companies maintaining robust capital expenditure plans, reinforcing market expectations the BOJ will hold off on expanding stimulus at next week's rate review.

"The tankan suggests that the economy is slowing rather than collapsing so the BOJ is unlikely to cut interest rates at next week's meeting," said Marcel Thieliant, senior Japan economist at Capital Economics.

The headline index for big manufacturers' sentiment stood at 0 in December, down from plus 5 in September and worse than a median market forecast of plus 2, the tankan showed on Friday.

It marked the fourth straight quarter of decline and hit the lowest reading since March 2013, a month before BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda deployed his "bazooka" monetary stimulus to pull Japan out of deflation.

Underscoring the pain from the trade war, an index gauging big automakers' sentiment turned negative for the first time in more than three years.

Some steel and cement makers also saw demand ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games peak, a BOJ official told reporters.

"The weakness in automakers' sentiment is noteworthy. The global economy is taking longer to recover and that uncertainty is affecting Japanese companies," said Tsuyoshi Ueno, senior economist at NLI Research Institute.

A sales tax hike that rolled out in October weighed on Japan's service sector, with the index for big non-manufacturers sliding to plus 20 from plus 21 in September. But the reading exceeded a Refinitiv estimate of plus 17.

"Domestic demand wasn't hurt much by the sales tax hike so far. Public works projects to be earmarked under the government's spending package will underpin growth," said Mari Iwashita, chief market economist at Daiwa Securities.

Big firms plan to increase capital expenditure by 6.8% in the current business year ending in March 2020, up slightly from their plan made three months ago, the survey showed. It compared with a median market forecast of a 6.0% gain.

The reading backs the BOJ's view that robust corporate spending plans will keep domestic demand firm and help the economy weather heightening overseas risks, analysts say.

"Domestic demand may slow temporarily ... though in the long-term, it will stay resilient," BOJ Deputy Governor Masayoshi Amamiya said on Thursday, adding that now was the time to stand pat and carefully watch upcoming data.

Capital expenditure has been among the few bright spots in Japan's economy as companies continue to invest in high-tech and labour-saving technology to cope with a labour crunch.

Japan's economy expanded at a much faster pace than initially reported in the third quarter, as solid domestic demand and business spending offset the pain from weak exports and output.

But many analysts anticipate a slowdown this quarter as the October sales tax hike weighs on consumption.

The tankan's sentiment indexes are derived by subtracting the number of respondents who say conditions are poor from those who say they are good. A positive reading means optimists outnumber pessimists.

Japanese big manufacturers' business mood sank to a near seven-year low in the fourth quarter, a closely watched central bank survey showed, as the US-China trade war and soft global demand weighed on the export-reliant economy.

Japanese big manufacturers' business mood sank to a near seven-year low in the fourth quarter, a closely watched central bank survey showed, as the US-China trade war and soft global demand weighed on the export-reliant economy. Companies expect conditions to remain unchanged or even worsen three months ahead, the Bank of Japan's "tankan" quarterly survey showed, suggesting that the fallout from the trade conflict could hurt broader sectors of the economy. But there were some bright signs. Non-manufacturers' sentiment appeared to weather the hit from October's sales tax hike with companies maintaining robust capital expenditure plans, reinforcing market expectations the BOJ will hold off on expanding stimulus at next week's rate review. "The tankan suggests that the economy is slowing rather than collapsing so the BOJ is unlikely to cut interest rates at next week's meeting," said Marcel Thieliant, senior Japan economist at Capital Economics. The headline index for big manufacturers' sentiment stood at 0 in December, down from plus 5 in September and worse than a median market forecast of plus 2, the tankan showed on Friday. It marked the fourth straight quarter of decline and hit the lowest reading since March 2013, a month before BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda deployed his "bazooka" monetary stimulus to pull Japan out of deflation. Underscoring the pain from the trade war, an index gauging big automakers' sentiment turned negative for the first time in more than three years. Some steel and cement makers also saw demand ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games peak, a BOJ official told reporters. "The weakness in automakers' sentiment is noteworthy. The global economy is taking longer to recover and that uncertainty is affecting Japanese companies," said Tsuyoshi Ueno, senior economist at NLI Research Institute. A sales tax hike that rolled out in October weighed on Japan's service sector, with the index for big non-manufacturers sliding to plus 20 from plus 21 in September. But the reading exceeded a Refinitiv estimate of plus 17. "Domestic demand wasn't hurt much by the sales tax hike so far. Public works projects to be earmarked under the government's spending package will underpin growth," said Mari Iwashita, chief market economist at Daiwa Securities. Big firms plan to increase capital expenditure by 6.8% in the current business year ending in March 2020, up slightly from their plan made three months ago, the survey showed. It compared with a median market forecast of a 6.0% gain. The reading backs the BOJ's view that robust corporate spending plans will keep domestic demand firm and help the economy weather heightening overseas risks, analysts say. "Domestic demand may slow temporarily ... though in the long-term, it will stay resilient," BOJ Deputy Governor Masayoshi Amamiya said on Thursday, adding that now was the time to stand pat and carefully watch upcoming data. Capital expenditure has been among the few bright spots in Japan's economy as companies continue to invest in high-tech and labour-saving technology to cope with a labour crunch. Japan's economy expanded at a much faster pace than initially reported in the third quarter, as solid domestic demand and business spending offset the pain from weak exports and output. But many analysts anticipate a slowdown this quarter as the October sales tax hike weighs on consumption. The tankan's sentiment indexes are derived by subtracting the number of respondents who say conditions are poor from those who say they are good. A positive reading means optimists outnumber pessimists.

Japan business mood gloomiest in nearly seven years as trade war bites

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