Emperor Akihito's abdication on Tuesday will end the three-decade Heisei era that began on Jan 8, 1989, one day after he inherited the throne upon the death of his father, Hirohito.

Japan’s emperor hands over throne, farewell to the Heisei era

Japanese emperor Akihito is set to step down from the throne on Tuesday, which will make him the first monarch to abdicate in more than 200 years.

Japan: A 10 days holiday for Prince's coronation

Ness Wadia, business tycoon and heir to the Wadia Group, has been sentenced to a two-year prison term in Japan for possessing drugs.

WION Wallet: Ness Wadia sentenced to 2-year jail term in Japan for drugs possession

Indian industrialist and co-owner of IPL team Kings XI Punjab, Ness Wadia has been sentenced to a two-year jail term by a court in Japan over alleged possession of drugs.

A leading Indian daily reported that Wadia, who was on a skiing holiday was arrested in early March at New Chitose Airport in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido after customs officials found 25 grams of "what appeared to be cannabis resin in his trouser pocket".

Reacting to the report, a Wadia group spokesperson said Ness Wadia is in India.

"The judgement is clear. It is a suspended sentence. Hence, it will not impact Ness Wadia in the discharge of any of his responsibilities and he will continue to play the role that he has done hitherto, both within the Group and outside," the spokesperson added.

According to the report, the Sapporo District Court handed Wadia a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for five years.

He spent a period in detention before his indictment on March 20 and an undisclosed period of detention before a court hearing, it added.

Ness Wadia is a director in major firms of the Wadia group, including Bombay Dyeing and Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Indian industrialist and co-owner of IPL team Kings XI Punjab, Ness Wadia has been sentenced to a two-year jail term by a court in Japan over alleged possession of drugs.

Indian industrialist and co-owner of IPL team Kings XI Punjab, Ness Wadia has been sentenced to a two-year jail term by a court in Japan over alleged possession of drugs. A leading Indian daily reported that Wadia, who was on a skiing holiday was arrested in early March at New Chitose Airport in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido after customs officials found 25 grams of "what appeared to be cannabis resin in his trouser pocket". Reacting to the report, a Wadia group spokesperson said Ness Wadia is in India. "The judgement is clear. It is a suspended sentence. Hence, it will not impact Ness Wadia in the discharge of any of his responsibilities and he will continue to play the role that he has done hitherto, both within the Group and outside," the spokesperson added. According to the report, the Sapporo District Court handed Wadia a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for five years. He spent a period in detention before his indictment on March 20 and an undisclosed period of detention before a court hearing, it added. Ness Wadia is a director in major firms of the Wadia group, including Bombay Dyeing and Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd.

Wadia Group scion Ness Wadia gets two-year jail term by Japanese court for drug possession

Japanese Emperor Akihito will abdicate on Tuesday in favour of his elder son, ending a three-decade reign during which he sought to ease the painful memories of World War Two and engage with people, including the marginalised in society.

The abdication, the first by a Japanese monarch in two centuries, will be marked by a brief and relatively simple ceremony in the Imperial Palace's prestigious Matsu no ma, or Hall of Pine. About 300 people will attend and it will be broadcast live on television.

Akihito, 85, was the first Japanese monarch to take the throne under a post-war constitution that defines the emperor as a symbol of the people without political power.

His father, Hirohito, in whose name Japanese troops fought World War Two, was considered a living deity until after Japan's defeat in 1945, when he renounced his divinity.

Akihito, together with Empress Michiko, his wife of 60 years and the first commoner to marry an imperial heir, carved out an active role as a symbol of reconciliation, peace and democracy.

"I think the emperor is loved by the people. His image is one of encouraging the people, such as after disasters, and being close to the people," Morio Miyamoto, 48, said as he waited near a train station in western Tokyo.

"I hope the next emperor will, like the Heisei emperor, be close to the people in the same way," he said.

Akihito, who has had treatment for prostate cancer and heart surgery, said in a televised address in 2016 that he feared his age would make it hard for him to carry out his duties fully.

'Sacred treasures'

Akihito will report his abdication on Tuesday morning at sanctuaries inside the Imperial Palace grounds, one honouring the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, from whom mythology says the imperial line is descended, and two others honouring departed emperors and Shinto gods.

The abdication ceremony will take place in the afternoon with attendees including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, as well as the heads of both houses of parliament and Supreme Court justices.

Imperial chamberlains will carry state and privy seals into the room along with two of Japan's "Three Sacred Treasures" - a sword and a jewel - which together with a mirror are symbols of the throne. They are said to originate in ancient mythology.

Abe will announce the abdication and Akihito will make his final remarks as emperor.

Naruhito, 59, will become emperor in separate ceremonies on Wednesday. Naruhito, who studied at Oxford, is likely to continue an active role and together with Harvard-educated Masako give the monarchy a cosmopolitan tinge.

Police have tightened security near the Imperial Palace, a 115-hectare site that is home to the emperor and empress in the heart of Tokyo. Media said several thousand police officers were being mobilised in the capital over the next few days.

Tuesday marks the last day of the Heisei imperial era, which began on Jan. 8, 1989, after Akihito inherited the throne. The era saw economic stagnation, natural disasters and rapid technological change.

Akihito officially remains emperor until midnight, when the new Reiwa era, meaning "beautiful harmony", begins.

Japanese traditionally refer to the date by the era name, or "gengo", a system originally imported from China, on documents, calendars and coins but many people also use the Western calendar.

Japanese Emperor Akihito will abdicate on Tuesday in favour of his elder son, ending a three-decade reign during which he sought to ease the painful memories of World War Two and engage with people, including the marginalised in society.

Japanese Emperor Akihito will abdicate on Tuesday in favour of his elder son, ending a three-decade reign during which he sought to ease the painful memories of World War Two and engage with people, including the marginalised in society. The abdication, the first by a Japanese monarch in two centuries, will be marked by a brief and relatively simple ceremony in the Imperial Palace's prestigious Matsu no ma, or Hall of Pine. About 300 people will attend and it will be broadcast live on television. Akihito, 85, was the first Japanese monarch to take the throne under a post-war constitution that defines the emperor as a symbol of the people without political power. His father, Hirohito, in whose name Japanese troops fought World War Two, was considered a living deity until after Japan's defeat in 1945, when he renounced his divinity. Akihito, together with Empress Michiko, his wife of 60 years and the first commoner to marry an imperial heir, carved out an active role as a symbol of reconciliation, peace and democracy. "I think the emperor is loved by the people. His image is one of encouraging the people, such as after disasters, and being close to the people," Morio Miyamoto, 48, said as he waited near a train station in western Tokyo. "I hope the next emperor will, like the Heisei emperor, be close to the people in the same way," he said. Akihito, who has had treatment for prostate cancer and heart surgery, said in a televised address in 2016 that he feared his age would make it hard for him to carry out his duties fully. 'Sacred treasures' Akihito will report his abdication on Tuesday morning at sanctuaries inside the Imperial Palace grounds, one honouring the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, from whom mythology says the imperial line is descended, and two others honouring departed emperors and Shinto gods. The abdication ceremony will take place in the afternoon with attendees including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, as well as the heads of both houses of parliament and Supreme Court justices. Imperial chamberlains will carry state and privy seals into the room along with two of Japan's "Three Sacred Treasures" - a sword and a jewel - which together with a mirror are symbols of the throne. They are said to originate in ancient mythology. Abe will announce the abdication and Akihito will make his final remarks as emperor. Naruhito, 59, will become emperor in separate ceremonies on Wednesday. Naruhito, who studied at Oxford, is likely to continue an active role and together with Harvard-educated Masako give the monarchy a cosmopolitan tinge. Police have tightened security near the Imperial Palace, a 115-hectare site that is home to the emperor and empress in the heart of Tokyo. Media said several thousand police officers were being mobilised in the capital over the next few days. Tuesday marks the last day of the Heisei imperial era, which began on Jan. 8, 1989, after Akihito inherited the throne. The era saw economic stagnation, natural disasters and rapid technological change. Akihito officially remains emperor until midnight, when the new Reiwa era, meaning "beautiful harmony", begins. Japanese traditionally refer to the date by the era name, or "gengo", a system originally imported from China, on documents, calendars and coins but many people also use the Western calendar.

Japanese Emperor Akihito to abdicate after three decades on throne

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-emperor-akihito-to-abdicate-after-three-decades-on-throne-214623">Emperor Akihito of Japan</a> formally stepped down Tuesday, the first abdication for 200 years in the world's oldest monarchy, as his son Naruhito prepared to take the Chrysanthemum Throne and usher in a new imperial era.

In the "Room of Pine" in Tokyo's Imperial Palace, the popular 85-year-old performed the abdication ritual in the presence of the imperial regalia -- an ancient sword and sacred jewel.

Dressed in a Western-style morning coat, Akihito stood on a small stage before an invited audience and members of the royal family and offered his "deepest heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan."

He said he would "pray for the peace and happiness of all the people in Japan and around the world."

Empress Michiko stood by his side in a white and silver gown and the outgoing emperor paused briefly after exiting the stage, to help his wife of 60 years down the steps.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe praised the royal couple, saying they had offered "courage and hope" to the Japanese people, particularly in times of suffering.

"His Majesty has fulfilled his responsibility as the symbol of Japan," Abe said.

Despite near-constant rain in Tokyo, several hundred wellwishers congregated outside the Palace during the historic ceremony attended by around 300 people.

"I feel overwhelmed emotionally," said a tearful Yayoi Iwasaki, a 50-year-old bank employee, standing outside the palace.

"In the past, enthronements followed the death of emperors and people weren't sure whether they should be happy and celebrating, but with this transition, I am sure that we can celebrate while welcoming the new era," she said.

High security

Akihito will technically remain emperor until the stroke of midnight when Naruhito takes over and the new era of "Reiwa" -- meaning "beautiful harmony" -- begins, lasting for as long as he reigns.

Earlier Tuesday, draped in ornate golden-brown robes and wearing a towering black hat, Akihito reported his abdication to his ancestors and Shinto gods at several sanctuaries in the palace.

On Wednesday, the 59-year-old Naruhito will inherit the imperial regalia in a 10-minute ceremony that is off-limits to female royals, even his wife Masako. He will shortly afterwards make his first address to the nation as its 126th emperor.

Crowds were expected to gather to count down to the new era outside the palace and at the scramble crossing in Tokyo's lively Shibuya district, although the drizzle threatened to dampen some of the enthusiasm.

Security has been beefed up with extra police patrols on the streets, sniffer dogs scouring the palace grounds and even divers inspecting the moat.

A more public enthronement ceremony will take place on October 22, during which Naruhito will parade through the streets of the capital and be congratulated by other world leaders and royalty.

President Donald Trump sent congratulations, offering "heartfelt appreciation" to the outgoing imperial couple and stressing the "close relationship" between the US and Japan.

He will become the first foreign leader to meet the new emperor on a trip in May.

'Felt close to him'

Born in 1933 as Japan was embarking on a militaristic sweep across Asia in the name of his father Hirohito, the 11-year-old Akihito listened in tears as his nation's defeat in World War II was announced in an unprecedented radio address.

He has broken new ground in the sensitive role, expressing regret over Japan's wartime actions and gradually modernising the royal family and bringing it closer to the people.

Akihito and Michiko, whom he met at a tennis tournament in 1959, touched hearts in Japan and around the world when they knelt before survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and listened to stories of terrible suffering.

"It is true the emperor is seen to be like a god, but at the same time, you felt that you were close to him," Rikia Iwasaki, a 13-year-old schoolboy, told AFP outside the Imperial Palace.

The Oxford-educated Naruhito now faces the delicate balancing act of continuing his father's popular legacy while upholding the traditions of the Chrysanthemum Throne that stretch back centuries.

He has called for "new royal duties" to fit modern times and has criticised the sometimes stifling lifestyle imposed on royals, especially as his wife Masako has struggled to adapt to palace life.

The abdication has resulted in a 10-day holiday in Japan, although polls show many famously hard-working Japanese were opposed to such a long break.

They have nonetheless taken the opportunity to travel, with bullet trains and airports overflowing and Tokyo's usually packed commuter trains eerily empty at rush hour.

Entrepreneurs have sold everything from "Reiwa" bottles of sake to $10 cans of air from the "Heisei" era of Akihito's reign.

Emperor Akihito of Japan formally stepped down Tuesday, the first abdication for 200 years in the world's oldest monarchy, as his son Naruhito prepared to take the Chrysanthemum Throne and usher in a new imperial era.

Emperor Akihito of Japan formally stepped down Tuesday, the first abdication for 200 years in the world's oldest monarchy, as his son Naruhito prepared to take the Chrysanthemum Throne and usher in a new imperial era. In the "Room of Pine" in Tokyo's Imperial Palace, the popular 85-year-old performed the abdication ritual in the presence of the imperial regalia -- an ancient sword and sacred jewel. Dressed in a Western-style morning coat, Akihito stood on a small stage before an invited audience and members of the royal family and offered his "deepest heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan." He said he would "pray for the peace and happiness of all the people in Japan and around the world." Empress Michiko stood by his side in a white and silver gown and the outgoing emperor paused briefly after exiting the stage, to help his wife of 60 years down the steps. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe praised the royal couple, saying they had offered "courage and hope" to the Japanese people, particularly in times of suffering. "His Majesty has fulfilled his responsibility as the symbol of Japan," Abe said. Despite near-constant rain in Tokyo, several hundred wellwishers congregated outside the Palace during the historic ceremony attended by around 300 people. "I feel overwhelmed emotionally," said a tearful Yayoi Iwasaki, a 50-year-old bank employee, standing outside the palace. "In the past, enthronements followed the death of emperors and people weren't sure whether they should be happy and celebrating, but with this transition, I am sure that we can celebrate while welcoming the new era," she said. High security Akihito will technically remain emperor until the stroke of midnight when Naruhito takes over and the new era of "Reiwa" -- meaning "beautiful harmony" -- begins, lasting for as long as he reigns. Earlier Tuesday, draped in ornate golden-brown robes and wearing a towering black hat, Akihito reported his abdication to his ancestors and Shinto gods at several sanctuaries in the palace. On Wednesday, the 59-year-old Naruhito will inherit the imperial regalia in a 10-minute ceremony that is off-limits to female royals, even his wife Masako. He will shortly afterwards make his first address to the nation as its 126th emperor. Crowds were expected to gather to count down to the new era outside the palace and at the scramble crossing in Tokyo's lively Shibuya district, although the drizzle threatened to dampen some of the enthusiasm. Security has been beefed up with extra police patrols on the streets, sniffer dogs scouring the palace grounds and even divers inspecting the moat. A more public enthronement ceremony will take place on October 22, during which Naruhito will parade through the streets of the capital and be congratulated by other world leaders and royalty. President Donald Trump sent congratulations, offering "heartfelt appreciation" to the outgoing imperial couple and stressing the "close relationship" between the US and Japan. He will become the first foreign leader to meet the new emperor on a trip in May. 'Felt close to him' Born in 1933 as Japan was embarking on a militaristic sweep across Asia in the name of his father Hirohito, the 11-year-old Akihito listened in tears as his nation's defeat in World War II was announced in an unprecedented radio address. He has broken new ground in the sensitive role, expressing regret over Japan's wartime actions and gradually modernising the royal family and bringing it closer to the people. Akihito and Michiko, whom he met at a tennis tournament in 1959, touched hearts in Japan and around the world when they knelt before survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and listened to stories of terrible suffering. "It is true the emperor is seen to be like a god, but at the same time, you felt that you were close to him," Rikia Iwasaki, a 13-year-old schoolboy, told AFP outside the Imperial Palace. The Oxford-educated Naruhito now faces the delicate balancing act of continuing his father's popular legacy while upholding the traditions of the Chrysanthemum Throne that stretch back centuries. He has called for "new royal duties" to fit modern times and has criticised the sometimes stifling lifestyle imposed on royals, especially as his wife Masako has struggled to adapt to palace life. The abdication has resulted in a 10-day holiday in Japan, although polls show many famously hard-working Japanese were opposed to such a long break. They have nonetheless taken the opportunity to travel, with bullet trains and airports overflowing and Tokyo's usually packed commuter trains eerily empty at rush hour. Entrepreneurs have sold everything from "Reiwa" bottles of sake to $10 cans of air from the "Heisei" era of Akihito's reign.

End of an era as Japan's emperor Akihito abdicates

Emperor Akihito has announced his abdication in his final address at a palace ceremony on Tuesday as Japan embraced the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era.

Japan Emperor Akihito announces his abdication

Japan's Emperor Akihito walked down a corridor dressed in traditional robes on Tuesday for a ritual ahead of his abdication. The ritual called "Taiirei-Tojitsu-Kashikodokoro-Omae-no-gi" a ceremony for the Emperor to report the conduct of the abdication ceremony started at 10 am local time (0100GMT), local media reported.

Japan Emperor Akihito holds rituals ahead of abdication ceremoy at Tokyo palace

Japan marks the end of an era with Tuesday's<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=http://www.wionews.com/world/japans-emperor-akihito-to-abdicate-on-april-30-2019-25584%3Famp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3qb2ppPXhAhWFiHAKHU4UAyQQFjAAegQIBhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LwpNaVncJQE1sznzZAkHv"> abdication of Emperor Akihito</a>, and the outgoing monarch leaves behind a much-changed country.

Crown Prince Naruhito will inherit a Japan vastly different from that of the start of his father's reign when the country was in the grip of an economic bubble and on the verge of a tech revolution.

Here are some of the ways Japan has changed dramatically during the Heisei imperial era of Akihito's rule:

Population decline&nbsp;

Japan's shrinking population is among the country's most pressing social and economic issues.&nbsp;

When Akihito took the throne, he was emperor of a country with a population of 123 million people.

The population continued growing for his first years in the job, peaking a decade ago at 128 million.

But since then, Japan's has been on a downward trend, with the birth rate regularly hitting new record lows.&nbsp;

The country's population now stands around 126 million and is continuing to decline despite government efforts to boost the birthrate.

China rising&nbsp;

Relations between Japan and China have not always been warm, but when it comes to trade, the two nations are on better terms.

When Akihito took the throne, the United States was still Japan's top trading partner -- a reflection of a relationship defined by the post-World War II experience.

But China overtook the US during Akihito's reign and trade with China has jumped more than 10-fold to 35 trillion yen from 2.7 trillion, far outstripping the 24 trillion yen in trade with the US.

Foreign gaze&nbsp;

Japan might now be a top international tourist destination, but that wasn't always the case.

Visitors have been pouring into the country in recent years, particularly ahead of the Rugby World Cup this year and Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2020.

Last year alone, 31 million foreign tourists came to Japan, a staggering increase from just 2.8 million the year Akihito took the throne.

And the government is hoping to boost that figure further, with a goal of 40 million tourists a year by 2020.

Women in politics&nbsp;

When Akihito took the throne, less than four per cent of parliamentary seats were occupied by women.

The rate has tripled since then, but still stands at just 14 per cent, a stubbornly low figure and out of step with most of the rest of the developed world.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet includes just one woman, despite his stated commitment to "womenomics" or increasing female representation in the workplace.

Smoking&nbsp;

When Akihito took the throne in 1989, Japan was a nation of smokers.

The majority of men smoked -- 61 per cent, though the rate was vastly lower among women, just 12 per cent.

But smoking rates have plunged in Japan, particularly among men, with only 28 per cent of the male population now smoking.

Among women, the rate has dropped to nine per cent.

Strict laws against smoking in the street and health campaigns have been implemented in recent years, though the government's most recent legislation to ban smoking in restaurants and bars came under fire after being watered down.

Smoking is still common in Japan's ubiquitous izakaya bar-restaurants.

High-tech toilets&nbsp;

Among the many pleasures of life in today's Japan is the high-tech toilet, complete with a warm water spray and often an array of other functions including an air dryer and even ambient noise.

Today, 80 per cent of households have "spray seats" according to government data.

But that figure was just 14 per cent in 1992, the earliest year for which data is available. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;

Japan marks the end of an era with Tuesday's abdication of Emperor Akihito, and the outgoing monarch leaves behind a much-changed country. Crown Prince Naruhito will inherit a Japan vastly different from that of the start of his father's reign when the country was in the grip of an economic bubble and on the verge of a tech revolution.

Japan marks the end of an era with Tuesday's abdication of Emperor Akihito, and the outgoing monarch leaves behind a much-changed country. Crown Prince Naruhito will inherit a Japan vastly different from that of the start of his father's reign when the country was in the grip of an economic bubble and on the verge of a tech revolution. Here are some of the ways Japan has changed dramatically during the Heisei imperial era of Akihito's rule: Population decline Japan's shrinking population is among the country's most pressing social and economic issues. When Akihito took the throne, he was emperor of a country with a population of 123 million people. The population continued growing for his first years in the job, peaking a decade ago at 128 million. But since then, Japan's has been on a downward trend, with the birth rate regularly hitting new record lows. The country's population now stands around 126 million and is continuing to decline despite government efforts to boost the birthrate. China rising Relations between Japan and China have not always been warm, but when it comes to trade, the two nations are on better terms. When Akihito took the throne, the United States was still Japan's top trading partner -- a reflection of a relationship defined by the post-World War II experience. But China overtook the US during Akihito's reign and trade with China has jumped more than 10-fold to 35 trillion yen from 2.7 trillion, far outstripping the 24 trillion yen in trade with the US. Foreign gaze Japan might now be a top international tourist destination, but that wasn't always the case. Visitors have been pouring into the country in recent years, particularly ahead of the Rugby World Cup this year and Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2020. Last year alone, 31 million foreign tourists came to Japan, a staggering increase from just 2.8 million the year Akihito took the throne. And the government is hoping to boost that figure further, with a goal of 40 million tourists a year by 2020. Women in politics When Akihito took the throne, less than four per cent of parliamentary seats were occupied by women. The rate has tripled since then, but still stands at just 14 per cent, a stubbornly low figure and out of step with most of the rest of the developed world. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet includes just one woman, despite his stated commitment to "womenomics" or increasing female representation in the workplace. Smoking When Akihito took the throne in 1989, Japan was a nation of smokers. The majority of men smoked -- 61 per cent, though the rate was vastly lower among women, just 12 per cent. But smoking rates have plunged in Japan, particularly among men, with only 28 per cent of the male population now smoking. Among women, the rate has dropped to nine per cent. Strict laws against smoking in the street and health campaigns have been implemented in recent years, though the government's most recent legislation to ban smoking in restaurants and bars came under fire after being watered down. Smoking is still common in Japan's ubiquitous izakaya bar-restaurants. High-tech toilets Among the many pleasures of life in today's Japan is the high-tech toilet, complete with a warm water spray and often an array of other functions including an air dryer and even ambient noise. Today, 80 per cent of households have "spray seats" according to government data. But that figure was just 14 per cent in 1992, the earliest year for which data is available.

From Heisei to Reiwa: How Japan changed under Emperor Akihito

Japan is counting down to the end of the era of Emperor Akihito who is due to abdicate. Watch this video to know more.

Japan's royal family succession debate

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty-says-revoking-predecessors-signature-213808">President Donald Trump</a> said on Friday it is possible that the United States and Japan could reach a new bilateral trade deal by the time he visits Tokyo in May, but he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cited areas where they differ on trade.

Trump and Abe held one-on-one talks in the Oval Office prior to a White House dinner to celebrate the birthday of Trump's wife, Melania. While making progress in negotiations with China on a new trade deal, Trump made clear he wants to seal a new agreement with Japan soon as well.

Abe's visit, which is to include a round of golf on Saturday with Trump, is to set the stage for a trip to Japan that Trump is taking in late May to celebrate Crown Prince Naruhito's becoming the new emperor of Japan.

Trump announced that he and Abe may take in a sumo wrestling match during the trip to Tokyo.

Naruhito is set to become Japan's emperor on May 1. He will assume the throne after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates on April 30.

Trump said negotiators for the United States and Japan are making progress in his drive to rebalance their trade relationship in a way that reduces chronic US trade deficits with Japan.

"I think it can go fairly quickly. Maybe by the time I'm over there. Maybe we sign it over there. But it's moving along very nicely and we'll see what happens," Trump said about the trade deal.

A senior Japanese government official told Reuters after the Oval Office discussions that "based upon the trust between the two countries," the two leaders "agreed to accelerate the discussions in order to achieve an early result on Japan-US trade talks."

Still, areas of tension surfaced during their session with the news media. Trump cited Japanese tariffs on American agricultural products as an irritant, and Abe brought up US tariffs on Japanese autos.

"We'll be discussing very strongly agriculture because, as the prime minister knows, Japan puts very massive tariffs on our agriculture...and we want to get rid of those tariffs," Trump said.

Trump has made clear he is unhappy with Japan's trade surplus with the United States - much of it from auto exports - and wants a two-way deal to change it.

Abe pointed out that while Japan has no tariffs on American autos, "the United States has put on 2.5 per cent tariffs on Japanese autos," and said he would like to proceed toward a "mutually beneficial outcome" in the trade talks.

Trump said he felt it was possible to work out a long-term trade deal with Japan.

"We are trying to bring some balance to the surplus that they have with the United States for many, many years, but it'll all work out," he said.

"Free and open Indo-Pacific"

The senior Japanese government official said the two leaders agreed that the governments would coordinate closely with each other and with South Korea to achieve the denuclearisation of North Korea. He said Abe thanked Trump for twice raising the issue of Japanese abductees held in North Korea during his February summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The official said Abe and Trump also agreed to enhance the "deterrence and capabilities" of the US-Japan alliance and reaffirmed their intention to cooperate further to ensure a "free and open Indo-Pacific" region.

Looking ahead to the June 28-29 Group of 20 meeting in Osaka, the two agreed to seek a summit agreement on key issues, including trade, the digital economy, the issue of maritime plastic waste, infrastructure investment, and women’s empowerment, said the official, who did not want to be otherwise identified.

In the Oval Office, Trump joked that when Abe originally invited him to Tokyo as the first official guest after the new emperor takes over, he was not sure he could attend.

"I said, 'Gee I don't know if I can make it. Let me ask you a question. How big is that event compared to the Super Bowl, for the Japanese? And the prime minister said, It's about 100 times bigger. I said, I'll be there, if that's the case, I'll be there," Trump said.

Abe said Japan will enter a new era, to be called Reiwa, on May 1 when the Japanese crown prince accedes to the throne. He said Trump and the first lady would be the first state guests of the new era.

"This state visit will show both inside and outside that still under the new era, Reiwa, the bonds between Japan and the United States under our alliance will remain unwavering. And also we will demonstrate our strong commitment to addressing various challenges that we see in the international community," Abe said through a translator.

President Donald Trump said on Friday it is possible that the United States and Japan could reach a new bilateral trade deal by the time he visits Tokyo in May, but he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cited areas where they differ on trade.

President Donald Trump said on Friday it is possible that the United States and Japan could reach a new bilateral trade deal by the time he visits Tokyo in May, but he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cited areas where they differ on trade. Trump and Abe held one-on-one talks in the Oval Office prior to a White House dinner to celebrate the birthday of Trump's wife, Melania. While making progress in negotiations with China on a new trade deal, Trump made clear he wants to seal a new agreement with Japan soon as well. Abe's visit, which is to include a round of golf on Saturday with Trump, is to set the stage for a trip to Japan that Trump is taking in late May to celebrate Crown Prince Naruhito's becoming the new emperor of Japan. Trump announced that he and Abe may take in a sumo wrestling match during the trip to Tokyo. Naruhito is set to become Japan's emperor on May 1. He will assume the throne after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates on April 30. Trump said negotiators for the United States and Japan are making progress in his drive to rebalance their trade relationship in a way that reduces chronic US trade deficits with Japan. "I think it can go fairly quickly. Maybe by the time I'm over there. Maybe we sign it over there. But it's moving along very nicely and we'll see what happens," Trump said about the trade deal. A senior Japanese government official told Reuters after the Oval Office discussions that "based upon the trust between the two countries," the two leaders "agreed to accelerate the discussions in order to achieve an early result on Japan-US trade talks." Still, areas of tension surfaced during their session with the news media. Trump cited Japanese tariffs on American agricultural products as an irritant, and Abe brought up US tariffs on Japanese autos. "We'll be discussing very strongly agriculture because, as the prime minister knows, Japan puts very massive tariffs on our agriculture...and we want to get rid of those tariffs," Trump said. Trump has made clear he is unhappy with Japan's trade surplus with the United States - much of it from auto exports - and wants a two-way deal to change it. Abe pointed out that while Japan has no tariffs on American autos, "the United States has put on 2.5 per cent tariffs on Japanese autos," and said he would like to proceed toward a "mutually beneficial outcome" in the trade talks. Trump said he felt it was possible to work out a long-term trade deal with Japan. "We are trying to bring some balance to the surplus that they have with the United States for many, many years, but it'll all work out," he said. "Free and open Indo-Pacific" The senior Japanese government official said the two leaders agreed that the governments would coordinate closely with each other and with South Korea to achieve the denuclearisation of North Korea. He said Abe thanked Trump for twice raising the issue of Japanese abductees held in North Korea during his February summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The official said Abe and Trump also agreed to enhance the "deterrence and capabilities" of the US-Japan alliance and reaffirmed their intention to cooperate further to ensure a "free and open Indo-Pacific" region. Looking ahead to the June 28-29 Group of 20 meeting in Osaka, the two agreed to seek a summit agreement on key issues, including trade, the digital economy, the issue of maritime plastic waste, infrastructure investment, and women’s empowerment, said the official, who did not want to be otherwise identified. In the Oval Office, Trump joked that when Abe originally invited him to Tokyo as the first official guest after the new emperor takes over, he was not sure he could attend. "I said, 'Gee I don't know if I can make it. Let me ask you a question. How big is that event compared to the Super Bowl, for the Japanese? And the prime minister said, It's about 100 times bigger. I said, I'll be there, if that's the case, I'll be there," Trump said. Abe said Japan will enter a new era, to be called Reiwa, on May 1 when the Japanese crown prince accedes to the throne. He said Trump and the first lady would be the first state guests of the new era. "This state visit will show both inside and outside that still under the new era, Reiwa, the bonds between Japan and the United States under our alliance will remain unwavering. And also we will demonstrate our strong commitment to addressing various challenges that we see in the international community," Abe said through a translator.

Trump says sees possibility of US-Japan trade deal by May

From a 14-hour wait outside Tokyo's main jail on Christmas Day to a momentous photograph filed from the top of a step-ladder, covering the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-nissan-boss-ghosn-to-walk-free-again-after-court-sets-bail-at-45-million-213331&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjN74Wi2OrhAhUj8XMBHTERAgMQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2aBDJQRsDGnK9vqvtcVUSj">Carlos Ghosn</a> story has mostly been about mastering the art of Japanese stakeout journalism.

That often means waiting for hours on suburban streets or outside offices to accost corporate bosses and politicians for what are called "burasagari," or stakeout briefings. Such vigils were an important part of Reuters coverage in the days following the arrest in November of Ghosn, the former head of Nissan Motor Co.

Learning the craft of burasagari - literally "hanging onto," conjuring up the image of a scrum of journalists clinging to a source - is a rite of passage for many young Japanese reporters, photographers and video journalists.

For instance, there is the media gaggle that lurks during the day in the entrance hall of the prime minister's residence, kept at bay in one corner with a strip of blue tape on the granite floor. Journalists are only allowed to cross when someone walks in.

Elsewhere, reporters stalk the halls of Japan's Ministry of Finance for comments on currencies or the economy. Others press their ears to meeting room doors for muffled snippets at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party offices. On the streets, scandal-tainted celebrities and criminal suspects are shadowed by lurking reporters.

One particular kind of ambush journalism practised in Japan is "yomawari," or night raids, when reporters stake out the residence of an executive or politician, hoping to catch them on their way home.

Night raids over the Ghosn story became so frequent and heavily attended that Nissan sent registered letters in December to news organizations asking them to stop visiting the homes of their executives. The company said neighbours had complained and that the "intrusive reporting" had led to one passerby getting injured, without elaborating.

Jail stakeout

From the time Ghosn was arrested, the Reuters team in Tokyo has spent hours, days even, outside the Tokyo jail. There have also been chilly evenings on night stakeouts in front of his lawyer's office or outside the court waiting for news.

Bounded by elevated motor expressways, a river and train line, the imposing Tokyo Detention House sits in one of Tokyo's poorer neighbourhoods, surrounded by small workshops and apartment blocks.

There are few places for the tired and frozen to take refuge and warm up. A solitary 7-Eleven convenience store nearby often sold out of steamed dumplings, hot drinks and other sustenance.

On Christmas Day, Reuters journalists waited 14 hours outside the jail for a glimpse of Ghosn's co-accused, Greg Kelly, when he was freed on bail.

There was a slice of luck when Ghosn himself was freed on bail in March.

Chief Photographer Issei Kato had been waiting outside the detention centre for two days for Ghosn to appear along with about 200 other journalists.

Kato was standing atop a cameraman's ladder, holding the camera and a heavy 200-400 millimetre lens, with a 1.4x extender, worrying about the fading light as the sun began to set. He couldn't use a flash as he was shooting through a fence that would have flooded the picture with reflected light.

It was then Kato suddenly saw a group of guards and men dressed in work clothes and wearing surgical masks walk quickly out of the entrance in tight formation and get into a small van with a ladder on top.

"I didn't immediately recognise Ghosn amongst them, but thought they somehow looked odd," he said. "I instinctively squeezed the shutter."

As the van swung around and drove away, Kato said he began checking the images through the camera's view screen.

"I suddenly realized that the eyes peeking from behind the mask of one of the men belonged to Ghosn.

"Still atop the step-ladder, I quickly transmitted the picture of Ghosn in his disguise to our European photo desk in Gdynia, Poland, directly from my camera using the wireless transmitter attached to it," he said.

"The transmission of the first image took about 15 seconds. The photo editors in Gdynia quickly cropped, captioned and published the photo within a few minutes."

Kato's image of the masked Ghosn was used widely online and in newspapers.

The former Nissan boss has since been re-arrested and is back in jail.

But on Thursday, the court granted him bail a second time, prompting Kato, who has acquired a longer step-ladder and other journalists to race to the detention centre yet again.

From a 14-hour wait outside Tokyo's main jail on Christmas Day to a momentous photograph filed from the top of a step-ladder, covering the Carlos Ghosn story has mostly been about mastering the art of Japanese stakeout journalism.

From a 14-hour wait outside Tokyo's main jail on Christmas Day to a momentous photograph filed from the top of a step-ladder, covering the Carlos Ghosn story has mostly been about mastering the art of Japanese stakeout journalism. That often means waiting for hours on suburban streets or outside offices to accost corporate bosses and politicians for what are called "burasagari," or stakeout briefings. Such vigils were an important part of Reuters coverage in the days following the arrest in November of Ghosn, the former head of Nissan Motor Co. Learning the craft of burasagari - literally "hanging onto," conjuring up the image of a scrum of journalists clinging to a source - is a rite of passage for many young Japanese reporters, photographers and video journalists. For instance, there is the media gaggle that lurks during the day in the entrance hall of the prime minister's residence, kept at bay in one corner with a strip of blue tape on the granite floor. Journalists are only allowed to cross when someone walks in. Elsewhere, reporters stalk the halls of Japan's Ministry of Finance for comments on currencies or the economy. Others press their ears to meeting room doors for muffled snippets at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party offices. On the streets, scandal-tainted celebrities and criminal suspects are shadowed by lurking reporters. One particular kind of ambush journalism practised in Japan is "yomawari," or night raids, when reporters stake out the residence of an executive or politician, hoping to catch them on their way home. Night raids over the Ghosn story became so frequent and heavily attended that Nissan sent registered letters in December to news organizations asking them to stop visiting the homes of their executives. The company said neighbours had complained and that the "intrusive reporting" had led to one passerby getting injured, without elaborating. Jail stakeout From the time Ghosn was arrested, the Reuters team in Tokyo has spent hours, days even, outside the Tokyo jail. There have also been chilly evenings on night stakeouts in front of his lawyer's office or outside the court waiting for news. Bounded by elevated motor expressways, a river and train line, the imposing Tokyo Detention House sits in one of Tokyo's poorer neighbourhoods, surrounded by small workshops and apartment blocks. There are few places for the tired and frozen to take refuge and warm up. A solitary 7-Eleven convenience store nearby often sold out of steamed dumplings, hot drinks and other sustenance. On Christmas Day, Reuters journalists waited 14 hours outside the jail for a glimpse of Ghosn's co-accused, Greg Kelly, when he was freed on bail. There was a slice of luck when Ghosn himself was freed on bail in March. Chief Photographer Issei Kato had been waiting outside the detention centre for two days for Ghosn to appear along with about 200 other journalists. Kato was standing atop a cameraman's ladder, holding the camera and a heavy 200-400 millimetre lens, with a 1.4x extender, worrying about the fading light as the sun began to set. He couldn't use a flash as he was shooting through a fence that would have flooded the picture with reflected light. It was then Kato suddenly saw a group of guards and men dressed in work clothes and wearing surgical masks walk quickly out of the entrance in tight formation and get into a small van with a ladder on top. "I didn't immediately recognise Ghosn amongst them, but thought they somehow looked odd," he said. "I instinctively squeezed the shutter." As the van swung around and drove away, Kato said he began checking the images through the camera's view screen. "I suddenly realized that the eyes peeking from behind the mask of one of the men belonged to Ghosn. "Still atop the step-ladder, I quickly transmitted the picture of Ghosn in his disguise to our European photo desk in Gdynia, Poland, directly from my camera using the wireless transmitter attached to it," he said. "The transmission of the first image took about 15 seconds. The photo editors in Gdynia quickly cropped, captioned and published the photo within a few minutes." Kato's image of the masked Ghosn was used widely online and in newspapers. The former Nissan boss has since been re-arrested and is back in jail. But on Thursday, the court granted him bail a second time, prompting Kato, who has acquired a longer step-ladder and other journalists to race to the detention centre yet again.

Covering Carlos Ghosn saga: Japanese craft of 'burasagari' and a bit of luck for photojournalists

Japan on Wednesday&nbsp;passed a law compensating tens of thousands of people sterilised, often without their consent, under a government programme to prevent the birth of "inferior descendants" that remained in effect until 1996.

Many of the victims were physically or cognitively disabled, but others suffered from mental illness, leprosy - now a curable affliction known as Hansen's disease - or simply had behavioural problems.

The law, which states that "we seriously reflect and deeply apologise," promises to pay each victim 3.2 million yen ($29,000) in compensation.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-world-war-i-shaped-the-20th-century-and-beyond-176601">How World War I shaped the 20th century and beyond</a>

It was unanimously passed by Japan's upper house of parliament, after previously passing the more powerful lower house. According to the law, victims have five years to apply for the compensation, subject to approval by a board of experts.

Japan's "Eugenics Protection Law" came into effect in 1948 as it struggled with food shortages and rebuilding a ravaged nation, and was only revoked in 1996. During that time an estimated 25,000 people were sterilised, with at least 16,500 not giving consent, which eugenics board could order if it signed off on the procedures after an often cursory review. Few records remain. 
&nbsp;

Japan on Wednesday passed a law compensating tens of thousands of people sterilised, often without their consent, under a government programme to prevent the birth of "inferior descendants" that remained in effect until 1996.

Japan on Wednesday passed a law compensating tens of thousands of people sterilised, often without their consent, under a government programme to prevent the birth of "inferior descendants" that remained in effect until 1996. Many of the victims were physically or cognitively disabled, but others suffered from mental illness, leprosy - now a curable affliction known as Hansen's disease - or simply had behavioural problems. The law, which states that "we seriously reflect and deeply apologise," promises to pay each victim 3.2 million yen ($29,000) in compensation. Also read: How World War I shaped the 20th century and beyond It was unanimously passed by Japan's upper house of parliament, after previously passing the more powerful lower house. According to the law, victims have five years to apply for the compensation, subject to approval by a board of experts. Japan's "Eugenics Protection Law" came into effect in 1948 as it struggled with food shortages and rebuilding a ravaged nation, and was only revoked in 1996. During that time an estimated 25,000 people were sterilised, with at least 16,500 not giving consent, which eugenics board could order if it signed off on the procedures after an often cursory review. Few records remain.

Japan passes law to compensate forced sterilisation victims

Indian, Australian warships arrive in China for naval parade

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-22-dialogue-us-japan-discuss-enhancing-ties-with-india-212049">In 2+2 dialogue, US-Japan discuss enhancing ties with India</a>

As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-envoys-meet-syrias-assad-discuss-post-war-efforts-trade-212033">Russian envoys meet Syria's Assad, discuss post-war efforts, trade</a>

Several Russian envoys met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and discussed a constitutional committee, trade, as well as the ways to improve Syria's relations with neighbouring Arab countries, Russia's Foreign Ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lawyers-reviewed-mueller-report-for-10-hours-before-it-was-made-public-211967">Trump lawyers reviewed Mueller report for 10 hours before it was made public</a>

US President Donald Trump's personal lawyers spent at least 10 hours reviewing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian meddling in the 2016 election before it was made public, two of the lawyers told on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-cant-wait-for-people-like-me-to-grow-up-and-be-the-ones-in-charge-climate-activist-greta-warns-212059">'We can't wait for people like me to grow up and be the ones in charge,' climate activist Greta warns</a>

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has a simple wish for the future, she just wants everything fixed.

Sixteen-year-old Thunberg spoke to Reuters underneath a stage in Rome's Piazza del Popolo on Friday before she addressed thousands of Italian youth on the climate crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-teenagers-held-after-killing-of-northern-irish-journalist-212030">Two teenagers held after killing of Northern Irish journalist</a>

Two teenagers have been arrested over the killing of a journalist shot dead in Northern Ireland, police said Saturday, after a murder that has triggered international condemnation.

In 2+2 dialogue, US-Japan discuss enhancing ties with India As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea.

In 2+2 dialogue, US-Japan discuss enhancing ties with India As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea. Russian envoys meet Syria's Assad, discuss post-war efforts, trade Several Russian envoys met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and discussed a constitutional committee, trade, as well as the ways to improve Syria's relations with neighbouring Arab countries, Russia's Foreign Ministry said. Trump lawyers reviewed Mueller report for 10 hours before it was made public US President Donald Trump's personal lawyers spent at least 10 hours reviewing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian meddling in the 2016 election before it was made public, two of the lawyers told on Friday. 'We can't wait for people like me to grow up and be the ones in charge,' climate activist Greta warns Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has a simple wish for the future, she just wants everything fixed. Sixteen-year-old Thunberg spoke to Reuters underneath a stage in Rome's Piazza del Popolo on Friday before she addressed thousands of Italian youth on the climate crisis. Two teenagers held after killing of Northern Irish journalist Two teenagers have been arrested over the killing of a journalist shot dead in Northern Ireland, police said Saturday, after a murder that has triggered international condemnation.

News brief: Big stories of the day

As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea.

Speaking at the US-Japan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-meeting-india-us-discuss-indo-pacific-afghanistan-peace-reconciliation-189807">2+2 dialogue</a> in Washington, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/still-in-charge-of-north-korea-negotiations-pompeo-211898">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> said, "The United States and Japan will continue to advance trilateral and multilateral cooperation with other regional partners, notably with the Republic of Korea, Australia, India, and Southeast Asian countries."

The US-Japan 2+2 dialogue includes&nbsp;US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

The focus of the statements was to increase engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

While Japanese Defence minister Iwaya said his country will "make efforts to realize free and open Indo-Pacific", Japanese foreign minister said, "will make efforts to realize free and open Indo-Pacific". Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said the 2+2 dialogue is a "testament to our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

India, Japan, Australia, the US have been engaging in dialogues over the Indo-Pacific region. The US last year changed the name of its largest naval commands - the Pacific command - to the Indo-Pacific Command to give a boost to the growing concept while India has set up a separate Indo-Pacific desk in the Ministry of External Affairs. Washington, along with Canberra has announced a number of infrastructure projects in the region.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing India's vision for Indo-Pacific at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore last year said, for New Delhi, the concept stands for "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality".

ASEAN, the IORA groupings are currently discussing the concept.

As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea.

As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea. Speaking at the US-Japan 2+2 dialogue in Washington, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "The United States and Japan will continue to advance trilateral and multilateral cooperation with other regional partners, notably with the Republic of Korea, Australia, India, and Southeast Asian countries." The US-Japan 2+2 dialogue includes US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The focus of the statements was to increase engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. While Japanese Defence minister Iwaya said his country will "make efforts to realize free and open Indo-Pacific", Japanese foreign minister said, "will make efforts to realize free and open Indo-Pacific". Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said the 2+2 dialogue is a "testament to our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific." India, Japan, Australia, the US have been engaging in dialogues over the Indo-Pacific region. The US last year changed the name of its largest naval commands - the Pacific command - to the Indo-Pacific Command to give a boost to the growing concept while India has set up a separate Indo-Pacific desk in the Ministry of External Affairs. Washington, along with Canberra has announced a number of infrastructure projects in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing India's vision for Indo-Pacific at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore last year said, for New Delhi, the concept stands for "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality". ASEAN, the IORA groupings are currently discussing the concept.

In 2+2 dialogue, US-Japan discuss enhancing ties with India

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will embark on a four-day visit to Japan on Sunday.

During his visit, the minister is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with other dignitaries, reported Radio Pakistan.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, in a statement on Friday, said that the Foreign Minister`s visit will help further deepen our friendly ties and advance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields.

This comes months after Qureshi had cancelled his scheduled visit of Japan amid tensions with India after the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 44 CRPF personnel were killed.

Japan condemned the attack for which the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group had claimed responsibility. Japan also urged Pakistan to take stronger measures to counter terrorism.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will embark on a four-day visit to Japan on Sunday. During his visit, the minister is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with other dignitaries, reported Radio Pakistan.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will embark on a four-day visit to Japan on Sunday. During his visit, the minister is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with other dignitaries, reported Radio Pakistan. Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, in a statement on Friday, said that the Foreign Minister`s visit will help further deepen our friendly ties and advance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields. This comes months after Qureshi had cancelled his scheduled visit of Japan amid tensions with India after the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 44 CRPF personnel were killed. Japan condemned the attack for which the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group had claimed responsibility. Japan also urged Pakistan to take stronger measures to counter terrorism.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to visit Japan

The world's first museum devoted to exhibiting cute, colourful photogenic poops has attracted numerous visitors in Japan daily, said the company behind the exhibits, Akatsuki Inc on Wednesday.

At the "Unko (poop in Japanese) Museum" in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, visitors each get a pastel-coloured poop figurine and can take quirky photos with unko art pieces. There is even an interactive display where visitors shout "unko" in front of a microphone and see how big of a poop image they can generate on-screen.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/worlds-first-poop-museum-proves-poopular-with-visitors-in-japan-211471/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Ayami Tashiro, public relations official for Akatsuki Inc., said the company decided on the poop theme of the exhibition to change the public's negative impression of the bodily function and they hope the experiences would entertain both the young and the old. More than 1000 people had visited the museum every day, she added.

The exhibition was opened on March 15 and will run until July 15. The entry is priced as 1600 yen ($14) for adults and 900 yen ($8) for children.

The world's first museum devoted to exhibiting cute, colourful photogenic poops has attracted numerous visitors in Japan daily, said the company behind the exhibits, Akatsuki Inc on Wednesday.

The world's first museum devoted to exhibiting cute, colourful photogenic poops has attracted numerous visitors in Japan daily, said the company behind the exhibits, Akatsuki Inc on Wednesday. At the "Unko (poop in Japanese) Museum" in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, visitors each get a pastel-coloured poop figurine and can take quirky photos with unko art pieces. There is even an interactive display where visitors shout "unko" in front of a microphone and see how big of a poop image they can generate on-screen. Ayami Tashiro, public relations official for Akatsuki Inc., said the company decided on the poop theme of the exhibition to change the public's negative impression of the bodily function and they hope the experiences would entertain both the young and the old. More than 1000 people had visited the museum every day, she added. The exhibition was opened on March 15 and will run until July 15. The entry is priced as 1600 yen ($14) for adults and 900 yen ($8) for children.

World's first poop museum proves 'poopular' with visitors in Japan

The United States and Japanese negotiators are set to open the first round of trade talks on Monday, in the latest front in President Donald Trump's aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to address "chronic US trade imbalances."

After launching blistering tariffs on allies and rivals alike, Trump's trade team has completed a new North American trade pact with Canada and Mexico &nbsp;-- the USMCA -- and one with South Korea and appears to be approaching the final stages of a deal with China, while preparing for the start of negotiations with Europe.

Trump has focused attention on the countries which have the biggest trade surpluses with the United States and pushed his preference for country-specific rather than multilateral deals.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will lead the two days of talks starting Monday afternoon.

Golf buddies Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in September to launch the talks between the world's first and third-largest economies, which represent about 30 per cent of global output.

In Tokyo last week, Motegi predicted the crunch talks would be "candid," with the first round focused on "making a decision on which areas we will discuss, chiefly in the field of goods."

"I will do my best to have thorough discussions so as to produce a good result in line with our national interest," he said.

The agreement between Trump and Abe said the negotiations initially would address "goods, as well as other key areas including services, that can produce early achievements," while leaving access for US agriculture to Japan's market for a later day.

In May, Trump ordered his administration to investigate the possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 25 per cent on foreign autos and auto parts, a prospect that alarmed the industry and could have serious repercussions for Japan and Europe.

'Very quick agreement'&nbsp;

US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week he was seeking a "very quick agreement" with Japan on tariff cuts for agricultural goods.

"I hope we can come to a very quick agreement with Japan over maybe some temporary ... provisions and hash out the many other issues that take longer in this area," Perdue told reporters in Washington, Kyodo News and the business daily Nikkei reported.

However, the US side is likely to run into opposition from Japan on this issue, Jiji Press reported, citing unnamed government sources.

"There's no way for us to conclude an agricultural deal first," a senior Japanese official told Jiji.

If Japan does so, it may violate World Trade Organization rules related to free-trade agreements, the officials noted, according to the report.

Tokyo is expected to counter with demands that the United States scrap tariffs on Japanese industrial goods if Washington urges an early opening of Japanese agricultural markets.

Tokyo aims to focus only on tariff matters, describing the talks as "TAG," or trade agreement on goods.&nbsp;

However, Washington trade officials have spelt out 22 specific negotiation areas also including non-tariff barriers in Japan's auto market and currency.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Saturday any agreement will include a requirement to refrain from manipulating currencies to gain an advantage in international trade.

Trump and Abe will have plenty of opportunities to talk trade in the coming months. Abe is visiting the United States later this month and Trump is expected in Japan in May to pay his respects to the country's new emperor who will take the throne on May 1.

Trump is then expected back in Japan the following month as the western city of Osaka hosts the Group of 20 summits of world leaders on June 28-29.

The United States and Japanese negotiators are set to open the first round of trade talks on Monday, in the latest front in President Donald Trump's aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to address "chronic US trade imbalances.

The United States and Japanese negotiators are set to open the first round of trade talks on Monday, in the latest front in President Donald Trump's aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to address "chronic US trade imbalances." After launching blistering tariffs on allies and rivals alike, Trump's trade team has completed a new North American trade pact with Canada and Mexico -- the USMCA -- and one with South Korea and appears to be approaching the final stages of a deal with China, while preparing for the start of negotiations with Europe. Trump has focused attention on the countries which have the biggest trade surpluses with the United States and pushed his preference for country-specific rather than multilateral deals. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will lead the two days of talks starting Monday afternoon. Golf buddies Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in September to launch the talks between the world's first and third-largest economies, which represent about 30 per cent of global output. In Tokyo last week, Motegi predicted the crunch talks would be "candid," with the first round focused on "making a decision on which areas we will discuss, chiefly in the field of goods." "I will do my best to have thorough discussions so as to produce a good result in line with our national interest," he said. The agreement between Trump and Abe said the negotiations initially would address "goods, as well as other key areas including services, that can produce early achievements," while leaving access for US agriculture to Japan's market for a later day. In May, Trump ordered his administration to investigate the possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 25 per cent on foreign autos and auto parts, a prospect that alarmed the industry and could have serious repercussions for Japan and Europe. 'Very quick agreement' US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week he was seeking a "very quick agreement" with Japan on tariff cuts for agricultural goods. "I hope we can come to a very quick agreement with Japan over maybe some temporary ... provisions and hash out the many other issues that take longer in this area," Perdue told reporters in Washington, Kyodo News and the business daily Nikkei reported. However, the US side is likely to run into opposition from Japan on this issue, Jiji Press reported, citing unnamed government sources. "There's no way for us to conclude an agricultural deal first," a senior Japanese official told Jiji. If Japan does so, it may violate World Trade Organization rules related to free-trade agreements, the officials noted, according to the report. Tokyo is expected to counter with demands that the United States scrap tariffs on Japanese industrial goods if Washington urges an early opening of Japanese agricultural markets. Tokyo aims to focus only on tariff matters, describing the talks as "TAG," or trade agreement on goods. However, Washington trade officials have spelt out 22 specific negotiation areas also including non-tariff barriers in Japan's auto market and currency. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Saturday any agreement will include a requirement to refrain from manipulating currencies to gain an advantage in international trade. Trump and Abe will have plenty of opportunities to talk trade in the coming months. Abe is visiting the United States later this month and Trump is expected in Japan in May to pay his respects to the country's new emperor who will take the throne on May 1. Trump is then expected back in Japan the following month as the western city of Osaka hosts the Group of 20 summits of world leaders on June 28-29.

US, Japan to open trade talks amid China deal optimism

The operator of Japan's crippled<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-japan-scientists-study-radioactive-fukushima-particles-202064&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiYwLat6dHhAhVIinAKHXXPAQ0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3YDfnblUJqPHzqdkzIOBS2"> Fukushima</a> power plant on Monday began removing atomic fuel from inside a building housing one of the reactors that melted down in 2011.

The delicate operation represents the first time the Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) has pulled out fuel rods from inside a highly contaminated building containing the melted-down reactor and comes four years behind schedule.

Due to high radiation levels, technicians used remote-controlled equipment to haul fuel from a "storage pool" inside the building.

Operations were briefly suspended early Monday afternoon after a problem with the equipment removing the fuel but resumed shortly afterwards.

"We finally started this work. We will spend two years removing 566 units of fuel from reactor three," said Takahiro Kimoto, a TEPCO spokesman.

TEPCO removed four units as planned on Monday, with workers continuing to remove debris that has fallen inside the pool and other areas, Kimoto told reporters.

"Factors such as removal of debris and various troubles have caused delays, which we realise have caused significant worries to people in the region and others," Kimoto said.

"Putting safety as our priority, we will carefully continue this work," he promised.

Engineers have had to contend with clearing earthquake debris inside the building and an array of other technical challenges, said TEPCO spokeswoman Yuka Matsubara.

"We had to proceed carefully (to remove debris), and we needed to take measures as dust would waft up and increase radiation readings," she told AFP.

TEPCO engineers will not yet attempt to extract molten nuclear fuel that remains deep inside the mangled reactor. This is considered the most difficult part of the massive clean-up operation and is not expected to begin until 2021.

'Reconstruction plan'&nbsp;

In February, TEPCO sent a remote-controlled probe to pick up pebble-sized pieces of the melted fuel in a bid to find out whether the material could be moved.&nbsp;

The next step in that painstaking process will be to remove some of the fuel as a sample, which is scheduled to happen by March 2020.

The company also faces other difficult challenges, including working out how to dispose of large quantities of contaminated water stored in containers at the plant site.

In the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986, reactors one, two and three at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant melted down after a deadly earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.

The tsunami killed around 18,000 people and caused widespread devastation, and the nuclear meltdown forced the evacuation of areas near the plant.

Reactors four through six were offline at the time of the disaster for inspections and did not suffer meltdowns, through reactor four was damaged by an explosion in the days after the tsunami.

In December 2014, TEPCO finished removing all 1,535 units of nuclear fuel kept inside the storage pool at reactor four.

The company aims to conduct the same operations for the buildings for reactor one and two by 2023 as part of a four-decade plan to dismantle the entire Fukushima plant.

Japan's government has pushed a reconstruction plan for the surrounding region that includes decontaminating affected areas and removing topsoil.

This month, an evacuation order was lifted for part of Okuma, one of two towns where the nuclear plant is located.

But regions affected by the disaster have struggled to attract back residents who fled in the wake of the meltdown, with many still concerned about radiation despite government assurances.

The operator of Japan's crippled Fukushima power plant on Monday began removing atomic fuel from inside a building housing one of the reactors that melted down in 2011.

The operator of Japan's crippled Fukushima power plant on Monday began removing atomic fuel from inside a building housing one of the reactors that melted down in 2011. The delicate operation represents the first time the Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) has pulled out fuel rods from inside a highly contaminated building containing the melted-down reactor and comes four years behind schedule. Due to high radiation levels, technicians used remote-controlled equipment to haul fuel from a "storage pool" inside the building. Operations were briefly suspended early Monday afternoon after a problem with the equipment removing the fuel but resumed shortly afterwards. "We finally started this work. We will spend two years removing 566 units of fuel from reactor three," said Takahiro Kimoto, a TEPCO spokesman. TEPCO removed four units as planned on Monday, with workers continuing to remove debris that has fallen inside the pool and other areas, Kimoto told reporters. "Factors such as removal of debris and various troubles have caused delays, which we realise have caused significant worries to people in the region and others," Kimoto said. "Putting safety as our priority, we will carefully continue this work," he promised. Engineers have had to contend with clearing earthquake debris inside the building and an array of other technical challenges, said TEPCO spokeswoman Yuka Matsubara. "We had to proceed carefully (to remove debris), and we needed to take measures as dust would waft up and increase radiation readings," she told AFP. TEPCO engineers will not yet attempt to extract molten nuclear fuel that remains deep inside the mangled reactor. This is considered the most difficult part of the massive clean-up operation and is not expected to begin until 2021. 'Reconstruction plan' In February, TEPCO sent a remote-controlled probe to pick up pebble-sized pieces of the melted fuel in a bid to find out whether the material could be moved. The next step in that painstaking process will be to remove some of the fuel as a sample, which is scheduled to happen by March 2020. The company also faces other difficult challenges, including working out how to dispose of large quantities of contaminated water stored in containers at the plant site. In the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986, reactors one, two and three at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant melted down after a deadly earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011. The tsunami killed around 18,000 people and caused widespread devastation, and the nuclear meltdown forced the evacuation of areas near the plant. Reactors four through six were offline at the time of the disaster for inspections and did not suffer meltdowns, through reactor four was damaged by an explosion in the days after the tsunami. In December 2014, TEPCO finished removing all 1,535 units of nuclear fuel kept inside the storage pool at reactor four. The company aims to conduct the same operations for the buildings for reactor one and two by 2023 as part of a four-decade plan to dismantle the entire Fukushima plant. Japan's government has pushed a reconstruction plan for the surrounding region that includes decontaminating affected areas and removing topsoil. This month, an evacuation order was lifted for part of Okuma, one of two towns where the nuclear plant is located. But regions affected by the disaster have struggled to attract back residents who fled in the wake of the meltdown, with many still concerned about radiation despite government assurances.

Nuclear fuel removed from crippled Japan plant

Shares of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-talks-between-teslas-musk-securities-regulators-208033&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjW5dbz5snhAhUMr48KHUkHAJQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3T2-MF6HF1o32HPqM8ZejE">Tesla </a>fell Thursday following a report the electric car company and electronics giant Panasonic are suspending plans to expand a battery plant due to weak demand for the vehicles.

Tesla Motors, which is led by Elon Musk, finished at $268.42, down 2.8 per cent.

Tesla and Panasonic froze a plan to boost the capacity of the Gigafactory 1 battery factory in the US state of Nevada "as concerns mount on Wall Street about weakening demand at Elon Musk's car company," Nikkei Asian Review reported.

The companies have stepped back as Panasonic's losses on the Tesla batteries deepened in the financial year that ended in March, Nikkei said.&nbsp;

Japan-based Panasonic had been seen pumping as much as $1.4 billion into the plan to boost Nevada production by around 50 per cent.

A Tesla spokesperson said, "we will, of course, continue to make new investments in Gigafactory 1, as needed.&nbsp;

"However, we think there is far more output to be gained from improving existing production equipment than was previously estimated."

Tesla directly criticized Nikkei's characterization of the situation in the subsequent email.

"We will, of course, continue to make new investments in Gigafactory 1, as needed," the Tesla spokesperson said in the follow-up statement.&nbsp;

"Most importantly, contrary to what is implied in this report, our demand for cells continues to outpace supply. It remains the fundamental constraint on Tesla vehicle and Powerwall/Powerpack production."

Nikkei also reported that Panasonic will suspend planned investment at Tesla's new Shanghai plant and will instead provide technical support to the project.

Panasonic has not made announcements about partnering with Tesla in Shanghai.

Shares of Tesla have had a volatile ride over the last year as Musk has overseen the ramp-up of the company's Model 3 sedan, the company's first vehicle directed at the middle market.

Investors have at times punished Tesla due to controversies surrounding Musk, who has sparred repeatedly with US securities regulators and appeared during one filmed interview last year to be smoking marijuana.&nbsp;

Company results have also been up and down. Shares were punished last week following disappointing first-quarter car deliveries.

Shares of Tesla fell Thursday following a report the electric car company and electronics giant Panasonic are suspending plans to expand a battery plant due to weak demand for the vehicles.

Shares of Tesla fell Thursday following a report the electric car company and electronics giant Panasonic are suspending plans to expand a battery plant due to weak demand for the vehicles. Tesla Motors, which is led by Elon Musk, finished at $268.42, down 2.8 per cent. Tesla and Panasonic froze a plan to boost the capacity of the Gigafactory 1 battery factory in the US state of Nevada "as concerns mount on Wall Street about weakening demand at Elon Musk's car company," Nikkei Asian Review reported. The companies have stepped back as Panasonic's losses on the Tesla batteries deepened in the financial year that ended in March, Nikkei said. Japan-based Panasonic had been seen pumping as much as $1.4 billion into the plan to boost Nevada production by around 50 per cent. A Tesla spokesperson said, "we will, of course, continue to make new investments in Gigafactory 1, as needed. "However, we think there is far more output to be gained from improving existing production equipment than was previously estimated." Tesla directly criticized Nikkei's characterization of the situation in the subsequent email. "We will, of course, continue to make new investments in Gigafactory 1, as needed," the Tesla spokesperson said in the follow-up statement. "Most importantly, contrary to what is implied in this report, our demand for cells continues to outpace supply. It remains the fundamental constraint on Tesla vehicle and Powerwall/Powerpack production." Nikkei also reported that Panasonic will suspend planned investment at Tesla's new Shanghai plant and will instead provide technical support to the project. Panasonic has not made announcements about partnering with Tesla in Shanghai. Shares of Tesla have had a volatile ride over the last year as Musk has overseen the ramp-up of the company's Model 3 sedan, the company's first vehicle directed at the middle market. Investors have at times punished Tesla due to controversies surrounding Musk, who has sparred repeatedly with US securities regulators and appeared during one filmed interview last year to be smoking marijuana. Company results have also been up and down. Shares were punished last week following disappointing first-quarter car deliveries.

Tesla shares fall over reports of battery plant suspension

Search and rescue teams found wreckage belonging to a Japanese<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-f-35-fighter-jet-disappears-from-radar-over-pacific-209070"> Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter</a> that disappeared on Tuesday over the Pacific Ocean close to northern Japan, Japanese defence minister said on Wednesday (April 10).

The advanced, single-seat jet was flying about 135 km (84 miles) east of the Misawa air base in Aomori Prefecture at about 7:27 p.m. (1027 GMT) on Tuesday, when it disappeared from radar, Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya told reporters.

Japan's first squadron of F-35s has just become operational at Misawa and the government plans to buy 87 of the stealth fighters to modernise its air defences as China's military power grows.

A US military short take-off and landing (STOVL) F-35B crashed near the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina in September prompting a temporary grounding of the aircraft.

Lockheed Martin also makes a C version of the fighter designed to operate off carriers.

Search and rescue teams found wreckage belonging to a Japanese Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter that disappeared on Tuesday over the Pacific Ocean close to northern Japan, Japanese defence minister said on Wednesday (April 10).

Search and rescue teams found wreckage belonging to a Japanese Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter that disappeared on Tuesday over the Pacific Ocean close to northern Japan, Japanese defence minister said on Wednesday (April 10). The advanced, single-seat jet was flying about 135 km (84 miles) east of the Misawa air base in Aomori Prefecture at about 7:27 p.m. (1027 GMT) on Tuesday, when it disappeared from radar, Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya told reporters. Japan's first squadron of F-35s has just become operational at Misawa and the government plans to buy 87 of the stealth fighters to modernise its air defences as China's military power grows. A US military short take-off and landing (STOVL) F-35B crashed near the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina in September prompting a temporary grounding of the aircraft. Lockheed Martin also makes a C version of the fighter designed to operate off carriers.

Rescue teams find F-35 stealth fighter jet wreckage off Japan coast

Japan's Olympic Minister, Yoshitaka Sakurada, resigned on Wednesday after he made remarks that offended people affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami that triggered nuclear meltdowns in 2011.

Sakurada's resignation comes only a year before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

"Minister Sakurada offered to resign as he made comments that hurt the feelings of those in the disaster affected areas," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters after he accepted Sakurada's resignation.

"It is the Abe government's unwavering policy to do everything we can for recovery while keeping in touch with the feelings of people in disaster-hit areas ... As prime minister, I would like to offer my deep apology for the comment."

Abe has decided to tap lower house lawmaker Shunichi Suzuki, who was Olympic minister before Sakurada took the post last October, to fill the vacancy, public broadcaster NHK said.

Japan's Olympic Minister, Yoshitaka Sakurada, resigned on Wednesday after he made remarks that offended people affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami that triggered nuclear meltdowns in 2011.

Japan's Olympic Minister, Yoshitaka Sakurada, resigned on Wednesday after he made remarks that offended people affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami that triggered nuclear meltdowns in 2011. Sakurada's resignation comes only a year before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. "Minister Sakurada offered to resign as he made comments that hurt the feelings of those in the disaster affected areas," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters after he accepted Sakurada's resignation. "It is the Abe government's unwavering policy to do everything we can for recovery while keeping in touch with the feelings of people in disaster-hit areas ... As prime minister, I would like to offer my deep apology for the comment." Abe has decided to tap lower house lawmaker Shunichi Suzuki, who was Olympic minister before Sakurada took the post last October, to fill the vacancy, public broadcaster NHK said.

2020 Tokyo games: Japan Olympic minister Yoshitaka Sakurada resigns after offending remarks

The British Ministry of Defence is in close touch with US officials and reviewing the status of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-teams-find-f-35-stealth-fighter-jet-wreckage-off-japan-coast-209186">17 F-35B fighter jets</a> after the crash of a Japanese F-35 jet in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, a ministry spokesperson said.

"Safety is of the utmost importance and very closely managed on the F-35 programme. We will continue to review the situation as further information becomes available," the spokesperson said.

Britain, which plans to buy a total of 138 F-35 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin, declared its fleet of F-35B fighter jets ready for initial combat operations from land in January.

The British Ministry of Defence is in close touch with US officials and reviewing the status of its 17 F-35B fighter jets after the crash of a Japanese F-35 jet in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, a ministry spokesperson said.

The British Ministry of Defence is in close touch with US officials and reviewing the status of its 17 F-35B fighter jets after the crash of a Japanese F-35 jet in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, a ministry spokesperson said. "Safety is of the utmost importance and very closely managed on the F-35 programme. We will continue to review the situation as further information becomes available," the spokesperson said. Britain, which plans to buy a total of 138 F-35 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin, declared its fleet of F-35B fighter jets ready for initial combat operations from land in January.

UK reviewing status of 17 F-35s after Japan crash

A Japanese F-35 stealth fighter jet with one pilot on board disappeared from radar while on a training mission over the Pacific on Tuesday night, the defence ministry said.

The fighter jet went missing at around 7:30 pm as it was flying some 135 kilometres east of Misawa, northeastern Japan, a ministry spokeswoman said.

It was not immediately clear if it had it crashed, the spokeswoman said, adding: "We are still trying to search for the aircraft."

The fate of the pilot was not immediately clear.

The plane lost contact about 30 minutes after taking off from Misawa Air Base, public broadcaster NHK said.

The Self-Defence Forces and coastguard dispatched vessels to carry out rescue operations, NHK added.

A Japanese F-35 stealth fighter jet with one pilot on board disappeared from radar while on a training mission over the Pacific on Tuesday night, the defence ministry said.

A Japanese F-35 stealth fighter jet with one pilot on board disappeared from radar while on a training mission over the Pacific on Tuesday night, the defence ministry said. The fighter jet went missing at around 7:30 pm as it was flying some 135 kilometres east of Misawa, northeastern Japan, a ministry spokeswoman said. It was not immediately clear if it had it crashed, the spokeswoman said, adding: "We are still trying to search for the aircraft." The fate of the pilot was not immediately clear. The plane lost contact about 30 minutes after taking off from Misawa Air Base, public broadcaster NHK said. The Self-Defence Forces and coastguard dispatched vessels to carry out rescue operations, NHK added.

Japan F-35 fighter jet disappears from radar over Pacific

Suicide has a long history in Japan as a way to avoid shame or dishonour, and getting psychological help was stigmatised. But when suicides hit a peak of 34,427 in 2003, it alarmed policymakers and drew foreign attention, often a catalyst for change in Japan.

Helping, listening, caring: Japanese prefecture records dramatic decrease in suicides

Japan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-cronyism-scandal-japans-finance-minister-to-skip-g20-meeting-35618&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiSytLyk8DhAhVt7HMBHVX2AfUQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1RKFW75e3aATX6dN0qXfsA">Shinzo Abe </a>announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year.

The tour from April 22 to 29 will also include stops in Italy, Belgium and Slovakia, a foreign ministry official said.

The trip comes ahead of long-awaited trade talks between Washington and Tokyo, as US President<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-opens-under-assault-from-trump-on-collective-action-180345&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiSytLyk8DhAhVt7HMBHVX2AfUQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GXHmUZ8HyCRuZwl_Nph4O"> Donald Trump</a> looks to negotiate a bilateral deal and threatens auto tariffs.

The visit to France comes at a sensitive time, with ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who holds French citizenship, back behind bars in Tokyo.

He was re-arrested last week while out on bail and faces multiple charges of financial misconduct.

Abe said the trip was intended to "affirm close co-operation for success in the G20 summit in Osaka", which will be held June 28 and 29.

Trump is also expected to visit Japan in May to become the first foreign head of state to meet Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, who will be enthroned on May 1.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year. The tour from April 22 to 29 will also include stops in Italy, Belgium and Slovakia, a foreign ministry official said. The trip comes ahead of long-awaited trade talks between Washington and Tokyo, as US President Donald Trump looks to negotiate a bilateral deal and threatens auto tariffs. The visit to France comes at a sensitive time, with ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who holds French citizenship, back behind bars in Tokyo. He was re-arrested last week while out on bail and faces multiple charges of financial misconduct. Abe said the trip was intended to "affirm close co-operation for success in the G20 summit in Osaka", which will be held June 28 and 29. Trump is also expected to visit Japan in May to become the first foreign head of state to meet Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, who will be enthroned on May 1.

Japan's Abe to visit US, France on pre-G20 tour

Arrested former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is set to name the people he believes are responsible for his downfall in Japan, his wife said in an interview on Sunday as she fled Tokyo out of fear she could be detained.

Ghosn was re-arrested last week in the Japanese capital over fresh allegations of financial misconduct which will see him held in custody until at least April 14.&nbsp;

Speaking to the Journal du Dimanche newspaper in France, his wife Carole detailed the latest twists in the extraordinary saga, saying that Ghosn had recorded a video interview in English before his detention.&nbsp;

"He names the people responsible for what has happened to him. The lawyers have it. It will be released soon," she told the newspaper.

Carole added that she had fled Tokyo on a flight to Paris — with support from the French ambassador to Tokyo— because she "felt in danger."

Despite her Lebanese passport being confiscated by Japanese authorities, Carole said she was able to use her American passport to board a flight and was accompanied by the ambassador to the airport.

"He didn't leave me until the plane," she explained. "Up to the last second, I didn't know if they were going to let me fly. It was surreal."&nbsp;

The role of the French ambassador could lead to fresh friction between the countries over the highly sensitive case, which involves Nissan and French car maker Renault, which were both previously run by Ghosn.

Japanese news channel NHK said prosecutors in Tokyo wanted to question Carole on a voluntary basis.

Other reports in Japan say that investigators are looking into allegations that company money allegedly misused by Ghosn could have transited through a business that was run by his wife.

'Different person' 
Carole intends now to try to pressure the French government to do more for her husband whose 108-day imprisonment in Japan between November 19 and March 6 had left him a "different person," she told The Financial Times in a separate interview.

France's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Saturday he had raised the case during talks with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono on the sidelines of the meeting of Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers in the French resort of Dinard.

Le Drian said he had "reminded him of our attachment to the presumption of innocence and the full rights of consular protection."

Japanese authorities are looking into new allegations that Ghosn transferred some $15 million in Nissan funds between late 2015 and mid-2018 to a dealership in Oman.

They suspect around $5 million of these funds were siphoned off for Ghosn's use, including for the purchase of a luxury yacht and financing personal investments.

Prosecutors say Ghosn "betrayed" his duty not to cause losses to Nissan "in order to benefit himself."

Ghosn denies the allegations and says he is also innocent of the three formal charges he faces: two charges of deferring his salary and concealing that in official shareholders' documents, and a further charge related to investment losses.

The man previously seen as the most powerful figure in the global car industry told French channel TF1 last week that he was "a combative man and an innocent man" and vowed to "defend myself to the bitter end".

And he voiced concern that he would not be given a fair hearing in Japan where around 99 percent of trials result in a conviction.

Arrested former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is set to name the people he believes are responsible for his downfall in Japan, his wife said in an interview on Sunday as she fled Tokyo out of fear she could be detained.

Arrested former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is set to name the people he believes are responsible for his downfall in Japan, his wife said in an interview on Sunday as she fled Tokyo out of fear she could be detained. Ghosn was re-arrested last week in the Japanese capital over fresh allegations of financial misconduct which will see him held in custody until at least April 14. Speaking to the Journal du Dimanche newspaper in France, his wife Carole detailed the latest twists in the extraordinary saga, saying that Ghosn had recorded a video interview in English before his detention. "He names the people responsible for what has happened to him. The lawyers have it. It will be released soon," she told the newspaper. Carole added that she had fled Tokyo on a flight to Paris — with support from the French ambassador to Tokyo— because she "felt in danger." Despite her Lebanese passport being confiscated by Japanese authorities, Carole said she was able to use her American passport to board a flight and was accompanied by the ambassador to the airport. "He didn't leave me until the plane," she explained. "Up to the last second, I didn't know if they were going to let me fly. It was surreal." The role of the French ambassador could lead to fresh friction between the countries over the highly sensitive case, which involves Nissan and French car maker Renault, which were both previously run by Ghosn. Japanese news channel NHK said prosecutors in Tokyo wanted to question Carole on a voluntary basis. Other reports in Japan say that investigators are looking into allegations that company money allegedly misused by Ghosn could have transited through a business that was run by his wife. 'Different person' Carole intends now to try to pressure the French government to do more for her husband whose 108-day imprisonment in Japan between November 19 and March 6 had left him a "different person," she told The Financial Times in a separate interview. France's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Saturday he had raised the case during talks with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono on the sidelines of the meeting of Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers in the French resort of Dinard. Le Drian said he had "reminded him of our attachment to the presumption of innocence and the full rights of consular protection." Japanese authorities are looking into new allegations that Ghosn transferred some $15 million in Nissan funds between late 2015 and mid-2018 to a dealership in Oman. They suspect around $5 million of these funds were siphoned off for Ghosn's use, including for the purchase of a luxury yacht and financing personal investments. Prosecutors say Ghosn "betrayed" his duty not to cause losses to Nissan "in order to benefit himself." Ghosn denies the allegations and says he is also innocent of the three formal charges he faces: two charges of deferring his salary and concealing that in official shareholders' documents, and a further charge related to investment losses. The man previously seen as the most powerful figure in the global car industry told French channel TF1 last week that he was "a combative man and an innocent man" and vowed to "defend myself to the bitter end". And he voiced concern that he would not be given a fair hearing in Japan where around 99 percent of trials result in a conviction.

Carlos Ghosn to name names as wife flees Tokyo

From a ritual New Year's breakfast and Shinto prayers to receiving state visits and opening parliament, Japan's emperor has a diverse professional brief that occupies virtually every day of his year.

National responsibilities

Under the post-war 1947 constitution, Japan's emperor has no political power, but he retains several duties that relate to the country's political scene.

He signs the documents formalising the nomination of the prime minister, members of the government, and Supreme Court president.

He is not considered Japan's head of state, but he nonetheless plays a key role in matters of protocol, including opening sessions of parliament, promulgating laws and treaties, awarding honours and receiving credentials from incoming ambassadors.

The emperor each year signs around a thousand documents and, according to the Imperial Household Agency, he scrutinises the contents of each one carefully.

State visits are only qualified as such when they include a meeting with the emperor, and state banquets for visiting dignitaries are held at the palace.

Receptions and ceremonies

The royal couple also attend or preside over hundreds of ceremonies, receptions, performances, audiences and meals throughout the year, and welcome a wide range of guests to the palace including figures from the political and business world and civil society.

But conversation must be careful: Members of the imperial family are prohibited from public statements of opinion that could be interpreted as weighing in on the political scene.

And the emperor is also a key part of numerous rituals in Japan's native Shinto religion, including prayers for imperial ancestors held at the palace and for a good harvest.

Visits and trips

The imperial couple travel at least three times a year inside Japan, and they have put a focus on travelling soon after natural disasters to affected areas to meet survivors.

This effort was characterised by the solemn address Emperor Akihito gave days after the 2011 tsunami to calm public fears in the wake of the disaster and the meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant.

From 2012 to 2016, the royal couple led the annual national ceremony commemorating the victims of the March 2011 tsunami.

The royal couple have also visited hundreds of establishments for children, the elderly and people with handicaps across the country.

And each year they preside over several national festivals promoting sports and the environment.

Until recently, the royal pair were still travelling overseas though far less than in their younger years. The emperor has now largely handed over foreign engagements to other members of the royal family.

Traditions and hobbies

Both the emperor and empress enjoy composing "waka", a traditional form of Japanese poetry long associated with the royal family.

Each January, the emperor organises readings of traditional New Year poetry at the palace. Poems written by the couple and ordinary citizens are read in front of the royal family and screened by national broadcaster NHK.

Like his father Hirohito (known posthumously as Emperor Showa, after the name of his reign), Akihito each year plants and harvests rice from a field in the imperial grounds.

He is also a passionate scientist with an interest in marine life and has published several journal articles.

Empress Michiko is a pianist and music lover, and with the help of palace employees she cultivates silkworms at a centre in the royal residence.

Part of the silk produced at the palace has been used to restore historic fabric artifacts belonging to the royal family.

From a ritual New Year's breakfast and Shinto prayers to receiving state visits and opening parliament, Japan's emperor has a diverse professional brief that occupies virtually every day of his year.

From a ritual New Year's breakfast and Shinto prayers to receiving state visits and opening parliament, Japan's emperor has a diverse professional brief that occupies virtually every day of his year. National responsibilities Under the post-war 1947 constitution, Japan's emperor has no political power, but he retains several duties that relate to the country's political scene. He signs the documents formalising the nomination of the prime minister, members of the government, and Supreme Court president. He is not considered Japan's head of state, but he nonetheless plays a key role in matters of protocol, including opening sessions of parliament, promulgating laws and treaties, awarding honours and receiving credentials from incoming ambassadors. The emperor each year signs around a thousand documents and, according to the Imperial Household Agency, he scrutinises the contents of each one carefully. State visits are only qualified as such when they include a meeting with the emperor, and state banquets for visiting dignitaries are held at the palace. Receptions and ceremonies The royal couple also attend or preside over hundreds of ceremonies, receptions, performances, audiences and meals throughout the year, and welcome a wide range of guests to the palace including figures from the political and business world and civil society. But conversation must be careful: Members of the imperial family are prohibited from public statements of opinion that could be interpreted as weighing in on the political scene. And the emperor is also a key part of numerous rituals in Japan's native Shinto religion, including prayers for imperial ancestors held at the palace and for a good harvest. Visits and trips The imperial couple travel at least three times a year inside Japan, and they have put a focus on travelling soon after natural disasters to affected areas to meet survivors. This effort was characterised by the solemn address Emperor Akihito gave days after the 2011 tsunami to calm public fears in the wake of the disaster and the meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. From 2012 to 2016, the royal couple led the annual national ceremony commemorating the victims of the March 2011 tsunami. The royal couple have also visited hundreds of establishments for children, the elderly and people with handicaps across the country. And each year they preside over several national festivals promoting sports and the environment. Until recently, the royal pair were still travelling overseas though far less than in their younger years. The emperor has now largely handed over foreign engagements to other members of the royal family. Traditions and hobbies Both the emperor and empress enjoy composing "waka", a traditional form of Japanese poetry long associated with the royal family. Each January, the emperor organises readings of traditional New Year poetry at the palace. Poems written by the couple and ordinary citizens are read in front of the royal family and screened by national broadcaster NHK. Like his father Hirohito (known posthumously as Emperor Showa, after the name of his reign), Akihito each year plants and harvests rice from a field in the imperial grounds. He is also a passionate scientist with an interest in marine life and has published several journal articles. Empress Michiko is a pianist and music lover, and with the help of palace employees she cultivates silkworms at a centre in the royal residence. Part of the silk produced at the palace has been used to restore historic fabric artifacts belonging to the royal family.

Poetry and prayers: The daily life of Japan's emperor

When Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne, he will be taking on a role that has changed almost beyond recognition from its mythological origins.

Naruhito will be Japan's 126th emperor, in a line said to stretch back more than 2,600 years.

Recent decades have seen the emperor's role recast, as Naruhito's father - Akihito - stepped beyond his religious remit to offer not just prayers but also comfort to survivors of Japan's natural disasters.

He stunned the nation in 1991 when he rolled up his sleeves and took off his shoes in a shelter to kneel before survivors of a volcanic eruption - drawing outcry from some nationalist zealots.

His more modern approach was once seen as risky, said Yuji Otabe, history professor at Shizuoka University of Welfare.

"It was a sort of gamble," Otabe told AFP. "Such an act would have been impossible in the past because the Emperor was regarded as god."

But the changes have helped cement Akihito's popularity, with the vast majority of Japanese saying they have "positive feelings" or "respect" for him.

"In one era, emperors were like popes and in another they were like czars. Now the Emperor's role can be said to be similar to kings," said Asao Kure, associate professor at Kyoto Sangyo University.

"The roles of the emperor have mirrored each era of the country," Kure added.

Enormous power

Tradition holds that Japanese emperors are descended from legendary sun goddess Amaterasu, who imparted the "three treasures" of a mirror, sword and jewels that are a key part of the imperial regalia.

In keeping with their mythological status, the "treasures" are kept from public sight and will remain hidden even when handed to Naruhito as he takes the throne.

In the early years of Japan's imperial history, emperors were military commanders from powerful families who controlled wealthy settlements.

Regarded as descendants of Amaterasu, emperors have always played a key role in performing the rites of Japan's native Shinto religion, which venerates deities found in nature.

The role of the emperor in governing, however, has varied. Some, like Emperor Tenmu in the seventh century, wielded enormous power.

Dubbed "king of kings" by imperial enthusiasts, Tenmu shaped the political system based on ancient law and cemented imperial power.

But many other emperors served as little more than puppets or rubber stamps for samurai warriors or ambitious officials from leading families.

'Long live the emperor'

In the late 1860s, reformists brought in an era of rapid change that turned Japan from a rural backwater into a world power.

Compared to the titular heads of state that had come before, the new emperor Meiji -- great-grandfather of outgoing Emperor Akihito - wielded significant power.

Defined as "sacred and inviolable", the emperor was now a father figure to be served and obeyed by his family - the state.

That ideological framework was used by nationalists in the military and government to lead the country into conflict during World War II, when many young soldiers carried out suicide attacks screaming: "Long live the Emperor."

When Akihito was born in 1933, the role he was expected to inherit came with full sovereign powers, including dissolving parliament, issuing decrees and commanding the armed forces.

All that ended with Japan's defeat in World War II. Then crown prince Akihito listened in tears on August 15, 1945 as his father Hirohito made an unprecedented radio address to announce the shock loss.

The future of the imperial household hung in the balance, with some in favour of dissolving the monarchy because of Hirohito's war role.

But US General Douglas MacArthur, who led the post-war occupation of Japan, opted to preserve the dynasty while greatly curbing its power, effectively turning the emperor into a figurehead.

After World War II, an imperial rescript clarified the emperor should not be regarded as divine, but performing prayers for a successful harvest and national peace is still considered one of his key responsibilities.

Shifting with the times

Akihito embraced the revised role when he took the throne in 1989, and focused on remoulding the monarchy for a democratic age.

On top of religious and formal duties such as attending ceremonies and receiving foreign guests, he has advocated for peace even as debate continues on Hirohito's war role.

Akihito has also rejected nationalism, expressed "deep remorse" over Japan's past and called for history to be remembered, rather than revised.

He has said defining his position as emperor has been an "endless" process, one he now bequeaths to Naruhito.

The crown prince has already indicated he will continue reshaping the role, calling for "new royal duties" to fit modern times and saying he hopes, like his father, to be "close to the people".

When Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne, he will be taking on a role that has changed almost beyond recognition from its mythological origins.

When Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne, he will be taking on a role that has changed almost beyond recognition from its mythological origins. Naruhito will be Japan's 126th emperor, in a line said to stretch back more than 2,600 years. Recent decades have seen the emperor's role recast, as Naruhito's father - Akihito - stepped beyond his religious remit to offer not just prayers but also comfort to survivors of Japan's natural disasters. He stunned the nation in 1991 when he rolled up his sleeves and took off his shoes in a shelter to kneel before survivors of a volcanic eruption - drawing outcry from some nationalist zealots. His more modern approach was once seen as risky, said Yuji Otabe, history professor at Shizuoka University of Welfare. "It was a sort of gamble," Otabe told AFP. "Such an act would have been impossible in the past because the Emperor was regarded as god." But the changes have helped cement Akihito's popularity, with the vast majority of Japanese saying they have "positive feelings" or "respect" for him. "In one era, emperors were like popes and in another they were like czars. Now the Emperor's role can be said to be similar to kings," said Asao Kure, associate professor at Kyoto Sangyo University. "The roles of the emperor have mirrored each era of the country," Kure added. Enormous power Tradition holds that Japanese emperors are descended from legendary sun goddess Amaterasu, who imparted the "three treasures" of a mirror, sword and jewels that are a key part of the imperial regalia. In keeping with their mythological status, the "treasures" are kept from public sight and will remain hidden even when handed to Naruhito as he takes the throne. In the early years of Japan's imperial history, emperors were military commanders from powerful families who controlled wealthy settlements. Regarded as descendants of Amaterasu, emperors have always played a key role in performing the rites of Japan's native Shinto religion, which venerates deities found in nature. The role of the emperor in governing, however, has varied. Some, like Emperor Tenmu in the seventh century, wielded enormous power. Dubbed "king of kings" by imperial enthusiasts, Tenmu shaped the political system based on ancient law and cemented imperial power. But many other emperors served as little more than puppets or rubber stamps for samurai warriors or ambitious officials from leading families. 'Long live the emperor' In the late 1860s, reformists brought in an era of rapid change that turned Japan from a rural backwater into a world power. Compared to the titular heads of state that had come before, the new emperor Meiji -- great-grandfather of outgoing Emperor Akihito - wielded significant power. Defined as "sacred and inviolable", the emperor was now a father figure to be served and obeyed by his family - the state. That ideological framework was used by nationalists in the military and government to lead the country into conflict during World War II, when many young soldiers carried out suicide attacks screaming: "Long live the Emperor." When Akihito was born in 1933, the role he was expected to inherit came with full sovereign powers, including dissolving parliament, issuing decrees and commanding the armed forces. All that ended with Japan's defeat in World War II. Then crown prince Akihito listened in tears on August 15, 1945 as his father Hirohito made an unprecedented radio address to announce the shock loss. The future of the imperial household hung in the balance, with some in favour of dissolving the monarchy because of Hirohito's war role. But US General Douglas MacArthur, who led the post-war occupation of Japan, opted to preserve the dynasty while greatly curbing its power, effectively turning the emperor into a figurehead. After World War II, an imperial rescript clarified the emperor should not be regarded as divine, but performing prayers for a successful harvest and national peace is still considered one of his key responsibilities. Shifting with the times Akihito embraced the revised role when he took the throne in 1989, and focused on remoulding the monarchy for a democratic age. On top of religious and formal duties such as attending ceremonies and receiving foreign guests, he has advocated for peace even as debate continues on Hirohito's war role. Akihito has also rejected nationalism, expressed "deep remorse" over Japan's past and called for history to be remembered, rather than revised. He has said defining his position as emperor has been an "endless" process, one he now bequeaths to Naruhito. The crown prince has already indicated he will continue reshaping the role, calling for "new royal duties" to fit modern times and saying he hopes, like his father, to be "close to the people".

Japan's emperors: From divine commander to 'comforter-in-chief'

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