Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel.

Commission sources told Reuters the body agreed a total of 40 billion euros ($45.65 billion) should be provided in aid for the states affected by the coal phase-out up to 2040, less than the roughly 60 billion euros that they had asked for.

Over the next four years, plant operators, including RWE and Uniper, will be asked to shut down about 12 gigawatts of capacity early in a first step, members of the commission told Reuters after more than 20 hours of discussions.

This equals about 24 large power station units.

The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy for how to abandon polluting coal stations in favour of renewables, which accounted for more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time.

It is the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukishima disaster in 2011.

Following months of negotiations, the proposals of the committee, also known as the coal commission, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned coal exit into law.

While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, commission sources said that the phase-out could already be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible.

Compensation for companies and consumers experiencing higher electricity prices resulting from the coal phase-out should be 2 billion euros per year, with the exact amount to be fixed in 2023, a text of the commission's recommendations seen by Reuters showed.

Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel.

Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel. Commission sources told Reuters the body agreed a total of 40 billion euros ($45.65 billion) should be provided in aid for the states affected by the coal phase-out up to 2040, less than the roughly 60 billion euros that they had asked for. Over the next four years, plant operators, including RWE and Uniper, will be asked to shut down about 12 gigawatts of capacity early in a first step, members of the commission told Reuters after more than 20 hours of discussions. This equals about 24 large power station units. The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy for how to abandon polluting coal stations in favour of renewables, which accounted for more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time. It is the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukishima disaster in 2011. Following months of negotiations, the proposals of the committee, also known as the coal commission, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned coal exit into law. While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, commission sources said that the phase-out could already be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible. Compensation for companies and consumers experiencing higher electricity prices resulting from the coal phase-out should be 2 billion euros per year, with the exact amount to be fixed in 2023, a text of the commission's recommendations seen by Reuters showed.

Germany should fully phase out coal by 2038: Commission

Carlos Ghosn has resigned from French carmaker Renault, French finance minister Bruno Le Maire told Bloomberg Television in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"Carlos Ghosn just resigned last night," said Le Maire.

Renault's board will meet on Thursday to replace Ghosn, in a move that could help ease tensions with alliance partner Nissan following Ghosn's arrest in Japan for alleged financial misconduct.

The meeting will start at 0900 GMT and consider the proposed appointment of outgoing Michelin boss Jean-Dominique Senard as chairman and the promotion of Ghosn's deputy Thierry Bollore to CEO, three sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters.

The Tokyo District Court on January 15 denied former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn's request for release on bail after his indictment last week on two new charges, including for aggravated breach of trust.

Ghosn, the once-feted auto executive, awaits a lengthy criminal trial that could be as long as six months away, after his surprise arrest on November 19.

Carlos Ghosn has resigned from French carmaker Renault, French finance minister Bruno Le Maire told Bloomberg Television in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Carlos Ghosn has resigned from French carmaker Renault, French finance minister Bruno Le Maire told Bloomberg Television in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "Carlos Ghosn just resigned last night," said Le Maire. Renault's board will meet on Thursday to replace Ghosn, in a move that could help ease tensions with alliance partner Nissan following Ghosn's arrest in Japan for alleged financial misconduct. The meeting will start at 0900 GMT and consider the proposed appointment of outgoing Michelin boss Jean-Dominique Senard as chairman and the promotion of Ghosn's deputy Thierry Bollore to CEO, three sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters. The Tokyo District Court on January 15 denied former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn's request for release on bail after his indictment last week on two new charges, including for aggravated breach of trust. Ghosn, the once-feted auto executive, awaits a lengthy criminal trial that could be as long as six months away, after his surprise arrest on November 19.

Carlos Ghosn resigned from Renault on January 22

Japanese noodle firm Nissin announced Thursday it was scrapping an "anime" advert featuring tennis star Naomi Osaka, after portraying the half-Haitian player with pale skin, sparking accusations of "whitewashing."

The cup noodle firm, which sponsors the US Open women's champion, found itself in hot water with its cartoon advert also featuring fellow tennis star Kei Nishikori, as the pale-skinned character bore scant resemblance to the 21-year-old Osaka.

The anime adverts "have already been dropped", Daisuke Okabayashi, a spokesman for Nissin Foods, told AFP.

"We never had the intention to do what is known as 'whitewashing', but with this becoming an issue, we will pay more attention to respect for diversity in our PR activities," added Okabayashi.

He added that they did not consider either blackening or whitening the skin colour of the characters. "We were trying to create them to match the world of Japanese animation," stressed Okabayashi.

The firm had intially obtained agreement from Osaka via her representatives, added the spokesman.

Osaka, who has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was raised in the United States, has not commented publicly on the issue as she bids for a second consecutive Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

The advert sparked debate on social media, with one user writing: "Didn't anyone question why her skin colour was so pale? Her identity is completely ignored."

Another Japanese twitter user complained: "This isn't Naomi Osaka. Isn't this clearly whitewashing?"

However, others noted Nishikori was also portrayed with lighter skin, which tends to be the norm in "anime" cartoons.

The real Nishikori "isn't that light, eyes aren't that round, and nose is wider. They are both drawn in anime style," said one defender of the advert.

Osaka has dual Japanese-American citizenship and often replies to questions from Japan's media in English, apologising for not knowing the appropriate word when she speaks Japanese.

Japan remains a fairly homogeneous country, and mixed race children can often face prejudice, although attitudes among younger generations are changing.

Osaka became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam last year after beating Serena Williams at the US Open.

That match also sparked a cartoon/race controversy when a caricature of Williams, who is black, appeared showing a butch and fat-lipped player jumping up and down on a broken racquet.

The match was marked by heated exchanges between Williams and the umpire.

Osaka and Williams were on a semi-final collision course at the Australian Open but the American coughed up a match point to lose to Karolina Pliskova.

Japanese noodle firm Nissin announced Thursday it was scrapping an "anime" advert featuring tennis star Naomi Osaka, after portraying the half-Haitian player with pale skin, sparking accusations of "whitewashing.

Japanese noodle firm Nissin announced Thursday it was scrapping an "anime" advert featuring tennis star Naomi Osaka, after portraying the half-Haitian player with pale skin, sparking accusations of "whitewashing." The cup noodle firm, which sponsors the US Open women's champion, found itself in hot water with its cartoon advert also featuring fellow tennis star Kei Nishikori, as the pale-skinned character bore scant resemblance to the 21-year-old Osaka. The anime adverts "have already been dropped", Daisuke Okabayashi, a spokesman for Nissin Foods, told AFP. "We never had the intention to do what is known as 'whitewashing', but with this becoming an issue, we will pay more attention to respect for diversity in our PR activities," added Okabayashi. He added that they did not consider either blackening or whitening the skin colour of the characters. "We were trying to create them to match the world of Japanese animation," stressed Okabayashi. The firm had intially obtained agreement from Osaka via her representatives, added the spokesman. Osaka, who has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was raised in the United States, has not commented publicly on the issue as she bids for a second consecutive Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The advert sparked debate on social media, with one user writing: "Didn't anyone question why her skin colour was so pale? Her identity is completely ignored." Another Japanese twitter user complained: "This isn't Naomi Osaka. Isn't this clearly whitewashing?" However, others noted Nishikori was also portrayed with lighter skin, which tends to be the norm in "anime" cartoons. The real Nishikori "isn't that light, eyes aren't that round, and nose is wider. They are both drawn in anime style," said one defender of the advert. Osaka has dual Japanese-American citizenship and often replies to questions from Japan's media in English, apologising for not knowing the appropriate word when she speaks Japanese. Japan remains a fairly homogeneous country, and mixed race children can often face prejudice, although attitudes among younger generations are changing. Osaka became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam last year after beating Serena Williams at the US Open. That match also sparked a cartoon/race controversy when a caricature of Williams, who is black, appeared showing a butch and fat-lipped player jumping up and down on a broken racquet. The match was marked by heated exchanges between Williams and the umpire. Osaka and Williams were on a semi-final collision course at the Australian Open but the American coughed up a match point to lose to Karolina Pliskova.

Japan firm pulls Naomi Osaka ad amid 'whitewash' spat

The leaders of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/any-deal-to-end-island-row-with-japan-needs-public-support-putin-after-meeting-japan-pm-192083">Russia and Japan fell short of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/any-deal-to-end-island-row-with-japan-needs-public-support-putin-after-meeting-japan-pm-192083">agreement</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/any-deal-to-end-island-row-with-japan-needs-public-support-putin-after-meeting-japan-pm-192083"> </a>Tuesday over a disputed island chain that has long prevented a peace treaty to formally end World War II.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Moscow marked the 25th time he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have met since 2013, a reflection of their efforts to build cooperation despite the territorial disagreement.

The Soviet army seized the four Kuril islands, between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean, in the last days of World War II.

Tokyo's refusal to recognise Moscow's sovereignty there has been a barrier to peace for more than seven decades.

Putin told journalists following the talks there that "detailed work" remained ahead of the two parties before any agreement, but hailed the summit as "useful and substantial."&nbsp;

He confirmed Moscow is still interested in building the negotiating process on a 1956 Soviet-Japanese declaration "which stipulates first and foremost the signing of a peace accord," Putin said.

The declaration mooted giving Japan two of the smaller islands after a peace deal, which fell through due to Tokyo's claim over all four and its eventual military alliance with Washington.

Abe said at the joint briefing that the leaders "discussed the peace agreement without hiding anything from one another" and "agreed to continue energetic work," in comments translated from Japanese.

Earlier this month Moscow responded furiously to a New Year's message from Abe in which the Japanese leader said Russians living on the islands should be helped to accept that the "sovereignty of their homes will change".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tokyo needed to recognise Russia's sovereignty over the Kurils.

"Why is Japan the only country in the world that cannot accept the results of World War II in their entirety?" he asked.

Moscow has also lamented Japan's hesitance to invest in Russian projects, including on the Kuril islands themselves.

On Tuesday, Putin said that no "qualitative shift" has happened in the realm of economic cooperation, hoping that bilateral trade would grow to USD 30 billion from about USD 18 billion in 2017.

His spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated after the summit that Moscow would be keen to see some investment to get the peace talks rolling. "Trade and economic ties must be developed, and that will allow other issues to be resolved."&nbsp;

Abe's Moscow visit is the first leg of a trip to Europe, which will also include a speech at the Davos forum in Switzerland on Wednesday.

Recent reports indicated that Abe may be leaning toward a framework that would see Japan claiming two of the smaller islands, Shikotan and Habomai, which is actually a group of uninhabited islets.

But it is not clear whether the Kremlin would be willing to transfer sovereignty over any territory.

The chain ensures Russia's strategic control of the Sea of Okhotsk, and some southern islands in the chain are less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from Japan's Hokkaido island.

Giving away even uninhabited islands would be poorly received in Russia, where World War II is hugely symbolic and post-war territorial gains are seen as non-negotiable.

On Tuesday morning, a small group of protesters holding leftist red flags gathered near the Japanese embassy in Moscow. Leftist politician Sergei Udaltsov wrote on Facebook that 11 people were detained by police.

An opinion poll by independent Russian pollster Levada Centre last month suggested that 74 per cent of Russians would not support exchanging some of the islands for a peace deal, while only 17 per cent said they would.

To make a deal work "a vast majority of the public in Russia and Japan must support the agreement," Dmitry Trenin, who heads the Carnegie Moscow Centre, wrote in the Vedomosti newspaper.

Russian state television has been unenthusiastic about the summit. Top news presenter Dmitry Kiselyov disputed the very notion that Japan could be a "friend" of Russia as long as it opposed Moscow's policies and had US military "occupying" its territory.

As for the Kurils, Kiselyov said on his popular "News of the Week" show that 90 per cent of Russians were against giving any of them back to Tokyo. "Would Putin want to ignore this powerful public opinion?" he asked. "Impossible."&nbsp;

The leaders of Russia and Japan fell short of agreement Tuesday over a disputed island chain that has long prevented a peace treaty to formally end World War II.

The leaders of Russia and Japan fell short of agreement Tuesday over a disputed island chain that has long prevented a peace treaty to formally end World War II. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Moscow marked the 25th time he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have met since 2013, a reflection of their efforts to build cooperation despite the territorial disagreement. The Soviet army seized the four Kuril islands, between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean, in the last days of World War II. Tokyo's refusal to recognise Moscow's sovereignty there has been a barrier to peace for more than seven decades. Putin told journalists following the talks there that "detailed work" remained ahead of the two parties before any agreement, but hailed the summit as "useful and substantial." He confirmed Moscow is still interested in building the negotiating process on a 1956 Soviet-Japanese declaration "which stipulates first and foremost the signing of a peace accord," Putin said. The declaration mooted giving Japan two of the smaller islands after a peace deal, which fell through due to Tokyo's claim over all four and its eventual military alliance with Washington. Abe said at the joint briefing that the leaders "discussed the peace agreement without hiding anything from one another" and "agreed to continue energetic work," in comments translated from Japanese. Earlier this month Moscow responded furiously to a New Year's message from Abe in which the Japanese leader said Russians living on the islands should be helped to accept that the "sovereignty of their homes will change". Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tokyo needed to recognise Russia's sovereignty over the Kurils. "Why is Japan the only country in the world that cannot accept the results of World War II in their entirety?" he asked. Moscow has also lamented Japan's hesitance to invest in Russian projects, including on the Kuril islands themselves. On Tuesday, Putin said that no "qualitative shift" has happened in the realm of economic cooperation, hoping that bilateral trade would grow to USD 30 billion from about USD 18 billion in 2017. His spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated after the summit that Moscow would be keen to see some investment to get the peace talks rolling. "Trade and economic ties must be developed, and that will allow other issues to be resolved." Abe's Moscow visit is the first leg of a trip to Europe, which will also include a speech at the Davos forum in Switzerland on Wednesday. Recent reports indicated that Abe may be leaning toward a framework that would see Japan claiming two of the smaller islands, Shikotan and Habomai, which is actually a group of uninhabited islets. But it is not clear whether the Kremlin would be willing to transfer sovereignty over any territory. The chain ensures Russia's strategic control of the Sea of Okhotsk, and some southern islands in the chain are less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from Japan's Hokkaido island. Giving away even uninhabited islands would be poorly received in Russia, where World War II is hugely symbolic and post-war territorial gains are seen as non-negotiable. On Tuesday morning, a small group of protesters holding leftist red flags gathered near the Japanese embassy in Moscow. Leftist politician Sergei Udaltsov wrote on Facebook that 11 people were detained by police. An opinion poll by independent Russian pollster Levada Centre last month suggested that 74 per cent of Russians would not support exchanging some of the islands for a peace deal, while only 17 per cent said they would. To make a deal work "a vast majority of the public in Russia and Japan must support the agreement," Dmitry Trenin, who heads the Carnegie Moscow Centre, wrote in the Vedomosti newspaper. Russian state television has been unenthusiastic about the summit. Top news presenter Dmitry Kiselyov disputed the very notion that Japan could be a "friend" of Russia as long as it opposed Moscow's policies and had US military "occupying" its territory. As for the Kurils, Kiselyov said on his popular "News of the Week" show that 90 per cent of Russians were against giving any of them back to Tokyo. "Would Putin want to ignore this powerful public opinion?" he asked. "Impossible."

Putin, Abe talks fail to break island impasse

The Kremlin on Monday dampened expectations of any breakthrough at the upcoming summit between the leaders of Russia and Japan, saying striking a peace deal would be a very "drawn out" process.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-president-vladimir-putin-calls-pm-modi-discussed-cooperation-in-fighting-international-terrorism-188852&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjewqjR6P7fAhWtVt8KHWpJAooQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1SU5AzJhi-1dmCOTvMFt_i">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Tuesday in Moscow, part of revived negotiations aiming to formally end World War II.&nbsp;

The peace process stalled in the 1950s due to a dispute over the Kuril islands the Soviet army occupied in the last days of the war.

"The president has said from the start that the issue of signing a peace agreement with Japan will be very drawn out in terms of time," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists hours before Abe's expected touchdown in the Russian capital.

"The talks are in their initial stage," he said.&nbsp;

Tokyo claims as their own the so-called southern Kurils, a string of islands just north of Hokkaido which it calls Northern Territories.&nbsp;

In the 1950s, the Soviet Union had said it would be willing to transfer Shikotan island and Habomai, a group of islets, to Japan, following a signed peace accord.

Japan at the time refused, demanding the entire chain, which also includes the islands of Iturup and Kunashir.

The notion that Moscow could now cede any territory to Japan is extremely sensitive in Russian society, with a number of protests held against it in recent weeks, including in Moscow at the weekend.

Peskov did not rule out the possibility that Putin could hand over territory in exchange for a peace deal.

"Nobody has officially offered anything, so any eventual line of reasoning is hardly appropriate, they don't help the spirit of the talks," he said.&nbsp;

"Nobody is going to go against their national interests," Peskov said.

Three of the islands are inhabited while Habomai is a group of islets with only the presence of a border patrol. &nbsp;

The Kremlin on Monday dampened expectations of any breakthrough at the upcoming summit between the leaders of Russia and Japan, saying striking a peace deal would be a very "drawn out" process.

The Kremlin on Monday dampened expectations of any breakthrough at the upcoming summit between the leaders of Russia and Japan, saying striking a peace deal would be a very "drawn out" process. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Tuesday in Moscow, part of revived negotiations aiming to formally end World War II. The peace process stalled in the 1950s due to a dispute over the Kuril islands the Soviet army occupied in the last days of the war. "The president has said from the start that the issue of signing a peace agreement with Japan will be very drawn out in terms of time," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists hours before Abe's expected touchdown in the Russian capital. "The talks are in their initial stage," he said. Tokyo claims as their own the so-called southern Kurils, a string of islands just north of Hokkaido which it calls Northern Territories. In the 1950s, the Soviet Union had said it would be willing to transfer Shikotan island and Habomai, a group of islets, to Japan, following a signed peace accord. Japan at the time refused, demanding the entire chain, which also includes the islands of Iturup and Kunashir. The notion that Moscow could now cede any territory to Japan is extremely sensitive in Russian society, with a number of protests held against it in recent weeks, including in Moscow at the weekend. Peskov did not rule out the possibility that Putin could hand over territory in exchange for a peace deal. "Nobody has officially offered anything, so any eventual line of reasoning is hardly appropriate, they don't help the spirit of the talks," he said. "Nobody is going to go against their national interests," Peskov said. Three of the islands are inhabited while Habomai is a group of islets with only the presence of a border patrol.

Peace talks with Japan a 'drawn out' process: Russia

Japan has started the process of importing Iranian oil, which was suspended due to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-give-iran-oil-sanctions-waiver-to-eight-countries-including-india-south-korea-japan-report-175107">US sanctions</a>, the governor of Iran's central bank said on Monday.

The resumption of oil imports comes after Tokyo was granted a waiver from US sanctions that went into effect in November. Iran is the fourth-largest oil producer among the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

"After China, South Korea, India and Turkey, Japan also started the process of importing Iranian oil," Abdolnaser Hemmati was quoted as saying by the state news agency IRNA.

Iran's oil exports have fallen sharply since US President Donald Trump said in May 2018 the United States would withdraw from a pact curtailing Iran's disputed nuclear programme and reimpose sanctions on Tehran.

However, exemptions have been granted to Iran's biggest oil clients - Japan, China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, Greece and Turkey - which allow them to import some oil for another 180 days.

Iranian oil accounted for 5.3 per cent of Japan's total crude imports in 2018.

Japan has started the process of importing Iranian oil, which was suspended due to US sanctions, the governor of Iran's central bank said on Monday. The resumption of oil imports comes after Tokyo was granted a waiver from US sanctions that went into effect in November.

Japan has started the process of importing Iranian oil, which was suspended due to US sanctions, the governor of Iran's central bank said on Monday. The resumption of oil imports comes after Tokyo was granted a waiver from US sanctions that went into effect in November. Iran is the fourth-largest oil producer among the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. "After China, South Korea, India and Turkey, Japan also started the process of importing Iranian oil," Abdolnaser Hemmati was quoted as saying by the state news agency IRNA. Iran's oil exports have fallen sharply since US President Donald Trump said in May 2018 the United States would withdraw from a pact curtailing Iran's disputed nuclear programme and reimpose sanctions on Tehran. However, exemptions have been granted to Iran's biggest oil clients - Japan, China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, Greece and Turkey - which allow them to import some oil for another 180 days. Iranian oil accounted for 5.3 per cent of Japan's total crude imports in 2018.

Iran says Japan has started process of importing Iranian oil

&nbsp;Lawyers for former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-rejects-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosns-release-bid-189183">Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn</a> on Thursday appealed against a decision by a Tokyo court to refuse him bail, as he faces charges on three counts of financial misconduct.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wife-says-ex-nissan-boss-ghosn-suffers-harsh-treatment-in-jail-190120">Since his stunning arrest </a>on November 19, the auto tycoon has languished in a Tokyo detention centre facing questioning over allegations he under-reported his salary and tried to shift personal losses onto the company.

On January 11 he was formally charged on two of the counts and his request for bail refused again. Even his own lawyer has admitted he is likely to be kept behind bars until a trial&nbsp; - which could take six months.

The court has previously refused to release the 64-year-old Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian businessman on the grounds that he could present a flight risk and destroy evidence.

The appeal came as the French government called for him to be replaced at the head of Renault, the only one of the three companies he used to head that has retained him.

Japanese firms Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors jettisoned him as boss almost immediately after his arrest, but Renault was more cautious and appointed an interim leader while Ghosn fought the charges.

If the bail appeal is turned down he faces at least a two-month period in pre-trial detention. This can be extended almost automatically by one month at a time.

His wife Carole has appealed to Human Rights Watch over his detention, saying he was being held in "harsh" conditions and subjected to round-the-clock interrogations in an attempt to extract a confession.

Ghosn has been seen only once in public since his detention, in a dramatic court appearance.

He had clearly lost a lot of weight but seemed otherwise in good health. He passionately proclaimed his innocence and his love for Nissan, a company he is widely credited with saving from the brink of bankruptcy.

"I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," Ghosn told a packed courtroom.

Lawyers for former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn on Thursday appealed against a decision by a Tokyo court to refuse him bail, as he faces charges on three counts of financial misconduct.

Lawyers for former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn on Thursday appealed against a decision by a Tokyo court to refuse him bail, as he faces charges on three counts of financial misconduct. Since his stunning arrest on November 19, the auto tycoon has languished in a Tokyo detention centre facing questioning over allegations he under-reported his salary and tried to shift personal losses onto the company. On January 11 he was formally charged on two of the counts and his request for bail refused again. Even his own lawyer has admitted he is likely to be kept behind bars until a trial - which could take six months. The court has previously refused to release the 64-year-old Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian businessman on the grounds that he could present a flight risk and destroy evidence. The appeal came as the French government called for him to be replaced at the head of Renault, the only one of the three companies he used to head that has retained him. Japanese firms Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors jettisoned him as boss almost immediately after his arrest, but Renault was more cautious and appointed an interim leader while Ghosn fought the charges. If the bail appeal is turned down he faces at least a two-month period in pre-trial detention. This can be extended almost automatically by one month at a time. His wife Carole has appealed to Human Rights Watch over his detention, saying he was being held in "harsh" conditions and subjected to round-the-clock interrogations in an attempt to extract a confession. Ghosn has been seen only once in public since his detention, in a dramatic court appearance. He had clearly lost a lot of weight but seemed otherwise in good health. He passionately proclaimed his innocence and his love for Nissan, a company he is widely credited with saving from the brink of bankruptcy. "I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," Ghosn told a packed courtroom.

Ex-Nissan chief Ghosn appeals against bail rejection

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday denied <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-says-fbi-arrested-russian-a-day-after-it-detained-ex-us-marine-188459&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiUvvW0iPLfAhWQfH0KHXdgDDsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LxRZOzYEW2u4qC5YbY7oH">Moscow</a> was imposing an ultimatum on Japan in talks to end a decades-long territorial dispute but called on Tokyo to recognise the results of World War Two.

Japan is currently mounting a push to reach a peace deal with Russia that would end a dispute over islands captured by Soviet troops in the last days of World War Two.

The islands are known as the Southern Kuriles to Russia and the Northern Territories to Japan. Russia has said Tokyo must first recognise Russian sovereignty over the islands in order for any progress to be made in peace talks.

"These are not pre-conditions, it's just an effort to understand why Japan is the only country in the world which cannot say: 'I accept the results of World World Two in their entirety'," Lavrov told a news conference.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday denied Moscow was imposing an ultimatum on Japan in talks to end a decades-long territorial dispute but called on Tokyo to recognise the results of World War Two.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday denied Moscow was imposing an ultimatum on Japan in talks to end a decades-long territorial dispute but called on Tokyo to recognise the results of World War Two. Japan is currently mounting a push to reach a peace deal with Russia that would end a dispute over islands captured by Soviet troops in the last days of World War Two. The islands are known as the Southern Kuriles to Russia and the Northern Territories to Japan. Russia has said Tokyo must first recognise Russian sovereignty over the islands in order for any progress to be made in peace talks. "These are not pre-conditions, it's just an effort to understand why Japan is the only country in the world which cannot say: 'I accept the results of World World Two in their entirety'," Lavrov told a news conference.

Russia calls on Japan to recognise outcome of World War Two

By Rejeanne Lacroix

Last year, the 70-year-long territorial dispute between Russia and Japan over the Kuril Islands again rose to prominence. On September 12, at an economic development conference in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended the surprising offer to mutually resolve the quarrel to his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. From this point, a flurry of diplomatic engagements, such as the November 14 meeting in Singapore and a Putin-Abe tete-a-tete on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, gained significant meaning. High-level discourse is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with Russian and Japanese foreign ministers meeting on January 14, and special envoys focused on a peace treaty to officially put an end to World War II have been established.

Much of this fresh urgency to resolve the decades-long territorial dispute presents hypothetical scenarios that a peace accord could follow. It is easy to fall into a trap that such an extended disagreement could be solved speedily and opportunely.&nbsp;

Diplomatic efforts seeking mutually acceptable solutions dotted the 20th century, and the title to the Kuril Islands remains an elusive political dilemma. Impediments to a Russo-Japanese agreement are more palpable in the current international order, with security a key factor.

Past diplomatic attempts

The Southern Kurils — or Chishima Retto, known as the Northern Territories in Japan — is a small segment of Russia’s Far-Eastern Sakhalin region. Both Russia and Japan claim sovereignty over the islands as they are located in the Sea of Okhotsk between northern Hokkaido and southern Kamchatka. Nonetheless, it is important to note that Japan unequivocally claims its rights to Iturup, Habomai, Kunashir and Shikotan islands of the archipelago.

In the waning days of World War II, the Soviet army captured the now-contested islands during the Kuril Landing Operation that took place between August 18 and September 1, 1945. Ensuing international efforts attempted to regulate a world order thrown into disarray by years of conflict and resolve the numerous questions over sovereignty in the postwar period. The Yalta Agreement (February 1945), the Potsdam Declaration (July 1945) and the Treaty of San Francisco (September 1951) provided elementary diplomatic resources for managing questions over the Kuril Islands, but they were vague and politically tarnished.

For instance, the Japanese disagreed with the indistinct wording in its terms of surrender, signed at Potsdam, which stated that “Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor islands as we determine.” Further, the previous agreement in Yalta, in which it was ordered the Kuril Islands be transferred to the Soviet Union, became obsolete by the time Cold War rhetoric entrenched the Allied-Japanese peace treaty in San Francisco.

On October 19, 1956, the USSR and Japan signed the Soviet-Japanese Joint Declaration. This is an important document in regard to contemporary diplomatic undertakings, as it has been offered as the basis for a resolution. Article 9 states that the Soviet Union — succeeded now by the Russian Federation — agreed to transfer the islands of Habomai and Shikotan after the conclusion of a peace treaty. Notably missing from the arrangement are the other islands of Iturup and Kunashir. As a result, it was assumed that Japan abandoned its claims to these lands, resulting in interference by the United States. Unwilling to cede an inch&nbsp;to the USSR, Washington leveraged that if the Japanese signed the two islands over to the Soviets, the Americans would retain Okinawa. No deal could be finalized under such a coercive arrangement.

In 1960, Japan and the United States signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. The US adopted the role of guarantor of Japanese security and laid the foundations for continued American military presence in the Pacific. An angered Moscow reacted by rescinding any agreements previously made to transfer Habomai and Shikotan to Japanese jurisdiction. This position would stand as long as foreign military installations and forces operated on Japanese territory. The influence of the United States foreshadows the stumbling blocks to a Russo-Japanese deal today.

Disparate demands

Many variables that hindered a resolution to the Kuril Islands dispute remain at the centre of contemporary diplomatic hurdles. Japan demands that questions over sovereignty must be addressed prior to any discussions of land exchange. Abe firmly stated this sentiment after the offer he made in Vladivostok in September. Tokyo brings a historical geographic case, while Moscow argues that the islands were absorbed into Russian territory as part of its wartime operations and postwar agreements. Matters of sovereignty must be resolved. However, a more pressing query must be handled first: Which components of the Pacific security framework are up for negotiation in a state of geopolitical mistrust between Russia and the United States?

Both countries find themselves in a situation where neither will wholly achieve its desired objectives. Abe stated that he is determined to facilitate negotiations on a peace treaty when he meets with Putin. Further, there are reports that Tokyo seeks to waive Russia’s responsibility to pay compensation over the displacement of Japanese citizens that once inhabited the islands. This is a positive and conciliatory development in solving the historic disagreement, however, it assumes that Russia would relinquish its claims to sovereignty over the islands before effective negotiations are complete. This clashes with Moscow’s long-stated assessment that Japan must accept the current arrangement, which is backed by international law. As sovereignty remains at the core of Japan’s claims, unless some great diplomatic feat is accomplished, issues that stymied resolution in the past will persist.

Nevertheless, Japan must negotiate under the influence of its close relationship and security pact with the United States. Putin recently asserted that US military involvement in Japan complicates any forthcoming agreement and expressed his concerns over the strategic use of an American air defense system in Japan. Abe contends that a Kuril Islands peace treaty would have a positive overall effect on the security framework of the Asia-Pacific region, which would be most beneficial to the United States. While this sounds advantageous to the Japanese public and officials in Washington, it does little to stimulate concessions from Moscow. Russia will be steadfast in its demands that the exchanged territories be exempt from the US-Japan security treaty, and that Habomai and Shikotan are off-limits to military development. This would see a continuance of rhetoric like that in Eastern Europe, where Moscow voices its displeasure of US military installations in bordering states.

As a result, Japanese concessions to Russian demands are unlikely when their guarantor of security is the United States. Mutual mistrust between Washington and Moscow under the shadow of the current geopolitical atmosphere means that Tokyo is in a difficult position to negotiate freely. Abe can speak optimistically about the security advantages in store for America. However, Russian lawmakers, such as Senator Frants Klintsevich, in turn argue in favor of preserving Russian borders and security in “broad terms.” Additionally, subsequent and separate Japanese-American discussions would be required if the two states conclusively decide to omit Habomai and Shikotan from the coverage of the security treaty. Not only is this unlikely, but it would extend the diplomatic effort needed to settle the Kuril Islands stalemate in its entirety.

Russia must also negotiate carefully. Recent precedents, such as the transfer of Tarabarov Island and a part of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island to China in 2004 demonstrate that Moscow is capable of settling decades-old land claims. It was during this timeframe that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov subsequently extended an offer to exchange small islands in the Kuril chain for a peace treaty with Japan. Nevertheless, the political climate was more optimistic then, and American influence over Asia-Pacific security was inapplicable to that situation.

While Japanese public opinion strongly supports the recuperation of its perceived territory, Russian polling demonstrates a robust dissatisfaction were Moscow to relinquish sovereignty of the Kuril Islands. Residents of the Sakhalin region are markedly in disagreement with any proposed exchange of sovereignty. Since the official announcements to reopen the issue emerged, citizens have sent letters to Putin, and the local branch of the Communist Party organized a protest. Any sort of finalized Russo-Japanese peace treaty without consulting the affected population will be an additional example of the Russian Far East feeling further disconnected from Moscow. Authorities focus on the economic potential of the region and thus give adequate attention to these matters. However, it seems as though little thought is directed toward deeper disenfranchisement in the Far East if a settlement is reached.

Island-scale militarisation

Japan stresses that the Kuril Islands must be demilitarised if any serious proposals are to come to fruition. That is a lofty demand. Moscow’s security outlook incorporates strategic use of the isles as a part of its Pacific defence operations. In this case, Moscow follows its evident modus operandi of establishing military installations in disputed areas. While not a part of Russia proper like the Kuril Islands, Russia established military bases in South Ossetia and Abkhazia under similar pretences. Use of this tactic enhances the reach of Moscow’s security framework from the mainland and, in this case, the Pacific region.

US involvement in the Pacific, as well as ongoing security concerns in the region, provides Russia with strong arguments to only accept a deal that protects its interests and security. Subsequently, it is safe to predict that Russia will stick to the claim that its sovereignty over the South Kurils is non-negotiable, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated today, and a settlement to the dispute does not mean any territory will be exchanged.

While touting Russian Arctic military capabilities, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu recently noted the continued construction of military infrastructure on the Kurils. This is part of a steady Russification of the lands and falls in step with previous Russian government announcements. For example, on February 10, 2011, then-President Dmitry Medvedev instructed that sophisticated weaponry be deployed to the offshore bases as part of an overall security plan for greater Russia. Following this, in 2016, it was announced that the Kremlin would deploy Bal and Bastion rocket systems on Iturup and utilize Eleron-3 drones for the purposes of Pacific defense. Thus, a complete demilitarization of the South Kurils where Russia would retain command seems unlikely. This will be one of those hurdles where vast differences hinder a peace accord that leaves both parties satisfied.

Russia and Japan have disparate views on the Kuril Islands that can only be overcome through significant concessions. A singular view of sovereignty must be acknowledged prior to any handover of territory. However, this is a primary roadblock. Neither state wants to back down from its title even under the umbrella of the 1956 Soviet-Japanese Joint Declaration as the mutual baseline for discussion. The current global political atmosphere adds yet another confounding layer to the security arrangements established in the region.

A renewed interest in finally achieving peace after 70 years of the territorial standoff is an admirable undertaking, but it would be foolish to think entitlement to the Kuril Islands could be achieved either quickly or smoothly. Russia and Japan will understandably argue in favour of a resolution that does not infringe upon their respective national security plans or demands. Each state will have its set limits where security trumps any exchange of ownership. In the end, diplomacy is fluid, and one can reticently hope for a viable outcome to a postwar problem.

(Rejeanne Lacroix is a Canadian independent researcher focusing on international security and the post-Soviet space)

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/asia_pacific/japan-russia-kuril-islands-dispute-asia-pacific-security-news-17551/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

By Rejeanne Lacroix Last year, the 70-year-long territorial dispute between Russia and Japan over the Kuril Islands again rose to prominence. On September 12, at an economic development conference in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended the surprising offer to mutually resolve the quarrel to his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

By Rejeanne Lacroix Last year, the 70-year-long territorial dispute between Russia and Japan over the Kuril Islands again rose to prominence. On September 12, at an economic development conference in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended the surprising offer to mutually resolve the quarrel to his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. From this point, a flurry of diplomatic engagements, such as the November 14 meeting in Singapore and a Putin-Abe tete-a-tete on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, gained significant meaning. High-level discourse is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with Russian and Japanese foreign ministers meeting on January 14, and special envoys focused on a peace treaty to officially put an end to World War II have been established. Much of this fresh urgency to resolve the decades-long territorial dispute presents hypothetical scenarios that a peace accord could follow. It is easy to fall into a trap that such an extended disagreement could be solved speedily and opportunely. Diplomatic efforts seeking mutually acceptable solutions dotted the 20th century, and the title to the Kuril Islands remains an elusive political dilemma. Impediments to a Russo-Japanese agreement are more palpable in the current international order, with security a key factor. Past diplomatic attempts The Southern Kurils — or Chishima Retto, known as the Northern Territories in Japan — is a small segment of Russia’s Far-Eastern Sakhalin region. Both Russia and Japan claim sovereignty over the islands as they are located in the Sea of Okhotsk between northern Hokkaido and southern Kamchatka. Nonetheless, it is important to note that Japan unequivocally claims its rights to Iturup, Habomai, Kunashir and Shikotan islands of the archipelago. In the waning days of World War II, the Soviet army captured the now-contested islands during the Kuril Landing Operation that took place between August 18 and September 1, 1945. Ensuing international efforts attempted to regulate a world order thrown into disarray by years of conflict and resolve the numerous questions over sovereignty in the postwar period. The Yalta Agreement (February 1945), the Potsdam Declaration (July 1945) and the Treaty of San Francisco (September 1951) provided elementary diplomatic resources for managing questions over the Kuril Islands, but they were vague and politically tarnished. For instance, the Japanese disagreed with the indistinct wording in its terms of surrender, signed at Potsdam, which stated that “Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor islands as we determine.” Further, the previous agreement in Yalta, in which it was ordered the Kuril Islands be transferred to the Soviet Union, became obsolete by the time Cold War rhetoric entrenched the Allied-Japanese peace treaty in San Francisco. On October 19, 1956, the USSR and Japan signed the Soviet-Japanese Joint Declaration. This is an important document in regard to contemporary diplomatic undertakings, as it has been offered as the basis for a resolution. Article 9 states that the Soviet Union — succeeded now by the Russian Federation — agreed to transfer the islands of Habomai and Shikotan after the conclusion of a peace treaty. Notably missing from the arrangement are the other islands of Iturup and Kunashir. As a result, it was assumed that Japan abandoned its claims to these lands, resulting in interference by the United States. Unwilling to cede an inch to the USSR, Washington leveraged that if the Japanese signed the two islands over to the Soviets, the Americans would retain Okinawa. No deal could be finalized under such a coercive arrangement. In 1960, Japan and the United States signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. The US adopted the role of guarantor of Japanese security and laid the foundations for continued American military presence in the Pacific. An angered Moscow reacted by rescinding any agreements previously made to transfer Habomai and Shikotan to Japanese jurisdiction. This position would stand as long as foreign military installations and forces operated on Japanese territory. The influence of the United States foreshadows the stumbling blocks to a Russo-Japanese deal today. Disparate demands Many variables that hindered a resolution to the Kuril Islands dispute remain at the centre of contemporary diplomatic hurdles. Japan demands that questions over sovereignty must be addressed prior to any discussions of land exchange. Abe firmly stated this sentiment after the offer he made in Vladivostok in September. Tokyo brings a historical geographic case, while Moscow argues that the islands were absorbed into Russian territory as part of its wartime operations and postwar agreements. Matters of sovereignty must be resolved. However, a more pressing query must be handled first: Which components of the Pacific security framework are up for negotiation in a state of geopolitical mistrust between Russia and the United States? Both countries find themselves in a situation where neither will wholly achieve its desired objectives. Abe stated that he is determined to facilitate negotiations on a peace treaty when he meets with Putin. Further, there are reports that Tokyo seeks to waive Russia’s responsibility to pay compensation over the displacement of Japanese citizens that once inhabited the islands. This is a positive and conciliatory development in solving the historic disagreement, however, it assumes that Russia would relinquish its claims to sovereignty over the islands before effective negotiations are complete. This clashes with Moscow’s long-stated assessment that Japan must accept the current arrangement, which is backed by international law. As sovereignty remains at the core of Japan’s claims, unless some great diplomatic feat is accomplished, issues that stymied resolution in the past will persist. Nevertheless, Japan must negotiate under the influence of its close relationship and security pact with the United States. Putin recently asserted that US military involvement in Japan complicates any forthcoming agreement and expressed his concerns over the strategic use of an American air defense system in Japan. Abe contends that a Kuril Islands peace treaty would have a positive overall effect on the security framework of the Asia-Pacific region, which would be most beneficial to the United States. While this sounds advantageous to the Japanese public and officials in Washington, it does little to stimulate concessions from Moscow. Russia will be steadfast in its demands that the exchanged territories be exempt from the US-Japan security treaty, and that Habomai and Shikotan are off-limits to military development. This would see a continuance of rhetoric like that in Eastern Europe, where Moscow voices its displeasure of US military installations in bordering states. As a result, Japanese concessions to Russian demands are unlikely when their guarantor of security is the United States. Mutual mistrust between Washington and Moscow under the shadow of the current geopolitical atmosphere means that Tokyo is in a difficult position to negotiate freely. Abe can speak optimistically about the security advantages in store for America. However, Russian lawmakers, such as Senator Frants Klintsevich, in turn argue in favor of preserving Russian borders and security in “broad terms.” Additionally, subsequent and separate Japanese-American discussions would be required if the two states conclusively decide to omit Habomai and Shikotan from the coverage of the security treaty. Not only is this unlikely, but it would extend the diplomatic effort needed to settle the Kuril Islands stalemate in its entirety. Russia must also negotiate carefully. Recent precedents, such as the transfer of Tarabarov Island and a part of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island to China in 2004 demonstrate that Moscow is capable of settling decades-old land claims. It was during this timeframe that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov subsequently extended an offer to exchange small islands in the Kuril chain for a peace treaty with Japan. Nevertheless, the political climate was more optimistic then, and American influence over Asia-Pacific security was inapplicable to that situation. While Japanese public opinion strongly supports the recuperation of its perceived territory, Russian polling demonstrates a robust dissatisfaction were Moscow to relinquish sovereignty of the Kuril Islands. Residents of the Sakhalin region are markedly in disagreement with any proposed exchange of sovereignty. Since the official announcements to reopen the issue emerged, citizens have sent letters to Putin, and the local branch of the Communist Party organized a protest. Any sort of finalized Russo-Japanese peace treaty without consulting the affected population will be an additional example of the Russian Far East feeling further disconnected from Moscow. Authorities focus on the economic potential of the region and thus give adequate attention to these matters. However, it seems as though little thought is directed toward deeper disenfranchisement in the Far East if a settlement is reached. Island-scale militarisation Japan stresses that the Kuril Islands must be demilitarised if any serious proposals are to come to fruition. That is a lofty demand. Moscow’s security outlook incorporates strategic use of the isles as a part of its Pacific defence operations. In this case, Moscow follows its evident modus operandi of establishing military installations in disputed areas. While not a part of Russia proper like the Kuril Islands, Russia established military bases in South Ossetia and Abkhazia under similar pretences. Use of this tactic enhances the reach of Moscow’s security framework from the mainland and, in this case, the Pacific region. US involvement in the Pacific, as well as ongoing security concerns in the region, provides Russia with strong arguments to only accept a deal that protects its interests and security. Subsequently, it is safe to predict that Russia will stick to the claim that its sovereignty over the South Kurils is non-negotiable, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated today, and a settlement to the dispute does not mean any territory will be exchanged. While touting Russian Arctic military capabilities, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu recently noted the continued construction of military infrastructure on the Kurils. This is part of a steady Russification of the lands and falls in step with previous Russian government announcements. For example, on February 10, 2011, then-President Dmitry Medvedev instructed that sophisticated weaponry be deployed to the offshore bases as part of an overall security plan for greater Russia. Following this, in 2016, it was announced that the Kremlin would deploy Bal and Bastion rocket systems on Iturup and utilize Eleron-3 drones for the purposes of Pacific defense. Thus, a complete demilitarization of the South Kurils where Russia would retain command seems unlikely. This will be one of those hurdles where vast differences hinder a peace accord that leaves both parties satisfied. Russia and Japan have disparate views on the Kuril Islands that can only be overcome through significant concessions. A singular view of sovereignty must be acknowledged prior to any handover of territory. However, this is a primary roadblock. Neither state wants to back down from its title even under the umbrella of the 1956 Soviet-Japanese Joint Declaration as the mutual baseline for discussion. The current global political atmosphere adds yet another confounding layer to the security arrangements established in the region. A renewed interest in finally achieving peace after 70 years of the territorial standoff is an admirable undertaking, but it would be foolish to think entitlement to the Kuril Islands could be achieved either quickly or smoothly. Russia and Japan will understandably argue in favour of a resolution that does not infringe upon their respective national security plans or demands. Each state will have its set limits where security trumps any exchange of ownership. In the end, diplomacy is fluid, and one can reticently hope for a viable outcome to a postwar problem. (Rejeanne Lacroix is a Canadian independent researcher focusing on international security and the post-Soviet space) (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Are Japan and Russia ready to resolve the Kuril Islands dispute?

The Diplomacy Show: Japanese FM speaks to WION

Japan tops in list of world's most powerful passports

Remarks by South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the issue of forced wartime labour were "extremely regrettable", Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday, describing him as trying to shift Seoul's responsibility to Japan.

The comments suggest escalating tension between the two nations after Moon on Thursday urged Japan's political leaders not to undermine ties by "politicising" the issue of South Koreans forced to work by Japanese companies during World War Two.

"President Moon's remarks are trying to shift South Korea's responsibility to Japan and it is extremely regrettable," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference.

Relations between the East Asian neighbours have been frosty since South Korea's top court ruled in October that Nippon Steel &amp; Sumitomo Metal Corp should compensate four former labourers.

The latest flare-up came after a South Korean court this month approved the seizure of part of the domestic assets of the Japanese steelmaker.

In response, Tokyo demanded diplomatic consultations with Seoul over the issue on Wednesday.

Japan believes that all such claims were settled in a 1965 treaty that normalized relations, Suga said on Friday, and that Seoul has now broken that treaty.

"We think South Korea will respond sincerely," he said.

Ties are also strained over the issue of whether a South Korean warship had locked its targeting radar on a Japanese patrol plane last month.

Remarks by South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the issue of forced wartime labour were "extremely regrettable", Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday, describing him as trying to shift Seoul's responsibility to Japan.

Remarks by South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the issue of forced wartime labour were "extremely regrettable", Japan's top government spokesman said on Friday, describing him as trying to shift Seoul's responsibility to Japan. The comments suggest escalating tension between the two nations after Moon on Thursday urged Japan's political leaders not to undermine ties by "politicising" the issue of South Koreans forced to work by Japanese companies during World War Two. "President Moon's remarks are trying to shift South Korea's responsibility to Japan and it is extremely regrettable," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference. Relations between the East Asian neighbours have been frosty since South Korea's top court ruled in October that Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp should compensate four former labourers. The latest flare-up came after a South Korean court this month approved the seizure of part of the domestic assets of the Japanese steelmaker. In response, Tokyo demanded diplomatic consultations with Seoul over the issue on Wednesday. Japan believes that all such claims were settled in a 1965 treaty that normalized relations, Suga said on Friday, and that Seoul has now broken that treaty. "We think South Korea will respond sincerely," he said. Ties are also strained over the issue of whether a South Korean warship had locked its targeting radar on a Japanese patrol plane last month.

Don't shift blame over wartime labour ruling, Japan tells South Korea

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he hoped Britain would avoid crashing out of the European Union without an agreement, as he threw his support behind the government's contentious Brexit deal days before a vote by MPs.

Flanked by British Prime Minister Theresa May during a visit to London, Abe said Japanese businesses "very much welcomed" her draft divorce deal, which a majority of British lawmakers look set to reject in parliament next Tuesday amid fierce opposition.

"We truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided and in fact that is the... wish of the whole world," the Japanese leader told a Downing Street press conference.

"This draft agreement for transition and legal stability for Japanese businesses is very much welcomed," he added.

The endorsement came as pressure grew on May to rule out a no-deal Brexit if her agreement is rejected by MPs next week.

Business minister Greg Clark broke ranks earlier Thursday to warn that leaving the European Union on March 29 with no agreement in place would be a calamity.

It would be "a disastrous situation in which we move to the most rudimentary terms of trade with our closest partners," he told BBC radio.

However, May reiterated the only way for Britain to avoid leaving without an agreement was to back her plan.

"There is a good deal on the table," she said. "I want to see this deal getting through parliament."

Triple blow

Brexit-supporting Conservative MPs are opposed to the deal, arguing it leaves the country too closely tied to Europe, and May has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming.

Most MPs supported staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, and many have vowed to do everything within their power to prevent a no-deal scenario.

But unless Britain actively decides to delay or revoke the legal process, it will leave the bloc at the end of March regardless.

In such a scenario, it would be forced to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms, which could mean much higher tariffs for some products such as cars.

Japanese firms have invested billions of pounds in Britain, and are especially crucial in the car industry, using the country as a business-friendly home from which to trade across the continent.

"Even post-Brexit Japan intends to maintain this very good relationship," Abe said when asked if Britain was jeopardising this.&nbsp;

"We truly hope that more investment will be done by Japanese businesses in the United Kingdom."

However the British car sector suffered a triple blow on Thursday when three of its biggest manufacturers, including Japanese firm Honda and US maker Ford, announced job and production cuts.

Indian-owned carmaker Jaguar Land Rover announced the largest redundancies, with plans to reduce its 44,000 workforce by 4,500 under plans to make £2.5 billion of cost savings.

May and Abe pledged new cooperation on robotics and artificial intelligence, while Japan also announced an end to a 13-year ban on British beef and lamb.

General election threat

May faces daunting odds in getting her deal passed, and was dealt a stinging defeat on Wednesday when MPs voted for an amendment demanding she produce new plans within three days if the agreement is voted down.

Aiming to capitalise on her weakness, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Thursday made a Brexit speech in Wakefield, northern England, in which he called for a general election to resolve the deadlock.

"If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity," he said.

Corbyn has said he will seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it loses next week's Brexit vote, which could force fresh elections.

Many in his party hope that he will call for a second referendum, but the veteran leftist, a long-time critic of the European Union, has so far resisted.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he hoped Britain would avoid crashing out of the European Union without an agreement, as he threw his support behind the government's contentious Brexit deal days before a vote by MPs.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he hoped Britain would avoid crashing out of the European Union without an agreement, as he threw his support behind the government's contentious Brexit deal days before a vote by MPs. Flanked by British Prime Minister Theresa May during a visit to London, Abe said Japanese businesses "very much welcomed" her draft divorce deal, which a majority of British lawmakers look set to reject in parliament next Tuesday amid fierce opposition. "We truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided and in fact that is the... wish of the whole world," the Japanese leader told a Downing Street press conference. "This draft agreement for transition and legal stability for Japanese businesses is very much welcomed," he added. The endorsement came as pressure grew on May to rule out a no-deal Brexit if her agreement is rejected by MPs next week. Business minister Greg Clark broke ranks earlier Thursday to warn that leaving the European Union on March 29 with no agreement in place would be a calamity. It would be "a disastrous situation in which we move to the most rudimentary terms of trade with our closest partners," he told BBC radio. However, May reiterated the only way for Britain to avoid leaving without an agreement was to back her plan. "There is a good deal on the table," she said. "I want to see this deal getting through parliament." Triple blow Brexit-supporting Conservative MPs are opposed to the deal, arguing it leaves the country too closely tied to Europe, and May has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming. Most MPs supported staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, and many have vowed to do everything within their power to prevent a no-deal scenario. But unless Britain actively decides to delay or revoke the legal process, it will leave the bloc at the end of March regardless. In such a scenario, it would be forced to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms, which could mean much higher tariffs for some products such as cars. Japanese firms have invested billions of pounds in Britain, and are especially crucial in the car industry, using the country as a business-friendly home from which to trade across the continent. "Even post-Brexit Japan intends to maintain this very good relationship," Abe said when asked if Britain was jeopardising this. "We truly hope that more investment will be done by Japanese businesses in the United Kingdom." However the British car sector suffered a triple blow on Thursday when three of its biggest manufacturers, including Japanese firm Honda and US maker Ford, announced job and production cuts. Indian-owned carmaker Jaguar Land Rover announced the largest redundancies, with plans to reduce its 44,000 workforce by 4,500 under plans to make £2.5 billion of cost savings. May and Abe pledged new cooperation on robotics and artificial intelligence, while Japan also announced an end to a 13-year ban on British beef and lamb. General election threat May faces daunting odds in getting her deal passed, and was dealt a stinging defeat on Wednesday when MPs voted for an amendment demanding she produce new plans within three days if the agreement is voted down. Aiming to capitalise on her weakness, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Thursday made a Brexit speech in Wakefield, northern England, in which he called for a general election to resolve the deadlock. "If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity," he said. Corbyn has said he will seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it loses next week's Brexit vote, which could force fresh elections. Many in his party hope that he will call for a second referendum, but the veteran leftist, a long-time critic of the European Union, has so far resisted.

Japanese PM voices hope Britain can avoid no-deal Brexit

A Japanese court on Wednesday rejected a bid by former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-the-allegations-and-the-rebuttals-189028">Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn </a>to end his detention over alleged financial misconduct, a day after he denied all accusations in a dramatic court appearance.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wrongly-accused-and-unfairly-detained-ex-nissan-chief-carlos-ghosn-tells-court-188904">Ghosn's lawyers had appealed to the court</a> to free the auto tycoon, claiming at a special hearing in a Tokyo court there were no grounds for his detention, which has now lasted more than 50 days.

But the court batted off the request, saying in a terse statement: "The request to cancel the detention filed by Mr&nbsp;Ghosn's lawyers yesterday... was rejected on January 9."

Ghosn stands accused of under-reporting his income in documents to investors, apparently in response to criticism that he earned too much.

He is also under investigation for allegedly seeking to pass off personal investment losses to Nissan's books and paying a Saudi businessman from company funds to stump up collateral to cover the losses.

Ghosn on Tuesday mounted a systematic denial of all the allegations, concluding that he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations".

The presiding judge explained that Ghosn continued to be detained because he presented a flight risk and there were concerns he could tamper with evidence.

On Friday, Ghosn's latest maximum period of detention will end and he will either be freed on bail or — more likely — see his detention extended.

Even his main lawyer Motonari Otsuru has acknowledged the 64-year-old executive has little chance of being released soon, describing it as "very difficult" to win bail before the case goes to trial.

And that, he said, could take at least six months.

Carlos Ghosn's lawyers had appealed to the court to free the auto tycoon, claiming at a special hearing in a Tokyo court there were no grounds for his detention.

A Japanese court on Wednesday rejected a bid by former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn to end his detention over alleged financial misconduct, a day after he denied all accusations in a dramatic court appearance. Ghosn's lawyers had appealed to the court to free the auto tycoon, claiming at a special hearing in a Tokyo court there were no grounds for his detention, which has now lasted more than 50 days. But the court batted off the request, saying in a terse statement: "The request to cancel the detention filed by Mr Ghosn's lawyers yesterday... was rejected on January 9." Ghosn stands accused of under-reporting his income in documents to investors, apparently in response to criticism that he earned too much. He is also under investigation for allegedly seeking to pass off personal investment losses to Nissan's books and paying a Saudi businessman from company funds to stump up collateral to cover the losses. Ghosn on Tuesday mounted a systematic denial of all the allegations, concluding that he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations". The presiding judge explained that Ghosn continued to be detained because he presented a flight risk and there were concerns he could tamper with evidence. On Friday, Ghosn's latest maximum period of detention will end and he will either be freed on bail or — more likely — see his detention extended. Even his main lawyer Motonari Otsuru has acknowledged the 64-year-old executive has little chance of being released soon, describing it as "very difficult" to win bail before the case goes to trial. And that, he said, could take at least six months.

Japan court rejects Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn's release bid

A Japanese tabloid magazine apologised Tuesday for an article ranking women's universities on how easy it is to convince students to have sex at drinking parties.

The list appeared in the December 25 issue of the weekly magazine 'Spa!'&nbsp;and prompted outrage, particularly online where one woman launched a campaign seeking an apology and suspension of sales of the offending issue.

Her petition on the change.org platform accused the article of "sexualising, objectifying and disrespecting women" and had collected support from more than 28,000 people by Tuesday.

"We would like to apologise for using sensational language to appeal to readers about how they can become intimate with women and for creating a ranking... with real university names... that resulted in a feature that may have offended readers," the magazine's editorial department said in a statement obtained by AFP.

The article was about a practice the magazine described as "gyaranomi" or drinking parties that male participants pay women to attend.

It said the parties are popular among female college students and interviewed the developer of an app intended to help men and women find potential attendees.

The magazine said its list was based on information from its interview with the developer.

"On issues that involve sex, we will do what we can as a magazine to listen to various opinions," the statement said.

There was no indication that the offending issue would be taken off the shelves.

Japan ranks bottom of the G7 countries on female representation in politics and business, and campaigns like the #MeToo movement have struggled to take off in the country.

Last year, a leading medical university admitted it had routinely lowered the scores of female applicants to keep the number of women in the student body at around 30 per cent.

The discovery prompted a probe that uncovered similar discrimination at several other institutions.

A Japanese tabloid magazine apologised Tuesday for an article ranking women's universities on how easy it is to convince students to have sex at drinking parties.

A Japanese tabloid magazine apologised Tuesday for an article ranking women's universities on how easy it is to convince students to have sex at drinking parties. The list appeared in the December 25 issue of the weekly magazine 'Spa!' and prompted outrage, particularly online where one woman launched a campaign seeking an apology and suspension of sales of the offending issue. Her petition on the change.org platform accused the article of "sexualising, objectifying and disrespecting women" and had collected support from more than 28,000 people by Tuesday. "We would like to apologise for using sensational language to appeal to readers about how they can become intimate with women and for creating a ranking... with real university names... that resulted in a feature that may have offended readers," the magazine's editorial department said in a statement obtained by AFP. The article was about a practice the magazine described as "gyaranomi" or drinking parties that male participants pay women to attend. It said the parties are popular among female college students and interviewed the developer of an app intended to help men and women find potential attendees. The magazine said its list was based on information from its interview with the developer. "On issues that involve sex, we will do what we can as a magazine to listen to various opinions," the statement said. There was no indication that the offending issue would be taken off the shelves. Japan ranks bottom of the G7 countries on female representation in politics and business, and campaigns like the #MeToo movement have struggled to take off in the country. Last year, a leading medical university admitted it had routinely lowered the scores of female applicants to keep the number of women in the student body at around 30 per cent. The discovery prompted a probe that uncovered similar discrimination at several other institutions.

Japan magazine apologises for women's university 'sex listing'

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India.&nbsp;

The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018.&nbsp;

The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region".&nbsp;

The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018.&nbsp;

Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan."

Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.&nbsp;

The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year.&nbsp;

Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India. The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018. The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region". The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018. Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan." Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project. The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year. Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India-Japan relationship a factor of stability in Indo-Pacific region: India

The US military will this year conduct its first-ever missile drill around the Japanese island of Okinawa, according to a report Thursday, as Washington seeks to counter an increasingly assertive China.

The US military has told its Japanese counterpart it plans to deploy surface-to-ship missiles in the strategically important Okinawa this year for the first such drill by Japan's key ally, the Sankei Shimbun reported, without citing sources.

The drill would involve a mobile rocket launcher seen as a counter-measure to potential attacks from Chinese surface-to-sea ballistic missiles, the paper said.

In recent years, Chinese warships have frequently sailed through waters near Okinawa, where the majority of US troops in Japan are based.

Experts say China's increasingly active maritime activities are part of a plan to establish control of waters within the so-called "first island chain" that links Okinawa, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Some analysts believe Beijing seeks to end US military dominance in the western Pacific by exerting control of the second island chain that links Japan's southern Ogasawara island chain, the US territory of Guam, and Indonesia.

China's rapid military build-up has unnerved Asian neighbours, with Japan's defence chief last year saying China had been "unilaterally escalating" its military activities in the previous year.

Beijing insists the activities are for self defence.

Despite increasing military rivalry, the US and China are each other's largest trading partners and China is one of largest holders of US national debt.

A massive bilateral trade imbalance has however caused frictions between the world's top two&nbsp; economies, with Washington and Beijing imposing tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion worth of goods in total two-way trade last year.

The US military will this year conduct its first-ever missile drill around the Japanese island of Okinawa, according to a report Thursday, as Washington seeks to counter an increasingly assertive China.

The US military will this year conduct its first-ever missile drill around the Japanese island of Okinawa, according to a report Thursday, as Washington seeks to counter an increasingly assertive China. The US military has told its Japanese counterpart it plans to deploy surface-to-ship missiles in the strategically important Okinawa this year for the first such drill by Japan's key ally, the Sankei Shimbun reported, without citing sources. The drill would involve a mobile rocket launcher seen as a counter-measure to potential attacks from Chinese surface-to-sea ballistic missiles, the paper said. In recent years, Chinese warships have frequently sailed through waters near Okinawa, where the majority of US troops in Japan are based. Experts say China's increasingly active maritime activities are part of a plan to establish control of waters within the so-called "first island chain" that links Okinawa, Taiwan and the Philippines. Some analysts believe Beijing seeks to end US military dominance in the western Pacific by exerting control of the second island chain that links Japan's southern Ogasawara island chain, the US territory of Guam, and Indonesia. China's rapid military build-up has unnerved Asian neighbours, with Japan's defence chief last year saying China had been "unilaterally escalating" its military activities in the previous year. Beijing insists the activities are for self defence. Despite increasing military rivalry, the US and China are each other's largest trading partners and China is one of largest holders of US national debt. A massive bilateral trade imbalance has however caused frictions between the world's top two economies, with Washington and Beijing imposing tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion worth of goods in total two-way trade last year.

Eyeing China, US to hold missile drill in Japan's Okinawa: Report

India will soon negotiate a logistics sharing deal that would allow their armed forces to share military facilities, sources said in Delhi on Thursday.

The logistics pact, called Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, is expected to enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

The deal is also seen as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the India Ocean.

Negotiations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the logistics agreement took place during the former's visit to Japan in October.

While the deal will not only allow the navies of the two nations to cooperate with greater interoperability, it will also allow them to have access to their respective ports and bases.

In November, India and Japan conducted their first land-based joint military exercise.&nbsp;

India will soon negotiate a logistics sharing deal that would allow their armed forces to share military facilities, sources said in Delhi on Thursday. The logistics pact, called Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, is expected to enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two countries.

India will soon negotiate a logistics sharing deal that would allow their armed forces to share military facilities, sources said in Delhi on Thursday. The logistics pact, called Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, is expected to enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two countries. The deal is also seen as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the India Ocean. Negotiations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the logistics agreement took place during the former's visit to Japan in October. While the deal will not only allow the navies of the two nations to cooperate with greater interoperability, it will also allow them to have access to their respective ports and bases. In November, India and Japan conducted their first land-based joint military exercise.

India, Japan to begin talks on logistics agreement soon

Japan is withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission and will resume commercial whaling next year, a government spokesman said Wednesday, in a move expected to spark international criticism.

The announcement had been widely expected and comes after Japan failed in a bid earlier this year to convince the IWC to allow it to resume commercial whaling.

"We have decided to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission in order to resume commercial whaling in July next year," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters.

"Commercial whaling to be resumed from July next year will be limited to Japan's territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. We will not hunt in the Antarctic waters or in the southern hemisphere," Suga added.

Tokyo has repeatedly threatened to pull out of the body, and has been regularly criticised for catching hundreds of whales a year for "scientific research" despite being a signatory to a moratorium on hunting the animals.

Suga said Japan would officially inform the IWC of its decision by the end of the year, which will mean the withdrawal comes into effect by June 30.

Leaving the IWC means Japanese whalers will be able to resume hunting in Japanese coastal waters of minke and other whales currently protected by the IWC.

But Japan will not be able to continue the so-called scientific research hunts in the Antarctic that it has been exceptionally allowed as an IWC member under the Antarctic Treaty.

'A fundamental reassessment'

The withdrawal means Japan joins Iceland and Norway in openly defying the IWC's ban on commercial whale hunting.

Japan has hunted whales for centuries, and their meat was a key source of protein in the immediate post-World War II years when the country was desperately poor.

But consumption has declined significantly in recent decades, with much of the population saying they rarely or never eat whale meat.

Whale hunting has become a rare thorny subject in Japan's otherwise largely amiable foreign policy, with international opposition only serving to make conservatives dig in deeper in support of the tradition.

In September, Tokyo sought to convince the IWC to allow it to resume commercial whaling, arguing that stocks of certain species were now sufficient to support renewed hunting.

But the bid failed, with strong opposition from anti-whaling nations -- led by Australia, the European Union and the United States.

Japan's vice-minister for fisheries Masaaki Taniai said after that vote that Tokyo would be "pressed to undertake a fundamental reassessment of its position as a member of the IWC".

'A grave mistake'

Ahead of the announcement, activist groups warned Japan against the withdrawal.

"This is a grave mistake which is out of step with the rest of the world," said Sam Annesley, executive director at Greenpeace Japan.

Paul Watson, the founder of the anti-whaling activist group Sea Shepherd, also said in a statement that Japan would be declaring itself "a pirate whaling nation" by withdrawing from the IWC.

The IWC, established in 1946 to conserve and manage the world's whale and cetacean population, introduced a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986.

Tokyo has long exploited a loophole allowing whales to be killed for "scientific research" and says it is trying to prove the population is large enough to sustain a return to commercial hunting.

It makes no secret of the fact that meat from the expeditions ends up on dinner tables, and argues that stocks of certain whales are now sufficient to allow commercial hunts to resume.

"There have been no concessions from countries who only place importance on the protection of whales," Suga said.

"At the IWC general meeting in September this year, it became evident once again that those supporting the sustainable use of whale stocks and those supporting protection cannot co-exist, leading us to this conclusion."

Japan is withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission and will resume commercial whaling next year, a government spokesman said Wednesday, in a move expected to spark international criticism.

Japan is withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission and will resume commercial whaling next year, a government spokesman said Wednesday, in a move expected to spark international criticism. The announcement had been widely expected and comes after Japan failed in a bid earlier this year to convince the IWC to allow it to resume commercial whaling. "We have decided to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission in order to resume commercial whaling in July next year," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters. "Commercial whaling to be resumed from July next year will be limited to Japan's territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. We will not hunt in the Antarctic waters or in the southern hemisphere," Suga added. Tokyo has repeatedly threatened to pull out of the body, and has been regularly criticised for catching hundreds of whales a year for "scientific research" despite being a signatory to a moratorium on hunting the animals. Suga said Japan would officially inform the IWC of its decision by the end of the year, which will mean the withdrawal comes into effect by June 30. Leaving the IWC means Japanese whalers will be able to resume hunting in Japanese coastal waters of minke and other whales currently protected by the IWC. But Japan will not be able to continue the so-called scientific research hunts in the Antarctic that it has been exceptionally allowed as an IWC member under the Antarctic Treaty. 'A fundamental reassessment' The withdrawal means Japan joins Iceland and Norway in openly defying the IWC's ban on commercial whale hunting. Japan has hunted whales for centuries, and their meat was a key source of protein in the immediate post-World War II years when the country was desperately poor. But consumption has declined significantly in recent decades, with much of the population saying they rarely or never eat whale meat. Whale hunting has become a rare thorny subject in Japan's otherwise largely amiable foreign policy, with international opposition only serving to make conservatives dig in deeper in support of the tradition. In September, Tokyo sought to convince the IWC to allow it to resume commercial whaling, arguing that stocks of certain species were now sufficient to support renewed hunting. But the bid failed, with strong opposition from anti-whaling nations -- led by Australia, the European Union and the United States. Japan's vice-minister for fisheries Masaaki Taniai said after that vote that Tokyo would be "pressed to undertake a fundamental reassessment of its position as a member of the IWC". 'A grave mistake' Ahead of the announcement, activist groups warned Japan against the withdrawal. "This is a grave mistake which is out of step with the rest of the world," said Sam Annesley, executive director at Greenpeace Japan. Paul Watson, the founder of the anti-whaling activist group Sea Shepherd, also said in a statement that Japan would be declaring itself "a pirate whaling nation" by withdrawing from the IWC. The IWC, established in 1946 to conserve and manage the world's whale and cetacean population, introduced a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986. Tokyo has long exploited a loophole allowing whales to be killed for "scientific research" and says it is trying to prove the population is large enough to sustain a return to commercial hunting. It makes no secret of the fact that meat from the expeditions ends up on dinner tables, and argues that stocks of certain whales are now sufficient to allow commercial hunts to resume. "There have been no concessions from countries who only place importance on the protection of whales," Suga said. "At the IWC general meeting in September this year, it became evident once again that those supporting the sustainable use of whale stocks and those supporting protection cannot co-exist, leading us to this conclusion."

Japan announces IWC withdrawal, will resume commercial whaling

In a rare emotional address ahead of his abdication next year, Japanese Emperor Akihito said he took "deep comfort" that his long reign had been one of peace as he remembered the "countless lives" lost in World War II.

Akihito, in a pre-recorded speech to mark his 85th birthday Sunday, also paid tribute to the Japanese people and Empress Michiko, the first commoner to join the tradition-bound imperial family who has been at his side for 60 years.

His voice trembling as he discussed the legacy of World War II, the emperor pointed to the "countless lives" lost in the conflict, which was fought under the name of his father Hirohito, who died in 1989.

Akihito also reiterated the importance of "accurately" teaching history to young people.

"I have believed it is important not to forget that countless lives were lost in World War II and that the peace and prosperity of post-war Japan was built upon the numerous sacrifices and tireless efforts made by the Japanese people, and to pass on this history accurately to those born after the war," he said.

"It gives me deep comfort that the Heisei Era (his reign) is coming to an end, free of war in Japan," he said.

During his reign, the soft-spoken Akihito has used his speeches and travels to express his strong pacifist views, which are sharply at odds with the aggressive expansionism Japan pursued under his father's rule.

His insistence on remembering history is in sharp contrast with conservative ideologues who have attempted to gloss over Japan's wartime record.

The widely adored emperor will next year become the first Japanese royal to abdicate in more than two centuries.

His eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the Chrysanthemum throne on May 1.

Akihito said his reign had been a quest to determine the role of the emperor as a "symbol of the state" under Japan's pacifist post-war constitution, in contrast to his father Hirohito who was regarded as semi-divine.

And he thanked Empress Michiko for standing by his side.

"As I come to the end of my journey as emperor, I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the many people who accepted and continued to support me as the symbol of the state," he said, his voice quavering.

"I am also truly grateful to the empress, who herself was once one of the people, but who chose to walk this path with me, and over 60 long years continued to serve with great devotion both the imperial family and the people of Japan."

Akihito has worked to bring the royal household closer to the people and frequently visited the disadvantaged and families hit by natural disasters.

In a rare emotional address ahead of his abdication next year, Japanese Emperor Akihito said he took "deep comfort" that his long reign had been one of peace as he remembered the "countless lives" lost in World War II.

In a rare emotional address ahead of his abdication next year, Japanese Emperor Akihito said he took "deep comfort" that his long reign had been one of peace as he remembered the "countless lives" lost in World War II. Akihito, in a pre-recorded speech to mark his 85th birthday Sunday, also paid tribute to the Japanese people and Empress Michiko, the first commoner to join the tradition-bound imperial family who has been at his side for 60 years. His voice trembling as he discussed the legacy of World War II, the emperor pointed to the "countless lives" lost in the conflict, which was fought under the name of his father Hirohito, who died in 1989. Akihito also reiterated the importance of "accurately" teaching history to young people. "I have believed it is important not to forget that countless lives were lost in World War II and that the peace and prosperity of post-war Japan was built upon the numerous sacrifices and tireless efforts made by the Japanese people, and to pass on this history accurately to those born after the war," he said. "It gives me deep comfort that the Heisei Era (his reign) is coming to an end, free of war in Japan," he said. During his reign, the soft-spoken Akihito has used his speeches and travels to express his strong pacifist views, which are sharply at odds with the aggressive expansionism Japan pursued under his father's rule. His insistence on remembering history is in sharp contrast with conservative ideologues who have attempted to gloss over Japan's wartime record. The widely adored emperor will next year become the first Japanese royal to abdicate in more than two centuries. His eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the Chrysanthemum throne on May 1. Akihito said his reign had been a quest to determine the role of the emperor as a "symbol of the state" under Japan's pacifist post-war constitution, in contrast to his father Hirohito who was regarded as semi-divine. And he thanked Empress Michiko for standing by his side. "As I come to the end of my journey as emperor, I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the many people who accepted and continued to support me as the symbol of the state," he said, his voice quavering. "I am also truly grateful to the empress, who herself was once one of the people, but who chose to walk this path with me, and over 60 long years continued to serve with great devotion both the imperial family and the people of Japan." Akihito has worked to bring the royal household closer to the people and frequently visited the disadvantaged and families hit by natural disasters.

Japanese emperor stresses his peaceful reign ahead of abdication

India will receive a loan to the tune of Rs 6668.46 crore from Japan for various development projects.

The loan will be used to develop phase two of the Chennai metro project, a dairy development project and a programme for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-can-provide-talented-people-for-our-development-japan-ambassador-on-wions-the-diplomacy-show-183858">Japan-India</a> cooperative actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India.

Ambassador of Japan to India Kenji Hiramatsu and Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India Dr.C.S. Mohapatra on Friday signed and exchanged notes here concerning the provision of three yen loan projects (total loan provision of up to JPY 105.497 billion, approximately INR 6,668.465 crore).

The first loan is for construction of a subway system in Chennai. It is expected that approximately 330 thousand people will use the 3rd line between Madhavaram Milk Colony Station and Sholinganallur Station (about 36.0 km) and it will reduce the travelling time between the two stations from the current two hours and fourteen minutes by automobile, to one hour and 8 minutes by 2029 (in 2 years after completion). 
 
It is also expected that approximately 760 thousand people will use the 5th line between Madhavaram Milk Colony Station and Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus Station (about 16.0 km) and it will reduce the travelling time between the two stations from the current 46 minutes by automobile, to 30 minutes. 
 
This project is thus expected to contribute to the development of the regional economy and the improvement of the urban environment by easing traffic congestion. 
 
The second loan is for the improvement of income levels of dairy farmers in India. This project is to provide a loan to the Government of India for the enhancement of farmers' access to the modern distribution network, improvement of dairy machinery and distribution infrastructure, capacity building of dairy cooperatives in the several eligible states under the agreement between JICA, National Dairy Development Board, and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. 
 
It is expected that 150 thousand dairy farmers will newly join dairy cooperatives, and the farmers' market will expand with modernized dairy product value chain. This project is thus expected to improve the income levels of dairy farmers by increasing the sales of milk and dairy products. 
 
The third loan is for the institution building and policy development related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India This program is to contribute to achieving SDGs by 2030 through providing a loan for strengthening the implementation system and the policy framework related to SDGs in India, with a view to promoting SDGs in social development sector. 
 
For example, this program supports social sector development such as the enhancement of the ratio of pregnant women who have access to safe medical check-up from 64 per cent in 2016 to 75 per cent in 2019, and the ratio of population who are provided with enough amount of safe drinking water from 82 percent in 2016 to 90 percent in 2019 in least developed regions. 
 
Japanese ODA Loan commitment to India reached JPY 421.955 billion, approximately INR 26,671.776 crore and the all-time-high in FY2018.

India is the largest recipient country of Japanese ODA Loan in FY2018 as well as in FY2017 on the commission basis.

India will receive a loan to the tune of Rs 6668.46 crore from Japan for various development projects. The loan will be used to develop phase two of the Chennai metro project, a dairy development project and a programme for Japan-India cooperative actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India.

India will receive a loan to the tune of Rs 6668.46 crore from Japan for various development projects. The loan will be used to develop phase two of the Chennai metro project, a dairy development project and a programme for Japan-India cooperative actions towards Sustainable Development Goals in India. Ambassador of Japan to India Kenji Hiramatsu and Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India Dr.C.S. Mohapatra on Friday signed and exchanged notes here concerning the provision of three yen loan projects (total loan provision of up to JPY 105.497 billion, approximately INR 6,668.465 crore). The first loan is for construction of a subway system in Chennai. It is expected that approximately 330 thousand people will use the 3rd line between Madhavaram Milk Colony Station and Sholinganallur Station (about 36.0 km) and it will reduce the travelling time between the two stations from the current two hours and fourteen minutes by automobile, to one hour and 8 minutes by 2029 (in 2 years after completion). It is also expected that approximately 760 thousand people will use the 5th line between Madhavaram Milk Colony Station and Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus Station (about 16.0 km) and it will reduce the travelling time between the two stations from the current 46 minutes by automobile, to 30 minutes. This project is thus expected to contribute to the development of the regional economy and the improvement of the urban environment by easing traffic congestion. The second loan is for the improvement of income levels of dairy farmers in India. This project is to provide a loan to the Government of India for the enhancement of farmers' access to the modern distribution network, improvement of dairy machinery and distribution infrastructure, capacity building of dairy cooperatives in the several eligible states under the agreement between JICA, National Dairy Development Board, and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. It is expected that 150 thousand dairy farmers will newly join dairy cooperatives, and the farmers' market will expand with modernized dairy product value chain. This project is thus expected to improve the income levels of dairy farmers by increasing the sales of milk and dairy products. The third loan is for the institution building and policy development related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India This program is to contribute to achieving SDGs by 2030 through providing a loan for strengthening the implementation system and the policy framework related to SDGs in India, with a view to promoting SDGs in social development sector. For example, this program supports social sector development such as the enhancement of the ratio of pregnant women who have access to safe medical check-up from 64 per cent in 2016 to 75 per cent in 2019, and the ratio of population who are provided with enough amount of safe drinking water from 82 percent in 2016 to 90 percent in 2019 in least developed regions. Japanese ODA Loan commitment to India reached JPY 421.955 billion, approximately INR 26,671.776 crore and the all-time-high in FY2018. India is the largest recipient country of Japanese ODA Loan in FY2018 as well as in FY2017 on the commission basis.

Japan gives Rs 6668.46 crore loan for developing projects in India

Prosecutors re-arrested former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/renault-board-maintains-ghosn-as-ceo-says-pay-was-legal-184013">Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn </a>over fresh allegations on Friday, apparently dashing his hopes of early release in the latest twist to a rollercoaster saga.

The case of the once-revered 64-year-<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nissan-chairman-ghosn-faces-new-under-reporting-charge-worth-35-million-181672">old tycoon has gripped Japan</a> since he was arrested completely out of the blue as he stepped off his private jet at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on November 19.

And in another unexpected development, Ghosn was arrested Friday on suspicion of transferring losses from personal financial investments to Nissan, causing damage to the company's assets, according to a statement from prosecutors.

He has already been formally charged with under-reporting his income by tens of millions of dollars over several years and faces a second batch of allegations that this continued for three further years.

However, the auto baron had had his hopes raised of being freed on bail after a court rejected a bid by prosecutors to extend his detention over the second set of allegations.

But this fresh arrest gives prosecutors 48 hours to question him on the new matter - possibly extended beyond that.

Since his stunning arrest last month, the once jet-setting executive has languished in a tiny cell in a detention centre in northern Tokyo, where he has complained about the cold and the rice-based menu.

His lengthy detention - in Japan, suspects can be "re-arrested" several times over different allegations - has sparked criticism, especially from abroad.

Ghosn has an unusually high profile for a foreign executive in Japan and was credited with turning around the struggling car giant Nissan and forging a three-way alliance with French manufacturer Renault and fellow Japanese firm Mitsubishi Motors.

He was seen as the glue holding together the fractious alliance and his arrest has exposed major rifts between Nissan -- which makes the most money -- and Renault, the dominant shareholder.

According to local media, Ghosn has admitted signing documents to defer part of his salary until after retirement but said this amount did not need to be declared as it had not yet been definitively fixed.

The suspicion is that he sought to defer part of his pay to avoid criticism from staff and shareholders that his salary was too generous.

Both Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors promptly sacked Ghosn as chairman following his arrest, on the basis of a months-long internal Nissan investigation.

Renault has been much more cautious, keeping him on as chairman and CEO and appointing Thierry Bollore as interim boss.

In addition to charges against Ghosn and Kelly, prosecutors have also indicted Nissan, as the company submitted the official documents that allegedly under-reported his income.

On Thursday, the company pointedly declined to comment, saying it was "exclusively between the court and the prosecutors".

It said the decision to fire Ghosn was "based on the substantial and convincing evidence" from an internal investigation.&nbsp;

"Both Ghosn and Kelly have violated their director duty of care," the firm added in a statement.

Nissan has also accused its former boss of other financial impropriety, including using Nissan funds to purchase luxury homes around the world.

One of these -- a luxurious, 8,600-square-foot spread with ocean views over Rio de Janeiro's famous Copacabana Beach -- has become the subject of a legal battle.

Last week, Ghosn family members entered the flat, removed "personal effects" and opened the safes, according to Nissan. This followed a court order giving Ghosn's representatives access despite objections from the Japanese firm.

Prosecutors re-arrested former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn over fresh allegations on Friday, apparently dashing his hopes of early release in the latest twist to a rollercoaster saga.

Prosecutors re-arrested former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn over fresh allegations on Friday, apparently dashing his hopes of early release in the latest twist to a rollercoaster saga. The case of the once-revered 64-year-old tycoon has gripped Japan since he was arrested completely out of the blue as he stepped off his private jet at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on November 19. And in another unexpected development, Ghosn was arrested Friday on suspicion of transferring losses from personal financial investments to Nissan, causing damage to the company's assets, according to a statement from prosecutors. He has already been formally charged with under-reporting his income by tens of millions of dollars over several years and faces a second batch of allegations that this continued for three further years. However, the auto baron had had his hopes raised of being freed on bail after a court rejected a bid by prosecutors to extend his detention over the second set of allegations. But this fresh arrest gives prosecutors 48 hours to question him on the new matter - possibly extended beyond that. Since his stunning arrest last month, the once jet-setting executive has languished in a tiny cell in a detention centre in northern Tokyo, where he has complained about the cold and the rice-based menu. His lengthy detention - in Japan, suspects can be "re-arrested" several times over different allegations - has sparked criticism, especially from abroad. Ghosn has an unusually high profile for a foreign executive in Japan and was credited with turning around the struggling car giant Nissan and forging a three-way alliance with French manufacturer Renault and fellow Japanese firm Mitsubishi Motors. He was seen as the glue holding together the fractious alliance and his arrest has exposed major rifts between Nissan -- which makes the most money -- and Renault, the dominant shareholder. According to local media, Ghosn has admitted signing documents to defer part of his salary until after retirement but said this amount did not need to be declared as it had not yet been definitively fixed. The suspicion is that he sought to defer part of his pay to avoid criticism from staff and shareholders that his salary was too generous. Both Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors promptly sacked Ghosn as chairman following his arrest, on the basis of a months-long internal Nissan investigation. Renault has been much more cautious, keeping him on as chairman and CEO and appointing Thierry Bollore as interim boss. In addition to charges against Ghosn and Kelly, prosecutors have also indicted Nissan, as the company submitted the official documents that allegedly under-reported his income. On Thursday, the company pointedly declined to comment, saying it was "exclusively between the court and the prosecutors". It said the decision to fire Ghosn was "based on the substantial and convincing evidence" from an internal investigation. "Both Ghosn and Kelly have violated their director duty of care," the firm added in a statement. Nissan has also accused its former boss of other financial impropriety, including using Nissan funds to purchase luxury homes around the world. One of these -- a luxurious, 8,600-square-foot spread with ocean views over Rio de Janeiro's famous Copacabana Beach -- has become the subject of a legal battle. Last week, Ghosn family members entered the flat, removed "personal effects" and opened the safes, according to Nissan. This followed a court order giving Ghosn's representatives access despite objections from the Japanese firm.

Carlos Ghosn re-arrested in Japan over fresh allegations

Russia says it has built four new military barracks in the Kuril islands, angering Tokyo on Tuesday with whom it has been locked in a decades-long row over the archipelago in the Sea of Japan.

Moscow and Tokyo are still technically at war, with neither side historically prepared to budge on a dispute over the ownership of the islands seized by the Soviet Union in the closing days of World War II.&nbsp;

Soldiers will be able to move into the new dormitories by the end of the year, the Russian defence ministry said in a statement on Monday.&nbsp;

The ministry said 188 families of contracted soldiers can settle in the housing complexes.&nbsp;

It added that the new barracks were part of the "development of military and social infrastructure" on the islands.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told a news conference on Tuesday morning that Tokyo would protest the move.

Two of the Russian barracks are on Iturup island and the other two are on Kunashir island.&nbsp;

Russian television channel Zvezda, run by the defence ministry, published a video of the new housing, saying nursery schools and sports centres were also being built for the soldiers' families. &nbsp;

In November, Russia and Japan agreed to accelerate talks to formally end World War II hostilities, using a Soviet-era peace declaration as their starting point and throwing into doubt the fate of four disputed islands. &nbsp;

The 1956 peace declaration restored diplomatic ties but Tokyo and Russia stopped short of signing a formal peace treaty due to the territorial row. &nbsp;&nbsp;

At the time, Russia offered to give Japan the two smallest islands in the strategically-located Kuril chain, occupied by Soviet troops in 1945, in exchange for agreeing to a treaty and Moscow keeping the bigger islands. &nbsp;

But this idea was rejected by Japan, which still claims the entire chain.

Russia says it has built four new military barracks in the Kuril islands, angering Tokyo on Tuesday with whom it has been locked in a decades-long row over the archipelago in the Sea of Japan.

Russia says it has built four new military barracks in the Kuril islands, angering Tokyo on Tuesday with whom it has been locked in a decades-long row over the archipelago in the Sea of Japan. Moscow and Tokyo are still technically at war, with neither side historically prepared to budge on a dispute over the ownership of the islands seized by the Soviet Union in the closing days of World War II. Soldiers will be able to move into the new dormitories by the end of the year, the Russian defence ministry said in a statement on Monday. The ministry said 188 families of contracted soldiers can settle in the housing complexes. It added that the new barracks were part of the "development of military and social infrastructure" on the islands. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told a news conference on Tuesday morning that Tokyo would protest the move. Two of the Russian barracks are on Iturup island and the other two are on Kunashir island. Russian television channel Zvezda, run by the defence ministry, published a video of the new housing, saying nursery schools and sports centres were also being built for the soldiers' families. In November, Russia and Japan agreed to accelerate talks to formally end World War II hostilities, using a Soviet-era peace declaration as their starting point and throwing into doubt the fate of four disputed islands. The 1956 peace declaration restored diplomatic ties but Tokyo and Russia stopped short of signing a formal peace treaty due to the territorial row. At the time, Russia offered to give Japan the two smallest islands in the strategically-located Kuril chain, occupied by Soviet troops in 1945, in exchange for agreeing to a treaty and Moscow keeping the bigger islands. But this idea was rejected by Japan, which still claims the entire chain.

Russia builds military barracks on disputed Kuril islands, angers Japan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/42-injured-after-a-powerful-blast-in-japans-restaurant-184627">Japan will accelerate </a>spending on advanced stealth fighters, long-range missiles and other equipment over the next five years to support US forces facing China's military in the Western Pacific, two new government defence papers said.

The plans are the clearest indication yet of Japan's ambition to become a regional power as a military build-up by China and a resurgent Russia puts pressure on its US ally.

"The United States remains the world's most powerful nation, but national rivalries are surfacing and we recognise the importance of the strategic competition with both China and Russia as they challenge the regional order," said a 10-year defence programme outline approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government on Tuesday.

The United States, followed by China, North Korea and Russia, are the countries that most influenced Japan's latest military thinking, the paper said.

China, the world's second-biggest economy, is deploying more ships and aircraft to patrol waters near Japan, while North Korea has yet to fulfil a pledge to dismantle its nuclear and missile programmes.

Russia, which continues to probe Japanese air defences, said on Monday it had built new barracks for troops on a northern island it captured from Japan at the end of World War Two.

MORE STEALTH FIGHTERS

Japan plans to buy 45 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, worth about $4 billion, in addition to the 42 jets already on order, according to a separate five-year procurement plan approved on Tuesday.

The new planes will include 18 short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants of the F-35 that planners want to deploy on Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea.

The islands are part of a chain stretching past Taiwan and down to the Philippines that has marked the limit of Chinese military dominance east of the disputed South China Sea.

"Japan's decision to acquire more F-35s is a testament to the aircraft's transformational capability and its increasing role in promoting regional stability and enhancing the US-Japan security alliance," Lockheed Martin said in a statement.

The navy's two large helicopter carriers, the Izumo and Kaga, will be modified for F-35B operations, the paper said.

The 248-metre (814 ft) long Izumo-class ships are as big as any of Japan's aircraft carriers in World War Two. They will need reinforced decks to withstand the heat blast from F-35 engines and could be fitted with ramps to aid short take-offs, two defence ministry officials told Reuters.

TRADE WAR THREAT

The new F-35 order may also help Japan avert a trade war with the United States.

US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs on Japanese car imports, thanked Abe for buying the F-35s when the two met at a summit in Argentina this month.

Other US-made equipment on Japan's shopping list includes two land-based Aegis Ashore air defence radars to defend against North Korean missiles, four Boeing Co KC-46 Pegasus refuelling planes to extend the range of Japanese aircraft, and nine Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye early-warning planes.

Japan plans to spend $224.7 billion&nbsp;on military equipment over the next five years, 6.4 per cent higher than the previous five-year plan. Cost-cutting will free up another 2 trillion yen for purchases, the procurement paper said.

Japan only spends about 1 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, but the size of its economy means it already has one of the world's largest militaries.

"The budget is increasing and there has been an acceleration to deploy capability as soon as possible," Robert Morrissey, head of Raytheon Co's unit in Japan, said this month.

Wary of North Korean promises to abandon ballistic missile development, Japan's military is buying longer-range Raytheon SM-3 interceptor missiles to strike enemy warheads in space.

The defence papers assessed non-traditional military threats as well. A new joint-forces cyber unit will bolster Japan's defences against cyber attacks. More electronic warfare capabilities are planned.

Japan's air force will also get its first space unit to help keep tabs on potential adversaries high above the Earth's atmosphere.

Japan will accelerate spending on advanced stealth fighters, long-range missiles and other equipment over the next five years to support US forces facing China's military in the Western Pacific, two new government defence papers said.

Japan will accelerate spending on advanced stealth fighters, long-range missiles and other equipment over the next five years to support US forces facing China's military in the Western Pacific, two new government defence papers said. The plans are the clearest indication yet of Japan's ambition to become a regional power as a military build-up by China and a resurgent Russia puts pressure on its US ally. "The United States remains the world's most powerful nation, but national rivalries are surfacing and we recognise the importance of the strategic competition with both China and Russia as they challenge the regional order," said a 10-year defence programme outline approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government on Tuesday. The United States, followed by China, North Korea and Russia, are the countries that most influenced Japan's latest military thinking, the paper said. China, the world's second-biggest economy, is deploying more ships and aircraft to patrol waters near Japan, while North Korea has yet to fulfil a pledge to dismantle its nuclear and missile programmes. Russia, which continues to probe Japanese air defences, said on Monday it had built new barracks for troops on a northern island it captured from Japan at the end of World War Two. MORE STEALTH FIGHTERS Japan plans to buy 45 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, worth about $4 billion, in addition to the 42 jets already on order, according to a separate five-year procurement plan approved on Tuesday. The new planes will include 18 short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants of the F-35 that planners want to deploy on Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea. The islands are part of a chain stretching past Taiwan and down to the Philippines that has marked the limit of Chinese military dominance east of the disputed South China Sea. "Japan's decision to acquire more F-35s is a testament to the aircraft's transformational capability and its increasing role in promoting regional stability and enhancing the US-Japan security alliance," Lockheed Martin said in a statement. The navy's two large helicopter carriers, the Izumo and Kaga, will be modified for F-35B operations, the paper said. The 248-metre (814 ft) long Izumo-class ships are as big as any of Japan's aircraft carriers in World War Two. They will need reinforced decks to withstand the heat blast from F-35 engines and could be fitted with ramps to aid short take-offs, two defence ministry officials told Reuters. TRADE WAR THREAT The new F-35 order may also help Japan avert a trade war with the United States. US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs on Japanese car imports, thanked Abe for buying the F-35s when the two met at a summit in Argentina this month. Other US-made equipment on Japan's shopping list includes two land-based Aegis Ashore air defence radars to defend against North Korean missiles, four Boeing Co KC-46 Pegasus refuelling planes to extend the range of Japanese aircraft, and nine Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye early-warning planes. Japan plans to spend $224.7 billion on military equipment over the next five years, 6.4 per cent higher than the previous five-year plan. Cost-cutting will free up another 2 trillion yen for purchases, the procurement paper said. Japan only spends about 1 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, but the size of its economy means it already has one of the world's largest militaries. "The budget is increasing and there has been an acceleration to deploy capability as soon as possible," Robert Morrissey, head of Raytheon Co's unit in Japan, said this month. Wary of North Korean promises to abandon ballistic missile development, Japan's military is buying longer-range Raytheon SM-3 interceptor missiles to strike enemy warheads in space. The defence papers assessed non-traditional military threats as well. A new joint-forces cyber unit will bolster Japan's defences against cyber attacks. More electronic warfare capabilities are planned. Japan's air force will also get its first space unit to help keep tabs on potential adversaries high above the Earth's atmosphere.

Japan aims to buy more stealth jets, radar to support US in western Pacific

A powerful blast ripped through a restaurant in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-japan-to-form-worlds-largest-free-trade-area-in-2019-183602">northern Japan</a> late Sunday, injuring 42 people, starting fires that took hours to bring under control and leading several neighbouring buildings to collapse, officials and reports said.

Images from the scene showed large flames and plumes of smoke rising in the night air after the blast in the northern city of Sapporo.

The cause of the blast was still under investigation, police said. One witness reportedly said he had smelled gas after the explosion.

A police official for the Hokkaido region told AFP "there are 42 injuries" but no one was killed.

The Jiji Press agency said one of the injured was seriously hurt, suffering burns to his face, but none of the victims had life-threatening wounds.

Several children were reportedly among those hurt in the explosion, which hit in the city's Toyohira district.

"I heard a 'bang,' which sounded like thunder, and my condo was shaken," a man in his 50s who lived nearby told The Japan Times.

The building that housed the restaurant was heavily damaged, as were other nearby businesses, including a real estate company, Jiji said.

National broadcaster NHK said it took firefighters several hours to extinguish the flames, with dozens of vehicles mobilised to deal with the accident.

Police had initially warned of the possibility of secondary explosions, according to Kyodo, which described buildings collapsing following the incident around 8.30 pm.&nbsp;

The city government had opened at shelter to house dozens of people whose homes were damaged in the blast.

A powerful blast ripped through a restaurant in northern Japan late Sunday, injuring 42 people, starting fires that took hours to bring under control and leading several neighbouring buildings to collapse, officials and reports said.

A powerful blast ripped through a restaurant in northern Japan late Sunday, injuring 42 people, starting fires that took hours to bring under control and leading several neighbouring buildings to collapse, officials and reports said. Images from the scene showed large flames and plumes of smoke rising in the night air after the blast in the northern city of Sapporo. The cause of the blast was still under investigation, police said. One witness reportedly said he had smelled gas after the explosion. A police official for the Hokkaido region told AFP "there are 42 injuries" but no one was killed. The Jiji Press agency said one of the injured was seriously hurt, suffering burns to his face, but none of the victims had life-threatening wounds. Several children were reportedly among those hurt in the explosion, which hit in the city's Toyohira district. "I heard a 'bang,' which sounded like thunder, and my condo was shaken," a man in his 50s who lived nearby told The Japan Times. The building that housed the restaurant was heavily damaged, as were other nearby businesses, including a real estate company, Jiji said. National broadcaster NHK said it took firefighters several hours to extinguish the flames, with dozens of vehicles mobilised to deal with the accident. Police had initially warned of the possibility of secondary explosions, according to Kyodo, which described buildings collapsing following the incident around 8.30 pm. The city government had opened at shelter to house dozens of people whose homes were damaged in the blast.

Video: 42 injured after powerful blast in Japan's Sapporo

Japan's Hitachi on Monday announced plans to buy a majority stake in the power grid business of Swiss-Swedish engineering giant ABB for $6.4 billion, in what would be its biggest ever buyout.

The deal would make Hitachi the world's largest power grid company, local media said.

Under the plan, ABB will spin off its power grid unit, for which Hitachi will buy an 80.1 per cent stake for 704 billion yen in early 2020, the Japanese company said in a statement.

"We plan to buy the remaining shares so that Hitachi can make the unit its wholly-owned company," a spokesman said without disclosing, how much that would cost.

ABB's power grid unit makes and operates infrastructure including power transmission equipment and control systems in numerous countries.

The deal would also make Hitachi the world's second-largest heavy electrical equipment maker by revenue, behind only General Electric, according to local media.

The Nikkei business daily first reported the planned deal last Thursday, but Hitachi shares have since dropped 2.5 per cent.

Rating agency Standard &amp; Poor's said the power transmission and distribution business is growing globally, with service solutions a particularly promising field.

But "the business' profitability can be volatile, depending on how well a company manages projects related to equipment delivery", it added.

Japan's Hitachi on Monday announced plans to buy a majority stake in the power grid business of Swiss-Swedish engineering giant ABB for $6.4 billion, in what would be its biggest ever buyout.

Japan's Hitachi on Monday announced plans to buy a majority stake in the power grid business of Swiss-Swedish engineering giant ABB for $6.4 billion, in what would be its biggest ever buyout. The deal would make Hitachi the world's largest power grid company, local media said. Under the plan, ABB will spin off its power grid unit, for which Hitachi will buy an 80.1 per cent stake for 704 billion yen in early 2020, the Japanese company said in a statement. "We plan to buy the remaining shares so that Hitachi can make the unit its wholly-owned company," a spokesman said without disclosing, how much that would cost. ABB's power grid unit makes and operates infrastructure including power transmission equipment and control systems in numerous countries. The deal would also make Hitachi the world's second-largest heavy electrical equipment maker by revenue, behind only General Electric, according to local media. The Nikkei business daily first reported the planned deal last Thursday, but Hitachi shares have since dropped 2.5 per cent. Rating agency Standard & Poor's said the power transmission and distribution business is growing globally, with service solutions a particularly promising field. But "the business' profitability can be volatile, depending on how well a company manages projects related to equipment delivery", it added.

Hitachi to buy majority stake in ABB's power grid arm for $6.4 billion

Trade frictions between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-trump-china-trade-war-how-will-it-end-171248"> China and the United States </a>are already affecting business confidence and investment in Asia, a senior International Monetary Fund official said, warning that the fund could further cut its global growth forecasts in January.

Changyong Rhee, director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, said Japan and South Korea could be among countries in the region hit hardest by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-agree-to-trade-war-ceasefire-more-talks-180930">the trade war</a>, given their reliance on exports to China.

"Investment is much weaker than expected. My interpretation is that the confidence channel is already affecting the global economy, particularly Asian economies," Rhee told Reuters.

"We see global growth a little bit slower than we forecast in October," he said on Monday.

Citing the potential fallout from the Sino-US&nbsp;trade war, the IMF cut its global growth forecast in October to 3.7 per cent for both 2018 and 2019, down from 3.9 per cent projected in July.

It expects Asia's economic growth to slow to 5.4 per cent next year from 5.6 per cent projected this year.

Rhee said there was a chance the IMF could cut further its growth forecasts when it reviews them in January, given signs of slowdown not just in Asia but in Europe and the United States.

"Uncertainty is so large ... uncertainty means you have upside potential as well as downside risk. At this moment, we believe the downside risk is a little bit higher," he said.

On China, Rhee said it was not resorting to big-scale stimulus despite growing external headwinds, given the need to deal with long-term challenges such as curbing excess debt.

"They aren't accelerating (stimulus) yet but taking the foot from the brake for the time being. But that doesn't exclude the possibility that if the trade tension escalates, if growth goes down, they are ready to use stimulus," he said.

"What we're concerned and what we're advising them is that the medium-term goals such as deleveraging are still important for financial stability," Rhee added.

"So when they actually try to use stimulus, we hope they can use more fiscal policy rather than credit expansion."

Trade frictions between China and the United States are already affecting business confidence and investment in Asia, a senior International Monetary Fund official said, warning that the fund could further cut its global growth forecasts in January.

Trade frictions between China and the United States are already affecting business confidence and investment in Asia, a senior International Monetary Fund official said, warning that the fund could further cut its global growth forecasts in January. Changyong Rhee, director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, said Japan and South Korea could be among countries in the region hit hardest by the trade war, given their reliance on exports to China. "Investment is much weaker than expected. My interpretation is that the confidence channel is already affecting the global economy, particularly Asian economies," Rhee told Reuters. "We see global growth a little bit slower than we forecast in October," he said on Monday. Citing the potential fallout from the Sino-US trade war, the IMF cut its global growth forecast in October to 3.7 per cent for both 2018 and 2019, down from 3.9 per cent projected in July. It expects Asia's economic growth to slow to 5.4 per cent next year from 5.6 per cent projected this year. Rhee said there was a chance the IMF could cut further its growth forecasts when it reviews them in January, given signs of slowdown not just in Asia but in Europe and the United States. "Uncertainty is so large ... uncertainty means you have upside potential as well as downside risk. At this moment, we believe the downside risk is a little bit higher," he said. On China, Rhee said it was not resorting to big-scale stimulus despite growing external headwinds, given the need to deal with long-term challenges such as curbing excess debt. "They aren't accelerating (stimulus) yet but taking the foot from the brake for the time being. But that doesn't exclude the possibility that if the trade tension escalates, if growth goes down, they are ready to use stimulus," he said. "What we're concerned and what we're advising them is that the medium-term goals such as deleveraging are still important for financial stability," Rhee added. "So when they actually try to use stimulus, we hope they can use more fiscal policy rather than credit expansion."

Trade war already hurting Asia, may cut global growth forecasts: IMF

More than 40 people were injured in an explosion on Sunday at a bar in Sapporo in northern Japan, Kyodo news agency reported.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the blast, which the agency said had caused a number of buildings to collapse. Kyodo said one person was in critical condition.

Video of the incident posted on social media showed flames and dark smoke billowing into the night sky and people scrambling to safety beside a street strewn with debris and shattered glass.

Police and firefighters worked to get the site under control, fighting flames and smoke, and warned people in the neighbourhood of the possibility of another explosion, the agency reported.

"I heard a bang which sounded like thunder, and my condo was shaken," a man who lives nearby was quoted as saying by the Japan Times. Eyewitnesses reported smelling gas in the area following the explosion, which Kyodo said happened at 8.30 p.m. (1130 GMT).

More than 40 people were injured in an explosion on Sunday at a bar in Sapporo in northern Japan, Kyodo news agency reported. There was no immediate word on the cause of the blast, which the agency said had caused a number of buildings to collapse.

More than 40 people were injured in an explosion on Sunday at a bar in Sapporo in northern Japan, Kyodo news agency reported. There was no immediate word on the cause of the blast, which the agency said had caused a number of buildings to collapse. Kyodo said one person was in critical condition. Video of the incident posted on social media showed flames and dark smoke billowing into the night sky and people scrambling to safety beside a street strewn with debris and shattered glass. Police and firefighters worked to get the site under control, fighting flames and smoke, and warned people in the neighbourhood of the possibility of another explosion, the agency reported. "I heard a bang which sounded like thunder, and my condo was shaken," a man who lives nearby was quoted as saying by the Japan Times. Eyewitnesses reported smelling gas in the area following the explosion, which Kyodo said happened at 8.30 p.m. (1130 GMT).

More than 40 injured in explosion in Japan's Sapporo: State media

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year.

The European Parliament’s international trade committee voted 25 in favour to 10 against to clear the deal for a final vote in the parliament’s full chamber set for December 13.

An agreement would bind two economies accounting for about a third of global gross domestic product and also signal their rejection of protectionism.

Both have faced trade tensions with Washington and remain subject to US tariffs imposed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-at-un-urges-tougher-action-on-iran-missiles-183573">President Donald Trump</a> on imports of steel and aluminum.

Japan had been part of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump rejected on his first day in office, turning Tokyo’s focus to other potential partners - such as the European Union.

The EU has also sought other partners after freezing TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) negotiations with the United States in 2016. It concluded an updated trade deal with Mexico earlier this year.

Both have since agreed to start trade talks with Washington.

The EU-Japan agreement will remove EU tariffs of 10 per cent on Japanese cars and 3 per cent for most car parts. It would also scrap Japanese duties of some 30 per cent on EU cheese and 15 per cent on wines and open access to public tenders in Japan.

It will also open up services markets, in particular, financial services, telecoms, e-commerce and transport.

The EU is mindful of protests against and criticism of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2016, which culminated in a region of Belgium threatening to destroy the deal. It finally entered force in 2017.

Critics say the EU-Japan agreement will give too much power to multinationals and could undermine environmental and labour standards, the latter because they say Japanese employees face tougher conditions and less adequate union representation.

Belgium’s regions have though given their backing.

Both Brussels and Tokyo want the agreement to enter force early in 2019 before Britain leaves the EU at the end of March.

If it does, it could apply automatically to Britain during a transition period until the end of 2020 and offer comfort to the many Japanese car makers serving the EU from British bases.

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year.

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year. The European Parliament’s international trade committee voted 25 in favour to 10 against to clear the deal for a final vote in the parliament’s full chamber set for December 13. An agreement would bind two economies accounting for about a third of global gross domestic product and also signal their rejection of protectionism. Both have faced trade tensions with Washington and remain subject to US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports of steel and aluminum. Japan had been part of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump rejected on his first day in office, turning Tokyo’s focus to other potential partners - such as the European Union. The EU has also sought other partners after freezing TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) negotiations with the United States in 2016. It concluded an updated trade deal with Mexico earlier this year. Both have since agreed to start trade talks with Washington. The EU-Japan agreement will remove EU tariffs of 10 per cent on Japanese cars and 3 per cent for most car parts. It would also scrap Japanese duties of some 30 per cent on EU cheese and 15 per cent on wines and open access to public tenders in Japan. It will also open up services markets, in particular, financial services, telecoms, e-commerce and transport. The EU is mindful of protests against and criticism of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2016, which culminated in a region of Belgium threatening to destroy the deal. It finally entered force in 2017. Critics say the EU-Japan agreement will give too much power to multinationals and could undermine environmental and labour standards, the latter because they say Japanese employees face tougher conditions and less adequate union representation. Belgium’s regions have though given their backing. Both Brussels and Tokyo want the agreement to enter force early in 2019 before Britain leaves the EU at the end of March. If it does, it could apply automatically to Britain during a transition period until the end of 2020 and offer comfort to the many Japanese car makers serving the EU from British bases.

EU, Japan to form world’s largest free trade area in 2019

Japan, the land of rising sun, is facing a peculiar problem: Abandoned houses that have been left vacant as the nation's population grays and its growth shrinks.

So, the Shinzo Abe government has come up with a novel idea to make use of the pieces of property: Give them away at discounted price, or even better, for free.

Reports in many publications in Japan say that many such homes - known as 'akiya' - have been listed for sale on <a href="https://inakanoseikatsu.com/">online databases</a>. Some of these properties are even listed as "gratis transfer" (or free).

Most of these houses are in the countryside and belong to families which have moved to urban centres and have no use for such properties. According to a 2013 government report, more than 8 million properties across Japan are unoccupied.

Japan already faces a huge demographic problem in the form of ageing population. In 1980 in Japan, only one in 50 men had never been married by the age of 50 and one in 22 women. That ratio is now one in four and one in seven respectively.

The country's population, excluding resident foreigners, fell last year at its fastest pace since comparable figures were kept in 1968, highlighting the demographic challenge to economic growth. As of January 1, 2017, the number of Japanese people fell by a record 308,084 from a year earlier to 125,583,658, marking the eighth consecutive year of declines, according to government data.

The number of births fell 2.9 per cent from the previous year ago to 981,202, the lowest since comparable data became available in 1974.

People aged 65 or older accounted for 27.2 per cent of the total population, the highest ratio on record, while the ratio of those aged 14 or younger fell to a record low of 12.7 per cent, the data showed.

Ageing Japan is reluctantly attempting to prise open its doors to migrant workers as it battles serious labour shortages, raising the hackles of conservatives worried about mass immigration.

Although Japan has long acknowledged the need to bolster its shrinking workforce, it has so far made only grudging efforts to open up its labour market which have failed to meet its needs.

Now premier Shinzo Abe's government wants to open the door to foreign blue-collar workers as early as April 2019, granting visas for up to five years to those employed in industries facing chronic shortages such as agriculture, nursing and construction.

Workers armed with more advanced skills and Japanese language proficiency would be able to extend their visas and bring over family members - an unprecedented relaxation of immigration rules that has sparked alarm among conservatives, including some within Abe's own party.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan, the land of rising sun, is facing a peculiar problem: Abandoned houses that have been left vacant as the nation's population grays and its growth shrinks.

Japan, the land of rising sun, is facing a peculiar problem: Abandoned houses that have been left vacant as the nation's population grays and its growth shrinks. So, the Shinzo Abe government has come up with a novel idea to make use of the pieces of property: Give them away at discounted price, or even better, for free. Reports in many publications in Japan say that many such homes - known as 'akiya' - have been listed for sale on online databases. Some of these properties are even listed as "gratis transfer" (or free). Most of these houses are in the countryside and belong to families which have moved to urban centres and have no use for such properties. According to a 2013 government report, more than 8 million properties across Japan are unoccupied. Japan already faces a huge demographic problem in the form of ageing population. In 1980 in Japan, only one in 50 men had never been married by the age of 50 and one in 22 women. That ratio is now one in four and one in seven respectively. The country's population, excluding resident foreigners, fell last year at its fastest pace since comparable figures were kept in 1968, highlighting the demographic challenge to economic growth. As of January 1, 2017, the number of Japanese people fell by a record 308,084 from a year earlier to 125,583,658, marking the eighth consecutive year of declines, according to government data. The number of births fell 2.9 per cent from the previous year ago to 981,202, the lowest since comparable data became available in 1974. People aged 65 or older accounted for 27.2 per cent of the total population, the highest ratio on record, while the ratio of those aged 14 or younger fell to a record low of 12.7 per cent, the data showed. Ageing Japan is reluctantly attempting to prise open its doors to migrant workers as it battles serious labour shortages, raising the hackles of conservatives worried about mass immigration. Although Japan has long acknowledged the need to bolster its shrinking workforce, it has so far made only grudging efforts to open up its labour market which have failed to meet its needs. Now premier Shinzo Abe's government wants to open the door to foreign blue-collar workers as early as April 2019, granting visas for up to five years to those employed in industries facing chronic shortages such as agriculture, nursing and construction. Workers armed with more advanced skills and Japanese language proficiency would be able to extend their visas and bring over family members - an unprecedented relaxation of immigration rules that has sparked alarm among conservatives, including some within Abe's own party. (With inputs from agencies)

Ageing Japan is offering abandoned houses for free

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/VhHPVXd1dB">pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068562749419073536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message."

The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion.&nbsp;

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JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. 
 
Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/8Lw7kj9waN">pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1068581708545576960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases"

This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow.

Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept."

Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard."

Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' #G20 #Argentina pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message." The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion. JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM @AbeShinzo, @POTUS and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2018 × Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases" This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow. Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept." Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard." Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

Japan, America, India trilateral focuses on Indo-Pacific; Trump talks about defence purchases

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