Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Russia and Japan should sign a peace treaty so that they can realise their economic cooperation ambitions.

Russia and Japan have not signed an official peace treaty after World War Two due to a dispute over a number of Pacific islands off the northeast coast of Japan.

Abe, speaking at an economic forum in Russia attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that the islands could become a symbol of cooperation between Tokyo and Moscow.

Russia and Japan have not signed an official peace treaty after World War Two due to a dispute over a number of Pacific islands off the northeast coast of Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Russia and Japan should sign a peace treaty so that they can realise their economic cooperation ambitions. Russia and Japan have not signed an official peace treaty after World War Two due to a dispute over a number of Pacific islands off the northeast coast of Japan. Abe, speaking at an economic forum in Russia attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that the islands could become a symbol of cooperation between Tokyo and Moscow.

Need peace treaty with Russia to promote economic cooperation: Japan PM

According to a report released by the Henley Passport Index on Wednesday, Singapore has been overtaken by Japan to have the world's most powerful passport.

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This translates into the fact that the Japanese can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a record 189 destinations.

Singapore now stands second giving its citizens access to 188 countries that don't require a visa beforehand.

India comes 81st on the list with 56 destinations.

South Korea, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden share the third stop while the United States and the United Kingdom were tied at number four.

Henley's previously published index, that came out in February, had both Singapore and Japan at the top with 180 destinations.

Germany stood second with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 179 destinations.

As many as 199 countries were surveyed for the index against 227 travel destinations across the globe.&nbsp;

Singapore now stands second giving its citizens access to 188 countries that don't require a visa beforehand

According to a report released by the Henley Passport Index on Wednesday, Singapore has been overtaken by Japan to have the world's most powerful passport. × This translates into the fact that the Japanese can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a record 189 destinations. Singapore now stands second giving its citizens access to 188 countries that don't require a visa beforehand. India comes 81st on the list with 56 destinations. South Korea, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden share the third stop while the United States and the United Kingdom were tied at number four. Henley's previously published index, that came out in February, had both Singapore and Japan at the top with 180 destinations. Germany stood second with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 179 destinations. As many as 199 countries were surveyed for the index against 227 travel destinations across the globe.

Japanese possess most powerful passport in world, India on 81st spot

India suffered an embarrassing 0-5 defeat to Japan in their third and final Group A tie at the Uber Cup badminton tournament on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In the first game of the women's singles, Saina Nehwal lost to Akane Yamaguchi 19-21, 21-9 20-22 in a marathon 54-minute match.&nbsp;

In the women's doubles, Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi hammered Sanyogita Ghorpade and Prajakta Sawant in straight sets 21-15, 21-6 to take a crucial 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

India's poor performance continued in the third and the do-or-die match as Vaishnavi Reddy lost to Nozomi Okuhara 21-10, 21-13 in just 26 minutes.

In the fourth match, Indian shuttlers suffered the loss. In doubles match, Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto thrashed inexperienced Vaishnavi Bhale and Meghana Jakkampudi 21-8, 21-17 to take a 4-0 lead.

Anura Prabhudesai rounded up a disappointing day for the Indians as she lost in the straight games to Sayaka Takahashi.

The Indian lost 12-21, 7-21 in just 26 minutes. 
&nbsp;

Nehwal lost to Akane Yamaguchi 19-21, 21-9 20-22 in a marathon 54-minute match.

India suffered an embarrassing 0-5 defeat to Japan in their third and final Group A tie at the Uber Cup badminton tournament on Wednesday. In the first game of the women's singles, Saina Nehwal lost to Akane Yamaguchi 19-21, 21-9 20-22 in a marathon 54-minute match. In the women's doubles, Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi hammered Sanyogita Ghorpade and Prajakta Sawant in straight sets 21-15, 21-6 to take a crucial 2-0 lead. India's poor performance continued in the third and the do-or-die match as Vaishnavi Reddy lost to Nozomi Okuhara 21-10, 21-13 in just 26 minutes. In the fourth match, Indian shuttlers suffered the loss. In doubles match, Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto thrashed inexperienced Vaishnavi Bhale and Meghana Jakkampudi 21-8, 21-17 to take a 4-0 lead. Anura Prabhudesai rounded up a disappointing day for the Indians as she lost in the straight games to Sayaka Takahashi. The Indian lost 12-21, 7-21 in just 26 minutes.

Thomas and Uber Cup: Saina Nehwal loses as Japan thrash India 5-0

On Friday, Japan told the World Trade Organization that it would withdraw its conciliatory stance toward United States over tariffs. The Abe administration noted that it was ready to take retaliatory measures against US tariffs on its steel and aluminium.

While China has already taken retaliatory measures, Japan had taken a conciliatory approach, attempting to win exemptions through dialogue.

The WTO was informed that Japan had the right to impose tariffs on US goods worth 50 billion yen ($451 million) -- equivalent to the impact of the US tariffs newly imposed on Japanese metal products.

"We plan to decide appropriately, considering the impact on Japanese companies as well as related US measures," Japanese foreign ministry noted in a statement.&nbsp

US President Donald Trump slapped 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminium imports, primarily to target China, but also allies, including EU countries as well as Japan -- a move that sparked fears of a trade war in March when he decided to impose.

Trump has maintained that massive imports to the US threatened national security.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp

 
&nbsp

Trump has maintained that massive imports to the US threatened national security

On Friday, Japan told the World Trade Organization that it would withdraw its conciliatory stance toward United States over tariffs. The Abe administration noted that it was ready to take retaliatory measures against US tariffs on its steel and aluminium. While China has already taken retaliatory measures, Japan had taken a conciliatory approach, attempting to win exemptions through dialogue. The WTO was informed that Japan had the right to impose tariffs on US goods worth 50 billion yen ($451 million) -- equivalent to the impact of the US tariffs newly imposed on Japanese metal products. "We plan to decide appropriately, considering the impact on Japanese companies as well as related US measures," Japanese foreign ministry noted in a statement. US President Donald Trump slapped 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminium imports, primarily to target China, but also allies, including EU countries as well as Japan -- a move that sparked fears of a trade war in March when he decided to impose. Trump has maintained that massive imports to the US threatened national security. (With inputs from AFP)

Ready to retaliate against US steel tariffs: Japan tells WTO

Japan Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on Thursday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and told him that he would like to further promote coordination towards the achievement of a free and open Indo-Pacific.&nbsp

Modi will visit Japan this year for annual India-Japan Summit.

Japan-India summit telephone conversation began at 4:35 pm and lasted for nearly 20 minutes.&nbsp

During the conversation, Abe conveyed his heartfelt sympathies over the fact that there have been enormous damages, including many lives lost, due to the dust storm which hit areas around Northern India twice this month.

Prime Minister Abe also stated that he would like to further promote coordination and cooperation towards the achievement of a free and open Indo-Pacific and open a new window.

Both the leaders also held discussions on regional issues with a focus on Asia.

Prime Minister Modi stated that he was looking forward to his upcoming visit to Japan this year, to which Prime Minister Abe noted that he would like to fully coordinate for a fruitful visit of Modi.

Modi will visit Japan this year for annual India-Japan Summit.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on Thursday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and told him that he would like to further promote coordination towards the achievement of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Modi will visit Japan this year for annual India-Japan Summit. Japan-India summit telephone conversation began at 4:35 pm and lasted for nearly 20 minutes. During the conversation, Abe conveyed his heartfelt sympathies over the fact that there have been enormous damages, including many lives lost, due to the dust storm which hit areas around Northern India twice this month. Prime Minister Abe also stated that he would like to further promote coordination and cooperation towards the achievement of a free and open Indo-Pacific and open a new window. Both the leaders also held discussions on regional issues with a focus on Asia. Prime Minister Modi stated that he was looking forward to his upcoming visit to Japan this year, to which Prime Minister Abe noted that he would like to fully coordinate for a fruitful visit of Modi.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe, PM Modi hold telephonic conversation

Japan seems to be enjoying a spoonful of gold in their meals these days. The country has taken to adding gold to their food for a healthy living and to promote longevity.&nbsp;

According to reports, restaurants in Tokyo are serving gold-infused meals for around $300 a serving. Over the past year, Japan has estimated to have consumed 8 kilograms of gold. The total global production of gold was estimated at 3.15 thousand metric tons in 2017 according to global statistics portal Statista.&nbsp;

While Japan's love for gold grows, its economy has taken a dip for the first time in a decade. Japan's fondness for the precious metal is based on the belief that its consumption promotes long and healthy life. Medieval alchemists also reportedly shared the same belief and prescribed portable gold for treating a variety of ailments.&nbsp;<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Df4Edf5uYM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

In India too, health benefiting concoctions like Chyawanprash, a mix of herbs and immunity-boosting foods, are believed to contain small quantities of metals like silver and gold.&nbsp;

Over the year, Japan is reported to have seen food trends like gold-covered sushis, gold flaked ice creams among others.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In India too, health benefiting concoctions like Chyawanprash are believed to have small quantities of metals like silver and gold

Japan seems to be enjoying a spoonful of gold in their meals these days. The country has taken to adding gold to their food for a healthy living and to promote longevity. According to reports, restaurants in Tokyo are serving gold-infused meals for around $300 a serving. Over the past year, Japan has estimated to have consumed 8 kilograms of gold. The total global production of gold was estimated at 3.15 thousand metric tons in 2017 according to global statistics portal Statista. While Japan's love for gold grows, its economy has taken a dip for the first time in a decade. Japan's fondness for the precious metal is based on the belief that its consumption promotes long and healthy life. Medieval alchemists also reportedly shared the same belief and prescribed portable gold for treating a variety of ailments. In India too, health benefiting concoctions like Chyawanprash, a mix of herbs and immunity-boosting foods, are believed to contain small quantities of metals like silver and gold. Over the year, Japan is reported to have seen food trends like gold-covered sushis, gold flaked ice creams among others.

Watch: Japanese have consumed nearly 8 kgs of gold in their meals 

The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world

FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit central Japan on Saturday morning but no tsunami is expected, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Police said they have heard no reports of damage or casualties.

The quake's epicentre was in northern Nagano prefecture in central Japan, and tremor occurred at around 10:29 a.m. (0129 GMT) at a depth of around 10 km (6 miles), the weather agency said.

No abnormalities have been observed at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings' (TEPCO) Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in neighboring Niigata prefecture, public broadcaster NHK quoted the electric utilities as saying.

There have been no information on casualties or damages yet

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit central Japan on Saturday morning but no tsunami is expected, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Police said they have heard no reports of damage or casualties. The quake's epicentre was in northern Nagano prefecture in central Japan, and tremor occurred at around 10:29 a.m. (0129 GMT) at a depth of around 10 km (6 miles), the weather agency said. No abnormalities have been observed at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings' (TEPCO) Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in neighboring Niigata prefecture, public broadcaster NHK quoted the electric utilities as saying.

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake hits central Japan, no tsunami

Japan's economy is expected to have contracted for the first time in two years in the first quarter due to weak private consumption and softer export demand, a Reuters poll showed on Friday.

A negative reading, while slight, would snap Japan's longest period of economic expansion - eight straight quarters of growth - since its 1980s bubble economy.

But analysts said the expected January-March weakness may be only a temporary soft patch, arguing that higher prices for fresh vegetables and bad winter weather likely weighed on consumer spending in the quarter.

The global economy also has remained firm, suggesting Japan will regain traction in the second quarter, they added.

Gross domestic product (GDP) probably shrank at an annualised rate of 0.2 per cent in the first quarter after a 1.6 of expansion in the final quarter of 2017, the poll of 18 analysts showed.

That would mark the first contraction in the world's third-largest economy since late 2015.

The annualised contraction would translate into a flat reading from the previous quarter.

"The economy had steadily recovered but it appeared to have come to a temporary standstill," said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

"Economic indicators such as factory output and firms' business sentiment have shown a softening momentum of the economy. The GDP data will likely reflect those moves."

Analysts believe there was no growth in private consumption in the quarter, after a 0.5 per cent gain in the final quarter last year. Private consumption accounts for 60 per cent of GDP.

External demand - or exports minus imports - also provided no contribution to GDP, the poll found. Japan's exports rose less than expected in March and a business survey showed export order growth slowed sharply in April due to a stronger yen.

Capital spending was forecast to rise 0.4 per cent in the quarter, slowing from a 1.0 per cent increase in the previous period but still up for a sixth straight quarter.

"The economy is expected to return to the pace of around annualised 1.0 per cent growth from April-June but we need to pay attention to impacts from the United States' trade protectionism including the currency movements," said Yusuke Ichikawa, senior economist at Mizuho Research Institute.

The Cabinet Office will publish the GDP data on May 16 at 8:50am (2350 GMT, May 15).

MACHINERY ORDERS, CORE CPI

The poll also predicted machinery orders fell 3.0 per cent in March from the previous month, when they grew 2.1 per cent. The highly volatile data series is regarded as an indicator of capital spending in six to nine months.

It would be the first decline in three months after a 2.1 per cent growth in February and a 8.2 per cent jump in January.

Still, machinery orders likely rose for the third straight quarter in Jan-March versus the previous quarter, analysts say.

"Capital spending is staying solid despite the bearish tone of domestic and overseas economies and it will likely retain its positive movement," said an analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities in the survey.

The machinery order data will be released at 8:50am on May 17.

The poll also found the core consumer price index (CPI), which includes oil products but excludes volatile fresh food prices, rose 0.8 percent in April from a year earlier, a touch less than the 0.9 per cent gain seen in March.

Core CPI is due out at 8:30am on May 18.

The Bank of Japan's corporate goods price index (CGPI), which measures the prices companies charge each other for goods and services, likely grew 2.0 per cent in April.

The annualised contraction would translate into a flat reading from the previous quarter.

Japan's economy is expected to have contracted for the first time in two years in the first quarter due to weak private consumption and softer export demand, a Reuters poll showed on Friday. A negative reading, while slight, would snap Japan's longest period of economic expansion - eight straight quarters of growth - since its 1980s bubble economy. But analysts said the expected January-March weakness may be only a temporary soft patch, arguing that higher prices for fresh vegetables and bad winter weather likely weighed on consumer spending in the quarter. The global economy also has remained firm, suggesting Japan will regain traction in the second quarter, they added. Gross domestic product (GDP) probably shrank at an annualised rate of 0.2 per cent in the first quarter after a 1.6 of expansion in the final quarter of 2017, the poll of 18 analysts showed. That would mark the first contraction in the world's third-largest economy since late 2015. The annualised contraction would translate into a flat reading from the previous quarter. "The economy had steadily recovered but it appeared to have come to a temporary standstill," said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. "Economic indicators such as factory output and firms' business sentiment have shown a softening momentum of the economy. The GDP data will likely reflect those moves." Analysts believe there was no growth in private consumption in the quarter, after a 0.5 per cent gain in the final quarter last year. Private consumption accounts for 60 per cent of GDP. External demand - or exports minus imports - also provided no contribution to GDP, the poll found. Japan's exports rose less than expected in March and a business survey showed export order growth slowed sharply in April due to a stronger yen. Capital spending was forecast to rise 0.4 per cent in the quarter, slowing from a 1.0 per cent increase in the previous period but still up for a sixth straight quarter. "The economy is expected to return to the pace of around annualised 1.0 per cent growth from April-June but we need to pay attention to impacts from the United States' trade protectionism including the currency movements," said Yusuke Ichikawa, senior economist at Mizuho Research Institute. The Cabinet Office will publish the GDP data on May 16 at 8:50am (2350 GMT, May 15). MACHINERY ORDERS, CORE CPI The poll also predicted machinery orders fell 3.0 per cent in March from the previous month, when they grew 2.1 per cent. The highly volatile data series is regarded as an indicator of capital spending in six to nine months. It would be the first decline in three months after a 2.1 per cent growth in February and a 8.2 per cent jump in January. Still, machinery orders likely rose for the third straight quarter in Jan-March versus the previous quarter, analysts say. "Capital spending is staying solid despite the bearish tone of domestic and overseas economies and it will likely retain its positive movement," said an analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities in the survey. The machinery order data will be released at 8:50am on May 17. The poll also found the core consumer price index (CPI), which includes oil products but excludes volatile fresh food prices, rose 0.8 percent in April from a year earlier, a touch less than the 0.9 per cent gain seen in March. Core CPI is due out at 8:30am on May 18. The Bank of Japan's corporate goods price index (CGPI), which measures the prices companies charge each other for goods and services, likely grew 2.0 per cent in April.

Japan economy seen shrinking for first time in two years in first quarter

Japan and North Korea should begin talks to normalise relations between the two countries and contribute to peace and stability in the region, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told a Japanese newspaper on Tuesday.

"In particular, I think dialogue between Japan and North Korea should be resumed," Moon said in the interview with the Yomiuri newspaper.

"If Japan-North Korea relations are normalised, that would greatly contribute to peace and security in Northeast Asia beyond the Korean peninsula," he said in written answers to questions submitted by the newspaper.

At Moon's summit last month with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, both sides agreed to work towards denuclearisation. Kim said during that meeting he was "ready to have a dialogue with Japan anytime", Moon told the newspaper.

There was no immediate comment from the Japanese government, which has called Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile programmes the toughest security threat facing Japan since World War Two.

Moon's interview was conducted ahead of a summit on Wednesday between Moon, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Tokyo.

North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda but a Chinese diplomat said last week the talks were about regional cooperation and not focused on the Korean peninsula

Nevertheless, months of frosty relations between Beijing and Pyongyang appear to have thawed since Kim's secretive visit to Beijing in March, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Analysts said Kim's meeting with Xi strengthened North Korea's negotiating position by aligning the two nations ahead of Kim's summit with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump in the coming weeks.

A high-ranking North Korean official visited the Chinese city of Dalian this week, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said on Tuesday, citing multiple anonymous sources.

The North Korean official flew in a private plane and arrived at Dalian airport on Monday amid heavy security, Yonhap said. It did not identify the official.

In the interview, Moon said Kim's desire for "complete denuclearisation" laid the groundwork for the future summit between the United States and North Korea, although it remained to be seen if concrete steps were agreed at the talks.

Trump has said he will maintain sanctions and pressure on the North and "not repeat the mistakes of past administrations", and has said his tough stance had led to the breakthrough.

Moon said Kim was "a very open and practical person" and both leaders had a mutual goal for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

"From now on, based on our deep mutual trust, we'll make bold steps toward peace and prosperity, and unification," Moon said.

At Moon's summit last month with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, both sides agreed to work towards denuclearisation

Japan and North Korea should begin talks to normalise relations between the two countries and contribute to peace and stability in the region, South Korean President Moon Jae-in told a Japanese newspaper on Tuesday. "In particular, I think dialogue between Japan and North Korea should be resumed," Moon said in the interview with the Yomiuri newspaper. "If Japan-North Korea relations are normalised, that would greatly contribute to peace and security in Northeast Asia beyond the Korean peninsula," he said in written answers to questions submitted by the newspaper. At Moon's summit last month with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, both sides agreed to work towards denuclearisation. Kim said during that meeting he was "ready to have a dialogue with Japan anytime", Moon told the newspaper. There was no immediate comment from the Japanese government, which has called Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile programmes the toughest security threat facing Japan since World War Two. Moon's interview was conducted ahead of a summit on Wednesday between Moon, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Tokyo. North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda but a Chinese diplomat said last week the talks were about regional cooperation and not focused on the Korean peninsula Nevertheless, months of frosty relations between Beijing and Pyongyang appear to have thawed since Kim's secretive visit to Beijing in March, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts said Kim's meeting with Xi strengthened North Korea's negotiating position by aligning the two nations ahead of Kim's summit with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump in the coming weeks. A high-ranking North Korean official visited the Chinese city of Dalian this week, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said on Tuesday, citing multiple anonymous sources. The North Korean official flew in a private plane and arrived at Dalian airport on Monday amid heavy security, Yonhap said. It did not identify the official. In the interview, Moon said Kim's desire for "complete denuclearisation" laid the groundwork for the future summit between the United States and North Korea, although it remained to be seen if concrete steps were agreed at the talks. Trump has said he will maintain sanctions and pressure on the North and "not repeat the mistakes of past administrations", and has said his tough stance had led to the breakthrough. Moon said Kim was "a very open and practical person" and both leaders had a mutual goal for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. "From now on, based on our deep mutual trust, we'll make bold steps toward peace and prosperity, and unification," Moon said.

Japan and North Korea should talk, South Korea's Moon says

A major diplomatic incident seems to have broken out over the dessert served by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.&nbsp;

Abe was visiting Israel last week.&nbsp;

News reports said things were going well and after a day of high-level meetings on May 2, Abe was served a meal at Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu's home.&nbsp;

The meal, described as "top notch", was cooked up by celebrity Israeli chef Segev Moshe.&nbsp;

Things continued to go well until the dessert was brought out — chocolates in shoes.&nbsp;

<img alt="pudding shoe.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/pudding%20shoe.jpg" width="770" />

Japanese culture abhors shoes.&nbsp;

Like in many homes in India, the Japanese do not wear shoes inside the home.&nbsp;

But the Japanese take it a step further, and reportedly do not wear shoes inside the office too.&nbsp;

The news reports added that the Japanese think of nothing as "lower" than a shoe. &nbsp;

As expected, a furore followed with both Japanese officials and Israeli diplomats who've served in Japan saying the move was not funny.&nbsp;

Moshe later issued a clarification saying the shoe holding the chocolates was not a "real shoe"&nbsp;but a sculpture (made of cast metal)&nbsp;by the artist Tom Dixon.&nbsp;

The officials and diplomats&nbsp;however replied to that saying that before you serve a prime minister a meal, you should do at least a little reading up on them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The meal, described as "top notch", was cooked up by celebrity Israeli chef Segev Moshe

A major diplomatic incident seems to have broken out over the dessert served by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. Abe was visiting Israel last week. News reports said things were going well and after a day of high-level meetings on May 2, Abe was served a meal at Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu's home. The meal, described as "top notch", was cooked up by celebrity Israeli chef Segev Moshe. Things continued to go well until the dessert was brought out — chocolates in shoes. Japanese culture abhors shoes. Like in many homes in India, the Japanese do not wear shoes inside the home. But the Japanese take it a step further, and reportedly do not wear shoes inside the office too. The news reports added that the Japanese think of nothing as "lower" than a shoe. As expected, a furore followed with both Japanese officials and Israeli diplomats who've served in Japan saying the move was not funny. Moshe later issued a clarification saying the shoe holding the chocolates was not a "real shoe" but a sculpture (made of cast metal) by the artist Tom Dixon. The officials and diplomats however replied to that saying that before you serve a prime minister a meal, you should do at least a little reading up on them.

Netanyahu serves Japan's Shinzo Abe dessert — in a shoe, furore follows

India emerges at the fourth spot on an index that accessed nearly 25 Asia Pacific countries and territories on their overall standing of power.

According to a report by the Lowy Institute, India has the potential to be the 'giant of the future' but needs improvement in areas like defence networks and economic relationships.&nbsp;

Each country was accessed on parameters across eight measures of power - economic resources, military capability, resilience, future trends, diplomatic influence, economic relationships, defence networks and cultural influence.&nbsp;

Russia, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines and North Korea are ranked as "middle powers" while Bangladesh, Brunei, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Mongolia, Laos and Nepal as "minor powers."&nbsp;

The study also reached far into the Pacific region to include countries like Australia and the United States in the report.&nbsp;

"Three of the world's four largest economies are in Asia, and the fourth, the United States, is a Pacific power. By 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will live in Asia, compared with just over a tenth in the West," the report noted.&nbsp;

The report suggests India scores well on cultural influence and future trends, ranking third in both. The country was also projected to become the fastest-growing economy in the region, predicted to grow 169 per cent between 2016 and 2030.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The study also reached far into the Pacific region to include countries like Australia and the United States in the report

India emerges at the fourth spot on an index that accessed nearly 25 Asia Pacific countries and territories on their overall standing of power. According to a report by the Lowy Institute, India has the potential to be the 'giant of the future' but needs improvement in areas like defence networks and economic relationships. Each country was accessed on parameters across eight measures of power - economic resources, military capability, resilience, future trends, diplomatic influence, economic relationships, defence networks and cultural influence. Russia, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines and North Korea are ranked as "middle powers" while Bangladesh, Brunei, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Mongolia, Laos and Nepal as "minor powers." The study also reached far into the Pacific region to include countries like Australia and the United States in the report. "Three of the world's four largest economies are in Asia, and the fourth, the United States, is a Pacific power. By 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will live in Asia, compared with just over a tenth in the West," the report noted. The report suggests India scores well on cultural influence and future trends, ranking third in both. The country was also projected to become the fastest-growing economy in the region, predicted to grow 169 per cent between 2016 and 2030. (With inputs from PTI)

India 4th most 'powerful' country in Asia Pacific: Report

North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un has agreed to have a dialogue with Japan "any time", Seoul's presidential office said Sunday, two days after the historic North-South Summit.&nbsp

Kim had a word with South Korea president Moon-Jae-in on Friday after which Moon had relayed Kim’s remark to President Shinzo Abe in a telephone call Sunday morning.

Abe told Moon that Tokyo intends to work to hold a bilateral summit with Pyongyang, adding that he hopes Moon will mediate if necessary, the Blue House said.

Reports also said that Moon also discussed the abductions of Japanese nationals during the summit adding that it was their primary focus. The abduction case remains a critical issue to any talks between Japan and North Korea. Tokyo officially recognizes 17 people as having been kidnapped by the North in the 1970s and 1980s. Five of them were returned in 2002, but the North insists eight have died and the other four never entered its territory.

The Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed to cooperate so the North will take concrete actions toward denuclearization, Abe said.

Following the telephone talks, Abe met with Suh Hoon, director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, who visited Tokyo to brief Abe on the landmark summit.

In a separate teleconference late on Saturday, Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump also agreed that North Korea needs to take concrete action toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

He said they recognized the need to closely follow developments related to North Korea in the talks held a day after the historic inter-Korean summit between North and South Korea.

The summit -- only the third-ever between the leaders of the two neighbours -- came ahead of Kim's planned meeting with US President Donald Trump after months of tensions sparked by North Korea's nuclear and long-range missile tests last year. 
&nbsp

Kim had a word with South Korea president Moon-Jae-in on Friday after which Moon had relayed Kim’s remark to President Shinzo Abe in a telephone call Sunday morning

North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un has agreed to have a dialogue with Japan "any time", Seoul's presidential office said Sunday, two days after the historic North-South Summit. Kim had a word with South Korea president Moon-Jae-in on Friday after which Moon had relayed Kim’s remark to President Shinzo Abe in a telephone call Sunday morning. Abe told Moon that Tokyo intends to work to hold a bilateral summit with Pyongyang, adding that he hopes Moon will mediate if necessary, the Blue House said. Reports also said that Moon also discussed the abductions of Japanese nationals during the summit adding that it was their primary focus. The abduction case remains a critical issue to any talks between Japan and North Korea. Tokyo officially recognizes 17 people as having been kidnapped by the North in the 1970s and 1980s. Five of them were returned in 2002, but the North insists eight have died and the other four never entered its territory. The Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed to cooperate so the North will take concrete actions toward denuclearization, Abe said. Following the telephone talks, Abe met with Suh Hoon, director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, who visited Tokyo to brief Abe on the landmark summit. In a separate teleconference late on Saturday, Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump also agreed that North Korea needs to take concrete action toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He said they recognized the need to closely follow developments related to North Korea in the talks held a day after the historic inter-Korean summit between North and South Korea. The summit -- only the third-ever between the leaders of the two neighbours -- came ahead of Kim's planned meeting with US President Donald Trump after months of tensions sparked by North Korea's nuclear and long-range missile tests last year.

North Korea willing to talk to Japan at 'any time'

Japan's Nabi Tajima, believed to be world's oldest person, passed away on Saturday. Tajima was born in the final year of the 19th century and aged 117 before she died.

According to reports, Tajima died of old age at a hospital on her native southwestern island of Kikaijima, Japan.

According to Guinness World Records, a 112-year-old Japanese man, Masazo Nonaka, was identified as the world's oldest man earlier this month. The organisation is now conducting research to certify Tajima as the oldest person after the previous record holder, Violet Brown of Jamaica, died last year at 117.

According to official data, the number of centenarians in Japan totalled 67,824 last year, sharply up from 153 in 1963.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

According to Guinness World Records, a 112-year-old Japanese man, Masazo Nonaka, was identified as the world's oldest man earlier this month

Japan's Nabi Tajima, believed to be world's oldest person, passed away on Saturday. Tajima was born in the final year of the 19th century and aged 117 before she died. According to reports, Tajima died of old age at a hospital on her native southwestern island of Kikaijima, Japan. According to Guinness World Records, a 112-year-old Japanese man, Masazo Nonaka, was identified as the world's oldest man earlier this month. The organisation is now conducting research to certify Tajima as the oldest person after the previous record holder, Violet Brown of Jamaica, died last year at 117. According to official data, the number of centenarians in Japan totalled 67,824 last year, sharply up from 153 in 1963. (With inputs from Reuters)

World's 'oldest person' dies in Japan at 117

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono and his Chinese counterpart kicked off the first high-level economic talks between their nations in eight years on Monday, at a time of tense trade relations with the United States for both countries.

Concern is growing about a trade row between China and the United States in which the two nations have threatened each other with tariffs. Japan has come in for criticism from US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on trade and been hit with tariffs on steel and aluminium, but Japan has not yet threatened counter-tariffs.

While neither side is publicly linking the talks in Tokyo between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono to President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies, the meeting is a timely reminder of not only how much they both rely on the American market, but also how interdependent the two Asian nations have become.

China's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, is the first Chinese foreign minister to visit Japan in a bilateral context in nine years. He and Kono discussed a broad range of issues, including North Korea, Kono on Sunday night. He will hold a high-level economic dialogue with Japanese officials on Monday -- the first between the countries in eight years.

"In these eight years, both nations, as well as the economic conditions surrounding them, have changed greatly, even as our regional economic roles have increased," Kono said at the start of Monday`s discussions, noting a need for a reset of their often-fraught bilateral ties.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged last year to reset the sometimes touchy relationship between Asia`s two largest economic powers.&nbsp

"I hope that today we can discuss closer, tighter economic cooperation as well as the regional and global economic situations," Kono added.

Wang, who spent eight years in Japan as a diplomat including three as ambassador, said the changing economic climate presented fresh opportunities.

"After reopening these talks we`re both standing at new starting points to discuss future cooperation that will, I hope, lead to fresh economic growth for both nations," Wang said.

Financial markets have been roiled recently over fears that a full-blown U.S.-China trade war could shatter global trade and economic growth, and these issues are likely to be high on the agenda, along with Japanese cooperation on China`s Belt and Road projects.

Japanese officials are also eager to avoid trade friction with the United States, with the issue to be discussed in the Abe and Trump talks later this week.&nbsp

Concern is growing about a trade row between China and the United States in which the two nations have threatened each other with tariffs

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono and his Chinese counterpart kicked off the first high-level economic talks between their nations in eight years on Monday, at a time of tense trade relations with the United States for both countries. Concern is growing about a trade row between China and the United States in which the two nations have threatened each other with tariffs. Japan has come in for criticism from US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on trade and been hit with tariffs on steel and aluminium, but Japan has not yet threatened counter-tariffs. While neither side is publicly linking the talks in Tokyo between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono to President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies, the meeting is a timely reminder of not only how much they both rely on the American market, but also how interdependent the two Asian nations have become. China's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, is the first Chinese foreign minister to visit Japan in a bilateral context in nine years. He and Kono discussed a broad range of issues, including North Korea, Kono on Sunday night. He will hold a high-level economic dialogue with Japanese officials on Monday -- the first between the countries in eight years. "In these eight years, both nations, as well as the economic conditions surrounding them, have changed greatly, even as our regional economic roles have increased," Kono said at the start of Monday`s discussions, noting a need for a reset of their often-fraught bilateral ties. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged last year to reset the sometimes touchy relationship between Asia`s two largest economic powers. "I hope that today we can discuss closer, tighter economic cooperation as well as the regional and global economic situations," Kono added. Wang, who spent eight years in Japan as a diplomat including three as ambassador, said the changing economic climate presented fresh opportunities. "After reopening these talks we`re both standing at new starting points to discuss future cooperation that will, I hope, lead to fresh economic growth for both nations," Wang said. Financial markets have been roiled recently over fears that a full-blown U.S.-China trade war could shatter global trade and economic growth, and these issues are likely to be high on the agenda, along with Japanese cooperation on China`s Belt and Road projects. Japanese officials are also eager to avoid trade friction with the United States, with the issue to be discussed in the Abe and Trump talks later this week.

Japan, China pledge to work on economic ties amid heightened trade tensions

Japan's top finance bureaucrat denied on Monday a weekly magazine's allegation that he had sexually harassed female reporters and vowed to sue its publisher for defamation, his ministry said in a statement.

The weekly Shincho magazine said in an issue published last Thursday that Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda went drinking with a female reporter recently at a bar near his house and asked to touch her breasts and kiss her. It had quoted Fukuda as denying the allegations.

Japan has had few reported "#MeToo" cases about sexual harassment involving public figures. In Japan, victims are often reluctant to speak out for fear of being blamed. The identity of the female reporter has not been disclosed.

A day after the report, the tabloid released an audio recording of what it said was Fukuda making the alleged sexual advance.

The Finance Ministry, in its statement, quoted Fukuda as saying: "I do at times go out for meals with both male and female reporters after working hours, but I have never had the kind of exchange with any female reporter that was reported in the magazine (or that was contained in the audio file)."

The magazine did not identify the reporter.

The ministry quoted Fukuda as saying he was preparing to sue the publisher, Shinchosha. He apologised to Finance Minister Taro Aso and other members of the ministry for "causing trouble", and vowed to continue carrying out his duties "with a sense of urgency".

Shinchosha told Reuters it would publish its response in the next edition, which is out on Thursday.

The #MeToo global movement has exposed men accused of sexual assault and harassment in fields including entertainment, politics and business. Dozens of prominent men have quit or been fired from high-profile posts, and police have opened investigations into some accusations of sex assault.

SPEAKING UP

The ministry said in its statement it would continue to investigate the allegations surrounding Fukuda through an external law firm, given that the initial internal fact-finding had been conducted by Fukuda's subordinate.

It called on female reporters to come forward and contact the law firm if they were willing to cooperate with the investigation.

Some women said they hoped the case would lead to more open discussion of sexual harassment.

"Japanese have a tendency to put up with things," said 20-year-old theatre worker Yuka Sekiguchi.

"I don't think we are in an environment where we can even speak up about being sexually harassed. I really hope that one day we will become a society in which we can speak up with courage about being sexually harassed."

While Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made his "Womenomics" programmes to mobilise women in the workforce part of his policies to boost growth, big gender gaps persist at companies and in politics.

The controversy is another headache for Finance Minister Aso and Abe, whose ratings have been hit by scandals over suspected cronyism and cover-ups. A steady trickle of new allegations about the scandals has raised doubts about how long Abe can stay in power.

The daily Sankei newspaper reported on Monday that Abe had decided that Fukuda must be fired. It did not cite a source. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the ministry's personnel issues were up to the minister to decide.

The weekly Shincho magazine said in an issue published last Thursday that Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda went drinking with a female reporter recently at a bar near his house and asked to touch her breasts and kiss her.

Japan's top finance bureaucrat denied on Monday a weekly magazine's allegation that he had sexually harassed female reporters and vowed to sue its publisher for defamation, his ministry said in a statement. The weekly Shincho magazine said in an issue published last Thursday that Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda went drinking with a female reporter recently at a bar near his house and asked to touch her breasts and kiss her. It had quoted Fukuda as denying the allegations. Japan has had few reported "#MeToo" cases about sexual harassment involving public figures. In Japan, victims are often reluctant to speak out for fear of being blamed. The identity of the female reporter has not been disclosed. A day after the report, the tabloid released an audio recording of what it said was Fukuda making the alleged sexual advance. The Finance Ministry, in its statement, quoted Fukuda as saying: "I do at times go out for meals with both male and female reporters after working hours, but I have never had the kind of exchange with any female reporter that was reported in the magazine (or that was contained in the audio file)." The magazine did not identify the reporter. The ministry quoted Fukuda as saying he was preparing to sue the publisher, Shinchosha. He apologised to Finance Minister Taro Aso and other members of the ministry for "causing trouble", and vowed to continue carrying out his duties "with a sense of urgency". Shinchosha told Reuters it would publish its response in the next edition, which is out on Thursday. The #MeToo global movement has exposed men accused of sexual assault and harassment in fields including entertainment, politics and business. Dozens of prominent men have quit or been fired from high-profile posts, and police have opened investigations into some accusations of sex assault. SPEAKING UP The ministry said in its statement it would continue to investigate the allegations surrounding Fukuda through an external law firm, given that the initial internal fact-finding had been conducted by Fukuda's subordinate. It called on female reporters to come forward and contact the law firm if they were willing to cooperate with the investigation. Some women said they hoped the case would lead to more open discussion of sexual harassment. "Japanese have a tendency to put up with things," said 20-year-old theatre worker Yuka Sekiguchi. "I don't think we are in an environment where we can even speak up about being sexually harassed. I really hope that one day we will become a society in which we can speak up with courage about being sexually harassed." While Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made his "Womenomics" programmes to mobilise women in the workforce part of his policies to boost growth, big gender gaps persist at companies and in politics. The controversy is another headache for Finance Minister Aso and Abe, whose ratings have been hit by scandals over suspected cronyism and cover-ups. A steady trickle of new allegations about the scandals has raised doubts about how long Abe can stay in power. The daily Sankei newspaper reported on Monday that Abe had decided that Fukuda must be fired. It did not cite a source. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the ministry's personnel issues were up to the minister to decide.

Japan's top finance bureaucrat denies he sexually harassed reporters

An earthquake hit the main island of Honshu in West of Japan on Monday early morning.

The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms.

Three people have reportedly suffered minor injuries.

However, damage to buildings and roads was also reported.

Locals around the area also saw the loss of water supplies and electricity cuts.

The nearby nuclear power station is said to remain unharmed.

A warning of further tremor could b felt in coming two-three days has been issued by the authorities.

According to reports, more tremors are also expected.

In 2011 A devastating earthquake of magnitude 9.0&nbsp;struck&nbsp; Japan which was also followed by&nbsp;the tsunami caused widespread damage and took the lives of thousands of people.

The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms

An earthquake hit the main island of Honshu in West of Japan on Monday early morning. The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms. Three people have reportedly suffered minor injuries. However, damage to buildings and roads was also reported. Locals around the area also saw the loss of water supplies and electricity cuts. The nearby nuclear power station is said to remain unharmed. A warning of further tremor could b felt in coming two-three days has been issued by the authorities. According to reports, more tremors are also expected. In 2011 A devastating earthquake of magnitude 9.0 struck Japan which was also followed by the tsunami caused widespread damage and took the lives of thousands of people.

5.6-magnitude earthquake hits western Japan, 3 injured

Japan on Saturday activated its first marine unit since World War Two trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China.

In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside amid cold, windy weather.

“Given the increasingly difficult defence and security situation surrounding Japan, defence of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice defence minister, said in a speech.

The troops conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders.

The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan’s neighbours. In its post, World War Two constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war.

The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific.

China, which dominates the South China Sea, is outpacing Japan in defence spending. In 2018, Beijing which claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, will spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($176.56 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan.

The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.

“They’ve already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires a concerted effort,” Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies.

“If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability.”

Newsham, who helped train Japan’s first amphibious troops as a US Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment.

Japanese military planners are already mulling some of those additions. Its Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have told Reuters.

The United States last month deployed its F-35Bs for their first at-sea operations aboard the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, which is based in Sasebo. The Kyushu port is also home to Japan’s Ise and close to the ARDB’s base.

Separately the GSDF may acquire small amphibious ships up to a 100 meters (328.08 ft) long to transport troops and equipment between islands and from ship to shore, two sources familiar with the discussion said. Japanese ground forces have not operated their own ships since World War Two.

“The idea is to bring forces and gear on large ships to the main Okinawa island and then disperse them to other islands on smaller vessels,” said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media.

The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.

Japan on Saturday activated its first marine unit since World War Two trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China. In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside amid cold, windy weather. “Given the increasingly difficult defence and security situation surrounding Japan, defence of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice defence minister, said in a speech. The troops conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders. The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan’s neighbours. In its post, World War Two constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war. The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific. China, which dominates the South China Sea, is outpacing Japan in defence spending. In 2018, Beijing which claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, will spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($176.56 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan. The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base. “They’ve already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires a concerted effort,” Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies. “If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability.” Newsham, who helped train Japan’s first amphibious troops as a US Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment. Japanese military planners are already mulling some of those additions. Its Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have told Reuters. The United States last month deployed its F-35Bs for their first at-sea operations aboard the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, which is based in Sasebo. The Kyushu port is also home to Japan’s Ise and close to the ARDB’s base. Separately the GSDF may acquire small amphibious ships up to a 100 meters (328.08 ft) long to transport troops and equipment between islands and from ship to shore, two sources familiar with the discussion said. Japanese ground forces have not operated their own ships since World War Two. “The idea is to bring forces and gear on large ships to the main Okinawa island and then disperse them to other islands on smaller vessels,” said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media.

Japan activates first marines since World War II to bolster defences against China

In a major achievement, India has overtaken Japan to become the world's second-largest producer of crude steel in February, according to the Steel Users Federation of India (Sufi).

At present, China is the largest producer of crude steel in the world, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the production.

India's crude steel production was up 4.4 per cent and stood at 93.11 million tonnes (mt) for the period April 2017 to February 2018, compared with April 2016 to February 2017, which has helped India to overtake Japan and becomes the second largest producer of crude steel in the world, the federation said in a statement here.

India overtook the US in 2015 to become the third largest producer of crude steel.&nbsp;

Attributed the growth in steel production to the right policies undertaken by the Modi government, Nikunj Turakhia, president, Sufi said, "The government has taken host of steps to curb imports, push local demand with initiatives like 'Make in India', implementation of the GST and infrastructure projects, to encourage the domestic market."

According to the World Steel Association, India produced 8.4 mt of crude steel in February 2018, up 3.4 per cent over February 2017.

Turakhia said the steel ministry is working proactively to lay down the road map to achieve 300 million tons by 2030 and "we seem to be on the right track".

"In addition, quick resolution of various big-ticket steel mills under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the National Company Law Tribunal is expected to further hasten the process of achieving higher capacity utilisation," he added.&nbsp;

Currently, China is the largest producer of crude steel in the world, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the production

In a major achievement, India has overtaken Japan to become the world's second-largest producer of crude steel in February, according to the Steel Users Federation of India (Sufi). At present, China is the largest producer of crude steel in the world, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the production. India's crude steel production was up 4.4 per cent and stood at 93.11 million tonnes (mt) for the period April 2017 to February 2018, compared with April 2016 to February 2017, which has helped India to overtake Japan and becomes the second largest producer of crude steel in the world, the federation said in a statement here. India overtook the US in 2015 to become the third largest producer of crude steel. Attributed the growth in steel production to the right policies undertaken by the Modi government, Nikunj Turakhia, president, Sufi said, "The government has taken host of steps to curb imports, push local demand with initiatives like 'Make in India', implementation of the GST and infrastructure projects, to encourage the domestic market." According to the World Steel Association, India produced 8.4 mt of crude steel in February 2018, up 3.4 per cent over February 2017. Turakhia said the steel ministry is working proactively to lay down the road map to achieve 300 million tons by 2030 and "we seem to be on the right track". "In addition, quick resolution of various big-ticket steel mills under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the National Company Law Tribunal is expected to further hasten the process of achieving higher capacity utilisation," he added.

India pips Japan to become second largest crude steel-maker

A relaxing soak in a hot tub is a time-honoured stress reliever but the advantages are not confined to humans -- with monkeys also benefiting from spa time, researchers in Japan say.

Japan's "snow monkeys" are known for their love of hot springs in the country's northern Nagano region, with tourists flocking to photograph the mediating macaques soaking in steaming baths.

It was long assumed that the blissed-out bathers were simply trying to warm up during the chilly winter months when snow blankets the region.

But experts at the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University who observed 12 female Japanese macaques in 2014 at the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen monkey park in Nagano found there was more to it.

They examined the bathing behaviour of the monkeys and collected their excrement to measure glucocorticoid, a hormone whose concentration increases when stress levels are high.

They found that stress levels in the monkeys, aged between five and 24, were about 20 percent lower on average after bathing.

The results of their study were published this week.

"The study showed that bathing in hot springs is beneficial not only for people but for Japanese macaques too," researcher Rafaela Sayuri Takeshita told AFP.

Takeshita believes the spa treatment may have additional benefits for the macaques, perhaps increasing both fertility and longevity.

"We also want to study the relationship between bathing and their reproduction and longevity in the future," she said.

They found that stress levels in the monkeys, aged between five and 24, were about 20 percent lower on average after bathing.

A relaxing soak in a hot tub is a time-honoured stress reliever but the advantages are not confined to humans -- with monkeys also benefiting from spa time, researchers in Japan say. Japan's "snow monkeys" are known for their love of hot springs in the country's northern Nagano region, with tourists flocking to photograph the mediating macaques soaking in steaming baths. It was long assumed that the blissed-out bathers were simply trying to warm up during the chilly winter months when snow blankets the region. But experts at the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University who observed 12 female Japanese macaques in 2014 at the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen monkey park in Nagano found there was more to it. They examined the bathing behaviour of the monkeys and collected their excrement to measure glucocorticoid, a hormone whose concentration increases when stress levels are high. They found that stress levels in the monkeys, aged between five and 24, were about 20 percent lower on average after bathing. The results of their study were published this week. "The study showed that bathing in hot springs is beneficial not only for people but for Japanese macaques too," researcher Rafaela Sayuri Takeshita told AFP. Takeshita believes the spa treatment may have additional benefits for the macaques, perhaps increasing both fertility and longevity. "We also want to study the relationship between bathing and their reproduction and longevity in the future," she said.

Even monkeys need a spa day, Japan study finds

Top US diplomat will be in Delhi today for the India-US-Japan trilateral meeting that will go on from Wednesday to Friday.&nbsp

US State Department official in-charge of the East Asia and Pacific affairs will be leading the delegation from Washington.

The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China. Washington has an overhauled policy for the Indo-Pacific region in place.

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Japan last week to co-chair the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China

Top US diplomat will be in Delhi today for the India-US-Japan trilateral meeting that will go on from Wednesday to Friday. US State Department official in-charge of the East Asia and Pacific affairs will be leading the delegation from Washington. The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China. Washington has an overhauled policy for the Indo-Pacific region in place. Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Japan last week to co-chair the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

US officials to reach India for trilateral meeting with Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to visit the United States April 17-20 for talks with President Donald Trump, he said on Monday.

Abe said he would ask Trump to bring up the issue of past North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens, during the US president's expected summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told his plan on Monday

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to visit the United States April 17-20 for talks with President Donald Trump, he said on Monday. Abe said he would ask Trump to bring up the issue of past North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens, during the US president's expected summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Japan PM to visit US from April 17 to 20 for talks with Trump

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral ties.

Swaraj, who was here on a three-day visit, also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abe.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> called on Japanese Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to PM Abe. PM Abe said that ???? traditional friendship are characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth <a href="https://t.co/jN8GWI4Nau">pic.twitter.com/jN8GWI4Nau</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/979533350871252993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth.

"PM Abe said that India-Japan traditional friendship is characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth," Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj, who was on her first visit to Japan in the capacity of the External Affairs Minister, had reached Tokyo on Wednesday to attend the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

She met her counterpart Taro Kano yesterday and the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties.

Describing the meeting as "very productive", Swaraj said her trip had laid a sound foundation for Modi's visit to Japan for the next bilateral Annual Summit later this year.

Hours after meeting Abe, Swaraj departed from Tokyo, concluding her first official trip to Japan.

"Sayonara! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs from Tokyo after her first official visit to Japan for the 9th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue," Indian Embassy in Tokyo tweeted.

Earlier yesterday, Swaraj met Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council & former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

Swaraj also addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Tokyo.

According to official figures, Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was $4.7 billion, an increase of 80 per cent over the last year.

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Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. <a href="https://t.co/eJdb7w8oaS">pic.twitter.com/eJdb7w8oaS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979538175780638720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral ties. Swaraj, who was here on a three-day visit, also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abe. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe. PM Abe said that ???? traditional friendship are characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth pic.twitter.com/jN8GWI4Nau — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2018 × During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth. "PM Abe said that India-Japan traditional friendship is characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth," Kumar tweeted. Swaraj, who was on her first visit to Japan in the capacity of the External Affairs Minister, had reached Tokyo on Wednesday to attend the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue. She met her counterpart Taro Kano yesterday and the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties. Describing the meeting as "very productive", Swaraj said her trip had laid a sound foundation for Modi's visit to Japan for the next bilateral Annual Summit later this year. Hours after meeting Abe, Swaraj departed from Tokyo, concluding her first official trip to Japan. "Sayonara! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs from Tokyo after her first official visit to Japan for the 9th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue," Indian Embassy in Tokyo tweeted. Earlier yesterday, Swaraj met Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council & former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Swaraj also addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Tokyo. According to official figures, Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was $4.7 billion, an increase of 80 per cent over the last year. Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/eJdb7w8oaS — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese PM Abe, conveys PM Modi's greetings

India and Japan on Thursday discussed various issues including terrorism, economic development, and mutual cooperation, a joint statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

According to the statement, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan's role in the economic development of India, and in the view of Tokyo's contribution in the development of foreign countries, the two countries discussed development schemes in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Describing terrorism as a black spot in the world and agreeing to tackle the menace together, Swaraj emphasised on the need to demolish terrorist safe havens, destroy terror networks and stall the terrorists' plans to launch attacks on foreign territories.

Kono and Swaraj welcomed the constantly increasing interaction between the people of the two countries, including economists, Members of Parliament and scholars.

India-Japan ties have been on the upswing after the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s visit to India in September last year for the annual bilateral summit gave fresh impetus to the ties. During that visit, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, to be built with Japanese aid, was also held.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono

India and Japan on Thursday discussed various issues including terrorism, economic development, and mutual cooperation, a joint statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. According to the statement, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan's role in the economic development of India, and in the view of Tokyo's contribution in the development of foreign countries, the two countries discussed development schemes in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Describing terrorism as a black spot in the world and agreeing to tackle the menace together, Swaraj emphasised on the need to demolish terrorist safe havens, destroy terror networks and stall the terrorists' plans to launch attacks on foreign territories. Kono and Swaraj welcomed the constantly increasing interaction between the people of the two countries, including economists, Members of Parliament and scholars. India-Japan ties have been on the upswing after the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s visit to India in September last year for the annual bilateral summit gave fresh impetus to the ties. During that visit, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, to be built with Japanese aid, was also held.

India, Japan aim to combat terrorism, build economic development, mutual cooperation

Japan has sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit, and Pyongyang has discussed the possibility of a leaders' meeting with Japan, Japan's Asahi newspaper said on Thursday.

The government of Kim Jong Un has informed leaders of North Korea's ruling Korean Workers Party of the possibility of a summit with Japan, the newspaper said, citing an unidentified North Korean source and briefing papers.

"The Japanese government has expressed a wish to host a leaders meeting, via the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan," or Chongryon, Pyongyang's de facto embassy in Japan, the Asahi quoted the North Korean briefing papers as saying.

The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report.

"We have been communicating with North Korea through various occasions and means such as a route via our embassy in Beijing, but I would like to refrain from going into specifics," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference.

A Chongryon spokesman in Tokyo declined to comment on the Asahi report.

A Japanese government source told Reuters in mid-March that Japan was considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago.

The Asahi said in an article from Seoul Kim's government had explained its bilateral diplomatic plans for South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, in that order.

Kim met President Xi Jinping in China this week, his first trip abroad since taking over as North Korean leader in 2011. Summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are being planned for April and May, respectively.

The North Korean briefing papers cite the possibility of a Japan summit in early June, the Asahi said.

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono left open the possibility that Abe might meet Kim at some point. Kono said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday Japan was closely watching preparations for the North-South Korean summit and the Trump-Kim meeting.

A Japanese ruling party lawmaker said the outlook for an Abe-Kim summit depended on how the earlier summits played out. "There are stages and barriers," he told Reuters. "In particular, there's no guarantee Trump-Kim talks will go well."

The Asahi quoted another unidentified source as saying North Korea's "dialogue partner on security issues is America" but that the country "can only hope for large-scale financial assistance from Japan".

North Korea hopes to get $20 billion to $50 billion in aid from Japan if it normalises relations, the newspaper said. However, it said the briefing papers offered no specifics about steps to normalise bilateral relations, as agreed in 2002.

Those steps include resolving the abductee issue, as well as Pyongyang's missile and nuclear weapons development.

North Korea admitted in 2002 it had kidnapped 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies, and five of them returned to Japan. Tokyo suspects that hundreds more may have been taken.

The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report

Japan has sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit, and Pyongyang has discussed the possibility of a leaders' meeting with Japan, Japan's Asahi newspaper said on Thursday. The government of Kim Jong Un has informed leaders of North Korea's ruling Korean Workers Party of the possibility of a summit with Japan, the newspaper said, citing an unidentified North Korean source and briefing papers. "The Japanese government has expressed a wish to host a leaders meeting, via the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan," or Chongryon, Pyongyang's de facto embassy in Japan, the Asahi quoted the North Korean briefing papers as saying. The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report. "We have been communicating with North Korea through various occasions and means such as a route via our embassy in Beijing, but I would like to refrain from going into specifics," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference. A Chongryon spokesman in Tokyo declined to comment on the Asahi report. A Japanese government source told Reuters in mid-March that Japan was considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago. The Asahi said in an article from Seoul Kim's government had explained its bilateral diplomatic plans for South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, in that order. Kim met President Xi Jinping in China this week, his first trip abroad since taking over as North Korean leader in 2011. Summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are being planned for April and May, respectively. The North Korean briefing papers cite the possibility of a Japan summit in early June, the Asahi said. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono left open the possibility that Abe might meet Kim at some point. Kono said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday Japan was closely watching preparations for the North-South Korean summit and the Trump-Kim meeting. A Japanese ruling party lawmaker said the outlook for an Abe-Kim summit depended on how the earlier summits played out. "There are stages and barriers," he told Reuters. "In particular, there's no guarantee Trump-Kim talks will go well." The Asahi quoted another unidentified source as saying North Korea's "dialogue partner on security issues is America" but that the country "can only hope for large-scale financial assistance from Japan". North Korea hopes to get $20 billion to $50 billion in aid from Japan if it normalises relations, the newspaper said. However, it said the briefing papers offered no specifics about steps to normalise bilateral relations, as agreed in 2002. Those steps include resolving the abductee issue, as well as Pyongyang's missile and nuclear weapons development. North Korea admitted in 2002 it had kidnapped 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies, and five of them returned to Japan. Tokyo suspects that hundreds more may have been taken.

Japan offers North Korea summit, Pyongyang discussing meeting with Japan: Report

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his ratings battered by a scandal over suspected cronyism, is hoping a series of summits including one with US President Donald Trump will restore his popularity ahead of a crucial ruling party leadership contest.

Abe is expected to meet Trump around April 18 in Washington to discuss Trump's planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in late May. Tokyo has also not ruled out a meeting with Kim Jong Un.

"Mr Abe is the most pro-active on foreign policy among Japanese prime ministers and wants to use that," a ruling coalition lawmaker told.

"Especially ahead of the September Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, he wants to appeal to voters through his meetings with Trump and Putin."

Abe's ratings have fallen sharply due to the scandal over the sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, to which Abe's wife had ties, and after a finance ministry admission that documents about the deal were altered.

The slide in his ratings has clouded his prospects of winning a third, three-year term as LDP president, victory in which would set him on track to become Japan's longest-serving premier, a position he's held since 2012.

The LDP leader is virtually assured of being prime minister since an LDP-led coalition holds a majority in parliament.

Abe is hoping his diplomatic performance will distract voters from the domestic scandal.

"He's trying to change the conversation and the chances are it will work," said Gerry Curtis, an emeritus professor at New York's Columbia University.

"On Monday, the betting was Abe would probably announce that he isn't running for a third term. Today, the betting is he will get a third term," he said.

But much depended on opinion polls and whether new allegations of misconduct emerged, Curtis added.

In addition, success at summits is by no means guaranteed.

"Of course, there are risks," the coalition lawmaker said. "Politics is a world of 'no risk, no return'."

Trump has blindsided Tokyo twice in recent weeks, first by announcing that he would meet Kim Jong Un and then by declining to exclude ally Japan from tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told Reuters on Tuesday that the two allies were "completely in sync" on North Korea but concerns persist that Trump may do a deal that protects US interests but leaves Japan vulnerable.

On the trade front, Tokyo is pressing Washington to exempt Japan's steel products from the levies and pushing back against demands for a two-way free trade agreement, a stance the government repeated forcefully on Thursday.

Abe may have little concrete to offer Trump on trade other than restating plans, already in the works, to boost defence spending and buy US military equipment.

The Japanese leader may also find it tough to get concessions from Putin in a decades-old row over islands seized by Soviet forces at the end of World War Two. The dispute has kept Moscow and Tokyo from signing a peace treaty.

"Putin is just playing the game," a former senior Japanese diplomat said while adding that even a small breakthrough in the dispute would be a "great success" for Abe.

Any meeting between Abe and Kim Jong Un would be tricky, and forecasts that one will happen are premature, another ruling party lawmaker said.

To gain kudos, Abe needs progress on the emotive issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago, but North Korea would likely want economic aid in return.

Japan's stance, however, has been that aid can only be resumed if the two countries normalise diplomatic relations, which depends on the North abandoning its nuclear and missile programmes as well as resolving the abductee issue.

The slide in his (Abe's) ratings has clouded his prospects of winning a third, three-year term as LDP president

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his ratings battered by a scandal over suspected cronyism, is hoping a series of summits including one with US President Donald Trump will restore his popularity ahead of a crucial ruling party leadership contest. Abe is expected to meet Trump around April 18 in Washington to discuss Trump's planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in late May. Tokyo has also not ruled out a meeting with Kim Jong Un. "Mr Abe is the most pro-active on foreign policy among Japanese prime ministers and wants to use that," a ruling coalition lawmaker told. "Especially ahead of the September Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, he wants to appeal to voters through his meetings with Trump and Putin." Abe's ratings have fallen sharply due to the scandal over the sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, to which Abe's wife had ties, and after a finance ministry admission that documents about the deal were altered. The slide in his ratings has clouded his prospects of winning a third, three-year term as LDP president, victory in which would set him on track to become Japan's longest-serving premier, a position he's held since 2012. The LDP leader is virtually assured of being prime minister since an LDP-led coalition holds a majority in parliament. Abe is hoping his diplomatic performance will distract voters from the domestic scandal. "He's trying to change the conversation and the chances are it will work," said Gerry Curtis, an emeritus professor at New York's Columbia University. "On Monday, the betting was Abe would probably announce that he isn't running for a third term. Today, the betting is he will get a third term," he said. But much depended on opinion polls and whether new allegations of misconduct emerged, Curtis added. In addition, success at summits is by no means guaranteed. "Of course, there are risks," the coalition lawmaker said. "Politics is a world of 'no risk, no return'." Trump has blindsided Tokyo twice in recent weeks, first by announcing that he would meet Kim Jong Un and then by declining to exclude ally Japan from tariffs on steel and aluminium. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told Reuters on Tuesday that the two allies were "completely in sync" on North Korea but concerns persist that Trump may do a deal that protects US interests but leaves Japan vulnerable. On the trade front, Tokyo is pressing Washington to exempt Japan's steel products from the levies and pushing back against demands for a two-way free trade agreement, a stance the government repeated forcefully on Thursday. Abe may have little concrete to offer Trump on trade other than restating plans, already in the works, to boost defence spending and buy US military equipment. The Japanese leader may also find it tough to get concessions from Putin in a decades-old row over islands seized by Soviet forces at the end of World War Two. The dispute has kept Moscow and Tokyo from signing a peace treaty. "Putin is just playing the game," a former senior Japanese diplomat said while adding that even a small breakthrough in the dispute would be a "great success" for Abe. Any meeting between Abe and Kim Jong Un would be tricky, and forecasts that one will happen are premature, another ruling party lawmaker said. To gain kudos, Abe needs progress on the emotive issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago, but North Korea would likely want economic aid in return. Japan's stance, however, has been that aid can only be resumed if the two countries normalise diplomatic relations, which depends on the North abandoning its nuclear and missile programmes as well as resolving the abductee issue.

Turning to diplomacy, Japan's Abe hopes to change channel from scandal woes

Nearly half of Japanese voters believe Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should quit to take responsibility over a cronyism scandal and cover-up that have sent his support sliding, according to an opinion poll released on Monday.

Suspicions have arisen about a sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a nationalist school operator with ties to Abe's wife, Akie, setting off the biggest political crisis Abe has faced since returning to power in 2012 and prompting protestors to call almost nightly for him to quit.

Abe has denied that either he or his wife intervened in the sale or were involved in altering documents related to the deal, in which mention of his and Akie's names were removed.&nbsp;

According to a public opinion survey covered by the liberal Asahi newspaper at the weekend, 48 percent of those polled said Abe and his government should quit, compared to 39 percent who said that wasn't necessary.

Those who said they supported Abe slid to 32.6 percent, down 11.7 percentage points from a month ago, while those who said they did not rose 13.2 percentage points to 54.9 percent.

Asked why they supported him, the largest number - 37.8 percent - said it was because his government "seems better than others," a reflection of the fragmented opposition and voter memories of the rocky tenure of the rival Democratic Party of Japan, one part of the reason Abe has managed to stay in power as long as he has.

No margin of error was given for the poll, in which 66.7 percent of 1,606 people contacted responded.

Asked about the land sale scandal in a parliamentary committee on Monday, Abe reiterated that as head of the government he was responsible for voters losing trust in his administration but repeated his denial that either he or his wife had been directly involved in the land sale.

According to a public opinion survey, 48 percent of those polled said Abe and his government should quit

Nearly half of Japanese voters believe Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should quit to take responsibility over a cronyism scandal and cover-up that have sent his support sliding, according to an opinion poll released on Monday. Suspicions have arisen about a sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a nationalist school operator with ties to Abe's wife, Akie, setting off the biggest political crisis Abe has faced since returning to power in 2012 and prompting protestors to call almost nightly for him to quit. Abe has denied that either he or his wife intervened in the sale or were involved in altering documents related to the deal, in which mention of his and Akie's names were removed. According to a public opinion survey covered by the liberal Asahi newspaper at the weekend, 48 percent of those polled said Abe and his government should quit, compared to 39 percent who said that wasn't necessary. Those who said they supported Abe slid to 32.6 percent, down 11.7 percentage points from a month ago, while those who said they did not rose 13.2 percentage points to 54.9 percent. Asked why they supported him, the largest number - 37.8 percent - said it was because his government "seems better than others," a reflection of the fragmented opposition and voter memories of the rocky tenure of the rival Democratic Party of Japan, one part of the reason Abe has managed to stay in power as long as he has. No margin of error was given for the poll, in which 66.7 percent of 1,606 people contacted responded. Asked about the land sale scandal in a parliamentary committee on Monday, Abe reiterated that as head of the government he was responsible for voters losing trust in his administration but repeated his denial that either he or his wife had been directly involved in the land sale.

Nearly half of Japanese think Abe should quit over land sale scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has once again come under fire regarding the cronyism and document tampering scandal on Monday.

Certain specific groups across Japan staged multiple protests demanding the resignation of Abe for his wife Akie Abe&#39;s alleged involvement in a kindergarten scandal.

Abe on Monday accepted the blame for the scandal which involved the tampering of certain official documents.

As per the Straits Times, Abe said that his superiors had told him to change certain background section of official documents Osaka land sale as they were supposedly too specific. He also said that he did not act alone but along with the instructions given by Finance Ministry.

&quot;The ultimate responsibility lies with me as the head of the administrative branch. I would like to apologise once again,&quot; Abe told Parliament. &quot;We take seriously the fact that this is a situation that has shaken public confidence in the entire administration.&quot;

Japan&#39;s Finance Ministry admitted last week that 14 documents about the Kindergarten land deal were found to be tampered with and the land was sold with the help of the Prime Minister&#39;s wife at lower rates.

Further on Monday another set of papers surfaced which showed a range of price negotiations done in regard to the dubious land deal which had been removed from the papers submitted to the parliament earlier.

In response to it, Abe denied of being involved in the forgeries conducted and said he &#39;had no clue of the documents&#39; existence to begin with.

The scandal centres around a 2016 purchase of a state-owned land at Osaka in Japan which had been sold at one-tenth of its actual price to a person named Yasunori Kagoike to build a kindergarten school.

As per certain media reports, Akie Abe had facilitated Kagoike to purchase the land illegally at a lower price thus inviting charges under cronyism which includes partially awarding jobs and other political advantages to the relatives.

Further Kagoike also claimed to receive &yen;1 million donations from Akie Abe for the development of the school, a claim which has been strenuously denied by Shinzo Abe.

Abe had also been accused of giving preferential treatment to a kinder school operator named Kake Gakuen who allegedly opened a veterinary school with the funds meant for the play school.

As the scandal unfolded National Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa who presided over the Financial Bureau at the time of the tampering resigned on March 9 the same day when a bureau official committed suicide who was also a part of the investigation team.

There had also been reports that a politician of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party earlier pressurised an education board to provide details of a lecture that was scheduled to be delivered by the whistle-blower of the kindergarten scandal.

Abe on Monday accepted the blame for the scandal which involved the tampering of certain official documents

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has once again come under fire regarding the cronyism and document tampering scandal on Monday. Certain specific groups across Japan staged multiple protests demanding the resignation of Abe for his wife Akie Abe's alleged involvement in a kindergarten scandal. Abe on Monday accepted the blame for the scandal which involved the tampering of certain official documents. As per the Straits Times, Abe said that his superiors had told him to change certain background section of official documents Osaka land sale as they were supposedly too specific. He also said that he did not act alone but along with the instructions given by Finance Ministry. "The ultimate responsibility lies with me as the head of the administrative branch. I would like to apologise once again," Abe told Parliament. "We take seriously the fact that this is a situation that has shaken public confidence in the entire administration." Japan's Finance Ministry admitted last week that 14 documents about the Kindergarten land deal were found to be tampered with and the land was sold with the help of the Prime Minister's wife at lower rates. Further on Monday another set of papers surfaced which showed a range of price negotiations done in regard to the dubious land deal which had been removed from the papers submitted to the parliament earlier. In response to it, Abe denied of being involved in the forgeries conducted and said he 'had no clue of the documents' existence to begin with. The scandal centres around a 2016 purchase of a state-owned land at Osaka in Japan which had been sold at one-tenth of its actual price to a person named Yasunori Kagoike to build a kindergarten school. As per certain media reports, Akie Abe had facilitated Kagoike to purchase the land illegally at a lower price thus inviting charges under cronyism which includes partially awarding jobs and other political advantages to the relatives. Further Kagoike also claimed to receive ¥1 million donations from Akie Abe for the development of the school, a claim which has been strenuously denied by Shinzo Abe. Abe had also been accused of giving preferential treatment to a kinder school operator named Kake Gakuen who allegedly opened a veterinary school with the funds meant for the play school. As the scandal unfolded National Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa who presided over the Financial Bureau at the time of the tampering resigned on March 9 the same day when a bureau official committed suicide who was also a part of the investigation team. There had also been reports that a politician of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party earlier pressurised an education board to provide details of a lecture that was scheduled to be delivered by the whistle-blower of the kindergarten scandal.

Shinzo Abe under fire over Kindergarten scandal

Japan has launched a new high-speed bullet train. The brand new Shinkansen N700S, also known as Shinkansen &#39;Supreme&#39;, will run between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka after debuting in the year 2020.&nbsp;

Shinkansen has been rolled out by the Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) and will operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Japan: New ???????????? &#39;Supreme&rsquo; Shinkansen ????????????unveiled prior to 2020 debut <a href="https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR">https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/onlyjapan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#onlyjapan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/n700s?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#n700s</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%96%B0%E5%B9%B9%E7%B7%9A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#新幹線</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/N700%E7%B3%BB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#N700系</a> <a href="https://t.co/03DrhyZcEt">pic.twitter.com/03DrhyZcEt</a>
&mdash; Chris P King ???? (@TheTrainHacker) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTrainHacker/status/974984953879506944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month.

The N700S boasts of a trendier, sleeker look and less noise when compared to the previous models.&nbsp;

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Shinkansen trains in Japan are so cool! <a href="https://t.co/grCv6cmY8p">pic.twitter.com/grCv6cmY8p</a>
&mdash; John Schuzer (@JSchuzer) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSchuzer/status/974207962913718272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The train will have 16-car bogie and is estimated to be around 11 tons lighter than the older variants. The train will run at the maximum speed of 300km per hour.

Shinkansen will have all passenger seats equipped with power sockets for charging electronic devices and enhanced leg space for passengers travelling in first class.&nbsp;

Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month

Japan has launched a new high-speed bullet train. The brand new Shinkansen N700S, also known as Shinkansen 'Supreme', will run between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka after debuting in the year 2020. Shinkansen has been rolled out by the Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) and will operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Japan: New ???????????? 'Supreme’ Shinkansen ????????????unveiled prior to 2020 debut https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR #tth #onlyjapan #n700s #新幹線 #N700系 pic.twitter.com/03DrhyZcEt — Chris P King ???? (@TheTrainHacker) March 17, 2018 × Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month. The N700S boasts of a trendier, sleeker look and less noise when compared to the previous models. Shinkansen trains in Japan are so cool! pic.twitter.com/grCv6cmY8p — John Schuzer (@JSchuzer) March 15, 2018 × The train will have 16-car bogie and is estimated to be around 11 tons lighter than the older variants. The train will run at the maximum speed of 300km per hour. Shinkansen will have all passenger seats equipped with power sockets for charging electronic devices and enhanced leg space for passengers travelling in first class.

Watch: 'Supreme' bullet train gets launched in Japan

Most Japanese think Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bears some responsibility for altered documents at the centre of suspicions of a cover-up linked to cronyism, according to opinion polls on Sunday, with one showing his support falling to the lowest of his tenure.&nbsp;

In his worst crisis since taking office in 2012, Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso have been under fire since the finance ministry said on March 12 it had altered records relating to a discounted sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which had ties to Abe&#39;s wife, Akie.&nbsp;

References to Abe, his wife, and Aso were removed from the finance ministry&#39;s records of the sale, copies of documents released by the ministry showed. Both men have denied any wrongdoing in the affair.&nbsp;

But 66.1 percent of respondents to a poll conducted by Kyodo news agency on Saturday and Sunday said they felt the premier had some responsibility for the altered documents. Only 25.8 percent said they thought he didn&#39;t.&nbsp;

A Mainichi Shimbun poll similarly found 68 percent believe Abe bears responsibility. The newspaper didn&#39;t say how many disagreed.

Protesters have flocked to the streets by the prime minister&#39;s office every night since the ministry admitted altering the documents, with some 2,000 on Friday calling for Abe and Aso to resign.&nbsp;

A Nippon TV poll found Abe&rsquo;s support crumbling some 14 percentage points from last month to 30 percent, the lowest for that poll in Abe&rsquo;s more than five years in office and less than half the peak of 66 percent in April 2013, when his easy-money &ldquo;Abenomics&rdquo; policies were dramatically starting to lift Japan out of decades of deflation.

Respondents not supporting Abe jumped 16 points to 53 percent in the survey conducted over the weekend, also a record for the Nippon TV poll.

In the Mainichi poll, Abe&rsquo;s support fell 12 points to 33 percent, while those not supporting him climbed 15 points to 47 percent. The Kyodo poll showed Abe&#39;s support slipping by 9.4 percent to 38.7 percent in the past two weeks, while 48.2 percent said they did not support him.&nbsp;

Opposition parties are calling for Aso to resign, while the affair could dash Abe&#39;s hopes of winning a third three-year term as head of his Liberal Democratic Party in a September party leadership election. Abe took office in December 2012.

The Nippon TV poll found 61 percent believe Aso should resign, about double the 29 percent who don&#39;t think he should. In the Mainichi poll, 54 percent favoured resignation versus 32 percent who did not think he should step down.&nbsp;

Aso has repeatedly refused to resign and has said the responsibility for the land sale lay with Nobuhisa Sagawa, who stepped down as tax chief ten days ago. Sagawa headed the division that submitted the documents before he became tax agency chief in July.

Almost two-thirds in the Nippon TV poll think Finance Ministry officials doctored the documents either because of political pressure or to anticipate what the Abe administration wanted. Just 14 percent of those polled accepted the official explanation that the alterations were meant to match the parliamentary testimony of a senior ministry official on the matter.

Aso is skipping a meeting of G20 finance leaders this week. A ruling party source told Reuters this was so he can address parliament on Monday about the scandal.&nbsp;

Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso have been under fire since the finance ministry said on March 12 it had altered records relating to a discounted sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which had ties to Abe's wife

Most Japanese think Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bears some responsibility for altered documents at the centre of suspicions of a cover-up linked to cronyism, according to opinion polls on Sunday, with one showing his support falling to the lowest of his tenure. In his worst crisis since taking office in 2012, Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso have been under fire since the finance ministry said on March 12 it had altered records relating to a discounted sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which had ties to Abe's wife, Akie. References to Abe, his wife, and Aso were removed from the finance ministry's records of the sale, copies of documents released by the ministry showed. Both men have denied any wrongdoing in the affair. But 66.1 percent of respondents to a poll conducted by Kyodo news agency on Saturday and Sunday said they felt the premier had some responsibility for the altered documents. Only 25.8 percent said they thought he didn't. A Mainichi Shimbun poll similarly found 68 percent believe Abe bears responsibility. The newspaper didn't say how many disagreed. Protesters have flocked to the streets by the prime minister's office every night since the ministry admitted altering the documents, with some 2,000 on Friday calling for Abe and Aso to resign. A Nippon TV poll found Abe’s support crumbling some 14 percentage points from last month to 30 percent, the lowest for that poll in Abe’s more than five years in office and less than half the peak of 66 percent in April 2013, when his easy-money “Abenomics” policies were dramatically starting to lift Japan out of decades of deflation. Respondents not supporting Abe jumped 16 points to 53 percent in the survey conducted over the weekend, also a record for the Nippon TV poll. In the Mainichi poll, Abe’s support fell 12 points to 33 percent, while those not supporting him climbed 15 points to 47 percent. The Kyodo poll showed Abe's support slipping by 9.4 percent to 38.7 percent in the past two weeks, while 48.2 percent said they did not support him. Opposition parties are calling for Aso to resign, while the affair could dash Abe's hopes of winning a third three-year term as head of his Liberal Democratic Party in a September party leadership election. Abe took office in December 2012. The Nippon TV poll found 61 percent believe Aso should resign, about double the 29 percent who don't think he should. In the Mainichi poll, 54 percent favoured resignation versus 32 percent who did not think he should step down. Aso has repeatedly refused to resign and has said the responsibility for the land sale lay with Nobuhisa Sagawa, who stepped down as tax chief ten days ago. Sagawa headed the division that submitted the documents before he became tax agency chief in July. Almost two-thirds in the Nippon TV poll think Finance Ministry officials doctored the documents either because of political pressure or to anticipate what the Abe administration wanted. Just 14 percent of those polled accepted the official explanation that the alterations were meant to match the parliamentary testimony of a senior ministry official on the matter. Aso is skipping a meeting of G20 finance leaders this week. A ruling party source told Reuters this was so he can address parliament on Monday about the scandal.

Most Japanese think PM Abe bears responsibility for scandal

World No. 1 Simona Halep punched her ticket to the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 win over Croatia&#39;s Petra Martic on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Halep improved to 18-1 on the season and is looking to win her second WTA Tour title of 2018.

Halep, of Romania, needed two hours and 23 minutes to put Martic away under taxing conditions as strong winds swirled around the main stadium court.

&quot;It was difficult conditions to play in today because of the wind,&quot; she said. &quot;It was tough to play, because the ball was really moving.

&quot;But I just tried everything. I tried also to push a little bit the ball and then to hit it. I tried to mix it up. Was not easy at all. For both of us it was difficult.&quot;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> finds the edge of the line after ???? this backhand! <a href="https://t.co/4SqPg4yVLF">pic.twitter.com/4SqPg4yVLF</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974172594378346496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halep moves on to the semi-finals where she will face Japan&#39;s Naomi Osaka who beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3.&nbsp;

Halep is guaranteed to hold onto her No. 1 ranking at the end of this event after world number two Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated on Tuesday.

Halep blasted two aces and broke Martic&#39;s serve four times.

&quot;I just fought and that&#39;s maybe why I won because I refuse to lose,&quot; Halep said.

Halep won the final five games of the third set after being broken once and falling behind 3-1 early.

The turning point in the third set came for Halep after she won a challenge in the eighth game with Martic holding serve. On the very next point Martic hit a forehand wide as Halep took the game and a 5-3 set lead.

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Can you say <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SemiSimona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SemiSimona</a>?<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> recaps her hard-fought <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a> quarterfinal victory! <a href="https://t.co/vjsfbMHSOz">pic.twitter.com/vjsfbMHSOz</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974136663625687040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halep then served for the match, winning five of the final six points after the challenge. &nbsp;

Halep said her early struggles in the final set were from nerves and frustration with the playing conditions.

&quot;I calmed myself down a little bit more, and I just was more focused on what I have to do, and not thinking that much about the wind and what is going on on court.&nbsp;

&quot;I just fought till the end, and I think that&#39;s why I could win.&quot;

Halep is seeking her second Indian Wells title after beating Jelena Jankovic in 2015.

In the evening session, world No. 44 Osaka broke Pliskova&#39;s serve six times in her 78-minute upset on the main stadium court.

&quot;I returned the ball well,&quot; said Osaka. &quot;She is one of the best servers on tour and I was able to break her quite a few times so I am really happy about that.&quot;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> continues her stellar run at <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a>! 
 
Upsets Pliskova, 6-2, 6-3 to reach first Premier Mandatory semifinal of her career! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/xH1njVqn3O">pic.twitter.com/xH1njVqn3O</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974150630322221056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pliskova, who reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January, smashed five aces but made six double faults.

Pliskova was trying to reach the semi-finals in this event for the third consecutive year.

&quot;Everything was a little bit off from my side,&quot; Pliskova said. &quot;She was playing very well. Hitting her spots, forehands, even the backhands.&nbsp;

&quot;I just battling all the way, even in serving and returning. I was definitely not feeling the best.&quot;

&nbsp;

Japan's Naomi Osaka outplayed fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova to book a berth in the semi-final

World No. 1 Simona Halep punched her ticket to the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 win over Croatia's Petra Martic on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Halep improved to 18-1 on the season and is looking to win her second WTA Tour title of 2018. Halep, of Romania, needed two hours and 23 minutes to put Martic away under taxing conditions as strong winds swirled around the main stadium court. "It was difficult conditions to play in today because of the wind," she said. "It was tough to play, because the ball was really moving. "But I just tried everything. I tried also to push a little bit the ball and then to hit it. I tried to mix it up. Was not easy at all. For both of us it was difficult." .@Simona_Halep finds the edge of the line after ???? this backhand! pic.twitter.com/4SqPg4yVLF — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Halep moves on to the semi-finals where she will face Japan's Naomi Osaka who beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3. Halep is guaranteed to hold onto her No. 1 ranking at the end of this event after world number two Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated on Tuesday. Halep blasted two aces and broke Martic's serve four times. "I just fought and that's maybe why I won because I refuse to lose," Halep said. Halep won the final five games of the third set after being broken once and falling behind 3-1 early. The turning point in the third set came for Halep after she won a challenge in the eighth game with Martic holding serve. On the very next point Martic hit a forehand wide as Halep took the game and a 5-3 set lead. Can you say #SemiSimona?@Simona_Halep recaps her hard-fought @BNPPARIBASOPEN quarterfinal victory! pic.twitter.com/vjsfbMHSOz — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Halep then served for the match, winning five of the final six points after the challenge. Halep said her early struggles in the final set were from nerves and frustration with the playing conditions. "I calmed myself down a little bit more, and I just was more focused on what I have to do, and not thinking that much about the wind and what is going on on court. "I just fought till the end, and I think that's why I could win." Halep is seeking her second Indian Wells title after beating Jelena Jankovic in 2015. In the evening session, world No. 44 Osaka broke Pliskova's serve six times in her 78-minute upset on the main stadium court. "I returned the ball well," said Osaka. "She is one of the best servers on tour and I was able to break her quite a few times so I am really happy about that." .@Naomi_Osaka_ continues her stellar run at @BNPPARIBASOPEN! Upsets Pliskova, 6-2, 6-3 to reach first Premier Mandatory semifinal of her career! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/xH1njVqn3O — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Pliskova, who reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January, smashed five aces but made six double faults. Pliskova was trying to reach the semi-finals in this event for the third consecutive year. "Everything was a little bit off from my side," Pliskova said. "She was playing very well. Hitting her spots, forehands, even the backhands. "I just battling all the way, even in serving and returning. I was definitely not feeling the best."

Simona Halep to face Japan's Naomi Osaka in semi-final of Indian Wells

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