Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all sides to exercise restraint on Monday in a call with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, as a nervous South Korea and Japan sought to join drills with a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group headed for Korean waters.

Reclusive North Korea said at the weekend it was ready to sink the US&nbsp;aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, which Trump had ordered to waters off the Korean peninsula as a warning to the nuclear-armed North.

Japan said on Sunday it had sent two Japanese destroyers to join the carrier group for drills, and South Korea said it was also in talks about holding joint naval exercises.

China is increasingly worried the situation may spin out of control, leading to war and a chaotic collapse of its isolated and poverty-struck neighbour.

Xi told Trump that China resolutely opposes any actions that run counter to UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions, a Chinese foreign ministry statement said.

China &quot;hopes that all relevant sides exercise restraint, and avoid doing anything to worsen the tense situation on the peninsula&quot;, the statement paraphrased Xi as saying.

The nuclear issue can only be resolved quickly with all relevant countries pulling in the same direction, and China is willing to work with all parties, including the United States, to ensure peace, Xi said.

Tensions have risen sharply in recent months, with Washington and its allies fearing Pyongyang could conduct another nuclear missile test or launch more ballistic missiles in defiance of United Nations sanctions.

North Korea celebrates the 85th anniversary of the foundation of its Korean People`s Army on Tuesday, and has marked similar events in the past with nuclear tests or missile launches.

&#39;Repeated Provocation&#39; 
Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described his conversation with Trump as a &quot;thorough exchange of views&quot;.

&quot;We agreed to strongly demand that North Korea, which is repeating its provocation, show restraint,&quot; Abe told reporters.

&quot;We will maintain close contact with the United States, keep a high level of vigilance and respond firmly,&quot; he said.

Abe also said he and Trump agreed that China, North Korea`s sole major ally, should play a large role in dealing with Pyongyang.

A Japanese official said the phone call between Trump and Abe was not prompted by any specific change in the situation.

The US&nbsp;government has not specified where the carrier strike group is, but U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Saturday it would arrive &quot;within days&quot;.

South Korean Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun gave no further details about the South`s plans, other than saying Seoul was holding discussions with the US Navy.

&quot;I can say the South Korean and US militaries are fully ready for North Korea`s nuclear test,&quot; Moon said.

 
South Korean and U.S. officials have feared for some time that North Korea could soon carry out its sixth nuclear test.

Satellite imagery analysed by 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, found some activity under way at North Korea`s Punggye-ri nuclear test site last week.

However, the group said it was unclear whether the site was in a &quot;tactical pause&quot; before another test or was carrying out normal operations.

Adding to the heightened tensions, North Korea detained a U.S. citizen on Saturday as he attempted to leave the country.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

China is increasingly worried the situation may spin out of control, and lead to war

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all sides to exercise restraint on Monday in a call with US President Donald Trump, as a nervous South Korea and Japan sought to join drills with a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group headed for Korean waters. Reclusive North Korea said at the weekend it was ready to sink the US aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, which Trump had ordered to waters off the Korean peninsula as a warning to the nuclear-armed North. Japan said on Sunday it had sent two Japanese destroyers to join the carrier group for drills, and South Korea said it was also in talks about holding joint naval exercises. China is increasingly worried the situation may spin out of control, leading to war and a chaotic collapse of its isolated and poverty-struck neighbour. Xi told Trump that China resolutely opposes any actions that run counter to UN Security Council resolutions, a Chinese foreign ministry statement said. China "hopes that all relevant sides exercise restraint, and avoid doing anything to worsen the tense situation on the peninsula", the statement paraphrased Xi as saying. The nuclear issue can only be resolved quickly with all relevant countries pulling in the same direction, and China is willing to work with all parties, including the United States, to ensure peace, Xi said. Tensions have risen sharply in recent months, with Washington and its allies fearing Pyongyang could conduct another nuclear missile test or launch more ballistic missiles in defiance of United Nations sanctions. North Korea celebrates the 85th anniversary of the foundation of its Korean People`s Army on Tuesday, and has marked similar events in the past with nuclear tests or missile launches. 'Repeated Provocation' Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described his conversation with Trump as a "thorough exchange of views". "We agreed to strongly demand that North Korea, which is repeating its provocation, show restraint," Abe told reporters. "We will maintain close contact with the United States, keep a high level of vigilance and respond firmly," he said. Abe also said he and Trump agreed that China, North Korea`s sole major ally, should play a large role in dealing with Pyongyang. A Japanese official said the phone call between Trump and Abe was not prompted by any specific change in the situation. The US government has not specified where the carrier strike group is, but U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Saturday it would arrive "within days". South Korean Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun gave no further details about the South`s plans, other than saying Seoul was holding discussions with the US Navy. "I can say the South Korean and US militaries are fully ready for North Korea`s nuclear test," Moon said. South Korean and U.S. officials have feared for some time that North Korea could soon carry out its sixth nuclear test. Satellite imagery analysed by 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, found some activity under way at North Korea`s Punggye-ri nuclear test site last week. However, the group said it was unclear whether the site was in a "tactical pause" before another test or was carrying out normal operations. Adding to the heightened tensions, North Korea detained a U.S. citizen on Saturday as he attempted to leave the country. (Reuters)

China's Xi calls Trump as carrier heads for Korea, calls for restraint

Their youth long gone, members of Japan&#39;s generation of &quot;parasite singles&quot; face a precarious future, wondering how to survive once the parents many depended on for years pass away.

Some 4.5 million Japanese aged between 35 and 54 were living with their parents in 2016, according to a researcher at the Statistical Research and Training Institute on a demographic phenomena that emerged two decades ago, when youthful singles made headlines for mooching off parents to lead carefree lives.

Now, without pensions or savings of their own, these middle-aged stay-at-homes threaten to place an extra burden on a social welfare system that is already creaking under pressure from Japan&#39;s ageing population and shrinking workforce.

Hiromi Tanaka once sang backup for pop groups, and epitomised the optimism of youth.

&quot;I got used to living in an unstable situation and figured somehow it would work out,&quot; Tanaka told Reuters as she sat at the piano in a small parlour of an old house connected to her elderly mother&#39;s next door.

Now aged 54, Tanaka relies on income from giving private singing lessons to a dwindling number of students, and her mother&#39;s pension to make ends meet. She has no pension plan of her own, and has used up most of her savings.

&quot;My father died last year so pension income was halved,&rdquo; she said. &quot;If things go on like this, my mother and I will fall together.&quot;

Tanaka is one of the growing ranks of &quot;life-time singles,&quot; whose numbers hit a record in 2015, according to data released this month that showed that among 50-year-olds, one-in-four men and one-in-seven women were unmarried.

&quot;During the &#39;bubble economy&#39; until the mid-1990s, the 20-somethings were happily amusing themselves. They thought by the time they were in their 30s, they&#39;d be married,&quot; said Masahiro Yamada, a Chuo University sociologist who coined the term &quot;parasite singles&quot; in 1997.

&quot;But one-third never married and are now around age 50,&quot; Yamada told Reuters in an interview.

&nbsp;

FRAGILE FUTURE

The trend is not only a factor behind Japan&#39;s low birth rate and shrinking population. It also puts an extra damper on consumption since new household formation is a key driver of private spending.

And since about 20 per cent of the middle-aged stay-at-home singles rely on parents for support, they also threaten to weigh on social safety nets.

&quot;Once they use up inherited assets and savings, when nothing is left, they will go on the dole,&quot; Yamada said.

The rise in those shunning marriage, experts say, is due not only to more diverse life-styles but to an increase in low-paying, unstable jobs. Part-timers, temps or contract workers now account for nearly 40 per cent of the workforce compared to about 20 per cent in the 1980s.

Although recent tightness in Japan&#39;s labour market has meant a slight fall in the number of singles living off parents, the overall trend probably won&#39;t change, said Katsuhiko Fujimori, an economist at Mizuho Information and Research Institute.

&quot;That&#39;s because of the increase in irregular workers and the fact that more and more people cannot marry for economic reasons, even if they want to,&quot; he said.

Some middle-aged singles living with parents once had steady jobs but slipped off the career track due to illness or corporate restructuring as companies cut costs to compete.

&quot;Once you fall off the regular employment ladder, it&#39;s tough,&quot; said Hirotoshi Moriyama, a member of a non-profit organisation that tries to help middle-aged people find jobs.

&nbsp;

LEFT BEHIND

Akihiro Karube, 53, worked in the advertising business after graduation and by his 30s was earning a hefty salary. He moved back with his parents after a short-lived marriage but paid his own rent until, aged 43, he was diagnosed with Parkinson&#39;s disease and had to quit.

Efforts to find work as a qualified home helper for the elderly have failed and he says he now relies on his father&#39;s pension and a disability pension of his own.

&quot;I just wish I had a stable income, that&#39;s the main thing,&quot; said Karube, who lives with his widowed 84-year-old dad in public housing in a Tokyo suburb.

The future looks especially bleak for an extreme sub-set of people who not only live at home with their parents but also seldom venture out, living out their days in hermit-like seclusion. Known in Japan as &quot;hikikomori&quot;, and once stereotyped as mostly young men, these stay-at-homes are also ageing.

Fuminobu Ohashi was one himself, but now he works with a support group that last year began holding workshops for parents worried about their offsprings&#39; future.

&quot;The problem is what they will do after their parents pass away,&quot; Ohashi said. &quot;It is a quietly ticking time-bomb.&quot;

(Reuters)

Some 4.5 million Japanese aged between 35 and 54 were living with their parents last year, threatening to weigh on social safety nets

Their youth long gone, members of Japan's generation of "parasite singles" face a precarious future, wondering how to survive once the parents many depended on for years pass away. Some 4.5 million Japanese aged between 35 and 54 were living with their parents in 2016, according to a researcher at the Statistical Research and Training Institute on a demographic phenomena that emerged two decades ago, when youthful singles made headlines for mooching off parents to lead carefree lives. Now, without pensions or savings of their own, these middle-aged stay-at-homes threaten to place an extra burden on a social welfare system that is already creaking under pressure from Japan's ageing population and shrinking workforce. Hiromi Tanaka once sang backup for pop groups, and epitomised the optimism of youth. "I got used to living in an unstable situation and figured somehow it would work out," Tanaka told Reuters as she sat at the piano in a small parlour of an old house connected to her elderly mother's next door. Now aged 54, Tanaka relies on income from giving private singing lessons to a dwindling number of students, and her mother's pension to make ends meet. She has no pension plan of her own, and has used up most of her savings. "My father died last year so pension income was halved,” she said. "If things go on like this, my mother and I will fall together." Tanaka is one of the growing ranks of "life-time singles," whose numbers hit a record in 2015, according to data released this month that showed that among 50-year-olds, one-in-four men and one-in-seven women were unmarried. "During the 'bubble economy' until the mid-1990s, the 20-somethings were happily amusing themselves. They thought by the time they were in their 30s, they'd be married," said Masahiro Yamada, a Chuo University sociologist who coined the term "parasite singles" in 1997. "But one-third never married and are now around age 50," Yamada told Reuters in an interview. FRAGILE FUTURE The trend is not only a factor behind Japan's low birth rate and shrinking population. It also puts an extra damper on consumption since new household formation is a key driver of private spending. And since about 20 per cent of the middle-aged stay-at-home singles rely on parents for support, they also threaten to weigh on social safety nets. "Once they use up inherited assets and savings, when nothing is left, they will go on the dole," Yamada said. The rise in those shunning marriage, experts say, is due not only to more diverse life-styles but to an increase in low-paying, unstable jobs. Part-timers, temps or contract workers now account for nearly 40 per cent of the workforce compared to about 20 per cent in the 1980s. Although recent tightness in Japan's labour market has meant a slight fall in the number of singles living off parents, the overall trend probably won't change, said Katsuhiko Fujimori, an economist at Mizuho Information and Research Institute. "That's because of the increase in irregular workers and the fact that more and more people cannot marry for economic reasons, even if they want to," he said. Some middle-aged singles living with parents once had steady jobs but slipped off the career track due to illness or corporate restructuring as companies cut costs to compete. "Once you fall off the regular employment ladder, it's tough," said Hirotoshi Moriyama, a member of a non-profit organisation that tries to help middle-aged people find jobs. LEFT BEHIND Akihiro Karube, 53, worked in the advertising business after graduation and by his 30s was earning a hefty salary. He moved back with his parents after a short-lived marriage but paid his own rent until, aged 43, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had to quit. Efforts to find work as a qualified home helper for the elderly have failed and he says he now relies on his father's pension and a disability pension of his own. "I just wish I had a stable income, that's the main thing," said Karube, who lives with his widowed 84-year-old dad in public housing in a Tokyo suburb. The future looks especially bleak for an extreme sub-set of people who not only live at home with their parents but also seldom venture out, living out their days in hermit-like seclusion. Known in Japan as "hikikomori", and once stereotyped as mostly young men, these stay-at-homes are also ageing. Fuminobu Ohashi was one himself, but now he works with a support group that last year began holding workshops for parents worried about their offsprings' future. "The problem is what they will do after their parents pass away," Ohashi said. "It is a quietly ticking time-bomb." (Reuters)

Life's illusions catching up with Japan's middle-aged 'parasite singles'

A Chinese envoy arrives in South Korea on Monday to discuss North Korea&#39;s increasingly defiant weapons programme as a US&nbsp;Navy strike group heads to the region amid concerns Pyongyang may be readying a fresh nuclear test.

North Korea marks several major anniversaries this month and often marks the occasions with major tests of military hardware.

The possibility of US&nbsp;military action against North Korea in response to such a test emerged as an option following last week&#39;s US&nbsp;strikes against Syria. It was further fuelled by comments from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump&#39;s top aides on the weekend.

In Tokyo, the feasibility of US&nbsp;military action was downplayed, while South Korea said the focus remained on deterrence and readiness.

&ldquo;It probably is not realistic for the US&nbsp;to attack North Korea,&quot; a Japanese defence ministry source said. &quot;If America says it is going to attack, both Japan and South Korea will probably put a stop to it,&quot; said the source who declined to be identified.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US&nbsp;military strike against Syria over its alleged use of chemical weapons was a warning to other countries including North Korea that &quot;a response is likely&quot; if they pose a danger.

&quot;(Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) clearly understands, and I think agrees, that the situation has intensified and has reached a certain level of threat that action has to be taken,&quot; Tillerson said on CBS&#39;s Face the Nation.

China&#39;s Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs Wu Dawei is expected to discuss the North&#39;s nuclear issue with his South Korean counterpart, according to the South Korean foreign ministry.

Wu&#39;s trip comes after Trump and Xi met in Florida, where Trump pressed his counterpart to do more to curb North Korea&#39;s nuclear programme.

&nbsp;

SHOW OF FORCE

The US&nbsp;Navy strike group Carl Vinson canceled a planned trip to Australia and is moving toward the western Pacific Ocean near the Korean peninsula as a show of force, a US&nbsp;official told Reuters over the weekend. &quot;We feel the increased presence is necessary,&quot; the official said.

South Korean and US&nbsp;forces are also involved in annual joint military drills that run until the end of April. The North calls the drills preparations for war against it.

Several North Korean anniversaries in April could be opportunity for Pyongyang to conduct nuclear or missile tests, South Korean defence ministry spokesman Moon Sang-kyun said.

North Korea has invited a large number of foreign media representatives to Pyongyang this week, likely to cover the so-called &quot;Day of the Sun&quot; birth anniversary on April 15 of the state founder Kim Il Sung.

Moon did not directly respond to a question about the possibility of a US&nbsp;military strike against the North.

&quot;Considering the possibility of North Korea&#39;s strategic provocations such as a nuclear test and missile launches, we have in place deterrence to the North&#39;s provocation and all readiness against them,&quot; he told a briefing on Monday.

Senior envoys of South Korea, Japan and the United State on the North Korea nuclear programme will soon meet to discuss their coordinated response, the South&#39;s foreign ministry said.

North Korea sounded a note of defiance on Saturday calling the US&nbsp;strikes against Syria &quot;an unforgivable act of aggression&quot; that showed its decision to develop nuclear weapons was &quot;the right choice&quot;.

North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Wednesday that flew a short distance before spinning out of control and crashing into the sea, the latest of a number of missile tests defying UN&nbsp;sanctions.

The North is also seen to be ready to conduct its sixth nuclear test at any time, with movements detected by satellites at its Punggye-ri nuclear test site.

(Reuters)

'If America says it is going to attack, both Japan and South Korea will probably put a stop to it,' said a Japanese Defence Ministry source

A Chinese envoy arrives in South Korea on Monday to discuss North Korea's increasingly defiant weapons programme as a US Navy strike group heads to the region amid concerns Pyongyang may be readying a fresh nuclear test. North Korea marks several major anniversaries this month and often marks the occasions with major tests of military hardware. The possibility of US military action against North Korea in response to such a test emerged as an option following last week's US strikes against Syria. It was further fuelled by comments from US President Donald Trump's top aides on the weekend. In Tokyo, the feasibility of US military action was downplayed, while South Korea said the focus remained on deterrence and readiness. “It probably is not realistic for the US to attack North Korea," a Japanese defence ministry source said. "If America says it is going to attack, both Japan and South Korea will probably put a stop to it," said the source who declined to be identified. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US military strike against Syria over its alleged use of chemical weapons was a warning to other countries including North Korea that "a response is likely" if they pose a danger. "(Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) clearly understands, and I think agrees, that the situation has intensified and has reached a certain level of threat that action has to be taken," Tillerson said on CBS's Face the Nation. China's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs Wu Dawei is expected to discuss the North's nuclear issue with his South Korean counterpart, according to the South Korean foreign ministry. Wu's trip comes after Trump and Xi met in Florida, where Trump pressed his counterpart to do more to curb North Korea's nuclear programme. SHOW OF FORCE The US Navy strike group Carl Vinson canceled a planned trip to Australia and is moving toward the western Pacific Ocean near the Korean peninsula as a show of force, a US official told Reuters over the weekend. "We feel the increased presence is necessary," the official said. South Korean and US forces are also involved in annual joint military drills that run until the end of April. The North calls the drills preparations for war against it. Several North Korean anniversaries in April could be opportunity for Pyongyang to conduct nuclear or missile tests, South Korean defence ministry spokesman Moon Sang-kyun said. North Korea has invited a large number of foreign media representatives to Pyongyang this week, likely to cover the so-called "Day of the Sun" birth anniversary on April 15 of the state founder Kim Il Sung. Moon did not directly respond to a question about the possibility of a US military strike against the North. "Considering the possibility of North Korea's strategic provocations such as a nuclear test and missile launches, we have in place deterrence to the North's provocation and all readiness against them," he told a briefing on Monday. Senior envoys of South Korea, Japan and the United State on the North Korea nuclear programme will soon meet to discuss their coordinated response, the South's foreign ministry said. North Korea sounded a note of defiance on Saturday calling the US strikes against Syria "an unforgivable act of aggression" that showed its decision to develop nuclear weapons was "the right choice". North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Wednesday that flew a short distance before spinning out of control and crashing into the sea, the latest of a number of missile tests defying UN sanctions. The North is also seen to be ready to conduct its sixth nuclear test at any time, with movements detected by satellites at its Punggye-ri nuclear test site. (Reuters)

China's nuclear envoy in South Korea amid talk of Trump action against North Korea

An avalanche Monday killed seven Japanese high school students and a teacher on a mountain-climbing outing, and injured 40 more.&nbsp;

More than 100 troops were deployed in a major rescue mission after the avalanche hit ski slopes in Tochigi prefecture north of Tokyo. Television footage showed rescuers climbing the mountainside as ambulances stood by.&nbsp;

A total of 52 students and 11 teachers from seven high schools were on a three-day mountaineering expedition when disaster struck.

A warning had been issued for heavy snow and possible avalanches from Sunday until Monday in the area, with the local weather agency forecasting snowfall of some 30 centimetres (about 12 inches).

In the latest update seven students and one teacher, mostly from Otawara High School in Tochigi, were found with no vital signs, an official with a prefectural disaster task force told AFP.

In Japan, deaths in such circumstances are not announced officially until doctors can confirm them.

Officials earlier said eight students had no vital signs.

Some 40 people have been injured, including two students in serious condition, the prefectural official said.

&quot;All the people have been carried down from the mountain and they are now being transported to hospital,&quot; he told AFP.

The avalanche struck in the town of Nasu 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Tokyo on the final day of the excursion, Tochigi authorities said, adding that soldiers were brought in at the request of the prefecture&#39;s governor.

Local media cited experts as saying it was likely a surface avalanche, caused by a heavy snowfall accumulating on a previous deposit of slippery snow.

&quot;This (outing) is an annual event and we never had a major accident before,&quot; one of the teachers told Jiji Press. &quot;I am really shocked.&quot;

The ski resort had been closed for the season, according to the operator&#39;s website, with the lift stopped and no skiers at the site.

But some of its facilities were made available for the high school mountaineering trip organised by local physical education authorities.

(AFP)

More than 100 troops were deployed in a major rescue mission after the avalanche hit ski slopes in Tochigi prefecture

An avalanche Monday killed seven Japanese high school students and a teacher on a mountain-climbing outing, and injured 40 more. More than 100 troops were deployed in a major rescue mission after the avalanche hit ski slopes in Tochigi prefecture north of Tokyo. Television footage showed rescuers climbing the mountainside as ambulances stood by. A total of 52 students and 11 teachers from seven high schools were on a three-day mountaineering expedition when disaster struck. A warning had been issued for heavy snow and possible avalanches from Sunday until Monday in the area, with the local weather agency forecasting snowfall of some 30 centimetres (about 12 inches). In the latest update seven students and one teacher, mostly from Otawara High School in Tochigi, were found with no vital signs, an official with a prefectural disaster task force told AFP. In Japan, deaths in such circumstances are not announced officially until doctors can confirm them. Officials earlier said eight students had no vital signs. Some 40 people have been injured, including two students in serious condition, the prefectural official said. "All the people have been carried down from the mountain and they are now being transported to hospital," he told AFP. The avalanche struck in the town of Nasu 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Tokyo on the final day of the excursion, Tochigi authorities said, adding that soldiers were brought in at the request of the prefecture's governor. Local media cited experts as saying it was likely a surface avalanche, caused by a heavy snowfall accumulating on a previous deposit of slippery snow. "This (outing) is an annual event and we never had a major accident before," one of the teachers told Jiji Press. "I am really shocked." The ski resort had been closed for the season, according to the operator's website, with the lift stopped and no skiers at the site. But some of its facilities were made available for the high school mountaineering trip organised by local physical education authorities. (AFP)

Japan: Seven students, one teacher killed in avalanche

South Korea&#39;s foreign minister said on Friday there was nothing wrong with erecting a statue in memory of women forced to work in Japanese brothels in World War Two, but its location outside a Japanese consulate was inappropriate.

The statue of the young &quot;comfort woman&quot; in the southern city of Busan has rekindled a feud over wartime history between South Korea and its past colonial ruler and prompted Japan to temporarily recall its ambassador.

The term &quot;comfort women&quot; is a euphemism for girls and women, from South Korea, China, the Philippines and elsewhere, forced to work in Japanese military brothels.

South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims.&nbsp;

&quot;The issue of a girl statue in Busan is unfortunate,&quot; Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se told lawmakers, referring to the southern city.

&quot;Our government is not against the instalment of a girl statue... but I think we need to pool our wisdom on the issue of location.&quot;

He did not say if the statue would be moved.&nbsp;

The statue, which depicts a barefoot girl sitting in a chair, was erected near the Japanese consulate at the end of last year.

Japan said the statue violated an agreement to resolve the issue.&nbsp;

South Korean politicians, including expected presidential contenders, have called for renegotiation of the December 2015 agreement stating the comfort women issue would be &quot;irreversibly resolved&quot; if all conditions - including a Japanese apology and a fund to help the victims - were met.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

'Comfort women' is a euphemism for girls and women, from South Korea?and elsewhere, forced to work in Japanese military brothels during WWII

South Korea's foreign minister said on Friday there was nothing wrong with erecting a statue in memory of women forced to work in Japanese brothels in World War Two, but its location outside a Japanese consulate was inappropriate. The statue of the young "comfort woman" in the southern city of Busan has rekindled a feud over wartime history between South Korea and its past colonial ruler and prompted Japan to temporarily recall its ambassador. The term "comfort women" is a euphemism for girls and women, from South Korea, China, the Philippines and elsewhere, forced to work in Japanese military brothels. South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims. "The issue of a girl statue in Busan is unfortunate," Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se told lawmakers, referring to the southern city. "Our government is not against the instalment of a girl statue... but I think we need to pool our wisdom on the issue of location." He did not say if the statue would be moved. The statue, which depicts a barefoot girl sitting in a chair, was erected near the Japanese consulate at the end of last year. Japan said the statue violated an agreement to resolve the issue. South Korean politicians, including expected presidential contenders, have called for renegotiation of the December 2015 agreement stating the comfort women issue would be "irreversibly resolved" if all conditions - including a Japanese apology and a fund to help the victims - were met. (Reuters)

'Comfort woman' statue outside Japan mission inappropriate: South Korean foreign minister

Most of us are just back from a long weekend, having celebrated the New Year with family and friends. The Gregorian calendar is generally accepted around the world, where January 1 is the standard first day of the year. &nbsp;

However, there are many countries that follow different calendars to kick-start their New Year. Did you know that Greece shifted to the Gregorian calendar only in 1923, while Thailand&rsquo;s conversion was as recent as 1941, and till then, they had different dates to mark New Year.&nbsp;

These are some of the days when New Year is celebrated around the world:

<h2>Chinese New Year&nbsp;</h2>

Celebrated on different dates every year, the New Year&rsquo;s date falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 21, depending on when the new moon of the first lunar month falls. The 15-day observance is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays and is known as &lsquo;Spring Festival&rsquo;.&nbsp;

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Chinese New Year (Getty)
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<h2>Seollal</h2>

Several Southeast Asian cultures celebrate New Year&rsquo;s Day on the Lunar New Year on February 8. In South Korea, the New Year marks a three-day holiday where families give thanks to a bountiful year. Many dress up in colourful attire called hanbok, while others perform an ancient tea offering ritual called &#39;Charye&#39;.&nbsp;

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Korean New Year (Getty)
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<h2>Songkran</h2>

Songkran, Thai New Year, is celebrated from April 13 to 15. People celebrate the day by throwing water on each other, as it is symbolic of hope, and a call for rain. Buddha statues and images are also cleansed for good luck and prosperity.

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Thai New Year (Getty)
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<h2>Nyepi</h2>

Balinese New Year falls on March 9, marking the first day of the lunar-based Saka Calendar, which is followed by Balinese and Javanese cultures. The day is celebrated as a day of self-reflection and rest, but there are fire rituals that are practiced. Business in the regions comes to a standstill during the New Year.

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<h2>Nowruz&nbsp;</h2>

Nowruz is celebrated by both Zoroastrian and Baha&rsquo;i communities as New Year&rsquo;s Day. Celebrated on March 20, the date marks arrival of Spring. Iranian and Persian New Year is celebrated with people engaging in cleaning their homes and exchanging sweets.

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<h2>Ugaadhi</h2>

The southern Indian states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh celebrate Ugaadhi according to their lunar-based calendar as their New Year&rsquo;s Day. Gudi Padwa (in Maharashtra) and Cheti Chand (for Sindhi-speaking Indian communities) New Year&rsquo;s festivities also fall on this day.

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<h2>Aluth Avurudda</h2>

Aluth Avurudda is a Sinhalese festival, which coincides with Tamil New Year&rsquo;s Day and is celebrated by most people in Sri Lanka. &nbsp;Unlike other cultures, the day marks the end of the harvest season. It also coincides with one of two instances when the sun is directly above Sri Lanka. &nbsp;Locals celebrate the day by opening their front doors to encourage visits by family and friends.&nbsp;

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<h2>Puthandu</h2>

Puthandu, Tamil New Year, is celebrated every year on April 14. Tamil Nadu is a southern Indian state. People dress up in new clothes, with music, sweets and rice flour kolams (street art) a staple during the celebrations. April 14 is also New Year date for some areas of Sri Lanka and members of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia and Singapore.

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<h2>Enkutatash</h2>

The Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash, means the &lsquo;gift of jewels&rsquo;. Celebrated on September 11, it marks the start of Spring festival. Some cities in the country have religious celebrations, although it is not exclusively a religious holiday.

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<h2>Diwali</h2>

Diwali is an important Hindu festival in India. The festival of lights marks the start of a new year. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world. Marwari and Gujarati communities in north India, celebrate the day by giving thanks to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

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<h2>Rosh Hashanah</h2>

The Jewish New Year is celebrated as Rosh Hashanah, a two-day holiday from October 2 to 4. It commemorates the end of the seven days of Creation from the Book of Genesis. Celebrated with a lot of fanfare, it is believed that in the days following the creation of the universe, God was yet to determine the fate of mankind.

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<h2>Ra's as-Sanah al-Hijriyah&nbsp;</h2>

Islamic New Year is the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Calendar. It celebrates emigration of Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Medina, known as Hijra. &nbsp;According to the calendar each day begins at sunset, with the New Year itself ushered by the first sighting of the moon.

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<h2>Aboriginal Murador New Year</h2>

The Western Australian Aboriginal tribe of Murador celebrates New Year&rsquo;s Day on October 30, as per the Gregorian calendar. An important day in the tribe&rsquo;s calendar, this marks a time for friendship, reconciliation, and giving thanks to the year that has gone by. The Murador people are now an extinct tribe, though their culture lives on in artifacts and text.

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(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

Different cultures follow different calendars, with the New Year even celebrated as late as on October 30

Most of us are just back from a long weekend, having celebrated the New Year with family and friends. The Gregorian calendar is generally accepted around the world, where January 1 is the standard first day of the year. However, there are many countries that follow different calendars to kick-start their New Year. Did you know that Greece shifted to the Gregorian calendar only in 1923, while Thailand’s conversion was as recent as 1941, and till then, they had different dates to mark New Year. These are some of the days when New Year is celebrated around the world: Chinese New Year Celebrated on different dates every year, the New Year’s date falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 21, depending on when the new moon of the first lunar month falls. The 15-day observance is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays and is known as ‘Spring Festival’. Chinese New Year (Getty) × Seollal Several Southeast Asian cultures celebrate New Year’s Day on the Lunar New Year on February 8. In South Korea, the New Year marks a three-day holiday where families give thanks to a bountiful year. Many dress up in colourful attire called hanbok, while others perform an ancient tea offering ritual called 'Charye'. Korean New Year (Getty) × Songkran Songkran, Thai New Year, is celebrated from April 13 to 15. People celebrate the day by throwing water on each other, as it is symbolic of hope, and a call for rain. Buddha statues and images are also cleansed for good luck and prosperity. Thai New Year (Getty) × Nyepi Balinese New Year falls on March 9, marking the first day of the lunar-based Saka Calendar, which is followed by Balinese and Javanese cultures. The day is celebrated as a day of self-reflection and rest, but there are fire rituals that are practiced. Business in the regions comes to a standstill during the New Year. Balinese New Year (Getty) × Nowruz Nowruz is celebrated by both Zoroastrian and Baha’i communities as New Year’s Day. Celebrated on March 20, the date marks arrival of Spring. Iranian and Persian New Year is celebrated with people engaging in cleaning their homes and exchanging sweets. Nowruz (Getty) × Ugaadhi The southern Indian states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh celebrate Ugaadhi according to their lunar-based calendar as their New Year’s Day. Gudi Padwa (in Maharashtra) and Cheti Chand (for Sindhi-speaking Indian communities) New Year’s festivities also fall on this day. Gudi Padwa (DNA) × Aluth Avurudda Aluth Avurudda is a Sinhalese festival, which coincides with Tamil New Year’s Day and is celebrated by most people in Sri Lanka. Unlike other cultures, the day marks the end of the harvest season. It also coincides with one of two instances when the sun is directly above Sri Lanka. Locals celebrate the day by opening their front doors to encourage visits by family and friends. Aluth Avurudda (Getty) × Puthandu Puthandu, Tamil New Year, is celebrated every year on April 14. Tamil Nadu is a southern Indian state. People dress up in new clothes, with music, sweets and rice flour kolams (street art) a staple during the celebrations. April 14 is also New Year date for some areas of Sri Lanka and members of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia and Singapore. Rangoli made in Puthandu festival (Getty) × Enkutatash The Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash, means the ‘gift of jewels’. Celebrated on September 11, it marks the start of Spring festival. Some cities in the country have religious celebrations, although it is not exclusively a religious holiday. Enkutatash (Others) × Diwali Diwali is an important Hindu festival in India. The festival of lights marks the start of a new year. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world. Marwari and Gujarati communities in north India, celebrate the day by giving thanks to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Diwali (Getty) × Rosh Hashanah The Jewish New Year is celebrated as Rosh Hashanah, a two-day holiday from October 2 to 4. It commemorates the end of the seven days of Creation from the Book of Genesis. Celebrated with a lot of fanfare, it is believed that in the days following the creation of the universe, God was yet to determine the fate of mankind. Annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage (Getty) × Ra's as-Sanah al-Hijriyah Islamic New Year is the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Calendar. It celebrates emigration of Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Medina, known as Hijra. According to the calendar each day begins at sunset, with the New Year itself ushered by the first sighting of the moon. Islamic New Year (Getty) × Aboriginal Murador New Year The Western Australian Aboriginal tribe of Murador celebrates New Year’s Day on October 30, as per the Gregorian calendar. An important day in the tribe’s calendar, this marks a time for friendship, reconciliation, and giving thanks to the year that has gone by. The Murador people are now an extinct tribe, though their culture lives on in artifacts and text. Aboriginal Murador New Year (Others) × (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

January 1 is not New Year's Day for everyone

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet at a hot spring resort on Thursday seeking progress on a territorial row that has prevented their countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War Two.

The two sides are likely to clinch some agreements on economic cooperation in areas from medical technology to energy. But both have sought to dampen expectations of a breakthrough in the feud over the windswept islands in the western Pacific seized by Soviet forces at the end of the war, forcing some 17,000 Japanese residents to flee.

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The two leaders will meet on Thursday at a mountainside inn at the hot spring resort of Nagato in Abe&#39;s home constituency in south-west Japan, and again in Tokyo on Friday.

Police wearing riot gear dotted the streets in Nagato, where one welcome banner showing a drawing of Putin and Abe shaking hands said &quot;A new start, from Nagato&quot;.&nbsp;

Abe has pledged to resolve the territorial dispute, in hopes of leaving a diplomatic legacy that eluded his foreign minister father, and of building better ties with Russia to counter a rising China.

&quot;I want to negotiate as the representative of Japan with the keen feelings of the former residents of the islands engraved in my heart,&quot; Abe told reporters before leaving Tokyo.

But a deal to end the dispute over the islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and in Russia as the Southern Kuriles, carries risks for Putin, who does not want to tarnish his image at home of a staunch defender of Russian sovereignty.

&quot;The hurdles that remain to be cleared are still quite high,&quot; Yasutoshi Nishimura, an advisor to Abe, told Reuters. &quot;On the other hand, they are two strong leaders, so I hope that some broad path forward and direction will emerge.&quot;

Russia hopes to clinch deals with Japanese companies as part of an Asian pivot in response to a decision by Western governments, including Japan, to impose sanctions in 2014 over Russia`s role in the Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;

Putin told the Yomiuri newspaper this week that the goal of a peace treaty would be harder to achieve if Russia remained subject to Japanese sanctions.&nbsp;

But Japan`s trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, has ruled out any economic cooperation with Russia that would undermine Group of Seven unity on the sanctions.

Japan has long insisted its sovereignty over all four of the disputed islands off Japan`s northern island of Hokkaido be confirmed before a peace treaty is signed.

But there have been signs it has been rethinking its stance, perhaps by reviving a formula called &quot;two-plus-alpha&quot;, based partly on a 1956 joint declaration in which the Soviet Union agreed it would hand over the two smaller islands after a peace treaty was signed.&nbsp;

Over the decades, the two sides have at times floated the idea of joint economic activity on the islands, but how to do that without undercutting either side`s claim to sovereignty has never been resolved.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

They meet today. A territorial row between the two countries has prevented them from signing a treaty formally ending the war

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet at a hot spring resort on Thursday seeking progress on a territorial row that has prevented their countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War Two. The two sides are likely to clinch some agreements on economic cooperation in areas from medical technology to energy. But both have sought to dampen expectations of a breakthrough in the feud over the windswept islands in the western Pacific seized by Soviet forces at the end of the war, forcing some 17,000 Japanese residents to flee. Both have sought to dampen expectations of a breakthrough in the feud over the windswept islands in the western Pacific seized by Soviet forces at the end of the war, forcing some 17,000 Japanese residents to flee × The two leaders will meet on Thursday at a mountainside inn at the hot spring resort of Nagato in Abe's home constituency in south-west Japan, and again in Tokyo on Friday. Police wearing riot gear dotted the streets in Nagato, where one welcome banner showing a drawing of Putin and Abe shaking hands said "A new start, from Nagato". Abe has pledged to resolve the territorial dispute, in hopes of leaving a diplomatic legacy that eluded his foreign minister father, and of building better ties with Russia to counter a rising China. "I want to negotiate as the representative of Japan with the keen feelings of the former residents of the islands engraved in my heart," Abe told reporters before leaving Tokyo. But a deal to end the dispute over the islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and in Russia as the Southern Kuriles, carries risks for Putin, who does not want to tarnish his image at home of a staunch defender of Russian sovereignty. "The hurdles that remain to be cleared are still quite high," Yasutoshi Nishimura, an advisor to Abe, told Reuters. "On the other hand, they are two strong leaders, so I hope that some broad path forward and direction will emerge." Russia hopes to clinch deals with Japanese companies as part of an Asian pivot in response to a decision by Western governments, including Japan, to impose sanctions in 2014 over Russia`s role in the Ukraine conflict. Putin told the Yomiuri newspaper this week that the goal of a peace treaty would be harder to achieve if Russia remained subject to Japanese sanctions. But Japan`s trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, has ruled out any economic cooperation with Russia that would undermine Group of Seven unity on the sanctions. Japan has long insisted its sovereignty over all four of the disputed islands off Japan`s northern island of Hokkaido be confirmed before a peace treaty is signed. But there have been signs it has been rethinking its stance, perhaps by reviving a formula called "two-plus-alpha", based partly on a 1956 joint declaration in which the Soviet Union agreed it would hand over the two smaller islands after a peace treaty was signed. Over the decades, the two sides have at times floated the idea of joint economic activity on the islands, but how to do that without undercutting either side`s claim to sovereignty has never been resolved. (Reuters)

Soaking in hot spring, Putin & Abe could end World War II today

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday &nbsp;announced a $50 billion Japanese telecoms investment designed to create 50,000 US jobs, claiming another high-stakes personal win for the American economy before kicking off the second leg of a victory tour.

Trump provided no details on the jobs or investment, which he trumpeted following a meeting with Japanese self-made billionaire Masayoshi Son at his headquarters in New York.

The real estate tycoon whose election stunned the world first tweeted the announcement, then strode into the lobby of Trump Tower to brief reporters in&nbsp;person.

&quot;This is Masa of SoftBank from Japan and he&#39;s just agreed to invest $50 billion in the United States and 50,000 jobs,&quot; the president-elect told reporters, standing with his arm around a grinning Son.

&quot;He&#39;s one of the great men of industry, so I just want to thank you very much,&quot; added Trump before turning to shake the Japanese magnate&#39;s hand.

&quot;I just came to celebrate his new job,&quot; said Son, repeating his commitment and saying that SoftBank would be investing in startup companies in America.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Son said the money will be coming from a $100 billion investment fund that he is setting up with Saudi Arabia&#39;s sovereign wealth fund and other potential partners.

Trump, who defeated Hillary Clinton by promising to create jobs and campaigning as a political outsider who could shake up the system, claimed the Japanese investment as a personal coup.

&quot;Masa said he would never do this had we (Trump) not won the election!&quot; the maverick Republican wrote on Twitter.

It marked the second time in a week Trump has claimed to have acted personally to save or create American jobs -- allowing himself to make good on a key campaign promise -- after a deal to keep hundreds of manufacturing jobs in Indiana.

That agreement with air-conditioning plant Carrier was announced ahead of his inaugural victory rally in Ohio, and has raised his stock among Republican and Democrat voters alike, a Politico/Morning Consult poll found Tuesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(AFP)

Trump said the Japanese investment will create 50,000 US jobs

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a $50 billion Japanese telecoms investment designed to create 50,000 US jobs, claiming another high-stakes personal win for the American economy before kicking off the second leg of a victory tour. Trump provided no details on the jobs or investment, which he trumpeted following a meeting with Japanese self-made billionaire Masayoshi Son at his headquarters in New York. The real estate tycoon whose election stunned the world first tweeted the announcement, then strode into the lobby of Trump Tower to brief reporters in person. "This is Masa of SoftBank from Japan and he's just agreed to invest $50 billion in the United States and 50,000 jobs," the president-elect told reporters, standing with his arm around a grinning Son. "He's one of the great men of industry, so I just want to thank you very much," added Trump before turning to shake the Japanese magnate's hand. "I just came to celebrate his new job," said Son, repeating his commitment and saying that SoftBank would be investing in startup companies in America. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Son said the money will be coming from a $100 billion investment fund that he is setting up with Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and other potential partners. Trump, who defeated Hillary Clinton by promising to create jobs and campaigning as a political outsider who could shake up the system, claimed the Japanese investment as a personal coup. "Masa said he would never do this had we (Trump) not won the election!" the maverick Republican wrote on Twitter. It marked the second time in a week Trump has claimed to have acted personally to save or create American jobs -- allowing himself to make good on a key campaign promise -- after a deal to keep hundreds of manufacturing jobs in Indiana. That agreement with air-conditioning plant Carrier was announced ahead of his inaugural victory rally in Ohio, and has raised his stock among Republican and Democrat voters alike, a Politico/Morning Consult poll found Tuesday. (AFP)

Trump trumpets $50bn investment deal with Japan's SoftBank ahead of victory rally

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will become the first sitting Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbor, as he announced on Monday a symbolic visit this month to the site of the Japanese attack 75 years ago that pulled the United States into World War II.

Abe said in a news conference that he would travel to the American naval base with outgoing US President Barack Obama during a trip to Hawaii on December 26 and 27, reports the New York Times.

By visiting Pearl Harbor, Abe will be reciprocating a trip President Obama made in May to the Japanese city of Hiroshima, where the United States dropped a nuclear bomb at the end of the war with Japan in 1945.

&quot;We must never repeat the horror of war. I want to express that determination as we look to the future, and at the same time send a message about the value of US-Japanese reconciliation,&quot; said Abe.

Abe&#39;s visit will come just a few weeks after the 75th anniversary of the attack, which occurred on December&nbsp;7, 1941.

Carried out by Japanese bombers and fighter planes launched from aircraft carriers that had quietly slipped within striking distance of Hawaii, the attack killed more than 2,000 Americans and sank a number of United States warships, including the battleship Arizona, whose wreck has become a memorial to the battle.

Obama&#39;s trip to Hiroshima this year was also a first by any sitting American president. In a statement, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said that the two leaders would visit the Arizona memorial together to honour those killed at Pearl Harbor.

(ANI)

Abe will be reciprocating a trip President Obama made in May to the Japanese city of Hiroshima

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will become the first sitting Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbor, as he announced on Monday a symbolic visit this month to the site of the Japanese attack 75 years ago that pulled the United States into World War II. Abe said in a news conference that he would travel to the American naval base with outgoing US President Barack Obama during a trip to Hawaii on December 26 and 27, reports the New York Times. By visiting Pearl Harbor, Abe will be reciprocating a trip President Obama made in May to the Japanese city of Hiroshima, where the United States dropped a nuclear bomb at the end of the war with Japan in 1945. "We must never repeat the horror of war. I want to express that determination as we look to the future, and at the same time send a message about the value of US-Japanese reconciliation," said Abe. Abe's visit will come just a few weeks after the 75th anniversary of the attack, which occurred on December 7, 1941. Carried out by Japanese bombers and fighter planes launched from aircraft carriers that had quietly slipped within striking distance of Hawaii, the attack killed more than 2,000 Americans and sank a number of United States warships, including the battleship Arizona, whose wreck has become a memorial to the battle. Obama's trip to Hiroshima this year was also a first by any sitting American president. In a statement, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said that the two leaders would visit the Arizona memorial together to honour those killed at Pearl Harbor. (ANI)

Shinzo Abe to be first Japanese leader to visit Pearl Harbor

Japan will impose additional sanctions on North Korea following the country&#39;s fifth nuclear test in September and consider further measures depending on Pyongyang&#39;s moves, chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Friday.

Japan will expand a list of people prohibited from re-entering Japan after visiting North Korea, while also banning all ships that have called at ports in North Korea, Suga told a news conference.

Tokyo will also freeze the assets of more groups and individuals connected to North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missiles development, he said.

Japan&#39;s decision came after the UN&nbsp;Security Council imposed new sanctions on North Korea this week aimed at cutting its annual export revenue by a quarter.

South&nbsp;Korea also imposed fresh unilateral sanctions over Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear and ballistic missile tests on Friday.

The South&nbsp;Korean government said in a statement it would ban entry by foreign missile and nuclear experts if their visits to&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;were deemed to be a threat to the South&#39;s national interests.

(Reuters)

The decision comes after North Korea's fifth nuclear test in September. Japan will consider further measures depending on Pyongyang's moves

Japan will impose additional sanctions on North Korea following the country's fifth nuclear test in September and consider further measures depending on Pyongyang's moves, chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Friday. Japan will expand a list of people prohibited from re-entering Japan after visiting North Korea, while also banning all ships that have called at ports in North Korea, Suga told a news conference. Tokyo will also freeze the assets of more groups and individuals connected to North Korea's nuclear and missiles development, he said. Japan's decision came after the UN Security Council imposed new sanctions on North Korea this week aimed at cutting its annual export revenue by a quarter. South Korea also imposed fresh unilateral sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile tests on Friday. The South Korean government said in a statement it would ban entry by foreign missile and nuclear experts if their visits to North Korea were deemed to be a threat to the South's national interests. (Reuters)

Japan to impose additional sanctions on North Korea

&nbsp;Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte softened his remarks about a &quot;separation&quot; from long-time ally the United States on the eve of a visit to Japan, a country worried about Manila`s apparent pivot away from Washington and towards China.

&quot;The alliances are alive,&quot; Duterte told Japanese media in Manila on Monday, Kyodo News reported. &quot;There should be no worry about changes of alliances. I do not need to have alliances with other nations.&quot;

 
The remarks will be welcomed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who wants to keep ties with the Philippines tight during Duterte`s visit to Japan, starting on Tuesday.

 
Duterte jolted the region last week on a trip to China when he announced a realignment towards Beijing, the latest in a series of outbursts against the United States.

 
Duterte and his aides later tried to clarify that he did not mean he was cutting ties with the United States and his remarks on Monday were the most conciliatory yet.

Duterte told Japanese media he had been expressing a personal opinion, not speaking for the government when he mentioned separating from Washington, the Nikkei newspaper said.&nbsp;

He said he only plans to have an &quot;alliance of trade and commerce&quot; with China, Kyodo reported.

The Yomiuri newspaper, however, said Duterte had repeated he wants to halt joint military exercises with the United States and end a military cooperation pact seen as crucial to projecting US power in Asia in the face of a fast-rising China.

 
Worried Japan 
Abe has sought to strengthen ties with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries as a counter-balance to Beijing.

 
&quot;It&#39;s certainly unfortunate and we are worried, but such things will not change Japan&#39;s commitment to the Philippines,&quot; said Narushige Michishita, a professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies and former defence official, referring to Duterte&#39;s comments.

 
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry, after talking to his Philippine counterpart on Sunday, is confident the two countries can &quot;work through&quot; a period of confusion caused by Duterte`s remarks the State Department said.&nbsp;

 
Duterte has railed against U.S. expressions of concerns about the high loss of life in his campaign against drugs and Washington&#39;s calls for due process.

 
Japanese officials said Abe would not overtly try to mediate between Tokyo and Washington but would probably explain the importance of the U.S. role in the region.

 
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida will meet Duterte on Tuesday for a low-key dinner, and Abe will hold rare one-on-one talks with Duterte at his residence in Tokyo the next evening following a larger, more formal meeting with senior officials.

 
&quot;I believe ties between Japan and the Philippines are very important and that seeking to stabilise bilateral ties will lead straight to peace, stability and prosperity of the region as well as of the international community,&quot; Kishida told reporters.

 
He added he wanted to listen carefully to Duterte&#39;s views.

 
Duterte&#39;s predecessor Benigno Aquino angered China by lodging a case with an arbitration court in the Hague challenging the legitimacy of Beijing&#39;s maritime claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.

 
A ruling earlier this year emphatically favoured Manila but was rejected by China, which has repeatedly warned the United States and Japan to stay out of the dispute.

 
Duterte said the two countries had agreed not to discuss the international court`s ruling on his initial visit, but would have to talk about it at some point, the Nikkei reported.&nbsp;

 
(Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Duterte jolted the region last week on a trip to China when he announced a realignment towards Beijing

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte softened his remarks about a "separation" from long-time ally the United States on the eve of a visit to Japan, a country worried about Manila`s apparent pivot away from Washington and towards China. "The alliances are alive," Duterte told Japanese media in Manila on Monday, Kyodo News reported. "There should be no worry about changes of alliances. I do not need to have alliances with other nations." The remarks will be welcomed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who wants to keep ties with the Philippines tight during Duterte`s visit to Japan, starting on Tuesday. Duterte jolted the region last week on a trip to China when he announced a realignment towards Beijing, the latest in a series of outbursts against the United States. Duterte and his aides later tried to clarify that he did not mean he was cutting ties with the United States and his remarks on Monday were the most conciliatory yet. Duterte told Japanese media he had been expressing a personal opinion, not speaking for the government when he mentioned separating from Washington, the Nikkei newspaper said. He said he only plans to have an "alliance of trade and commerce" with China, Kyodo reported. The Yomiuri newspaper, however, said Duterte had repeated he wants to halt joint military exercises with the United States and end a military cooperation pact seen as crucial to projecting US power in Asia in the face of a fast-rising China. Worried Japan Abe has sought to strengthen ties with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries as a counter-balance to Beijing. "It's certainly unfortunate and we are worried, but such things will not change Japan's commitment to the Philippines," said Narushige Michishita, a professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies and former defence official, referring to Duterte's comments. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry, after talking to his Philippine counterpart on Sunday, is confident the two countries can "work through" a period of confusion caused by Duterte`s remarks the State Department said. Duterte has railed against U.S. expressions of concerns about the high loss of life in his campaign against drugs and Washington's calls for due process. Japanese officials said Abe would not overtly try to mediate between Tokyo and Washington but would probably explain the importance of the U.S. role in the region. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida will meet Duterte on Tuesday for a low-key dinner, and Abe will hold rare one-on-one talks with Duterte at his residence in Tokyo the next evening following a larger, more formal meeting with senior officials. "I believe ties between Japan and the Philippines are very important and that seeking to stabilise bilateral ties will lead straight to peace, stability and prosperity of the region as well as of the international community," Kishida told reporters. He added he wanted to listen carefully to Duterte's views. Duterte's predecessor Benigno Aquino angered China by lodging a case with an arbitration court in the Hague challenging the legitimacy of Beijing's maritime claims in the resource-rich South China Sea. A ruling earlier this year emphatically favoured Manila but was rejected by China, which has repeatedly warned the United States and Japan to stay out of the dispute. Duterte said the two countries had agreed not to discuss the international court`s ruling on his initial visit, but would have to talk about it at some point, the Nikkei reported. (Reuters)

Philippines:  Duterte eases stance towards US. before Japan visit

Several hundred Pikachus started flooding the streets of Japan one fine day and no one knew what was happening. No, it wasn&#39;t anything remotely associated with the game Pokemon, that has caught the fancy of everyone around us. But an annually celebrated festival.&nbsp; 
 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PPqFqOJWsVA?list=PLmWa9ZZLlCjt0Jlg7kN3JBNX4LH1sRsGh" width="970"></iframe> 
 
 
Called Pika fiesta, it has been happening since 2014 known as Pikachu Tairyou Hassei- Chu. Lasting for a week&rsquo;s time, it is a celebration of all things Pokemon.&nbsp;

Several hundred Pikachus started flooding the streets of Japan one fine day and no one knew what was happening. No, it wasn't anything remotely associated with the game Pokemon, that has caught the fancy of everyone around us. But an annually celebrated festival. Called Pika fiesta, it has been happening since 2014 known as Pikachu Tairyou Hassei- Chu. Lasting for a week’s time, it is a celebration of all things Pokemon.

Video: Humanized Pikachus on the streets of Japan

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Thursday morning &nbsp;but there were no immediate reports of damage and a tsunami warning was not issued, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The epicentre of the earthquake, which occurred at 11:50 a.m. (0250 GMT), was in Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Japan, one of the world&#39;s most seismically active areas, accounts for about 20 per cent of the world&#39;s earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

No tsunami warning was issued, the Japan Meteorological Agency said

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Thursday morning but there were no immediate reports of damage and a tsunami warning was not issued, Reuters reported. The epicentre of the earthquake, which occurred at 11:50 a.m. (0250 GMT), was in Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency was quoted as saying. Japan, one of the world's most seismically active areas, accounts for about 20 per cent of the world's earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater, Reuters reported. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

5.3 magnitude quake rattles eastern Japan?

The rising Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) into India for several projects including high-speed railway could widen trade deficit between the two countries, says a report.

&quot;With increase in Japanese ODA for several projects including for the Shinkasen bullet train project and expected further FDI from Japan in the coming years, imports from Japan could see a rise that can widen the trade deficit,&quot; said the report -- &#39;India-Japan CEPA: An Appraisal&#39;.

The report by Research and Information System for Developing Countries, released today, is authored by V S Seshadri.

The Rs 98,000 crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is being financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is providing a soft loan of about Rs 79,380 crore, amounting to 81 per cent of the project cost.

Sustained increase in India&#39;s export to Japan, the report said, will come about only if greater attention is given to increasing competitiveness, strengthening compliance with standards, enhancing export capacity, and moving beyond traditional areas of export.

It pointed out that the utilisation of India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for trade in goods is steadily increasing in both directions.

&quot;While CEPA concessions are not relevant for about 75 per cent of India&#39;s export to Japan, since duties on them are zero even on MFN basis, India has benefited from CEPA concessions towards increasing exports in the seafood pharma, garments, leather, dyes and pigments and a few other sectors and products,&quot; the report said.

According to the report, Japan&#39;s utilisation has also been rising judging from the number of certificates of origin issued annually by the authorised agency from Japan.

&quot;It would be very important to ensure immediate ratification of the Totalisation Agreement signed by the two countries in 2012,&quot; it noted.

Referring to Japanese FDI trend in India, the report pointed out that India presents a mixed picture post CEPA with significant fresh investment inflows but also with two large investments, Daiichi Sankyo&#39;s investment in Ranbaxy and NTT Docomo&#39;s investment in Tata Teleservices, seeking to exit their investments.

It further said the &#39;Japan Plus&#39; arrangement to fast track investments from that country and regular engagements between the Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India and DIPP of the government are positive features. 
 
Japan and India are the second and third largest economies in Asia. The economic engagement witnessed significant rise after both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2011.

The trade between the two countries pre-CEPA in 2010 was USD 10.4 billion and currently stands at USD 14.5 billion.

(PTI)

The report by Research and Information System for Developing Countries said that imports from Japan could widen the trade deficit

The rising Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) into India for several projects including high-speed railway could widen trade deficit between the two countries, says a report. "With increase in Japanese ODA for several projects including for the Shinkasen bullet train project and expected further FDI from Japan in the coming years, imports from Japan could see a rise that can widen the trade deficit," said the report -- 'India-Japan CEPA: An Appraisal'. The report by Research and Information System for Developing Countries, released today, is authored by V S Seshadri. The Rs 98,000 crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is being financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is providing a soft loan of about Rs 79,380 crore, amounting to 81 per cent of the project cost. Sustained increase in India's export to Japan, the report said, will come about only if greater attention is given to increasing competitiveness, strengthening compliance with standards, enhancing export capacity, and moving beyond traditional areas of export. It pointed out that the utilisation of India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for trade in goods is steadily increasing in both directions. "While CEPA concessions are not relevant for about 75 per cent of India's export to Japan, since duties on them are zero even on MFN basis, India has benefited from CEPA concessions towards increasing exports in the seafood pharma, garments, leather, dyes and pigments and a few other sectors and products," the report said. According to the report, Japan's utilisation has also been rising judging from the number of certificates of origin issued annually by the authorised agency from Japan. "It would be very important to ensure immediate ratification of the Totalisation Agreement signed by the two countries in 2012," it noted. Referring to Japanese FDI trend in India, the report pointed out that India presents a mixed picture post CEPA with significant fresh investment inflows but also with two large investments, Daiichi Sankyo's investment in Ranbaxy and NTT Docomo's investment in Tata Teleservices, seeking to exit their investments. It further said the 'Japan Plus' arrangement to fast track investments from that country and regular engagements between the Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India and DIPP of the government are positive features. Japan and India are the second and third largest economies in Asia. The economic engagement witnessed significant rise after both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2011. The trade between the two countries pre-CEPA in 2010 was USD 10.4 billion and currently stands at USD 14.5 billion. (PTI)

'Rising Japanese assistance to India will widen trade deficit'

Japanese regulators are considering taking action against Apple Inc over possible antitrust violations that may have helped it dominate the nation&#39;s smartphone sales, government sources said, a move that could hit the company&#39;s profit margins in one of its most profitable markets. 
 
In a report published last month, Japan&#39;s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said that NTT Docomo, KDDI Corp and Softbank Group were refusing to sell older surplus iPhone models to third party retailers, thereby hobbling smaller competitors. 
 
Apple was not named in that report, but two senior government sources told Reuters that regulators were also focusing on Apple&#39;s supply agreements with all three carriers. 
 
Under those deals, surplus stock of older iPhones is kept out of the market and sent to overseas markets, such as Hong Kong, according to industry sources. 
 
The carriers, locked in a costly battle to win consumers who covet iPhones, also bulk purchase the Apple smartphones and sell them at a discount, which gives the U.S. company an advantage over rivals such as Samsung Electronics Co, according to the two government officials and an industry source. 
 
Both iPhone 7 and Samsung&#39;s Galaxy S7 edge model sell for 93,960 yen ($932) under Docomo&#39;s main service package without any contract, but the cost for the iPhone drops sharply to 38,232 yen with a two-year contract, while the Galaxy falls to 54,432 yen. 
 
When asked about the antitrust concerns, Apple forwarded a link to a webpage published at the time of the Aug. 2 FTC report that says it has created or supports 715,000 jobs in Japan with Japanese-based developers raking in more than $9 billion in revenue from Apple apps since 2008. It did not comment further. 
 
Largest share 
 
The strategy has helped Apple sustain demand for new iPhones, making Japan one of its most profitable markets. The U.S. company accounts for almost one in every two smartphones sold in Japan, its largest share in a major market. 
 
It also kept new mobile service providers such as messaging app firm Line Corp and online retailer Rakuten Inc from selling iPhones, and helped the top three carriers control more than 90 percent of the mobile phone market. 
 
Any government order for corrective measures may crimp demand for more profitable new iPhone models that compete against well-reviewed Android phones such as the Galaxy S7. 
 
&quot;The actions of the three operators alone do not account for the state of the market,&quot; said one of the officials, who confirmed that the August report was also directed at Apple. &quot;We are getting closer to taking action.&quot; 
 
The officials said the watchdog hoped pressing the carriers would get them to solve the antitrust issue, which could include renegotiating contracts with Apple. 
 
They asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak to the media. 
 
The FTC did not give a deadline or say what penalties, such as fines, it would impose if the companies did not act. 
 
In the past, FTC has issued cease and desist orders, and imposed a &quot;surplus charge&quot; to recoup profits resulting from antitrust violations. The biggest surplus charge to date for a case, which involved five companies, is 27 billion yen ($269 million). 
 
Fines on companies judged to be operating cartels or monopolies, however, can be higher. 
 
NTT Docomo said it did not believe it was blocking new entrants. &quot;We have always strived to conduct sales and services appropriately and we will take the FTC&#39;s report on board and consider our response,&quot; a spokesman said. 
 
A spokeswoman for KDDI said her company had operated its business in an appropriate manner and followed guidelines. 
 
A Softbank spokesman also said it would work with regulators. &quot;Up to now we have never had any issues with competition laws over our sales practices and pricing,&quot; he said. 
 
Samsung declined to comment. 
 
($1 = 101.87 yen)&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

The country's Fair Trade Commission said the carriers were not selling older iPhones to third party retailers, hobbling smaller competitors

Japanese regulators are considering taking action against Apple Inc over possible antitrust violations that may have helped it dominate the nation's smartphone sales, government sources said, a move that could hit the company's profit margins in one of its most profitable markets. In a report published last month, Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said that NTT Docomo, KDDI Corp and Softbank Group were refusing to sell older surplus iPhone models to third party retailers, thereby hobbling smaller competitors. Apple was not named in that report, but two senior government sources told Reuters that regulators were also focusing on Apple's supply agreements with all three carriers. Under those deals, surplus stock of older iPhones is kept out of the market and sent to overseas markets, such as Hong Kong, according to industry sources. The carriers, locked in a costly battle to win consumers who covet iPhones, also bulk purchase the Apple smartphones and sell them at a discount, which gives the U.S. company an advantage over rivals such as Samsung Electronics Co, according to the two government officials and an industry source. Both iPhone 7 and Samsung's Galaxy S7 edge model sell for 93,960 yen ($932) under Docomo's main service package without any contract, but the cost for the iPhone drops sharply to 38,232 yen with a two-year contract, while the Galaxy falls to 54,432 yen. When asked about the antitrust concerns, Apple forwarded a link to a webpage published at the time of the Aug. 2 FTC report that says it has created or supports 715,000 jobs in Japan with Japanese-based developers raking in more than $9 billion in revenue from Apple apps since 2008. It did not comment further. Largest share The strategy has helped Apple sustain demand for new iPhones, making Japan one of its most profitable markets. The U.S. company accounts for almost one in every two smartphones sold in Japan, its largest share in a major market. It also kept new mobile service providers such as messaging app firm Line Corp and online retailer Rakuten Inc from selling iPhones, and helped the top three carriers control more than 90 percent of the mobile phone market. Any government order for corrective measures may crimp demand for more profitable new iPhone models that compete against well-reviewed Android phones such as the Galaxy S7. "The actions of the three operators alone do not account for the state of the market," said one of the officials, who confirmed that the August report was also directed at Apple. "We are getting closer to taking action." The officials said the watchdog hoped pressing the carriers would get them to solve the antitrust issue, which could include renegotiating contracts with Apple. They asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak to the media. The FTC did not give a deadline or say what penalties, such as fines, it would impose if the companies did not act. In the past, FTC has issued cease and desist orders, and imposed a "surplus charge" to recoup profits resulting from antitrust violations. The biggest surplus charge to date for a case, which involved five companies, is 27 billion yen ($269 million). Fines on companies judged to be operating cartels or monopolies, however, can be higher. NTT Docomo said it did not believe it was blocking new entrants. "We have always strived to conduct sales and services appropriately and we will take the FTC's report on board and consider our response," a spokesman said. A spokeswoman for KDDI said her company had operated its business in an appropriate manner and followed guidelines. A Softbank spokesman also said it would work with regulators. "Up to now we have never had any issues with competition laws over our sales practices and pricing," he said. Samsung declined to comment. ($1 = 101.87 yen) (Reuters)

Japan's antitrust watchdog considers action against Apple, carriers: Sources

The United Nations Security Council on Friday strongly condemned four North Korean ballistic missile launches in July and August, dubbing them &quot;grave violations&quot; of a ban on all ballistic missile activity. 
 
The council expressed &quot;serious concern&quot; that North Korea carried out the launches after six ballistic missile firings between April and June &quot;in flagrant disregard&quot; of its repeated statements to halt such launches as well as nuclear tests which violate council resolutions. 
 
UN vows significant measures&nbsp; 
 
In a press statement approved by all 15 members, the council deplored the fact that the North&#39;s ballistic missile activities are contributing to its development of nuclear weapon delivery systems and increasing tensions. 
 
Council members agreed to &quot;continue to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures,&quot; said the statement, without elaborating. 
 
It urged all UN member states &quot;to redouble their efforts&quot; to implement sanctions against Pyongyang, including the toughest measures in two decades imposed by the council in March. 
 
N.Korea hit by 5 sets of UN sanctions&nbsp; 
 
North Korea has been hit by five sets of UN sanctions since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006.&nbsp; 
 
It has repeatedly flouted Security Council resolutions demanding an end to its nuclear and ballistic missile activities and has continued to launch missiles, escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula and in the region. 
 
In March, the council adopted the toughest sanctions resolution to date, targeting North Korea&#39;s trade in minerals and tightening banking restrictions. 
 
The council met behind closed doors on Wednesday after North Korea launched a missile from a submarine towards Japan, the latest provocation from Pyongyang.&nbsp; 
 
This came days after the US and South Korea began military exercises, prompting North Korean threats of retaliation for the military drills, which it views as a rehearsal for invasion by the US and other adversaries. 
 
The Security Council statement condemned the August 23 launch as well as the North&#39;s ballistic missile launches on August 2 and July 18 and the firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile on July 9. 
 
 
N Korea submarine missiles not ready until 2018: experts 
 
North Korea is making progress on a submarine-launched ballistic missile system but any deployment of the technology is years away, a US think tank said, as the UN Security Council promised action over Pyongyang&#39;s latest test. 
 
The US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said yesterday on its closely-watched website, 38 North, that the success of North Korea&#39;s SLBM test this week suggests the program may be progressing faster than originally expected. 
 
&quot;However, this does not mean it will be ready next week, next month, or even next year&quot;, it said. 
 
&quot;Rather, the pace and method of the North&#39;s SLBM testing would suggest possible deployment in an initial operational capability by the second half of 2018 at the earliest.&quot; 
 
The missile, launched from a submerged prototype &quot;Gorae-class&quot; submarine near the northeastern port of Sinpo, flew 500 kilometres towards Japan, marking what weapons analysts called a clear step forward for its nuclear strike ambitions. 
 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

United Nations Security Council has expressed 'serious concern' after Pyongyang test-fired 6 missiles between April and June

The United Nations Security Council on Friday strongly condemned four North Korean ballistic missile launches in July and August, dubbing them "grave violations" of a ban on all ballistic missile activity. The council expressed "serious concern" that North Korea carried out the launches after six ballistic missile firings between April and June "in flagrant disregard" of its repeated statements to halt such launches as well as nuclear tests which violate council resolutions. UN vows significant measures In a press statement approved by all 15 members, the council deplored the fact that the North's ballistic missile activities are contributing to its development of nuclear weapon delivery systems and increasing tensions. Council members agreed to "continue to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures," said the statement, without elaborating. It urged all UN member states "to redouble their efforts" to implement sanctions against Pyongyang, including the toughest measures in two decades imposed by the council in March. N.Korea hit by 5 sets of UN sanctions North Korea has been hit by five sets of UN sanctions since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006. It has repeatedly flouted Security Council resolutions demanding an end to its nuclear and ballistic missile activities and has continued to launch missiles, escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula and in the region. In March, the council adopted the toughest sanctions resolution to date, targeting North Korea's trade in minerals and tightening banking restrictions. The council met behind closed doors on Wednesday after North Korea launched a missile from a submarine towards Japan, the latest provocation from Pyongyang. This came days after the US and South Korea began military exercises, prompting North Korean threats of retaliation for the military drills, which it views as a rehearsal for invasion by the US and other adversaries. The Security Council statement condemned the August 23 launch as well as the North's ballistic missile launches on August 2 and July 18 and the firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile on July 9. N Korea submarine missiles not ready until 2018: experts North Korea is making progress on a submarine-launched ballistic missile system but any deployment of the technology is years away, a US think tank said, as the UN Security Council promised action over Pyongyang's latest test. The US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said yesterday on its closely-watched website, 38 North, that the success of North Korea's SLBM test this week suggests the program may be progressing faster than originally expected. "However, this does not mean it will be ready next week, next month, or even next year", it said. "Rather, the pace and method of the North's SLBM testing would suggest possible deployment in an initial operational capability by the second half of 2018 at the earliest." The missile, launched from a submerged prototype "Gorae-class" submarine near the northeastern port of Sinpo, flew 500 kilometres towards Japan, marking what weapons analysts called a clear step forward for its nuclear strike ambitions. (WION with inputs from agencies)

North Korea likely to face tough sanctions after missile launches

A truck driver in Japan playing Pokemon Go while driving hit two pedestrains,&nbsp;killing one and injuring the other. 
 
This was the first death reported in Japan with regard to the Nontendo Co&nbsp;game. 
 
The driver was arrested for negligent driving on Wednesday evening, the&nbsp;Tokushima prefectual police informed. A decision on his prosecution has not&nbsp;been made yet. 
 
A spokesperson for Naintic, Pokemon Go developer, said that the company had&nbsp;added a pop-up to the game screen last month to dissuade the player from&nbsp;driving the moment the speed increased. 
 
The popularity of the across the world has increased crowds in parks and public&nbsp;places as users search for monsters in the game. 
 
Various sign boards have been installed in Japan asking users to avoid creating&nbsp;nuisance. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

While another pedestrian was injured in the accident, the driver has been arrested for negligent driving

A truck driver in Japan playing Pokemon Go while driving hit two pedestrains, killing one and injuring the other. This was the first death reported in Japan with regard to the Nontendo Co game. The driver was arrested for negligent driving on Wednesday evening, the Tokushima prefectual police informed. A decision on his prosecution has not been made yet. A spokesperson for Naintic, Pokemon Go developer, said that the company had added a pop-up to the game screen last month to dissuade the player from driving the moment the speed increased. The popularity of the across the world has increased crowds in parks and public places as users search for monsters in the game. Various sign boards have been installed in Japan asking users to avoid creating nuisance. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Truck driver kills pedestrian while playing Pokemon Go in Japan

Following North Korea&#39;s missile firing, foreign ministers of Japan, China and South Korea met in Tokyo on Wednesday, August 24 to talk about closer multilateral cooperation. 
 
Hours before the meeting, North Korea fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile that flew 500 km (311 miles) towards Japan. The country has in the recent past conducted a series of such launches despite UN sanctions. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s unforgivable that North Korea launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). Japan immediately protested against the North Korean missile launch and would like to cooperate closely with China and South Korea to lead the international community&#39;s response to it,&quot; Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said at the meeting. 
 
&quot;North Korea&#39;s recent nuclear test and continual missile launches have been an urgent and grave threat to this region. In such situations, solidarity and cooperation among three countries is more important than ever,&quot; said South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se. 
 
Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi said that it was China&#39;s responsibility to promote economic development, lead regional cooperation and maintain regional peace and stability. &quot;China insists that in the spirit of squarely facing history and advancing toward the future,&quot; he said. 
 
Two days ago, South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises in the South which North Korea condemns as a preparation for invasion, and has threatened retaliation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has in the past conducted a series of missile launches despite UN sanctions

Following North Korea's missile firing, foreign ministers of Japan, China and South Korea met in Tokyo on Wednesday, August 24 to talk about closer multilateral cooperation. Hours before the meeting, North Korea fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile that flew 500 km (311 miles) towards Japan. The country has in the recent past conducted a series of such launches despite UN sanctions. "It's unforgivable that North Korea launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). Japan immediately protested against the North Korean missile launch and would like to cooperate closely with China and South Korea to lead the international community's response to it," Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said at the meeting. "North Korea's recent nuclear test and continual missile launches have been an urgent and grave threat to this region. In such situations, solidarity and cooperation among three countries is more important than ever," said South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se. Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi said that it was China's responsibility to promote economic development, lead regional cooperation and maintain regional peace and stability. "China insists that in the spirit of squarely facing history and advancing toward the future," he said. Two days ago, South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises in the South which North Korea condemns as a preparation for invasion, and has threatened retaliation. (With inputs from agencies)

China, Japan and South Korea meet following North Korea's missile launch

A strong typhoon struck near Tokyo today, with heavy rain and winds grounding more than 400 flights as officials warned of landslides and flooding. 
 
Typhoon Mindulle made landfall at about 12:30 pm (0330 GMT) in Tateyama city, roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) southeast of Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. 
 
As of noon, the storm was packing gusts up to 180 kilometres per hour and heading north at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour, the agency said. 
 
There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. 
 
&quot;In Tokyo... please exercise caution for landslides, flooding in low lying areas, surging rivers, violent wind and high waves,&quot; the weather agency said. 
 
Downpours across the greater Tokyo region caused rivers to swell, with television footage showing gushing waterways close to overflowing but staying within their banks. 
 
The storm has caused airlines across the country to cancel a total of 425 flights, mostly to and from Tokyo&#39;s Haneda airport, national broadcaster NHK said. 
 
Japan Airlines said it cancelled 185 domestic flights, affecting 33,692 customers, while All Nippon Airways cancelled 112 domestic flights, affecting 26,500 passengers. 
 
Most major commuter train services in Tokyo and its surrounding region operated normally, including bullet trains, according to East Japan Railway, the region&#39;s biggest railway operator. 
 
Some lines, however, suffered from temporary delays and stoppages. 
 
Separately, typhoon Kompasu, which hit Japan&#39;s northern main island of Hokkaido on Sunday, was downgraded to a temperate depression by early today as it moved away into the Sea of Okhotsk, according to the weather agency. 
 
Heavy rains since Saturday caused high waves and rivers to flood on the island, where rescue workers found a male body today morning. 
 
Police did not immediately link the death to the storm, but local media said the body might be the owner of a vehicle that was stranded due to heavy rains. 
 
The local Hokkaido government has so far said the storm has caused only three minor injuries. 
 
(AFP)

The storm has caused airlines across the country to cancel a total of 425 flights, but train services remained unaffected

A strong typhoon struck near Tokyo today, with heavy rain and winds grounding more than 400 flights as officials warned of landslides and flooding. Typhoon Mindulle made landfall at about 12:30 pm (0330 GMT) in Tateyama city, roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) southeast of Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. As of noon, the storm was packing gusts up to 180 kilometres per hour and heading north at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour, the agency said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. "In Tokyo... please exercise caution for landslides, flooding in low lying areas, surging rivers, violent wind and high waves," the weather agency said. Downpours across the greater Tokyo region caused rivers to swell, with television footage showing gushing waterways close to overflowing but staying within their banks. The storm has caused airlines across the country to cancel a total of 425 flights, mostly to and from Tokyo's Haneda airport, national broadcaster NHK said. Japan Airlines said it cancelled 185 domestic flights, affecting 33,692 customers, while All Nippon Airways cancelled 112 domestic flights, affecting 26,500 passengers. Most major commuter train services in Tokyo and its surrounding region operated normally, including bullet trains, according to East Japan Railway, the region's biggest railway operator. Some lines, however, suffered from temporary delays and stoppages. Separately, typhoon Kompasu, which hit Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido on Sunday, was downgraded to a temperate depression by early today as it moved away into the Sea of Okhotsk, according to the weather agency. Heavy rains since Saturday caused high waves and rivers to flood on the island, where rescue workers found a male body today morning. Police did not immediately link the death to the storm, but local media said the body might be the owner of a vehicle that was stranded due to heavy rains. The local Hokkaido government has so far said the storm has caused only three minor injuries. (AFP)

Flights grounded as strong typhoon hits near Tokyo

Japan&nbsp;will develop a new land-to-sea missile as part of plans to beef up its defence of remote southern islands, as tensions with China increase over the disputed territory, a report said Sunday.

The two countries are locked in a long-running dispute over the uninhabited islets known as the Senkaku in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;and the Diaoyu in China.

The report comes after repeated protests by Japanese foreign ministry officials over what Tokyo calls &quot;intrusions&quot; by Chinese ships in the territorial and contiguous waters of the rocky islands.

Tokyo plans to deploy the weapon, which reportedly will have a range of 300 kilometres (190 miles) on islands such as Miyako in Okinawa prefecture, the top-selling Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said, without citing sources.

The range will cover the disputed island chain, the Yomiuri said, adding that the deployment is expected by 2023.

Officials at the Defence Ministry could not be reached for comment.

&quot;In light of China&#39;s repeated acts of provocation around the Senkaku islands,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;aims to increase deterrence with improved long-range strike capability,&quot; the newspaper stated.

The missile will be developed by&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;and will use solid fuel, the Yomiuri said, referring to the technology that allows for weapon&#39;s long-term storage and capacity to be launched at short notice.

Japan&nbsp;also protested in June after it said a Chinese navy frigate sailed close to territorial waters near the islands for the first time.

Tensions over the islands have been a frequent irritant and strained bilateral relations, though tensions had markedly relaxed over the past two years as the countries held talks. 
 
(AFP)

The two countries are locked in a long-running dispute over uninhabited islets known as Senkaku in?Japan?and Diaoyu in China

Japan will develop a new land-to-sea missile as part of plans to beef up its defence of remote southern islands, as tensions with China increase over the disputed territory, a report said Sunday. The two countries are locked in a long-running dispute over the uninhabited islets known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. The report comes after repeated protests by Japanese foreign ministry officials over what Tokyo calls "intrusions" by Chinese ships in the territorial and contiguous waters of the rocky islands. Tokyo plans to deploy the weapon, which reportedly will have a range of 300 kilometres (190 miles) on islands such as Miyako in Okinawa prefecture, the top-selling Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said, without citing sources. The range will cover the disputed island chain, the Yomiuri said, adding that the deployment is expected by 2023. Officials at the Defence Ministry could not be reached for comment. "In light of China's repeated acts of provocation around the Senkaku islands, Japan aims to increase deterrence with improved long-range strike capability," the newspaper stated. The missile will be developed by Japan and will use solid fuel, the Yomiuri said, referring to the technology that allows for weapon's long-term storage and capacity to be launched at short notice. Japan also protested in June after it said a Chinese navy frigate sailed close to territorial waters near the islands for the first time. Tensions over the islands have been a frequent irritant and strained bilateral relations, though tensions had markedly relaxed over the past two years as the countries held talks. (AFP)

Japan to develop missiles amid rising hostility with China

Japan marked the 71st anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki today as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underscored the nation&#39;s nuclear non-proliferation stance, while a city official called for other national leaders to follow in the footsteps of United States (US) President Barack Obama who visited Hiroshima earlier this year. 
 
&quot;As the only country to be bombed by atomic bombs during wartime, I will strongly advocate the importance of maintaining and strengthening the stance of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, while maintaining the three non-nuclear principles,&quot; Abe said, as hundreds of visitors at the Nagasaki Peace Park attended the annual peace memorial. 
 
&quot;With a new sense of commitment, I will continue to make the effort to call leaders of nations to visit the atomic bombing sites, and to tell the stories of the reality of the bombings,&quot; said Masanao Maiguma, the head of Nagasaki city municipal assembly. 
 
Obama this year became the first incumbent US president to visit Hiroshima and he urged nuclear powers, including his own, to have the courage to escape the logic of fear and pursue a world without nuclear weapons. 
 
The US dropped the bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, killing thousands of people instantly and about 140,000 by the end of that year. 
 
US forces dropped another atomic bomb on the southern city of Nagasaki on August 9. Japan surrendered six days later. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

US dropped the first bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and three days later another bomb was dropped on the southern city of Nagasaki on August 9

Japan marked the 71st anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki today as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underscored the nation's nuclear non-proliferation stance, while a city official called for other national leaders to follow in the footsteps of United States (US) President Barack Obama who visited Hiroshima earlier this year. "As the only country to be bombed by atomic bombs during wartime, I will strongly advocate the importance of maintaining and strengthening the stance of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, while maintaining the three non-nuclear principles," Abe said, as hundreds of visitors at the Nagasaki Peace Park attended the annual peace memorial. "With a new sense of commitment, I will continue to make the effort to call leaders of nations to visit the atomic bombing sites, and to tell the stories of the reality of the bombings," said Masanao Maiguma, the head of Nagasaki city municipal assembly. Obama this year became the first incumbent US president to visit Hiroshima and he urged nuclear powers, including his own, to have the courage to escape the logic of fear and pursue a world without nuclear weapons. The US dropped the bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, killing thousands of people instantly and about 140,000 by the end of that year. US forces dropped another atomic bomb on the southern city of Nagasaki on August 9. Japan surrendered six days later. (Reuters)

Japan marks 71st anniversary of Nagasaki atomic bombing

Japan&#39;s Fair Trade Commission has raided the office of Amazon Japan on suspicion of pressuring retailers to offer products on more favourable conditions than on rival sites, the Nikkei business daily reported today. 
 
The paper did not say when the raid took place. 
 
Amazon Japan is suspected of imposing conditions on retailers such as forcing them to sell products at a lower price if they were also advertising on other online shopping sites, the Nikkei said, citing sources with knowledge of the case. 
 
A Fair Trade Commission spokesman said he could not confirm the report but added: &quot;I won&#39;t say the contents are incorrect.&quot; 
 
An Amazon Japan spokeswoman declined to comment. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

The online giant is suspected of forcing retailers to sell products at lower price if they were advertising on other online shopping sites

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has raided the office of Amazon Japan on suspicion of pressuring retailers to offer products on more favourable conditions than on rival sites, the Nikkei business daily reported today. The paper did not say when the raid took place. Amazon Japan is suspected of imposing conditions on retailers such as forcing them to sell products at a lower price if they were also advertising on other online shopping sites, the Nikkei said, citing sources with knowledge of the case. A Fair Trade Commission spokesman said he could not confirm the report but added: "I won't say the contents are incorrect." An Amazon Japan spokeswoman declined to comment. (Reuters)

Amazon Japan raided over antitrust practices: Nikkei

Reports that Japanese Emperor Akihito intends to abdicate within a few years could reopen debate about female succession, but any such move is likely to provoke strong opposition within the current conservative ruling party.

The 82-year-old monarch, who has had heart surgery and been treated for prostate cancer in recent years, expressed his intention to abdicate in a few years to the Imperial Household Agency, public broadcaster NHK said on Wednesday.

No reason was cited and agency officials later denied the earlier reports.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other officials on Thursday declined to comment, but Akihito has been cutting back on official duties recently.

His place has been taken by his heir, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito. But Naruhito has only one daughter, so since only males can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, the throne after Naruhito would pass to nine-year-old nephew Hisahito.

No Japanese emperor has abdicated since 1817 and the Imperial Household Law governing the royal family system would have to be revised to allow this, a process requiring parliamentary debate that could take years and might spill over into other areas, such as female succession.

&quot;This is something that has needed to be fixed,&quot; said Kenneth Ruoff, head of the Center of Japanese Studies at Portland State University, of the laws on abdication.&nbsp;&quot;When they open up the debate they will have to debate all kinds of things.&quot;

Before Hisahito, no male had been born into the imperial family for more than four decades. This prompted discussion of equal inheritance for women, a move opposed by traditionalists eager to preserve a male line they believe goes back more than 2000 years.

Most Japanese backed the proposed change and advisors to then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi recommended that women be given equal rights to inherit, but debate was shelved when Hisahito was born the next year.

In March, Japanese officials including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe protested when a UN&nbsp;committee said it intended to criticise male-only inheritance as discriminatory. They said the UN&nbsp;move was &quot;totally inappropriate&quot; and disregarded Japanese history. The committee withdrew its criticism.

Key parts of Abe&#39;s political base want him to steer the nation back towards a traditional ethos including pride in the ancient imperial line.

Given that Hisahito is the only male of his generation and women in the imperial family leave it upon marriage, long-term succession remains far from assured. Proposed solutions include allowing women to remain and set up branch families, but debate has languished.

&quot;There&#39;s only two ways to continue an all-male line. One is to have concubines, which I don&#39;t think the people of Japan would accept ... The other would be to have lots of collateral families, which would get complicated,&quot; Ruoff said.

&quot;If they aren&#39;t going to change the law, this will happen again, there won&#39;t be a male heir. Maybe not for one hundred, two hundred years - but why not change the law now?&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The 56-year-old crown prince has only one daughter. Since only males can inherit the throne, it would next go to his nine-year-old nephew

Reports that Japanese Emperor Akihito intends to abdicate within a few years could reopen debate about female succession, but any such move is likely to provoke strong opposition within the current conservative ruling party. The 82-year-old monarch, who has had heart surgery and been treated for prostate cancer in recent years, expressed his intention to abdicate in a few years to the Imperial Household Agency, public broadcaster NHK said on Wednesday. No reason was cited and agency officials later denied the earlier reports. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other officials on Thursday declined to comment, but Akihito has been cutting back on official duties recently. His place has been taken by his heir, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito. But Naruhito has only one daughter, so since only males can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, the throne after Naruhito would pass to nine-year-old nephew Hisahito. No Japanese emperor has abdicated since 1817 and the Imperial Household Law governing the royal family system would have to be revised to allow this, a process requiring parliamentary debate that could take years and might spill over into other areas, such as female succession. "This is something that has needed to be fixed," said Kenneth Ruoff, head of the Center of Japanese Studies at Portland State University, of the laws on abdication. "When they open up the debate they will have to debate all kinds of things." Before Hisahito, no male had been born into the imperial family for more than four decades. This prompted discussion of equal inheritance for women, a move opposed by traditionalists eager to preserve a male line they believe goes back more than 2000 years. Most Japanese backed the proposed change and advisors to then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi recommended that women be given equal rights to inherit, but debate was shelved when Hisahito was born the next year. In March, Japanese officials including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe protested when a UN committee said it intended to criticise male-only inheritance as discriminatory. They said the UN move was "totally inappropriate" and disregarded Japanese history. The committee withdrew its criticism. Key parts of Abe's political base want him to steer the nation back towards a traditional ethos including pride in the ancient imperial line. Given that Hisahito is the only male of his generation and women in the imperial family leave it upon marriage, long-term succession remains far from assured. Proposed solutions include allowing women to remain and set up branch families, but debate has languished. "There's only two ways to continue an all-male line. One is to have concubines, which I don't think the people of Japan would accept ... The other would be to have lots of collateral families, which would get complicated," Ruoff said. "If they aren't going to change the law, this will happen again, there won't be a male heir. Maybe not for one hundred, two hundred years - but why not change the law now?" (Reuters)

Reports of Japan emperor's abdication could reopen debate about female succession

Japan issued a new protest to Beijing today after Chinese coastguard ships and about 230 fishing vessels sailed close to what Tokyo considers its territorial waters around disputed islets in the East China Sea, Japan&#39;s foreign ministry said. 
 
The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in Asia, less than a month after an arbitration court in the Hague invalidated China&#39;s sweeping claims in the disputed South China Sea, in a case brought by the Philippines. 
 
China has refused to recognise the ruling. Japan called on China to adhere to the verdict, which it said was binding, prompting warnings from Beijing to Tokyo not to interfere. 
 
Three of the six Chinese coastguard ships that were in the so-called contiguous waters today appeared to be armed, Japan&#39;s coast guard said.&nbsp;Yesterday, a Japanese foreign ministry official said Chinese coastguard ships and fishing vessels entered what Tokyo considers its territorial waters around the islets. 
 
Beijing claims the uninhabited, Tokyo-controlled East China Sea islands, called the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, and occasionally sends its coastguard vessels near them.&nbsp;A senior Japanese foreign ministry official today issued a protest to a Chinese embassy official in Tokyo, calling on the coastguard ships to leave the area immediately and condemning the action as a unilateral escalation of tensions, the ministry said. 
 
Japanese vice foreign minister Shinsuke Sugiyama yesterday summoned China&#39;s ambassador to Japan, Cheng Yonghua, to lodge a strong protest, the ministry said.&nbsp;Chinese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. 
 
China on Friday accused Japan&#39;s new defence minister, Tomomi Inada, of recklessly misrepresenting history after she declined to say whether Japanese troops massacred civilians in China during World War II. 
 
Ties between China and Japan, the world&#39;s second- and third-largest economies, have been plagued by the territorial row, the legacy of Japans&#39; wartime occupation of parts of China and regional rivalry. 
 
(Reuters)

Three of the six Chinese coastguard ships that were in the so-called contiguous waters appeared to be armed, Japan's coast guard said

Japan issued a new protest to Beijing today after Chinese coastguard ships and about 230 fishing vessels sailed close to what Tokyo considers its territorial waters around disputed islets in the East China Sea, Japan's foreign ministry said. The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in Asia, less than a month after an arbitration court in the Hague invalidated China's sweeping claims in the disputed South China Sea, in a case brought by the Philippines. China has refused to recognise the ruling. Japan called on China to adhere to the verdict, which it said was binding, prompting warnings from Beijing to Tokyo not to interfere. Three of the six Chinese coastguard ships that were in the so-called contiguous waters today appeared to be armed, Japan's coast guard said. Yesterday, a Japanese foreign ministry official said Chinese coastguard ships and fishing vessels entered what Tokyo considers its territorial waters around the islets. Beijing claims the uninhabited, Tokyo-controlled East China Sea islands, called the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, and occasionally sends its coastguard vessels near them. A senior Japanese foreign ministry official today issued a protest to a Chinese embassy official in Tokyo, calling on the coastguard ships to leave the area immediately and condemning the action as a unilateral escalation of tensions, the ministry said. Japanese vice foreign minister Shinsuke Sugiyama yesterday summoned China's ambassador to Japan, Cheng Yonghua, to lodge a strong protest, the ministry said. Chinese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. China on Friday accused Japan's new defence minister, Tomomi Inada, of recklessly misrepresenting history after she declined to say whether Japanese troops massacred civilians in China during World War II. Ties between China and Japan, the world's second- and third-largest economies, have been plagued by the territorial row, the legacy of Japans' wartime occupation of parts of China and regional rivalry. (Reuters)

Japan protests after China coastguard, fishing vessels sail near disputed islets

Japan today marked 71 years since the city of Hiroshima was destroyed by a US atomic bomb, as its mayor urged the world to unite in abolishing nuclear weapons. 
 
The annual ceremony came just months after Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit the western Japanese city, paying moving tribute to victims of the devastating bomb. 
 
American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped its deadly payload, dubbed &quot;Little Boy&quot;, on Hiroshima at 8:15 am local time on August 6, 1945.&nbsp; 
 
Much of the city was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 C (7,232 F) -- hot enough to melt steel -- killing tens of thousands. 
 
About 50,000 participants, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and representatives of more than 90 countries and regions, observed a minute`s silence at the exact time the atrocity occurred some seven decades ago. 
 
During the solemn ceremony, Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui recalled the visit by Obama in his peace declaration, citing the president&#39;s historic speech. 
 
&quot;(His visit) was the proof that Hiroshima`s strong wish not to tolerate the &#39;absolute evil&#39; was shared by President Obama,&quot; he said. 
 
The mayor urged the world to take action towards the abolition of &quot;the ultimate form of inhumanity, united and with passion&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Obama in May embraced survivors as he made his visit to the city and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. 
 
&quot;Seventy-one years ago, death fell from the sky and the world was changed,&quot; he said of the bomb, adding it &quot;demonstrated that mankind possessed the means to destroy itself&quot;. 
 
Obama offered no apology for the bombings, having insisted he would not revisit decisions made by then president Harry Truman. 
 
But his moving tribute and brief conversations with elderly survivors, which included an unexpected embrace with one of them, profoundly impressed most Japanese. 
 
Abe, after lying a wreath of flowers, reiterated Saturday that Tokyo will continue working to rid the world of nuclear weapons. 
 
&quot;I am convinced (Obama`s visit) brought a great hope for people in Japan, in the world and in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, who believe in a world without nuclear arms,&quot; he said. 
 
The bombing claimed the lives of 140,000 people. Some died immediately while others succumbed to injuries or radiation-related illnesses weeks, months and years later. 
 
A second bomb destroyed the city of Nagasaki three days later. Japan announced its surrender in World War II on August 15. 
 
Many in Japan feel the attacks amount to war crimes and atrocities because they targeted civilians and due to the unprecedented destructive nature of the weapons. 
 
But many Americans believe they hastened the end of a bloody conflict, and ultimately saved lives, thus justifying the bombings. 
 
Since Obama went to Hiroshima, the park and accompanying memorial museum have witnessed an increase in visitors. 
 
But an association of atomic bomb survivors has criticised his speech, saying he failed to explicitly mention US responsibility for the bombing. 
 
Abe last year faced harsh criticism, especially from A-bomb survivors, for his policy of expanding the role of Japan`s military and opening the door to possibly sending troops into combat for the first time since the war. 
 
In his latest cabinet reshuffle, Abe appointed nationalist confidante Tomomi Inada as defence minister. 
 
(AFP)

American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped deadly payload, 'Little Boy', on Hiroshima at 8.15 am on August 6, 1945 that killed 140,000

Japan today marked 71 years since the city of Hiroshima was destroyed by a US atomic bomb, as its mayor urged the world to unite in abolishing nuclear weapons. The annual ceremony came just months after Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit the western Japanese city, paying moving tribute to victims of the devastating bomb. American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped its deadly payload, dubbed "Little Boy", on Hiroshima at 8:15 am local time on August 6, 1945. Much of the city was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 C (7,232 F) -- hot enough to melt steel -- killing tens of thousands. About 50,000 participants, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and representatives of more than 90 countries and regions, observed a minute`s silence at the exact time the atrocity occurred some seven decades ago. During the solemn ceremony, Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui recalled the visit by Obama in his peace declaration, citing the president's historic speech. "(His visit) was the proof that Hiroshima`s strong wish not to tolerate the 'absolute evil' was shared by President Obama," he said. The mayor urged the world to take action towards the abolition of "the ultimate form of inhumanity, united and with passion". Obama in May embraced survivors as he made his visit to the city and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. "Seventy-one years ago, death fell from the sky and the world was changed," he said of the bomb, adding it "demonstrated that mankind possessed the means to destroy itself". Obama offered no apology for the bombings, having insisted he would not revisit decisions made by then president Harry Truman. But his moving tribute and brief conversations with elderly survivors, which included an unexpected embrace with one of them, profoundly impressed most Japanese. Abe, after lying a wreath of flowers, reiterated Saturday that Tokyo will continue working to rid the world of nuclear weapons. "I am convinced (Obama`s visit) brought a great hope for people in Japan, in the world and in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, who believe in a world without nuclear arms," he said. The bombing claimed the lives of 140,000 people. Some died immediately while others succumbed to injuries or radiation-related illnesses weeks, months and years later. A second bomb destroyed the city of Nagasaki three days later. Japan announced its surrender in World War II on August 15. Many in Japan feel the attacks amount to war crimes and atrocities because they targeted civilians and due to the unprecedented destructive nature of the weapons. But many Americans believe they hastened the end of a bloody conflict, and ultimately saved lives, thus justifying the bombings. Since Obama went to Hiroshima, the park and accompanying memorial museum have witnessed an increase in visitors. But an association of atomic bomb survivors has criticised his speech, saying he failed to explicitly mention US responsibility for the bombing. Abe last year faced harsh criticism, especially from A-bomb survivors, for his policy of expanding the role of Japan`s military and opening the door to possibly sending troops into combat for the first time since the war. In his latest cabinet reshuffle, Abe appointed nationalist confidante Tomomi Inada as defence minister. (AFP)

Japan marks 71 years of Hiroshima bombing

Japan, on Saturday, marked 71 years since the city of Hiroshima was destroyed by a US atomic bomb, as its mayor urged the world to unite in abolishing nuclear weapons. 
 
The annual ceremony came just months after Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit the city, paying moving tribute to victims of the first atomic bomb. 
 
American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped its deadly payload, dubbed &quot;Little Boy&quot;, on the western Japanese city at 8:15 am local time on August 6, 1945.&nbsp;Much of the city was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius (7,232 Fahrenheit), hot enough to melt steel, killing tens of thousands. 
 
Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui recalled the visit by Obama in his peace declaration during the solemn ceremony.&nbsp;&quot;(His visit) was the proof that Hiroshima&#39;s strong wish not to tolerate the &#39;absolute evil&#39; was shared by President Obama,&quot; he said. &quot;It is the time for us to make actions towards the abolition of the &#39;absolute evil&#39;, the ultimate form of inhumanity, united and with passion.&quot; 
 
The bombing claimed the lives of 140,000 people. Some died immediately while others succumbed to injuries or radiation-related illnesses weeks, months and years later. 
 
A second bomb destroyed the city of Nagasaki three days later. Japan announced its surrender in World War II on August 15. 
 
Many in Japan feel the attacks amount to war crimes and atrocities because they targeted civilians and due to the unprecedented destructive nature of the weapons.&nbsp;But many Americans believe they hastened the end of a bloody conflict, and ultimately saved lives, thus justifying the bombings. 
 
Obama, in May, embraced survivors as he made his historic visit to the city and its Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. 
 
&quot;71 years ago, death fell from the sky and the world was changed,&quot; he said of the bomb, adding it &quot;demonstrated that mankind possessed the means to destroy itself&quot;. 
 
Obama offered no apology for the bombings, having insisted he would not revisit decisions made by then president Harry Truman.&nbsp;But his moving tribute and brief conversations with elderly atom bomb survivors, which included an unexpected embrace with one of them, profoundly impressed most Japanese. 
 
Since Obama went to Hiroshima the park and accompanying memorial museum have witnessed an increase in visitors. 
 
But an association of atomic bomb survivors has criticised his speech, saying he failed to explicitly mention US responsibility for the bombing.&nbsp;Abe, who also attended the service, faced harsh criticism last year, especially from A-bomb survivors, for his policy of expanding the role of Japan&#39;s military and opening the door to possibly sending troops into combat for the first time since the war. 
 
(AFP)

Much of the city was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius. 140,000 died, some immediately, some weeks and years later

Japan, on Saturday, marked 71 years since the city of Hiroshima was destroyed by a US atomic bomb, as its mayor urged the world to unite in abolishing nuclear weapons. The annual ceremony came just months after Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit the city, paying moving tribute to victims of the first atomic bomb. American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped its deadly payload, dubbed "Little Boy", on the western Japanese city at 8:15 am local time on August 6, 1945. Much of the city was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius (7,232 Fahrenheit), hot enough to melt steel, killing tens of thousands. Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui recalled the visit by Obama in his peace declaration during the solemn ceremony. "(His visit) was the proof that Hiroshima's strong wish not to tolerate the 'absolute evil' was shared by President Obama," he said. "It is the time for us to make actions towards the abolition of the 'absolute evil', the ultimate form of inhumanity, united and with passion." The bombing claimed the lives of 140,000 people. Some died immediately while others succumbed to injuries or radiation-related illnesses weeks, months and years later. A second bomb destroyed the city of Nagasaki three days later. Japan announced its surrender in World War II on August 15. Many in Japan feel the attacks amount to war crimes and atrocities because they targeted civilians and due to the unprecedented destructive nature of the weapons. But many Americans believe they hastened the end of a bloody conflict, and ultimately saved lives, thus justifying the bombings. Obama, in May, embraced survivors as he made his historic visit to the city and its Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. "71 years ago, death fell from the sky and the world was changed," he said of the bomb, adding it "demonstrated that mankind possessed the means to destroy itself". Obama offered no apology for the bombings, having insisted he would not revisit decisions made by then president Harry Truman. But his moving tribute and brief conversations with elderly atom bomb survivors, which included an unexpected embrace with one of them, profoundly impressed most Japanese. Since Obama went to Hiroshima the park and accompanying memorial museum have witnessed an increase in visitors. But an association of atomic bomb survivors has criticised his speech, saying he failed to explicitly mention US responsibility for the bombing. Abe, who also attended the service, faced harsh criticism last year, especially from A-bomb survivors, for his policy of expanding the role of Japan's military and opening the door to possibly sending troops into combat for the first time since the war. (AFP)

Japan observes 71st anniversary of Hiroshima nuclear bombing

One of the popular Pokemon Pikachu got humanized and 50 of them were found flooding the streets of Japan in a parade like arrangement.

Pikachus stroll around the streets of Japan

North Korea fired a ballistic missile directly into Japanese-controlled waters for the first time today, drawing an outraged response from Tokyo and ramping up tensions with the United States and South Korea. 
 
The US military said the North had actually launched two Rodong intermediate-range missiles simultaneously, but one appeared to have exploded on take-off. 
 
The launches followed a North Korean threat of &quot;physical action&quot; over the planned deployment of a sophisticated US anti-missile system in South Korea, and came just weeks before the start of large-scale, joint South Korea-US military exercises. 
 
Abe: Serious threat against national security 
 
Japan said the one missile had landed in the Sea of Japan, some 250 kilometre off its northern coast and within the country&#39;s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a serious threat against our country&#39;s security,&quot; Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters. &quot;This is an outrageous act that cannot be tolerated.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
The United States condemned what it called a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea&#39;s use of ballistic missile technology. 
 
&quot;This provocation only serves to increase the international community&#39;s resolve to counter (North Korea&#39;s) prohibited activities,&quot; said Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross. 
 
US strategic command said the two missiles were launched from a site in western North Korea at around 7.50 am Seoul time (22:50 GMT Tuesday). 
 
&quot;Initial indications reveal one of the missiles exploded immediately after launch, while the second was tracked over North Korea and into the Sea of Japan,&quot; it said in a statement. 
 
It was the first time a North Korean missile has been fired direct into Japanese waters. The second stage of a medium-range missile fired over Japan had splashed down inside the EEZ off Japan&#39;s Pacific Ocean coast in 1998. 
 
 
Japan slams&nbsp;Pyongyang 
 
Japan&#39;s top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga slammed Pyongyang for providing no advance warning of today&#39;s test. 
 
&quot;From the perspective of the safety of aircraft and ships, it is an extremely problematic, dangerous act,&quot; Suga said. 
 
The Rodong is a scaled-up Scud variant with a maximum range of around 1,300 kilometres. 
 
Pyongyang has conducted a series of missile tests this year in defiance of UN sanctions imposed after its fourth nuclear test in January. 
 
On July 19, it launched three ballistic missiles - including one Rodong - in an exercise that the North said simulated a nuclear strike on the South. That came just days after Washington and Seoul announced an agreement to deploy the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence, or THAAD, system in South Korea by the end of next year - a move condemned by Pyongyang and also vehemently opposed by China and Russia. 
 
South Korean foreign minister Yun Byung-Se said today&#39;s missile test only served to &quot;underline the need to deploy THAAD.&quot; 
 
Tensions building up on divided Korean peninsula&nbsp; 
 
Tensions on the divided Korean peninsula are also building up ahead of an annual South Korea-US military exercise later this month that involves tens of thousands of troops. 
 
North Korea says such drills are a provocative rehearsal for invasion, while Washington and Seoul insist they are purely defensive in nature. 
 
&quot;Our commitment to the defence of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, is ironclad,&quot; Ross said today. 
 
&quot;We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies from any attack or provocation,&quot; he added. 
 
There are nearly 30,000 US troops permanently stationed in South Korea. 
 
Pyongyang has repeatedly warned of pre-emptive nuclear strikes against the South and US targets there and elsewhere, although the main focus of its nuclear weapons programme is to develop a credible strike threat against the US mainland. 
 
Since its fourth nuclear test, North Korea has claimed a series of technical breakthroughs for its weapons programme. 
 
It said it had miniaturised a nuclear warhead and successfully tested an engine designed for an inter-continental ballistic missile that could reach the US mainland.&nbsp; 
 
While some experts say the claims are exaggerated, most acknowledge that the North&#39;s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes have made significant strides. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US says actually two missiles had been fired, but one appeared to have exploded on take-off

North Korea fired a ballistic missile directly into Japanese-controlled waters for the first time today, drawing an outraged response from Tokyo and ramping up tensions with the United States and South Korea. The US military said the North had actually launched two Rodong intermediate-range missiles simultaneously, but one appeared to have exploded on take-off. The launches followed a North Korean threat of "physical action" over the planned deployment of a sophisticated US anti-missile system in South Korea, and came just weeks before the start of large-scale, joint South Korea-US military exercises. Abe: Serious threat against national security Japan said the one missile had landed in the Sea of Japan, some 250 kilometre off its northern coast and within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). "It's a serious threat against our country's security," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters. "This is an outrageous act that cannot be tolerated." The United States condemned what it called a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology. "This provocation only serves to increase the international community's resolve to counter (North Korea's) prohibited activities," said Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross. US strategic command said the two missiles were launched from a site in western North Korea at around 7.50 am Seoul time (22:50 GMT Tuesday). "Initial indications reveal one of the missiles exploded immediately after launch, while the second was tracked over North Korea and into the Sea of Japan," it said in a statement. It was the first time a North Korean missile has been fired direct into Japanese waters. The second stage of a medium-range missile fired over Japan had splashed down inside the EEZ off Japan's Pacific Ocean coast in 1998. Japan slams Pyongyang Japan's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga slammed Pyongyang for providing no advance warning of today's test. "From the perspective of the safety of aircraft and ships, it is an extremely problematic, dangerous act," Suga said. The Rodong is a scaled-up Scud variant with a maximum range of around 1,300 kilometres. Pyongyang has conducted a series of missile tests this year in defiance of UN sanctions imposed after its fourth nuclear test in January. On July 19, it launched three ballistic missiles - including one Rodong - in an exercise that the North said simulated a nuclear strike on the South. That came just days after Washington and Seoul announced an agreement to deploy the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence, or THAAD, system in South Korea by the end of next year - a move condemned by Pyongyang and also vehemently opposed by China and Russia. South Korean foreign minister Yun Byung-Se said today's missile test only served to "underline the need to deploy THAAD." Tensions building up on divided Korean peninsula Tensions on the divided Korean peninsula are also building up ahead of an annual South Korea-US military exercise later this month that involves tens of thousands of troops. North Korea says such drills are a provocative rehearsal for invasion, while Washington and Seoul insist they are purely defensive in nature. "Our commitment to the defence of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, is ironclad," Ross said today. "We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies from any attack or provocation," he added. There are nearly 30,000 US troops permanently stationed in South Korea. Pyongyang has repeatedly warned of pre-emptive nuclear strikes against the South and US targets there and elsewhere, although the main focus of its nuclear weapons programme is to develop a credible strike threat against the US mainland. Since its fourth nuclear test, North Korea has claimed a series of technical breakthroughs for its weapons programme. It said it had miniaturised a nuclear warhead and successfully tested an engine designed for an inter-continental ballistic missile that could reach the US mainland. While some experts say the claims are exaggerated, most acknowledge that the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes have made significant strides. (AFP)

North Korea fires missile into Japan waters for first time, draws Tokyo ire

A sex exhibition smack in the middle of one of Tokyo&#39;s hippest areas is shining a nostalgic light on Japanese erotica, a culture the curator believes is dying out. 
 
Kyoichi Tsuzuki&#39;s &quot;Erotopia Japan&quot; deals with Japanese sexuality and fantasies, the gallery located in the heart of Shibuya&#39;s trendy fashion district plastered from floor to ceiling with eye-boggling prints, one wall dedicated to love hotel beds. 
 
&quot;This kind of Showa period (1926-1989) culture is being wiped out, as Japan is held to a global standard,&quot; Tsuzuki told AFP. &quot;We might not be able to save it from being killed off completely but we can preserve it for posterity.&quot; 
 
Against a backdrop of erotic photos, the centre of the exhibition is dominated by life-like female dolls tied up in bondage ropes and screaming in agony. Another sex doll is strapped to a table with a suction hose protruding from her crotch and plugged into a television. 
 
&quot;Sex culture in the West and Asia are completely different,&quot; said Tsuzuki. &quot;You see sex museums in Europe, in places like Paris and Amsterdam, but they are often viewed from an intellectual viewpoint, or as erotic art,&quot; he added. &quot;In Japan, erotic art has a humorous edge, it&#39;s cheeky and is meant to make you laugh.&quot; 
 
Japan has a liberal attitude towards sex and fertility festivals.&nbsp;However, the sex museums that once dotted the countryside have died out in recent years, largely due to apathy or political correctness. &quot;The aim of the exhibition is to remind Japanese people of that culture,&quot; said Tsuzuki. &quot;We are not so aware of it anymore.&quot; 
 
But a life-size photograph of a topless woman being sexually ravaged by the mythical &#39;kappa&#39; river demon of Japanese legend, left some visitors scratching their heads. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s just too Japanese,&quot; said florist Kanako Sano, 27. &quot;That might have been funny once, but now it&#39;s just weird and a bit gross.&quot; 
 
Surprisingly, Tsuzuki says, far more women are visiting the exhibition than men. &quot;Men tend to be more shy and leave quickly,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;More women have come and they linger longer over the exhibits. It&#39;s like, women are more knowledgeable about where the best love hotels and which ones have cuter rooms,&quot; he added. &quot;Men don&#39;t care where they do it.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

'Erotopia Japan' is a gallery that deals with Japanese sexuality and fantasies, with one wall dedicated to love hotel beds

A sex exhibition smack in the middle of one of Tokyo's hippest areas is shining a nostalgic light on Japanese erotica, a culture the curator believes is dying out. Kyoichi Tsuzuki's "Erotopia Japan" deals with Japanese sexuality and fantasies, the gallery located in the heart of Shibuya's trendy fashion district plastered from floor to ceiling with eye-boggling prints, one wall dedicated to love hotel beds. "This kind of Showa period (1926-1989) culture is being wiped out, as Japan is held to a global standard," Tsuzuki told AFP. "We might not be able to save it from being killed off completely but we can preserve it for posterity." Against a backdrop of erotic photos, the centre of the exhibition is dominated by life-like female dolls tied up in bondage ropes and screaming in agony. Another sex doll is strapped to a table with a suction hose protruding from her crotch and plugged into a television. "Sex culture in the West and Asia are completely different," said Tsuzuki. "You see sex museums in Europe, in places like Paris and Amsterdam, but they are often viewed from an intellectual viewpoint, or as erotic art," he added. "In Japan, erotic art has a humorous edge, it's cheeky and is meant to make you laugh." Japan has a liberal attitude towards sex and fertility festivals. However, the sex museums that once dotted the countryside have died out in recent years, largely due to apathy or political correctness. "The aim of the exhibition is to remind Japanese people of that culture," said Tsuzuki. "We are not so aware of it anymore." But a life-size photograph of a topless woman being sexually ravaged by the mythical 'kappa' river demon of Japanese legend, left some visitors scratching their heads. "That's just too Japanese," said florist Kanako Sano, 27. "That might have been funny once, but now it's just weird and a bit gross." Surprisingly, Tsuzuki says, far more women are visiting the exhibition than men. "Men tend to be more shy and leave quickly," he said. "More women have come and they linger longer over the exhibits. It's like, women are more knowledgeable about where the best love hotels and which ones have cuter rooms," he added. "Men don't care where they do it." (AFP)

Sex exhibition: In loving memory of Japanese erotica

Japanese police today raided the house of a 26-year-old man suspected of stabbing to death 19 people and wounding dozens at a facility for the disabled in a small town near Tokyo, Japan&#39;s worst mass killing in decades. 
 
About half a dozen plainclothes police entered the home of Satoshi Uematsu, a former employee of the facility, as reporters and television cameras stood by. 
 
Uematsu was earlier sent from a regional jail in Sagamihara town, about 45 km (25 miles) southwest of Tokyo, to the Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office in Kanagawa prefecture. 
 
Video footage showed him smiling in a police car as he was driven away. 
 
Uematsu, who gave himself up to police on Tuesday after the attack, had said in letters he wrote in February that he could &quot;obliterate 470 disabled people&quot; and gave detailed plans of how he would do so, the Kyodo news agency reported. 
 
He was involuntarily committed to hospital after he expressed a &quot;willingness to kill severely disabled people&quot;, an official in Sagamihara told Reuters. 
 
He was freed on March 2 after a doctor deemed he had improved and was no longer a threat to himself or others, the official said. 
 
The affair has shocked a country with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. 
 
Residents of the Sagamihara area, a largely rural, wooded valley where houses are interspersed with orchards and vegetable gardens, were struggling to come to grips with the violence. 
 
&quot;There was no reason or benefit to this,&quot; said 82-year-old Yukiko Inoue. &quot;He just killed them.&quot; 
 
Mass killing sparks debate&nbsp; 
 
The killings have sparked debate on whether the system for involuntary commitment and aftercare has broken down, since Uematsu had previously made clear his intent to commit the crime. 
 
&quot;Involuntary commitment is done forcefully by the authorities ... If the time period drags on longer than necessary, it becomes a serious violation of human rights,&rdquo; the Asahi newspaper said in an editorial on Tuesday. 
 
&quot;However ...there were warning signs before the incident,&quot; the paper said. 
 
&quot;Was the treatment and outwatch of the man sufficient? It is vital to closely examine the system of support for the man and his family, and the contacts between the medical system and the police.&rdquo; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp; 
 
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Uematsu had said in letters he wrote in February that he could 'obliterate 470 disabled people', gave detailed plans of how he would do so

Japanese police today raided the house of a 26-year-old man suspected of stabbing to death 19 people and wounding dozens at a facility for the disabled in a small town near Tokyo, Japan's worst mass killing in decades. About half a dozen plainclothes police entered the home of Satoshi Uematsu, a former employee of the facility, as reporters and television cameras stood by. Uematsu was earlier sent from a regional jail in Sagamihara town, about 45 km (25 miles) southwest of Tokyo, to the Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office in Kanagawa prefecture. Video footage showed him smiling in a police car as he was driven away. Uematsu, who gave himself up to police on Tuesday after the attack, had said in letters he wrote in February that he could "obliterate 470 disabled people" and gave detailed plans of how he would do so, the Kyodo news agency reported. He was involuntarily committed to hospital after he expressed a "willingness to kill severely disabled people", an official in Sagamihara told Reuters. He was freed on March 2 after a doctor deemed he had improved and was no longer a threat to himself or others, the official said. The affair has shocked a country with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Residents of the Sagamihara area, a largely rural, wooded valley where houses are interspersed with orchards and vegetable gardens, were struggling to come to grips with the violence. "There was no reason or benefit to this," said 82-year-old Yukiko Inoue. "He just killed them." Mass killing sparks debate The killings have sparked debate on whether the system for involuntary commitment and aftercare has broken down, since Uematsu had previously made clear his intent to commit the crime. "Involuntary commitment is done forcefully by the authorities ... If the time period drags on longer than necessary, it becomes a serious violation of human rights,” the Asahi newspaper said in an editorial on Tuesday. "However ...there were warning signs before the incident," the paper said. "Was the treatment and outwatch of the man sufficient? It is vital to closely examine the system of support for the man and his family, and the contacts between the medical system and the police.” (Reuters)

Knife attacker?s house raided day after Japan's worst mass killing in decades?

US telecom giant Verizon Communications Inc said it had agreed to buy Yahoo Inc&#39;s core internet business for $4.83 billion in cash, ending a lengthy sale process for the fading web pioneer. 
 
Buying Yahoo&#39;s operations will boost Verizon&#39;s AOL internet business, which it bought last year for $4.4 billion, by giving it access to Yahoo&#39;s advertising technology tools as well as other assets such as search, mail and messenger. 
 
The deal marks the end of Yahoo as an operating company, leaving it with a 15 per cent stake in Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Limited and a 35.5 per cent interest in Yahoo Japan Corp. 
 
&quot;The sale of our operating business, which effectively separates our Asian asset equity stakes, is an important step in our plan to unlock shareholder value for Yahoo,&quot; Yahoo Chief Executive Marissa Mayer said in a statement today. 
 
The sale does not include Yahoo&#39;s cash, its shares in Alibaba, its shares in Yahoo Japan, Yahoo&#39;s convertible notes, certain minority investments and Yahoo&#39;s non-core patents. 
 
The Alibaba and Yahoo Japan investments are worth about $40 billion, while Yahoo had a market value of about $37.4 billion as of Friday&#39;s close. 
 
(Reuters)

Buying Yahoo's operations will boost Verizon's AOL internet business, which it bought last year for $4.4 billion

US telecom giant Verizon Communications Inc said it had agreed to buy Yahoo Inc's core internet business for $4.83 billion in cash, ending a lengthy sale process for the fading web pioneer. Buying Yahoo's operations will boost Verizon's AOL internet business, which it bought last year for $4.4 billion, by giving it access to Yahoo's advertising technology tools as well as other assets such as search, mail and messenger. The deal marks the end of Yahoo as an operating company, leaving it with a 15 per cent stake in Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Limited and a 35.5 per cent interest in Yahoo Japan Corp. "The sale of our operating business, which effectively separates our Asian asset equity stakes, is an important step in our plan to unlock shareholder value for Yahoo," Yahoo Chief Executive Marissa Mayer said in a statement today. The sale does not include Yahoo's cash, its shares in Alibaba, its shares in Yahoo Japan, Yahoo's convertible notes, certain minority investments and Yahoo's non-core patents. The Alibaba and Yahoo Japan investments are worth about $40 billion, while Yahoo had a market value of about $37.4 billion as of Friday's close. (Reuters)

US telecom giant Verizon announces acquisition of Yahoo in $4.83 billion deal

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