Japan's economy is facing mounting challenges as bankruptcy filings continue to rise. According to private-sector data from Tokyo Shoko research, japan is on track to surpass 10,000 bankruptcies by the end of 2024, marking the highest number since 2013. With 9,164 bankruptcies already recorded by November, this figure has already exceeded last year's total. Watch in for more details!

Economic Recovery In Japan At Risk As Bankruptcy Filings Surge

Japan's bankruptcy filings this year are set to surpass 10,000 and hit the highest since 2013, private-sector data by Tokyo Shoko Research (TSR) showed on Monday. Watch for more details!

Economic Recovery in Japan at Risk as Bankruptcy Filings Surge

<p>The record-high increase in base salary for regular workers in Japan is proof that the economy is showing signs of improvement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is fuelling market expectations of a rate hike from the Bank of Japan. The increase in wages is in response to weak household spending.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Friday's report by the labour ministry, full-time workers' base pay rose 2.8 per cent from a year ago. This is the largest growth for similar data going back to 1994.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regular worker's wages are a more reliable indicator of salary trends. This does not include incentives or overtime and so does not suffer from sampling errors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, earnings in actual currency did not change, which was a first in three months and better than what economists had predicted. Market players are keeping an eye on pay patterns to predict when the Bank of Japan will hike interest rates next.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pay changes are a major factor in attaining a good economic development cycle. The outcome had little effect on the value of the yen. Whether a rate hike by the central bank occurs in December or January is still a matter of debate among economists and market participants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next policy decision from the central bank is expected on December 19th. The chief Japan economist at JP-Morgan securities, Ayako Fujita, predicts a rate hike in December. Fujita said, "We can judge that data so far has been on track and supports a BOJ rate hike though the bank will also consider other data including data from the US."&nbsp;</p>


The record-high increase in base salary for regular workers in Japan is proof that the economy is showing signs of improvement. This is fuelling market expectations of a rate hike from the Bank of Japan.

The record-high increase in base salary for regular workers in Japan is proof that the economy is showing signs of improvement. This is fuelling market expectations of a rate hike from the Bank of Japan. The increase in wages is in response to weak household spending. According to Friday's report by the labour ministry, full-time workers' base pay rose 2.8 per cent from a year ago. This is the largest growth for similar data going back to 1994. Regular worker's wages are a more reliable indicator of salary trends. This does not include incentives or overtime and so does not suffer from sampling errors. However, earnings in actual currency did not change, which was a first in three months and better than what economists had predicted. Market players are keeping an eye on pay patterns to predict when the Bank of Japan will hike interest rates next. Pay changes are a major factor in attaining a good economic development cycle. The outcome had little effect on the value of the yen. Whether a rate hike by the central bank occurs in December or January is still a matter of debate among economists and market participants. The next policy decision from the central bank is expected on December 19th. The chief Japan economist at JP-Morgan securities, Ayako Fujita, predicts a rate hike in December. Fujita said, "We can judge that data so far has been on track and supports a BOJ rate hike though the bank will also consider other data including data from the US."

Japan base pay gains by record, keeps door open for BOJ hike

#GRAVITAS | The cat gifted by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Norihisa Satake, the governor of Japan’s Akita prefecture, has now passed away. Watch this video to find out more

Siberian Cat 'Mir' Was Putin's Gift To Japan | GRAVITAS | WION

<p>A journalist, Dong Yuyu, was jailed for seven years on Friday (Nov 29) for espionage, his family confirmed to BBC. The 62-year-old former state media journalist from China was detained in 2022 and was reportedly active in the journalism sector of the US and Japan and also used to regularly meet foreign diplomats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was arrested when he was having lunch with a Japanese diplomat in Beijing in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The diplomat was also arrested at that time but later&nbsp;released after the Japanese government protested the arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his arrest, Yuyu was serving as the senior staff member of the Guangming Daily. It is one of the five major newspapers linked to the ruling Communist Party in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yuyu's family said in a statement to BBC that according to a court judgement, two other Japanese diplomats Dong met with were named as "agents of an espionage organisation", which is the Japanese embassy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fined-indian-origin-neurosurgeon-over-2-million-for-medicare-fraud-780165">US fined Indian-origin neurosurgeon over $2 million for medicare fraud</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are shocked that the Chinese authorities would blatantly deem a foreign embassy an 'espionage organization'," his family said, according to BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today’s verdict is a grave injustice not only to Yuyu and his family but also to every freethinking Chinese journalist and every ordinary Chinese committed to friendly engagement with the world,” they further added.</p>

<p>The court where he was sentenced bared diplomats to attend the hearing and journalists were asked to leave, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chinese authorities must reverse this unjust verdict, and protect the right of journalists to work freely and safely in China," Beh Lih Yi, Asia programme manager at the Committee to Protect Journalists told Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Taiwan President's Planned Hawaii, Guam Visit Has China Furious</strong></p>

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<p>"Dong Yuyu should be reunited with his family immediately," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yuyu has been a professor at various Japanese universities and a Nieman fellow at Harvard University in 2007.</p>

<p>“In the past, the Chinese court system has selected Western holidays to release news as it is a time when the public is focused on other matters,” the US National Press Club told BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A journalist, Dong Yuyu, was jailed for seven years on Friday (Nov 29) for espionage, his family confirmed to BBC. The 62-year-old former state media journalist from China was detained in 2022 and was reportedly active in the journalism sector of the US and Japan and also used to regularly meet foreign diplomats.

A journalist, Dong Yuyu, was jailed for seven years on Friday (Nov 29) for espionage, his family confirmed to BBC. The 62-year-old former state media journalist from China was detained in 2022 and was reportedly active in the journalism sector of the US and Japan and also used to regularly meet foreign diplomats. He was arrested when he was having lunch with a Japanese diplomat in Beijing in February 2022. The diplomat was also arrested at that time but later released after the Japanese government protested the arrest. During his arrest, Yuyu was serving as the senior staff member of the Guangming Daily. It is one of the five major newspapers linked to the ruling Communist Party in the country. Yuyu's family said in a statement to BBC that according to a court judgement, two other Japanese diplomats Dong met with were named as "agents of an espionage organisation", which is the Japanese embassy. Also read | US fined Indian-origin neurosurgeon over $2 million for medicare fraud "We are shocked that the Chinese authorities would blatantly deem a foreign embassy an 'espionage organization'," his family said, according to BBC. "Today’s verdict is a grave injustice not only to Yuyu and his family but also to every freethinking Chinese journalist and every ordinary Chinese committed to friendly engagement with the world,” they further added. The court where he was sentenced bared diplomats to attend the hearing and journalists were asked to leave, Reuters reported. "Chinese authorities must reverse this unjust verdict, and protect the right of journalists to work freely and safely in China," Beh Lih Yi, Asia programme manager at the Committee to Protect Journalists told Reuters. Watch | Taiwan President's Planned Hawaii, Guam Visit Has China Furious × "Dong Yuyu should be reunited with his family immediately," he further added. Yuyu has been a professor at various Japanese universities and a Nieman fellow at Harvard University in 2007. “In the past, the Chinese court system has selected Western holidays to release news as it is a time when the public is focused on other matters,” the US National Press Club told BBC. (With inputs from agencies)

China sentences state media journalist Dong Yuyu for 7 years in jail on spy charges

<p>Japan's space ageny&nbsp;halted the Epsilon S rocket's engine combustion test after a fire broke out at the test site on Tuesday (Nov 26).</p>

<p>No injuries were reported in the explosion at the time of writing this.</p>

<p>The fire broke out at the Tanegashima Space Centre&nbsp;in the remote Kagoshima region of southwestern Japan and in the footage, flames were seen erupting after the test started, which was followed by a massive explosion.</p>

<p>The fire erupted when a solid-fuel Epsilon S rocket was being tested at the Japan space agency.</p>

<p>White fumes and balls of fire were seen rising from the Tanegashima Space Centre, in the footage of national broadcaster NHK.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-proba-3-satellites-to-soon-be-mated-with-indias-pslv-rocket-778370">Europe's Proba-3 satellites to soon be mated with India's PSLV rocket</a></p>

<p>"There was an abnormality during today's combustion test. We are trying to assess what happened," said the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in a statement, while speaking to AFP news agency.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇯🇵 | During the testing of the Epsilon S rocket engine in Japan, a major fire broke out. No reports of casualties have been received. According to media sources, the fire ignited 30 seconds after the test began.<br />
<br />
®️ Channel 16 International<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Japan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rocket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rocket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EpsilonS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EpsilonS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fire</a>… <a href="https://t.co/zxWrMzY7Cq">pic.twitter.com/zxWrMzY7Cq</a></p>
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<p>"No injuries have been reported at this point. The cause is also under investigation," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Orange flames rise from rocket engine moments before explosion</strong></h2>

<p>According to NHK, the fire started amid a combustion test which began around 8:30 am (2330 GMT) and the media was present nearly 600 metres (yards) away.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China Sends Three Astronauts To Tiangong Space Station</strong></p>

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<p>According to NHK, a large explosion occurred nearly 30 seconds later and something ablaze flew towards the sea.</p>

<p>It was reported by the Sankei Shimbun that orange flames had burst out from the engine of the rocket which was placed on a horizontal platform just before the explosion.</p>

<p>The fire which broke out on Tuesday was not the first time setbacks were experienced by JAXA in its rocket programmes.</p>

<p>In February, JAXA had a successful blast-off of the H3, which was its new flagship rocket and was being called a rival to SpaceX's Falcon 9.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan's space ageny halted the Epsilon S rocket's engine combustion test after a fire broke out at the test site on Tuesday (Nov 26). No injuries were reported in the explosion at the time of writing this.

Japan's space ageny halted the Epsilon S rocket's engine combustion test after a fire broke out at the test site on Tuesday (Nov 26). No injuries were reported in the explosion at the time of writing this. The fire broke out at the Tanegashima Space Centre in the remote Kagoshima region of southwestern Japan and in the footage, flames were seen erupting after the test started, which was followed by a massive explosion. The fire erupted when a solid-fuel Epsilon S rocket was being tested at the Japan space agency. White fumes and balls of fire were seen rising from the Tanegashima Space Centre, in the footage of national broadcaster NHK. Also Read: Europe's Proba-3 satellites to soon be mated with India's PSLV rocket "There was an abnormality during today's combustion test. We are trying to assess what happened," said the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in a statement, while speaking to AFP news agency. 🇯🇵 | During the testing of the Epsilon S rocket engine in Japan, a major fire broke out. No reports of casualties have been received. According to media sources, the fire ignited 30 seconds after the test began. ®️ Channel 16 International#Japan #Rocket #EpsilonS #Fire… pic.twitter.com/zxWrMzY7Cq — Channel 16 News (@C16News) November 26, 2024 × "No injuries have been reported at this point. The cause is also under investigation," it added. Orange flames rise from rocket engine moments before explosion According to NHK, the fire started amid a combustion test which began around 8:30 am (2330 GMT) and the media was present nearly 600 metres (yards) away. Watch: China Sends Three Astronauts To Tiangong Space Station According to NHK, a large explosion occurred nearly 30 seconds later and something ablaze flew towards the sea. It was reported by the Sankei Shimbun that orange flames had burst out from the engine of the rocket which was placed on a horizontal platform just before the explosion. The fire which broke out on Tuesday was not the first time setbacks were experienced by JAXA in its rocket programmes. In February, JAXA had a successful blast-off of the H3, which was its new flagship rocket and was being called a rival to SpaceX's Falcon 9. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Massive fire breaks out at Japan rocket test site, launch suspended

<p>Japan's teenage girls have been getting involved in a new but bizarre make-up trend in which hot melt glue is used to create tear droplets on the face, the South China Morning Post reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trend is being criticised for its absurdity in both China and Japan and has been called "ridiculous" because of its resemblance to snot and sperm.</p>

<p>As reported by the Japanese show Ninosan, the style is called “3D teardrop make-up” and has recently become very popular among secondary school girls in Japan.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the tear-drop make-up?</strong></h2>

<p>The make-up involves using hot melt&nbsp;glue to create shapes of teardrops which stick to the face and give the appearance of tears rolling down the cheeks.</p>

<p>In this makeup process, hot glue is extruded on a smooth surface like a plastic sheet and not applied directly to the skin.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-eu-agency-says-dangerous-and-banned-chemicals-found-in-hundreds-of-cosmetic-products-772894">EU agency says dangerous and banned chemicals found in hundreds of cosmetic products</a></p>

<p>After the glue cools down and solidifies, it is removed carefully, and fake eyelash glue is used to attach it to the face.</p>

<p>Japanese firm Rika Shiiki, which promotes such products, said that the trend is prevalent among secondary school girls in Japan. The trend has become so popular in Japan that it has led to a shortage of hot melt glue in a few areas.</p>

<p>The manufacturers of hot melt glue have issued a warning against it being used for cosmetic purposes because the chemical substance can lead to allergic reactions or skin irritation.</p>

<h2><strong>Make-up trend faces backlash</strong></h2>

<p>The trend faced a lot of criticism from Japanese as well as Chinese people who called it "ridiculous" and "bizarre" after the Chinese media shared it.</p>

<p>“Wait, doesn’t this hot glue tear makeup look suspiciously like sperm?,” said one Japanese viewer.</p>

<p>“Seriously? Are secondary school girls really into this kind of inappropriate trend now?” wrote another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This looks more like snot than tears. It’s disgusting, not cute at all," third commentator.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan's teenage girls have been getting involved in a new but bizarre make-up trend in which hot melt glue is used to create tear droplets on the face, the South China Morning Post reported.

Japan's teenage girls have been getting involved in a new but bizarre make-up trend in which hot melt glue is used to create tear droplets on the face, the South China Morning Post reported. The trend is being criticised for its absurdity in both China and Japan and has been called "ridiculous" because of its resemblance to snot and sperm. As reported by the Japanese show Ninosan, the style is called “3D teardrop make-up” and has recently become very popular among secondary school girls in Japan. What is the tear-drop make-up? The make-up involves using hot melt glue to create shapes of teardrops which stick to the face and give the appearance of tears rolling down the cheeks. In this makeup process, hot glue is extruded on a smooth surface like a plastic sheet and not applied directly to the skin. Also Read: EU agency says dangerous and banned chemicals found in hundreds of cosmetic products After the glue cools down and solidifies, it is removed carefully, and fake eyelash glue is used to attach it to the face. Japanese firm Rika Shiiki, which promotes such products, said that the trend is prevalent among secondary school girls in Japan. The trend has become so popular in Japan that it has led to a shortage of hot melt glue in a few areas. The manufacturers of hot melt glue have issued a warning against it being used for cosmetic purposes because the chemical substance can lead to allergic reactions or skin irritation. Make-up trend faces backlash The trend faced a lot of criticism from Japanese as well as Chinese people who called it "ridiculous" and "bizarre" after the Chinese media shared it. “Wait, doesn’t this hot glue tear makeup look suspiciously like sperm?,” said one Japanese viewer. “Seriously? Are secondary school girls really into this kind of inappropriate trend now?” wrote another. “This looks more like snot than tears. It’s disgusting, not cute at all," third commentator. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's teens are creating tear-like droplets using hot melted glue in a bizarre make-up trend

Japan unveils a $140 billion plan aimed at combating inflation and stimulating growth in key sectors of its economy.

Japanese Worried About Water Pollution Caused By US Bases

Japan Rolls Out $140 Billion Plan To Tackle Inflation and Boost Key Sectors

Japanese citizens express concern over water pollution linked to U.S. military bases, fearing environmental and health impacts.

Japanese Citizens Worried About Water Pollution Caused By U.S. Bases

<p>Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faced criticism from netizens in the country after he was seen greeting other leaders in the APEC forum summit in Peru while remaining seated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The behaviour of the prime minister was called out by the people for "bad manners".</p>

<p>In the footage, Ishiba was seen using his smartphone while remaining seated when other leaders like Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim and Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau reached out to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the leaders reached out to him, PM Ishiba looked up and shook hands with them but did not stand up.</p>

<p>"So embarrassing," wrote one social media user in Japanese.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-ishiba-says-held-phone-call-with-very-friendly-trump-774151">Japan PM Ishiba says held phone call with 'very friendly' Trump</a></p>

<p>"It's not even about being prime minister. His attitude is unthinkable for an adult," said the other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister's behaviour was called rude after another video in which he was seen dancing at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Forum summit's welcome ceremony went viral.</p>

<h2><strong>Japanese PM gets stuck in traffic, misses APEC group photo session</strong></h2>

<p>Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba also failed to participate in a group photo session that took place at the summit because he got stuck in a traffic jam and was late.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The photo session was carried out without Ishiba, as leaders like US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping positioned themselves in the centre for the photograph.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Japan Parliamentary Elections: Yen falls To A Three-Month Low After Polls</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking at a press conference, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "As the photo session was held at the end of the meeting, the absence did not affect the relationship-building process with the other leaders."</p>

<p>Ishiba, who took the position of prime minister in early October, "delivered his messages and demonstrated his presence firmly during the two-day gathering" of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum, said Hayashi.</p>

<p>He added that Ishiba got caught in heavy traffic when he was coming back from the grave of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faced criticism from netizens in the country after he was seen greeting other leaders in the APEC forum summit in Peru while remaining seated.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faced criticism from netizens in the country after he was seen greeting other leaders in the APEC forum summit in Peru while remaining seated. The behaviour of the prime minister was called out by the people for "bad manners". In the footage, Ishiba was seen using his smartphone while remaining seated when other leaders like Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim and Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau reached out to him. When the leaders reached out to him, PM Ishiba looked up and shook hands with them but did not stand up. "So embarrassing," wrote one social media user in Japanese. Also Read: Japan PM Ishiba says held phone call with 'very friendly' Trump "It's not even about being prime minister. His attitude is unthinkable for an adult," said the other. The prime minister's behaviour was called rude after another video in which he was seen dancing at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Forum summit's welcome ceremony went viral. Japanese PM gets stuck in traffic, misses APEC group photo session Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba also failed to participate in a group photo session that took place at the summit because he got stuck in a traffic jam and was late. The photo session was carried out without Ishiba, as leaders like US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping positioned themselves in the centre for the photograph. Watch: Japan Parliamentary Elections: Yen falls To A Three-Month Low After Polls Speaking at a press conference, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "As the photo session was held at the end of the meeting, the absence did not affect the relationship-building process with the other leaders." Ishiba, who took the position of prime minister in early October, "delivered his messages and demonstrated his presence firmly during the two-day gathering" of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum, said Hayashi. He added that Ishiba got caught in heavy traffic when he was coming back from the grave of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM greets people while being seated at APEC Summit, faces criticism for 'bad manners'

Once celebrated for its economic boom and cultural influence, Japan now faces a somber reality: foreign men are flocking to Tokyo, drawn by its burgeoning sex trade.

Tokyo Sees Influx in Sex Tourism as the Economy Weakens | GRAVITAS

<p>Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed "serious concerns" over the situation in the South China Sea to Chinese President Xi Jinping in their first in-person talks, Tokyo's foreign ministry said Saturday.</p>

<p>But the pair agreed to work to expand cultural exchanges and continue high-level dialogue on the economy, both Tokyo and Beijing said after the talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru.</p>

<p>The meeting comes after Ishiba kept his job as prime minister in a parliamentary vote this week despite having led the ruling coalition to its worst election result in 15 years.</p>

<p>Relations between Japan and China have worsened as Beijing builds up its military capacity in the region and Tokyo boosts security ties with the United States and its allies.</p>

<p>Ishiba "conveyed serious concerns over the Chinese military's growing activity" to Xi, the Japanese foreign ministry said.</p>

<p>He stressed that "the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait is extremely important to Japan and the international community, while also expressing serious concerns over the situation surrounding the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Xinjiang".</p>

<p>China has ramped up military pressure on self-ruled Taiwan in recent years to pressure Taipei into accepting its claims of sovereignty, which the island's government rejects.</p>

<p>Beijing has also in recent months pressed its sweeping territorial claims in the East and South China Seas more stridently.</p>

<p>A chain of uninhabited islands claimed by Beijing but administered by Tokyo<strong>,</strong>&nbsp;known as the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have long been a point of tension between the neighbours.</p>

<p>Xi said he hoped Japan would work with China to "properly handle major issues of principle such as history and Taiwan" and "manage differences constructively," according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China and Japan, "whose economic interests and industrial and supply chains are deeply intertwined," need to "pursue win-win cooperation and maintain the global free trade system as well as stable and unimpeded production and supply chains", Xi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tokyo said they had agreed to "work towards realising mutual visits by respective foreign ministers, as well as the high-level dialogue on cultural exchange and economy".</p>

<p>Another recent flashpoint in bilateral ties was the fatal stabbing in September of a 10-year-old Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ishiba urged Xi to "strengthen measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens" living in China, while Xi promised that the "safety of foreign nationals including Japanese people will be secured," Japan's foreign ministry said.</p>

<p>At APEC, Ishiba also met outgoing US President Joe Biden and held trilateral talks with Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.</p>

<p>"We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo" in Asia-Pacific waters, the three leaders said in a joint statement, without mentioning China directly.</p>

<p>"We steadfastly oppose the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels and coercive activities in the South China Sea," it said.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed "serious concerns" over the situation in the South China Sea to Chinese President Xi Jinping in their first in-person talks, Tokyo's foreign ministry said Saturday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed "serious concerns" over the situation in the South China Sea to Chinese President Xi Jinping in their first in-person talks, Tokyo's foreign ministry said Saturday. But the pair agreed to work to expand cultural exchanges and continue high-level dialogue on the economy, both Tokyo and Beijing said after the talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru. The meeting comes after Ishiba kept his job as prime minister in a parliamentary vote this week despite having led the ruling coalition to its worst election result in 15 years. Relations between Japan and China have worsened as Beijing builds up its military capacity in the region and Tokyo boosts security ties with the United States and its allies. Ishiba "conveyed serious concerns over the Chinese military's growing activity" to Xi, the Japanese foreign ministry said. He stressed that "the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait is extremely important to Japan and the international community, while also expressing serious concerns over the situation surrounding the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Xinjiang". China has ramped up military pressure on self-ruled Taiwan in recent years to pressure Taipei into accepting its claims of sovereignty, which the island's government rejects. Beijing has also in recent months pressed its sweeping territorial claims in the East and South China Seas more stridently. A chain of uninhabited islands claimed by Beijing but administered by Tokyo, known as the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have long been a point of tension between the neighbours. Xi said he hoped Japan would work with China to "properly handle major issues of principle such as history and Taiwan" and "manage differences constructively," according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China and Japan, "whose economic interests and industrial and supply chains are deeply intertwined," need to "pursue win-win cooperation and maintain the global free trade system as well as stable and unimpeded production and supply chains", Xi said. Tokyo said they had agreed to "work towards realising mutual visits by respective foreign ministers, as well as the high-level dialogue on cultural exchange and economy". Another recent flashpoint in bilateral ties was the fatal stabbing in September of a 10-year-old Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen. Ishiba urged Xi to "strengthen measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens" living in China, while Xi promised that the "safety of foreign nationals including Japanese people will be secured," Japan's foreign ministry said. At APEC, Ishiba also met outgoing US President Joe Biden and held trilateral talks with Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. "We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo" in Asia-Pacific waters, the three leaders said in a joint statement, without mentioning China directly. "We steadfastly oppose the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels and coercive activities in the South China Sea," it said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

During meeting with Xi, Japan PM expresses concerns over South China Sea situation

<p>Princess Mikasa, the oldest member of Japan's royal family and great aunt to the emperor, died aged 101 on Friday in a Tokyo hospital, the Imperial Household Agency said.</p>

<p>She had been hospitalised since March after suffering a stroke and pneumonia and had been recuperating there following treatment in intensive care.</p>

<p>Born&nbsp;Yuriko&nbsp;Takagi to an aristocratic family on June 4, 1923, the&nbsp;princess&nbsp;was 18 when she married the younger brother of wartime emperor Hirohito.</p>

<p>The couple had five children -- two girls and three boys. She gave birth to her first, a daughter, in 1944 during World War II.</p>

<p>The imperial couple's house burned down in an air raid and she was forced to stay in a shelter with her baby, according to Japan's Asahi Shimbun daily.</p>

<p>Hirohito -- who served as Japan's commander-in-chief during its brutal march across Asia in the 1930s and 40s -- surrendered in an August 1945 speech, after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.</p>

<p>Princess Mikasa's husband Prince Mikasa, who died in 2016 at 100, was in favour of the decision to end the war.</p>

<p>But young officers who disagreed would come regularly to the shelter to try and change his mind.</p>

<p>Princess Mikasa&nbsp;recalled that the atmosphere was "very frightening" with "heated arguments and tension, as if bullets were about to fly", the Asahi Shimbun said.</p>

<p>Having lost their home, the decades that followed were far from luxurious for the&nbsp;princess, who took on domestic duties as the family struggled financially.</p>

<p>"When I was raising my children, Japanese society was still in a difficult period," she said on her 100th birthday in a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency.</p>

<p>"I recall with deep gratitude how many people, including my husband, always supported me," the&nbsp;princess&nbsp;added.</p>

<p>All three of&nbsp;Princess&nbsp;Misaka's sons passed away before her, including one who died aged 47 while playing squash at the Canadian embassy.</p>

<p>Male-only succession rules mean that Japan's royal women cannot ascend to the throne and must forgo their imperial status if they marry outside the family.</p>

<p>Princess&nbsp;Misaka has three granddaughters who remain princesses, including Akiko, whose 2015 book was a hit in Japan, describing her studies at Oxford and an incident in which her diplomatic passport caused suspicion at an airport.</p>

<p>The 101-year-old's passing followed reports since early November that her condition had begun to deteriorate.</p>

<p>Current Emperor Naruhito's 18-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito is the only young heir to the throne. Naruhito's daughter&nbsp;Princess&nbsp;Aiko is barred from the throne under the Imperial Household Law, in place since 1947.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Princess Mikasa, the oldest member of Japan's royal family and great aunt to the emperor, died aged 101 on Friday in a Tokyo hospital, the Imperial Household Agency said.

Princess Mikasa, the oldest member of Japan's royal family and great aunt to the emperor, died aged 101 on Friday in a Tokyo hospital, the Imperial Household Agency said. She had been hospitalised since March after suffering a stroke and pneumonia and had been recuperating there following treatment in intensive care. Born Yuriko Takagi to an aristocratic family on June 4, 1923, the princess was 18 when she married the younger brother of wartime emperor Hirohito. The couple had five children -- two girls and three boys. She gave birth to her first, a daughter, in 1944 during World War II. The imperial couple's house burned down in an air raid and she was forced to stay in a shelter with her baby, according to Japan's Asahi Shimbun daily. Hirohito -- who served as Japan's commander-in-chief during its brutal march across Asia in the 1930s and 40s -- surrendered in an August 1945 speech, after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Princess Mikasa's husband Prince Mikasa, who died in 2016 at 100, was in favour of the decision to end the war. But young officers who disagreed would come regularly to the shelter to try and change his mind. Princess Mikasa recalled that the atmosphere was "very frightening" with "heated arguments and tension, as if bullets were about to fly", the Asahi Shimbun said. Having lost their home, the decades that followed were far from luxurious for the princess, who took on domestic duties as the family struggled financially. "When I was raising my children, Japanese society was still in a difficult period," she said on her 100th birthday in a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency. "I recall with deep gratitude how many people, including my husband, always supported me," the princess added. All three of Princess Misaka's sons passed away before her, including one who died aged 47 while playing squash at the Canadian embassy. Male-only succession rules mean that Japan's royal women cannot ascend to the throne and must forgo their imperial status if they marry outside the family. Princess Misaka has three granddaughters who remain princesses, including Akiko, whose 2015 book was a hit in Japan, describing her studies at Oxford and an incident in which her diplomatic passport caused suspicion at an airport. The 101-year-old's passing followed reports since early November that her condition had begun to deteriorate. Current Emperor Naruhito's 18-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito is the only young heir to the throne. Naruhito's daughter Princess Aiko is barred from the throne under the Imperial Household Law, in place since 1947. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Japan's Princess Mikasa, great aunt to emperor, dies aged 101

<p>An American man has been arrested for allegedly carving letters into a torii gate at a Meiji Jingu Shrine in Japan's Tokyo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tokyo Metropolitan Police alleged that the 65-year-old man used his fingernails to carve five letters into the pillar of a torii gate at the popular tourist spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspect, Steve Lee Hayes, was arrested on Wednesday (Nov 13) on charges of property damage, a Tokyo Metropolitan Police spokesperson told CNN.</p>

<p>The man carved five letters, believed to be the tourist's family name into a gate pillar, public broadcaster NHK reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-create-a-conveyor-belt-road-connecting-tokyo-and-osaka-774979"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Japan to create a 'conveyor belt road' connecting Tokyo and Osaka</strong></a></p>

<p>Police identified the suspect by reviewing security camera footage and launched an investigation.</p>

<p>The suspect and his family arrived in Japan for sightseeing on Monday (Nov 11).&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson confirmed that the US Embassy staff have visited Hayes and are providing consular assistance. However, they declined to give further details due to privacy concerns.</p>

<p>The suspect now faces up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($1,918) for the alleged vandalism.</p>

<p>Japan has been witnessing a surge in visitors from across the world. However, it becomes a problem as the country also struggles with misbehaving visitors.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Japan: Shigeru Ishiba To Continue As Prime Minister</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Similar incidents&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In September, Japan's local police told CNN that a 61-year-old Austrian man was arrested for having sex on the grounds of a shrine in Kesennuma, a small coastal town about 310 miles north of Tokyo. He then faced charges of disrespecting a place of worship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later in October, a Chile-based fitness influencer faces online backlash for posting a clip of herself doing pull-up exercises on a red gate at a different Japanese shrine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The woman had 139,000 followers on Instagram. She later posted an apology video on the social media platform, saying "it “wasn’t my intention to show disrespect”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An American man has been arrested for allegedly carving letters into a torii gate at a Meiji Jingu Shrine in Japan's Tokyo. Tokyo Metropolitan Police alleged that the 65-year-old man used his fingernails to carve five letters into the pillar of a torii gate at the popular tourist spot.

An American man has been arrested for allegedly carving letters into a torii gate at a Meiji Jingu Shrine in Japan's Tokyo. Tokyo Metropolitan Police alleged that the 65-year-old man used his fingernails to carve five letters into the pillar of a torii gate at the popular tourist spot. The suspect, Steve Lee Hayes, was arrested on Wednesday (Nov 13) on charges of property damage, a Tokyo Metropolitan Police spokesperson told CNN. The man carved five letters, believed to be the tourist's family name into a gate pillar, public broadcaster NHK reported. Also read: Japan to create a 'conveyor belt road' connecting Tokyo and Osaka Police identified the suspect by reviewing security camera footage and launched an investigation. The suspect and his family arrived in Japan for sightseeing on Monday (Nov 11). A spokesperson confirmed that the US Embassy staff have visited Hayes and are providing consular assistance. However, they declined to give further details due to privacy concerns. The suspect now faces up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($1,918) for the alleged vandalism. Japan has been witnessing a surge in visitors from across the world. However, it becomes a problem as the country also struggles with misbehaving visitors. Watch | Japan: Shigeru Ishiba To Continue As Prime Minister × Similar incidents In September, Japan's local police told CNN that a 61-year-old Austrian man was arrested for having sex on the grounds of a shrine in Kesennuma, a small coastal town about 310 miles north of Tokyo. He then faced charges of disrespecting a place of worship. Later in October, a Chile-based fitness influencer faces online backlash for posting a clip of herself doing pull-up exercises on a red gate at a different Japanese shrine. The woman had 139,000 followers on Instagram. She later posted an apology video on the social media platform, saying "it “wasn’t my intention to show disrespect”. (With inputs from agencies)

American tourist arrested for allegedly defacing Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine

Japan’s economic recovery faces new challenges as service-sector sentiment declines and corporate bankruptcies rise. These developments raise doubts about the bank of Japan's ability to meet its 2% inflation target, fueled by robust domestic demand and higher wages. Take a look at this next report for more…Watch in for more details!

Labour Woes & Rising Bankruptcies Threaten Japan’s Growth

Japan's iconic Mount Fuji has finally received its first dusting of snow, breaking one of the longest snowless spells in over 130 years.

Japan's Changing Climate Landscape Raises Concern

After an unusually long wait, Japan's Mount Fuji has finally been covered with snow. The delay aligns with the trend of rising global temperatures, which has led to an increase in hot temperatures. Watch this report for more details!

Japan: Snow Returns at Mount Fuji After a Month

Japan's leading carmakers face uncertainty as US President-elect Donald trump signals major policy changes aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing. Trump has proposed a hefty tariff on all cars produced in Mexico, where many Japanese automakers like Honda and Nissan have significant production hubs serving the US. This would force companies relying on Mexican facilities to reconsider their strategies. Watch in for more details!

Japanese Automakers Rethink US Strategy

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on November 11, unveiled a $65 billion plan to boost the country's chip and artificial intelligence (AI) industries through subsidies and other financial incentives, according to a detailed report by Reuters.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-GB">Objective of the plan</span></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The plan, which will provide support worth 10 trillion yen ($65 billion) or more by fiscal 2030, comes as countries look to strengthen control over their chip supply chains after global shocks including trade tensions between the United States and China, the Reuters report explained further.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Japan's government intends to submit the plan, including bills to support the mass production of next-generation chips, to the next parliament session, according to a draft of the plan seen by Reuters earlier on November 11.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It specifically targets chip foundry venture Rapidus and other suppliers of chips for artificial intelligence, the draft showed. The government expects the economic impact to total around 160 trillion yen, according to the draft.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Rapidus is headed by industry veterans and is targeting mass production of cutting-edge chips on the northern island of Hokkaido from 2027 in partnership with IBM and Belgium-based research organisation Imec.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">In a news conference on Monday, Ishiba confirmed that the government would not issue deficit-covering bonds to finance its plan to support Japan's semiconductor industry, although he did not provide details on alternative funding sources. Deficit-covering bonds are typically issued to offset shortfalls in state revenue, the Reuters report elaborated further.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Last year, the Japanese government announced an allocation of 2 trillion yen to bolster the semiconductor sector. The new plan, which is part of a broader economic package to be approved by the cabinet on November 22, aims to secure a total of 50 trillion yen in investments, both public and private, in the chip industry over the next decade.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Ishiba also highlighted that the government would meet with representatives from business and labour unions later this month to discuss next year’s wage negotiations. Ensuring sustained wage increases has become a key priority for the administration as Japan grapples with rising living costs, which are putting pressure on households and could dampen consumer spending and overall economic growth.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Market participants and global investors will closely follow these developments. This will help them make informed investment decisions with regard to the Japanese domestic chip industry.</span></p>

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on November 11, unveiled a $65 billion plan to boost the country's chip and artificial intelligence (AI) industries through subsidies and other financial incentives, according to a detailed report by Reuters.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on November 11, unveiled a $65 billion plan to boost the country's chip and artificial intelligence (AI) industries through subsidies and other financial incentives, according to a detailed report by Reuters. Objective of the plan The plan, which will provide support worth 10 trillion yen ($65 billion) or more by fiscal 2030, comes as countries look to strengthen control over their chip supply chains after global shocks including trade tensions between the United States and China, the Reuters report explained further. Japan's government intends to submit the plan, including bills to support the mass production of next-generation chips, to the next parliament session, according to a draft of the plan seen by Reuters earlier on November 11. It specifically targets chip foundry venture Rapidus and other suppliers of chips for artificial intelligence, the draft showed. The government expects the economic impact to total around 160 trillion yen, according to the draft. Rapidus is headed by industry veterans and is targeting mass production of cutting-edge chips on the northern island of Hokkaido from 2027 in partnership with IBM and Belgium-based research organisation Imec. In a news conference on Monday, Ishiba confirmed that the government would not issue deficit-covering bonds to finance its plan to support Japan's semiconductor industry, although he did not provide details on alternative funding sources. Deficit-covering bonds are typically issued to offset shortfalls in state revenue, the Reuters report elaborated further. Last year, the Japanese government announced an allocation of 2 trillion yen to bolster the semiconductor sector. The new plan, which is part of a broader economic package to be approved by the cabinet on November 22, aims to secure a total of 50 trillion yen in investments, both public and private, in the chip industry over the next decade. Ishiba also highlighted that the government would meet with representatives from business and labour unions later this month to discuss next year’s wage negotiations. Ensuring sustained wage increases has become a key priority for the administration as Japan grapples with rising living costs, which are putting pressure on households and could dampen consumer spending and overall economic growth. Market participants and global investors will closely follow these developments. This will help them make informed investment decisions with regard to the Japanese domestic chip industry.

Japan unveils $65 billion plan to support domestic chip industry

Japan's lawmakers will decide today whether prime minister Shigeru Ishiba remains the country's leader after his Coalition lost its parliamentary majority in a lower house election late last month. Watch in for more details!

Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba And Cabinet Resigns Before Vote

<p>Japan is famous for its unique culture, organisation skills as well as cleanliness.</p>

<p>In an effort to understand the level of cleanliness in Japan, an Indian influencer decided to test its streets during her trip to the country. The video has since gone viral on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian influencer Simran Balar Jain decided to ditch her shoes and walk wearing only sparkling clean white socks on the streets of Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the viral video, the influencer is seen walking through the country's streets most innovatively.</p>

<p>At the start of the clip, Jain is seen entering a store to buy a brand-new pair of plush, white socks.</p>

<p>However, instead of making efforts to keep them clean and pristine, Jain removes her shoes and instead wears those socks while walking on the streets of Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, Jain is seen walking along the country's footpaths and across zebra crossings as she tours the streets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>However, what the netizens found mind-boggling was that her socks remained spotless and as new as they were when she purchased them from the store.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/saudi-couple-takes-the-plunge-with-stunning-underwater-wedding-769166">Saudi couple takes the plunge with stunning underwater wedding</a></p>

<p>As the video played, Jain spoke about the result of her test and said that her socks remained remarkably clean and there was barely any dirt on them.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Netizens react to the video</strong></h2>

<p>The netizens found the video and its results very interesting and it sparked a lot of reactions on the social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video received more than 26 million views and people from across the world commented on it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I’m shocked – how are the socks still this clean?" said a viewer.</p>

<p>"How can anyone walk around without worrying about dirt? Japan must really be as clean as they say!" commented another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is why I need to visit Japan!" joked a netizen. "Jain’s socks are more spotless than my entire wardrobe," wrote another.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan is famous for its unique culture, organisation skills as well as cleanliness. In an effort to understand the level of cleanliness in Japan, an Indian influencer decided to test its streets during her trip to the country.

Japan is famous for its unique culture, organisation skills as well as cleanliness. In an effort to understand the level of cleanliness in Japan, an Indian influencer decided to test its streets during her trip to the country. The video has since gone viral on the internet. Indian influencer Simran Balar Jain decided to ditch her shoes and walk wearing only sparkling clean white socks on the streets of Japan. In the viral video, the influencer is seen walking through the country's streets most innovatively. At the start of the clip, Jain is seen entering a store to buy a brand-new pair of plush, white socks. However, instead of making efforts to keep them clean and pristine, Jain removes her shoes and instead wears those socks while walking on the streets of Japan. In the video, Jain is seen walking along the country's footpaths and across zebra crossings as she tours the streets. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simran Jain (@simranbalarjain) × However, what the netizens found mind-boggling was that her socks remained spotless and as new as they were when she purchased them from the store. Also Read: Saudi couple takes the plunge with stunning underwater wedding As the video played, Jain spoke about the result of her test and said that her socks remained remarkably clean and there was barely any dirt on them. Netizens react to the video The netizens found the video and its results very interesting and it sparked a lot of reactions on the social media platform. The video received more than 26 million views and people from across the world commented on it. "I’m shocked – how are the socks still this clean?" said a viewer. "How can anyone walk around without worrying about dirt? Japan must really be as clean as they say!" commented another. "This is why I need to visit Japan!" joked a netizen. "Jain’s socks are more spotless than my entire wardrobe," wrote another. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian influencer tests Japan's cleanliness by walking on its streets in white socks. Here's the result

<p>Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba kept his job in a parliamentary vote on Monday, despite having led the ruling coalition to its worst general election result in 15 years.</p>

<p>Lawmakers appointed former defence minister Ishiba head of a minority government -- meaning he may face political gridlock, or need to compromise to pass new bills.</p>

<p>Ishiba took office six weeks ago and held a snap election on October 27, hoping to shore up his mandate as leader of the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-vivek-ramaswamy-supports-trumps-mass-deportation-plan-says-immigration-system-broken-775205">Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy supports Trump's mass deportation plan, says immigration system 'broken'</a></strong></p>

<p>But voters, unhappy with inflation and a slush fund scandal that helped sink his predecessor Fumio Kishida, delivered a ballot-box blow to the LDP and its junior coalition partner.</p>

<p>MPs in parliament's powerful lower house convened on Monday for a special four-day session to nominate the prime minister, a necessary step after a general election.</p>

<p>Japan's opposition parties are divided on key issues, stopping them mounting a credible challenge to Ishiba.</p>

<p>In a run-off -- the first since 1994 -- Ishiba won 221 votes against 160 for Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP). Eighty-four votes were discounted because they named other politicians.</p>

<p>“This chamber names Shigeru Ishiba... as the prime minister,” announced lower house speaker Fukushiro Nukaga, as Ishiba bowed to his fellow lawmakers who applauded.</p>

<p>Despite losing its majority in the October election, the LDP coalition remains the largest bloc in the 465-seat lower house.</p>

<p>The prime minister will announce a new cabinet later on Monday, who will be ceremonially approved by the emperor.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump 'headache'</strong></h2>

<p>To have enough sway to pass legislation going forward, the ruling bloc has asked for help from the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), a small centrist group.</p>

<p>The DPP has agreed to cooperate on a vote-by-vote basis while staying out of the coalition.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-dems-made-a-big-mistake-by-involving-2-losers-in-their-campaign-775215">Trump says Dems made a 'big mistake' by involving two 'losers' in their campaign</a></strong></p>

<p>In talks with the LDP, it has demanded tax cuts and energy subsidies that economists say would slash the government's revenues.</p>

<p>“In order to stay in power, Ishiba needs to pass the government budget this winter,” Tomoaki Iwai, professor emeritus at Nihon University, told AFP.</p>

<p>“It will mean the LDP will have to concede some of its policies to seek cooperation from others,” Iwai said.</p>

<p>Ishiba, 67, is reportedly trying to arrange a meeting with US president-elect Donald Trump later this month, around the time he travels to Peru for an economic summit.</p>

<p>Analysts have voiced worries that possible fresh US tariffs on Chinese and Japanese goods under Trump may fuel inflation.</p>

<p>The Trump administration may also demand that Japan hike its defence spending, or push Japanese firms to expand their factories in the United States.</p>

<p>“It must be Mr. Ishiba who is feeling the toughest headache of Mr. Trump's victory,” Hideo Kumano, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, wrote in a note.</p>

<p>Washington and domestic lawmakers are likely to press him for higher public spending and tax cuts at the same time, Kumano explained.</p>

<h2><strong>Affair scandal</strong></h2>

<p>Approval ratings for Ishiba's government are just above 30 per cent, but polls show a majority of the public say he should remain prime minister.</p>

<p>In a twist, DPP head Yuichiro Tamaki on Monday admitted to an extra-marital affair reported by a tabloid.</p>

<p>“I apologise for causing such a disturbance,” he told reporters. His party later decided to keep him on as leader.</p>

<p>Along with these negotiations, Ishiba must also contend with discontent within his party.</p>

<p>The LDP, which has ruled Japan for almost all of its post-war history, lost dozens of seats -- including ministers -- in October's election.</p>

<p>“Unless he improves his public support, those inside the LDP may start saying they cannot fight the upper house election under Ishiba” next year and look for another leader, Iwai said.</p>

<p>Noda vowed last week that the CDP would “work hard so we will make significant gains in the upper house election" in July.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba kept his job in a parliamentary vote on Monday, despite having led the ruling coalition to its worst general election result in 15 years.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba kept his job in a parliamentary vote on Monday, despite having led the ruling coalition to its worst general election result in 15 years. Lawmakers appointed former defence minister Ishiba head of a minority government -- meaning he may face political gridlock, or need to compromise to pass new bills. Ishiba took office six weeks ago and held a snap election on October 27, hoping to shore up his mandate as leader of the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Also read | Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy supports Trump's mass deportation plan, says immigration system 'broken' But voters, unhappy with inflation and a slush fund scandal that helped sink his predecessor Fumio Kishida, delivered a ballot-box blow to the LDP and its junior coalition partner. MPs in parliament's powerful lower house convened on Monday for a special four-day session to nominate the prime minister, a necessary step after a general election. Japan's opposition parties are divided on key issues, stopping them mounting a credible challenge to Ishiba. In a run-off -- the first since 1994 -- Ishiba won 221 votes against 160 for Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP). Eighty-four votes were discounted because they named other politicians. “This chamber names Shigeru Ishiba... as the prime minister,” announced lower house speaker Fukushiro Nukaga, as Ishiba bowed to his fellow lawmakers who applauded. Despite losing its majority in the October election, the LDP coalition remains the largest bloc in the 465-seat lower house. The prime minister will announce a new cabinet later on Monday, who will be ceremonially approved by the emperor. Trump 'headache' To have enough sway to pass legislation going forward, the ruling bloc has asked for help from the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), a small centrist group. The DPP has agreed to cooperate on a vote-by-vote basis while staying out of the coalition. Also read | Trump says Dems made a 'big mistake' by involving two 'losers' in their campaign In talks with the LDP, it has demanded tax cuts and energy subsidies that economists say would slash the government's revenues. “In order to stay in power, Ishiba needs to pass the government budget this winter,” Tomoaki Iwai, professor emeritus at Nihon University, told AFP. “It will mean the LDP will have to concede some of its policies to seek cooperation from others,” Iwai said. Ishiba, 67, is reportedly trying to arrange a meeting with US president-elect Donald Trump later this month, around the time he travels to Peru for an economic summit. Analysts have voiced worries that possible fresh US tariffs on Chinese and Japanese goods under Trump may fuel inflation. The Trump administration may also demand that Japan hike its defence spending, or push Japanese firms to expand their factories in the United States. “It must be Mr. Ishiba who is feeling the toughest headache of Mr. Trump's victory,” Hideo Kumano, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, wrote in a note. Washington and domestic lawmakers are likely to press him for higher public spending and tax cuts at the same time, Kumano explained. Affair scandal Approval ratings for Ishiba's government are just above 30 per cent, but polls show a majority of the public say he should remain prime minister. In a twist, DPP head Yuichiro Tamaki on Monday admitted to an extra-marital affair reported by a tabloid. “I apologise for causing such a disturbance,” he told reporters. His party later decided to keep him on as leader. Along with these negotiations, Ishiba must also contend with discontent within his party. The LDP, which has ruled Japan for almost all of its post-war history, lost dozens of seats -- including ministers -- in October's election. “Unless he improves his public support, those inside the LDP may start saying they cannot fight the upper house election under Ishiba” next year and look for another leader, Iwai said. Noda vowed last week that the CDP would “work hard so we will make significant gains in the upper house election" in July. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Japan's PM Shigeru Ishiba wins run-off vote in parliament to stay in post despite election setback

<p>After the iconic bullet train, Japan is now constructing a rare "conveyor belt road" which will connect Tokyo to Osaka and will probably leave the rest of the countries wondering if they can match them technologically.</p>

<p>The automated cargo transport corridor is also called an "autoflow road" and will spread some 320 miles between Tokyo and Osaka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This road will not be a moving walkway but will facilitate the movement of robotic pallets carrying cargo from one destination to another.</p>

<p>"We need to be innovative with the way we approach roads," said Yuri Endo, who is a senior deputy director at Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, while speaking to The Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-launches-worlds-first-wooden-satellite-to-test-woods-suitability-for-building-space-material-773963">Japan launches world's first wooden satellite to test wood's suitability for building space material</a></p>

<p>Endo is overseeing this ambitious project. "The key concept of the autoflow road is to create dedicated spaces within the road network for logistics, utilising a 24-hour automated and unmanned transportation system," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how the "conveyor belt road" looks like</strong></h2>

<p>In the official concept video, dozens of the cargo pallets were seen moving across the autoflow road which is divided into three lands and is placed between an existing highway.</p>

<p>The middle lane works like a passing lane but also is the place where pallets stop while they are designing two outermost ones for opposite flows of traffic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Japan To Launch World's First Wooden Satellite In Groundbreaking Green Space Initiative</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-launch-worlds-first-wooden-satellite-in-groundbreaking-green-space-initiative-772557/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In the video, the driverless vehicles were seen automatically moving between the lanes and forming convoys on the fly with robotic coordination which is impossible for human drivers.</p>

<p>After the vehicles reach their destinations, automatic forklifts are expected to load and unload the cargo. According to the transport ministry, the automated network will be able to do the work of 25,000 truck drivers every day.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the iconic bullet train, Japan is now constructing a rare "conveyor belt road" which will connect Tokyo to Osaka and will probably leave the rest of the countries wondering if they can match them technologically.

After the iconic bullet train, Japan is now constructing a rare "conveyor belt road" which will connect Tokyo to Osaka and will probably leave the rest of the countries wondering if they can match them technologically. The automated cargo transport corridor is also called an "autoflow road" and will spread some 320 miles between Tokyo and Osaka. This road will not be a moving walkway but will facilitate the movement of robotic pallets carrying cargo from one destination to another. "We need to be innovative with the way we approach roads," said Yuri Endo, who is a senior deputy director at Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, while speaking to The Associated Press. Also Read: Japan launches world's first wooden satellite to test wood's suitability for building space material Endo is overseeing this ambitious project. "The key concept of the autoflow road is to create dedicated spaces within the road network for logistics, utilising a 24-hour automated and unmanned transportation system," he added. Here's how the "conveyor belt road" looks like In the official concept video, dozens of the cargo pallets were seen moving across the autoflow road which is divided into three lands and is placed between an existing highway. The middle lane works like a passing lane but also is the place where pallets stop while they are designing two outermost ones for opposite flows of traffic. Watch: Japan To Launch World's First Wooden Satellite In Groundbreaking Green Space Initiative In the video, the driverless vehicles were seen automatically moving between the lanes and forming convoys on the fly with robotic coordination which is impossible for human drivers. After the vehicles reach their destinations, automatic forklifts are expected to load and unload the cargo. According to the transport ministry, the automated network will be able to do the work of 25,000 truck drivers every day. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to create a 'conveyor belt road' connecting Tokyo and Osaka

North Korea launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles early today, raising tensions ahead of the U.S. presidential election. The missile test, which flew over the Sea of Japan, comes as Pyongyang continues to bolster its missile capabilities, drawing sharp reactions from the U.S. and its allies. The move adds to the already high geopolitical stakes as global leaders closely monitor developments in the region.

North Korea Fires Salvo of Short-Range Missiles Amid US Election Tensions

As the 2024 U.S. elections approach, analysts predict a potential reversal in Japanese asset movements depending on the election outcome. Market experts suggest that a shift in U.S. leadership could impact investor sentiment, particularly regarding the U.S. dollar, interest rates, and global trade policies. With uncertainties surrounding the election results, Japanese investors may adjust their strategies, potentially leading to fluctuations in asset values and market dynamics in the months following the elections.

US Elections 2024: Reversal In Japanese Asset Moves Likely Post-Elections

As 2024 draws to a close, the Chinese government may now say "Mission accomplished" on the made in China 2025 initiative, which has been in the works for over a decade.

China Risks Remain Despite Manufacturing Crown

Chinese researchers have simulated a scenario involving Japanese fighter jets targeting shanghai. Watch to know more.

Chinese Military Simulates Stealth Jets Targeting Shanghai

Japan is world renowned for precision and perfection, a Japanese airport is now taking this to unprecedented levels. Watch this report to know more.

Japan's Unbelievably Precise Airport Hasn't Lost A Bag In 30 Years

Here is all you need to know in the world of technology - Chinese Retailer Temu Faces EU Investigation Over Illegal Sales. Watch to know more.

Chinese Retailer Temu Faces EU Investigation Over Illegal Sales

Japan is set to test the world's first wooden satellite, a pioneering effort aimed at reducing space debris and promoting sustainability in space exploration. This innovative project highlights the country's commitment to environmentally friendly technology while pushing the boundaries of satellite design.

Japan To Launch World's First Wooden Satellite In Groundbreaking Green Space Initiative

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