A Japanese man who spent nearly 50 years on death row has been declared not guilty of multiple murders in a highly publicized trial that has sparked debate over Japan's use of the death penalty. Iwao Hakamada, 88, was sentenced to hang in 1968 after being convicted of killing his boss, his wife, and their two teenage children, as well as setting fire to their home two years prior. The recent ruling has reignited discussions about the fairness of the judicial process and the treatment of individuals on death row in Japan.

Japanese Man Acquitted Of 1966 Murders After 45 Years On Death Row | WION Fineprint

Japan's ruling party will vote for its new leader on Friday, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's announcement last month that he would not stand for re-election.

Japan's Ruling Party LDP to Elect New Prime Minister

Iwao Hakamada - A Japanese man said to have spent the world's longest time on death row was acquitted of murder on Thursday. Hakamada spent 45 years on death row.

Japanese Court Acquits Longest-serving Death Row Prisoner After 45 Years

Shigeru Ishiba has secured victory in the leadership election of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and is poised to become the next prime minister. The 67-year-old former defense minister triumphed in a closely fought race on Friday, defeating 63-year-old Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a run-off after none of the nine candidates achieved a majority in the initial round of voting earlier in the day. Watch in for more details!

Shigeru Ishiba Set To Become Japan's Next PM After Winning Ruling Party Leadership Election

In a bold move that signals a significant shift in policy, Japan has sailed a warship through the Taiwan strait for the first time drawing sharp criticism from China. Our next story explores how this bold maneuver by Tokyo underscores growing tensions in the region as the US and its allies increase their military presence to challenge China's territorial claims. Watch in for more details!

Japan Destroyer Passes Through Taiwan Strait, Angering China

Japan: Shigeru Ishiba Set To Become Japan's Next PM After Winning Ruling Party Leadership Election

Shigeru Ishiba has secured victory in the leadership election of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and is poised to become the next prime minister. The 67-year-old former defense minister triumphed in a closely fought race on Friday, defeating 63-year-old Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a run-off after none of the nine candidates achieved a majority in the initial round of voting earlier in the day.

Japan: Shigeru Ishiba Defeats Sanae Takaichi In Japan's Ruling Party Vote For Prime Minister | WION

A court in Japan acquitted Iwao Hakamada, the world's longest-serving death row inmate, half a century after he was arrested and sentenced to death on the basis of some 'blood-stained cloths' found near the site of the quadruple murders. Watch to know more.

Japan: World's Longest Serving Prisoner Iwao Hakamada Acquitted

Following Fumio Kishida's unexpected resignation, Japan's ruling party chose former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba as its leader and also as the next new prime minister. Watch in for more details!

Japan: Former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba Elected New LDP Party Leader

Japan's ruling party is currently in the process of electing a new leader. Lawmakers and party members will choose between Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Sanae Takaichi who is a rare prominent women in Japanese politics. Watch to know more.

Japan's Ruling Party LDP Votes For A New PM

Race For LDP Leader Narrows Down To Two

#gravitas | A Japanese man, wrongfully jailed for a crime he never committed, spent nearly half a century facing death row. Investigators planted evidence leading to the man’s arrest in 1968. On Thursday, after 56 years he became a free man.

World's Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate Found Innocent In Japan

The United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted joint military drills in Sydney's harbor to strengthen regional security and cooperation. The exercises aimed to enhance interoperability among the allied forces and focus on maritime operations amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. High-level officials from the three nations attended, underscoring their commitment to maintaining stability in the face of evolving security challenges.

United States, South Korea and Japan Hold Military Drills In Sydney's Harbor

A court in Japan on Thursday (Sep 26) acquitted Iwao Hakamata, the world's longest-serving death row inmate, half a century after he was arrested and sentenced to death on the basis of some 'blood-stained cloths' found near the site of the quadruple murders.

Hakamata was sentenced to death over the killings of a senior manager, the manager's wife and two children at the miso factory where he worked. Miso is a local food seasoning of Japan.

The victims were found stabbed to death in 1966 in their house that had been burnt down.&nbsp;Hakamata was arrested in the same year, and his death sentence was finalised in 1980.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjL-dDIr-CIAxVCb2wGHUUrCPMQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-could-get-its-first-female-prime-minister-on-friday-after-the-toss-up-vote-761931" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-could-get-its-first-female-prime-minister-on-friday-after-the-toss-up-vote-761931&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL-dDIr-CIAxVCb2wGHUUrCPMQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Japan could get its first female Prime Minister on Friday after ‘toss-up’ vote</a>

The Shizuoka District Court on Thursday said the investigators had fabricated evidence, at the end of the retrial that captured the imagination of the Japanese people.&nbsp;

The 88-year-old former professional boxer spent nearly five decades as a death row inmate. He was released from prison in 2014 following new evidence. The retrial began in October 2023.

"There were three instances of fabrication of evidence" including five pieces of clothing that Hakamata was alleged to have worn during the incident and his confession, Kyodo news agency quoted the court as saying.&nbsp;

The court also said his confession was forced "by inflicting physical and mental pain," describing his questioning as "inhumane."

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjL-dDIr-CIAxVCb2wGHUUrCPMQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rises-in-asia-power-index-clinches-third-spot-after-surpassing-japan-761905" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rises-in-asia-power-index-clinches-third-spot-after-surpassing-japan-761905&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL-dDIr-CIAxVCb2wGHUUrCPMQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">India rises in Asia Power Index, clinches third spot after surpassing Japan</a>

The bloodstained cloths, used as evidence against Hakamata, were found in a miso tank near the site of the murders 14 months later.&nbsp;

The defence team said the colour of blood could not remain red in the tank&nbsp;for such a long time. The court agreed to this argument.

In 2023 March, the Tokyo High Court had ordered the retrial, citing the strong possibility of&nbsp;investigators planting the five pieces of clothing.

The high court in 2018 had initially decided not to reopen the case. But&nbsp;the Supreme Court in 2020 ordered it to re-examine its ruling, Kyodo news agency reported.

Hakamada,&nbsp;who maintained his innocence throughout all these years, was helped by his elder sister, Hakamada Hideko.

Hideko, who was 33 at the time of his arrest, was a firm supporter of her brother, appearing in court to support him for all these five decades.

Iwao wrote to his family from prison every day, NHK said in a report.&nbsp; "I am not the culprit. I am screaming every day," he wrote to his mother in 1967, a year after his arrest.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in Japan on Thursday (Sep 26) acquitted Iwao Hakamata, the world's longest-serving death row inmate, half a century after he was arrested and sentenced to death on the basis of some 'blood-stained cloths' found near the site of the quadruple murders.

A court in Japan on Thursday (Sep 26) acquitted Iwao Hakamata, the world's longest-serving death row inmate, half a century after he was arrested and sentenced to death on the basis of some 'blood-stained cloths' found near the site of the quadruple murders. Hakamata was sentenced to death over the killings of a senior manager, the manager's wife and two children at the miso factory where he worked. Miso is a local food seasoning of Japan. The victims were found stabbed to death in 1966 in their house that had been burnt down. Hakamata was arrested in the same year, and his death sentence was finalised in 1980. Also read: Japan could get its first female Prime Minister on Friday after ‘toss-up’ vote The Shizuoka District Court on Thursday said the investigators had fabricated evidence, at the end of the retrial that captured the imagination of the Japanese people. The 88-year-old former professional boxer spent nearly five decades as a death row inmate. He was released from prison in 2014 following new evidence. The retrial began in October 2023. "There were three instances of fabrication of evidence" including five pieces of clothing that Hakamata was alleged to have worn during the incident and his confession, Kyodo news agency quoted the court as saying. The court also said his confession was forced "by inflicting physical and mental pain," describing his questioning as "inhumane." Also read: India rises in Asia Power Index, clinches third spot after surpassing Japan The bloodstained cloths, used as evidence against Hakamata, were found in a miso tank near the site of the murders 14 months later. The defence team said the colour of blood could not remain red in the tank for such a long time. The court agreed to this argument. In 2023 March, the Tokyo High Court had ordered the retrial, citing the strong possibility of investigators planting the five pieces of clothing. The high court in 2018 had initially decided not to reopen the case. But the Supreme Court in 2020 ordered it to re-examine its ruling, Kyodo news agency reported. Hakamada, who maintained his innocence throughout all these years, was helped by his elder sister, Hakamada Hideko. Hideko, who was 33 at the time of his arrest, was a firm supporter of her brother, appearing in court to support him for all these five decades. Iwao wrote to his family from prison every day, NHK said in a report. "I am not the culprit. I am screaming every day," he wrote to his mother in 1967, a year after his arrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Iwao Hakamata: World's longest-serving death row inmate declared innocent 50 years after 4 murders

#gravitas | The adoption of husband’s last name has been a major political issue over the past three decades in Japan. There is divulging views among the contenders to replace the outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, elections of which will take place on Friday. Japan is the only country that compels women to take their husband’s last name by law. Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: Law In Japan Compels Women To Adopt Husband's Last Name

Japan could get its first woman or youngest-ever prime minister on Friday when the ruling party holds a leadership vote described as the most "unpredictable" in many years.

A record nine candidates are in the running after the long-powerful factions of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) disbanded earlier this year over a funding scandal.

Because the conservative LDP holds a parliamentary majority, the winner is certain to become prime minister, and will likely call a snap election to shore up their mandate.

Three frontrunners have emerged in polling: former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 43-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi <meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;the son of a popular ex-premier&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;and nationalist hardliner Sanae Takaichi, who would be the first woman in the job.

Whoever wins must face down regional security threats, from an increasingly assertive China and its deepening defence ties with Russia to North Korea's banned missile tests.

At home, the leader will be tasked with breathing life into the economy, as the central bank moves away from decades of monetary easing that has slashed the value of the yen.

In debates and campaigning, many candidates "have claimed that 'I'm the one who can handle Trump' or 'I'm the one who can stand up to China'", Jeffrey J&nbsp;Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, told AFP.

But there are significant differences in their approach to such issues, and although some of the nine have "no hope whatsoever", the race remains "a toss-up".

"This is the most unpredictable that an LDP election has been in many years," Hall said.

<h2>- 'Fair and square' Ishiba -</h2>

LDP presidents are in office for three years and can serve up to three straight terms. Unpopular Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is not running for re-election.

With the factions dissolved, it's unlikely that any one candidate will win enough votes&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;split between lawmakers and rank-and-file party members&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;to win outright.

That makes a run-off between two top candidates the most likely scenario, with the winner announced Friday afternoon.

Ishiba, 67, has come close to the top job before, including in 2012 when he lost to arch-rival Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest serving leader who was later assassinated.

The military model-maker with an affinity for 1970s pop idols once alienated party veterans with his "outspoken criticism of LDP policies under Abe", said Yu Uchiyama, a political science professor at the University of Tokyo.

But this time, "with public discontent with the LDP rising, the tide is in favour of Ishiba and his 'fair and square' attitude," Uchiyama told AFP. 
Economic Security Minister Takaichi, 63, is "the most conservative of the top three" and "not the candidate that feminists would want", Hall said.

She is opposed to changing the law to allow separate surnames for married couples, and regularly visits Tokyo's Yasukuni war shrine&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–a flashpoint in relations with South Korea and China.

However, Naofumi Fujimura, a professor at the Graduate School of Law at Kobe University, said that while for now she needs the support of the LDP's right-wingers, she could perhaps be "more centrist, or more pragmatic" as prime minister.

<h2>- Koizumi offers 'rejuvenation' -</h2>

Photogenic former environment minister Koizumi would be Japan's youngest ever prime minister, but critics&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;including his own father, former premier Junichiro Koizumi <meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;say he is too inexperienced to lead the country.

Keen surfer Koizumi "best personifies the idea of rejuvenation and change for the LDP" among the frontrunners, but LDP voters could think he "lacks stability", Uchiyama said.

The other six candidates include reformist Taro Kono, 61, and Toshimitsu Motegi, dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his handling of the former US president in tough trade talks.

Also running are chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and Takayuki Kobayashi, the only other candidate under 50 <meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;seen as a wild card by some experts

Whoever emerges victorious on Friday will be formally elected by parliament on October 1.

<meta charset="utf-8" />

The LDP has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades, with the main opposition parties rarely seen as viable alternatives.

During his term, Kishida has taken steps to double Japan's defence spending, opening the door for military exports as the LDP seeks to revise Japan's pacifist post-war constitution.

He welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a G7 summit in Hiroshima, and has strengthened Japan's often testy ties with its neighbour South Korea.

But his rule was also tarnished by scandals, voter anger over rising prices and sliding poll ratings.

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 could get its first woman or youngest-ever prime minister on Friday when the ruling party holds a leadership vote described as the most "unpredictable" in many years.

Japan could get its first woman or youngest-ever prime minister on Friday when the ruling party holds a leadership vote described as the most "unpredictable" in many years. A record nine candidates are in the running after the long-powerful factions of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) disbanded earlier this year over a funding scandal. Because the conservative LDP holds a parliamentary majority, the winner is certain to become prime minister, and will likely call a snap election to shore up their mandate. Three frontrunners have emerged in polling: former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 43-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi – the son of a popular ex-premier – and nationalist hardliner Sanae Takaichi, who would be the first woman in the job. Whoever wins must face down regional security threats, from an increasingly assertive China and its deepening defence ties with Russia to North Korea's banned missile tests. At home, the leader will be tasked with breathing life into the economy, as the central bank moves away from decades of monetary easing that has slashed the value of the yen. In debates and campaigning, many candidates "have claimed that 'I'm the one who can handle Trump' or 'I'm the one who can stand up to China'", Jeffrey J Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, told AFP. But there are significant differences in their approach to such issues, and although some of the nine have "no hope whatsoever", the race remains "a toss-up". "This is the most unpredictable that an LDP election has been in many years," Hall said. - 'Fair and square' Ishiba - LDP presidents are in office for three years and can serve up to three straight terms. Unpopular Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is not running for re-election. With the factions dissolved, it's unlikely that any one candidate will win enough votes – split between lawmakers and rank-and-file party members – to win outright. That makes a run-off between two top candidates the most likely scenario, with the winner announced Friday afternoon. Ishiba, 67, has come close to the top job before, including in 2012 when he lost to arch-rival Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest serving leader who was later assassinated. The military model-maker with an affinity for 1970s pop idols once alienated party veterans with his "outspoken criticism of LDP policies under Abe", said Yu Uchiyama, a political science professor at the University of Tokyo. But this time, "with public discontent with the LDP rising, the tide is in favour of Ishiba and his 'fair and square' attitude," Uchiyama told AFP. Economic Security Minister Takaichi, 63, is "the most conservative of the top three" and "not the candidate that feminists would want", Hall said. She is opposed to changing the law to allow separate surnames for married couples, and regularly visits Tokyo's Yasukuni war shrine –a flashpoint in relations with South Korea and China. However, Naofumi Fujimura, a professor at the Graduate School of Law at Kobe University, said that while for now she needs the support of the LDP's right-wingers, she could perhaps be "more centrist, or more pragmatic" as prime minister. - Koizumi offers 'rejuvenation' - Photogenic former environment minister Koizumi would be Japan's youngest ever prime minister, but critics – including his own father, former premier Junichiro Koizumi – say he is too inexperienced to lead the country. Keen surfer Koizumi "best personifies the idea of rejuvenation and change for the LDP" among the frontrunners, but LDP voters could think he "lacks stability", Uchiyama said. The other six candidates include reformist Taro Kono, 61, and Toshimitsu Motegi, dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his handling of the former US president in tough trade talks. Also running are chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and Takayuki Kobayashi, the only other candidate under 50 – seen as a wild card by some experts Whoever emerges victorious on Friday will be formally elected by parliament on October 1. The LDP has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades, with the main opposition parties rarely seen as viable alternatives. During his term, Kishida has taken steps to double Japan's defence spending, opening the door for military exports as the LDP seeks to revise Japan's pacifist post-war constitution. He welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a G7 summit in Hiroshima, and has strengthened Japan's often testy ties with its neighbour South Korea. But his rule was also tarnished by scandals, voter anger over rising prices and sliding poll ratings. 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 could get its first female Prime Minister on Friday after ‘toss-up’ vote

India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25).

The ministry emphasised that this success was driven by the country's dynamic growth, its expanding economy, youthful population and solidification of its position as the region's leading force.

The shift in ranking also reflects the increasing geopolitical stature of the country.

"In a major shift, India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature," the ministry announced.

<h2>India's rise gets marked on API&nbsp;</h2>

Australia’s Lowy Institute think tank publishes the annual Asia Power Index, which measures resources and influence for assessing the countries' relative power in Asia.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-economy-to-grow-at-71-in-fy25-moodys-analytics-761683">Indian economy to grow at 7.1% in FY25: Moody’s Analytics</a>

The report takes into consideration 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, from Pakistan to Russia to as far as the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

“India is rising, although a tad bit slowly. India has overtaken Japan to become the third-ranked power in Asia, but its clout remains below the potential promised by its resources,” stated the survey report.

“The Asia Power Index shows that New Delhi still has limited ability to project power and influence east of the Malacca Strait. However, the fact that its influence remains well below the level promised by its resources suggests it still has ample potential for further growth as a major power,” it added.

<h2>Ministry emphasises on India's growing influence&nbsp;</h2>

The ministry stated that India's gradual rise and growing influence in the region has been clearly reflected in the 2024 Asia Power Index.

"India has shown remarkable post-pandemic economic recovery, contributing to a 4.2-point rise in its Economic Capability. India's massive population and strong GDP growth reinforce its standing as the world's third-largest economy in PPP terms," the ministry stated.

Watch:&nbsp;Why Is India Not Taking A Tougher Stand On Crimes Against Bangladeshi Hindus?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-is-india-not-taking-a-tougher-stand-on-crimes-against-bangladeshi-hindus-761655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, commenting on the report, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said that this is the reflection of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"India's rise is no accident. This is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi's aggressive diplomatic strategy and his bold ambitions to reshape India's place in the world. Without his leadership, India would still be languishing behind, but today, we see a nation on the verge of superpower status," Puri said, as per a press release on NaMo app.

(With input from agencies)

India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25).

India stomped ahead of Japan and emerged as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, stated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an official statement on Wednesday (September 25). The ministry emphasised that this success was driven by the country's dynamic growth, its expanding economy, youthful population and solidification of its position as the region's leading force. The shift in ranking also reflects the increasing geopolitical stature of the country. "In a major shift, India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature," the ministry announced. India's rise gets marked on API Australia’s Lowy Institute think tank publishes the annual Asia Power Index, which measures resources and influence for assessing the countries' relative power in Asia. Also Read: Indian economy to grow at 7.1% in FY25: Moody’s Analytics The report takes into consideration 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, from Pakistan to Russia to as far as the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. “India is rising, although a tad bit slowly. India has overtaken Japan to become the third-ranked power in Asia, but its clout remains below the potential promised by its resources,” stated the survey report. “The Asia Power Index shows that New Delhi still has limited ability to project power and influence east of the Malacca Strait. However, the fact that its influence remains well below the level promised by its resources suggests it still has ample potential for further growth as a major power,” it added. Ministry emphasises on India's growing influence The ministry stated that India's gradual rise and growing influence in the region has been clearly reflected in the 2024 Asia Power Index. "India has shown remarkable post-pandemic economic recovery, contributing to a 4.2-point rise in its Economic Capability. India's massive population and strong GDP growth reinforce its standing as the world's third-largest economy in PPP terms," the ministry stated. Watch: Why Is India Not Taking A Tougher Stand On Crimes Against Bangladeshi Hindus? Meanwhile, commenting on the report, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said that this is the reflection of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "India's rise is no accident. This is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi's aggressive diplomatic strategy and his bold ambitions to reshape India's place in the world. Without his leadership, India would still be languishing behind, but today, we see a nation on the verge of superpower status," Puri said, as per a press release on NaMo app. (With input from agencies)

India rises in Asia Power Index, clinches third spot after surpassing Japan

Japan's Defense Ministry said Monday that a Russian military aircraft violated the country's airspace three times, prompting an Air Self-Defense Force fighter jet to fire a signal flare for the first time.

Russian Military Plane Violates Japan Airspace

Officials in Japan's Izu Island issued a tsunami warning after an earthquake of 5.6 magnitude struck near the remote Islands. Watch to know more.

Japan: Tsunami Warning Issued After 5.6 Magnitude Earthquake

Japan: Tsunami hits Izu Islands after earthquake

Japan: Earthquake Sparks Tsunami Warning

Japan has launched a very serious protest against Moscow after a Russian airplane violated Japan's airspace three times according to the Japanese defense minister this is the first confirmed incursion since 2019. Watch in for more details!

Japan Warns Russia Over Violating Airspace

Unprecedented rainfall has triggered floods and landslides in Central Japan. Which is still reeling from the after effects of a massive earthquake in January this year. Watch to know more.

Heavy Rains Triggered Floods in Central Japan

Floods and landslides killed one person and left at least 11 missing in central Japan, with recovery teams at work on Sunday in a remote peninsula already devastated by a major earthquake this year.

"Unprecedented" heavy rains that lashed the area from Saturday began to subside, leaving muddy scenes of destruction as the national weather agency urged people to stay vigilant for loose ground and other dangers.

In the city of Wajima, splintered branches and a huge uprooted tree piled up at a bridge over a river whose raging brown waters almost reached ground level.

People were seen wading into the mud to try to dig out half-buried cars, while elsewhere flood waters inundated emergency housing built for those who had lost their homes in the New Year's Day earthquake that killed at least 318 people.

Akemi Yamashita, a 54-year-old resident, told AFP she had been driving on Saturday when "within only 30 minutes or so, water gushed into the street and quickly rose to half the height of my car".

"I was talking to other residents of Wajima yesterday, and they said, 'it's so heart-breaking to live in this city'. I got teary when I heard that," she said, describing the earthquake and floods as "like something from a movie".

Eight temporary housing complexes were affected in Wajima and Suzu, two of the cities on the Noto Peninsula ravaged by the magnitude-7.5 quake, which toppled buildings, triggered tsunami waves and sparked a major fire.

More than 540 millimetres (21 inches) of rainfall was recorded in Wajima in the 72 hours to Sunday morning -- the heaviest continuous rain since comparative data became available in 1976.

Landslides blocked roads, complicating rescue efforts, and tens of thousands of people in the wider region were urged to evacuate.

Muddy rivers ran high in Anamizu, south of Wajima, where more rain fell on Sunday morning onto quake-damaged houses and the shattered stone columns of a shrine still lying on the ground months after they were toppled.

A message blared from the city's loudspeaker disaster prevention system warning residents that the rain could flood the sewer system and dirty water could rise up.

Hideaki Sato, 74, stood on a bridge holding a blue umbrella, anxiously looking at the swollen water in a small canal.

"My house was flattened completely in the quake," he told AFP.

"I now live in a small apartment room right there," he said, pointing at a wooden structure behind him. "If this floods, it would be a real problem."

<h2>'Secure your safety'&nbsp;</h2>

Military personnel have been sent to the Ishikawa region on the Sea of Japan coast to join rescue workers, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Saturday.

Some 5,000 households were without power and at least 1,700 households were without running water, the Ishikawa regional government said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) downgraded its top warning to the second-highest alert on Sunday.

The areas under the emergency warning saw "heavy rain of unprecedented levels", JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto said Saturday, adding "it is a situation in which you have to secure your safety immediately".

Scientists say human-driven climate change is intensifying the risk posed by heavy rains because a warmer atmosphere holds more water.

One person had been killed, eight were missing or unaccounted for, and one was seriously injured in Ishikawa by Sunday afternoon, the regional government said.

At least a dozen rivers burst their banks and two of the missing were reportedly carried away by strong currents.

Another three people were missing who had been working for the land ministry to restore a road in Wajima, local ministry official Yoshiyuki Tokuhashi told AFP.

Municipalities in Ishikawa told 110,000 residents in the region -- including in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, as well as Noto town -- to evacuate, officials said.

Another 17,300 residents were also told to evacuate in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, north of Ishikawa, the fire and disaster management agency said.

This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Floods and landslides killed one person and left at least 11 missing in central Japan, with recovery teams at work on Sunday in a remote peninsula already devastated by a major earthquake this year.

Floods and landslides killed one person and left at least 11 missing in central Japan, with recovery teams at work on Sunday in a remote peninsula already devastated by a major earthquake this year. "Unprecedented" heavy rains that lashed the area from Saturday began to subside, leaving muddy scenes of destruction as the national weather agency urged people to stay vigilant for loose ground and other dangers. In the city of Wajima, splintered branches and a huge uprooted tree piled up at a bridge over a river whose raging brown waters almost reached ground level. People were seen wading into the mud to try to dig out half-buried cars, while elsewhere flood waters inundated emergency housing built for those who had lost their homes in the New Year's Day earthquake that killed at least 318 people. Akemi Yamashita, a 54-year-old resident, told AFP she had been driving on Saturday when "within only 30 minutes or so, water gushed into the street and quickly rose to half the height of my car". "I was talking to other residents of Wajima yesterday, and they said, 'it's so heart-breaking to live in this city'. I got teary when I heard that," she said, describing the earthquake and floods as "like something from a movie". Eight temporary housing complexes were affected in Wajima and Suzu, two of the cities on the Noto Peninsula ravaged by the magnitude-7.5 quake, which toppled buildings, triggered tsunami waves and sparked a major fire. More than 540 millimetres (21 inches) of rainfall was recorded in Wajima in the 72 hours to Sunday morning -- the heaviest continuous rain since comparative data became available in 1976. Landslides blocked roads, complicating rescue efforts, and tens of thousands of people in the wider region were urged to evacuate. Muddy rivers ran high in Anamizu, south of Wajima, where more rain fell on Sunday morning onto quake-damaged houses and the shattered stone columns of a shrine still lying on the ground months after they were toppled. A message blared from the city's loudspeaker disaster prevention system warning residents that the rain could flood the sewer system and dirty water could rise up. Hideaki Sato, 74, stood on a bridge holding a blue umbrella, anxiously looking at the swollen water in a small canal. "My house was flattened completely in the quake," he told AFP. "I now live in a small apartment room right there," he said, pointing at a wooden structure behind him. "If this floods, it would be a real problem." 'Secure your safety' Military personnel have been sent to the Ishikawa region on the Sea of Japan coast to join rescue workers, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Saturday. Some 5,000 households were without power and at least 1,700 households were without running water, the Ishikawa regional government said. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) downgraded its top warning to the second-highest alert on Sunday. The areas under the emergency warning saw "heavy rain of unprecedented levels", JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto said Saturday, adding "it is a situation in which you have to secure your safety immediately". Scientists say human-driven climate change is intensifying the risk posed by heavy rains because a warmer atmosphere holds more water. One person had been killed, eight were missing or unaccounted for, and one was seriously injured in Ishikawa by Sunday afternoon, the regional government said. At least a dozen rivers burst their banks and two of the missing were reportedly carried away by strong currents. Another three people were missing who had been working for the land ministry to restore a road in Wajima, local ministry official Yoshiyuki Tokuhashi told AFP. Municipalities in Ishikawa told 110,000 residents in the region -- including in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, as well as Noto town -- to evacuate, officials said. Another 17,300 residents were also told to evacuate in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, north of Ishikawa, the fire and disaster management agency said. This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Central Japan hit by massive rains, floods; several casualties feared

Some Japanese companies in China have offered to send their staff and their families back home after a 10-year-old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, a Japanese executive and employees of Japanese firms in Beijing said on Friday. Wednesday's stabbing was the second such attack near Japanese schools in China in recent months, and took place on the anniversary of an incident in 1931 that triggered war between China and Japan.

Japanese boy's killing in China's Shenzen sparks fears among Japanese expats

China said Friday (Sep 20) that it would "gradually resume" importing seafood from Japan after imposing a blanket ban last year over the release of water from the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant.

China said Friday (Sep 20) that it would "gradually resume" importing seafood from Japan after imposing a blanket ban last year over the release of water from the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant. In August 2023, Japan began discharging treated water from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean in an operation it insists is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic agency. The release, however, generated a fierce backlash from China, which branded it "selfish" and banned all Japanese seafood imports. Beijing and Tokyo said Friday they had come to a consensus over the wastewater release that would allow China to phase the imports back in. "China will begin to adjust the relevant measures based on scientific evidence and gradually resume imports of Japanese aquatic products that meet the regulation requirements and standards," Beijing's foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry said officials from both sides recently conducted "multiple rounds of consultations" on the discharge from Fukushima. It said Japan had committed to "fulfilling its obligations under international law, doing its utmost to avoid leaving (a) negative impact on human health and the environment, and conducting continuous evaluations of the impact on the marine environment and marine ecosystems". Around the same time as Friday's announcement, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tokyo had informed Beijing of "its readiness to carry out additional monitoring of the... treated water, while the Chinese side has decided to... steadily restore imports of Japanese fishery products that meet certain standards". The IAEA said in a statement that it would "coordinate with Japan and other stakeholders, including China, to ensure that the additional measures are implemented appropriately... to ensure that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards". In 2011, three reactors at the Fukushima-Daiichi facility in northeastern Japan went into meltdown following a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people. Since then, plant operator TEPCO has collected water contaminated as it cooled the wrecked reactors, along with groundwater and rain that has seeped in. After China banned Japanese seafood imports over the wastewater release, Russia did the same in October as a "precautionary measure". Russian news agency TASS on Wednesday (Sep 18) cited a top sanitary official as saying Moscow would maintain the embargo. Watch | Tokyo Electric Power Company Suspends Operations At Fukushima Plant × Positions unchanged Both China and Japan on Friday were keen to stress that there were limits to the consensus. A spokesperson for Beijing's foreign ministry said China still "resolutely opposes the Japanese side's arbitrary discharge into the sea". "This position has not changed," Mao Ning said at a regular press conference in the capital. "The fact China and Japan have reached this consensus does not mean that the Chinese side will immediately resume imports of Japanese aquatic products in their entirety," she added. Kishida, for his part, said Tokyo also remained resolute. "Japan's position remains unchanged that the regulations should be scrapped immediately, and we will use this announcement to pave the way for the abolition of the regulations," he said. The head of Japan's national association of fisheries groups said Friday that it took the announcement as "only the first step" towards a full resumption of imports. "The Japanese government should remain fully aware of the plight of fishermen across the country who are affected by the total import suspension measures and continue to make every effort to lift the suspension as soon as possible," Masanobu Sakamoto said. Bilateral tensions Beijing and Tokyo are major trade partners, and China imported more than $500 million worth of seafood from Japan in 2022, according to customs data. But the two countries are also perennial rivals in East Asia whose ties are freighted with the baggage of Japan's imperial past and China's more recent rise to superpower status. The wastewater release has been a flashpoint recently, alongside squabbles over trade, territorial disputes and espionage allegations. Also read | Fukushima disaster: Japan says experts met in China to dispel concerns over radioactive water When a Chinese aircraft carrier this month sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, Tokyo called the passage "totally unacceptable from the perspective of the security environment of Japan and the region". A Japanese boy was also stabbed to death in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen this week, an attack that Beijing called an "individual case" but which prompted Kishida to demand an explanation. 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.

Fukushima disaster: China to resume seafood imports from Japan, a year after imposing blanket ban

A Chinese ship ventured into Japanese water on Wednesday and this is the second time that China has breached Japan's territory. Watch to know more.

Second Chinese incursion in Japan in a month

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida demanded an explanation from China after a man stabbed a schoolboy in the second knife attack on Japanese children in China in the past months.

The 10-year-old boy was stabbed by a man, while he was on his way to class on Wednesday, about 200 metres (650 feet) from the gates of the Japanese school in the southern city of Shenzhen, according to China’s foreign ministry.

The child's father is Japanese and his mother is Chinese, however, the 10-year-old is a Japanese national, the ministry stated.&nbsp;

The child was taken to a hospital but he later died of injuries, the authorities said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Japan’s foreign minister, Yoko Kamikawa, described the incident as “despicable”. She said Japan’s government had demanded that Chinese authorities “make every possible effort” to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in China and release a detailed explanation of the stabbing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-year-old-boy-enrolled-at-japanese-school-in-china-dead-after-stabbing-suspect-arrested-759986">Also read:&nbsp;10-year-old boy enrolled at Japanese school in China dead after stabbing, suspect arrested</a>

A 44-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene and has been taken into custody, Shenzhen police said in a statement.&nbsp;

Following the deadly incident, the Japanese embassy has warned its nationals living in China to be vigilant and take precautions.

Japan’s vice foreign minister, Masataka Okano, summoned China’s ambassador to Tokyo, Wu Jianghao, to raise “serious concerns” over the attack.

Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;Second Chinese incursion in Japan in a month

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Okano “strongly urged that security be strengthened, including around Japanese schools throughout China”, Japan’s foreign ministry said.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said the case is under investigation and Beijing would "continue to take effective measures to protect the safety of all foreigners” in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida demanded an explanation from China after a man stabbed a schoolboy in the second knife attack on Japanese children in China in the past months.

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida demanded an explanation from China after a man stabbed a schoolboy in the second knife attack on Japanese children in China in the past months. The 10-year-old boy was stabbed by a man, while he was on his way to class on Wednesday, about 200 metres (650 feet) from the gates of the Japanese school in the southern city of Shenzhen, according to China’s foreign ministry. The child's father is Japanese and his mother is Chinese, however, the 10-year-old is a Japanese national, the ministry stated. The child was taken to a hospital but he later died of injuries, the authorities said on Thursday. Japan’s foreign minister, Yoko Kamikawa, described the incident as “despicable”. She said Japan’s government had demanded that Chinese authorities “make every possible effort” to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in China and release a detailed explanation of the stabbing. Also read: 10-year-old boy enrolled at Japanese school in China dead after stabbing, suspect arrested A 44-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene and has been taken into custody, Shenzhen police said in a statement. Following the deadly incident, the Japanese embassy has warned its nationals living in China to be vigilant and take precautions. Japan’s vice foreign minister, Masataka Okano, summoned China’s ambassador to Tokyo, Wu Jianghao, to raise “serious concerns” over the attack. Watch | Second Chinese incursion in Japan in a month × Okano “strongly urged that security be strengthened, including around Japanese schools throughout China”, Japan’s foreign ministry said. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said the case is under investigation and Beijing would "continue to take effective measures to protect the safety of all foreigners” in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM demands explanation from Beijing over boy’s stabbing at Japanese school in China

As Japan recently celebrated “Respect for the Aged Day,” new government data has cast a spotlight on a pressing national issue: the aging population. With the number of citizens aged 65 and over reaching a staggering 36.25 million, constituting 29.3 per cent of the overall population, the country faces an increasingly acute labor shortage as detailed in a CNBC report.

Record numbers highlight a growing concern<o:p></o:p>

The Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revealed that Japan's elderly demographic has grown to the highest proportion globally. This shift poses significant challenges as the country grapples with a declining overall population.

Robert Feldman, a senior advisor at Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities, emphasised the implications of these trends, stating “The labor shortage is just as bad as ever,” particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as food service. 

Moreover, 2023 marked a notable increase in workers aged 65 and over, with the figure reaching 9.14 million. Feldman cautioned that as these seasoned workers retire, the influx of younger employees is insufficient to fill the gap, a situation worsened by a recent Teikoku Databank survey indicating that 51 per cent of companies report a full-time employee shortage.

Future projections for the Japanese economy<o:p></o:p>

Looking ahead, Japan's demographic situation is expected to worsen. Projections from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research suggest that by 2040, elderly individuals will make up 34.8 per cent of the population. Feldman noted that based on historical trends, the total labor force could decline from approximately 69.3 million in 2023 to just 49.1 million by 2050.

In response to these trends, the Japanese government has implemented various measures aimed at combating low birth rates. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration has initiated policies to provide financial support for child-rearing and increase the availability of childcare facilities. Furthermore, local governments are promoting initiatives like public dating apps to encourage marriage and family formation among younger generations.

Migration and technological solutions<o:p></o:p>

While boosting birth rates may eventually help, it will not resolve the immediate labor shortages. Consequently, Japan has begun to open its doors to foreign workers, reaching a record of 2 million foreign nationals in 2024, with plans to increase this number by 800,000 over the next five years. 

However, Feldman argues that even with increased immigration, Japan will need to significantly enhance the productivity of its remaining workforce to fight with the expected demographic declines. “A large portion of that drop in the domestic labor force has to be made up by better productivity of those young people who will remain,” he explained.

The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, will be crucial in this endeavor. Despite the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a solution to Japan’s labor issues, experts like Carlos Casanova, senior economist for Asia at UBP, caution that technology alone cannot address the fundamental demographic challenges. “AI can be part of the solution, but there are other things that they have to do,” he remarked, suggesting a comprehensive approach that also includes increasing female workforce participation.

As Japan recently celebrated “Respect for the Aged Day,” new government data has cast a spotlight on a pressing national issue: the aging population. With the number of citizens aged 65 and over reaching a staggering 36.

As Japan recently celebrated “Respect for the Aged Day,” new government data has cast a spotlight on a pressing national issue: the aging population. With the number of citizens aged 65 and over reaching a staggering 36.25 million, constituting 29.3 per cent of the overall population, the country faces an increasingly acute labor shortage as detailed in a CNBC report. Record numbers highlight a growing concern The Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revealed that Japan's elderly demographic has grown to the highest proportion globally. This shift poses significant challenges as the country grapples with a declining overall population. Robert Feldman, a senior advisor at Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities, emphasised the implications of these trends, stating “The labor shortage is just as bad as ever,” particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as food service. Moreover, 2023 marked a notable increase in workers aged 65 and over, with the figure reaching 9.14 million. Feldman cautioned that as these seasoned workers retire, the influx of younger employees is insufficient to fill the gap, a situation worsened by a recent Teikoku Databank survey indicating that 51 per cent of companies report a full-time employee shortage. Future projections for the Japanese economy Looking ahead, Japan's demographic situation is expected to worsen. Projections from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research suggest that by 2040, elderly individuals will make up 34.8 per cent of the population. Feldman noted that based on historical trends, the total labor force could decline from approximately 69.3 million in 2023 to just 49.1 million by 2050. In response to these trends, the Japanese government has implemented various measures aimed at combating low birth rates. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration has initiated policies to provide financial support for child-rearing and increase the availability of childcare facilities. Furthermore, local governments are promoting initiatives like public dating apps to encourage marriage and family formation among younger generations. Migration and technological solutions While boosting birth rates may eventually help, it will not resolve the immediate labor shortages. Consequently, Japan has begun to open its doors to foreign workers, reaching a record of 2 million foreign nationals in 2024, with plans to increase this number by 800,000 over the next five years. However, Feldman argues that even with increased immigration, Japan will need to significantly enhance the productivity of its remaining workforce to fight with the expected demographic declines. “A large portion of that drop in the domestic labor force has to be made up by better productivity of those young people who will remain,” he explained. The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, will be crucial in this endeavor. Despite the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a solution to Japan’s labor issues, experts like Carlos Casanova, senior economist for Asia at UBP, caution that technology alone cannot address the fundamental demographic challenges. “AI can be part of the solution, but there are other things that they have to do,” he remarked, suggesting a comprehensive approach that also includes increasing female workforce participation.

Japan confronts labor shortages as elderly population reaches record high

Japan's new prime minister will be formally elected by parliament on October 1 following next week's leadership contest, a ruling party official said Wednesday.

Polls indicate that three frontrunners are emerging among the nine candidates to succeed Fumio Kishida as head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the September 27 internal vote.

They are conservative economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, 63, former LDP secretary general Shigeru Ishiba, 67, and Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, son of former premier Junichiro Koizumi.

The conservative LDP -- which has governed almost uninterrupted for decades -- holds a majority in parliament, meaning the winner of the party election is essentially guaranteed to become premier.

Yasukazu Hamada, a LDP lawmaker in charge of parliament affairs, told his opposition counterpart that the party "plans to convene a parliament session on October 1" to elect the new prime minister, a LDP official told AFP.

The opposition party accepted the date, which will be formally announced by the government on Monday, media reports said.

Kishida, 67, whose three-year term was tarnished by scandals, voter anger over rising prices and sliding poll ratings, announced last month that he was stepping down.

In the leadership election, each of the LDP's 367 parliament members cast a vote, and another&nbsp;367 votes will be determined based on the preferences of rank-and-file party members and supporters.

Polls by different Japanese media have put Takaichi, Ishiba and Koizumi in the lead, although this is no guarantee any of them will emerge as the eventual winner.

Koizumi would be Japan's youngest-ever premier while Takaichi, a vocal nationalist popular with the LDP's conservative wing, would be the country's first woman leader.

As a regular visitor to the Yasukuni shrine to Japan's war dead, which includes convicted war criminals -- her nomination would likely rile victims of Japan's wartime aggression such as China and South and North Korea.

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. 
&nbsp;

Japan's new prime minister will be formally elected by parliament on October 1 following next week's leadership contest, a ruling party official said Wednesday. Polls indicate that three frontrunners are emerging among the nine candidates to succeed Fumio Kishida as head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the September 27 internal vote.

Japan's new prime minister will be formally elected by parliament on October 1 following next week's leadership contest, a ruling party official said Wednesday. Polls indicate that three frontrunners are emerging among the nine candidates to succeed Fumio Kishida as head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the September 27 internal vote. They are conservative economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, 63, former LDP secretary general Shigeru Ishiba, 67, and Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, son of former premier Junichiro Koizumi. The conservative LDP -- which has governed almost uninterrupted for decades -- holds a majority in parliament, meaning the winner of the party election is essentially guaranteed to become premier. Yasukazu Hamada, a LDP lawmaker in charge of parliament affairs, told his opposition counterpart that the party "plans to convene a parliament session on October 1" to elect the new prime minister, a LDP official told AFP. The opposition party accepted the date, which will be formally announced by the government on Monday, media reports said. Kishida, 67, whose three-year term was tarnished by scandals, voter anger over rising prices and sliding poll ratings, announced last month that he was stepping down. In the leadership election, each of the LDP's 367 parliament members cast a vote, and another 367 votes will be determined based on the preferences of rank-and-file party members and supporters. Polls by different Japanese media have put Takaichi, Ishiba and Koizumi in the lead, although this is no guarantee any of them will emerge as the eventual winner. Koizumi would be Japan's youngest-ever premier while Takaichi, a vocal nationalist popular with the LDP's conservative wing, would be the country's first woman leader. As a regular visitor to the Yasukuni shrine to Japan's war dead, which includes convicted war criminals -- her nomination would likely rile victims of Japan's wartime aggression such as China and South and North Korea. 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 to formally elect new prime minister on October 1

A Chinese aircraft carrier entered the contiguous zone just outside Japan's territorial waters for the first time Wednesday when it sailed between remote islands in southern Japan from the East China Sea.

Chinese aircraft carrier enters Japan waters

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