Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Japan's prime minister Fumio Kishida is on a 3-day West Asia tour. On Sunday Kishida met Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Jeddah. The G20 Finance ministers meeting is set to begin today in the Indian state of Gujarat. Yellen is also expected to meet Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman in a scheduled meeting.

Jeddah: Japan PM meets Saudi Crown Prince | US Treasury Secretary in India

<p>US, South Korea and Japan held a joint missile defence exercise Sunday aimed at bolstering their response to rising nuclear and missile threats from Pyongyang. The exercise saw destroyers equipped with Aegis radar systems come together in an attempt to tame the "rogue" nation.</p>

<p>The joint drill comes days after North Korea launched its ‘most powerful’ Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The North launched this missile after accusing the US of flying spy planes through its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It also condemned a recent visit by an American nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine to South Korea.</p>

<h2><strong>Joint drill aimed at mastering coordinated response to missile threats&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The US and its allies have been working on linking their information-sharing mechanisms on North Korea’s missile launch to better prepare for a well-coordinated response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both South Korea and Japan are separately linked to the US radar system; however, a robust information-sharing regime is yet to be established between the two East Asian nations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Japan, South Korea to link radars via US systems</strong></p>

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<p>"We will effectively respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats with our military's strong response system and the trilateral cooperation," a South Korean Navy officer was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>N Korea’s missile launching spree</strong></h2>

<p>Wednesday’s launch of the solid-fuel ICBM was the second attempt by North Korea this year aimed at intimidating its southern neighbours. North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that the launch was “guided” by the country’s dictator Kim Jong Un, where the missile blasted off with a “grand explosion” that “shook the whole planet".</p>

<p>The launch drew condemnation from the US, Japan and South Korea, with allegations that the launch violated UN sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-it-test-fired-solid-fuel-icbm-that-shook-whole-planet-614907"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;VIDEO: North Korea says it test-fired solid-fuel ICBM that 'shook whole planet'</strong></a></p>

<p>The South Korean military criticised North Korea's recent launch, stating that it constituted a significant provocation that jeopardises the peace and security of the Korean peninsula.</p>

<h2><strong>China urged to play&nbsp;constructive role</strong></h2>

<p>South Korea also asked China to play a constructive role in managing security threats in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A meeting between Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi and South Korea’s Foreign Minister Park Jin took place on Friday on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit held in Indonesia’s Jakarta. Following the meeting, a statement released by Seoul's foreign ministry said, “Minister Park ... stressed that it was more important than ever for the Chinese side to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula."</p>

<p>Washington has long accused China and Russia of shielding North Korea from sanctions and aiding its nuclear programme.</p>

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US, South Korea and Japan held a joint missile defence exercise Sunday aimed at bolstering their response to rising nuclear and missile threats from Pyongyang. The exercise saw destroyers equipped with Aegis radar systems come together in an attempt to tame the "rogue" nation.

US, South Korea and Japan held a joint missile defence exercise Sunday aimed at bolstering their response to rising nuclear and missile threats from Pyongyang. The exercise saw destroyers equipped with Aegis radar systems come together in an attempt to tame the "rogue" nation. The joint drill comes days after North Korea launched its ‘most powerful’ Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday. The North launched this missile after accusing the US of flying spy planes through its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It also condemned a recent visit by an American nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine to South Korea. Joint drill aimed at mastering coordinated response to missile threats The US and its allies have been working on linking their information-sharing mechanisms on North Korea’s missile launch to better prepare for a well-coordinated response. Both South Korea and Japan are separately linked to the US radar system; however, a robust information-sharing regime is yet to be established between the two East Asian nations. Watch: Japan, South Korea to link radars via US systems × "We will effectively respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats with our military's strong response system and the trilateral cooperation," a South Korean Navy officer was quoted as saying by Reuters. N Korea’s missile launching spree Wednesday’s launch of the solid-fuel ICBM was the second attempt by North Korea this year aimed at intimidating its southern neighbours. North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that the launch was “guided” by the country’s dictator Kim Jong Un, where the missile blasted off with a “grand explosion” that “shook the whole planet". The launch drew condemnation from the US, Japan and South Korea, with allegations that the launch violated UN sanctions. Also read: VIDEO: North Korea says it test-fired solid-fuel ICBM that 'shook whole planet' The South Korean military criticised North Korea's recent launch, stating that it constituted a significant provocation that jeopardises the peace and security of the Korean peninsula. China urged to play constructive role South Korea also asked China to play a constructive role in managing security threats in the region. A meeting between Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi and South Korea’s Foreign Minister Park Jin took place on Friday on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit held in Indonesia’s Jakarta. Following the meeting, a statement released by Seoul's foreign ministry said, “Minister Park ... stressed that it was more important than ever for the Chinese side to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula." Washington has long accused China and Russia of shielding North Korea from sanctions and aiding its nuclear programme. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US, South Korea and Japan hold missile defence drill days after N Korea’s ICBM launch

Japan is facing a crisis in the IT field. The country is looking at a shortage of 790,000 workers by the year 2030. Is the gross underrepresentation of women to be blamed? Molly gambhir tells you

Gravitas: Why are women underrepresented in stem fields?

<p>An official of the Japanese space agency confirmed on Friday (July 14) that its rocket engine exploded during a test on Friday, in the latest blow to the country's space exploration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Science and Technology ministry official Naoya Takegami told the news agency AFP that the Epsilon S blew up "roughly 50 seconds after ignition". It was claimed to be an improved version of the Epsilon rocket that failed to launch in October.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local media reported citing an official that the explosion took place about a minute into the test of the second-stage engine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/on-eve-of-chandrayaan-3-launch-isros-unique-launch-at-spaceport-615353">On eve of Chandrayaan-3 launch, ISRO's unique 'launch' at spaceport</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In the video shown on television, flames were seen shooting out the side of a testing facility. After that, the whole small building was engulfed in flames and the was also roof blew off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Takegami said that Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has not provided any information about injuries. The agency has been investigating the cause of the explosion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the videos:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💥🇯🇵 - In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Japan</a>, an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EpsilonS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EpsilonS</a> rocket exploded during tests, the explosion occurred one minute after the start of tests of the rocket engine. <a href="https://t.co/FT0PFYXLwY">pic.twitter.com/FT0PFYXLwY</a></p>
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) <a href="https://twitter.com/theinformantofc/status/1679689175900082177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Space Rocket Explodes One Minute into Test in Japan<br />
Birds &amp; bats aren't the only things dying around those windmills🙄 <a href="https://t.co/o6EPguvwLX">pic.twitter.com/o6EPguvwLX</a></p>
— Alix (@AlixG_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlixG_2/status/1679732679774748676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Japan's failed missions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In March, Japan's second attempt to launch its next-generation H3 rocket failed after liftoff because of a reported malfunction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was after the failed launch of the solid-fuel Epsilon in October, which was Japan's first failed launch in nearly two decades, and the only one for an Epsilon rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In both cases, the Japanese space agency was forced to send self-destruct orders to the rockets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chandrayaan-3-launch-india-all-set-to-take-giant-leap-in-space-615331">LIVE Chandrayaan-3 launch</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>For the unversed, Epsilon is a model that has flown five successful missions since its 2013 debut. Japan has informed previously that it is smaller than the country's previous liquid-fuelled model and a successor to the solid-fuel "M-5" rocket that was retired in 2006 due to its high cost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Japan is planning to launch the mission next year. Reports have mentioned that the country's space programme is one of the world's largest, and in October JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata flew to the International Space Station as part of the Crew-5 mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An official of the Japanese space agency confirmed on Friday (July 14) that its rocket engine exploded during a test on Friday, in the latest blow to the country's space exploration.

An official of the Japanese space agency confirmed on Friday (July 14) that its rocket engine exploded during a test on Friday, in the latest blow to the country's space exploration. Science and Technology ministry official Naoya Takegami told the news agency AFP that the Epsilon S blew up "roughly 50 seconds after ignition". It was claimed to be an improved version of the Epsilon rocket that failed to launch in October. Local media reported citing an official that the explosion took place about a minute into the test of the second-stage engine. Also read: On eve of Chandrayaan-3 launch, ISRO's unique 'launch' at spaceport In the video shown on television, flames were seen shooting out the side of a testing facility. After that, the whole small building was engulfed in flames and the was also roof blew off. Takegami said that Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has not provided any information about injuries. The agency has been investigating the cause of the explosion. Watch the videos: 💥🇯🇵 - In #Japan, an #EpsilonS rocket exploded during tests, the explosion occurred one minute after the start of tests of the rocket engine. pic.twitter.com/FT0PFYXLwY — 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) July 14, 2023 × Space Rocket Explodes One Minute into Test in Japan Birds & bats aren't the only things dying around those windmills🙄 pic.twitter.com/o6EPguvwLX — Alix (@AlixG_2) July 14, 2023 × Japan's failed missions In March, Japan's second attempt to launch its next-generation H3 rocket failed after liftoff because of a reported malfunction. It was after the failed launch of the solid-fuel Epsilon in October, which was Japan's first failed launch in nearly two decades, and the only one for an Epsilon rocket. In both cases, the Japanese space agency was forced to send self-destruct orders to the rockets. LIVE Chandrayaan-3 launch For the unversed, Epsilon is a model that has flown five successful missions since its 2013 debut. Japan has informed previously that it is smaller than the country's previous liquid-fuelled model and a successor to the solid-fuel "M-5" rocket that was retired in 2006 due to its high cost. Now, Japan is planning to launch the mission next year. Reports have mentioned that the country's space programme is one of the world's largest, and in October JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata flew to the International Space Station as part of the Crew-5 mission. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: Japan space agency rocket engine explodes during test

French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed NATO's plans of having an outpost in Japan insisting that such geographical expansion would risk shifting that alliance commitments too far from its original focus on North Atlantic niche areas.

Indo-Pacific is not North Atlantic, says Emmanuel Macron | World News | WION

Criticism and protests continue over the IAEA's green signal to Japan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Now in the latest Hong Kong has decided to ban Seafood imports from 10 Japanese prefectures if Tokyo goes ahead with its plan. The move is going to have huge ramifications.

Fukushima water discharge row: Hong Kong to ban sea food imports from Japan

<p>Kazuyoshi Miura will continue playing aged 56 after the former Japan international extended his loan deal with Portuguese second-division outfit Oliveirense. Oliveirense said on social media that the forward, who has made three appearances for the club after joining from Japan's Yokohama FC in February, will stay with them next season.&nbsp;Miura turned 56 in February and wants to keep playing until he is 60. "There will be times where I'm not involved in games but I want to stay motivated and do what I can where I can," the Nikkan Sports daily quoted him as saying recently.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ja">🇵🇹 Miura Kazu continua na UD Oliveirense 🔥<br />
<br />
🇯🇵 三浦知良選手、今シーズンも宜しくお願いします！🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UDOliveirenseNossa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UDOliveirenseNossa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NossaUni%C3%A3o?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NossaUnião</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NossaPaix%C3%A3o?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NossaPaixão</a> <a href="https://t.co/R3gJvlBARz">pic.twitter.com/R3gJvlBARz</a></p>
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<p>Known as "<strong>King</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Kazu</strong>" in his homeland, Miura made his debut in 1986 with Brazilian side Santos and has also played in Japan, Italy, Croatia and Australia. One of Asia's best-known footballers in the 1990s, he helped put the game in Japan on the map when the professional J-League was launched in 1993.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-lionel-messi-arrives-in-florida-to-finalise-inter-miami-move-614598">Football: Lionel Messi arrives in Florida to finalise Inter Miami move</a></strong></p>

<p>He made his Japan debut in 1990 but was famously left out of the squad for their first World Cup finals appearance in 1998, despite scoring 55 goals in 89 games for the national side.</p>

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Kazuyoshi Miura will continue playing aged 56 after the former Japan international extended his loan deal with Portuguese second-division outfit Oliveirense. Oliveirense said on social media that the forward, who has made three appearances for the club after joining from Japan's Yokohama FC in February, will stay with them next season.

Kazuyoshi Miura will continue playing aged 56 after the former Japan international extended his loan deal with Portuguese second-division outfit Oliveirense. Oliveirense said on social media that the forward, who has made three appearances for the club after joining from Japan's Yokohama FC in February, will stay with them next season. Miura turned 56 in February and wants to keep playing until he is 60. "There will be times where I'm not involved in games but I want to stay motivated and do what I can where I can," the Nikkan Sports daily quoted him as saying recently. 🇵🇹 Miura Kazu continua na UD Oliveirense 🔥 🇯🇵 三浦知良選手、今シーズンも宜しくお願いします！🔥#UDOliveirenseNossa #NossaUnião #NossaPaixão pic.twitter.com/R3gJvlBARz — UD Oliveirense Futebol SAD (@oliveirense_sad) July 11, 2023 × Known as "King Kazu" in his homeland, Miura made his debut in 1986 with Brazilian side Santos and has also played in Japan, Italy, Croatia and Australia. One of Asia's best-known footballers in the 1990s, he helped put the game in Japan on the map when the professional J-League was launched in 1993. Also Read: Football: Lionel Messi arrives in Florida to finalise Inter Miami move He made his Japan debut in 1990 but was famously left out of the squad for their first World Cup finals appearance in 1998, despite scoring 55 goals in 89 games for the national side. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: 'King Kazu', the 56-year-old Japanese legend, extends loan deal with Oliveirense

<p>In a landmark verdict, the Japanese Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 11) ruled in favour of a transgender woman, saying restrictions put on using women’s toilets at her workplace were “unacceptable”.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the case about?</strong></h2>

<p>The case was filed by a woman in her 50s, who cannot be named for privacy reasons, against her employer, the Ministry of Economy and Trade. The official who was assigned male at birth, sued the government after she was told to use women’s toilets two floors below her office, as opposed to the ones closer to her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Tokyo District Court, in 2019, ruled in favour of the employee and called the restrictions unlawful. However, the decision was reversed in 2021 by the Tokyo High Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plaintiff said that being barred from using the female toilets near her “deeply hurt” her and violated the country’s law which protects state employees against loss or damage in the workplace.</p>

<p>The woman was diagnosed with gender dysphoria around 1999 when she was already a government employee. However, it was not until a decade later that she told her supervisor she wished to dress and work as a woman, and her request was approved.</p>

<h2><strong>The arguments</strong></h2>

<p>The government officials argued how their move was justified and cited a lack of “public understanding” toward transgender people for using the facilities of their declared gender.</p>

<p>However, the plaintiff’s team argued that no female employee had raised any concerns about sharing the toilet. It is also worth noting that the plaintiff has not changed her legal gender, but otherwise lives as a woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Japan, transgender people can only legally change their gender if they have undergone gender reassignment surgery, while the current law effectively requires them to be surgically sterilised. The plaintiff told the court that she was unable to undergo the procedure due to health reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Japan’s Supreme Court ruling considered landmark for LGBTQ+ rights</strong></h2>

<p>The verdict of this case was the first one that the Japanese top court delivered on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and experts say that this could change how public and private sectors deal with sensitive questions on women-only spaces.</p>

<p>The decision has been seen as a step forward for the country’s LGBTQ+ community and their rights as Tokyo is the only G7 nation which does not provide legal protection for same-sex unions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its ruling, the court found the decision to restrict the transgender woman from using nearby toilets was “extremely lacking in validity”. It added that the move “overly accommodated other employees and unjustly disregarded how the plaintiff might be disadvantaged.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will carefully examine the ruling and take appropriate measures after consulting with the relevant ministries and agencies,” said the ministry, after the verdict, in a statement. It added that it will make efforts to respect the diversity of its staff.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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In a landmark verdict, the Japanese Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 11) ruled in favour of a transgender woman, saying restrictions put on using women’s toilets at her workplace were “unacceptable”.

In a landmark verdict, the Japanese Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 11) ruled in favour of a transgender woman, saying restrictions put on using women’s toilets at her workplace were “unacceptable”. What was the case about? The case was filed by a woman in her 50s, who cannot be named for privacy reasons, against her employer, the Ministry of Economy and Trade. The official who was assigned male at birth, sued the government after she was told to use women’s toilets two floors below her office, as opposed to the ones closer to her. A Tokyo District Court, in 2019, ruled in favour of the employee and called the restrictions unlawful. However, the decision was reversed in 2021 by the Tokyo High Court. The plaintiff said that being barred from using the female toilets near her “deeply hurt” her and violated the country’s law which protects state employees against loss or damage in the workplace. The woman was diagnosed with gender dysphoria around 1999 when she was already a government employee. However, it was not until a decade later that she told her supervisor she wished to dress and work as a woman, and her request was approved. The arguments The government officials argued how their move was justified and cited a lack of “public understanding” toward transgender people for using the facilities of their declared gender. However, the plaintiff’s team argued that no female employee had raised any concerns about sharing the toilet. It is also worth noting that the plaintiff has not changed her legal gender, but otherwise lives as a woman. In Japan, transgender people can only legally change their gender if they have undergone gender reassignment surgery, while the current law effectively requires them to be surgically sterilised. The plaintiff told the court that she was unable to undergo the procedure due to health reasons. Japan’s Supreme Court ruling considered landmark for LGBTQ+ rights The verdict of this case was the first one that the Japanese top court delivered on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and experts say that this could change how public and private sectors deal with sensitive questions on women-only spaces. The decision has been seen as a step forward for the country’s LGBTQ+ community and their rights as Tokyo is the only G7 nation which does not provide legal protection for same-sex unions. In its ruling, the court found the decision to restrict the transgender woman from using nearby toilets was “extremely lacking in validity”. It added that the move “overly accommodated other employees and unjustly disregarded how the plaintiff might be disadvantaged.” “We will carefully examine the ruling and take appropriate measures after consulting with the relevant ministries and agencies,” said the ministry, after the verdict, in a statement. It added that it will make efforts to respect the diversity of its staff. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan’s top court backs transgender woman in bathroom case, says restriction ‘unacceptable’

<p>Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Hong Kong leader say?</strong></h2>

<p>Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that the city’s current ban on shipments from one Japanese prefecture would “definitely” be expanded if Japan moves forward with its plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan has been facing backlash and opposition, both domestically and internationally from some countries, despite repeated reassurances, for its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-fukushima-controversy-japan-gets-approval-for-radioactive-water-release-611796">plan</a> to release treated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant, with China being its fiercest critic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, released last week after a two-year review, showed that the water release would have a negligible impact on the environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-south-koreans-protest-iaea-chiefs-visit-over-fukushima-water-release-613508/#no-meaningful-impact-on-south-korean-waters-govt-613510">South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release</a></strong></p>

<p>The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-nuclear-plant-water-release-is-safe-says-iaea-chief-612362">Rafael Grossi</a> also assured that there are no issues with the process and that one “can drink [the water] and swim in it, too.” The process will take 30 to 40 years to complete.</p>

<p>But Hong Kong and China are among the countries that are not convinced. “If the exercise really starts, we’ll be banning a large number of prefectures’ sea products,” said the Hong Kong leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The city’s secretary for the environment and ecology has been asked to form a multi-department team to design an action plan for the same. The government will take “decisive action” against the issue, said Lee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “The catering industry will be affected, but I am sure that they will understand that we’re forced to make a decision because of this unprecedented exercise.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The restrictions could also impact Japan’s economy and fishing communities as Tokyo exported $536 million worth of fishery products to its second-biggest importer, Hong Kong, according to Japanese government statistics.</p>

<h2><strong>China reiterates opposition to Japan’s plan</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, in a press briefing, said the IAEA report is not a “free pass” for Japan to release the “problematic water,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-backs-un-nuclear-watchdogs-approval-of-fukushima-water-release-614003">New Zealand backs UN nuclear watchdog's approval of Fukushima water release</a></strong></p>

<p>In a seeming response to Grossi’s remarks about the water being safe enough to drink and swim in, Wang said that if that’s the case, we suggest that Japan uses the “contaminated water for [drinking and swimming], instead of discharging it into the sea and making the international community anxious,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wang also reiterated that the IAEA report had “failed to fully reflect views from experts” who participated in the review.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China, the biggest market for Japan’s fisheries exports, recently announced a ban on the import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures citing safety concerns and said it would step up testing for radioactive substances.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. What did Hong Kong leader say? Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that the city’s current ban on shipments from one Japanese prefecture would “definitely” be expanded if Japan moves forward with its plan. Japan has been facing backlash and opposition, both domestically and internationally from some countries, despite repeated reassurances, for its plan to release treated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant, with China being its fiercest critic. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, released last week after a two-year review, showed that the water release would have a negligible impact on the environment. ALSO READ | South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi also assured that there are no issues with the process and that one “can drink [the water] and swim in it, too.” The process will take 30 to 40 years to complete. But Hong Kong and China are among the countries that are not convinced. “If the exercise really starts, we’ll be banning a large number of prefectures’ sea products,” said the Hong Kong leader. The city’s secretary for the environment and ecology has been asked to form a multi-department team to design an action plan for the same. The government will take “decisive action” against the issue, said Lee. He added, “The catering industry will be affected, but I am sure that they will understand that we’re forced to make a decision because of this unprecedented exercise.” The restrictions could also impact Japan’s economy and fishing communities as Tokyo exported $536 million worth of fishery products to its second-biggest importer, Hong Kong, according to Japanese government statistics. China reiterates opposition to Japan’s plan On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, in a press briefing, said the IAEA report is not a “free pass” for Japan to release the “problematic water,” reported Reuters. ALSO READ | New Zealand backs UN nuclear watchdog's approval of Fukushima water release In a seeming response to Grossi’s remarks about the water being safe enough to drink and swim in, Wang said that if that’s the case, we suggest that Japan uses the “contaminated water for [drinking and swimming], instead of discharging it into the sea and making the international community anxious,” as quoted by Reuters. Wang also reiterated that the IAEA report had “failed to fully reflect views from experts” who participated in the review. China, the biggest market for Japan’s fisheries exports, recently announced a ban on the import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures citing safety concerns and said it would step up testing for radioactive substances. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong to expand ban on Japanese sea products over Fukushima nuke plant water release

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<p>In a seal of approval on India's growth story, investment bank Goldman Sachs has said the country is poised to become the world's second-largest economy by 2075, surpassing the likes of Japan, Germany and the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent report states that favourable demographics, innovation and technology, higher capital investment and rising worker productivity will drive India's growth. Currently, India is ranked the world's fifth-largest economy, trailing Germany, Japan, China and the US.</p>

<p>“Over the next two decades, the dependency ratio of India will be one of the lowest among regional economies,” said Goldman Sachs Research’s India economist, Santanu Sengupta.</p>

<p>“India has made more progress in innovation and technology than some may realise. Yes, the country has demographics on its side, but that’s not going to be the only driver of GDP. Innovation and increasing worker productivity are going to be important for the world’s fifth-biggest economy. In technical terms, that means greater output for each unit of labour and capital in India’s economy," said Sengupta.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report highlighted the Indian government's focus on infrastructure development in terms of roads, railways and other metrics may very well drive the growth locomotive. It argued that the time was ripe for the private sector to take the plunge and create capacity in manufacturing and services in order to generate more jobs and absorb the large labour force.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-leading-light-of-the-global-economy-to-replace-china-as-worlds-growth-engine-601555"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: Leading light of the global economy, to replace China as World's growth engine</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>The risks associated&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The only concern that may stall India's growth would be if the labour force participation rate does not increase as projected, the report states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The labour force participation rate in India has declined over the last 15 years," it noted, adding, "If you have more opportunities - especially for women because the women’s labour force participation rate is significantly lower than men’s - you can shore up your labour force participation rate, which can further increase your potential growth."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/foxconn-pulls-out-of-195bn-semiconductor-plant-in-india-minister-says-wont-impact-fab-goals-613964"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Foxconn pulls out of $19.5bn semiconductor deal in India, minister says ‘won’t impact fab goals’</strong></a></p>

<p>Net exports have also had a negative impact on India's growth but the report took an optimistic view and said the service exports had been&nbsp;cushioning current account balances.</p>

<h2><strong>India has age by its side</strong></h2>

<p>According to a&nbsp;<em>Time Magazine</em>&nbsp;report, nearly half the population of India (650 million people) is below the age of 25 - meaning the country won't be hitting its peak until 2065.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adults aged 65 and older comprise only seven per cent of the population compared with 14 per cent in China and 18 per cent in the US. The share of Indians who are 65 and older is likely to remain under 20 per cent until 2063 and will not approach 30 per cent until 2100, under the UN’s medium variant projections.</p>

<p>The Goldman report is batting for this demography to come good which may propel India beyond the US, one of the biggest superpowers of the century gone by.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report, released on the same day it was announced that the Foxconn-Vedanta mega semiconductor production facility was off the table may come as a booster shot of confidence for the Indian&nbsp;government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In a seal of approval on India's growth story, investment bank Goldman Sachs has said the country is poised to become the world's second-largest economy by 2075, surpassing the likes of Japan, Germany and the United States.

In a seal of approval on India's growth story, investment bank Goldman Sachs has said the country is poised to become the world's second-largest economy by 2075, surpassing the likes of Japan, Germany and the United States. The recent report states that favourable demographics, innovation and technology, higher capital investment and rising worker productivity will drive India's growth. Currently, India is ranked the world's fifth-largest economy, trailing Germany, Japan, China and the US. “Over the next two decades, the dependency ratio of India will be one of the lowest among regional economies,” said Goldman Sachs Research’s India economist, Santanu Sengupta. “India has made more progress in innovation and technology than some may realise. Yes, the country has demographics on its side, but that’s not going to be the only driver of GDP. Innovation and increasing worker productivity are going to be important for the world’s fifth-biggest economy. In technical terms, that means greater output for each unit of labour and capital in India’s economy," said Sengupta. The report highlighted the Indian government's focus on infrastructure development in terms of roads, railways and other metrics may very well drive the growth locomotive. It argued that the time was ripe for the private sector to take the plunge and create capacity in manufacturing and services in order to generate more jobs and absorb the large labour force. WATCH | India: Leading light of the global economy, to replace China as World's growth engine × The risks associated The only concern that may stall India's growth would be if the labour force participation rate does not increase as projected, the report states. “The labour force participation rate in India has declined over the last 15 years," it noted, adding, "If you have more opportunities - especially for women because the women’s labour force participation rate is significantly lower than men’s - you can shore up your labour force participation rate, which can further increase your potential growth." Also read | Foxconn pulls out of $19.5bn semiconductor deal in India, minister says ‘won’t impact fab goals’ Net exports have also had a negative impact on India's growth but the report took an optimistic view and said the service exports had been cushioning current account balances. India has age by its side According to a Time Magazine report, nearly half the population of India (650 million people) is below the age of 25 - meaning the country won't be hitting its peak until 2065. Adults aged 65 and older comprise only seven per cent of the population compared with 14 per cent in China and 18 per cent in the US. The share of Indians who are 65 and older is likely to remain under 20 per cent until 2063 and will not approach 30 per cent until 2100, under the UN’s medium variant projections. The Goldman report is batting for this demography to come good which may propel India beyond the US, one of the biggest superpowers of the century gone by. The report, released on the same day it was announced that the Foxconn-Vedanta mega semiconductor production facility was off the table may come as a booster shot of confidence for the Indian government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India to overtake US to become second-largest economy by 2075: Report

Heavy rain in southern Japan leaves up to six dead, three missing

Here, we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Members of the South Korean Confederation of Trade Unions take part in a rally against the government's labour policy and the Japanese government's plan to release treated radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear power plant, in Seoul, South Korea.

Protests outside Japan PM Fumio Kishida's office

<p>Torrential rain in southwest Japan claimed the lives of at least two people, on Monday, with fears that the death toll could rise as several residents were asked to evacuate their houses.</p>

<p>A week of steady rain in the country has prompted the rivers to burst their banks and waterlogged earth to break into deadly landslides, including one that claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman.</p>

<p>As per the news agency AFP, a landslide in Kurume city, Fukuoka region, engulfed 10 people. Nine out of those survived, but a local man, aged around 70, lost his life in the incident, said the city's disaster management official.</p>

<p>According to the Yomiuri Shimbun and national broadcaster NHK, separately a male body was also found in Kurume, next to rice fields near a flooded river.</p>

<p>The Yomiuri said that in Hirokawa town in Fukuoka, the body of an elderly male was found inside a flooded vehicle trapped in an irrigation channel.</p>

<p>According to the officials, another woman was feared dead after she was last seen sticking to a car in rising floodwaters in the neighbouring Oita region.</p>

<p>By Monday afternoon, rain in the region slowed or stopped. But earlier in the day, more than 420,000 people were put under a top-level evacuation warning stating: "Your life is in danger, you need to take action immediately."</p>

<p>Around two million more in Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Saga, Yamaguchi and Oita were under a lower-level warning, urging them to evacuate if they were in hazardous areas.</p>

<p>Japan has five levels of evacuation orders, but people cannot be forced to leave their homes.</p>

<p>"Rain and wind gusts were very, very strong. There was lightning. It was so horrible," Takashi Onizuka, 62, of Tachiarai town near Kurume in Fukuoka told AFP.</p>

<p>The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released a statement saying that the heavy downpours risked flooding and landslides across Fukuoka and Oita.</p>

<p>"This is the heaviest rain ever experienced" by the region, Satoshi Sugimoto of JMA's forecast division told reporters.</p>

<p>"The situation is such that lives are in danger and safety must be secured," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Japan PM Fumio Kishida's office releases statement</strong></h2>

<p>The prime minister's office said a task force had been set up in order to coordinate a response to the heavy rains.</p>

<p>"We have received reports that several rivers have flooded... and that landslides have occurred in various parts" of the country, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.</p>

<p>"The government is doing its best to get a complete picture of the damage and taking measures under a policy of 'people's lives first'," he added.</p>

<p>He warned torrential rain was forecast across much of the country on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"If you feel your life is in danger, even just a little, don't hesitate to act," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the officials, in Fukuoka's Asakura City, the rain was thought to have reached a peak point but there were still fears about flooding.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-flood-situation-in-delhi-says-cm-arvind-kejriwal-after-rise-in-water-level-of-yamuna-613897">'No flood situation in Delhi', says CM Arvind Kejriwal after rise in water level of Yamuna</a></p>

<p>"Water levels in rivers are rising so we're vigilant against the possibility of overflowing," local official Takaaki Harano told AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>'Climate change is intensifying risk of heavy rain in Japan', say scientists</strong></h2>

<p>According to scientists, climate change is heightening the risk of heavy rain in Japan and elsewhere, because a warmer atmosphere holds more water.</p>

<p>The weather agency said it had already been raining for more than a week in the region.</p>

<p>"The area is very wet due to intermittent rainfall for over a week," Yoshiyuki Toyoguchi, land ministry official in charge of rivers, told reporters.</p>

<p>"Even with a little rain, river levels tend to rise quickly, which will increase the risk of flooding."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Torrential rain in southwest Japan claimed the lives of at least two people, on Monday, with fears that the death toll could rise as several residents were asked to evacuate their houses.

Torrential rain in southwest Japan claimed the lives of at least two people, on Monday, with fears that the death toll could rise as several residents were asked to evacuate their houses. A week of steady rain in the country has prompted the rivers to burst their banks and waterlogged earth to break into deadly landslides, including one that claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman. As per the news agency AFP, a landslide in Kurume city, Fukuoka region, engulfed 10 people. Nine out of those survived, but a local man, aged around 70, lost his life in the incident, said the city's disaster management official. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun and national broadcaster NHK, separately a male body was also found in Kurume, next to rice fields near a flooded river. The Yomiuri said that in Hirokawa town in Fukuoka, the body of an elderly male was found inside a flooded vehicle trapped in an irrigation channel. According to the officials, another woman was feared dead after she was last seen sticking to a car in rising floodwaters in the neighbouring Oita region. By Monday afternoon, rain in the region slowed or stopped. But earlier in the day, more than 420,000 people were put under a top-level evacuation warning stating: "Your life is in danger, you need to take action immediately." Around two million more in Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Saga, Yamaguchi and Oita were under a lower-level warning, urging them to evacuate if they were in hazardous areas. Japan has five levels of evacuation orders, but people cannot be forced to leave their homes. "Rain and wind gusts were very, very strong. There was lightning. It was so horrible," Takashi Onizuka, 62, of Tachiarai town near Kurume in Fukuoka told AFP. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released a statement saying that the heavy downpours risked flooding and landslides across Fukuoka and Oita. "This is the heaviest rain ever experienced" by the region, Satoshi Sugimoto of JMA's forecast division told reporters. "The situation is such that lives are in danger and safety must be secured," he added. Japan PM Fumio Kishida's office releases statement The prime minister's office said a task force had been set up in order to coordinate a response to the heavy rains. "We have received reports that several rivers have flooded... and that landslides have occurred in various parts" of the country, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters. "The government is doing its best to get a complete picture of the damage and taking measures under a policy of 'people's lives first'," he added. He warned torrential rain was forecast across much of the country on Tuesday. "If you feel your life is in danger, even just a little, don't hesitate to act," he said. According to the officials, in Fukuoka's Asakura City, the rain was thought to have reached a peak point but there were still fears about flooding. Also read: 'No flood situation in Delhi', says CM Arvind Kejriwal after rise in water level of Yamuna "Water levels in rivers are rising so we're vigilant against the possibility of overflowing," local official Takaaki Harano told AFP. 'Climate change is intensifying risk of heavy rain in Japan', say scientists According to scientists, climate change is heightening the risk of heavy rain in Japan and elsewhere, because a warmer atmosphere holds more water. The weather agency said it had already been raining for more than a week in the region. "The area is very wet due to intermittent rainfall for over a week," Yoshiyuki Toyoguchi, land ministry official in charge of rivers, told reporters. "Even with a little rain, river levels tend to rise quickly, which will increase the risk of flooding." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Heaviest rain ever' claims lives of at least two in southwestern Japan

IN PICS | South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release

Protests have intensified in Japan and South Korea following the approval by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to release treated water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Protests intensify in Japan and South Korea over Fukushima water release

In his report endorsing Japan's proposal to release treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima plant, the chief of the UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi hinted at reservations among some specialists.

IAEA Chief hints at discord among Fukushima report experts

Members of the South Korean Confederation of Trade Unions take part in a rally against the government's labor policy and the Japanese government's plan to release treated radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear power plant, in Seoul, South Korea.

Japan's plan to release Fukushima plant's treated radioactive water triggers protest

Japanese airlines in partnership with the trading house Sumitomo Corporation group has come up with an initiative called 'any wear, anywhere'. Under this pilot project, passengers can rent out clothing of their choice and size on a website before boarding a plane.

Japan airlines' initiative: 'Any Wear, Anywhere'

China is set to tighten its scrutiny on Japanese food. Beijing will maintain curbs on some Japanese imports over security concerns. Japan is discharging treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima plant into the sea. The Japanese plan, approved by the UN nuclear watchdog, has faced opposition at home & abroad. Japan insists the released water will be safe & meet global standards.

Why is China planning to ban food imports from Japan?

Japan's plan to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant is creating a new crisis. China is banning the import of food from 10 Japanese prefectures over safety reasons. Meanwhile, the largest fisheries market in the South Korean capital is stepping up radiation testing.

South Korea’s fisheries market begin testing fish for radiation after Japan’s Fukushima move

<p>Japan's biggest and busiest maritime port was brought to a grinding halt for two days after being hit by an alleged Russian cyberattack earlier this week. The virtual attack crippled&nbsp;Nagoya Port's&nbsp;loading and offloading system, stalling the container handling process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japanese media reports claimed that LockBit, a type of ransomware linked with Russian-speaking hackers, was employed in the attack.&nbsp;After two days of chaos, the port authorities said operations partially resumed on Thursday afternoon. The Nagoya Harbor Transportation Association said it had not been in contact with the hacker group nor it had paid any ransom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>LockBit cybercriminal group recently made the headlines when it claimed&nbsp;Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC to be its latest victim of cyber-sabotage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TSMC, at the time, confirmed that one of its&nbsp;hardware suppliers was hacked and data was stolen from it, but said the incident had no impact on business operations.</p>

<p>The Port of Nagoya is regarded as a hub for car exports and an engine of the Japanese economy. Last year, the port alone handled 165 million tonnes of cargo.&nbsp;Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s biggest carmaker by units sold which uses the port majorly for its operation said the attack did not&nbsp;affect the shipment of new cars.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-hackers-demand-ransom-to-restore-systems-after-targeting-japans-port-612993"><strong>WATCH | Alleged Russian hackers behind ransomware attack on Japanese&nbsp;Port</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Retaliation by Russia?</strong></h2>

<p>The attack on the Nagoya Port&nbsp;comes a few days after the Japanese government raised concerns over the repeated Russian military activity near its territory, including joint drills with China.</p>

<p>Tokyo said such exercises posed "serious concern" for Japan's national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Such repeated joint flights by the strategic bombers of the two countries in the vicinity of our country signify the expansion of their activities, and are clearly intended to act arbitrarily against our country," said Matsuno, the government's top spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, on June 20, the Japanese&nbsp;defence ministry said it had spotted two Russian Navy ships in waters near Taiwan and Okinawa islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The warships sailed back and forth in the waters between the island and Taiwan and were last spotted&nbsp;between&nbsp;Miyako and Okinawa islands.&nbsp;The military said it dispatched two vessels to monitor the Russian ships for their activity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-spots-russian-warships-near-taiwan-okinawa-islands-raising-concerns-610849"><strong>Also read | Japan spots Russian warships near Taiwan, Okinawa islands, raises concerns</strong></a></p>

<p>Japan and Taiwan have joined the&nbsp;United States and other Western allies in imposing wide-ranging sanctions on Russia since President Vladimir Putin's forces invaded Ukraine in February last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Japan's biggest and busiest maritime port was brought to a grinding halt for two days after being hit by an alleged Russian cyberattack earlier this week. The virtual attack crippled Nagoya Port's loading and offloading system, stalling the container handling process.

Japan's biggest and busiest maritime port was brought to a grinding halt for two days after being hit by an alleged Russian cyberattack earlier this week. The virtual attack crippled Nagoya Port's loading and offloading system, stalling the container handling process. Japanese media reports claimed that LockBit, a type of ransomware linked with Russian-speaking hackers, was employed in the attack. After two days of chaos, the port authorities said operations partially resumed on Thursday afternoon. The Nagoya Harbor Transportation Association said it had not been in contact with the hacker group nor it had paid any ransom. LockBit cybercriminal group recently made the headlines when it claimed Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC to be its latest victim of cyber-sabotage. TSMC, at the time, confirmed that one of its hardware suppliers was hacked and data was stolen from it, but said the incident had no impact on business operations. The Port of Nagoya is regarded as a hub for car exports and an engine of the Japanese economy. Last year, the port alone handled 165 million tonnes of cargo. Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s biggest carmaker by units sold which uses the port majorly for its operation said the attack did not affect the shipment of new cars. WATCH | Alleged Russian hackers behind ransomware attack on Japanese Port × Retaliation by Russia? The attack on the Nagoya Port comes a few days after the Japanese government raised concerns over the repeated Russian military activity near its territory, including joint drills with China. Tokyo said such exercises posed "serious concern" for Japan's national security. "Such repeated joint flights by the strategic bombers of the two countries in the vicinity of our country signify the expansion of their activities, and are clearly intended to act arbitrarily against our country," said Matsuno, the government's top spokesperson. Notably, on June 20, the Japanese defence ministry said it had spotted two Russian Navy ships in waters near Taiwan and Okinawa islands. The warships sailed back and forth in the waters between the island and Taiwan and were last spotted between Miyako and Okinawa islands. The military said it dispatched two vessels to monitor the Russian ships for their activity. Also read | Japan spots Russian warships near Taiwan, Okinawa islands, raises concerns Japan and Taiwan have joined the United States and other Western allies in imposing wide-ranging sanctions on Russia since President Vladimir Putin's forces invaded Ukraine in February last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ransomware attack by ‘Russian hackers’ cripples Japan's largest port

The Indian and Japanese Space Agencies are working together on a joint lunar exploration mission. In an exclusive interview to WION, Ishii Yasuo, the Vice President of the Japanese Space Agency, Jaxa, shares more details. Watch the video to know more.

India and Japan working on moon mission 'Lupex': Ishii Yasuo, Vice President of Jaxa

<p>Japan's nominal base salary experienced its most rapid growth in 28 years in May, according to government data cited by Reuters released on Friday, intensifying the discussion surrounding the timing of the central bank's withdrawal from its ultra-loose monetary stimulus.</p>

<p>The global financial markets have been closely monitoring Japan's wage data as Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda considers pay growth a crucial factor in deliberations regarding a policy shift. Data from the labor ministry revealed that regular wages surged by 1.8 per cent in May compared to the previous year, marking the largest increase since February 1995. The substantial growth in base pay also contributed to a 2.5 per cent rise in workers' total cash earnings, or nominal wages, in May, following a revised 0.8 per cent increase recorded in April.</p>

<p>Reuters cited Hisashi Yamada, an economist, and professor at Hosei University, who stated that if inflation stabilizes around 2 per cent and nominal wages accelerate from 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent, the conditions could be set for the BOJ to dismantle the monetary easing framework from the Kuroda era. Meanwhile, Rengo, Japan's largest labor organization, announced on Wednesday that major companies had agreed to average pay hikes of 3.58 per cent this year, the highest since 1993 when it stood at 3.9 per cent.</p>

<p>A labour ministry official noted that the outcome of the 'shunto' spring labor negotiations would increasingly manifest in the government's wage statistics over the next few months.</p>

<p>However, despite the significant nominal wage growth, real wages in Japan contracted by 1.2 per cent in May, marking the 14th consecutive month of year-on-year declines. Relentless consumer inflation outpaced nominal pay growth, putting pressure on households' purchasing power. Analysts predict that real wages will continue to decline throughout 2023.</p>

<p>Additional data released on Friday revealed that Japanese household spending declined by 4.0 per cent in May compared to the previous year, marking the third consecutive month of decline and exceeding the market's median forecast of a 2.4 per cent drop. The data indicated decreased spending across various categories, including food, clothing, and transportation.</p>

<p>In an interview with the Nikkei newspaper published on Friday, BOJ's Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida emphasised the central bank's need to continue supporting the economy through accommodative policies.</p>

<p>Reuters cited Taro Saito, an executive research fellow at NLI Research Institute, who predicted that next year's spring labor negotiations would likely result in wage growth similar to this year's due to prolonged price inflation and labor shortages. However, he cautioned that the uncertain global economic conditions pose the greatest risk to this scenario.</p>

<p><em>(With Inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Japan's nominal base salary experienced its most rapid growth in 28 years in May, according to government data cited by Reuters released on Friday, intensifying the discussion surrounding the timing of the central bank's withdrawal from its ultra-loose monetary stimulus.

Japan's nominal base salary experienced its most rapid growth in 28 years in May, according to government data cited by Reuters released on Friday, intensifying the discussion surrounding the timing of the central bank's withdrawal from its ultra-loose monetary stimulus. The global financial markets have been closely monitoring Japan's wage data as Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda considers pay growth a crucial factor in deliberations regarding a policy shift. Data from the labor ministry revealed that regular wages surged by 1.8 per cent in May compared to the previous year, marking the largest increase since February 1995. The substantial growth in base pay also contributed to a 2.5 per cent rise in workers' total cash earnings, or nominal wages, in May, following a revised 0.8 per cent increase recorded in April. Reuters cited Hisashi Yamada, an economist, and professor at Hosei University, who stated that if inflation stabilizes around 2 per cent and nominal wages accelerate from 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent, the conditions could be set for the BOJ to dismantle the monetary easing framework from the Kuroda era. Meanwhile, Rengo, Japan's largest labor organization, announced on Wednesday that major companies had agreed to average pay hikes of 3.58 per cent this year, the highest since 1993 when it stood at 3.9 per cent. A labour ministry official noted that the outcome of the 'shunto' spring labor negotiations would increasingly manifest in the government's wage statistics over the next few months. However, despite the significant nominal wage growth, real wages in Japan contracted by 1.2 per cent in May, marking the 14th consecutive month of year-on-year declines. Relentless consumer inflation outpaced nominal pay growth, putting pressure on households' purchasing power. Analysts predict that real wages will continue to decline throughout 2023. Additional data released on Friday revealed that Japanese household spending declined by 4.0 per cent in May compared to the previous year, marking the third consecutive month of decline and exceeding the market's median forecast of a 2.4 per cent drop. The data indicated decreased spending across various categories, including food, clothing, and transportation. In an interview with the Nikkei newspaper published on Friday, BOJ's Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida emphasised the central bank's need to continue supporting the economy through accommodative policies. Reuters cited Taro Saito, an executive research fellow at NLI Research Institute, who predicted that next year's spring labor negotiations would likely result in wage growth similar to this year's due to prolonged price inflation and labor shortages. However, he cautioned that the uncertain global economic conditions pose the greatest risk to this scenario. (With Inputs from Reuters)

Japanese wages break records: Fastest growth in 28 years ignites stimulus exit debate

Japan's largest maritime port - the port of Nagoya - suffered a significant disruption due to a cyber attack allegedly by the Russian group - Lockwood. The hackers allegedly demanded a ransom to restore control of the system to the port operator.

Russian hackers demand ransom to restore systems after targeting Japan's port

Asia Pacific markets are feeling the Fed's impact today as minutes from the US federal reserve revealed. A divided opinion on rate hikes fell one percent in Japan while the Cosby dropped 0.8 percent in South Korea.

US Fed meeting minutes triggers selling; Asian markets largely down

The United Nations nuclear watchdog Chief has finished the tour of the Fukushima Nuclear Plant. Rafael Grossi remains unchanged on his stand clearing release of the water. China and other nations are still opposing the move.

Fukushima water release: Japan gets nod from UN nuclear watchdog | World News | WION

Research into new applications for seaweed is flourishing. From carbon absorption to reducing methane emissions from cattle, countries are looking to Asia's savvy use of seaweed to develop their industries back home. Studies have found that seaweed can help plants grow faster. A green tea plantation uses it as organic fertiliser.

Japanese seaweed attracting international attention over potential to become super crop | WION

Japan is set to begin pumping out more than a million tonnes of treated water from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant this summer. The water was distilled after being contaminated from contact with fuel rods at the reactor, destroyed in a 2011 earthquake. tanks on the site now hold about 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water, enough to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Here's how Japan plans to deal with the water.

Fukushima nuclear disaster: Japan to pump out about 1.3 mn tonnes of radioactive water | Details

<p>The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday (July 5) sought to reassure local residents and representatives that the planned release of treated wastewater from Fukushima nuclear plant is safe. The IAEA has approved the planned, decades-long water discharge from the devastated nuclear plant. The UN nuclear energy watchdog has said that the discharge meets the global standard.</p>

<p>However, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi acknowledged that concerns remain. He was talking at a meeting in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About 1.33 million cubic metre of groundwater, rainwater and water used for cooling has been accumulated at the site of Fukushima nuclear plant. The nuclear plant is being decommissioned after several reactors went into meltdown after the 2011 tsunami badly damaged the plant.</p>

<p>Plant operator TEPCO treats the water through its ALPS processing system to remove almost all radioactive elements except tritium, and plans to dilute it before discharging it into the ocean over several decades.</p>

<p>It is expected that the release of water will begin this summer. But the plant is being opposed by regional neighbours. China has been vocal in condemning the plan. Even some communities, particularly fishing communities are opposing release of the water fearing that customers will shun their catches.</p>

<p>Grossi said the IAEA was not involved in the process to "give cover... to decorate something that is bad".</p>

<p>"When it comes to this activity here, what is happening is not some exception, some strange plan that has been devised only to be applied here and sold to you," he said.</p>

<p>"This is, as certified by the IAEA, the general practice that is agreed by and observed by many, many places, all over the world."</p>

<h2><strong>Anger among residents</strong></h2>

<p>Media reports say that there is visible anger among residents.</p>

<p>Tetsu Nozaki, chairman of the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations, argued Japan's government was misrepresenting local sentiment, which he said remained strongly opposed to the plan.</p>

<p>"We fishery operators are left with no choice but to react emotionally and harden our attitude," he told Grossi as per AFP.</p>

<p>"I beg you to realise... that this project of the release of ALPS-processed water is moving ahead in the face of opposition."</p>

<p>Grossi said that he had no "magic wand" which could assuage all concerns. However, he underlined that the IAEA will set up permanent office to review the release for decades.</p>

<p>"We are going to stay here with you for decades to come, until the last drop of the water which is accumulated around the reactor has been safely discharged," he said.</p>

<p>In a final report, IAEA said on Tuesday that release of the water would have "negligible" impact on the environment. South Korea has said that it respects the finding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has been vocal in its criticism, with its foreign ministry spokesman warning Wednesday that "the report cannot prove the legitimacy of Japan's ocean-dumping plan".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday (July 5) sought to reassure local residents and representatives that the planned release of treated wastewater from Fukushima nuclear plant is safe.

The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday (July 5) sought to reassure local residents and representatives that the planned release of treated wastewater from Fukushima nuclear plant is safe. The IAEA has approved the planned, decades-long water discharge from the devastated nuclear plant. The UN nuclear energy watchdog has said that the discharge meets the global standard. However, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi acknowledged that concerns remain. He was talking at a meeting in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture. About 1.33 million cubic metre of groundwater, rainwater and water used for cooling has been accumulated at the site of Fukushima nuclear plant. The nuclear plant is being decommissioned after several reactors went into meltdown after the 2011 tsunami badly damaged the plant. Plant operator TEPCO treats the water through its ALPS processing system to remove almost all radioactive elements except tritium, and plans to dilute it before discharging it into the ocean over several decades. It is expected that the release of water will begin this summer. But the plant is being opposed by regional neighbours. China has been vocal in condemning the plan. Even some communities, particularly fishing communities are opposing release of the water fearing that customers will shun their catches. Grossi said the IAEA was not involved in the process to "give cover... to decorate something that is bad". "When it comes to this activity here, what is happening is not some exception, some strange plan that has been devised only to be applied here and sold to you," he said. "This is, as certified by the IAEA, the general practice that is agreed by and observed by many, many places, all over the world." Anger among residents Media reports say that there is visible anger among residents. Tetsu Nozaki, chairman of the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations, argued Japan's government was misrepresenting local sentiment, which he said remained strongly opposed to the plan. "We fishery operators are left with no choice but to react emotionally and harden our attitude," he told Grossi as per AFP. "I beg you to realise... that this project of the release of ALPS-processed water is moving ahead in the face of opposition." Grossi said that he had no "magic wand" which could assuage all concerns. However, he underlined that the IAEA will set up permanent office to review the release for decades. "We are going to stay here with you for decades to come, until the last drop of the water which is accumulated around the reactor has been safely discharged," he said. In a final report, IAEA said on Tuesday that release of the water would have "negligible" impact on the environment. South Korea has said that it respects the finding. China has been vocal in its criticism, with its foreign ministry spokesman warning Wednesday that "the report cannot prove the legitimacy of Japan's ocean-dumping plan". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Fukushima nuclear plant water release is safe, says IAEA chief

<p>From&nbsp;live-streamed&nbsp;fish&nbsp;to diplomatic&nbsp;study&nbsp;trips,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;is waging a concerted&nbsp;campaign&nbsp;to calm controversy before it begins releasing treated water from the&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;nuclear plant into the sea.</p>

<p>The problem is massive: the&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;Daiichi plant, where several reactors melted down after the 2011 tsunami overwhelmed cooling systems, generates 100,000 litres (3,500 cubic feet) of contaminated water a day.</p>

<p>The mix of groundwater, rainwater that seeps into the area and water used for cooling is treated by plant operator TEPCO and stored on site. But 1.33 million cubic metres later, space has nearly run out.</p>

<p>TEPCO and&nbsp;Japan's government want to release the treated liquid, diluted with seawater, via a pipe extending a kilometre from the coast where the plant sits.</p>

<p>They say filtration removes most radionuclides -- elements that emit radiation -- and renders the water no different to that regularly released by nuclear plants elsewhere, a view endorsed by experts and the UN nuclear watchdog.</p>

<p>The release is a "robust plan," according to Tony Hooker, an associate professor at the University of Adelaide's Centre for Radiation Research, Education and Innovation.</p>

<p>"No environmental or human health impacts are likely to be observed," he said, though he noted there is growing debate about the global practice of ocean dumping.</p>

<p>Claims about risks "are not founded in scientific evidence," added Jim Smith, professor of environmental science at the University of Portsmouth.</p>

<p>"Those making claims... should consider the negative impact of their -- I think scientifically baseless -- claims on the communities in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;who have been affected by the&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;accident," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/population-collapse-number-of-japanese-households-with-kids-falls-to-historic-low-612123"><strong>Also Read :&nbsp;Population collapse? Number of Japanese households with kids falls to historic low</strong></a></p>

<h2>&nbsp;'Radiation risks'&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Still,&nbsp;Japan's government and TEPCO have faced persistent concern and criticism, with some pointing to missteps around the initial accident as grounds for distrust.</p>

<p>Anti-nuclear group Greenpeace has been among the loudest voices condemning the plan, accusing the government of having "discounted the radiation risks."&nbsp;</p>

<p>And neighbours from China to Pacific nations have expressed varying degrees of concern.</p>

<p>Fishing communities that spent years battling stigma and even bans on their catches now fear that rebuilt customer confidence will be destroyed.</p>

<p>No surprise then that dozens of government officials have been drafted in to work on swaying domestic and international opinion.</p>

<p>Regional and international delegations and media have been led on plant tours, sometimes stopping at tanks where&nbsp;fish&nbsp;swim in treated and diluted wastewater -- an experiment streamed on YouTube.</p>

<p>There have also been technical briefings for neighbours like South Korea, though government officials said multiple invitations for such talks with China had gone unanswered.</p>

<p>Perhaps the most important plank of&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;campaign&nbsp;is a review by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has endorsed the release plan and will monitor its implementation.</p>

<p>"This is the organisation which can provide reassurance to not only the Japanese people but to the international community... they provide the gold standard," said Shinichi Sato, director of the international nuclear cooperation division at&nbsp;Japan's foreign ministry.</p>

<p><strong>Watch :&nbsp;Japan gets IAEA nod to dispose Fukushima nuclear plant's waters in the ocean</strong></p>

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<h2>Negligible impact, says IAEA&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The IAEA, whose chief is visiting Tokyo and the&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;plant this week, said Tuesday the plan meets international standards and will have "a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment."</p>

<p>Still, it is likely to remain controversial, with Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna last month urging "more time and an abundance of caution."</p>

<p>And while Seoul has tempered earlier opposition, as diplomatic ties between the neighbours warm, that hasn't stopped panic buying of salt by some convinced the release will contaminate local seawater.</p>

<p>It's a painful moment for&nbsp;Fukushima's fishing communities, whose livelihoods have been battered.</p>

<p>A spokesman for the&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations said TEPCO's measures inspired little confidence about radiation risks.</p>

<p>But "the reputational damage is the bigger concern," he told AFP, declining to be named.</p>

<p>"There are still concerns raised both at home and abroad ... and we want the government to do more."</p>

<p>The release is expected to unfold over several decades, and&nbsp;Japan's government says its&nbsp;campaign&nbsp;is far from over.</p>

<p>"We understand that this requires a lot of explanation, and we are ready to do that," said Sato.</p>

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From live-streamed fish to diplomatic study trips, Japan is waging a concerted campaign to calm controversy before it begins releasing treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

From live-streamed fish to diplomatic study trips, Japan is waging a concerted campaign to calm controversy before it begins releasing treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. The problem is massive: the Fukushima Daiichi plant, where several reactors melted down after the 2011 tsunami overwhelmed cooling systems, generates 100,000 litres (3,500 cubic feet) of contaminated water a day. The mix of groundwater, rainwater that seeps into the area and water used for cooling is treated by plant operator TEPCO and stored on site. But 1.33 million cubic metres later, space has nearly run out. TEPCO and Japan's government want to release the treated liquid, diluted with seawater, via a pipe extending a kilometre from the coast where the plant sits. They say filtration removes most radionuclides -- elements that emit radiation -- and renders the water no different to that regularly released by nuclear plants elsewhere, a view endorsed by experts and the UN nuclear watchdog. The release is a "robust plan," according to Tony Hooker, an associate professor at the University of Adelaide's Centre for Radiation Research, Education and Innovation. "No environmental or human health impacts are likely to be observed," he said, though he noted there is growing debate about the global practice of ocean dumping. Claims about risks "are not founded in scientific evidence," added Jim Smith, professor of environmental science at the University of Portsmouth. "Those making claims... should consider the negative impact of their -- I think scientifically baseless -- claims on the communities in Japan who have been affected by the Fukushima accident," he added. Also Read : Population collapse? Number of Japanese households with kids falls to historic low 'Radiation risks' Still, Japan's government and TEPCO have faced persistent concern and criticism, with some pointing to missteps around the initial accident as grounds for distrust. Anti-nuclear group Greenpeace has been among the loudest voices condemning the plan, accusing the government of having "discounted the radiation risks." And neighbours from China to Pacific nations have expressed varying degrees of concern. Fishing communities that spent years battling stigma and even bans on their catches now fear that rebuilt customer confidence will be destroyed. No surprise then that dozens of government officials have been drafted in to work on swaying domestic and international opinion. Regional and international delegations and media have been led on plant tours, sometimes stopping at tanks where fish swim in treated and diluted wastewater -- an experiment streamed on YouTube. There have also been technical briefings for neighbours like South Korea, though government officials said multiple invitations for such talks with China had gone unanswered. Perhaps the most important plank of Japan's campaign is a review by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has endorsed the release plan and will monitor its implementation. "This is the organisation which can provide reassurance to not only the Japanese people but to the international community... they provide the gold standard," said Shinichi Sato, director of the international nuclear cooperation division at Japan's foreign ministry. Watch : Japan gets IAEA nod to dispose Fukushima nuclear plant's waters in the ocean × Negligible impact, says IAEA The IAEA, whose chief is visiting Tokyo and the Fukushima plant this week, said Tuesday the plan meets international standards and will have "a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment." Still, it is likely to remain controversial, with Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna last month urging "more time and an abundance of caution." And while Seoul has tempered earlier opposition, as diplomatic ties between the neighbours warm, that hasn't stopped panic buying of salt by some convinced the release will contaminate local seawater. It's a painful moment for Fukushima's fishing communities, whose livelihoods have been battered. A spokesman for the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations said TEPCO's measures inspired little confidence about radiation risks. But "the reputational damage is the bigger concern," he told AFP, declining to be named. "There are still concerns raised both at home and abroad ... and we want the government to do more." The release is expected to unfold over several decades, and Japan's government says its campaign is far from over. "We understand that this requires a lot of explanation, and we are ready to do that," said Sato. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Japan's scripted campaign to calm controversy over Fukushima nuclear plant

<p>For the first time since comparable data became available, the number of households with children fell below 10 million in 2022 in Japan. The population decline warning bells have been ringing for some time but the recent data paints a rather dystopic picture regarding Japan's future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, households with children under 18 stood at 9.917 million. down 3.4 percentage points from&nbsp;2019 data to a record low of 18.3 per cent&nbsp;of the total. Nearly half (49.3 per cent) of these households have only one child, 38 per cent have two, while those with three or more stood at 12.7 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Japan may not exist&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In March, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's close aide Masako Mori stated that the Asian country might cease to exist if the current trend of falling birth rate continues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If we go on like this, the country will disappear. It's the people who have to live through the process of disappearance who will face enormous harm. It's a terrible disease that will afflict those children," warned Mori.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's not falling gradually, it's heading straight down. A nosedive means children being born now will be thrown into a society that becomes distorted, shrinks and loses its ability to function," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His statement came after data showed that the number of babies born in Japan in 2022 fell below 800,000 for the first time since record-keeping&nbsp;began in 1899.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-japans-pm-kishida-vows-to-raise-birth-rate-555652" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Fineprint: Japan's PM Kishida vows to raise birth rate</strong></a></p>

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<p>Twice as many people died as were born in the country with 799,728 births reported compared to 1.58 million deaths.&nbsp;It was a continuation of a decade-long trend where the Japanese population declined, but the first instance when total births had dipped below the 800,000 mark. In 2020, the Asian country reported 840,832 births but the number fell to 811,604 in 2021 —&nbsp;a 3.5 per cent decline.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Japan on the precipice&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The fall in birth rate does not augur well for the world's third-largest economy. Failure to replace the dead population means that there will be a shortage in the workforce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consequently, older people will be forced to fill in under&nbsp;an&nbsp;attempt to propel the economy on an upward trajectory — a highly difficult proposition from the outset.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-may-cease-to-exist-warns-pm-fumio-kishida-aide-as-birthrate-plummets-to-record-levels-569234" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Japan may cease to exist, warns PM Fumio Kishida aide as birthrate plummets to record levels</strong></a></p>

<p>Japan is already&nbsp;the world's second-oldest country with a median age of 49. About, 28 per cent of its population is aged 65 years or older. With no young population on the bench, the economic story of Japan may come to a grinding halt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japanese PM Kishida has stated that the situation is grim and that it cannot be put in cold storage any more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Japan is standing on the verge of whether we can continue to function as a society. Focusing attention on policies regarding children and child-rearing is an issue that cannot wait and cannot be postponed."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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For the first time since comparable data became available, the number of households with children fell below 10 million in 2022 in Japan. The population decline warning bells have been ringing for some time but the recent data paints a rather dystopic picture regarding Japan's future.

For the first time since comparable data became available, the number of households with children fell below 10 million in 2022 in Japan. The population decline warning bells have been ringing for some time but the recent data paints a rather dystopic picture regarding Japan's future. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, households with children under 18 stood at 9.917 million. down 3.4 percentage points from 2019 data to a record low of 18.3 per cent of the total. Nearly half (49.3 per cent) of these households have only one child, 38 per cent have two, while those with three or more stood at 12.7 per cent. Japan may not exist In March, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's close aide Masako Mori stated that the Asian country might cease to exist if the current trend of falling birth rate continues. "If we go on like this, the country will disappear. It's the people who have to live through the process of disappearance who will face enormous harm. It's a terrible disease that will afflict those children," warned Mori. "It's not falling gradually, it's heading straight down. A nosedive means children being born now will be thrown into a society that becomes distorted, shrinks and loses its ability to function," he added. His statement came after data showed that the number of babies born in Japan in 2022 fell below 800,000 for the first time since record-keeping began in 1899. WATCH | WION Fineprint: Japan's PM Kishida vows to raise birth rate × Twice as many people died as were born in the country with 799,728 births reported compared to 1.58 million deaths. It was a continuation of a decade-long trend where the Japanese population declined, but the first instance when total births had dipped below the 800,000 mark. In 2020, the Asian country reported 840,832 births but the number fell to 811,604 in 2021 — a 3.5 per cent decline. Japan on the precipice The fall in birth rate does not augur well for the world's third-largest economy. Failure to replace the dead population means that there will be a shortage in the workforce. Consequently, older people will be forced to fill in under an attempt to propel the economy on an upward trajectory — a highly difficult proposition from the outset. Also read | Japan may cease to exist, warns PM Fumio Kishida aide as birthrate plummets to record levels Japan is already the world's second-oldest country with a median age of 49. About, 28 per cent of its population is aged 65 years or older. With no young population on the bench, the economic story of Japan may come to a grinding halt. Japanese PM Kishida has stated that the situation is grim and that it cannot be put in cold storage any more. "Japan is standing on the verge of whether we can continue to function as a society. Focusing attention on policies regarding children and child-rearing is an issue that cannot wait and cannot be postponed." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Population collapse? Number of Japanese households with kids falls to historic low

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