<p>A&nbsp;powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 struck northern Japan's Hokkaido prefecture on Sunday evening, as per Japan Meteorological Agency.&nbsp;The earthquake's epicentre was off the coast of the town of Urakawa. According to the agency, the earthquake had a depth of 140 km (87 miles). No tsunami warning was issued in response to the seismic activity. Footage shared by a media portal depicted the intensity of the seismic event that struck Japan's Hokkaido prefecture.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">JUST IN 🚨 Footage shows shaking during Japan's 6.2 magnitude earthquake<br />
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<p>The earthquake, measuring 6.2 magnitude on the Richter scale, caused substantial shaking as per the footage revealing the powerful tremors.</p>

<p>A similar powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude jolted eastern Tokyo City, Japan on May 26. The seismic event was confirmed by the meteorological agency, with the epicenter located off eastern Chiba Prefecture at a depth of 50 kilometers. The earthquake occurred at 7:03 pm local time (10:03 GMT). Thankfully, no tsunami warning was issued.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vending machines for natural disaster preparedness</strong></h2>

<p>In an effort to enhance their preparedness for natural disasters, Japan has taken a unique approach by installing vending machines that would provide free food and drinks during major earthquakes or typhoons. This new initiative aims to address the potential impact of future earthquakes and typhoons, particularly along the country's central and southwest Pacific coasts.</p>

<h2><strong>Pilot project implemented in Ako city</strong></h2>

<p>The pilot project has initially been implemented in the western coastal city of Ako, which is situated in an area identified by seismologists as being vulnerable to a large earthquake in the coming decades.</p>

<p>Two vending machines have been installed near buildings designated as evacuation shelters. These machines are stocked with approximately 300 bottles and cans of soft drinks, along with 150 emergency food items, including nutritional supplements.</p>

<h2><strong>Supporting evacuation shelters</strong></h2>

<p>Placing the vending machines near evacuation shelters is a strategic decision to ensure that those seeking refuge during emergencies have access to sustenance and beverages.</p>

<p>This initiative aims to provide a convenient source of food and drinks for affected individuals, relieving some of the immediate challenges faced during times of crisis.</p>

<h2><strong>Communication via local community radio</strong></h2>

<p>When triggered, a radio connected to the machines will broadcast evacuation instructions and other crucial updates from a local community radio station. This mechanism will help ensure that evacuees have access to timely and essential information to navigate the emergency situation effectively.</p>

<p>By implementing innovative measures like these vending machines, Japan is taking proactive steps to improve its disaster response capabilities and support the well-being of its citizens during times of natural calamities.</p>

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A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 struck northern Japan's Hokkaido prefecture on Sunday evening, as per Japan Meteorological Agency. The earthquake's epicentre was off the coast of the town of Urakawa.

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 struck northern Japan's Hokkaido prefecture on Sunday evening, as per Japan Meteorological Agency. The earthquake's epicentre was off the coast of the town of Urakawa. According to the agency, the earthquake had a depth of 140 km (87 miles). No tsunami warning was issued in response to the seismic activity. Footage shared by a media portal depicted the intensity of the seismic event that struck Japan's Hokkaido prefecture. JUST IN 🚨 Footage shows shaking during Japan's 6.2 magnitude earthquake pic.twitter.com/Q1oN8plVnk — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) June 11, 2023 × The earthquake, measuring 6.2 magnitude on the Richter scale, caused substantial shaking as per the footage revealing the powerful tremors. A similar powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude jolted eastern Tokyo City, Japan on May 26. The seismic event was confirmed by the meteorological agency, with the epicenter located off eastern Chiba Prefecture at a depth of 50 kilometers. The earthquake occurred at 7:03 pm local time (10:03 GMT). Thankfully, no tsunami warning was issued. Vending machines for natural disaster preparedness In an effort to enhance their preparedness for natural disasters, Japan has taken a unique approach by installing vending machines that would provide free food and drinks during major earthquakes or typhoons. This new initiative aims to address the potential impact of future earthquakes and typhoons, particularly along the country's central and southwest Pacific coasts. Pilot project implemented in Ako city The pilot project has initially been implemented in the western coastal city of Ako, which is situated in an area identified by seismologists as being vulnerable to a large earthquake in the coming decades. Two vending machines have been installed near buildings designated as evacuation shelters. These machines are stocked with approximately 300 bottles and cans of soft drinks, along with 150 emergency food items, including nutritional supplements. Supporting evacuation shelters Placing the vending machines near evacuation shelters is a strategic decision to ensure that those seeking refuge during emergencies have access to sustenance and beverages. This initiative aims to provide a convenient source of food and drinks for affected individuals, relieving some of the immediate challenges faced during times of crisis. Communication via local community radio When triggered, a radio connected to the machines will broadcast evacuation instructions and other crucial updates from a local community radio station. This mechanism will help ensure that evacuees have access to timely and essential information to navigate the emergency situation effectively. By implementing innovative measures like these vending machines, Japan is taking proactive steps to improve its disaster response capabilities and support the well-being of its citizens during times of natural calamities. 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. ×

Strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude jolts Japan’s Hokkaido

Although general elections in Japan are scheduled to take place in 2025, there have been rumours that due to the widening coalition cracks, the prime minister Fumio Kishida, may dissolve the lower house of parliament soon. This is because the conditions are favourable for him to seize back power.

Reports: Prime Minister Kishida considering early elections | Japan

<p>Two airplanes appear to have bumped into each other near a taxiway&nbsp;at Haneda Airport in Japan's capital of Tokyo causing concerns, media reports said.&nbsp;According to reports citing Japan's transport ministry, the collision incident involved a Thai Airways plane scheduled for departure to Bangkok and an Eva Airways jet bound for Taipei.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although no injuries were reported, the collision resulted in the closure of one of the airport's runways, causing delays and inconveniences for several flights.</p>

<h2><strong>Visual evidence, cleanup efforts</strong></h2>

<p>Footage broadcasted by media outlets showcased the aftermath of the likely collision, with both planes situated on the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-nine-people-shot-at-in-yet-another-targeted-shooting-incident-602856">San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident</a></p>

<p>The Thai Airways aircraft displayed visible damage to its winglet, the part located at the tip of the right-wing, while fragments were scattered near the runway. Aviation personnel swiftly initiated operations to clear the debris, ensuring the safety of the area.</p>

<h2><strong>Thai Airways' account of the incident</strong></h2>

<p>Thai Airways provided insights into the incident, explaining that their Bangkok-bound flight was preparing for takeoff on a taxiway when its winglet collided with the Eva Airways aircraft positioned on the same taxiway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archbishop-of-canterbury-urges-anglican-church-of-uganda-to-reject-anti-lgbt-law-602861">Archbishop of Canterbury urges Anglican church of Uganda to reject anti-LGBT law</a></p>

<p>The collision rendered the Thai airplane's winglet inoperable, necessitating the cancellation of the flight. The Airbus A330, carrying 250 passengers and 14 crew members, faced unexpected disruption due to the incident. Eva Airways has yet to provide an official statement regarding the collision.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation, pending clarity</strong></h2>

<p>Following the incident, questions arose about the cause of the collision and the events leading up to it. The Tokyo Airport Office promptly dispatched staff members to examine the situation and ascertain the details.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch | Exclusive inside view of the INS Hansa Goa, home to a wide-range fleet of Naval aircraft</p>

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<p>Thai Airways confirmed that Japan's civil aviation authority had initiated an investigation into the incident. The hope is that this ongoing investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the multitude of factors and scenarios that may have contributed to it.</p>

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Two airplanes appear to have bumped into each other near a taxiway at Haneda Airport in Japan's capital of Tokyo causing concerns, media reports said. According to reports citing Japan's transport ministry, the collision incident involved a Thai Airways plane scheduled for departure to Bangkok and an Eva Airways jet bound for Taipei.

Two airplanes appear to have bumped into each other near a taxiway at Haneda Airport in Japan's capital of Tokyo causing concerns, media reports said. According to reports citing Japan's transport ministry, the collision incident involved a Thai Airways plane scheduled for departure to Bangkok and an Eva Airways jet bound for Taipei. Although no injuries were reported, the collision resulted in the closure of one of the airport's runways, causing delays and inconveniences for several flights. Visual evidence, cleanup efforts Footage broadcasted by media outlets showcased the aftermath of the likely collision, with both planes situated on the ground. Also Read | San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident The Thai Airways aircraft displayed visible damage to its winglet, the part located at the tip of the right-wing, while fragments were scattered near the runway. Aviation personnel swiftly initiated operations to clear the debris, ensuring the safety of the area. Thai Airways' account of the incident Thai Airways provided insights into the incident, explaining that their Bangkok-bound flight was preparing for takeoff on a taxiway when its winglet collided with the Eva Airways aircraft positioned on the same taxiway. Also Read | Archbishop of Canterbury urges Anglican church of Uganda to reject anti-LGBT law The collision rendered the Thai airplane's winglet inoperable, necessitating the cancellation of the flight. The Airbus A330, carrying 250 passengers and 14 crew members, faced unexpected disruption due to the incident. Eva Airways has yet to provide an official statement regarding the collision. Investigation, pending clarity Following the incident, questions arose about the cause of the collision and the events leading up to it. The Tokyo Airport Office promptly dispatched staff members to examine the situation and ascertain the details. Watch | Exclusive inside view of the INS Hansa Goa, home to a wide-range fleet of Naval aircraft × Thai Airways confirmed that Japan's civil aviation authority had initiated an investigation into the incident. The hope is that this ongoing investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the multitude of factors and scenarios that may have contributed to it. 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. ×

Two planes collide at Haneda airport in Japan's capital

Japanese stocks are defying expectations and leaving their global counterparts in the dust in a market rally that's taking investors by storm, the Nikkei has soared to its highest level in over three decades, outpacing other major markets by a significant margin.

Japan's stock market renaissance | World Business Watch

<p>A diner who recorded himself licking a soy sauce bottle and wiping saliva on a fish slice at one of Japan's leading sushi&nbsp;restaurants is being sued by the&nbsp;sushi chain in Japan for ¥67mn ($480,859)&nbsp;in damages. This incident was one of a string of "sushi terrorism" episodes that disgraced Japan's food industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan's&nbsp;Kyodo news agency reported that&nbsp;Sushiro, the largest operator of revolving sushi restaurants in the country, filed the lawsuit with a court in Osaka, claiming it had incurred financial damages because the incident raised public concerns about food sanitation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unidentified teenager is accused of licking the rim of a teacup and a bottle of soy sauce before setting them back on a shelf. He then is said to have wiped saliva on a platter of sushi that was being served to other people.</p>

<p>Restaurant chains were forced to take severe measures to calm alarmed customers when a second person's video of the incident went viral.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-fukuoka-district-court-rules-ban-on-same-sex-marriage-in-a-state-of-unconstitutionality-602002">Japan's Fukuoka district court says ban on same-sex marriage ‘in a state of unconstitutionality</a></p>

<h2><strong>Charges levied against the teenager</strong></h2>

<p>A 21-year-old who reportedly drank from a shared soy sauce bottle at a kaitenzushi restaurant owned by Kura Sushi was one of three individuals detained by police in March on suspicion of forcible&nbsp;obstruction of business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The firm said at the time: “We sincerely hope that society widely acknowledges antisocial acts are crimes, and that these kinds of actions are not committed in future.”</p>

<p>The arrests — the first involving customers accused of "unhygienic and harassing behaviour" — came as news broke of further food-related acts of sabotage in the multibillion-dollar budget dining sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 30-year-old man was charged with comparable offences in April after being seen on camera using his own&nbsp;chopsticks&nbsp;to remove pickled&nbsp;ginger out of a container meant for everyone at a beef bowl eatery.</p>

<p>Several chains were obliged to act as a result of the pranks. To make it harder for other diners to tamper with food, one restaurant stopped using its conveyor belts, and another started serving sushi to guests who order using touch-screen devices via an "express lane."</p>

<p>Sushiro said in its lawsuit against the teenager that following the event, sales had drastically decreased.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Japan's stock market renaissance</strong></p>

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<p>After being compelled to spend an additional $645,084&nbsp;on additional sanitary measures, including constructing plastic barriers at more than 600 restaurants, the news agency said that the company may pursue additional damages.</p>

<p>The teenager has expressed regret for his behaviour and acknowledged licking shared items.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He didn't intend for the video&nbsp;to be circulated online, according to his lawyers, who also argued that it was hard to attribute the decline in Sushiro customers to him given the severe competition in the $740 billion budget sushi market.</p>

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A diner who recorded himself licking a soy sauce bottle and wiping saliva on a fish slice at one of Japan's leading sushi restaurants is being sued by the sushi chain in Japan for ¥67mn ($480,859) in damages.

A diner who recorded himself licking a soy sauce bottle and wiping saliva on a fish slice at one of Japan's leading sushi restaurants is being sued by the sushi chain in Japan for ¥67mn ($480,859) in damages. This incident was one of a string of "sushi terrorism" episodes that disgraced Japan's food industry. Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that Sushiro, the largest operator of revolving sushi restaurants in the country, filed the lawsuit with a court in Osaka, claiming it had incurred financial damages because the incident raised public concerns about food sanitation. The unidentified teenager is accused of licking the rim of a teacup and a bottle of soy sauce before setting them back on a shelf. He then is said to have wiped saliva on a platter of sushi that was being served to other people. Restaurant chains were forced to take severe measures to calm alarmed customers when a second person's video of the incident went viral. Also read | Japan's Fukuoka district court says ban on same-sex marriage ‘in a state of unconstitutionality Charges levied against the teenager A 21-year-old who reportedly drank from a shared soy sauce bottle at a kaitenzushi restaurant owned by Kura Sushi was one of three individuals detained by police in March on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business. The firm said at the time: “We sincerely hope that society widely acknowledges antisocial acts are crimes, and that these kinds of actions are not committed in future.” The arrests — the first involving customers accused of "unhygienic and harassing behaviour" — came as news broke of further food-related acts of sabotage in the multibillion-dollar budget dining sector. A 30-year-old man was charged with comparable offences in April after being seen on camera using his own chopsticks to remove pickled ginger out of a container meant for everyone at a beef bowl eatery. Several chains were obliged to act as a result of the pranks. To make it harder for other diners to tamper with food, one restaurant stopped using its conveyor belts, and another started serving sushi to guests who order using touch-screen devices via an "express lane." Sushiro said in its lawsuit against the teenager that following the event, sales had drastically decreased. Also watch | Japan's stock market renaissance After being compelled to spend an additional $645,084 on additional sanitary measures, including constructing plastic barriers at more than 600 restaurants, the news agency said that the company may pursue additional damages. The teenager has expressed regret for his behaviour and acknowledged licking shared items. He didn't intend for the video to be circulated online, according to his lawyers, who also argued that it was hard to attribute the decline in Sushiro customers to him given the severe competition in the $740 billion budget sushi market. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japanese restaurant chain files damages suit against 'sushi terrorist' for licking soy bottle

<p>In scenes uncommon for Japan’s normally sedate parliament, the left-wing lawmakers engaged in a brawl with other parliamentarians in an attempt to block a controversial immigration bill, the New York Post reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Liberal Democratic Party&nbsp;as well as two opposition parties, the Democratic Party for the People and Nippon Ishin no Kai voted in favour of the bill. However, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) opposed the legislation saying it did nothing to protect the rights of asylum-seekers as well as&nbsp;improving&nbsp;the current treatment of detainees stuck at immigration facilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though the protest started off ordinarily,&nbsp;Taro Yamamoto, an actor and leader of the Reiwa party, soon jumped onto the crowd, seemingly trying to reach the discussion table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Steamrolling this bill is unacceptable.&nbsp;That’s why we demand that it be withdrawn and that thorough deliberations be conducted,” said Sohei Nihia, a JCP member during the debate.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Battle Royale" actor and left-wing populist Reiwa party leader Taro Yamamoto tried to climb over lawmakers to stop the passing of an anti-refugee law through Japan's Upper House (via <a href="https://twitter.com/mrjeffu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mrjeffu</a>) <a href="https://t.co/HuPTMXvDef">pic.twitter.com/HuPTMXvDef</a></p>
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<p>By the end of the initial question-and-answer session, the opposition leaders once again started making noise as they gathered around&nbsp;Hisatake Sugi, the chairman of the committee, to impede the passing of the law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the chaos, the bill, which overhauls immigration rules and rolls back the long-term detention of asylum-seekers passed a key Upper House committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-enacts-law-to-tackle-loneliness-and-social-isolation-599527"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Japan enacts law to tackle loneliness and social isolation</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Second attempt to get the bill passed</strong></h2>

<p>This was the second attempt in the Japanese parliament to get the bill cleared. The previous attempt in February 2021 had to be abandoned&nbsp;amid a public outcry over the death of 33-year-old Sri Lankan asylum seeker named&nbsp;Ratnayake Liyanage Wishma Sandamali.</p>

<p>Sandamali, reportedly died in an immigration detention centre as subsequent investigations revealed that officers intentionally denied her request for provisional release. Moreover, the officers believed that she was faking her illness to get out.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-millions-in-japan-told-to-take-immediate-cover-582258"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Millions in Japan told to take immediate cover</strong></a></p>

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<p>Amnesty International has opposed the Japanese government's proposed changes to the immigration bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Migrants have painted a grim picture of what it’s like to claim refugee status in Japan. Far from being helped in their hour of need, they speak of being subjected to arbitrary, endless detention in prison-like immigration facilities,” said Hideaki Nakagawa, Director of Amnesty International Japan.</p>

<p>Notably, this was not the first instance when a scuffle broke out in the Japanese parliament. In 2015, members of the opposition and the ruling coalition pushed and shoved each other during a heated debate over a security bill that batted for the military fighting abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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In scenes uncommon for Japan’s normally sedate parliament, the left-wing lawmakers engaged in a brawl with other parliamentarians in an attempt to block a controversial immigration bill, the New York Post reported.

In scenes uncommon for Japan’s normally sedate parliament, the left-wing lawmakers engaged in a brawl with other parliamentarians in an attempt to block a controversial immigration bill, the New York Post reported. The Liberal Democratic Party as well as two opposition parties, the Democratic Party for the People and Nippon Ishin no Kai voted in favour of the bill. However, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) opposed the legislation saying it did nothing to protect the rights of asylum-seekers as well as improving the current treatment of detainees stuck at immigration facilities. Though the protest started off ordinarily, Taro Yamamoto, an actor and leader of the Reiwa party, soon jumped onto the crowd, seemingly trying to reach the discussion table. “Steamrolling this bill is unacceptable. That’s why we demand that it be withdrawn and that thorough deliberations be conducted,” said Sohei Nihia, a JCP member during the debate. "Battle Royale" actor and left-wing populist Reiwa party leader Taro Yamamoto tried to climb over lawmakers to stop the passing of an anti-refugee law through Japan's Upper House (via @mrjeffu) pic.twitter.com/HuPTMXvDef — Populism Updates (@PopulismUpdates) June 8, 2023 × By the end of the initial question-and-answer session, the opposition leaders once again started making noise as they gathered around Hisatake Sugi, the chairman of the committee, to impede the passing of the law. Despite the chaos, the bill, which overhauls immigration rules and rolls back the long-term detention of asylum-seekers passed a key Upper House committee. Also read | Japan enacts law to tackle loneliness and social isolation Second attempt to get the bill passed This was the second attempt in the Japanese parliament to get the bill cleared. The previous attempt in February 2021 had to be abandoned amid a public outcry over the death of 33-year-old Sri Lankan asylum seeker named Ratnayake Liyanage Wishma Sandamali. Sandamali, reportedly died in an immigration detention centre as subsequent investigations revealed that officers intentionally denied her request for provisional release. Moreover, the officers believed that she was faking her illness to get out. WATCH | Gravitas: Millions in Japan told to take immediate cover × Amnesty International has opposed the Japanese government's proposed changes to the immigration bill. “Migrants have painted a grim picture of what it’s like to claim refugee status in Japan. Far from being helped in their hour of need, they speak of being subjected to arbitrary, endless detention in prison-like immigration facilities,” said Hideaki Nakagawa, Director of Amnesty International Japan. Notably, this was not the first instance when a scuffle broke out in the Japanese parliament. In 2015, members of the opposition and the ruling coalition pushed and shoved each other during a heated debate over a security bill that batted for the military fighting abroad. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch | Lawmakers spar and scuffle in Japanese parliament over controversial refugee bill

<p>The defence force&nbsp;of Japan&nbsp;has&nbsp;been rethinking removing the ban on tattoos as it is making efforts to increase recruitment from a rapidly shrinking population.</p>

<p>For a long time, tattoos have been a taboo in the nation and are often linked to mafia-like criminal gangs which are popularly known as yakuza. These criminal gangs carry elaborate skin art on their body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, officials have stated that Japan's youth have been getting these tattoos done for sartorial reasons and hence, they must not be identified as yakuza.</p>

<p>The officials have further argued that the ban is hindering enlistment. The country's military Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) is 10 per cent short of its troop capacity and couldn't meet its recruitment target last April, stated officials,&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rejecting applicants just because they have tattoos poses a problem in terms of enhancing the human resources base," Masahisa Sato, governing Liberal Democratic Party's MP, said recently.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-gives-thumbs-down-to-natos-plans-of-opening-liaison-office-in-japan-601605">France gives thumbs down to NATO’s plans of opening liaison office in Japan</a></p>

<p>Head of the defence ministry's personnel bureau Kazuhito Machida said that they must reconsider the ban on tattoos, taking into account the country's declining birth rate.</p>

<p>In 2022, the country of 125 million recorded less than 800,000 births, which was less than two million in the 1970s. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that it is a "now or never" situation for the country to address its ageing and shrinking population.</p>

<h2><strong>Japan under pressure to fill&nbsp;vacancies in JSDF</strong></h2>

<p>This situation has further increased pressure on the country to fill vacancies in the JSDF as it is doubling its spending on military, in response to the nuclear arsenal of North Korea and the growing might of China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan has also been facing enduring calls to revise its post-war pacifist constitution so that it is capable of responding to the increasing tensions in the Asia-Pacific, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is still unknown when the government will take a final decision, however, scholars said that there was an era when tattoos were common in Japanese culture.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Typhoon Mawar: Japanese streets flooded after heavy rains</strong></p>

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<p>A cultural anthropologist at Tsuru University Yoshimi Yamamoto, who has been studying the culture of tatoo in Japan and Taiwan, said that encounters of Japanese with Europeans in the 1800s changed that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Civilized Europe" considered the full-body tattoos on the people of Japan as "backward", because of which people covered up the ink, except during religious festivals, said Yamamoto, in an online lecture in 2019.</p>

<p>"Tattooed people are feared almost automatically," Yamamoto said.</p>

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The defence force of Japan has been rethinking removing the ban on tattoos as it is making efforts to increase recruitment from a rapidly shrinking population. For a long time, tattoos have been a taboo in the nation and are often linked to mafia-like criminal gangs which are popularly known as yakuza.

The defence force of Japan has been rethinking removing the ban on tattoos as it is making efforts to increase recruitment from a rapidly shrinking population. For a long time, tattoos have been a taboo in the nation and are often linked to mafia-like criminal gangs which are popularly known as yakuza. These criminal gangs carry elaborate skin art on their body. However, officials have stated that Japan's youth have been getting these tattoos done for sartorial reasons and hence, they must not be identified as yakuza. The officials have further argued that the ban is hindering enlistment. The country's military Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) is 10 per cent short of its troop capacity and couldn't meet its recruitment target last April, stated officials, "Rejecting applicants just because they have tattoos poses a problem in terms of enhancing the human resources base," Masahisa Sato, governing Liberal Democratic Party's MP, said recently. ALSO READ | France gives thumbs down to NATO’s plans of opening liaison office in Japan Head of the defence ministry's personnel bureau Kazuhito Machida said that they must reconsider the ban on tattoos, taking into account the country's declining birth rate. In 2022, the country of 125 million recorded less than 800,000 births, which was less than two million in the 1970s. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that it is a "now or never" situation for the country to address its ageing and shrinking population. Japan under pressure to fill vacancies in JSDF This situation has further increased pressure on the country to fill vacancies in the JSDF as it is doubling its spending on military, in response to the nuclear arsenal of North Korea and the growing might of China. Japan has also been facing enduring calls to revise its post-war pacifist constitution so that it is capable of responding to the increasing tensions in the Asia-Pacific, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. It is still unknown when the government will take a final decision, however, scholars said that there was an era when tattoos were common in Japanese culture. WATCH | Typhoon Mawar: Japanese streets flooded after heavy rains A cultural anthropologist at Tsuru University Yoshimi Yamamoto, who has been studying the culture of tatoo in Japan and Taiwan, said that encounters of Japanese with Europeans in the 1800s changed that. "Civilized Europe" considered the full-body tattoos on the people of Japan as "backward", because of which people covered up the ink, except during religious festivals, said Yamamoto, in an online lecture in 2019. "Tattooed people are feared almost automatically," Yamamoto said. 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

Japan rethinks tattoo ban to boost recruitment in defence forces

After passing the landmark bill to redefine rape and increase the age of consent in the Lower House, Japan's Upper House discusses the legislation as it moves ahead to make it a law.

'No means no': Japan redefining sexual assault, making room for consent

<p>France has rejected a proposal by NATO to open a liaison office in Japan. As per media reports, French officials are of the view that NATO’s presence in the East Asian region will distract it from its prime region of focus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg previously hinted that an office in Japan will help the military alliance counter the rising security threats from China. However, Paris is not keen on pursuing any plan which could put Europe-China ties in jeopardy.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is France opposing NATO’s planned office in Japan?</strong></h2>

<p>French officials believe that putting NATO’s focus away from the Atlantic region goes against the provisions of the military alliance. “NATO (stands for) North Atlantic, and both article V and article VI (in its statutes) clearly limit the scope to North Atlantic,” a French official was quoted as saying by several media reports.</p>

<p>“There is no NATO liaison office in any country in the region. If NATO needs situational awareness in the region it can use the embassies designated as point of contact,” the official added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Who will be next NATO chief as Jen Stoltenberg to retire soon</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, it was French President Emmanuel Macron who referred to the move as “a big mistake.” France’s opposition can stymie NATO’s plans for Japan as a unanimous approval of the North Atlantic Council is required.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reactions from Japan and China</strong></h2>

<p>Japan declined to comment on Macron’s latest remarks, saying “deliberations” at various levels were still underway. “Various considerations are underway within NATO. At this point, I will refrain from commenting with prejudgment,” Japan’s top government spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/india-a-nato-state-whose-gain-whose-loss-600030"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India, a NATO state? Whose gain, whose loss?</strong></a></p>

<p>On the other hand, Beijing has blasted NATO for formulating plans that could “destabilise” the region. Wang Wenbin, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, was quoted by Financial Times as saying that opening a NATO office in Japan will amount to “interfering in regional affairs and inciting bloc confrontation.” He said, “Asia lies beyond the geographical scope of the North Atlantic.”</p>

<h2><strong>Japan says ‘No’ to NATO</strong></h2>

<p>Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last month said that his nation had no plans to join NATO, although he was aware of the plans of opening a liaison office in Tokyo. NATO, over the last few years, has expressed its concerns about China’s rising aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. &nbsp;However, France has hinted that it will no longer operate under the security umbrella of the US, and will seek strategic autonomy. Macron even suggested earlier this year that Europe must not become an American “vassal” while the French leader was visiting China.</p>

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France has rejected a proposal by NATO to open a liaison office in Japan. As per media reports, French officials are of the view that NATO’s presence in the East Asian region will distract it from its prime region of focus.

France has rejected a proposal by NATO to open a liaison office in Japan. As per media reports, French officials are of the view that NATO’s presence in the East Asian region will distract it from its prime region of focus. NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg previously hinted that an office in Japan will help the military alliance counter the rising security threats from China. However, Paris is not keen on pursuing any plan which could put Europe-China ties in jeopardy. Why is France opposing NATO’s planned office in Japan? French officials believe that putting NATO’s focus away from the Atlantic region goes against the provisions of the military alliance. “NATO (stands for) North Atlantic, and both article V and article VI (in its statutes) clearly limit the scope to North Atlantic,” a French official was quoted as saying by several media reports. “There is no NATO liaison office in any country in the region. If NATO needs situational awareness in the region it can use the embassies designated as point of contact,” the official added. Watch | Who will be next NATO chief as Jen Stoltenberg to retire soon × Earlier, it was French President Emmanuel Macron who referred to the move as “a big mistake.” France’s opposition can stymie NATO’s plans for Japan as a unanimous approval of the North Atlantic Council is required. Reactions from Japan and China Japan declined to comment on Macron’s latest remarks, saying “deliberations” at various levels were still underway. “Various considerations are underway within NATO. At this point, I will refrain from commenting with prejudgment,” Japan’s top government spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno said. Also read | India, a NATO state? Whose gain, whose loss? On the other hand, Beijing has blasted NATO for formulating plans that could “destabilise” the region. Wang Wenbin, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, was quoted by Financial Times as saying that opening a NATO office in Japan will amount to “interfering in regional affairs and inciting bloc confrontation.” He said, “Asia lies beyond the geographical scope of the North Atlantic.” Japan says ‘No’ to NATO Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last month said that his nation had no plans to join NATO, although he was aware of the plans of opening a liaison office in Tokyo. NATO, over the last few years, has expressed its concerns about China’s rising aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. However, France has hinted that it will no longer operate under the security umbrella of the US, and will seek strategic autonomy. Macron even suggested earlier this year that Europe must not become an American “vassal” while the French leader was visiting China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France gives thumbs down to NATO’s plans of opening liaison office in Japan

<p>South Korea and Japan said that they scrambled their air force jets after Russian and Chinese military planes entered the former’s air defence zones as they flew over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr">This is the sixth time that Russia and China have undertaken patrols near South Korean and Japanese territories since 2019.</p>

<p dir="ltr">China and Russia conducted joint patrol as part of the two militaries' annual cooperation plan, China's defence ministry said.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Four Chinese and four Russian military planes entered South Korea's air defence identification zone (KADIZ) without notice, Seoul's military said.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Joint Chiefs of Staff said that between 11.52 am and 1.49 pm (local time), the Chinese and Russian aircraft entered the KADIZ and exited it.</p>

<h2><strong>Indonesia: 36 countries including US, China participate in multilateral naval exercise</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr">The South Korean military, however, clarified that the Russian and Chinese planes did not violate their airspace before exiting the area.</p>

<p dir="ltr">An air defence zone is an area where countries demand that foreign aircraft identify themselves to prevent accidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Unlike a country's airspace — the air above its territory and territorial waters —there are no international rules governing air defence zones.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Growing tensions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">It comes after the defence chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan highlighted their commitment to strengthening trilateral security cooperation during the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual security conference in Singapore, over the weekend.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In November, China conducted an aerial patrol with Russia, forcing South Korea to deploy its fighter jets. Chinese H-6K bombers and Russian TU-95 bombers and SU-35 fighter jets had entered its Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ).</p>

<p dir="ltr">During the May 2022 joint exercise, Chinese and Russian warplanes neared Japan's airspace as Tokyo hosted a Quad summit with the leaders of the United States, India and Australia. The move alarmed Japan despite China saying that its flights were not directed at third parties.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There have been concerns among China’s neighbouring countries and their Western allies over China’s increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The growing tensions prompted the coast guard of the United States, Japan and the Philippines to hold held their first trilateral naval exercise in the South China Sea last week.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Moreover, a Chinese warship came within 150 yards (137 metres) of a US destroyer while the US and Canadian navies were conducting a joint exercise in the volatile Taiwan Strait over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Shortly before that, a video showed a Chinese fighter jet passing in front of a US&nbsp;plane's nose with the cockpit of the RC-135 shaking due to the turbulence caused by the flight.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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South Korea and Japan said that they scrambled their air force jets after Russian and Chinese military planes entered the former’s air defence zones as they flew over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea on Tuesday.

South Korea and Japan said that they scrambled their air force jets after Russian and Chinese military planes entered the former’s air defence zones as they flew over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea on Tuesday. This is the sixth time that Russia and China have undertaken patrols near South Korean and Japanese territories since 2019. China and Russia conducted joint patrol as part of the two militaries' annual cooperation plan, China's defence ministry said. Four Chinese and four Russian military planes entered South Korea's air defence identification zone (KADIZ) without notice, Seoul's military said. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said that between 11.52 am and 1.49 pm (local time), the Chinese and Russian aircraft entered the KADIZ and exited it. Indonesia: 36 countries including US, China participate in multilateral naval exercise The South Korean military, however, clarified that the Russian and Chinese planes did not violate their airspace before exiting the area. An air defence zone is an area where countries demand that foreign aircraft identify themselves to prevent accidents. Unlike a country's airspace — the air above its territory and territorial waters —there are no international rules governing air defence zones. Growing tensions It comes after the defence chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan highlighted their commitment to strengthening trilateral security cooperation during the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual security conference in Singapore, over the weekend. In November, China conducted an aerial patrol with Russia, forcing South Korea to deploy its fighter jets. Chinese H-6K bombers and Russian TU-95 bombers and SU-35 fighter jets had entered its Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ). During the May 2022 joint exercise, Chinese and Russian warplanes neared Japan's airspace as Tokyo hosted a Quad summit with the leaders of the United States, India and Australia. The move alarmed Japan despite China saying that its flights were not directed at third parties. There have been concerns among China’s neighbouring countries and their Western allies over China’s increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea. The growing tensions prompted the coast guard of the United States, Japan and the Philippines to hold held their first trilateral naval exercise in the South China Sea last week. Moreover, a Chinese warship came within 150 yards (137 metres) of a US destroyer while the US and Canadian navies were conducting a joint exercise in the volatile Taiwan Strait over the weekend. Shortly before that, a video showed a Chinese fighter jet passing in front of a US plane's nose with the cockpit of the RC-135 shaking due to the turbulence caused by the flight. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

South Korea, Japan scramble fighter jets after Russia, China hold joint patrol over Pacific 

Heavy rains that began on Friday and lasted until early Saturday in Japan have caused one person to pass away, at least three others are reported missing, and dozens of others have been hurt. Due to the excessive rains, transport services have been affected throughout the nation. On Friday, bullet trains were stopped in central Japan.

Typhoon Mawar: Japanese streets flooded after heavy rains

In Pics | Tropical storm Mawar batters Japan

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong denounced the United Nations Security Council meeting on the country’s recent satellite launch upon “robbery demands” from the United States, reported the state media KCNA, on Sunday (June 4). She also dubbed the meeting “most unfair” while rejecting sanctions and vowed to take “self-defensive” action.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Very offended’ over the UNSC meeting: Kim’s sister</strong></h2>

<p>The North Korean leader’s sister, as per the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that the UN meeting last week was yet another reminder that the council is acting as a “political appendage” to the “gangster-like” Washington. She also went on to say that the UNSC by accepting US’ “robbery demands” is ignoring North Korea’s right to space development.</p>

<p>“I am very offended that the UNSC routinely criticises our exercise of sovereign rights as the United States wants, and strongly condemn and reject this as the most unfair, prejudiced act of interfering in internal affairs and infringing our sovereignty,” said Kim Yo Jong, as quoted KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also called North Korea’s satellite launch a “legitimate, self-defensive countermeasure” amid threats from the US and its allies. Pyongyang had also accused Washington of raising tensions in the region with their recent annual military drills.</p>

<p>The North Korean leader’s sister also vowed to continue launching spy satellites which the country has called necessary to counter Washington’s growing US military presence in the region.</p>

<p>“The DPRK will continue to take proactive measures to exercise all the lawful rights of a sovereign state, including the one to military reconnaissance satellite launch,” said Kim Yo Jong, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Additionally, she said Pyongyang will never acknowledge sanctions resolutions by the UN, “even if they slap them hundred, thousand times.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened at the meeting?</strong></h2>

<p>The UNSC meeting over North Korea’s failed launch of its spy satellite was called by the US last week. The launch has since been slammed by the US, South Korea and Japan who said it violated UN resolutions barring the nuclear-armed country from any tests using ballistic missile technology.</p>

<p>This led the UN’s under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo on Friday to take the UNSC to task over the “lack of unity and action” on North Korea’s tests. Meanwhile, analysts have warned that if Pyongyang succeeds in its satellite deployment, the surveillance capabilities would allow North Korea to target the US and its ally South Korea more accurately.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On May 31, North Korea launched its Chollima-1 rocket which minutes later lost thrust and crashed into the sea with its satellite payload. Subsequently,&nbsp;in a rare announcement on the same day, Pyongyang said that it would conduct another test as soon as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong denounced the United Nations Security Council meeting on the country’s recent satellite launch upon “robbery demands” from the United States, reported the state media KCNA, on Sunday (June 4).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong denounced the United Nations Security Council meeting on the country’s recent satellite launch upon “robbery demands” from the United States, reported the state media KCNA, on Sunday (June 4). She also dubbed the meeting “most unfair” while rejecting sanctions and vowed to take “self-defensive” action. ‘Very offended’ over the UNSC meeting: Kim’s sister The North Korean leader’s sister, as per the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that the UN meeting last week was yet another reminder that the council is acting as a “political appendage” to the “gangster-like” Washington. She also went on to say that the UNSC by accepting US’ “robbery demands” is ignoring North Korea’s right to space development. “I am very offended that the UNSC routinely criticises our exercise of sovereign rights as the United States wants, and strongly condemn and reject this as the most unfair, prejudiced act of interfering in internal affairs and infringing our sovereignty,” said Kim Yo Jong, as quoted KCNA. She also called North Korea’s satellite launch a “legitimate, self-defensive countermeasure” amid threats from the US and its allies. Pyongyang had also accused Washington of raising tensions in the region with their recent annual military drills. The North Korean leader’s sister also vowed to continue launching spy satellites which the country has called necessary to counter Washington’s growing US military presence in the region. “The DPRK will continue to take proactive measures to exercise all the lawful rights of a sovereign state, including the one to military reconnaissance satellite launch,” said Kim Yo Jong, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Additionally, she said Pyongyang will never acknowledge sanctions resolutions by the UN, “even if they slap them hundred, thousand times.” What happened at the meeting? The UNSC meeting over North Korea’s failed launch of its spy satellite was called by the US last week. The launch has since been slammed by the US, South Korea and Japan who said it violated UN resolutions barring the nuclear-armed country from any tests using ballistic missile technology. This led the UN’s under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo on Friday to take the UNSC to task over the “lack of unity and action” on North Korea’s tests. Meanwhile, analysts have warned that if Pyongyang succeeds in its satellite deployment, the surveillance capabilities would allow North Korea to target the US and its ally South Korea more accurately. On May 31, North Korea launched its Chollima-1 rocket which minutes later lost thrust and crashed into the sea with its satellite payload. Subsequently, in a rare announcement on the same day, Pyongyang said that it would conduct another test as soon as possible. (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.

‘Very offended’: North Korean leader’s sister slams UN meeting on spy satellite launch

The coronavirus pandemic had a huge toll on populations worldwide. However, one often ignored the cost of the pandemic stemming from the subsequent lockdowns. With most of the world forced to quarantine themselves, social isolation and loneliness have cropped up as a wound with a lasting scar. To help its citizens navigate their way through social isolation and loneliness, Japan has now introduced legislation.

Japan enacts law to tackle loneliness and social isolation

To help its citizens navigate their way through social isolation and loneliness, Japan has introduced legislation. The legislation will go into effect on April 1 next year.

Japan enacts bill to tackle social isolation

<p>Japan has expanded its natural disaster preparations to include vending machines that would provide free food and drink in the event of a major earthquake or typhoon.</p>

<p>Two machines have been installed&nbsp;in the western coastal city of Ako, which is located in an area that seismologists predict is vulnerable to a large earthquake that is projected to impact the country's central and south-west Pacific coasts in the decades to come.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The machines, which carry around 300 bottles and cans of soft drinks and 150 emergency food items, including nutritional supplements, have been placed near buildings designated as evacuation shelters.</p>

<p>As per the Japanese newspaper&nbsp;Mainichi Shimbun, they are intended to "unlock" and make their contents available free of charge in the case of a severe rain warning or an evacuation order following a quake of an upper five or higher on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of seven.</p>

<p>Their contents must be paid for the remainder of the period, according to the newspaper.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeking-explosives-in-japan-for-ukraine-artillery-shells-599545">US seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artillery shells: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>First of their kind&nbsp;in Japan</strong></h2>

<p>Earth Corp, which has a facility in the city, claims the devices are the first of their kind in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active countries, where increasingly violent typhoons have caused significant floods and landslides in recent years.</p>

<p>The rest of the time, its contents must be paid for, according to the newspaper.</p>

<p>“We would like to install [the machines] throughout the country,” a company representative told the Mainichi, as reported by the Guardian.</p>

<p>A city official said: “We expect that the stockpile will lead to the safety and security of our residents.”</p>

<p>Earlier this year, a vending machine equipped with a radio that automatically releases emergency notifications, was installed in a Tokyo park.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea says it launched satellite | Japan put its ballistic missiles on alert&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Media reports said, earthquakes registering five&nbsp;or higher on the Japanese intensity scale would trigger the radio, which will relay evacuation and other crucial information from a local community radio station.</p>

<p>Experts have increased the likelihood of a "megaquake" occurring at the Nankai trough, off Japan's Pacific coast, from 50 per cent&nbsp;to 60 per cent&nbsp;over the next 20 years, and to about 90 per cent&nbsp;within the next 40 years.</p>

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Japan has expanded its natural disaster preparations to include vending machines that would provide free food and drink in the event of a major earthquake or typhoon.

Japan has expanded its natural disaster preparations to include vending machines that would provide free food and drink in the event of a major earthquake or typhoon. Two machines have been installed in the western coastal city of Ako, which is located in an area that seismologists predict is vulnerable to a large earthquake that is projected to impact the country's central and south-west Pacific coasts in the decades to come. The machines, which carry around 300 bottles and cans of soft drinks and 150 emergency food items, including nutritional supplements, have been placed near buildings designated as evacuation shelters. As per the Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun, they are intended to "unlock" and make their contents available free of charge in the case of a severe rain warning or an evacuation order following a quake of an upper five or higher on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of seven. Their contents must be paid for the remainder of the period, according to the newspaper. Also read | US seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artillery shells: Report First of their kind in Japan Earth Corp, which has a facility in the city, claims the devices are the first of their kind in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active countries, where increasingly violent typhoons have caused significant floods and landslides in recent years. The rest of the time, its contents must be paid for, according to the newspaper. “We would like to install [the machines] throughout the country,” a company representative told the Mainichi, as reported by the Guardian. A city official said: “We expect that the stockpile will lead to the safety and security of our residents.” Earlier this year, a vending machine equipped with a radio that automatically releases emergency notifications, was installed in a Tokyo park. ALSO WATCH | North Korea says it launched satellite | Japan put its ballistic missiles on alert Media reports said, earthquakes registering five or higher on the Japanese intensity scale would trigger the radio, which will relay evacuation and other crucial information from a local community radio station. Experts have increased the likelihood of a "megaquake" occurring at the Nankai trough, off Japan's Pacific coast, from 50 per cent to 60 per cent over the next 20 years, and to about 90 per cent within the next 40 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan aces disaster preparedness, vending machines to offer free food if earthquake hits

In Pics | Extreme weather conditions hit several nations

<p data-testid="paragraph-0">The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes&nbsp;weapons and ammunition&nbsp;to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">For war-renouncing Japan, any procurement would test its willingness to court controversy to help Kyiv because export rules ban Japanese companies from selling lethal items overseas, such as the howitzer shells that Ukraine fires daily at Russian units occupying its southeastern regions.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">Nonetheless, the allies appear to have found a workaround to enable the TNT sale amid global&nbsp;shortages&nbsp;of munitions.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">"There is a way for the United States to buy explosives from Japan," one of the people with knowledge of discussions on the matter in Japan told Reuters on the condition of anonymity, citing the issue's sensitivity.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">Export restrictions for dual-use products or equipment sold commercially are less stringent than for items with a purely military purpose, which is why the US&nbsp;can buy Panasonic Toughbook laptops for its military.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">Tokyo, which hosted US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week, has told the US&nbsp;government it will allow the sale of industrial TNT because the explosive is not a military-use-only product, the other source said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">The US&nbsp;wants to plug a Japanese company into a TNT supply chain to deliver explosives to US&nbsp;army-owned munitions plants that would pack them into 155mm shell cases, the person added.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">Japan's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Economy declined to say whether any Japanese company had approached it about exporting TNT. It added in an email that items not subject to military restrictions would be assessed under regular export rules that consider the buyer's intent, including whether their use would impede international security.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-8">The Japanese defence ministry's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency declined to comment.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-8">The US&nbsp;State Department did not directly address questions from Reuters about whether the US&nbsp;planned to buy TNT in Japan but said Washington was working with allies and partners "to provide Ukraine with the support it needs" to defend itself. Japan, it added, "has demonstrated leadership in supporting Ukraine's defense".</p>

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Eager to help</h2>

<p data-testid="paragraph-10">Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wants to help Ukraine because his administration fears a Russian victory would embolden China to attack Taiwan and embroil his country in a regional war. Last year, he warned that Ukraine may be "East Asia tomorrow", and his administration announced&nbsp;Japan's biggest military build-up since World War Two.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-11">That retreat from the state pacifism that has dominated Japan's foreign policy for decades has not so far extended to lethal military aid, limiting Tokyo's offerings to Kyiv to kit such as flak jackets, helmets and food rations.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-12">Following Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Japan during the Hiroshima G7 leaders summit last month, Kishida agreed to donate jeeps and trucks.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-13">There appears to be growing acceptance in Japan about providing military aid to Ukraine, but the degree of lethality is contentious, said Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-14">"The fact that Japan has decided to give trucks to Ukraine shows that things are changing. However, there doesn't yet appear to be any political consensus around the issue of sending lethal aid," he said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-15">Japan is one of dozens of friends and allies that Washington is asking to help arm Ukraine as it wrestles with stretched military supply chains.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-16">South Korea, which also uses 155mm shells, is among those the US&nbsp;has&nbsp;approached. A South Korean defence official told Reuters that Seoul's stance against providing lethal aid to Kyiv had not changed.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-17">Asked in Tokyo this week about the possibility of a shift in Japanese policy on lethal aid, Austin said at a press briefing that any change would be a matter for Japan but "any bit of support" for Ukraine was "always welcome".</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-18">The sources who spoke to Reuters declined to identify the Japanese company that would supply explosives to the US&nbsp;government and did not say how much TNT Washington wanted to buy.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-19">Reuters contacted 22 explosives makers listed on the Japan Explosives Industry Association's website. The only one that said it made industrial TNT was Chugoku Kayaku, a Hiroshima-based firm that supplies Japan's military.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-20">"We have not received any direct inquiry from the US&nbsp;government or US&nbsp;military," the company said in an email.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-21">Asked if it was discussing any TNT sales through an intermediary, the firm, which lists an industrial TNT product on its website, said it did not disclose the identity of customers or potential buyers.</p>

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Japan's next move</h2>

<p data-testid="paragraph-22">Supplying commercial TNT to the US&nbsp;may only be a stop-gap measure because many lawmakers of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) want to ease or eliminate the export restrictions.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-23">In December, when Kishida announced Japan's five-year military build-up, he pledged to revise the export rules, opening up the possibility that Japan could supply lethal weapons not only to Ukraine but to other nations that Tokyo and Washington see as potential allies against Russia and China.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-24">Akihisa Nagashima, a former deputy defence minister and a ranking LDP member of the parliamentary committee on national security, said the military build-up would take Japan four-fifths of the way to becoming a "normal country" unencumbered by the legacy of its World War Two defeat.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-25">"Tackling the export restrictions is the remaining 20 per cent," he said.</p>


The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes weapons and ammunition to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes weapons and ammunition to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. For war-renouncing Japan, any procurement would test its willingness to court controversy to help Kyiv because export rules ban Japanese companies from selling lethal items overseas, such as the howitzer shells that Ukraine fires daily at Russian units occupying its southeastern regions. Nonetheless, the allies appear to have found a workaround to enable the TNT sale amid global shortages of munitions. "There is a way for the United States to buy explosives from Japan," one of the people with knowledge of discussions on the matter in Japan told Reuters on the condition of anonymity, citing the issue's sensitivity. Export restrictions for dual-use products or equipment sold commercially are less stringent than for items with a purely military purpose, which is why the US can buy Panasonic Toughbook laptops for its military. Tokyo, which hosted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week, has told the US government it will allow the sale of industrial TNT because the explosive is not a military-use-only product, the other source said. The US wants to plug a Japanese company into a TNT supply chain to deliver explosives to US army-owned munitions plants that would pack them into 155mm shell cases, the person added. Japan's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Economy declined to say whether any Japanese company had approached it about exporting TNT. It added in an email that items not subject to military restrictions would be assessed under regular export rules that consider the buyer's intent, including whether their use would impede international security. The Japanese defence ministry's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency declined to comment. The US State Department did not directly address questions from Reuters about whether the US planned to buy TNT in Japan but said Washington was working with allies and partners "to provide Ukraine with the support it needs" to defend itself. Japan, it added, "has demonstrated leadership in supporting Ukraine's defense". Eager to help Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wants to help Ukraine because his administration fears a Russian victory would embolden China to attack Taiwan and embroil his country in a regional war. Last year, he warned that Ukraine may be "East Asia tomorrow", and his administration announced Japan's biggest military build-up since World War Two. That retreat from the state pacifism that has dominated Japan's foreign policy for decades has not so far extended to lethal military aid, limiting Tokyo's offerings to Kyiv to kit such as flak jackets, helmets and food rations. Following Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Japan during the Hiroshima G7 leaders summit last month, Kishida agreed to donate jeeps and trucks. There appears to be growing acceptance in Japan about providing military aid to Ukraine, but the degree of lethality is contentious, said Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. "The fact that Japan has decided to give trucks to Ukraine shows that things are changing. However, there doesn't yet appear to be any political consensus around the issue of sending lethal aid," he said. Japan is one of dozens of friends and allies that Washington is asking to help arm Ukraine as it wrestles with stretched military supply chains. South Korea, which also uses 155mm shells, is among those the US has approached. A South Korean defence official told Reuters that Seoul's stance against providing lethal aid to Kyiv had not changed. Asked in Tokyo this week about the possibility of a shift in Japanese policy on lethal aid, Austin said at a press briefing that any change would be a matter for Japan but "any bit of support" for Ukraine was "always welcome". The sources who spoke to Reuters declined to identify the Japanese company that would supply explosives to the US government and did not say how much TNT Washington wanted to buy. Reuters contacted 22 explosives makers listed on the Japan Explosives Industry Association's website. The only one that said it made industrial TNT was Chugoku Kayaku, a Hiroshima-based firm that supplies Japan's military. "We have not received any direct inquiry from the US government or US military," the company said in an email. Asked if it was discussing any TNT sales through an intermediary, the firm, which lists an industrial TNT product on its website, said it did not disclose the identity of customers or potential buyers. Japan's next move Supplying commercial TNT to the US may only be a stop-gap measure because many lawmakers of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) want to ease or eliminate the export restrictions. In December, when Kishida announced Japan's five-year military build-up, he pledged to revise the export rules, opening up the possibility that Japan could supply lethal weapons not only to Ukraine but to other nations that Tokyo and Washington see as potential allies against Russia and China. Akihisa Nagashima, a former deputy defence minister and a ranking LDP member of the parliamentary committee on national security, said the military build-up would take Japan four-fifths of the way to becoming a "normal country" unencumbered by the legacy of its World War Two defeat. "Tackling the export restrictions is the remaining 20 per cent," he said.

US seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artillery shells: Report

<p>The coronavirus pandemic had a huge toll on populations worldwide. However, one often ignored the cost of the pandemic stemming&nbsp;from the subsequent lockdowns. With most of the world forced to quarantine themselves, social isolation and loneliness have cropped up as a wound with a lasting scar. To help its citizens navigate their way through social isolation and loneliness, Japan has now introduced legislation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The legislation was approved by the Japanese Parliament Diet's upper chamber on Wednesday. The House of Representatives, the nation's lower chamber, had already cleared the bill in April.</p>

<p>The legislation will go into effect on April 1 next year. Here's all you need to know.</p>

<h2><strong>How will the government help lonely people?</strong></h2>

<p>Local governments and the state will have to work hand-in-hand to tackle social loneliness and isolation, which as per the legislation is "an issue for the entire society".</p>

<p>The legislation calls for the creation of a task force that will be headed by the nation's prime minister. This task force will work on the implementation of countermeasures at the cabinet office. At the same time, it will require the government to formulate a priority policy that will serve as guidelines for such measures.</p>

<p>Japan has taken several steps to tackle the problem. In 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation created a post of minister in charge of measures against loneliness and isolation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-unmasks-shocking-toll-social-isolation-has-on-human-body-592437">Research unmasks shocking toll social isolation has on human body</a></strong></p>

<p>A dedicated council was set up at the Central Secretariat and the government also ran an around-the-clock telephonic consultation service, and launched a chatbot-based website.</p>

<h2><strong>Will the government work alone under the legislation?</strong></h2>

<p>No, it obliges local governments to set up regional councils made up of groups that offer help to people suffering from social isolation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Japan Times, local governments will provide these groups with personal information on individuals suffering from the effects of such isolation. These groups will have to keep the shared information confidential. Any violation of this rule can earn these groups fines up to ¥500,000 or $3,600, and up to 12 months in jail.</p>

<h2><strong>People of what ages are affected?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the legislation, loneliness and social isolation can "affect anyone at any stage of his or her life".&nbsp;Experts say that these issues are one huge factor behind an increase in the number of suicides.</p>

<p>In a survey conducted by the Japanese government in 2022, 40.3 per cent of people said they felt lonely. This number was up 3.9 percentage points from the preceding year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Compared to this, the number of people who said they have never felt lonely dropped by 5.3 percentage points to 18.4 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-with-mental-health-issues-at-increased-risk-of-death-in-heat-waves-study-591292">People with mental health issues at increased risk of death in heat waves: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>20,000 individuals aged 16 and up were sent the survey. Of them, 56.1 per cent responded to make up the survey results mentioned above.</p>

<p>The survey helped highlight the need for support measures that could help in the early stages of the problem. Additionally, it also sheds light on the importance of the creation of an environment where people facing social isolation can ask for help.</p>

<h2><strong>Is there any global research on this issue?</strong></h2>

<p>Research published last month shows that isolation affects your energy levels the same way as going without food does.</p>

<p>Researchers from the University of Vienna found that socially isolating for eight hours has detrimental effects on a person. This long without company, a person's body experiences a fall in energy levels equivalent to the decrease that comes with starving for eight hours.</p>

<p>The research suggests that social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic may have had an unexpected energy toll on people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The coronavirus pandemic had a huge toll on populations worldwide. However, one often ignored the cost of the pandemic stemming from the subsequent lockdowns. With most of the world forced to quarantine themselves, social isolation and loneliness have cropped up as a wound with a lasting scar.

The coronavirus pandemic had a huge toll on populations worldwide. However, one often ignored the cost of the pandemic stemming from the subsequent lockdowns. With most of the world forced to quarantine themselves, social isolation and loneliness have cropped up as a wound with a lasting scar. To help its citizens navigate their way through social isolation and loneliness, Japan has now introduced legislation. The legislation was approved by the Japanese Parliament Diet's upper chamber on Wednesday. The House of Representatives, the nation's lower chamber, had already cleared the bill in April. The legislation will go into effect on April 1 next year. Here's all you need to know. How will the government help lonely people? Local governments and the state will have to work hand-in-hand to tackle social loneliness and isolation, which as per the legislation is "an issue for the entire society". The legislation calls for the creation of a task force that will be headed by the nation's prime minister. This task force will work on the implementation of countermeasures at the cabinet office. At the same time, it will require the government to formulate a priority policy that will serve as guidelines for such measures. Japan has taken several steps to tackle the problem. In 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation created a post of minister in charge of measures against loneliness and isolation. Also read | Research unmasks shocking toll social isolation has on human body A dedicated council was set up at the Central Secretariat and the government also ran an around-the-clock telephonic consultation service, and launched a chatbot-based website. Will the government work alone under the legislation? No, it obliges local governments to set up regional councils made up of groups that offer help to people suffering from social isolation. As per Japan Times, local governments will provide these groups with personal information on individuals suffering from the effects of such isolation. These groups will have to keep the shared information confidential. Any violation of this rule can earn these groups fines up to ¥500,000 or $3,600, and up to 12 months in jail. People of what ages are affected? As per the legislation, loneliness and social isolation can "affect anyone at any stage of his or her life". Experts say that these issues are one huge factor behind an increase in the number of suicides. In a survey conducted by the Japanese government in 2022, 40.3 per cent of people said they felt lonely. This number was up 3.9 percentage points from the preceding year. Compared to this, the number of people who said they have never felt lonely dropped by 5.3 percentage points to 18.4 per cent. Also read | People with mental health issues at increased risk of death in heat waves: Study 20,000 individuals aged 16 and up were sent the survey. Of them, 56.1 per cent responded to make up the survey results mentioned above. The survey helped highlight the need for support measures that could help in the early stages of the problem. Additionally, it also sheds light on the importance of the creation of an environment where people facing social isolation can ask for help. Is there any global research on this issue? Research published last month shows that isolation affects your energy levels the same way as going without food does. Researchers from the University of Vienna found that socially isolating for eight hours has detrimental effects on a person. This long without company, a person's body experiences a fall in energy levels equivalent to the decrease that comes with starving for eight hours. The research suggests that social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic may have had an unexpected energy toll on people. (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.

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidFn1ODlCY4RgB" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong on Thursday (June 1) promised more spy satellite launches, a day after <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-space-launch-vehicle-japan-issues-missile-alert-598529">Pyongyang launched one such satellite that crashed because</a></strong> of a rocket failure. In a statement carried by the KCNA, Yo Jong said it is certain that the military reconnaissance satellite will be correctly put into space orbit shortly and start its mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KCNA reported that the Chollima-1 rocket, carrying a military reconnaissance satellite known as "Malligyong-1", crashed into the sea. The state media also published on Thursday photographs of what is said was the new rocket lifting off from a coastal launch pad. The white-and-grey rocket had a bulbous nose, apparently for carrying a satellite or other cargo.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Ankit Panda from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the photographs confirmed that the rocket was a new design.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The launch used the new coastal launch pad they've built at Tongchang-ri, so we might see a larger space launch vehicle use the traditional gantry that has seen some work recently," Panda said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following Wednesday's launch, US-based monitors reported that commercial satellite imagery showed significant activity at the main pad.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim Yo Jong on criticism of spy satellite launch</strong></h2>

<p>As the launch was criticised by many including Japan, South Korea, and the US Kim Yo Jong said on Thursday the criticisms were "self-contradiction" as the US and other countries have already launched "thousands of satellites."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-salvaging-suspected-part-of-crashed-n-korean-spy-satellite-598541">South Korea ‘salvaging debris’ of crashed North Korean military spy satellite</a></strong></p>

<p>"The US is a group of gangsters who would claim that even if the DPRK launches a satellite ...it is illegal and threatening," Yo Jong added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Want closer cooperation with US, South Korea to deal with Pyongyang: Japan</strong></h2>

<p>Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada on Thursday told US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that he wanted closer cooperation with the US and South Korea to deal with North Korea after Wednesday's spy satellite launch failed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a meeting with Austin in Tokyo, Hamada said, "We need to strengthen ties between Japan and the US and also between Japan, the US and ROK (Republic of Korea), as it is possible that North Korea launches again."</p>

<p>Austin, meanwhile, told the Japanese defence minister that he wanted to bolster cooperation between their alliance, South Korea and Australia, as they also face challenges posed by China and Russia, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong on Thursday (June 1) promised more spy satellite launches, a day after Pyongyang launched one such satellite that crashed because of a rocket failure.

North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong on Thursday (June 1) promised more spy satellite launches, a day after Pyongyang launched one such satellite that crashed because of a rocket failure. In a statement carried by the KCNA, Yo Jong said it is certain that the military reconnaissance satellite will be correctly put into space orbit shortly and start its mission. KCNA reported that the Chollima-1 rocket, carrying a military reconnaissance satellite known as "Malligyong-1", crashed into the sea. The state media also published on Thursday photographs of what is said was the new rocket lifting off from a coastal launch pad. The white-and-grey rocket had a bulbous nose, apparently for carrying a satellite or other cargo. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Ankit Panda from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the photographs confirmed that the rocket was a new design. "The launch used the new coastal launch pad they've built at Tongchang-ri, so we might see a larger space launch vehicle use the traditional gantry that has seen some work recently," Panda said. Following Wednesday's launch, US-based monitors reported that commercial satellite imagery showed significant activity at the main pad. Kim Yo Jong on criticism of spy satellite launch As the launch was criticised by many including Japan, South Korea, and the US Kim Yo Jong said on Thursday the criticisms were "self-contradiction" as the US and other countries have already launched "thousands of satellites." ALSO READ | South Korea ‘salvaging debris’ of crashed North Korean military spy satellite "The US is a group of gangsters who would claim that even if the DPRK launches a satellite ...it is illegal and threatening," Yo Jong added. Want closer cooperation with US, South Korea to deal with Pyongyang: Japan Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada on Thursday told US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that he wanted closer cooperation with the US and South Korea to deal with North Korea after Wednesday's spy satellite launch failed. During a meeting with Austin in Tokyo, Hamada said, "We need to strengthen ties between Japan and the US and also between Japan, the US and ROK (Republic of Korea), as it is possible that North Korea launches again." Austin, meanwhile, told the Japanese defence minister that he wanted to bolster cooperation between their alliance, South Korea and Australia, as they also face challenges posed by China and Russia, Reuters reported. (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.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un's sister promises ‘successful’ spy satellite launch after failure

<p>South Korean nuclear safety experts who visited Japan's wrecked&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;nuclear power plant said on Wednesday that detailed analysis was needed to verify Japan's plan to release tonnes of contaminated water from it into the sea.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;Daiichi nuclear station, about 220 km (130 miles) northeast of Tokyo, was destroyed by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011, triggering three reactor meltdowns.</p>

<p>Japan plans to dump more than one million tonnes of contaminated water that was mainly used to cool the reactors into the sea by around this summer, triggering alarm at home and abroad, especially in fishing communities.</p>

<p>"Given our closest location, we are reviewing whether Japan has an appropriate discharge plan from a scientific and technological standpoint," Yoo Guk-hee, chairman of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, who led a delegation on a site visit last week, told a briefing.</p>

<p>The Japanese utility responsible for the plant, and the Japanese government, say the water is safe after being treated, filtered and diluted though it does contain traces of tritium.</p>

<p>Yoo said there had been progress in checking facilities and securing samples and documents but further work was needed to reach any conclusion about the water's safety.</p>

<p>"Additional detailed analysis and checks are required," he said.</p>

<p>During its six-day trip, the 21-member South Korean team had focused on water purification, transport and release equipment, as well as sampling and analysis facilities.</p>

<p>The visit came days after President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a summit in Seoul this month amid a thaw in relations following years of tension between the neighbours, both important U.S. allies.</p>

<p>The International Atomic Energy Agency is also conducting a safety review of Japan's plan to release the water. It is expected to announce its results in the coming weeks.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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South Korean nuclear safety experts who visited Japan's wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant said on Wednesday that detailed analysis was needed to verify Japan's plan to release tonnes of contaminated water from it into the sea.

South Korean nuclear safety experts who visited Japan's wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant said on Wednesday that detailed analysis was needed to verify Japan's plan to release tonnes of contaminated water from it into the sea. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station, about 220 km (130 miles) northeast of Tokyo, was destroyed by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011, triggering three reactor meltdowns. Japan plans to dump more than one million tonnes of contaminated water that was mainly used to cool the reactors into the sea by around this summer, triggering alarm at home and abroad, especially in fishing communities. "Given our closest location, we are reviewing whether Japan has an appropriate discharge plan from a scientific and technological standpoint," Yoo Guk-hee, chairman of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, who led a delegation on a site visit last week, told a briefing. The Japanese utility responsible for the plant, and the Japanese government, say the water is safe after being treated, filtered and diluted though it does contain traces of tritium. Yoo said there had been progress in checking facilities and securing samples and documents but further work was needed to reach any conclusion about the water's safety. "Additional detailed analysis and checks are required," he said. During its six-day trip, the 21-member South Korean team had focused on water purification, transport and release equipment, as well as sampling and analysis facilities. The visit came days after President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a summit in Seoul this month amid a thaw in relations following years of tension between the neighbours, both important U.S. allies. The International Atomic Energy Agency is also conducting a safety review of Japan's plan to release the water. It is expected to announce its results in the coming weeks. 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.

South Korea experts say more study needed on Japan’s nuclear water dumping plan

In Pics | Countries that have legalised cryptocurrencies

North Korea has launched a rocket shortly after it announced it was planning to send its first satellite into space. However, Tokyo claims it is a ballistic missile. The US condemned North Korea's launch saying that it raises tensions. However, North Korean officials on Wednesday said the launch ended in failure after the rocket's second stage malfunctioned. Pyongyang reported that the new "chollima-1" satellite launch rocket failed due to in-stability in the engine and fuel system. It said there was abnormal start of the two stage engine after stage one separation.

Drama in Korean Peninsula: North Korea rocket launch sends emergency alerts in South Korea & Japan

North Korea says it launched satellite | Japan put its ballistic missiles on alert | WION

<p>North Korea state media said on Wednesday that a military spy satellite was&nbsp;launched but it failed and crashed into the sea.</p>

<p>"The launched new satellite transport rocket 'Cheollima-1' crashed into the West Sea of Korea as it lost momentum due to abnormal start-up of the two-stage engine after one step separation while flying normally," the Korean Central News Agency reported.<br />
<br />
Pyongyang’s&nbsp;failure to put the country’s first spy satellite into orbit is&nbsp;being viewed as an embarrassment for its leader Kim Jong Un who has been pushing for a boost of North Korea’s military capability amid the security tensions with the United States and South Korea.<br />
<br />
It was the nuclear-armed state's sixth satellite launch attempt, and the first since 2016 and would have been North Korea’s first spy satellite in orbit.<br />
<br />
North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) will investigate the "serious defects" and take action to overcome them before conducting a second launch as soon as possible, KCNA said.</p>

<p>The launch of the satellite, meanwhile, caused panic and a flurry of activity in South Korean capital Seoul as air raid sirens blared and city authorities asked citizens to be prepared for evacuation before saying that the evacuation order was 'incorrectly issued'.</p>

<p>The text alert that was initially sent read,&nbsp;"Citizens, please prepare to evacuate and allow children and the elderly to evacuate first."</p>

<h2><strong>Missile alert warning system activated in Japan</strong></h2>

<p>Japan activated its missile alert warning system for the southern region of Okinawa soon after the North Korean launch.</p>

<p>"Missile launch. Missile launch. North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please take shelters inside buildings or underground," said the alert tweeted by the prime minister’s office and carried on national broadcaster NHK.</p>

<p>The official English language Twitter handle of Japan PMO said in its tweets that a 'suspected ballistic missile' has been fired by North Korea and that&nbsp;'it will possibly land in the area around Okinawa'.</p>

<p>But around 30 minutes later, the government tweeted that the alert was being cancelled.</p>

<p>"It is expected that the missile reported earlier will not come to Japan. The call for evacuation is lifted," it said.</p>

<p>News agency Yonhap quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff assaying that the projectile flew over the Yellow Sea and didn't affect the Seoul metropolitan area.<br />
<br />
Officials from the United States, Japan, South Korea held a phone call and&nbsp;“strongly condemned" the launch, Japan’s foreign ministry said.</p>

<p>South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military was conducting operation to recover parts of the space launch vehicle.&nbsp;The military shared pictures of debris pulled from the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North Korea had earlier given indications that it intends to launch a spy satellite. On Tuesday, North Korea said that the satellite would be "indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces".</p>

<p>The North had criticised US-South Korea joint military exercises, including the one going on right now. According to North Korean state media, one of country's top military officials said that Pyongyang felt "the need to expand reconnaissance and information means and improve various defensive and offensive weapons."</p>

<p>However, since&nbsp;long-range rockets and space launchers share the same technology, analysts say developing the ability to put a satellite in orbit would provide Pyongyang with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).</p>

<p>In 2012 and 2016, Pyongyang tested ballistic missiles that it called satellite launches. Both flew over Japan's southern Okinawa region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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North Korea state media said on Wednesday that a military spy satellite was launched but it failed and crashed into the sea. "The launched new satellite transport rocket 'Cheollima-1' crashed into the West Sea of Korea as it lost momentum due to abnormal start-up of the two-stage engine after one step separation while flying normally," the Korean Central News Agency reported.

North Korea state media said on Wednesday that a military spy satellite was launched but it failed and crashed into the sea. "The launched new satellite transport rocket 'Cheollima-1' crashed into the West Sea of Korea as it lost momentum due to abnormal start-up of the two-stage engine after one step separation while flying normally," the Korean Central News Agency reported. Pyongyang’s failure to put the country’s first spy satellite into orbit is being viewed as an embarrassment for its leader Kim Jong Un who has been pushing for a boost of North Korea’s military capability amid the security tensions with the United States and South Korea. It was the nuclear-armed state's sixth satellite launch attempt, and the first since 2016 and would have been North Korea’s first spy satellite in orbit. North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) will investigate the "serious defects" and take action to overcome them before conducting a second launch as soon as possible, KCNA said. The launch of the satellite, meanwhile, caused panic and a flurry of activity in South Korean capital Seoul as air raid sirens blared and city authorities asked citizens to be prepared for evacuation before saying that the evacuation order was 'incorrectly issued'. The text alert that was initially sent read, "Citizens, please prepare to evacuate and allow children and the elderly to evacuate first." Missile alert warning system activated in Japan Japan activated its missile alert warning system for the southern region of Okinawa soon after the North Korean launch. "Missile launch. Missile launch. North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please take shelters inside buildings or underground," said the alert tweeted by the prime minister’s office and carried on national broadcaster NHK. The official English language Twitter handle of Japan PMO said in its tweets that a 'suspected ballistic missile' has been fired by North Korea and that 'it will possibly land in the area around Okinawa'. But around 30 minutes later, the government tweeted that the alert was being cancelled. "It is expected that the missile reported earlier will not come to Japan. The call for evacuation is lifted," it said. News agency Yonhap quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff assaying that the projectile flew over the Yellow Sea and didn't affect the Seoul metropolitan area. Officials from the United States, Japan, South Korea held a phone call and “strongly condemned" the launch, Japan’s foreign ministry said. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military was conducting operation to recover parts of the space launch vehicle. The military shared pictures of debris pulled from the water. North Korea had earlier given indications that it intends to launch a spy satellite. On Tuesday, North Korea said that the satellite would be "indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces". The North had criticised US-South Korea joint military exercises, including the one going on right now. According to North Korean state media, one of country's top military officials said that Pyongyang felt "the need to expand reconnaissance and information means and improve various defensive and offensive weapons." However, since long-range rockets and space launchers share the same technology, analysts say developing the ability to put a satellite in orbit would provide Pyongyang with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). In 2012 and 2016, Pyongyang tested ballistic missiles that it called satellite launches. Both flew over Japan's southern Okinawa region. (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 ×

North Korea military spy satellite launch fails, crashes into sea; Pyongyang vows second attempt soon

In Pics | Panic hits Seoul after North Korea attempts satellite launch

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<p>The South Korean military said on Wednesday (May 31) that it had located and <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-space-launch-vehicle-japan-issues-missile-alert-598529">was salvaging a suspected part&nbsp;of the North Korean spy satellite</a></strong> that crashed soon after launch because of a rocket failure. "At around 08:05 today, our military identified an object presumed to be part of North Korea's claimed 'Space Launch Vehicle' in waters 200km (124 miles) west of Eocheong Island and is salvaging it," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military also released images of a part of the spy satellite. The images showed a large-barrel-like metal structure with some thin pipes and wires at the bottom, which the military said it salvaged in waters 200 kilometres west of Eocheong Island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new "Chollima-1" satellite launch rocket failed because of instability in the engine and fuel system, according to the state news agency KCNA. This flight was North Korea's sixth satellite launch attempt and the first since 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Panic in Seoul after spy satellite launch</strong></h2>

<p>Air raid sirens and mobile phone alerts calling for evacuations caused panic among residents of South Korea's capital city of Seoul after North Korea launched its spy satellite. The sirens started at 6.32 am (2132 GMT Tuesday) as the city issued a "Presidential Alert" asking citizens to prepare for a potential evacuation, the news agency Reuters reported.<br />
<br />
Shortly after, a second mobile alert came calling for evacuation which remained in place for at least 10 minutes until the administration said it had been sent in error.</p>

<p>Speaking to Reuters, Seoul resident Lee Juyeon said, "I was so panicked. Nine-one-one lines were busy and the internet was slow." Juyeon, who has a nine-month-old child, also said, "So without knowing what was really happening, I was about to head down to a basement wearing a wrap carrier with my baby."</p>

<p>Though residents are used to living in the shadow of threats from North Korea, an element of complacency has crept in among many in the city about the risks and how to respond.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-when-world-was-battling-pandemic-why-north-korea-was-busy-sealing-borders-with-china-and-russia-597061">Explained: When world was battling pandemic, why North Korea was busy sealing borders with China and Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Reuters reported that some office workers in Seoul's central district said they had considered during their commute how to respond to the alarm, such as by withdrawing cash or hoarding water.</p>

<p>"I understand it was a mistake, but even if it has to be simple, that alert message should have said what went on and where to go," Kim Jong-hyun, 48, said on his way to work after dropping off his child at school.</p>

<p>On Wednesday morning, "alerts" and "evacuation" were the most trending topics on Twitter in South Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>N. Korea launch violates UN resolutions: Japan</strong></h2>

<p>Japan, which briefly activated its missile alert warning system for the Okinawa region after Pyongyang's military spy satellite launch, that such a launch by North Korea violated the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We cannot tolerate this kind of launch whether it is a satellite or anything else, as it violates UN resolutions," Japan's Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Prime Minister's office tweeted, "Missile launch. Missile launch. North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please take shelter inside buildings or underground." But half an hour later, the government tweeted that the alert was being cancelled.</p>

<p>"It is expected that the missile reported earlier will not come to Japan. The call for evacuation is lifted," it said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The South Korean military said on Wednesday (May 31) that it had located and was salvaging a suspected part of the North Korean spy satellite that crashed soon after launch because of a rocket failure.

The South Korean military said on Wednesday (May 31) that it had located and was salvaging a suspected part of the North Korean spy satellite that crashed soon after launch because of a rocket failure. "At around 08:05 today, our military identified an object presumed to be part of North Korea's claimed 'Space Launch Vehicle' in waters 200km (124 miles) west of Eocheong Island and is salvaging it," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, the news agency AFP reported. The military also released images of a part of the spy satellite. The images showed a large-barrel-like metal structure with some thin pipes and wires at the bottom, which the military said it salvaged in waters 200 kilometres west of Eocheong Island. The new "Chollima-1" satellite launch rocket failed because of instability in the engine and fuel system, according to the state news agency KCNA. This flight was North Korea's sixth satellite launch attempt and the first since 2016. Panic in Seoul after spy satellite launch Air raid sirens and mobile phone alerts calling for evacuations caused panic among residents of South Korea's capital city of Seoul after North Korea launched its spy satellite. The sirens started at 6.32 am (2132 GMT Tuesday) as the city issued a "Presidential Alert" asking citizens to prepare for a potential evacuation, the news agency Reuters reported. Shortly after, a second mobile alert came calling for evacuation which remained in place for at least 10 minutes until the administration said it had been sent in error. Speaking to Reuters, Seoul resident Lee Juyeon said, "I was so panicked. Nine-one-one lines were busy and the internet was slow." Juyeon, who has a nine-month-old child, also said, "So without knowing what was really happening, I was about to head down to a basement wearing a wrap carrier with my baby." Though residents are used to living in the shadow of threats from North Korea, an element of complacency has crept in among many in the city about the risks and how to respond. ALSO READ | Explained: When world was battling pandemic, why North Korea was busy sealing borders with China and Russia Reuters reported that some office workers in Seoul's central district said they had considered during their commute how to respond to the alarm, such as by withdrawing cash or hoarding water. "I understand it was a mistake, but even if it has to be simple, that alert message should have said what went on and where to go," Kim Jong-hyun, 48, said on his way to work after dropping off his child at school. On Wednesday morning, "alerts" and "evacuation" were the most trending topics on Twitter in South Korea. N. Korea launch violates UN resolutions: Japan Japan, which briefly activated its missile alert warning system for the Okinawa region after Pyongyang's military spy satellite launch, that such a launch by North Korea violated the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. "We cannot tolerate this kind of launch whether it is a satellite or anything else, as it violates UN resolutions," Japan's Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters. Earlier, the Prime Minister's office tweeted, "Missile launch. Missile launch. North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please take shelter inside buildings or underground." But half an hour later, the government tweeted that the alert was being cancelled. "It is expected that the missile reported earlier will not come to Japan. The call for evacuation is lifted," it said. (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.

South Korea ‘salvaging debris’ of crashed North  Korean military spy satellite

Japan PM has sacked his son for 'inappropriate behaviour'. Fumio Kishida has removed Shotaro Kishida from the post of executive secretary. This comes in response to public outrage over party pictures from December'2022. What exactly is the story here? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Why did Fumio Kishida sack his son?

<p>North Korea has confirmed that it will launch a spy satellite in June. The country has said that the reconnaissance satellite is needed to monitor military movements of the US and its allies in real time, state media reported on Tuesday (May 30). On Monday, Japan had said that Pyongyang informed it of the potential satellite launch. But Japan warned that North Korea may, in reality, be planning for a sanctions-defying ballistic missile test.</p>

<p>The North's state Korean Central News Agency cited Ri Pyong Chol, vice-chairman of the ruling party's central military commission, as saying the "military reconnaissance satellite No. 1" would be "launched in June".</p>

<p>The statement said that the satellite, along with "various reconnaissance means due to be newly tested, are indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Why is North Korea constructing a satellite launch pad with 'new urgency'?</strong></p>

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<p>Ri cited 'reckless' acts by the US and South Korea and said that North Korea felt "the need to expand reconnaissance and information means and improve various defensive and offensive weapons" as it aimed to bolster its military preparedness.</p>

<p>He also accused the US of conducting "hostile air espionage activities on the Korean peninsula and in its vicinity", according to KCNA.</p>

<p>North Korea informed Japan it would launch a rocket between May 31 and June 11, identifying waters near the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and to the east of Luzon Island in the Philippines as warning areas, a Japanese coast guard spokesman told AFP.</p>

<p>Such zones are usually designated for falling debris or rocket stages.</p>

<h2><strong>Japan PM wants intel</strong></h2>

<p>Japanese PM Fumio Kishida has told officials to gather intelligence "on North &nbsp;Korea's notification about the launch of a ballistic missile that it describes as a satellite", his office said in a tweet.</p>

<p>"Even if it's described as a satellite, a launch using ballistic missile technology would be a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions," Kishida told reporters.</p>

<p>There are precedents to North Korea firing ballistic missiles after calling them satellite launches. In 2012 and 2016, the ballistic missiles fired from North Korea flew over Japan's southern Okinawa region.</p>

<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-when-world-was-battling-pandemic-why-north-korea-was-busy-sealing-borders-with-china-and-russia-597061">Explained | When world was battling pandemic, why North Korea was busy sealing borders with China and Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this month inspected the country's first military spy satellite as it was prepared for launch, and gave the green light for its "future action plan."</p>

<p>In 2021, Kim had identified the development of such satellites as a key defence project for the North Korean military.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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North Korea has confirmed that it will launch a spy satellite in June. The country has said that the reconnaissance satellite is needed to monitor military movements of the US and its allies in real time, state media reported on Tuesday (May 30).

North Korea has confirmed that it will launch a spy satellite in June. The country has said that the reconnaissance satellite is needed to monitor military movements of the US and its allies in real time, state media reported on Tuesday (May 30). On Monday, Japan had said that Pyongyang informed it of the potential satellite launch. But Japan warned that North Korea may, in reality, be planning for a sanctions-defying ballistic missile test. The North's state Korean Central News Agency cited Ri Pyong Chol, vice-chairman of the ruling party's central military commission, as saying the "military reconnaissance satellite No. 1" would be "launched in June". The statement said that the satellite, along with "various reconnaissance means due to be newly tested, are indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces." Watch | Why is North Korea constructing a satellite launch pad with 'new urgency'? × Ri cited 'reckless' acts by the US and South Korea and said that North Korea felt "the need to expand reconnaissance and information means and improve various defensive and offensive weapons" as it aimed to bolster its military preparedness. He also accused the US of conducting "hostile air espionage activities on the Korean peninsula and in its vicinity", according to KCNA. North Korea informed Japan it would launch a rocket between May 31 and June 11, identifying waters near the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and to the east of Luzon Island in the Philippines as warning areas, a Japanese coast guard spokesman told AFP. Such zones are usually designated for falling debris or rocket stages. Japan PM wants intel Japanese PM Fumio Kishida has told officials to gather intelligence "on North Korea's notification about the launch of a ballistic missile that it describes as a satellite", his office said in a tweet. "Even if it's described as a satellite, a launch using ballistic missile technology would be a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions," Kishida told reporters. There are precedents to North Korea firing ballistic missiles after calling them satellite launches. In 2012 and 2016, the ballistic missiles fired from North Korea flew over Japan's southern Okinawa region. Read: Explained | When world was battling pandemic, why North Korea was busy sealing borders with China and Russia North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this month inspected the country's first military spy satellite as it was prepared for launch, and gave the green light for its "future action plan." In 2021, Kim had identified the development of such satellites as a key defence project for the North Korean military. (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 ×

North Korea confirms it is launching spy satellite in June: Report

<p>A Tokyo-based startup, Preferred Robotics Inc, has introduced a new rectangular robot called "Kachaka" designed for home use.&nbsp;This innovative robot responds to verbal commands and can efficiently deliver various items within the house. Equipped with sensors and a camera, Kachaka attaches to a specially designed table fitted with caster wheels.</p>

<h2><strong>How does Kachaka function?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>To initiate the delivery process, users simply place the desired object on the table and give a command. Once the command is given, the robot can transport the item to a pre-registered location within the house.&nbsp; Additionally, Kachaka can be programmed to bring books, magazines, or other objects to its owner at specified times.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-venice-canal-stuns-locals-as-patch-takes-on-fluorescent-green-hue-597632">Mysterious! Venice canal stuns locals as patch takes on fluorescent green hue</a></p>

<p>The robot's AI technology enables it to analyse camera images, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles such as walls and furniture, ensuring safe navigation. Although automation is commonly used in controlled environments like factories, Preferred Robotics has focused on developing a robot capable of operating safely at home, even in varying surroundings.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Kachaka capable of?</strong></h2>

<p>Weighing 10 kilograms, Kachaka has a maximum carrying capacity of 20 kg, including the attached table. It can move at a speed of up to 80 centimeters per second, making it efficient and time-saving for household tasks. With more people spending increased time at home, especially for remote work, Preferred Robotics aims to reduce the time spent on chores with the help of their innovative home robot.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-secures-approval-for-second-hydropower-project-in-nepal-strengthening-bilateral-energy-cooperation-597637">India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation</a></p>

<p>The robot is available with a double or triple-shelf table configuration and is priced starting from 251,800 yen. Users are also required to pay a monthly fee of 980 yen for the robot app.</p>

<h2><strong>Preferred Robotics</strong></h2>

<p>Preferred Robotics, a subsidiary of Preferred Networks Inc, is known as one of Japan's "unicorn" companies, a term used to describe unlisted startups valued at over $1 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years</strong></p>

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<p>Since its establishment in 2014, the company has been dedicated to providing AI-driven robotic solutions that enhance human lives through the integration of advanced technology and supercomputers.</p>

<h2><strong>How can AI robots help humans?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>AI robots can act as intelligent personal assistants, helping individuals with tasks, managing schedules, and providing personalised recommendations. These assistants can leverage AI algorithms to understand user preferences, learn from interactions, and provide tailored services across various domains.</p>

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A Tokyo-based startup, Preferred Robotics Inc, has introduced a new rectangular robot called "Kachaka" designed for home use. This innovative robot responds to verbal commands and can efficiently deliver various items within the house.

A Tokyo-based startup, Preferred Robotics Inc, has introduced a new rectangular robot called "Kachaka" designed for home use. This innovative robot responds to verbal commands and can efficiently deliver various items within the house. Equipped with sensors and a camera, Kachaka attaches to a specially designed table fitted with caster wheels. How does Kachaka function? To initiate the delivery process, users simply place the desired object on the table and give a command. Once the command is given, the robot can transport the item to a pre-registered location within the house. Additionally, Kachaka can be programmed to bring books, magazines, or other objects to its owner at specified times. Also Read | Mysterious! Venice canal stuns locals as patch takes on fluorescent green hue The robot's AI technology enables it to analyse camera images, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles such as walls and furniture, ensuring safe navigation. Although automation is commonly used in controlled environments like factories, Preferred Robotics has focused on developing a robot capable of operating safely at home, even in varying surroundings. What is Kachaka capable of? Weighing 10 kilograms, Kachaka has a maximum carrying capacity of 20 kg, including the attached table. It can move at a speed of up to 80 centimeters per second, making it efficient and time-saving for household tasks. With more people spending increased time at home, especially for remote work, Preferred Robotics aims to reduce the time spent on chores with the help of their innovative home robot. Also Read | India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation The robot is available with a double or triple-shelf table configuration and is priced starting from 251,800 yen. Users are also required to pay a monthly fee of 980 yen for the robot app. Preferred Robotics Preferred Robotics, a subsidiary of Preferred Networks Inc, is known as one of Japan's "unicorn" companies, a term used to describe unlisted startups valued at over $1 billion. Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years × Since its establishment in 2014, the company has been dedicated to providing AI-driven robotic solutions that enhance human lives through the integration of advanced technology and supercomputers. How can AI robots help humans? AI robots can act as intelligent personal assistants, helping individuals with tasks, managing schedules, and providing personalised recommendations. These assistants can leverage AI algorithms to understand user preferences, learn from interactions, and provide tailored services across various domains. 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. ×

Meet 'Kachaka': Japanese startup unveils home robot capable of delivering items through voice commands

North Korea on Monday notified neighboring Japan that it plans to launch a satellite in the coming days, which may be an attempt to put Pyongyang’s first military spy satellite into orbit.

Japan on standby for N Korea ‘satellite’ launch in next two weeks

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