Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated on Friday that China was unhappy with Japan about Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine. With reference to the start of a spring celebration on Friday, according to The Japan Times, Kishida sent a ceremonial offering to the shrine. In a daily briefing in Beijing, Wang stated, "China is firmly opposed to the negative moves by Japan."

South Korea, China condemn Kishida's ritual offering to war-linked Yasukuni Shrine

Deep-sea explorers have found the long-lost shipwreck from World War II Japanese transport ship, the SS Montevideo Maru which was involved in Australia’s most deadly maritime disaster, said the team on Saturday (April 22). The transport ship carrying nearly 1,000 Australian prisoners of war and mostly soldiers, was unknowingly torpedoed by a United States submarine.

“The discovery of the Montevideo Maru closes a terrible chapter in Australian military and maritime history,” said John Mullen, director of the Silentworld Foundation, a maritime archaeology group. The ship was sunk on July 1, 1942, when it was en route to what is now Papua New Guinea to China’s Hainan off the coast of the Philippines.&nbsp;

Mullen added, “Families waited years for news of their missing loved ones, before learning of the tragic outcome of the sinking. Some never fully came to accept that their loved ones were among the victims.”

Notably, the location of the wreck had remained a mystery for over 80 years and was found at a depth of more than four kilometres, said the organisation. The foundation had spent at least five years planning the mission in collaboration with the Dutch deep-sea surveying company Fugro and the Australian Department of Defence.

The search went on for nearly 12 days and was conducted using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in the South China Sea. It was days later that the team detected a positive sighting using sonar at four kilometres which was a greater depth than the Titanic.&nbsp;

The sinking of the Japanese transport ship was one of the worst maritime disasters in Australia as the ship carrying over 1,000 passengers also comprised at least 979 Australian citizens including some 850 soldiers. Additionally, the ship was also carrying civilians from 13 other countries while the number of prisoners killed was about 1,060.

According to the foundation, the Montevideo Maru included 33 crew from the Norwegian freighter the Herstein and about 20 Japanese guards and crew who also lost their lives that day. They also believe that the ship was hit by two torpedoes as it had split into two sections, with the bow and stern lying about 500 metres apart on the seabed.&nbsp;

After the discovery, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took to Twitter and wrote, “At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members – their lives cut short.”

He added, “The extraordinary effort behind this discovery speaks for the enduring truth of Australia’s solemn national promise to always remember and honour those who served our country. We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil.” 
&nbsp;

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At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. 
 
Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members – their lives cut short. 
 
We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil. <a href="https://t.co/husOu6peUL">pic.twitter.com/husOu6peUL</a>
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1649542990896173056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Notably, the findings also come ahead of the commemorations for Anzac Day on April 25, a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for their troops killed in all military conflict. Meanwhile, the foundation has also said that the site of the shipwreck will remain undisturbed and no artefacts or human remains will be removed from the seabed, out of respect for the families of those who perished.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Deep-sea explorers have found the long-lost shipwreck from World War II Japanese transport ship, the SS Montevideo Maru which was involved in Australia’s most deadly maritime disaster, said the team on Saturday (April 22).

Deep-sea explorers have found the long-lost shipwreck from World War II Japanese transport ship, the SS Montevideo Maru which was involved in Australia’s most deadly maritime disaster, said the team on Saturday (April 22). The transport ship carrying nearly 1,000 Australian prisoners of war and mostly soldiers, was unknowingly torpedoed by a United States submarine. “The discovery of the Montevideo Maru closes a terrible chapter in Australian military and maritime history,” said John Mullen, director of the Silentworld Foundation, a maritime archaeology group. The ship was sunk on July 1, 1942, when it was en route to what is now Papua New Guinea to China’s Hainan off the coast of the Philippines. Mullen added, “Families waited years for news of their missing loved ones, before learning of the tragic outcome of the sinking. Some never fully came to accept that their loved ones were among the victims.” Notably, the location of the wreck had remained a mystery for over 80 years and was found at a depth of more than four kilometres, said the organisation. The foundation had spent at least five years planning the mission in collaboration with the Dutch deep-sea surveying company Fugro and the Australian Department of Defence. The search went on for nearly 12 days and was conducted using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in the South China Sea. It was days later that the team detected a positive sighting using sonar at four kilometres which was a greater depth than the Titanic. The sinking of the Japanese transport ship was one of the worst maritime disasters in Australia as the ship carrying over 1,000 passengers also comprised at least 979 Australian citizens including some 850 soldiers. Additionally, the ship was also carrying civilians from 13 other countries while the number of prisoners killed was about 1,060. According to the foundation, the Montevideo Maru included 33 crew from the Norwegian freighter the Herstein and about 20 Japanese guards and crew who also lost their lives that day. They also believe that the ship was hit by two torpedoes as it had split into two sections, with the bow and stern lying about 500 metres apart on the seabed. After the discovery, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took to Twitter and wrote, “At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members – their lives cut short.” He added, “The extraordinary effort behind this discovery speaks for the enduring truth of Australia’s solemn national promise to always remember and honour those who served our country. We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil.” At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members – their lives cut short. We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil. pic.twitter.com/husOu6peUL — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 21, 2023 × Notably, the findings also come ahead of the commemorations for Anzac Day on April 25, a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for their troops killed in all military conflict. Meanwhile, the foundation has also said that the site of the shipwreck will remain undisturbed and no artefacts or human remains will be removed from the seabed, out of respect for the families of those who perished. (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.

Explorers find WWII shipwreck of SS Montevideo Maru on which nearly 1,000 Australians died

Japan on Friday approved an abortion pill — its first ever. The pill comes amid calls for progress in women's reproductive rights and gender equality and would serve as an alternative to surgery. The decision is still pending the final approval of the nation's health minister. As per Japan's health ministry, to reach this decision, a secondary panel conducted a review of 12,000 public comments collected online.

The pill called Mefeego pill pack by British drug manufacturer Linepharma as per Japan Times was submitted for approval more than one year back, in December 2021. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Abortion pills have been around for a while. In many parts of the world, they've been in use for almost three decades or 30 years. While around 80 nations have abortion pills available, Japan, a highly traditional nation, has long been criticised for lagging behind in this aspect.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-in-a-split-decision-preserves-abortion-drug-access-584958">US Supreme Court preserves abortion drug access amid legal battle</a>

Kumi Tsukahara, director of the Reproductive Health Rights Literacy Institute, said that the decision was a positive step towards putting a spotlight on issues like limited access to safe abortion. However, she warned that the drug could be inaccessible to some.

She suggested that the government should come up with a system to train medical practitioners on how to communicate about abortion without any stigma and help them assess the risks.

"It’s important that they help patients understand what is safe and what is not, enabling them to make their own decision," said Tsukahara.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-approve-abortion-pill-but-partners-consent-mandatory-483896">Japan to approve abortion pill – but partner’s consent mandatory</a>

The pill pack is to be administered at medical institutions. It consists of two oral drugs, two types of drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol and is to be taken within the first nine weeks of pregnancy. The government is yet to create guidelines for physicians and offer the public information on the drug.

Earlier, in January, an initial advisory panel at the health ministry had approved the production and sale of the abortion pill pack.

In Japan, abortion requires spousal consent under the Maternal Health Act; this can limit access to the procedure. This law will also apply to abortion pills, according to the country's health ministry.

Currently, for abortion, Japan allows surgical procedures in the early stages of pregnancy. These, as per Japan Times, cost around cost ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 (around $730 to $1,500).&nbsp;

Mefeego, the abortion pill will not be covered under Japan's national health insurance, and as per estimates may cost more, which as per Tsukuhara is behind its accessibility for all. Despite this, she said the approval can be seen as a first step.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan on Friday approved an abortion pill — its first ever. The pill comes amid calls for progress in women's reproductive rights and gender equality and would serve as an alternative to surgery.

Japan on Friday approved an abortion pill — its first ever. The pill comes amid calls for progress in women's reproductive rights and gender equality and would serve as an alternative to surgery. The decision is still pending the final approval of the nation's health minister. As per Japan's health ministry, to reach this decision, a secondary panel conducted a review of 12,000 public comments collected online. The pill called Mefeego pill pack by British drug manufacturer Linepharma as per Japan Times was submitted for approval more than one year back, in December 2021. Abortion pills have been around for a while. In many parts of the world, they've been in use for almost three decades or 30 years. While around 80 nations have abortion pills available, Japan, a highly traditional nation, has long been criticised for lagging behind in this aspect. Also read | US Supreme Court preserves abortion drug access amid legal battle Kumi Tsukahara, director of the Reproductive Health Rights Literacy Institute, said that the decision was a positive step towards putting a spotlight on issues like limited access to safe abortion. However, she warned that the drug could be inaccessible to some. She suggested that the government should come up with a system to train medical practitioners on how to communicate about abortion without any stigma and help them assess the risks. "It’s important that they help patients understand what is safe and what is not, enabling them to make their own decision," said Tsukahara. Also read | Japan to approve abortion pill – but partner’s consent mandatory The pill pack is to be administered at medical institutions. It consists of two oral drugs, two types of drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol and is to be taken within the first nine weeks of pregnancy. The government is yet to create guidelines for physicians and offer the public information on the drug. Earlier, in January, an initial advisory panel at the health ministry had approved the production and sale of the abortion pill pack. In Japan, abortion requires spousal consent under the Maternal Health Act; this can limit access to the procedure. This law will also apply to abortion pills, according to the country's health ministry. Currently, for abortion, Japan allows surgical procedures in the early stages of pregnancy. These, as per Japan Times, cost around cost ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 (around $730 to $1,500). Mefeego, the abortion pill will not be covered under Japan's national health insurance, and as per estimates may cost more, which as per Tsukuhara is behind its accessibility for all. Despite this, she said the approval can be seen as a first step. (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.

30 years after the world started using it, Japan approves its first ever abortion pill

Lucky travelers scooped up heavily discounted plane tickets after a Japanese airline encountered a currency conversion blunder this week — with some passengers scoring 10,000 dollars tickets for a mere 300 dollars.

Japan: $10,000 business class tickets sold for $300

Japan’s average lifespan is increasing. About one-third of the country’s population is aged 65 or above. 80-year-olds are taking to football pitches, proving that age is just a number. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas |  80-year-olds in Japan play football | Is 80 the new 50 in Japan?

Pacific Island nations are pushing back against Japan’s request to release into the ocean treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was disabled in an accident 12 years ago. During the Group of Seven environment ministers meeting this month, the Islanders' effort gained momentum. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Pacific Island nations slam Japan

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated on Friday that China was unhappy with Japan about Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine.&nbsp;With reference to the start of a spring celebration on Friday, according to The Japan Times, Kishida sent a ceremonial offering to the shrine. In a daily briefing in Beijing, Wang stated, "China is firmly opposed to the negative moves by Japan."

The Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which pays tribute to top generals who were found guilty by international tribunals of planning and directing the war and who also caused millions of deaths, is seen as a symbol of Japan's former military aggression in China and South Korea, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

The Yomiuri Shimbun was informed by sources with understanding of the situation that the Japanese Premier has no intentions to visit the Shinto temple during the two-day festival.

On Friday, members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan paid a visit to the shrine in honour of the spring festival, including Minister of Economic Security Sanae Takaichi.

Additionally objecting to Kishida's Friday ceremonial offering was South Korea's foreign ministry.&nbsp;

“The government expresses deep disappointment and regret that Japan’s responsible leaders have once again offered tribute or paid pilgrimage to the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan’s past war of aggression and enshrines war criminals,” the ministry said.

“The Korean government urges responsible figures in Japan to face its history and show humble introspection and true remorse for the past with its action,” it added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-not-approaching-border-talks-with-india-seriously-says-washington-584790">China not approaching border talks with India seriously, says Washington</a>

Kishida has made offerings for the spring and autumn festivals of the shrine since since he became prime minister in October 2021.

He made a similar ritual offering to the shrine on the Aug 15, 2022 on the&nbsp;anniversary of Japan’s surrender in the war.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is the&nbsp;Yasukuni Shrine controversial?</h2>

Yasukuni Shrine honours the souls of the nation's more than 2.4 million war dead, but it also contains the graves of Japanese military commanders who were found guilty of war crimes by an international tribunal after World War II.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Japan: Police officers pin individual to ground, remove PM Fumio Kishida from the scene

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Former prime ministers, including the slain Shinzo Abe, and other MPs have visited the shrine in the past, drawing harsh criticism from China and South Korea, where there are still strong memories of Japanese militarism before and during the war.

High-ranking legislators such as the health minister Katsunobu Kato and the head of the House of Councillors Hidehisa Otsuji also brought ritual offerings to the shrine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated on Friday that China was unhappy with Japan about Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated on Friday that China was unhappy with Japan about Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine. With reference to the start of a spring celebration on Friday, according to The Japan Times, Kishida sent a ceremonial offering to the shrine. In a daily briefing in Beijing, Wang stated, "China is firmly opposed to the negative moves by Japan." The Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which pays tribute to top generals who were found guilty by international tribunals of planning and directing the war and who also caused millions of deaths, is seen as a symbol of Japan's former military aggression in China and South Korea, as reported by Reuters. The Yomiuri Shimbun was informed by sources with understanding of the situation that the Japanese Premier has no intentions to visit the Shinto temple during the two-day festival. On Friday, members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan paid a visit to the shrine in honour of the spring festival, including Minister of Economic Security Sanae Takaichi. Additionally objecting to Kishida's Friday ceremonial offering was South Korea's foreign ministry. “The government expresses deep disappointment and regret that Japan’s responsible leaders have once again offered tribute or paid pilgrimage to the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan’s past war of aggression and enshrines war criminals,” the ministry said. “The Korean government urges responsible figures in Japan to face its history and show humble introspection and true remorse for the past with its action,” it added. ALSO READ | China not approaching border talks with India seriously, says Washington Kishida has made offerings for the spring and autumn festivals of the shrine since since he became prime minister in October 2021. He made a similar ritual offering to the shrine on the Aug 15, 2022 on the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in the war. Why is the Yasukuni Shrine controversial? Yasukuni Shrine honours the souls of the nation's more than 2.4 million war dead, but it also contains the graves of Japanese military commanders who were found guilty of war crimes by an international tribunal after World War II. ALSO WATCH | Japan: Police officers pin individual to ground, remove PM Fumio Kishida from the scene Former prime ministers, including the slain Shinzo Abe, and other MPs have visited the shrine in the past, drawing harsh criticism from China and South Korea, where there are still strong memories of Japanese militarism before and during the war. High-ranking legislators such as the health minister Katsunobu Kato and the head of the House of Councillors Hidehisa Otsuji also brought ritual offerings to the shrine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China, S Korea condemn Kishida's ritual offering to war-linked Yasukuni Shrine

Mutsuhiko Nomura's soccer career has spanned 18 World Cups, or 70 years, to be exact. Now the silver-maned former&nbsp;Japanese national team player is a member of the brand new over-80 division of Tokyo's "Soccer For Life" (SFL) league, which played its first match this month. The sprightly 83-year-old and his teammates are among a growing number of seniors pushing the boundaries of active living in&nbsp;Japan, one of the world's fastest-greying societies.

"When I was a kid, men in their 50s and 60s were considered 'grandpas'," Nomura, already a member of several amateur teams, said after a pre-season practice match in February. "And now, we're all still at it in our 80s. It's shocking."&nbsp;As&nbsp;Japan's average lifespan inches up, people aged 65 and more form nearly a third of its population of 126 million, with life expectancy, now at 85, ranking among the world's highest.

That has brought societal changes, too: about a fifth of those older than 70 are employed, and the government encourages pensioners to start collecting later, by holding out the promise of larger deferred payments. Elderly security guards and shopkeepers have become a common sight.

"I think the formation of the 0-80 division is a reflection of what we're seeing in&nbsp;Japanese society, where the elderly demographic can be active like this," said Yutaka Ito, the secretary general of the SFL league. It was only two decades ago that Tokyo created a division for the 0-60 age group. In 2012, the 0-70 division followed, and five years later, the 0-75 category. At that rate, 0-80 was simply a matter of time.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-mexico-set-to-jointly-bid-for-2027-womens-world-cup-584244">USA, Mexico set to jointly bid for 2027 Women's World Cup</a>

ROLE MODEL

If his more "mature" teammates are something to go by, Nomura may easily have another decade on the pitch: the oldest player, Shingo Shiozawa, is 93. "If I hadn't played soccer, I'd have been dead by now," said the former designer of racing cars, who plays goalie. He credits the sport with motivating him to quit smoking and helping to speed his recovery after treatment for spinal stenosis. With an average age of 83-1/2, however, stiff backs, creaky knees and laboured breathing were often on display as the players of the three SFL teams slogged through inaugural matches under a blazing sun last Wednesday.

A ball propelled forward by a player failed to reach his slow-moving teammate, while a few stumbled and wobbled on the pitch. An 89-year-old who ran out of breath asked to be substituted about 10 minutes into a match, unable to play the rest of the 15-minute half. After the game, Nomura and his teammates toasted their prowess with cans of beer, in a ritual familiar to many younger players.

Despite decades of watching Nomura play soccer, his wife, Junko, says she's not concerned about injuries - only his high blood pressure, which she logs everyday in a notebook, along with his activities and meals. "He likes to eat meat, so I try to get him to eat vegetables," she said of Nomura, who started playing soccer in middle school and won the national tournament three times in university. "I think soccer is the best thing for his health."

Far from slowing down, Nomura has also taken to kicking the ball around with his daughter and grand-daughter on weekends, teaching them tricks and building their love of the game. "I sometimes go to watch the seniors play, and it makes me feel I should work hard," said his 48-year-old daughter, Yuriko. "I really admire him. I hope to be like him, and continue playing when I'm older."

Mutsuhiko Nomura's soccer career has spanned 18 World Cups, or 70 years, to be exact. Now the silver-maned former Japanese national team player is a member of the brand new over-80 division of Tokyo's "Soccer For Life" (SFL) league, which played its first match this month.

Mutsuhiko Nomura's soccer career has spanned 18 World Cups, or 70 years, to be exact. Now the silver-maned former Japanese national team player is a member of the brand new over-80 division of Tokyo's "Soccer For Life" (SFL) league, which played its first match this month. The sprightly 83-year-old and his teammates are among a growing number of seniors pushing the boundaries of active living in Japan, one of the world's fastest-greying societies. "When I was a kid, men in their 50s and 60s were considered 'grandpas'," Nomura, already a member of several amateur teams, said after a pre-season practice match in February. "And now, we're all still at it in our 80s. It's shocking." As Japan's average lifespan inches up, people aged 65 and more form nearly a third of its population of 126 million, with life expectancy, now at 85, ranking among the world's highest. That has brought societal changes, too: about a fifth of those older than 70 are employed, and the government encourages pensioners to start collecting later, by holding out the promise of larger deferred payments. Elderly security guards and shopkeepers have become a common sight. "I think the formation of the 0-80 division is a reflection of what we're seeing in Japanese society, where the elderly demographic can be active like this," said Yutaka Ito, the secretary general of the SFL league. It was only two decades ago that Tokyo created a division for the 0-60 age group. In 2012, the 0-70 division followed, and five years later, the 0-75 category. At that rate, 0-80 was simply a matter of time. Also read: USA, Mexico set to jointly bid for 2027 Women's World Cup ROLE MODEL If his more "mature" teammates are something to go by, Nomura may easily have another decade on the pitch: the oldest player, Shingo Shiozawa, is 93. "If I hadn't played soccer, I'd have been dead by now," said the former designer of racing cars, who plays goalie. He credits the sport with motivating him to quit smoking and helping to speed his recovery after treatment for spinal stenosis. With an average age of 83-1/2, however, stiff backs, creaky knees and laboured breathing were often on display as the players of the three SFL teams slogged through inaugural matches under a blazing sun last Wednesday. A ball propelled forward by a player failed to reach his slow-moving teammate, while a few stumbled and wobbled on the pitch. An 89-year-old who ran out of breath asked to be substituted about 10 minutes into a match, unable to play the rest of the 15-minute half. After the game, Nomura and his teammates toasted their prowess with cans of beer, in a ritual familiar to many younger players. Despite decades of watching Nomura play soccer, his wife, Junko, says she's not concerned about injuries - only his high blood pressure, which she logs everyday in a notebook, along with his activities and meals. "He likes to eat meat, so I try to get him to eat vegetables," she said of Nomura, who started playing soccer in middle school and won the national tournament three times in university. "I think soccer is the best thing for his health." Far from slowing down, Nomura has also taken to kicking the ball around with his daughter and grand-daughter on weekends, teaching them tricks and building their love of the game. "I sometimes go to watch the seniors play, and it makes me feel I should work hard," said his 48-year-old daughter, Yuriko. "I really admire him. I hope to be like him, and continue playing when I'm older."

Football: Japanese seniors get a kick out of over-80s soccer league

An Australian nonprofit called Action for Dolphins (AFD) has lodged a police complaint demanding that “toxic” dolphin meat be removed from sale in Japan, said a report by the British daily newspaper, the Guardian. This comes after tests conducted in a Japanese laboratory showed that the levels of mercury found in said meat were nearly 100 times higher than the government’s recommended safe level.&nbsp;

What did the test find?

According to the report by the Guardian, an AFD investigator, based in Japan, recently tested a sample of Risso’s dolphin offal which exceeded the government-set regulatory limit of mercury by up to 97.5 times. Additionally, a separate package of Risso’s dolphin offal, which was tested showed mercury levels nearly 80 times higher than the limit which is considered safe by the government.&nbsp;

The dolphin meat in question was ordered back on 13 October 2022 which arrived two days later and was sent to a lab in Japan to be tested. “There are multiple test results dating back a decade showing potentially toxic levels of mercury in whale and dolphin meat sold via Yahoo! Japan’s website,” AFD’s chief executive, Hannah Tait, told the Guardian.&nbsp;

She added, “There is a lack of information and labelling…anyone can buy the meat, including pregnant women, which is particularly troubling.” She also told the British newspaper how she hopes that the police complaint and the test results lead to dolphin meat being removed from sale in supermarkets, restaurants and the online retailer Yahoo! Japan.&nbsp;

The complaint was filed by the Tokyo-based law office of Takashi Takano, on behalf of AFD, which also targets a speciality whale meat store that sells cetaceans caught in Taiji, on Japan’s Pacific coast, via Yahoo! Japan, reported the Guardian. The complaint also called for ending dolphin hunting in Taiji where hundreds of dolphins are killed in an annual slaughter.&nbsp;

Similar tests were conducted by the organisation in 2020 and 2021 which showed mercury levels in dolphin meat between 12 and 25 times over the regulatory limit. However, their previous complaint, filed in 2021, resulted in no action being taken by prosecutors.&nbsp;

How did Yahoo! Japan respond?

In an emailed statement to the Guardian, the website denied selling dolphin meat or “or any related products” but only whale meat. The report also then found that the offal which was tested by the AFD can be translated into English as Risso’s dolphin or Risso’s pilot whale and the organisation had used the latter translation. However, Tait later clarified that the cetacean is biologically a member of the dolphin family. 
 
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An Australian nonprofit called Action for Dolphins (AFD) has lodged a police complaint demanding that “toxic” dolphin meat be removed from sale in Japan, said a report by the British daily newspaper, the Guardian.

An Australian nonprofit called Action for Dolphins (AFD) has lodged a police complaint demanding that “toxic” dolphin meat be removed from sale in Japan, said a report by the British daily newspaper, the Guardian. This comes after tests conducted in a Japanese laboratory showed that the levels of mercury found in said meat were nearly 100 times higher than the government’s recommended safe level. What did the test find? According to the report by the Guardian, an AFD investigator, based in Japan, recently tested a sample of Risso’s dolphin offal which exceeded the government-set regulatory limit of mercury by up to 97.5 times. Additionally, a separate package of Risso’s dolphin offal, which was tested showed mercury levels nearly 80 times higher than the limit which is considered safe by the government. The dolphin meat in question was ordered back on 13 October 2022 which arrived two days later and was sent to a lab in Japan to be tested. “There are multiple test results dating back a decade showing potentially toxic levels of mercury in whale and dolphin meat sold via Yahoo! Japan’s website,” AFD’s chief executive, Hannah Tait, told the Guardian. She added, “There is a lack of information and labelling…anyone can buy the meat, including pregnant women, which is particularly troubling.” She also told the British newspaper how she hopes that the police complaint and the test results lead to dolphin meat being removed from sale in supermarkets, restaurants and the online retailer Yahoo! Japan. The complaint was filed by the Tokyo-based law office of Takashi Takano, on behalf of AFD, which also targets a speciality whale meat store that sells cetaceans caught in Taiji, on Japan’s Pacific coast, via Yahoo! Japan, reported the Guardian. The complaint also called for ending dolphin hunting in Taiji where hundreds of dolphins are killed in an annual slaughter. Similar tests were conducted by the organisation in 2020 and 2021 which showed mercury levels in dolphin meat between 12 and 25 times over the regulatory limit. However, their previous complaint, filed in 2021, resulted in no action being taken by prosecutors. How did Yahoo! Japan respond? In an emailed statement to the Guardian, the website denied selling dolphin meat or “or any related products” but only whale meat. The report also then found that the offal which was tested by the AFD can be translated into English as Risso’s dolphin or Risso’s pilot whale and the organisation had used the latter translation. However, Tait later clarified that the cetacean is biologically a member of the dolphin family. 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.

Australian non-profit files police complaint over ‘toxic’ dolphin meat sold in Japan

Murakami books are addictive, at least for the people who love them. That can translate into a lot of sleepless nights when you start reading him, as each book is unputdownable. The famed Japanese writer is known to evoke extreme reactions so you can either love him or hate him. No prizes for guessing which side I’m on.

Like they say, it takes two to tango. With Murakami and me, it was just that. I loved him and he never disappointed! From 2004 till 2023, the love affair has endured and promises to go on forever. I won’t deny that there have been episodes of angst, as is bound to happen in most long-term relationships, like of late when there was nothing forthcoming from the man with the magic fingers and equally magical narratives.

The first year was tough and the following years even tougher but patience is key when it comes to this genius and after a long wait of so many years, finally he’s back in the groove again! Thursday, April 13 was a big day for die-hard fans like me (I know, I know..I always say a journalist has to be objective but somehow when it comes to him, it’s kind of flown out of the window) with his first book in six years, finally being published.&nbsp;

Murakami’s latest work, The City and Its Uncertain Walls hit shelves in Japan a few days back. My cup of joy overflows and yet the paths of love are not easy to tread on, especially if they are as labyrinthine and vast and abysmal as he takes us on. So readers in English, like me, will have to wait for some more time before the translated work is available.

Which brings me back to the first time I encountered his genius and how all the previous flirtations with brilliant names like Italo Calvino, Milan Kundera, Ian McEwan, Tim Krabbe, Kazuo Ishiguro, Raymond Chandler and the English classics and popular American thrillers, just faded into oblivion.

My most favourite book of his and the first I read was Norwegian Wood that sold almost a million copies outside Japan where it was first published. In it a character says, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” A statement that holds true for every Murakami book that you may read which will take you to unknown worlds where reality is interspersed with fantasy and finally makes you&nbsp;find magic in the mundane.&nbsp;

The first time I laid my eyes on a Murakami book was the year 2004. I was ambling by a friend’s desk at the newspaper in Delhi, where I worked, reporting on city happenings, which meant our days and nights were crumpled into one and very often we would talk about books and writers over endless cups of coffee before we ended our graveyard shifts.

He suggested I start with reading either of the two Murakami books as appetisers, warning me at the same time about the love-hate relationship readers had with Murakami. So, what would it be--Norwegian Wood or Sputnik Sweetheart? I chose the former.

Norwegian Wood is all about love, loss, burgeoning sexuality that is set in the Tokyo of the 1960s during a period of student unrest against the established order. The title of the book comes from&nbsp;a very famous Beatles song, and this is a pattern in most Murakami books; there is plenty of music in all his work. Of course, his love for music stems from the fact that he himself owned a jazz bar for a good many years before he turned to full-time writing.

I didn’t stop for the next hour or so until I finished the book. It was a page-turner,&nbsp;marvellous, poignant, and I found it almost miraculous that a writer could stir such emotions in a reader, all by the power of his words. I laughed, cried, went into depression and became elated—all at the same time and the best part was, it was written with extreme simplicity. And yet,&nbsp;he gets inside your head to churn out the most complex thoughts.

I was smitten.

Another character in his path breaking novel, 1Q84, says, “Please remember: things are not what they seem.” And that really encapsulates his themes; that a book is not to be judged by its cover and neither a human being to be taken for what he or she may come across as. He dives deep into the human psyche, using magic realism to make his characters go on a journey of discovery using a multitude of metaphors for the existential crisis we all encounter everyday. Deceptively simple yet lost in worlds that we could never go to or imagine existed if he hadn’t created them. 
 
He is the master of a unique brand of surrealism and can seem strange or weird to people who like conventional narratives.

As a writer, he doesn’t experiment much and prefers to stick to his brand of storytelling that finds the extraordinary in the mundane. He also says in a self-deprecating manner that his books are for people who are confused. In an interview with the Guardian, the 67-year-old writer who has won numerous awards and whose works have been translated to roughly 50 languages, having sold millions of copies outside Japan, says, “I was so popular in the 1990s in Russia, at the time they were changing from the Soviet Union – there was big confusion, and people in confusion like my books. In Germany, when the Berlin Wall fell down, there was confusion – and people liked my books.”

Clearly the current times of confusion and angst will perhaps find him more readers, that too, from the younger generation who are slowly discovering that he can be very addictive and almost a sweet spot for the woke culture they represent.

The third book of his I chose to read was the very fat, almost 600 pager, (though I have an aversion to fat books, here too I broke the rules, all for true love) The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, that is science fiction, psychological fiction and yet explicitly political too.

This was during the devastating Mumbai floods of 2005 when I happened to be in the city on a work trip that stretched to quite a few weeks. Holed up in a hotel room, all I did was think of the book every single waking moment, finishing my chores, getting to work and back and finally savouring the moments when I would hold it close to me…and …read.

The memory of it, is..ah, precious.

Slowly, one by one, I devoured all of his books and the only thing that happened was that I was left wanting more; more of that adrenaline rush, more of those words that seems to only cast a spell and in my case, made me a bit of a loner, as his books were definitely more interesting than any company one could keep.

Murakami’s books are all memorable like the quotes they are peppered with such as the one in the book, Kafka on the Shore: “Memories are what warm you up from the inside. But they're also what tear you apart.”

True?&nbsp;

You decide, and while you’re at it, grab one of his copies. The memory of it will always keep you warm, just like it does for me.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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Murakami books are addictive, at least for the people who love them. That can translate into a lot of sleepless nights when you start reading him, as each book is unputdownable.

Murakami books are addictive, at least for the people who love them. That can translate into a lot of sleepless nights when you start reading him, as each book is unputdownable. The famed Japanese writer is known to evoke extreme reactions so you can either love him or hate him. No prizes for guessing which side I’m on. Like they say, it takes two to tango. With Murakami and me, it was just that. I loved him and he never disappointed! From 2004 till 2023, the love affair has endured and promises to go on forever. I won’t deny that there have been episodes of angst, as is bound to happen in most long-term relationships, like of late when there was nothing forthcoming from the man with the magic fingers and equally magical narratives. The first year was tough and the following years even tougher but patience is key when it comes to this genius and after a long wait of so many years, finally he’s back in the groove again! Thursday, April 13 was a big day for die-hard fans like me (I know, I know..I always say a journalist has to be objective but somehow when it comes to him, it’s kind of flown out of the window) with his first book in six years, finally being published. Murakami’s latest work, The City and Its Uncertain Walls hit shelves in Japan a few days back. My cup of joy overflows and yet the paths of love are not easy to tread on, especially if they are as labyrinthine and vast and abysmal as he takes us on. So readers in English, like me, will have to wait for some more time before the translated work is available. Which brings me back to the first time I encountered his genius and how all the previous flirtations with brilliant names like Italo Calvino, Milan Kundera, Ian McEwan, Tim Krabbe, Kazuo Ishiguro, Raymond Chandler and the English classics and popular American thrillers, just faded into oblivion. My most favourite book of his and the first I read was Norwegian Wood that sold almost a million copies outside Japan where it was first published. In it a character says, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” A statement that holds true for every Murakami book that you may read which will take you to unknown worlds where reality is interspersed with fantasy and finally makes you find magic in the mundane. The first time I laid my eyes on a Murakami book was the year 2004. I was ambling by a friend’s desk at the newspaper in Delhi, where I worked, reporting on city happenings, which meant our days and nights were crumpled into one and very often we would talk about books and writers over endless cups of coffee before we ended our graveyard shifts. He suggested I start with reading either of the two Murakami books as appetisers, warning me at the same time about the love-hate relationship readers had with Murakami. So, what would it be--Norwegian Wood or Sputnik Sweetheart? I chose the former. Norwegian Wood is all about love, loss, burgeoning sexuality that is set in the Tokyo of the 1960s during a period of student unrest against the established order. The title of the book comes from a very famous Beatles song, and this is a pattern in most Murakami books; there is plenty of music in all his work. Of course, his love for music stems from the fact that he himself owned a jazz bar for a good many years before he turned to full-time writing. I didn’t stop for the next hour or so until I finished the book. It was a page-turner, marvellous, poignant, and I found it almost miraculous that a writer could stir such emotions in a reader, all by the power of his words. I laughed, cried, went into depression and became elated—all at the same time and the best part was, it was written with extreme simplicity. And yet, he gets inside your head to churn out the most complex thoughts. I was smitten. Another character in his path breaking novel, 1Q84, says, “Please remember: things are not what they seem.” And that really encapsulates his themes; that a book is not to be judged by its cover and neither a human being to be taken for what he or she may come across as. He dives deep into the human psyche, using magic realism to make his characters go on a journey of discovery using a multitude of metaphors for the existential crisis we all encounter everyday. Deceptively simple yet lost in worlds that we could never go to or imagine existed if he hadn’t created them. He is the master of a unique brand of surrealism and can seem strange or weird to people who like conventional narratives. As a writer, he doesn’t experiment much and prefers to stick to his brand of storytelling that finds the extraordinary in the mundane. He also says in a self-deprecating manner that his books are for people who are confused. In an interview with the Guardian, the 67-year-old writer who has won numerous awards and whose works have been translated to roughly 50 languages, having sold millions of copies outside Japan, says, “I was so popular in the 1990s in Russia, at the time they were changing from the Soviet Union – there was big confusion, and people in confusion like my books. In Germany, when the Berlin Wall fell down, there was confusion – and people liked my books.” Clearly the current times of confusion and angst will perhaps find him more readers, that too, from the younger generation who are slowly discovering that he can be very addictive and almost a sweet spot for the woke culture they represent. The third book of his I chose to read was the very fat, almost 600 pager, (though I have an aversion to fat books, here too I broke the rules, all for true love) The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, that is science fiction, psychological fiction and yet explicitly political too. This was during the devastating Mumbai floods of 2005 when I happened to be in the city on a work trip that stretched to quite a few weeks. Holed up in a hotel room, all I did was think of the book every single waking moment, finishing my chores, getting to work and back and finally savouring the moments when I would hold it close to me…and …read. The memory of it, is..ah, precious. Slowly, one by one, I devoured all of his books and the only thing that happened was that I was left wanting more; more of that adrenaline rush, more of those words that seems to only cast a spell and in my case, made me a bit of a loner, as his books were definitely more interesting than any company one could keep. Murakami’s books are all memorable like the quotes they are peppered with such as the one in the book, Kafka on the Shore: “Memories are what warm you up from the inside. But they're also what tear you apart.” True? You decide, and while you’re at it, grab one of his copies. The memory of it will always keep you warm, just like it does for me. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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.

How I fell for the Haruki Murakami magic: My eternal love story

A United States diplomatic convoy came under fire as the power struggle between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues in Khartoum; the incident has since&nbsp;been confirmed by Washington’s top diplomat. In a press conference, on Tuesday (April 18), the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the attack&nbsp;“reckless” and “irresponsible”.&nbsp;

What did Blinken say?

Washington’s top diplomat who is currently in the midst of attending the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations meeting in Japan also denounced “indiscriminate military operations” as the unrest in the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum, enters its fourth day. “I can confirm that yesterday we had an American diplomatic convoy that was fired on,” said Blinken.

The attack took place on clearly marked embassy vehicles, on Monday, while preliminary reports suggest that the assailants were from the RSF, said the US’ top diplomat.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-180-dead-in-sudan-violence-as-army-chief-declares-a-powerful-paramilitary-force-rebels-583458">Sudan unrest claims 200 lives, EU envoy 'assaulted' in capital Khartoum</a>

He also went on to say that the people in the diplomatic convoy were safe, adding, “We have deep concerns of course about the overall security environment as it affects civilians, as it affects diplomats, as it affects aid workers.”&nbsp;

Washington’s top diplomat warns Sudan

The incident has since prompted a direct warning from Blinken who called RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, and Sudan’s army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Speaking about the call, the US’ top diplomat said, “I made very clear that any attacks threats, dangerous posed to our diplomats were totally unacceptable.”

So far, more than 200 people have been killed and more than 1,800 injured since the fighting erupted, said the United Nations. The attack on the US convoy also comes after a European Union ambassador in Sudan was “assaulted” in his own residence, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote on Twitter.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-death-count-from-the-fighting-exceeds-180-583548">Sudan: Death count from the fighting exceeds 180</a> 
 
He added, “Security of diplomatic premises and staff is a primary responsibility of Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law.” The EU ambassador, in question, was veteran Irish diplomat Aidan O'Hara. However, an EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali told AFP that he was "OK" following the assault.

RSF’s response to Blinken’s call

The RSF leader, Dagalo while acknowledging the calls for a “temporary ceasefire” from friendly nations as well as after the conversation with Blinken, took to Twitter and wrote, “The RSF reaffirms its approval of a 24 HR armistice to ensure the safe passage of civilians and the evacuation of the wounded.” &nbsp;

However, in subsequent tweets, he accused the Sudanese Armed Forces of failing to “honor this ceasefire, bombing densely populated areas from the air and endangering civilian lives. These actions are a flagrant violation of the foundations and principles of international and humanitarian law.”&nbsp;

Sudan’s military claims situation is ‘fully under control’

Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Sudanese military, as per the state-run Sudan TV, claimed that the situation was under control.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/saudi-led-coalition-releases-over-100-additional-yemen-war-prisoners-583456">Saudi-led coalition releases over 100 additional Yemen war prisoners</a> 
 
The broadcaster aired a phone call with Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, where he claimed the situation was “fully under control,” on Tuesday. &nbsp;

He added that the Sudanese Military “don’t want to expand our operations at this step.” Abdullah also reportedly said that the army is “worried about our citizens being hurt or there being civilian victims because of this conflict”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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A United States diplomatic convoy came under fire as the power struggle between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues in Khartoum; the incident has since been confirmed by Washington’s top diplomat.

A United States diplomatic convoy came under fire as the power struggle between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues in Khartoum; the incident has since been confirmed by Washington’s top diplomat. In a press conference, on Tuesday (April 18), the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the attack “reckless” and “irresponsible”. What did Blinken say? Washington’s top diplomat who is currently in the midst of attending the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations meeting in Japan also denounced “indiscriminate military operations” as the unrest in the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum, enters its fourth day. “I can confirm that yesterday we had an American diplomatic convoy that was fired on,” said Blinken. The attack took place on clearly marked embassy vehicles, on Monday, while preliminary reports suggest that the assailants were from the RSF, said the US’ top diplomat. ALSO READ | Sudan unrest claims 200 lives, EU envoy 'assaulted' in capital Khartoum He also went on to say that the people in the diplomatic convoy were safe, adding, “We have deep concerns of course about the overall security environment as it affects civilians, as it affects diplomats, as it affects aid workers.” Washington’s top diplomat warns Sudan The incident has since prompted a direct warning from Blinken who called RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, and Sudan’s army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Speaking about the call, the US’ top diplomat said, “I made very clear that any attacks threats, dangerous posed to our diplomats were totally unacceptable.” So far, more than 200 people have been killed and more than 1,800 injured since the fighting erupted, said the United Nations. The attack on the US convoy also comes after a European Union ambassador in Sudan was “assaulted” in his own residence, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote on Twitter. ALSO WATCH | Sudan: Death count from the fighting exceeds 180 He added, “Security of diplomatic premises and staff is a primary responsibility of Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law.” The EU ambassador, in question, was veteran Irish diplomat Aidan O'Hara. However, an EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali told AFP that he was "OK" following the assault. RSF’s response to Blinken’s call The RSF leader, Dagalo while acknowledging the calls for a “temporary ceasefire” from friendly nations as well as after the conversation with Blinken, took to Twitter and wrote, “The RSF reaffirms its approval of a 24 HR armistice to ensure the safe passage of civilians and the evacuation of the wounded.” However, in subsequent tweets, he accused the Sudanese Armed Forces of failing to “honor this ceasefire, bombing densely populated areas from the air and endangering civilian lives. These actions are a flagrant violation of the foundations and principles of international and humanitarian law.” Sudan’s military claims situation is ‘fully under control’ Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Sudanese military, as per the state-run Sudan TV, claimed that the situation was under control. ALSO READ | Saudi-led coalition releases over 100 additional Yemen war prisoners The broadcaster aired a phone call with Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, where he claimed the situation was “fully under control,” on Tuesday. He added that the Sudanese Military “don’t want to expand our operations at this step.” Abdullah also reportedly said that the army is “worried about our citizens being hurt or there being civilian victims because of this conflict”. (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.

US convoy attacked in Sudan, Blinken calls incident ‘reckless’, issues warning

The leaders of the group of seven countries are gathering in Japan today with their foreign ministers to address a variety of global concerns, including a united front against China.

Foreign Ministers from G7 nations meeting in Karuizawa, Japan

Environment ministers of G7 nations held talks on Sunday. Setting some big and new collective targets for solar power and offshore wind capacity. While agreeing to speed up renewable energy development as well.

Two-day G7 climate talks conclude in Japan's Sapporo | WION Climate Tracker

Kicking off a three-day meeting in Japan on Sunday, top diplomats from the Group of Seven wealthy democracies vowed a tough stance on China’s increasing threats to Taiwan and on North Korea's missile tests.

G7 Foreign Ministers meet in Japan: China, Taiwan & North Korea on agenda | World News | WION

Against the backdrop of rising nuclear threats from North Korea and China's growing assertiveness in the region Seoul and Tokyo began their director General level security talks. This is the first time in five years that both the countries are meeting for such high-level talks defense and diplomatic officials arrived in South Korea's capital for the meeting the discussion will include assessment of security situation in Northeast Asia and on Korean Peninsula the two sides will also discuss bilateral cooperation on defense and security policies.

Japan, South Korea mend ties, amid regional threats

G7 meet in Japan: G7 ministers vow tough stance on China, North Korea

The G7 ministers gathered for a second day of meetings in the Karuizawa, Japan on Monday to address a variety of global concerns, including rising Chinese assertiveness, especially around Taiwan.

G7 Meet: China's aggression towards Taiwan on top agenda as G7 diplomats meet in Japan

The G7 conference of energy and environment ministers is being held in Japan and began on Saturday in the city of Sapporo. During the two days of discussions, the world's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the necessity of reducing carbon emissions in an effort to avert the worst effects of climate change will be reconciled.

G7 Climate Talks: Meet seeks to reconcile world's heavy reliance on fossil fuels

G7 climate talks in Japan: Focus on tensions in Taiwan, Ukraine | World News | WION

The Japanese prime minister has been evacuated as of right now and is reportedly unharmed. Reports are coming in that a blast was strong in the western city of Wakayama where prime minister Fumio Kishida was scheduled to give a speech.

Japan: Police officers pin individual to ground, remove PM Fumio Kishida from the scene

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida came under attack when a smoke bomb was hurled when he was delivering a speech in the Japanese city of Wakayama. The prime minister was evacuated safely and the attacker was apprehended, as per reports. As soon as the explosion&nbsp;was heard, the officers quickly rushed PM Kishida safely away from the scene while responding to the situation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-approves-electronic-enlistment-bill-clamps-down-on-russians-who-dodge-military-service-582599">Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service</a>

According to the Japanese news agency Kyodo News, a man hurled what seemed to be a smoke bomb at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday when he was giving a speech&nbsp; at a campaign event in western Japan.

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きょう午前11時半前、和歌山市の雑賀崎漁港で岸田総理大臣が視察を終えて演説を始める直前に、大きな爆発音がしました。岸田総理大臣は、現場から避難したということです。 
 
最新情報を速報しています👇<a href="https://t.co/EQMeVH4jjH">https://t.co/EQMeVH4jjH</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nhk_news?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nhk_news</a> <a href="https://t.co/JGGGjc1n5H">pic.twitter.com/JGGGjc1n5H</a>
— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/nhk_news/status/1647070610650984449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Kishida was alongside a candidate for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party when the incident took place. The Japanese prime minister was evacuated from the area unharmed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-leak-us-president-biden-says-probe-will-examine-why-leaker-had-classified-access-582597">Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access</a> 
 
Immediately after the incident, which happened during official campaigning for a lower house by-election for the Wakayama No. 1 district, the attacker was taken into custody by police. 
Videos on social media and TV showed officers piling on top of a person, believed to be a suspect, holding him down, and then carrying him away.&nbsp; 
 
The address by Kishida was cancelled, as per Kyodo News. However, Kishida resumed campaigning later.&nbsp;

"There was a loud blast sound at the previous speech venue. Police are investigating details, but I'd like to apologise for worrying many people and causing them trouble," Kishida reportedly said, quoted NHK. He added, "An election that's important to our country is taking place, and we must work together and follow through on it."

Sharing the account&nbsp;of the incident, Kishida said he saw an object thrown near him at a campaign event and he fled moments before it exploded. He also told a top official of the Liberal Democratic Party in a telephonic conversation that the time duration between spotting the object thrown at him and the explosion was enough to allow him to flee the campaign site, reported NHK.

He added that he would continue his campaign events on Saturday and Sunday as per schedule.

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Smoke bomb thrown at PM Kishida in Japan <a href="https://t.co/dCnGGYh3Z2">pic.twitter.com/dCnGGYh3Z2</a>
— Crime Watch Juarez (@CrimeWatchJRZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrimeWatchJRZ/status/1647072674210799621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Video footage on social media shows how a man being held down by several others who seemed to be police officers at the site. Meanwhile, the people who had gathered at the incident ran for cover as was seen in the footage.

Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests

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After touring the fishing harbour in Wakayama, Kishida had just begun to give a speech, according to NHK media outlet. A lot of footage of the event is being shared on social media.&nbsp;The incident comes ahead of next month's meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders which Kishida is set to host in Hiroshima.&nbsp; 
 
Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister, was fatally shot in July 2017 during a campaign address ahead of the upper house election.

(This is a developing story)

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Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida came under attack when a smoke bomb was hurled when he was delivering a speech in the Japanese city of Wakayama. The prime minister was evacuated safely and the attacker was apprehended, as per reports.

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida came under attack when a smoke bomb was hurled when he was delivering a speech in the Japanese city of Wakayama. The prime minister was evacuated safely and the attacker was apprehended, as per reports. As soon as the explosion was heard, the officers quickly rushed PM Kishida safely away from the scene while responding to the situation. ALSO READ | Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service According to the Japanese news agency Kyodo News, a man hurled what seemed to be a smoke bomb at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday when he was giving a speech at a campaign event in western Japan. きょう午前11時半前、和歌山市の雑賀崎漁港で岸田総理大臣が視察を終えて演説を始める直前に、大きな爆発音がしました。岸田総理大臣は、現場から避難したということです。 最新情報を速報しています👇https://t.co/EQMeVH4jjH#nhk_news pic.twitter.com/JGGGjc1n5H — NHKニュース (@nhk_news) April 15, 2023 × Kishida was alongside a candidate for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party when the incident took place. The Japanese prime minister was evacuated from the area unharmed. Also Read | Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access Immediately after the incident, which happened during official campaigning for a lower house by-election for the Wakayama No. 1 district, the attacker was taken into custody by police. Videos on social media and TV showed officers piling on top of a person, believed to be a suspect, holding him down, and then carrying him away. The address by Kishida was cancelled, as per Kyodo News. However, Kishida resumed campaigning later. "There was a loud blast sound at the previous speech venue. Police are investigating details, but I'd like to apologise for worrying many people and causing them trouble," Kishida reportedly said, quoted NHK. He added, "An election that's important to our country is taking place, and we must work together and follow through on it." Sharing the account of the incident, Kishida said he saw an object thrown near him at a campaign event and he fled moments before it exploded. He also told a top official of the Liberal Democratic Party in a telephonic conversation that the time duration between spotting the object thrown at him and the explosion was enough to allow him to flee the campaign site, reported NHK. He added that he would continue his campaign events on Saturday and Sunday as per schedule. Smoke bomb thrown at PM Kishida in Japan pic.twitter.com/dCnGGYh3Z2 — Crime Watch Juarez (@CrimeWatchJRZ) April 15, 2023 × Video footage on social media shows how a man being held down by several others who seemed to be police officers at the site. Meanwhile, the people who had gathered at the incident ran for cover as was seen in the footage. Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests × After touring the fishing harbour in Wakayama, Kishida had just begun to give a speech, according to NHK media outlet. A lot of footage of the event is being shared on social media. The incident comes ahead of next month's meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders which Kishida is set to host in Hiroshima. Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister, was fatally shot in July 2017 during a campaign address ahead of the upper house election. (This is a developing story) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH: Japan PM Fumio Kishida attacked with smoke bomb, evacuated from speech venue in Wakayama

Reports: Japanese PM Fumio Kishida safe after 'smoke bomb' at speech

Japan was shaken once again. A kind of deja vu moment, the Prime Minister was the target but thankfully Fumio Kishida escaped unharmed after a man threw a smoke bomb during an election campaign. The recent incident comes at a time when G7 foreign minister's meeting is scheduled to begin in Japan tomorrow.

Japan: Smoke bomb thrown at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida | World News | WION

In the latest bid to build relations with a growing partner, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a visit to Vietnam. Blinken is on a visit to Vietnam as he is passing through Hanoi while on his way to the G7 Foreign Ministers' meet in Japan.

Antony Blinken visits Vietnam as Asia tensions flare; G7 FMs' meet in Japan to begin on Sunday

The Japanese prime minister has been evacuated as of right now and is reportedly unharmed. Reports are coming in that a blast was strong in the western city of Wakayama where Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was scheduled to give a speech.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida evacuated after 'smoke bomb' at speech, unharmed in incident

Chinese scientists said that they were able to conduct a “landmark experiment” by allowing an artificial intelligence (AI) machine to take full control of a satellite temporarily in near-Earth orbit to test its behaviour in space.

Qimingxing 1, a small Earth observation satellite, was controlled by the AI for 24 hours, and it functioned without any human order, assignment or intervention, a paper published in the journal Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University stated.

Notably, the AI spotted a few places on Earth and ordered the satellite to “take a closer look”.

One of the targeted areas was the&nbsp;Patna city in India&nbsp;housing the Bihar Regiment – the Indian Army unit that clashed with Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley in 2020.

The other targeted area was Osaka, one of Japan’s busiest ports, which occasionally hosts US Navy vessels operating in the Pacific.

The scientists, however, did not explain why the AI machine made the satellite to specifically look for these two locations.

<h2>From Zojila to Atal: Inside India's longest tunnels | Inside South Asia</h2>

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The research team, led by Wang Mi from the university’s State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing, claimed that the aim of the experiment was to see what the AI would do of its own accord, reports South China Morning Post.

“This approach breaks the existing rules in mission planning,” said Wang and his colleagues in their paper published on April 3.

The research team was surprised by how AI could manage to order the satellite&nbsp;in space which has always been operated based on specific orders or assignments.

Usually, satellites are given assignments during unexpected events, such as war or an earthquake, to make long-term observations of particular targets.

Though AI has been prominently used in space programmes, such as image recognition, drawing flight paths and collision avoidance, this is the first that it was given control of a satellite, resulting in a waste of time and resources, the team noted.

“The satellites are expensive with a limited lifespan. It is urgent to make the most out of their value with new orbital applications,” the researchers said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Chinese scientists said that they were able to conduct a “landmark experiment” by allowing an artificial intelligence (AI) machine to take full control of a satellite temporarily in near-Earth orbit to test its behaviour in space.

Chinese scientists said that they were able to conduct a “landmark experiment” by allowing an artificial intelligence (AI) machine to take full control of a satellite temporarily in near-Earth orbit to test its behaviour in space. Qimingxing 1, a small Earth observation satellite, was controlled by the AI for 24 hours, and it functioned without any human order, assignment or intervention, a paper published in the journal Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University stated. Notably, the AI spotted a few places on Earth and ordered the satellite to “take a closer look”. One of the targeted areas was the Patna city in India housing the Bihar Regiment – the Indian Army unit that clashed with Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley in 2020. The other targeted area was Osaka, one of Japan’s busiest ports, which occasionally hosts US Navy vessels operating in the Pacific. The scientists, however, did not explain why the AI machine made the satellite to specifically look for these two locations. From Zojila to Atal: Inside India's longest tunnels | Inside South Asia The research team, led by Wang Mi from the university’s State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing, claimed that the aim of the experiment was to see what the AI would do of its own accord, reports South China Morning Post. “This approach breaks the existing rules in mission planning,” said Wang and his colleagues in their paper published on April 3. The research team was surprised by how AI could manage to order the satellite in space which has always been operated based on specific orders or assignments. Usually, satellites are given assignments during unexpected events, such as war or an earthquake, to make long-term observations of particular targets. Though AI has been prominently used in space programmes, such as image recognition, drawing flight paths and collision avoidance, this is the first that it was given control of a satellite, resulting in a waste of time and resources, the team noted. “The satellites are expensive with a limited lifespan. It is urgent to make the most out of their value with new orbital applications,” the researchers said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chinese scientists let AI control satellite, it takes ‘closer look’ at specific spots in India, Japan

North Korea's latest missile launch sparked evacuations in Japan. The missile may have been a new type of weapon. What is the North Korean leader up to? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas:  Millions in Japan told to take immediate cover

Japan is trying hard to ameliorate its condition. In a move to turn more tourists towards Japan, the country is set to bring its first-ever legal casino. The Japanese government approved a controversial plan to build a casino in Osaka. The local govts of Osaka & Nagasaki have long sought approval to build "integrated resort" (IR) facilities. The IR facilities combine casinos, convention centres, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. The Osaka plan aims to open the casino by 2029.

Japan approves country's first-ever legal casino in Osaka

Japan approved a plan to build the country's first casino in Osaka on Friday, April 14, 2023. The project aims to attract domestic and international tourist spending through a large resort. The project, put forth by the city administration and Osaka prefecture, includes opening a casino, conference centre and other facilities in 2029 with $13.5 billion of the initial investment.

MGM Resorts International, a US-based casino operator, and Orix Corp, a local partner, will lead the Osaka IR project. Each firm holds a 40 per cent stake in the company set up to manage the complex. Furthermore, a local government document stated that the Osaka-based Panasonic, Kansai Electric Power and West Japan Railway have the remaining 20 per cent stake.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/suck-my-tongue-remark-tibetan-parliament-in-exile-calls-out-chinas-vile-attempts-to-target-dalai-lama-582408">'Suck my tongue' remark: Tibetan Parliament in Exile calls out China's 'vile' attempts to target Dalai Lama</a>

The resort complex will include a hotel, shopping mall and ferry terminal on the 492,000 square-metre land&nbsp;in Yumeshima, a reclaimed island in Osaka Bay. Moreover, Japan plans to host the World Expo on the island in 2025. The collective annual revenue target of the resort from the gaming business is around $4 billion. According to the forecast in the project documents, it will attract 6 million international tourists and 14 million domestic visitors.

The pro-casino Japan Innovation Party retained the office of prefectural governor and city mayor in Osaka. It led to the national government's decision to open the first casino in Japan.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Brazilian President Lula da Silva wants a BRICS currency

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Japan's first casino plans faced several hindrances, like the coronavirus pandemic and bribery scandal. Previously, casinos and other private gambling were illegal in Japan. The gambling crimes in Japan are 'simple gambling' and 'habitual gambling.' If a person commits habitual gambling, they can end up in jail for three years.&nbsp;

But in 2018, an integrated resort law provided exceptions to casino games like poker or baccarat at officially approved places to attract tourists. Many experts view Japan as a prized market for casino operators due to its wealthy population of 126 million. The country will be close to Asia's wealthy gamblers. However, opinion polls have shown many citizens worry about addiction and crime.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Japan approved a plan to build the country's first casino in Osaka on Friday, April 14, 2023. The project aims to attract domestic and international tourist spending through a large resort.

Japan approved a plan to build the country's first casino in Osaka on Friday, April 14, 2023. The project aims to attract domestic and international tourist spending through a large resort. The project, put forth by the city administration and Osaka prefecture, includes opening a casino, conference centre and other facilities in 2029 with $13.5 billion of the initial investment. MGM Resorts International, a US-based casino operator, and Orix Corp, a local partner, will lead the Osaka IR project. Each firm holds a 40 per cent stake in the company set up to manage the complex. Furthermore, a local government document stated that the Osaka-based Panasonic, Kansai Electric Power and West Japan Railway have the remaining 20 per cent stake. ALSO READ | 'Suck my tongue' remark: Tibetan Parliament in Exile calls out China's 'vile' attempts to target Dalai Lama The resort complex will include a hotel, shopping mall and ferry terminal on the 492,000 square-metre land in Yumeshima, a reclaimed island in Osaka Bay. Moreover, Japan plans to host the World Expo on the island in 2025. The collective annual revenue target of the resort from the gaming business is around $4 billion. According to the forecast in the project documents, it will attract 6 million international tourists and 14 million domestic visitors. The pro-casino Japan Innovation Party retained the office of prefectural governor and city mayor in Osaka. It led to the national government's decision to open the first casino in Japan. WATCH | Brazilian President Lula da Silva wants a BRICS currency Japan's first casino plans faced several hindrances, like the coronavirus pandemic and bribery scandal. Previously, casinos and other private gambling were illegal in Japan. The gambling crimes in Japan are 'simple gambling' and 'habitual gambling.' If a person commits habitual gambling, they can end up in jail for three years. But in 2018, an integrated resort law provided exceptions to casino games like poker or baccarat at officially approved places to attract tourists. Many experts view Japan as a prized market for casino operators due to its wealthy population of 126 million. The country will be close to Asia's wealthy gamblers. However, opinion polls have shown many citizens worry about addiction and crime. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan approves building country’s first casino at Osaka resort worth $13.5 billion

As Japan eyes its goal towards becoming a carbon-neutral society, Japanese company and climate groups have called on the government to step-up the introduction of renewable energy and quickly adopt carbon pricing to tackle global warming.

Japan climate group calls for reforms for effective carbon pricing | WION Climate Tracker

A Japanese cafe sacked a waitress after alleging that she had added her blood to the cocktails she prepared.

Taking to Twitter,&nbsp;the Mondaiji cafe in Sapporo, Hokkaido, said that one of its waitresses had been fired after serving customers&nbsp;alcoholic drinks laced&nbsp;with her blood. The drinks, known as orikaku, or the original cocktail, mostly&nbsp;contain&nbsp;fruits or other colourful syrups.

“Such an act is no different from part-time job terrorism and is absolutely not acceptable,” the cafe’s tweet on April 2 read.

The owner stated that the cafe, which is situated in Sapporo's Susukino entertainment district, was closed for a day in order to replace all of the drinking glasses. The sacked server's name was withheld by the cafe.

The name of the restaurant translates roughly to "Problem Child Concept Cafe." The cafe also promotes itself on Twitter as a place for "problem children" and dark girls who are also "the cutest" to serve their customers.

An all-you-can-drink menu, available for US$19, is one of the cafe's specialties.

An apology for the incident from the cafe owner was posted on Twitter.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnamese-woman-found-worms-crawling-under-her-skin-after-consuming-blood-pudding-pictures-surface-582145">Vietnamese woman found worms crawling under skin after consuming blood pudding; pictures surface</a>

“Please let me continue the store a little longer so I can be happy alone. I’ll clean the store, change glasses, and dispose of alcohol that may have been contaminated. Once again, I am very sorry to have caused you trouble this time,” the tweet, posted on April 2, read.

Japan is renowned for its concept cafes. In the famous Akihabara neighbourhood of Tokyo, you can&nbsp;discover a snake cafe, a ninja-themed entertainment restaurant, and a variety of maid and butler cafes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/former-j-pop-idol-accuses-late-japanese-music-mogul-johnny-kitagawa-of-sexual-abuse-582111">Former J-pop idol accuses late Japanese music mogul Johnny Kitagawa of sexual abuse</a>

According to CNN, certain restaurants have experienced difficulties with a phenomenon known as "sushi terrorism," such as the sushi chain Sushiro, which serves sushi on conveyor belts. There were a number of episodes&nbsp;wherein people&nbsp;would record viral videos showing themselves contaminating shared soy sauce bottles and food intended for other diners.

In April, police detained two customers, Toshihide Oka, 34, and Ryu Shimazu, 35. Shimazu and Oka were charged by the authorities of not utilising a serving utensil and instead using their chopsticks to eat pickled ginger from the communal serving dish.

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A Japanese cafe sacked a waitress after alleging that she had added her blood to the cocktails she prepared. Taking to Twitter, the Mondaiji cafe in Sapporo, Hokkaido, said that one of its waitresses had been fired after serving customers alcoholic drinks laced with her blood.

A Japanese cafe sacked a waitress after alleging that she had added her blood to the cocktails she prepared. Taking to Twitter, the Mondaiji cafe in Sapporo, Hokkaido, said that one of its waitresses had been fired after serving customers alcoholic drinks laced with her blood. The drinks, known as orikaku, or the original cocktail, mostly contain fruits or other colourful syrups. “Such an act is no different from part-time job terrorism and is absolutely not acceptable,” the cafe’s tweet on April 2 read. The owner stated that the cafe, which is situated in Sapporo's Susukino entertainment district, was closed for a day in order to replace all of the drinking glasses. The sacked server's name was withheld by the cafe. The name of the restaurant translates roughly to "Problem Child Concept Cafe." The cafe also promotes itself on Twitter as a place for "problem children" and dark girls who are also "the cutest" to serve their customers. An all-you-can-drink menu, available for US$19, is one of the cafe's specialties. An apology for the incident from the cafe owner was posted on Twitter. ALSO READ | Vietnamese woman found worms crawling under skin after consuming blood pudding; pictures surface “Please let me continue the store a little longer so I can be happy alone. I’ll clean the store, change glasses, and dispose of alcohol that may have been contaminated. Once again, I am very sorry to have caused you trouble this time,” the tweet, posted on April 2, read. Japan is renowned for its concept cafes. In the famous Akihabara neighbourhood of Tokyo, you can discover a snake cafe, a ninja-themed entertainment restaurant, and a variety of maid and butler cafes. ALSO READ | Former J-pop idol accuses late Japanese music mogul Johnny Kitagawa of sexual abuse According to CNN, certain restaurants have experienced difficulties with a phenomenon known as "sushi terrorism," such as the sushi chain Sushiro, which serves sushi on conveyor belts. There were a number of episodes wherein people would record viral videos showing themselves contaminating shared soy sauce bottles and food intended for other diners. In April, police detained two customers, Toshihide Oka, 34, and Ryu Shimazu, 35. Shimazu and Oka were charged by the authorities of not utilising a serving utensil and instead using their chopsticks to eat pickled ginger from the communal serving dish. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japanese waitress sacked for 'mixing own blood' into cocktails

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