Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning to explore ways to boost bilateral ties in areas, including defence, trade and investment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Kishida are also set to discuss priorities for India's presidency of G20 and Japan's presidency of the G7.

Kishida India Visit: Japan-India to also discuss China's growing influence in Asia

Kishida India Visit: Japanese PM expected to lay out his vision on Indo-Pacific region

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday announced an expansive new plan for an open and free Indo-Pacific, promising billions of dollars in investment to help economies across the region in everything from industry to disaster prevention.

Japan announces $75 billion new plan to counter China in Indo-Pacific

Japan's prime minister Fumio Kishida will be arriving in India later today. The meeting will focus on strengthening the special strategic and Global partnership between India and Japan. He will be holding talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kishida India Visit: Visit aims to strengthen special strategic ties with India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on Monday to enhance India-Japan strategic partnership, focusing on defence and security, trade and investment, and high technologies.

Kishida and Modi hail role of India-Japan ties in securing Indo-Pacific

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday announced an expansive new plan for an open and free Indo-Pacific (FOIP). The Japanese leader while unveiling the new FOIP said India is an "indispensable partner" of his country.

Japanese PM Kishida unveils new plan for Free and Open Indo-Pacific

India is indispensable for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and no country should use force or coercion in trying to drive their territorial claims, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday during his talks with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Kishida and Modi call for peace and stability in Indo-Pacific

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida held extensive talks on wide-ranging issues at Hyderabad House in India’s capital New Delhi on Monday.

During the talks, both leaders vowed to expand the India-Japan global strategic partnership, stressing that it is important for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Addressing the media after the bilateral talks, Modi referred to India's presidency of the G20 and Japan chairing the G7 grouping, and said it is the best opportunity to work together on priorities of both sides for global good.

“Today, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida invited me to the G7 Leaders' Summit which will be held in Hiroshima in May. I thank him for this,” Modi said.

The Indian leader said that he briefed Prime Minister Kishida about the priorities of the Indian presidency of G20.

“In September this year, I will again get the opportunity to welcome PM Fumio Kishida to India for the G20 Leaders' Summit: PM Narendra Modi,” he said.

<h2>Japan PM Fumio Kishida in India to bolster special strategic partnership</h2>

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The prime minister stressed that the India-Japan Special strategic and global partnership is based on democratic principles and respect for international rule of law and that it is important for the Indo-Pacific as well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-fumio-kishida-lands-in-new-india-defence-indo-pacific-on-agenda-573742">Japanese PM Fumio Kishida lands in India; defence, Indo-Pacific on agenda</a>

During his remarks, Kishida said that Japan will continue to invest in India’s development story which will not only benefit New Delhi but Tokyo as well.

He also unveiled “on Indian soil” his plan “for a free and open Indo-Pacific”. The exact details of what his vision of a free Indo-Pacific would entail has not been revealed yet.&nbsp;

The Japanese PM said that Modi has been invited to the G7 summit in May and that he has agreed to participate in it.

Last year during his visit to India, Kishida announced an investment target of five trillion Yen (Rs 3,20,000 crore) in India over the next five years.

India-Japan relations were elevated to 'Global Partnership' in 2000, 'Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2006, and 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2014.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida held extensive talks on wide-ranging issues at Hyderabad House in India’s capital New Delhi on Monday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida held extensive talks on wide-ranging issues at Hyderabad House in India’s capital New Delhi on Monday. During the talks, both leaders vowed to expand the India-Japan global strategic partnership, stressing that it is important for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Addressing the media after the bilateral talks, Modi referred to India's presidency of the G20 and Japan chairing the G7 grouping, and said it is the best opportunity to work together on priorities of both sides for global good. “Today, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida invited me to the G7 Leaders' Summit which will be held in Hiroshima in May. I thank him for this,” Modi said. The Indian leader said that he briefed Prime Minister Kishida about the priorities of the Indian presidency of G20. “In September this year, I will again get the opportunity to welcome PM Fumio Kishida to India for the G20 Leaders' Summit: PM Narendra Modi,” he said. Japan PM Fumio Kishida in India to bolster special strategic partnership The prime minister stressed that the India-Japan Special strategic and global partnership is based on democratic principles and respect for international rule of law and that it is important for the Indo-Pacific as well. Also read | Japanese PM Fumio Kishida lands in India; defence, Indo-Pacific on agenda During his remarks, Kishida said that Japan will continue to invest in India’s development story which will not only benefit New Delhi but Tokyo as well. He also unveiled “on Indian soil” his plan “for a free and open Indo-Pacific”. The exact details of what his vision of a free Indo-Pacific would entail has not been revealed yet. The Japanese PM said that Modi has been invited to the G7 summit in May and that he has agreed to participate in it. Last year during his visit to India, Kishida announced an investment target of five trillion Yen (Rs 3,20,000 crore) in India over the next five years. India-Japan relations were elevated to 'Global Partnership' in 2000, 'Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2006, and 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2014. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India, Japan pledge to expand ties as PM Kishida unveils ‘plan for free & open Indo-Pacific’

Kishida India Visit: India briefs Japan on its priorities as G20 President

North Korea has fired another missile into the ocean off the Korean Peninsula's east coast (JCS) on Sunday, according to the Yonhap news agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea.&nbsp;

The North Korean projectile may have been a ballistic missile, the Japan Coast Guard said, reported&nbsp;Al Jazeera.

The launch comes after North Korea allegedly fired&nbsp;an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan on Thursday, hours before the president of South Korea travelled to Tokyo for a summit to discuss strategies to deal with their nuclear-armed neighbour.&nbsp;

North Korean state media described the launch of the Hwasong 17 as a response to the ongoing, “frantic” joint drills by South Korea and the United States.

All of these drills are seen in Pyongyang as ‘invasion’ rehearsal, reported Al Jazeera.

The governments of Japan and South Korea both strongly denounced Sunday's missile launch, calling it "clear violation" of UN Security Council resolutions.

Pyongyang’s repeated launches “threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community,” Japan’s defence ministry said in a statement.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;North Korean missile could hit US&nbsp;in 33 mins, says study; find gaps in US&nbsp;missile defence

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Sunday’s ballistic missile launch occurs a day&nbsp;after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-800000-people-enlist-to-fight-us-imperialists-573351">North Korea claimed about 800,000 of its citizens had volunteered</a> to join or re-enlist in the nation’s military to fight the United States, reported CNN.

North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power last year, and Kim Jong Un recently urged a "exponential" rise in the development of weapons, including tactical nuclear weapons. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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North Korea has fired another missile into the ocean off the Korean Peninsula's east coast (JCS) on Sunday, according to the Yonhap news agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea.

North Korea has fired another missile into the ocean off the Korean Peninsula's east coast (JCS) on Sunday, according to the Yonhap news agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea. The North Korean projectile may have been a ballistic missile, the Japan Coast Guard said, reported Al Jazeera. The launch comes after North Korea allegedly fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan on Thursday, hours before the president of South Korea travelled to Tokyo for a summit to discuss strategies to deal with their nuclear-armed neighbour. North Korean state media described the launch of the Hwasong 17 as a response to the ongoing, “frantic” joint drills by South Korea and the United States. All of these drills are seen in Pyongyang as ‘invasion’ rehearsal, reported Al Jazeera. The governments of Japan and South Korea both strongly denounced Sunday's missile launch, calling it "clear violation" of UN Security Council resolutions. Pyongyang’s repeated launches “threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community,” Japan’s defence ministry said in a statement. ALSO WATCH | North Korean missile could hit US in 33 mins, says study; find gaps in US missile defence Sunday’s ballistic missile launch occurs a day after North Korea claimed about 800,000 of its citizens had volunteered to join or re-enlist in the nation’s military to fight the United States, reported CNN. North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power last year, and Kim Jong Un recently urged a "exponential" rise in the development of weapons, including tactical nuclear weapons. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

N Korea launches missile: S Korea, Japan call it ‘clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions’

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will be on a two-day India visit starting Monday morning that will focus on strengthening the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries.

Kishida's itinerary includes crucial talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering the 41st Sapru House Lecture on Indo-Pacific, and visiting the Bodhi Tree at Delhi's Buddha Jayanti Park. He is expected to lay out his vision of the Indo-Pacific during his lecture.&nbsp;

The 81-acre Buddha Jayanti Park, located in Delhi's central ridge, is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gop-silence-is-deafening-vivek-ramaswamy-calls-for-support-against-trumps-possible-indictment-573479">US Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy calls for support against Trump's possible indictment</a>

The Bodhi Tree is of significant importance, as it is a sapling from the Holy Bodhi Tree, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It was gifted by the then-prime minister of Sri Lanka Sirimavo Bandarnaike, and planted by India's then-prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri&nbsp;in 1964.&nbsp;

The sapling of the Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka&nbsp;was planted in 288 BC by King Asoka's daughter&nbsp;Sanghamitra.&nbsp;She had taken a branch of the original tree in Bodh Gaya with her to Sri Lanka where it is growing to this day, while the original tree, which was in Bihar, decayed.

India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has been elevated over the years to signify the growing importance of the relationship. Annual Summits and 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meetings are held between the two countries to discuss various areas of cooperation, including defence and security, trade and investment, S&amp;T, education, healthcare, and critical and emerging technologies.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-swords-indian-jewelry-trump-failed-to-disclose-300000-foreign-gifts-says-house-democrats-report-573515">Saudi swords, Indian jewellery: Trump failed to disclose $300,000 foreign gifts, says House Democrats' report</a>

Defence and security cooperation between India and Japan have been growing. Recent milestones in this area include the successful conduct of the first fighter jet exercise "Veer Guardian" in January 2023, and the 4th "Dharma Guardian" army exercise, which was conducted for the first time in Japan. Maritime security cooperation and Navy-to-Navy cooperation have also seen significant progress, with several joint exercises conducted between the two countries.

Japan is a significant investor in India, and the two countries have set up Japan Industrial Townships (JITs) to promote economic partnership, investment, industry, and infrastructure development.

The two countries also have a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that covers various areas, including trade in goods and services, movement of natural persons, investments, and intellectual property rights.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mumbais-air-pollution-aqi-continues-to-remain-poor-indian-city-witnesses-most-polluted-winters-573472">Mumbai's air pollution: AQI continues to remain poor, Indian city witnesses most polluted winters</a>

Skill development and movement of skilled workers from India to Japan is an area where complementarities between the two economies exist. Several Memorandums of Cooperation have been signed between India and Japan to facilitate the same.

Kishida's visit comes at a time when India and Japan are holding important discussions on a range of issues, including the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
&nbsp;

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will be on a two-day India visit starting Monday morning that will focus on strengthening the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will be on a two-day India visit starting Monday morning that will focus on strengthening the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries. Kishida's itinerary includes crucial talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering the 41st Sapru House Lecture on Indo-Pacific, and visiting the Bodhi Tree at Delhi's Buddha Jayanti Park. He is expected to lay out his vision of the Indo-Pacific during his lecture. The 81-acre Buddha Jayanti Park, located in Delhi's central ridge, is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Also Read | US Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy calls for support against Trump's possible indictment The Bodhi Tree is of significant importance, as it is a sapling from the Holy Bodhi Tree, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It was gifted by the then-prime minister of Sri Lanka Sirimavo Bandarnaike, and planted by India's then-prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1964. The sapling of the Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka was planted in 288 BC by King Asoka's daughter Sanghamitra. She had taken a branch of the original tree in Bodh Gaya with her to Sri Lanka where it is growing to this day, while the original tree, which was in Bihar, decayed. India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has been elevated over the years to signify the growing importance of the relationship. Annual Summits and 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meetings are held between the two countries to discuss various areas of cooperation, including defence and security, trade and investment, S&T, education, healthcare, and critical and emerging technologies. Also Read | Saudi swords, Indian jewellery: Trump failed to disclose $300,000 foreign gifts, says House Democrats' report Defence and security cooperation between India and Japan have been growing. Recent milestones in this area include the successful conduct of the first fighter jet exercise "Veer Guardian" in January 2023, and the 4th "Dharma Guardian" army exercise, which was conducted for the first time in Japan. Maritime security cooperation and Navy-to-Navy cooperation have also seen significant progress, with several joint exercises conducted between the two countries. Japan is a significant investor in India, and the two countries have set up Japan Industrial Townships (JITs) to promote economic partnership, investment, industry, and infrastructure development. The two countries also have a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that covers various areas, including trade in goods and services, movement of natural persons, investments, and intellectual property rights. Watch | Mumbai's air pollution: AQI continues to remain poor, Indian city witnesses most polluted winters Skill development and movement of skilled workers from India to Japan is an area where complementarities between the two economies exist. Several Memorandums of Cooperation have been signed between India and Japan to facilitate the same. Kishida's visit comes at a time when India and Japan are holding important discussions on a range of issues, including the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. 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.

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in India: Focus on Indo-Pacific, Bodhi Tree visit and strengthening partnership

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is currently in Japan with six of his cabinet ministers. The three-day visit is an attempt to strengthen bilateral ties with Tokyo and reduce German dependence on Chinese raw materials. It comes at a time when economies across the world are facing supply chain issue due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Olaf Scholz on three-day visit to Japan; Scholz, Kishida to hold joint conference

Japanese and South Korean business leaders are taking steps towards better ties. Business leaders have pledged greater economic cooperation, as they seek to pivot away from years of strain and acrimony over compensation for forced wartime labour. The head of Japan's Keidanren business lobby met with members of its South Korean counterpart, the federation of Korean industries, and the South Korean president. The two business lobbies agreed to launch foundations aimed at forward-looking bilateral relations. The lack of cooperation between Japan and South Korea has long undercut U.S-led efforts to present a united front against China and North Korea. Signs of a breakthrough came last week when Seoul announced a plan for its companies to compensate former forced labourers.

Japan and South Korea move to mend ties; Business leaders pledge greater economic cooperation

North Korea has fired a ballistic missile into its eastern waters, just hours before South Korea’s president was due to fly to Japan for the first summit between the two countries in years.

North Korea launches intercontinental ballistic missile ahead of South Korea-Japan summit

North Korea launches missile ahead of South Korea-Japan summit

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea into the sea between Japan and the Korean peninsula, said South Korea's military on Thursday, hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to fly to Tokyo to attend a rare summit.

This week, North Korea has been launching missiles on a daily basis amid ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the United States that have been condemned by Pyongyang as hostile actions.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement on Thursday, said that at least one ballistic missile of an unknown type has been fired by North Korea off its east coast.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-ready-for-its-seventh-nuclear-test-us-warns-571833">North Korea preparing for its seventh nuclear test, would be dangerous provocation, US warns</a>

Yoon will be visiting Japan to attend a summit with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the first-of-its-kind summit being held in more than a decade as part of the two governments' efforts to overcome economic, political and historical disputes in the name of better co-operation to counter different challenges.

The two US allies also agreed to provide each other with real-time tracking of missile launches by North Korea and have promised to deepen military co-operation.

Two short-range ballistic missiles were fired by North Korea on Tuesday in its first launch since the manoeuvres, the biggest in five years, started as per the South Korean military.

Two strategic cruise missiles were launched by Pyongyang on Sunday from a submarine apparently to protest against the US-South Korea exercises.

WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; US, South Korea to kick off freedom shield

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The drills, called Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days. Seoul's military, in a rare move, revealed this month that military exercises called "Teak Knife" are being staged by the two allies, which includes simulating precision strikes on important facilities in North Korea, before the Freedom Shield.

The focus of Freedom Shield exercises is on the "changing security environment" because of redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea into the sea between Japan and the Korean peninsula, said South Korea's military on Thursday, hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to fly to Tokyo to attend a rare summit.

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea into the sea between Japan and the Korean peninsula, said South Korea's military on Thursday, hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to fly to Tokyo to attend a rare summit. This week, North Korea has been launching missiles on a daily basis amid ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the United States that have been condemned by Pyongyang as hostile actions. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement on Thursday, said that at least one ballistic missile of an unknown type has been fired by North Korea off its east coast. ALSO READ | North Korea preparing for its seventh nuclear test, would be dangerous provocation, US warns Yoon will be visiting Japan to attend a summit with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the first-of-its-kind summit being held in more than a decade as part of the two governments' efforts to overcome economic, political and historical disputes in the name of better co-operation to counter different challenges. The two US allies also agreed to provide each other with real-time tracking of missile launches by North Korea and have promised to deepen military co-operation. Two short-range ballistic missiles were fired by North Korea on Tuesday in its first launch since the manoeuvres, the biggest in five years, started as per the South Korean military. Two strategic cruise missiles were launched by Pyongyang on Sunday from a submarine apparently to protest against the US-South Korea exercises. WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; US, South Korea to kick off freedom shield The drills, called Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days. Seoul's military, in a rare move, revealed this month that military exercises called "Teak Knife" are being staged by the two allies, which includes simulating precision strikes on important facilities in North Korea, before the Freedom Shield. The focus of Freedom Shield exercises is on the "changing security environment" because of redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies said. (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 fires ballistic missile hours before South Korea-Japan summit

Japan has stood out as potentially the most honest country in the world. A place where most stolen items are returned to their rightful owners. So will other countries take inspiration from the Japanese? Mohammed Saleh brings you a report.

Gravitas: Japan represents the epitome of honesty

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Tokyo on Thursday in what was the first official bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries in over 12 years.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Tokyo on Thursday in what was the first official bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries in over 12 years. Post the meeting, both nations agreed to resume 'shuttle diplomacy,' whilst announcing relaxation in trade controls. "We agreed on the resumption of shuttle diplomacy by leaders of Japan and South Korea, no matter what the format of the trips," Kishida told reporters. Japanese media has reported that Kishida may invite Yoon to the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May and later return the favour by visiting the capital city of Seoul. Meanwhile, Tokyo's trade ministry announced it will restore the status quo after restricting exports to South Korea, nearly four years ago. Under the restriction, S Korea could not get its hands on key materials needed for building semiconductors. The thaw in the relationship is a welcome change after over 100 years of hostility kept the two nations at bay. The Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula for over 35 years was the primary reason for the distance in communication. However, with an increasingly buoyant China and a rogue North Korea in the neighbourhood, both Asian economies were forced to band together and form a united front. Hours before the meeting of the two leaders, North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile to flex its muscles and suggest it didn't approve of the marriage. WATCH | North Korea launches missile ahead of South Korea-Japan summit × "As seen from North Korea's long-range ballistic missile launch this morning before I left for Tokyo, North Korea's ever-increasing nuclear missile threat poses a great threat to peace and stability. Korea and Japan must closely cooperate in solidarity to wisely deal with these illegal threats," said Yoon. US, the mutual ally of Tokyo and Seoul had long been batting for the alliance to come to fruition. If the two countries manage to remain cordial, it may prove to be a key element in US and Biden's quest for superiority in the Indo-Pacific against China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thaw in relations? Japan and S Korea agree to end hostilities, start shuttle diplomacy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May. The power-packed visit will start with the G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima.

Indian PM Modi to travel Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May month

For the first time ever in 70 years, a Japanese lawmaker has been expelled from the country's parliament after he never attended any of its sessions. Yoshikazu Higashitani, a celebrity gossip YouTuber turned MP, has found himself in an unlikely position after he remained missing from the House of Councillors for over seven months.

According to local media reports, Higashitani's expulsion is set to be formalised next week. The parliament's discipline committee, acting at the behest of Higashitani's Senate colleagues, brought in the motion and had it passed.&nbsp;

Known popularly as&nbsp;GaaSyy&nbsp;on YouTube, experts said Higashitani appeared more interested in celebrity gossip videos than working for the people who elected and sent him to parliament.&nbsp;

“The committee has reached this conclusion after discussing the matter in consideration of the significance of the democratic electoral process,” Muneo Suzuki, head of the chamber’s disciplinary committee told the reporters.&nbsp;“GaaSyy doesn’t understand the foundations of democracy, which is based on laws and rules.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-to-travel-japan-papua-new-guinea-and-australia-in-may-month-572076">WATCH |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi to travel Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May month</a>

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Higashitani, nicknamed 'No-show MP', was elected to the upper house of&nbsp; parliament in July last year and belonged to a fringe party named Seijika Joshi 48, or "Politician Girls 48". Unlike most political parties, Seijika Joshi 48 is a single-issue party; meaning it only calls for reforms to Japan's public broadcaster.&nbsp;

Higashitani is one of the two lawmakers from the party to have been elected to the parliament. The other has attended the parliamentary sessions.&nbsp;

Higashitani, 51, was staying in Dubai all this while and feared that he may be arrested if he set foot in Japan. Higashitani is reportedly facing questioning over an alleged defamation case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-travel-to-japan-papua-new-guinea-and-australia-in-may-571991">Read more:&nbsp;India: PM Modi to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May</a>

Expelling a sitting lawmaker is seen as the most severe punishment that a lawmaker can receive. The precedent has been set only two times since 1950 but this is the first instance when an MP has been expelled due to continued absence.

While lawmakers are immune from arrest during parliamentary sessions, once&nbsp;Higashitani formally loses his position, he may not have the same right.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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For the first time ever in 70 years, a Japanese lawmaker has been expelled from the country's parliament after he never attended any of its sessions. Yoshikazu Higashitani, a celebrity gossip YouTuber turned MP, has found himself in an unlikely position after he remained missing from the House of Councillors for over seven months.

For the first time ever in 70 years, a Japanese lawmaker has been expelled from the country's parliament after he never attended any of its sessions. Yoshikazu Higashitani, a celebrity gossip YouTuber turned MP, has found himself in an unlikely position after he remained missing from the House of Councillors for over seven months. According to local media reports, Higashitani's expulsion is set to be formalised next week. The parliament's discipline committee, acting at the behest of Higashitani's Senate colleagues, brought in the motion and had it passed. Known popularly as GaaSyy on YouTube, experts said Higashitani appeared more interested in celebrity gossip videos than working for the people who elected and sent him to parliament. “The committee has reached this conclusion after discussing the matter in consideration of the significance of the democratic electoral process,” Muneo Suzuki, head of the chamber’s disciplinary committee told the reporters. “GaaSyy doesn’t understand the foundations of democracy, which is based on laws and rules.” WATCH | Indian PM Modi to travel Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May month × Higashitani, nicknamed 'No-show MP', was elected to the upper house of parliament in July last year and belonged to a fringe party named Seijika Joshi 48, or "Politician Girls 48". Unlike most political parties, Seijika Joshi 48 is a single-issue party; meaning it only calls for reforms to Japan's public broadcaster. Higashitani is one of the two lawmakers from the party to have been elected to the parliament. The other has attended the parliamentary sessions. Higashitani, 51, was staying in Dubai all this while and feared that he may be arrested if he set foot in Japan. Higashitani is reportedly facing questioning over an alleged defamation case. Read more: India: PM Modi to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May Expelling a sitting lawmaker is seen as the most severe punishment that a lawmaker can receive. The precedent has been set only two times since 1950 but this is the first instance when an MP has been expelled due to continued absence. While lawmakers are immune from arrest during parliamentary sessions, once Higashitani formally loses his position, he may not have the same right. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

THIS Japanese 'No-show' YouTuber- turned-MP has been expelled from parliament. Know why

Fuji Electric, the 100-year-old Japanese firm that develops solutions for the energy, automation and environment technology sectors is actively expanding their India operations. At the inauguration of their latest factory to manufacture Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and AC drives (devices to efficiently control, operate electric motors), the firm revealed that they are looking to further invest up to Rs 400 crore or $50 million in India, over the next four years.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bsf-protecting-borders-ready-to-give-befitting-reply-to-any-infiltration-attempt-572259">India: BSF protecting borders, ready to give befitting reply to any infiltration attempt</a>

With the latest factory in Chennai setup at an estimated investment of Rs 150 crore&nbsp;($20 million) and the pre-existing factory in Pune, the firm looks to significantly scale up their manufacturing in India. The annual production will be scaled up to 1,20,000 AC drives and more than 2,00,000 PCBs.&nbsp;

Kentaro Yamaguchi, Head, Automation at Fuji Electric told WION that the automated equipment being used in India for surface mounting (placing small electronic components) on PCBs is the most sophisticated of its class. He said that even the Japanese factories of Fuji Electric did not have such advanced machines that can perform the surface mounting in a nearly 100% automated manner and in just a few seconds of time.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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A highly-sophisticated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/japanese?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#japanese</a>-origin Pick &amp; place machine from <a href="https://twitter.com/panasonic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@panasonic</a> seen rapidly performing SurfaceMounting on a Printed Circuit Board at the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/fuji_india?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fuji_india</a> factory in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tamilnadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> 
 
Fuji offcls tell me, this robot is more advanced than those in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#japan</a> <a href="https://t.co/xogimQira6">pic.twitter.com/xogimQira6</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1636031294546276354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Shivaji Waghmare, CEO, Fuji Electric India, said that they look forward to serve larger number of Indian customers with the increased capacity and also are looking at opportunities to export made-in-India hardware to South East Asia, Middle-East, Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka among others.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ola-electric-offers-free-upgrade-of-front-fork-in-s1-s1-pro-scooters-amid-controversy-572281">Ola Electric offers free upgrade of front fork in S1, S1 pro scooters amid controversy</a>

The company is also looking at generating a total of Rs 1500 crore in annual revenue in India by 2025. For financial year 2022-23, the officials revealed that their firm has already surpassed Rs 1,000 crore.&nbsp;

On their future plans, the company said that they would need to further expand their India operations in the next four years, if they are to surpass Rs.1500 crore in revenue. That scaling up would mean a further investment in India of Rs 400 crore or $50 million for a much larger factory.

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Queried about the quality standards of their Indian-made products over the Japanese ones, Shivaji Waghmare, CEO, told WION that the quality was no different from the Japanese-made ones. "We use the same machines, same processes as in Japan and it is also setup by the Japanese teams. In fact, the machines that are in use in the latest factory in India are much more advanced than those in Japan", he added. 
 
 
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Fuji Electric, the 100-year-old Japanese firm that develops solutions for the energy, automation and environment technology sectors is actively expanding their India operations.

Fuji Electric, the 100-year-old Japanese firm that develops solutions for the energy, automation and environment technology sectors is actively expanding their India operations. At the inauguration of their latest factory to manufacture Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and AC drives (devices to efficiently control, operate electric motors), the firm revealed that they are looking to further invest up to Rs 400 crore or $50 million in India, over the next four years. Also Read | India: BSF protecting borders, ready to give befitting reply to any infiltration attempt With the latest factory in Chennai setup at an estimated investment of Rs 150 crore ($20 million) and the pre-existing factory in Pune, the firm looks to significantly scale up their manufacturing in India. The annual production will be scaled up to 1,20,000 AC drives and more than 2,00,000 PCBs. Kentaro Yamaguchi, Head, Automation at Fuji Electric told WION that the automated equipment being used in India for surface mounting (placing small electronic components) on PCBs is the most sophisticated of its class. He said that even the Japanese factories of Fuji Electric did not have such advanced machines that can perform the surface mounting in a nearly 100% automated manner and in just a few seconds of time. A highly-sophisticated #japanese-origin Pick & place machine from @panasonic seen rapidly performing SurfaceMounting on a Printed Circuit Board at the latest @fuji_india factory in #chennai #tamilnadu #india Fuji offcls tell me, this robot is more advanced than those in #japan pic.twitter.com/xogimQira6 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 15, 2023 × Shivaji Waghmare, CEO, Fuji Electric India, said that they look forward to serve larger number of Indian customers with the increased capacity and also are looking at opportunities to export made-in-India hardware to South East Asia, Middle-East, Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka among others. Also Read | Ola Electric offers free upgrade of front fork in S1, S1 pro scooters amid controversy The company is also looking at generating a total of Rs 1500 crore in annual revenue in India by 2025. For financial year 2022-23, the officials revealed that their firm has already surpassed Rs 1,000 crore. On their future plans, the company said that they would need to further expand their India operations in the next four years, if they are to surpass Rs.1500 crore in revenue. That scaling up would mean a further investment in India of Rs 400 crore or $50 million for a much larger factory. Watch | 48 teams, 104 matches: Has FIFA devalued the football World Cup? Queried about the quality standards of their Indian-made products over the Japanese ones, Shivaji Waghmare, CEO, told WION that the quality was no different from the Japanese-made ones. "We use the same machines, same processes as in Japan and it is also setup by the Japanese teams. In fact, the machines that are in use in the latest factory in India are much more advanced than those in Japan", he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan's Fuji Electric to expand India ops, invest $50mn, export made-in-India hardware

A Japanese lawmaker has been expelled from the country's parliament after he never attended any of its sessions. Yoshikazu Higashitani, a celebrity gossip YouTuber turned MP, has found himself in an unlikely position after he remained missing from the House of Councillors for over seven months.

Japanese parliament expels YouTuber-turned-MP who never came to work

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May. The power-packed visit will start with the G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima, where PM Modi will represent India from May 20 to 21.&nbsp;

The formal invitation for the summit will be extended by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida when he visits Delhi later this month. India has been consecutively invited or considered for an invite to the G7 summit since 2019, and this will be Indian PM Modi's fifth such invitation.&nbsp;

French President Macron extended the invitation in 2019 for the Biarritz summit. In 2020, former United States president Donald Trump was keen to invite India, but the summit could not happen due to the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

In 2021, the then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson invited India to the G7 summit, but PM Modi could not travel because of the second wave of the Covid pandemic. Last year, PM Modi was in Germany to attend the summit in Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/indian-govt-working-may-force-smartphone-makers-to-remove-pre-installed-apps-report-571963">Indian govt may force smartphone makers to remove pre-installed apps: Report</a>&nbsp;

After Japan, the prime minister will travel to Papua New Guinea for Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation summit (India Pacific summit) on May 22. The forum brings together 14 Pacific Islands — Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu with India at the head of state/ government level.&nbsp;

The first summit happened in Fiji's Suva in 2014, followed by the second summit in Jaipur in 2015. The summit is seen as wider cooperation between India and the Pacific island where India has been involved in development cooperation.&nbsp;

This is the first-ever visit of PM Modi to the country which is the second largest country in the Oceania region after Australia. India has been assisting the country. The Indian High Commissioner handed over a consignment of 7.2 million doses of anti-retroviral drugs to the government of PNG in November 2016.&nbsp;

Furthermore, in a gesture of solidarity, the Indian government announced in 2018 that it would extend a grant of $1 million to PNG. This grant was specifically meant for earthquake relief in areas that were affected by the earthquake that struck the nation in February 2018.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-meets-nokia-ceo-pekka-lundmark-discuss-indias-digital-infrastructure-571949">Indian PM Modi meets Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark, discuss India's digital infrastructure</a>&nbsp;

The PM will conclude his three-nation visit in Australia where he will attend the Quad summit from May 23 to 24&nbsp;in Sydney. During the visit of Australian PM Anthony Albanese to India earlier this month, he formally extended the invite to PM Modi to attend the summit.&nbsp;

At the press statements in Delhi, PM Modi said, "I thank Prime Minister Albanese for inviting me to the Quad Leaders' Summit which is going to happen in May this year." PM Modi took part in the Quad Leaders virtual meeting in March 2022, the in-person Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo in May 2022 and in Washington in 2021.&nbsp;

The Quad's expansion continued to gain momentum as the four countries announced a series of initiatives aimed at addressing critical challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. With a focus on climate change and disaster resilience, the Quad Climate Change Action and Mitigation Package promised to strengthen efforts towards green shipping, clean energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure. This move signals a collective commitment by the four countries to combat the adverse effects of climate change in the region and beyond.&nbsp;

In addition to climate-related initiatives, the Quad also launched a Common Statement of Principles on Critical Technology Supply Chains, highlighting the importance of building secure and resilient technology infrastructure in the region. These initiatives are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp; 
 
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May. The power-packed visit will start with the G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima, where PM Modi will represent India from May 20 to 21.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May. The power-packed visit will start with the G7 summit in Japan's Hiroshima, where PM Modi will represent India from May 20 to 21. The formal invitation for the summit will be extended by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida when he visits Delhi later this month. India has been consecutively invited or considered for an invite to the G7 summit since 2019, and this will be Indian PM Modi's fifth such invitation. French President Macron extended the invitation in 2019 for the Biarritz summit. In 2020, former United States president Donald Trump was keen to invite India, but the summit could not happen due to the coronavirus crisis. In 2021, the then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson invited India to the G7 summit, but PM Modi could not travel because of the second wave of the Covid pandemic. Last year, PM Modi was in Germany to attend the summit in Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps. ALSO READ | Indian govt may force smartphone makers to remove pre-installed apps: Report After Japan, the prime minister will travel to Papua New Guinea for Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation summit (India Pacific summit) on May 22. The forum brings together 14 Pacific Islands — Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu with India at the head of state/ government level. The first summit happened in Fiji's Suva in 2014, followed by the second summit in Jaipur in 2015. The summit is seen as wider cooperation between India and the Pacific island where India has been involved in development cooperation. This is the first-ever visit of PM Modi to the country which is the second largest country in the Oceania region after Australia. India has been assisting the country. The Indian High Commissioner handed over a consignment of 7.2 million doses of anti-retroviral drugs to the government of PNG in November 2016. Furthermore, in a gesture of solidarity, the Indian government announced in 2018 that it would extend a grant of $1 million to PNG. This grant was specifically meant for earthquake relief in areas that were affected by the earthquake that struck the nation in February 2018. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi meets Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark, discuss India's digital infrastructure The PM will conclude his three-nation visit in Australia where he will attend the Quad summit from May 23 to 24 in Sydney. During the visit of Australian PM Anthony Albanese to India earlier this month, he formally extended the invite to PM Modi to attend the summit. At the press statements in Delhi, PM Modi said, "I thank Prime Minister Albanese for inviting me to the Quad Leaders' Summit which is going to happen in May this year." PM Modi took part in the Quad Leaders virtual meeting in March 2022, the in-person Quad Leaders' Summit in Tokyo in May 2022 and in Washington in 2021. The Quad's expansion continued to gain momentum as the four countries announced a series of initiatives aimed at addressing critical challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. With a focus on climate change and disaster resilience, the Quad Climate Change Action and Mitigation Package promised to strengthen efforts towards green shipping, clean energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure. This move signals a collective commitment by the four countries to combat the adverse effects of climate change in the region and beyond. In addition to climate-related initiatives, the Quad also launched a Common Statement of Principles on Critical Technology Supply Chains, highlighting the importance of building secure and resilient technology infrastructure in the region. These initiatives are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the Indo-Pacific. 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.

India: PM Modi to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May

The Japanese Cabinet on Tuesday (March 14) approved a bill which would&nbsp; raise the legal age of consent from 13 to 16 and recognise sexual violation even in the absence of physical violence or coercion. The country is moving to reform its Penal Code after years of criticism that several sex offenders went scot-free. Notably, the age of consent in the Asian country is the lowest among the Group of seven nations (G7) and has remained unchanged since its enactment over a century ago.

The package of reforms proposed last month by a Japanese justice ministry panel also sought to clarify rape prosecution requirements. It would now define sexual offence charges as per the circumstances which make it difficult for a person to “form, express or fulfill the intention to resist” a sexual act and listed eight acts in this context.&nbsp;

The examples ranged from threats and abusing one’s economic or social power to taking advantage of a person’s impairment due to the influence of alcohol or drugs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/explained-japan-poised-to-raise-age-of-consent-to-16-after-over-a-century-why-now-564542">Explained | Japan poised to raise age of consent to 16 after over a century. Why now?</a>

According to local media reports, the reforms also rename a sexual offence charge in order to clarify the illegality of non-consensual intercourse. It will also make so-called upskirting and producing images of genitalia without consent punishable under the Penal Code.&nbsp;

The amendments will also make illegal the production of images of genitalia, buttocks and breasts without consent. Providing or circulating such images and videos will become punishable. The government aims to pass the bill during the current parliamentary session while the revision will come into effect 20 days after the promulgation, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-raise-age-of-consent-from-13-to-16-age-remains-same-since-enacted-in-1907-564286">Japan to raise age of consent from 13 to 16; age remains same since enacted in 1907</a>

As of now, Japan has the lowest age of consent among developed countries, as 13-year-old children are deemed old enough to consent. This means sexual activity with them is not considered statutory rape.

The proposed overhaul comes after mounting criticism that current laws are inadequate to protect children from rape and other sexual offences.

As per the current Japanese laws, forced sexual intercourse must be non-consensual and the prosecution must be able to prove that the rape perpetrator used “violence and intimidation” and that it was “impossible to resist”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The Japanese Cabinet on Tuesday (March 14) approved a bill which would raise the legal age of consent from 13 to 16 and recognise sexual violation even in the absence of physical violence or coercion.

The Japanese Cabinet on Tuesday (March 14) approved a bill which would raise the legal age of consent from 13 to 16 and recognise sexual violation even in the absence of physical violence or coercion. The country is moving to reform its Penal Code after years of criticism that several sex offenders went scot-free. Notably, the age of consent in the Asian country is the lowest among the Group of seven nations (G7) and has remained unchanged since its enactment over a century ago. The package of reforms proposed last month by a Japanese justice ministry panel also sought to clarify rape prosecution requirements. It would now define sexual offence charges as per the circumstances which make it difficult for a person to “form, express or fulfill the intention to resist” a sexual act and listed eight acts in this context. The examples ranged from threats and abusing one’s economic or social power to taking advantage of a person’s impairment due to the influence of alcohol or drugs. ALSO READ | Explained | Japan poised to raise age of consent to 16 after over a century. Why now? According to local media reports, the reforms also rename a sexual offence charge in order to clarify the illegality of non-consensual intercourse. It will also make so-called upskirting and producing images of genitalia without consent punishable under the Penal Code. The amendments will also make illegal the production of images of genitalia, buttocks and breasts without consent. Providing or circulating such images and videos will become punishable. The government aims to pass the bill during the current parliamentary session while the revision will come into effect 20 days after the promulgation, as per local media reports. ALSO WATCH | Japan to raise age of consent from 13 to 16; age remains same since enacted in 1907 As of now, Japan has the lowest age of consent among developed countries, as 13-year-old children are deemed old enough to consent. This means sexual activity with them is not considered statutory rape. The proposed overhaul comes after mounting criticism that current laws are inadequate to protect children from rape and other sexual offences. As per the current Japanese laws, forced sexual intercourse must be non-consensual and the prosecution must be able to prove that the rape perpetrator used “violence and intimidation” and that it was “impossible to resist”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan OKs bill to raise age of consent from 13 to 16, reform sexual offence charges

Three years into the pandemic and months after most of the world rid themselves of masks, people at Tokyo Disneyland can finally enjoy the rides maskless. Starting Monday (March 13), major companies like Disney park operator Oriental Land Co, East Japan Railway Co and cinema operator Toho Co are allowing patrons to go maskless. This step is based on updated government guidance issued last month. Japan is one of the last major economies to relax official guidance on face masks. Economies like the United States and the United Kingdom halted most mandates last year.

Watch |&nbsp;US&nbsp;House votes unanimously to declassify Covid origins intel, bill sent to Biden

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In spite of the easing of rules, masks remain a part of day-to-day life in Japan. Speaking to Reuters, Tohoku University professor, Hitoshi Oshitani, who was an architect of Japan's COVID response, says "Mask-wearing was part of our culture even before COVID-19."

"I think many people will be wearing masks even after the rules are relaxed," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drops-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-for-travellers-singapore-japan-also-relax-travel-curbs-560209">US drops COVID-19 vaccine mandate for travellers; Singapore, Japan also relax travel curbs</a>

Last week, chief government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said that masks would no longer be required at Cabinet meetings starting Monday. Instead, decisions on the coverings are now left up to individual workspaces.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-a-fertile-breeding-ground-for-a-potentially-dangerous-covid-mutation-experts-546567">China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts</a>

Speaking to reporters on Monday Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said "as of today, mask-wearing is at the discretion of each individual."&nbsp;

He added that "hay fever is also pretty intense this season, so I think it boils down to the fact that you can wear them for different reasons." Experts have advised that voluntary masking in public transport and other similar spaces could have continuing benefits.&nbsp;In Japan, the vaccination stands at 80 per cent, this, the widespread use of masks has been credited for Japan's relatively lower death toll.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Three years into the pandemic and months after most of the world rid themselves of masks, people at Tokyo Disneyland can finally enjoy the rides maskless. Starting Monday (March 13), major companies like Disney park operator Oriental Land Co, East Japan Railway Co and cinema operator Toho Co are allowing patrons to go maskless.

Three years into the pandemic and months after most of the world rid themselves of masks, people at Tokyo Disneyland can finally enjoy the rides maskless. Starting Monday (March 13), major companies like Disney park operator Oriental Land Co, East Japan Railway Co and cinema operator Toho Co are allowing patrons to go maskless. This step is based on updated government guidance issued last month. Japan is one of the last major economies to relax official guidance on face masks. Economies like the United States and the United Kingdom halted most mandates last year. Watch | US House votes unanimously to declassify Covid origins intel, bill sent to Biden In spite of the easing of rules, masks remain a part of day-to-day life in Japan. Speaking to Reuters, Tohoku University professor, Hitoshi Oshitani, who was an architect of Japan's COVID response, says "Mask-wearing was part of our culture even before COVID-19." "I think many people will be wearing masks even after the rules are relaxed," he added. Also read | US drops COVID-19 vaccine mandate for travellers; Singapore, Japan also relax travel curbs Last week, chief government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said that masks would no longer be required at Cabinet meetings starting Monday. Instead, decisions on the coverings are now left up to individual workspaces. Also read | China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts Speaking to reporters on Monday Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said "as of today, mask-wearing is at the discretion of each individual." He added that "hay fever is also pretty intense this season, so I think it boils down to the fact that you can wear them for different reasons." Experts have advised that voluntary masking in public transport and other similar spaces could have continuing benefits. In Japan, the vaccination stands at 80 per cent, this, the widespread use of masks has been credited for Japan's relatively lower death toll. (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.

Three years into the Covid pandemic, Japan eases face mask rules

Iwao Hakamada (87), a former Japanese boxer and world's longest-serving death row inmate got a reprieve as Tokyo's High Court ordered a retrial in a case that found him guilty of murder of four. On Monday (March 13) lawyers of&nbsp;Iwao Hakamada left the court after the session and unfurled banners reading "retrial" as supporters shouted "Free Hakamada now!". The former boxer has served five decades on the death row.

"I was waiting for this day for 57 years and it has come," said Hakamada's sister Hideko, 90, who has campaigned tirelessly on her brother's behalf.

"Finally a weight has been lifted from my shoulders," she said.

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Hakamada was sentenced to death in 1969 for robbing and murdering his boss, the man's wife and their two children.

He initially denied the accusations but later confessed after what he subsequently claimed was a brutal police interrogation that included beatings.

His attempts to retract the confession were in vain and his verdict was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 1980.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-woman-who-was-molested-on-holi-opens-up-after-leaving-india-571025">Japanese woman who was molested on Holi opens up after leaving India</a>

After a prolonged battle, a district court in the central city of Shizuoka granted a retrial in 2014, finding investigators could have planted evidence.

But Tokyo's High Court overturned the lower court ruling four years later, and the case was sent to the Supreme Court on appeal. 
There, judges ruled in 2020 that the Tokyo High Court must reconsider its decision.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iwao Hakamada (87), a former Japanese boxer and world's longest-serving death row inmate got a reprieve as Tokyo's High Court ordered a retrial in a case that found him guilty of murder of four.

Iwao Hakamada (87), a former Japanese boxer and world's longest-serving death row inmate got a reprieve as Tokyo's High Court ordered a retrial in a case that found him guilty of murder of four. On Monday (March 13) lawyers of Iwao Hakamada left the court after the session and unfurled banners reading "retrial" as supporters shouted "Free Hakamada now!". The former boxer has served five decades on the death row. "I was waiting for this day for 57 years and it has come," said Hakamada's sister Hideko, 90, who has campaigned tirelessly on her brother's behalf. "Finally a weight has been lifted from my shoulders," she said. Hakamada was sentenced to death in 1969 for robbing and murdering his boss, the man's wife and their two children. He initially denied the accusations but later confessed after what he subsequently claimed was a brutal police interrogation that included beatings. His attempts to retract the confession were in vain and his verdict was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 1980. Also Read | Japanese woman who was molested on Holi opens up after leaving India After a prolonged battle, a district court in the central city of Shizuoka granted a retrial in 2014, finding investigators could have planted evidence. But Tokyo's High Court overturned the lower court ruling four years later, and the case was sent to the Supreme Court on appeal. There, judges ruled in 2020 that the Tokyo High Court must reconsider its decision. (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 ×

World's longest-serving death-row inmate gets reprieve from Japan court

It has been 12 years since the deadly earthquake and tsunami hit Fukushima in Japan, killing 20,000 people. Japanese Prime Minister paid respect to the deceased.

Japan: 12 years since quake and tsunami triggered nuclear disaster in Fukushima

The Japanese government is considering exporting weapons to countries that are under invasion such as Ukraine, in a move which is expected to enhance Japan's credibility in the global security arena.

The Japanese government is considering exporting weapons to countries that are under invasion such as Ukraine, in a move which is expected to enhance Japan's credibility in the global security arena. The government would also consider exporting weapons to countries that cooperate with Japan on security. According to a report by Nikkie on Friday (March 10), the government has floated the idea of expanding the number of countries that are eligible for arms exports. The current rules say that Japan can only transfer warplanes, armoured vehicles and missiles to countries which jointly develop and produce the hardware. ALSO READ | Explained: As the war in Ukraine rages on, will 2023 be the year of defence companies? Last week, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on lawmakers to amend the export rules. Kishida said that expanding military exports would become a key policy tool for assisting countries which suffered aggression in violation of international law, according to the report. Japan's push to amend export rules comes ahead of the country hosting the G-7 summit in Hiroshima in May. Japan's support to Ukraine Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country. This has raised concerns about Japan being in a poor position to lead diplomatic discussions, the report said, adding, that Prime Minister Kishida is the only G-7 leader who is yet to visit Ukraine. During the Gulf war in the early 1990s, Japan contributed $13 to the United States-led coalition. However, it did not dispatch the self-defence forces personnel, opening the government to criticism. A debate about weapons exports expected soon Masahisa Sato, a lawmaker of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), suggested sending multiple rocket launch systems to war-torn Ukraine. As Prime Minister Kishida has repeatedly warned about East Asia becoming the next Ukraine, Sato said that in the event of a Taiwan contingency or a Japan contingency, Tokyo would need to ask another country for weapons and ammunition or else it would not have nearly enough. Sato asked whether Japan would be able to ask for weapons when it is in a crisis if it doesn't give to other countries during their crises. ALSO READ | 'Why on earth...': Chinese FM quashes rumours of supplying weapons to Russia The Komeito party, a junior ruling coalition partner in Japan, is reluctant to open defence exports to weapons. Nikkie reported that Komeito lobbied to remove "as quickly as possible" from the amended National Security Strategy text calling for a revised weapons transfer policy. The Kishida government and the ruling coalition are expected to debate weapons exports after the local elections in April. Also, the proponents of such exports will face people who are against the idea. A poll published by Nikkie last week showed that only 16% of the respondents were in support of Japan sending arms to Ukraine and 76% were against 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.

Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report

Japan is known for its technology, especially in its restaurants where dining is all high-tech. But recently several videos went viral, where one showed a teenager licking the open top of a soy sauce bottle and rubbing saliva on passing food at a kaitenzushi restaurant, raising hygiene concerns.

Police in central Japan have&nbsp;arrested three people for taking part in the pranks.&nbsp;“We hope that the recent arrests will allow the public to recognize that actions which undermine our trust-based structure for our customers is a ‘crime,’”&nbsp;Kura Sushi, one of the restaurant chains, said.

The hi-tech sushi dining industry is currently struggling to keep up with its reputation and might remove its main attraction: the conveyor belts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/these-are-worlds-top-cuisines-which-ones-have-you-tried-546667">Also read |&nbsp;These are world's top cuisines. Which ones have you tried?</a>

As of data from 2021, Tokyo's kaitenzushi industry is worth an estimated ¥740 billion ($ 5.4 billion). It has been hit hard by a spate of viral videos showing pranksters licking communal sauce bottles, &nbsp;spraying sushi with hand sanitiser and even snatching plates of food destined for other tables, The Guardian reported.

Choshimaru, which operates restaurants in the capital city said its conveyor belts would possibly halt, forcing its staff to deliver orders by hand, after a video showed a cigarette in a container of pickled ginger.

In response to the video, staff at the chain started taking utensils and condiments to tables every time a new group of clients took their seats.

Watch | WION Fineprint | Japan's sushi culture at risk?

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Choshimaru went a step ahead and announced that for the time being, the conveyor belts at all of its 63 restaurants will&nbsp;be switched off, and will force its customers to wait for the staff to bring them food directly to the table.&nbsp;

While this move has removed all the fun elements, the firm reasoned that the absence of the technology will make it practically impossible for pranksters to mess with other customers' food.&nbsp;

According to the SoraNews 24 website, Choshimaru said all of its conveyor belts would possibly stop by April end of this year, while some outlets are expected to implement the new measure in the few coming days.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Japan is known for its technology, especially in its restaurants where dining is all high-tech. But recently several videos went viral, where one showed a teenager licking the open top of a soy sauce bottle and rubbing saliva on passing food at a kaitenzushi restaurant, raising hygiene concerns.

Japan is known for its technology, especially in its restaurants where dining is all high-tech. But recently several videos went viral, where one showed a teenager licking the open top of a soy sauce bottle and rubbing saliva on passing food at a kaitenzushi restaurant, raising hygiene concerns. Police in central Japan have arrested three people for taking part in the pranks. “We hope that the recent arrests will allow the public to recognize that actions which undermine our trust-based structure for our customers is a ‘crime,’” Kura Sushi, one of the restaurant chains, said. The hi-tech sushi dining industry is currently struggling to keep up with its reputation and might remove its main attraction: the conveyor belts. Also read | These are world's top cuisines. Which ones have you tried? As of data from 2021, Tokyo's kaitenzushi industry is worth an estimated ¥740 billion ($ 5.4 billion). It has been hit hard by a spate of viral videos showing pranksters licking communal sauce bottles, spraying sushi with hand sanitiser and even snatching plates of food destined for other tables, The Guardian reported. Choshimaru, which operates restaurants in the capital city said its conveyor belts would possibly halt, forcing its staff to deliver orders by hand, after a video showed a cigarette in a container of pickled ginger. In response to the video, staff at the chain started taking utensils and condiments to tables every time a new group of clients took their seats. Watch | WION Fineprint | Japan's sushi culture at risk? Choshimaru went a step ahead and announced that for the time being, the conveyor belts at all of its 63 restaurants will be switched off, and will force its customers to wait for the staff to bring them food directly to the table. While this move has removed all the fun elements, the firm reasoned that the absence of the technology will make it practically impossible for pranksters to mess with other customers' food. According to the SoraNews 24 website, Choshimaru said all of its conveyor belts would possibly stop by April end of this year, while some outlets are expected to implement the new measure in the few coming days. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Three arrested for 'Sushi terror' pranks in Japanese restaurants

Japan was forced to blow up its new rocket during a failed launch on Tuesday, setting back efforts to crack a market led by Elon Musk's Space X. Watch the video to know more.

Japan forced to destroy flagship H3 rocket in failed launch

The creator of a sci-fi manga that will soon be available in Japan acknowledges that he has "absolutely zero" ability for sketching and used artificial intelligence instead to produce the dystopian story.

All the future devices and creatures in "Cyberpunk: Peach John" were meticulously created using Midjourney, a popular AI programme that has rocked the art world, along with other tools like Stable Diffusion and DALL-E 2.

The artwork, which is the first totally AI-drawn manga in Japan, has sparked concerns about the potential danger that technology may pose to jobs and copyright in the country's multibillion-dollar comic book industry.

A skilled artist would have needed a year to write the more than 100-page comic, but the author, who goes by the pen name Rootport, finished it in just six weeks.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chatgpt-ai-chatbot-fails-upsc-exam-will-it-do-ma-next-568340">ChatGPT AI chatbot fails UPSC 'exam', will it do MA next?</a>

"It was a fun process, it reminded me of playing the lottery," the 37-year-old told AFP.

Using text cues like "pink hair," "Asian boy," and "stadium jacket," writer Rootport, who has experience with manga stories, was able to conjure up images of the story's protagonist in under a minute.

The best photos were then arranged in comic book fashion to create the book, which has already generated attention online ahead of its release by Shinchosha, a significant publishing firm, on March 9.

His work is fully coloured, unlike conventional black-and-white manga, even if the same character's face might occasionally take on noticeably distinct appearances.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meet-lia-an-ai-on-twitter-and-a-human-like-social-media-buff-568521">Meet Lia, an AI on Twitter, and a human-like social media buff</a>

Nonetheless, the author noted that AI image generators "opened the door for those without the creative aptitude to make advances" into the manga industry, provided they had interesting tales to tell.

When his written instructions, which he refers to as "magic spells," produced an image that matched what he had envisaged, Rootport claimed to have had a sense of fulfilment.

Although experts suggest copyright violations are rare if AI art is created using basic text instructions and minimal human creativity, some Japanese lawmakers have expressed worries about artists' rights.

Others have cautioned that the technology would oust younger manga artists, who painstakingly paint background graphics for each scene, from their professions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The creator of a sci-fi manga that will soon be available in Japan acknowledges that he has "absolutely zero" ability for sketching and used artificial intelligence instead to produce the dystopian story.

The creator of a sci-fi manga that will soon be available in Japan acknowledges that he has "absolutely zero" ability for sketching and used artificial intelligence instead to produce the dystopian story. All the future devices and creatures in "Cyberpunk: Peach John" were meticulously created using Midjourney, a popular AI programme that has rocked the art world, along with other tools like Stable Diffusion and DALL-E 2. The artwork, which is the first totally AI-drawn manga in Japan, has sparked concerns about the potential danger that technology may pose to jobs and copyright in the country's multibillion-dollar comic book industry. A skilled artist would have needed a year to write the more than 100-page comic, but the author, who goes by the pen name Rootport, finished it in just six weeks. ALSO READ | ChatGPT AI chatbot fails UPSC 'exam', will it do MA next? "It was a fun process, it reminded me of playing the lottery," the 37-year-old told AFP. Using text cues like "pink hair," "Asian boy," and "stadium jacket," writer Rootport, who has experience with manga stories, was able to conjure up images of the story's protagonist in under a minute. The best photos were then arranged in comic book fashion to create the book, which has already generated attention online ahead of its release by Shinchosha, a significant publishing firm, on March 9. His work is fully coloured, unlike conventional black-and-white manga, even if the same character's face might occasionally take on noticeably distinct appearances. ALSO READ | Meet Lia, an AI on Twitter, and a human-like social media buff Nonetheless, the author noted that AI image generators "opened the door for those without the creative aptitude to make advances" into the manga industry, provided they had interesting tales to tell. When his written instructions, which he refers to as "magic spells," produced an image that matched what he had envisaged, Rootport claimed to have had a sense of fulfilment. Although experts suggest copyright violations are rare if AI art is created using basic text instructions and minimal human creativity, some Japanese lawmakers have expressed worries about artists' rights. Others have cautioned that the technology would oust younger manga artists, who painstakingly paint background graphics for each scene, from their professions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan's first AI manga to hit the shelves, sparks concerns over artists' rights

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