Foreign ministers from India, United States, Japan and Australia came together in New Delhi for crucial QUAD discussions focused on Indo-Pacific cooperation and regional security. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosted the meeting alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and counterparts from Japan and Australia. The joint briefing highlighted efforts to strengthen strategic coordination, maritime security, economic resilience, and diplomatic ties amid growing geopolitical challenges in the region.


QUAD Summit: Jaishankar Leads Key QUAD Briefing In New Delhi 

India is set to host an important QUAD meeting led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, bringing together top diplomats from the United States, Australia, and Japan. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi are expected to join discussions focused on regional security, Indo-Pacific cooperation, trade, and strategic coordination. The meeting is also seen as a major push to strengthen the QUAD alliance amid rising geopolitical tensions in Asia.


QUAD Foreign Ministers Gather in India for Strategic Security Talks

China’s exports of rare earth permanent magnets to Japan showed a marginal recovery in April, but the 2.5 percent increase comes after exports plunged 17.3 percent in March.

China-Japan Tensions Spill Into 'Magnets' Trade 

Hay fever in Japan, known locally as kafunshō, has become one of the country’s most widespread seasonal health problems, affecting more than 40% of the population. The allergy is mainly triggered by huge waves of pollen released by Japanese cedar (sugi) and cypress (hinoki) trees planted extensively after World War II.

Cedar pollen season typically begins in mid-February and peaks in March, while cypress pollen follows from mid-March through May. The annual allergy wave causes severe discomfort for millions, impacting daily life, productivity and public health across Japan.

Japan’s Massive Pollen Crisis: Why Millions Suffer From Hay Fever Every Spring

Japan is accelerating its push into AI-powered robotics as the country struggles with a shrinking workforce and rapidly ageing population. The Japanese government sees “physical AI” — intelligent robots capable of performing real-world tasks — as a major solution to labour shortages across industries like healthcare, logistics and manufacturing.


Japanese Government Sees Physical AI as Key to Labour Crisis

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake, measuring a lower 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, struck the Tohoku region. There was no threat of a tsunami. Earlier in April, an earthquake registering a magnitude of 7.7 off northern Japan prompted advisory of a higher risk of a possible mega-quake for coastal areas there. The events were a reminder to the quake-prone area of the March 2011 disaster that ravaged large swaths of the northern coast, triggering a nuclear crisis in Fukushima.


Japan Earthquake: 6.6 Magnitude Quake Struck Off the Coast of Miyagi Prefecture

Japan is turning to futuristic “robot wolves” to protect rural communities from rising bear attacks. The robotic devices, designed with glowing eyes and loud warning sounds, are being used to scare wild bears away from towns and farms. Officials say climate change, shrinking food sources, and changing wildlife patterns are pushing more bears into populated areas. Japan recorded a record number of bear attacks last year, prompting authorities to adopt unusual but innovative solutions to improve public safety.


Japan Deploys Robot Wolves to Protect Rural Towns as Bear Attacks Surge

#Gravitas Japan is preparing for its biggest intelligence overhaul since the Second World War.  Japan’s government is moving to create a powerful new central spy agency, a body designed to unify intelligence that has long been split across different ministries, police units and security offices.  


Japan Moves to Create First Central Spy Agency Since World War II

Tokyo-based Calbee which makes potato chips announced that 14 of its products will have a black-and-white packaging from May 25 onwards. This is owing to the shortage of 'Naphtha', a key ingredient in ink. This is seen as a fallout of the ongoing West Asia crisis.


Japan's Famous Snack Bags Lose Their Colour Due to War-Induced Ink Shortage

As oil stays above 100 dollars a barrel, bond yields and inflation expectations around the world are rising as well.
Few advanced economies are feeling the pain more than Japan, and fewer still are as poorly equipped to handle it.

Will Japan Be Forced to Intervene in FX Markets?

Japan’s beauty salon industry is facing an unprecedented crisis, with a record 235 salons shutting down in 2025, up from 215 bankruptcies the previous year. Reports suggest the average lifespan of a salon has now dropped to just around one year, reflecting rising costs, stiff competition, and changing consumer habits. The trend highlights deeper challenges in small businesses across Japan, raising concerns about sustainability in the sector.


Japan’s Salon Industry In Crisis: Record 235 Closures In 2025

Japan’s Iwate region is once again grappling with large-scale wildfires, triggering emergency response operations and evacuation alerts in affected areas. Firefighters are battling challenging terrain and weather conditions as authorities work to contain the rapidly spreading flames. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as concerns grow over repeated fire outbreaks in the region.


Japan Wildfires: Iwate Region Faces Repeat Large-Scale Fire Emergencies

A growing concern over AI-driven disinformation has surfaced in Japan, where creators allegedly used artificial intelligence to mass-produce anti-China videos. Reports suggest freelancers were recruited via platforms like CrowdWorks, with higher pay incentives fueling the spread of negative content. The revelations highlight how AI tools are being leveraged to shape narratives online, raising questions about regulation and the future of digital information.


Japanese Creators Used AI to Mass-Produce Anti-China Videos 

A massive wildfire in Japan has forced evacuation orders in Otsuchi as flames spread rapidly through affected areas. Authorities are working to contain the blaze while residents are being moved to safety. Emergency response teams remain on high alert as weather conditions challenge firefighting efforts.


Japan Wildfire: Thousands Forced To Flee After Fire Nears Residential Areas

Japan Wildfire: Otsuchi Under Evacuation Order

Japan’s iconic vending machines, found everywhere from street corners to mountain tops, are now facing a surprising challenge: falling demand.
Rising prices and changing consumer habits are pushing operators to rethink a business once built on convenience and fixed pricing.

Japan Vending Machines Face Demand Slowdown 

Japan’s traditional bathhouse industry is facing a deepening crisis as rising operational costs, aging infrastructure, and declining customer numbers put pressure on operators. Once a cornerstone of community life, many sento and onsen facilities are struggling to stay afloat amid changing lifestyles and economic challenges. Industry voices are calling for support and innovation to preserve this cultural heritage as closures continue across the country.


Japan's Bathhouses Raise Alarm As Industry Crisis Deepens

Wildfires are rapidly spreading in northern Japan, forcing thousands to evacuate as flames move dangerously close to residential areas.

Authorities warn the situation remains critical, with strong firefighting efforts underway to contain the blaze.

Japan Wildfires: Thousands Evacuate as Flames Spread

Facing a historic decline in births, Japan is trying a new approach—paying young singles to use dating apps. A prefecture is offering subsidies to residents aged 20–39 in a bid to encourage relationships and tackle the falling birth rate, which recently hit its lowest level since 1899. The move reflects growing urgency as Japan grapples with an ageing population and shrinking workforce.


Japan's Latest Bid to Tackle Low Birth Rates

Northern Japan is battling fast-moving forest fires, with more than 1,800 residents ordered to evacuate after blazes broke out in Iwate Prefecture on Wednesday.

Japan Wildfire: Massive Blaze Engulfs Rural Otsuchi Area

China vowed to resist what it called Japan's "reckless militarisation" after Tokyo eased decades-old arms export rules, as it seeks to enter the international weapons market. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi argues that Japan must relax its rules on weapons exports to bolster national defence while also trying to boost the domestic arms industry as a driver of economic growth.


Japan Prepares for Arms Market Export Boom, Lifts 8-Decade Ban

The Japanese government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has approved a major defense policy shift, allowing the export of lethal weapons, including warships and missiles, departing from its post-war pacifist stance. This policy, approved by the cabinet, lifts a ban on transferring offensive weapons to 17 partner countries. 


Japan Lifts Arms Export Ban in Historic Shift; Beijing Calls Move Reckless Militarisation

Takaichi Govt Approves Major Defence Shift; Japanese Warships, Missiles & Weapons Now Eligible for Export

Japan Is on High Alert After a Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake. While Tsunami Warnings Have Now Been Lifted, Authorities Say Risk of a Much Bigger Quake—‘megaquake’—is Now Unusually High Over the Next Few Days. Wion’s Kanishka Sarkar Speaks to Benoit Hardy-Chartrand, Researcher, Temple University Japan, to Understand What This Means for People on the Ground and How Prepared Is Japan Today After the 2011 Disaster


Japan Earthquake: High Alert for 'Megaquake', Tsunami Warning Lifted

Japan is stepping up its military posture after easing long-standing restrictions on arms exports, marking a significant shift in its post-war defence policy. The move is expected to expand Japan’s role in global security cooperation and defence partnerships, even as it draws reactions from regional powers amid rising tensions in East Asia.

Japan Steps Up Military Push with Relaxed Arms Export Rules

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has relaxed the decade-old ban on the export of lethal weapons, a decision which hints at remilitarisation of Japan. In a social media post on Tuesday, Japan's Prime Minister said that they have amended the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology", she said that in an increasingly severe environment, “no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone”. This marks a shift from its long-term commitment to post-WW2 pacifism and is likely to alarm Beijing.&nbsp;"Until now, the overseas transfer of domestically produced finished products had been limited to search and rescue, transportation, surveillance, mine countermeasures (so-called "five categories"), but with this amendment, transfers of all defence equipment will in principle become possible," wrote Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.<h2>What was the earlier policy?</h2>Previously, exports were largely limited to five categories: rescue, transport, surveillance, warning and minesweeping equipment. The Prime Minister did not specify which weapons the new amendment made available for export. But it is believed that Japan can now export high-end lethal hardware, including fighter jets, missiles, and warships. Exports were initially restricted to 17 countries, which had already signed defence equipment and the transfer of technology with Japan. The US is one of the countries that is eligible to receive lethal weapons from Japan. However, it remains subject to government screening and controls on transfers to third countries.&nbsp;"There is absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war," wrote Takaichi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-un-complaint-us-seizure-touska-ship-hormuz-tensions-1776754157171">Iran files UN complaint over Touska seizure by US, warns escalation as ceasefire deadline approaches</a>&nbsp;<h2>Beijing is alarmed at the remilitarisation of Japan&nbsp;</h2>Japan is one of the most historically resilient civilisations. The Chinese have already endured some of the most harrowing crimes from the Japanese Imperial army in the Second World War. The remilitarisation of Japan has been criticised by China but welcomed by its allies like Australia. Beijing on Tuesday said that it was "seriously concerned" about the “reckless militarisation” of Japan."The international community, including China, will remain highly vigilant on this, and firmly resist Japan's reckless new-style militarisation," said the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.Japan has steadily increased military spending in recent years to 2 per cent of GDP, and it is expected to rise further. These build up hints at another emerging flash point in the East China Sea, near Taiwan.&nbsp;

Japan lifts decades-old ban on lethal weapons exports under PM Sanae Takaichi, alarming China over its continued remilitarisation and new flashpoints emerging in the East China Sea.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has relaxed the decade-old ban on the export of lethal weapons, a decision which hints at remilitarisation of Japan. In a social media post on Tuesday, Japan's Prime Minister said that they have amended the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology", she said that in an increasingly severe environment, “no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone”. This marks a shift from its long-term commitment to post-WW2 pacifism and is likely to alarm Beijing. "Until now, the overseas transfer of domestically produced finished products had been limited to search and rescue, transportation, surveillance, mine countermeasures (so-called "five categories"), but with this amendment, transfers of all defence equipment will in principle become possible," wrote Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. What was the earlier policy? Previously, exports were largely limited to five categories: rescue, transport, surveillance, warning and minesweeping equipment. The Prime Minister did not specify which weapons the new amendment made available for export. But it is believed that Japan can now export high-end lethal hardware, including fighter jets, missiles, and warships. Exports were initially restricted to 17 countries, which had already signed defence equipment and the transfer of technology with Japan. The US is one of the countries that is eligible to receive lethal weapons from Japan. However, it remains subject to government screening and controls on transfers to third countries. "There is absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war," wrote Takaichi. Also Read: Iran files UN complaint over Touska seizure by US, warns escalation as ceasefire deadline approaches Beijing is alarmed at the remilitarisation of Japan Japan is one of the most historically resilient civilisations. The Chinese have already endured some of the most harrowing crimes from the Japanese Imperial army in the Second World War. The remilitarisation of Japan has been criticised by China but welcomed by its allies like Australia. Beijing on Tuesday said that it was "seriously concerned" about the “reckless militarisation” of Japan. "The international community, including China, will remain highly vigilant on this, and firmly resist Japan's reckless new-style militarisation," said the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. Japan has steadily increased military spending in recent years to 2 per cent of GDP, and it is expected to rise further. These build up hints at another emerging flash point in the East China Sea, near Taiwan.

Japan lifts decades-old ban on lethal weapons exports under PM Sanae Takaichi, alarming China over its continued remilitarisation and new flashpoints emerging in the East China Sea.

Japan lifts ban on lethal weapon exports, shifts from decades of pacifism

Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of the possibility of a megaquake following a powerful earthquake off northern Japan, urging residents in vulnerable coastal regions to remain alert and prepared. Officials stressed the advisory is precautionary, not a prediction, but called on communities to review evacuation plans and emergency supplies amid ongoing aftershock risks.

Japan Earthquake: Japan Meteorological Agency Warns of a Megaquake 

China has issued a warning to Japan over what it calls the “flexing” of military strength, amid rising regional tensions. The remarks come as Japan moves to scrap long-standing defence export restrictions, signaling a shift in its security policy. 


China Warns Japan Against Flexing Military Strength; Japan Scraps Defence Export Restrictions

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Japan, prompting authorities to issue alerts for a potential mega-quake risk along affected regions. Emergency services are closely monitoring seismic activity as aftershocks continue to shake parts of the country. Tsunami warnings and evacuation advisories have been considered in coastal areas as Japan remains on high alert.

Japan Earthquake: 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan, Alert for Potential Mega-Quake Issued 

Japan issued a special advisory warning of an increased risk of earthquakes at magnitude 8.0 or stronger, after a powerful jolt rattled the country's north and prompted a tsunami warning.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said in a statement that "the likelihood of a new, huge earthquake occurring is relatively higher than during normal times". The warning for the northern region came a few hours after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the area, shaking large buildings in the capital Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre.

Japan Earthquake: Mega-Quake Risk Escalates After Powerful Japan Tremor

Japanese authorities are warning that a second tsunami may be on the way after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the country's north-east coast. An initial 70cm  wave was recorded at the Miyako port in Iwate prefecture, with waves as tall as 3m (10 feet) forecast by the apan's Meteorological Agency (JMA). The JMA warns, "Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building," it said, warning that damage due to tsunami waves was expected. "Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly. Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted," it said.


Japan Earthquake: Japan On High Alert For Mega-Quake, Over 170,000 Residents Ordered To Evacuate

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