Japan has approved one of the world's first blood test kit to detect early signs of Alzheimer's. This paves way for an easier, inexpensive & faster diagnosis of the ailment for which a blockbuster therapy is finally on the horizon. Priyanka Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Japan approves Alzheimer's blood test kit

These are world's top cuisines. Which ones have you tried?

The recent heavy snow has killed 17 people in Japan, 90 more people were left injured as the heavy snowfall left 10,000 households without power. Earlier this week, the blizzard killed at least eight people.

At least 17 dead, several injured due to heavy snow in Japan

The recent heavy snow has killed 13 people in Japan, 80 more people were left injured as the heavy snowfall left 10,000 households without power. Earlier this week, the blizzard killed at least eight people.

Japan: Heavy snowfall kills 13, injures 80; train and airplane services disrupted in northern Japan

Inflation in Japan rose to its highest level since 1981 in November, as per data released on Friday (December 23). The inflation is fuelled in part by higher energy costs.

The data released by internal affairs ministry showed that core consumer prices (excluding volatile fresh food costs) rose by 3.7 per cent in November compared to a year earlier.

The biggest price jump was seen in processed food items. Prices were also higher for electricity and durable goods like air conditioners.

The November figure is well below the sky-high levels that have sparked concern in the United States, Britain and elsewhere, but far exceeds the Bank of Japan's long-term goal of 2.0 percent. &nbsp;

Gravitas: Japan approves Alzhiemer's blood test kit

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Even excluding fresh food and energy, the index was up 2.8 percent.&nbsp;

"Although low by international standards, Japanese consumer price inflation at three percent to four percent is high enough to feel uncomfortable with stagnant wage growth," wrote Sarah Tan, economist at Moody's Analytics, in a note.&nbsp;

The headline core consumer price index (CPI) has risen consistently since the beginning of the year, putting pressure on the Bank of Japan to tweak its longstanding monetary easing policies.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japans-central-bank-shocks-markets-with-yield-policy-change-yen-strengthens-544884">Japan's central bank shocks markets with yield policy change, yen strengthens</a> &nbsp;

The US Federal Reserve and other central banks have sharply hiked interest rates this year to tackle inflation.&nbsp;

But Japan, which since the 1990s has swung between periods of sluggish inflation and deflation, has gone against the grain and continues to keep interest rates at ultra-low levels as it tries to kickstart its economy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from inflation)

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Inflation in Japan rose to its highest level since 1981 in November, as per data released on Friday (December 23). The inflation is fuelled in part by higher energy costs.

Inflation in Japan rose to its highest level since 1981 in November, as per data released on Friday (December 23). The inflation is fuelled in part by higher energy costs. The data released by internal affairs ministry showed that core consumer prices (excluding volatile fresh food costs) rose by 3.7 per cent in November compared to a year earlier. The biggest price jump was seen in processed food items. Prices were also higher for electricity and durable goods like air conditioners. The November figure is well below the sky-high levels that have sparked concern in the United States, Britain and elsewhere, but far exceeds the Bank of Japan's long-term goal of 2.0 percent.  Gravitas: Japan approves Alzhiemer's blood test kit × Even excluding fresh food and energy, the index was up 2.8 percent. "Although low by international standards, Japanese consumer price inflation at three percent to four percent is high enough to feel uncomfortable with stagnant wage growth," wrote Sarah Tan, economist at Moody's Analytics, in a note. The headline core consumer price index (CPI) has risen consistently since the beginning of the year, putting pressure on the Bank of Japan to tweak its longstanding monetary easing policies. Also Read | Japan's central bank shocks markets with yield policy change, yen strengthens The US Federal Reserve and other central banks have sharply hiked interest rates this year to tackle inflation. But Japan, which since the 1990s has swung between periods of sluggish inflation and deflation, has gone against the grain and continues to keep interest rates at ultra-low levels as it tries to kickstart its economy. (With inputs from inflation) 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 ×

Inflation in Japan hits highest level since 1981

Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year.

The main reason behind the rise in defence spending can be attributed to the rise of nuclear missile tests by North Korea. The missiles have breached the border of Japan on multiple occasions and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can be looking to bolster their defence for any such transgressions.

Earlier, Japan also approved a new security strategy which will allow an increase of around two per cent of GDP in defence spending by 2027. The other reason behind this step is to meet the NATO member guidelines – something that almost major member have adhered to in the recent past.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-hill-attack-probe-committee-releases-report-clearly-says-trump-sparked-riots-545725">Trump sparked riots, says January 6 Capitol Hill attack probe panel report</a>

Reuters reported that around $1.5 billion will be used to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States while more than $80 million will be used to produce surface-to-ship missiles.

Media reports also claimed that the budget report described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan" and a "serious concern" for the international community. The main aim for Japan will be to increase its "counterstrike capacity".

"We plan to acquire all the Tomahawk missiles we need in the next fiscal year," a defence ministry official told reporters on the condition of anonymity according to Reuters. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year.

Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year. The main reason behind the rise in defence spending can be attributed to the rise of nuclear missile tests by North Korea. The missiles have breached the border of Japan on multiple occasions and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can be looking to bolster their defence for any such transgressions. Earlier, Japan also approved a new security strategy which will allow an increase of around two per cent of GDP in defence spending by 2027. The other reason behind this step is to meet the NATO member guidelines – something that almost major member have adhered to in the recent past. Also read | Trump sparked riots, says January 6 Capitol Hill attack probe panel report Reuters reported that around $1.5 billion will be used to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States while more than $80 million will be used to produce surface-to-ship missiles. Media reports also claimed that the budget report described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan" and a "serious concern" for the international community. The main aim for Japan will be to increase its "counterstrike capacity". "We plan to acquire all the Tomahawk missiles we need in the next fiscal year," a defence ministry official told reporters on the condition of anonymity according to Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese parliament approves record defence spending in latest budget

It is not just the United States, harsh weather is battering Japan as heavy snow blanketed many parts of Japan. Weather agency warned of traffic disruptions, blizzard conditions and high waves. This week, the blizzard killed at least eight people and injured dozens, according to the latest reports.

WION Climate Tracker | Japan: Heavy snowfall kills 8, injures dozen; residents urged to stay alert

Japan is ready to unveil a record-spending $864 billion budget for the next fiscal year. The new budget accounts for a major defense increase.

Japan is all set to unveil record-spending budget for next fiscal year

Tokyo assembly passed a new regulation for newly constructed houses hence from April 2025 all new houses built in Tokyo built by large-scale home builders are ordered to install solar power panels.

WION Climate Tracker: Tokyo makes solar panels mandatory, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050

The largest discount store in Japan, Don Quijote also known as Donki, was forced to reverse its decision of replacing the mascot after it faced massive protests from its fans on social media.&nbsp;

Donki has more than 600 stores across the nation and is famous for selling multiple ranges of products at discounted prices. Donki's blue penguin mascot wearing a Santa hat 'Donpen' has become the store's identity.&nbsp;

Hence, when it was announced that Donki will replace Donpen it lead to a huge uproar over Japanese social media in the past week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-pay-people-to-have-babies-in-an-attempt-to-boost-declining-birth-rate-542318">Japan to pay people to have babies in an attempt to boost declining birth rate</a>

On Twitter, the store announced its decision to replace its penguin mascot with "Dojo-chan", which is an anthropomorphic representation of "do", a Japanese katakana character. No reason was stated for the change in its mascot.&nbsp;

The sudden decision to replace the mascot led to an outpour of angry reactions on social media. Few people posted their photos in Donpen onesies, while other people said that they will boycott Donki stores.

Meanwhile, a social media user started a poll asking people their preference for the mascot. The post got more than 33,000 clicks as Donpen emerged winner with 93% of the vote.

Don Quijote president Naoki Yoshida, meanwhile, said on Twitter that he failed to "understand the situation either" and had asked "relevant departments" to provide him with clarification.

WATCH|&nbsp;There is no end to the snow in Japan!

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After a few hours, Yoshida said that the company would continue with Donpen as the mascot.

"We have taken the opinions of many of you very seriously and have discussed them with our board members. As a result, it was decided that 'Donpen' would continue as the official character," he stated.

Pan Pacific International Holdings, the operator of Don Quijote, issued an apology and added that they appreciated the support of people for Donpen.

As per Donki's official website, Donpen's birthplace in Antarctica and he was raised in Tokyo. He loves "walks at night" and "it's rumoured his appearance changes", said the store.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The largest discount store in Japan, Don Quijote also known as Donki, was forced to reverse its decision of replacing the mascot after it faced massive protests from its fans on social media.

The largest discount store in Japan, Don Quijote also known as Donki, was forced to reverse its decision of replacing the mascot after it faced massive protests from its fans on social media. Donki has more than 600 stores across the nation and is famous for selling multiple ranges of products at discounted prices. Donki's blue penguin mascot wearing a Santa hat 'Donpen' has become the store's identity. Hence, when it was announced that Donki will replace Donpen it lead to a huge uproar over Japanese social media in the past week. ALSO READ| Japan to pay people to have babies in an attempt to boost declining birth rate On Twitter, the store announced its decision to replace its penguin mascot with "Dojo-chan", which is an anthropomorphic representation of "do", a Japanese katakana character. No reason was stated for the change in its mascot. The sudden decision to replace the mascot led to an outpour of angry reactions on social media. Few people posted their photos in Donpen onesies, while other people said that they will boycott Donki stores. Meanwhile, a social media user started a poll asking people their preference for the mascot. The post got more than 33,000 clicks as Donpen emerged winner with 93% of the vote. Don Quijote president Naoki Yoshida, meanwhile, said on Twitter that he failed to "understand the situation either" and had asked "relevant departments" to provide him with clarification. WATCH| There is no end to the snow in Japan! After a few hours, Yoshida said that the company would continue with Donpen as the mascot. "We have taken the opinions of many of you very seriously and have discussed them with our board members. As a result, it was decided that 'Donpen' would continue as the official character," he stated. Pan Pacific International Holdings, the operator of Don Quijote, issued an apology and added that they appreciated the support of people for Donpen. As per Donki's official website, Donpen's birthplace in Antarctica and he was raised in Tokyo. He loves "walks at night" and "it's rumoured his appearance changes", said the store. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's discount store Donki reverses decision to replace mascot after uproar

Covid is back and it isn't just China where cases are rising but South Korea reported of 88,000 cases on Wednesday where health organisations says cases are also on rise in Japan and the US - there are fears of new winter wave.

WION Fineprint: Another Covid winter wave? As cases rise in China, South Korea, Japan and US

Heavy snow brought travel chaos to Japan's northern prefecture of Niigata. Heavy snowfall has caused disruption in the traffic movement. Wintry weather shut down train lines for several hours and left roads.

WION Climate Tracker: Japan hit by record breaking snowfall, vehicular movement disrupted

Heavy snow brought travel chaos to Japan's northern prefecture of Niigata on Tuesday (December 20), causing the cancellation of trains and traffic jams up to 20 kilometres long, according to Japan's public broadcaster, NHK.

There is no end to the snow in Japan!

The Japanese government on Friday (Dec 16) approved a major $320 billion military overhaul. This is one of the most significant defence money invested in decades by Japan, which for long has been a pacifist country.

The cabinet also described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan," and a "serious concern" for the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-india-must-use-its-trade-lever-to-match-military-muscle-after-chinas-border-bluster-543209">Also read |&nbsp;Why India must use its trade lever to match military muscle after China's border bluster</a>

Prime Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida last week said, "Fundamentally strengthening our defence capabilities is the most urgent challenge in this severe security environment."

According to the defence documents, the present missile interception systems are insufficient and a "counter capacity is necessary." However, the documents ruled&nbsp;out the preemptive strikes and stated that the country is committed to "an exclusively defence-oriented policy."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-threats-from-china-north-korea-japan-set-to-radically-overhaul-defence-policy-542945">Also read |&nbsp;Amid threats from China &amp; North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy</a>

The country vowed to spend two per cent of the GDP by 2027 on national security. It pledged to reshape its military command, and acquire new missiles for better enemy launches, AFP reported.

Polls suggested that Japan's shift amid concerns over China's growing military-geopolitical powers and&nbsp;North Korea's recent missile tests.&nbsp;

The government worries that Russia might encourage China to attack Taiwan and neighbouring Japanese islands.

To improve its counterstrike capability, Japan is expected to upgrade its existing current weaponry including buying US-made Tomahawk missiles.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Japanese government on Friday (Dec 16) approved a major $320 billion military overhaul. This is one of the most significant defence money invested in decades by Japan, which for long has been a pacifist country.

The Japanese government on Friday (Dec 16) approved a major $320 billion military overhaul. This is one of the most significant defence money invested in decades by Japan, which for long has been a pacifist country. The cabinet also described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan," and a "serious concern" for the country. Also read | Why India must use its trade lever to match military muscle after China's border bluster Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last week said, "Fundamentally strengthening our defence capabilities is the most urgent challenge in this severe security environment." According to the defence documents, the present missile interception systems are insufficient and a "counter capacity is necessary." However, the documents ruled out the preemptive strikes and stated that the country is committed to "an exclusively defence-oriented policy." Also read | Amid threats from China & North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy The country vowed to spend two per cent of the GDP by 2027 on national security. It pledged to reshape its military command, and acquire new missiles for better enemy launches, AFP reported. Polls suggested that Japan's shift amid concerns over China's growing military-geopolitical powers and North Korea's recent missile tests. The government worries that Russia might encourage China to attack Taiwan and neighbouring Japanese islands. To improve its counterstrike capability, Japan is expected to upgrade its existing current weaponry including buying US-made Tomahawk missiles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan approves $320bn defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat' 

As North Korea condemns Japan's new security strategy, military tensions are escalating between the two nations. North Korea has been warned of counteraction by Japan against such intrepid remarks.

Military tensions are escalating as North Korea condemns Japan's new security strategy

The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision. 
 
The plan is part of a $320 billion military spending announced by Japan. On Friday, the nation announced that it will buy missiles that are capable of striking China.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan

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Kishida government's five-year plan will make Japan the world's third biggest military spender after the US and China. 
 
The goal is to ready Japan for any sustained battle as conflicts rage in the neighbourhood, like the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Tokyo's western neighbour, China's claim over Taiwan and the unprecedented number of missile tests by North Korea, stoke fears of war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-government-approves-major-defence-overhaul-says-china-poses-greatest-strategic-threat-543682">Japan approves $320 billion defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat'</a>

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the tax hike by his government would not come into force in the coming financial year.&nbsp;

While the tax hike would not begin on April 1, his government will raise taxes in stages towards fiscal 2027 to secure the funding the nation needs to boost its defence budget.

Kishida said that Japan was at a "turning point in history" and that the military expansion through cost-cutting and tax hikes was his "answer to the various security challenges that we face".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-threats-from-china-north-korea-japan-set-to-radically-overhaul-defence-policy-542945">Amid threats from China &amp; North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy</a>

However, the Kyodo survey found that around 65 per cent of those surveyed were against the proposed tax increases for military spending, and about 87 per cent thought that the PM's reasoning for the tax increases was not good enough.

The poll also revealed that support for Kishida's government was at 33.1 per cent, the lowest level it has been at since the beginning of October last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision.

The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision. The plan is part of a $320 billion military spending announced by Japan. On Friday, the nation announced that it will buy missiles that are capable of striking China. Watch | Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan Kishida government's five-year plan will make Japan the world's third biggest military spender after the US and China. The goal is to ready Japan for any sustained battle as conflicts rage in the neighbourhood, like the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Tokyo's western neighbour, China's claim over Taiwan and the unprecedented number of missile tests by North Korea, stoke fears of war. Also read | Japan approves $320 billion defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat' Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the tax hike by his government would not come into force in the coming financial year. While the tax hike would not begin on April 1, his government will raise taxes in stages towards fiscal 2027 to secure the funding the nation needs to boost its defence budget. Kishida said that Japan was at a "turning point in history" and that the military expansion through cost-cutting and tax hikes was his "answer to the various security challenges that we face". Also read | Amid threats from China & North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy However, the Kyodo survey found that around 65 per cent of those surveyed were against the proposed tax increases for military spending, and about 87 per cent thought that the PM's reasoning for the tax increases was not good enough. The poll also revealed that support for Kishida's government was at 33.1 per cent, the lowest level it has been at since the beginning of October last year. (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 citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion

In a move to counter to growing threats from rivals, Japan has unveiled a new national security plan, signalling the country's biggest military buildup since the World War II. Watch the video to know more.

Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan

World population crosses 8 billion Cash for kids: Japan to pay people extra to improve birth rate Experts: China's ageing population is a major threat to its future India: Can demographic dividend turn into liability? Watch Population Boom: Boon or Bane?

WION Wideangle | Population boom: boon or bane?

Japan has approved a new defence policy. It plans to increase its defence budget to 2% of its GDP by 2027. This is to counter the threat posed by China.

WION Fineprint | Japan opts for militarisation

Sony Group is considering investing several billion dollars to build a new factory to make smartphone image sensors in western Japan's Kumamoto prefecture.

World Business Watch: Sony plans smartphone sensor factory in Japan

There has been a rise in the number of drunk people dying in Japan. It's because they have been napping on busy streets after getting drunk.

WION Fineprint | Drunk Japanese people getting run over

Japanese authorities are hoping that the promise of some more money will help people add a kid to their family. Are an extra $582 enough to convince people? @MollyGambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Japan plans to pay people to have babies

South Korea, Japan and the United States are set to coordinate sanctions and close gaps in the international sanctions against North Korea. Watch this video to know more.

South Korea, U.S. and Japan to coordinate sanctions on North Korea

Japan is paying people to encourage them to add a kid to their family in an attempt to boost its low and decreasing birth rate for some time. A 420,000 yen Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant is now being given to new parents in Japan following the birth of their child. Watch this to know more.

Japan is paying people to have babies

The kanji character "sen," meaning war or battle has been selected on Monday (December 12) as the symbol for 2022—a year that is marked by the Russia-Ukraine war, the assassination of former leader Shinzo Abe, and other international conflicts.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In a public vote, a majority of people thought that the character was the best representation of the year.&nbsp;

In 2021, people voted for the kanji for "kin," meaning gold or money and Olympic-themed choices dominated the voting after Japan had its best-ever haul of 27 gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;

People were fascinated by the successful conclusion of the Summer Olympics, which was held from July 23 to August 8 in 2021 in the Japanese capital.

According to the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, which is the organiser of the voting, the public mood was darker in 2022—the 28th annual poll run. The final result is based on votes cast by the general public.&nbsp;

In a news release, the group said: "The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the shooting of former prime minister Abe, and the rapid yen depreciation and inflation faced in daily life have caused anxiety for many people."&nbsp;

The announcement was made by chief Buddhist priest Seihan Mori of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. He wrote the character with a giant calligraphy brush on "washi" (Japanese paper).&nbsp;

"I was surprised, frustrated, angry and sad by the war in Ukraine. I am also angry at myself for not being able to do anything about it," said one voter who picked the character.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The kanji character "sen," meaning war or battle has been selected on Monday (December 12) as the symbol for 2022—a year that is marked by the Russia-Ukraine war, the assassination of former leader Shinzo Abe, and other international conflicts.

The kanji character "sen," meaning war or battle has been selected on Monday (December 12) as the symbol for 2022—a year that is marked by the Russia-Ukraine war, the assassination of former leader Shinzo Abe, and other international conflicts. In a public vote, a majority of people thought that the character was the best representation of the year. In 2021, people voted for the kanji for "kin," meaning gold or money and Olympic-themed choices dominated the voting after Japan had its best-ever haul of 27 gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. People were fascinated by the successful conclusion of the Summer Olympics, which was held from July 23 to August 8 in 2021 in the Japanese capital. According to the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, which is the organiser of the voting, the public mood was darker in 2022—the 28th annual poll run. The final result is based on votes cast by the general public. In a news release, the group said: "The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the shooting of former prime minister Abe, and the rapid yen depreciation and inflation faced in daily life have caused anxiety for many people." The announcement was made by chief Buddhist priest Seihan Mori of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. He wrote the character with a giant calligraphy brush on "washi" (Japanese paper). "I was surprised, frustrated, angry and sad by the war in Ukraine. I am also angry at myself for not being able to do anything about it," said one voter who picked the character. (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: Symbol that represents war picked as kanji character of the year

A Japanese space startup ispace has launched its own private lander to the Moon aboard a SpaceX rocket. Ispace Inc's HAKUTO-R mission took off without incident from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Japan's ispace launches world's first commercial moon lander

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan&nbsp;is hoping that the promise of some more money in the bank would encourage more people to add a kid to their family. Japan has been attempting to boost its low and decreasing birth rate for some time.

A 420,000 yen Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant is now given to new parents in Japan following the birth of their child. Katsunobu Kato, the minister of health, labour, and welfare, wants to increase that amount to 500,000 yen. He met with the prime minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, last week to discuss the proposal, which is anticipated to be approved and implemented for the 2023 fiscal year, which begins in the spring, as reported by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-orion-capsule-returns-to-earth-following-a-record-voyage-around-the-moon-542120">Japan</a> Today.&nbsp;

Although a grant amount increase of this scale is unlikely to deter anyone from wanting children, it could not be a very strong incentive either. Despite the name "Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant," there is very little, if any, of it left over after the "Childbirth" portion. Child birth fees must be covered out of pocket even if the award is supported by Japan's public medical insurance system; according to Mainichi Shimbun, the national average for delivery costs is around 473,000 yen.

Also Watch |&nbsp;Japan's ispace launches world's first commercial moon lander

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Thus, even if the grant were increased, parents would still only have, on average, 30,000 yen left over when they returned home from the hospital, which is less than the amount Asahi Breweries is giving its employees to spend on holiday meals. That won't go very far toward the overall costs of raising a child to self-sufficient adulthood, and it's unlikely that an extra 80,000 yen would push anyone over their "have a baby or not" threshold.

All things considered, new parents would be grateful for a little additional money as their family grows, and the 80,000 yen increase would be the highest ever for the Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant and its first since 2009.

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The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan is hoping that the promise of some more money in the bank would encourage more people to add a kid to their family.

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan is hoping that the promise of some more money in the bank would encourage more people to add a kid to their family. Japan has been attempting to boost its low and decreasing birth rate for some time. A 420,000 yen Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant is now given to new parents in Japan following the birth of their child. Katsunobu Kato, the minister of health, labour, and welfare, wants to increase that amount to 500,000 yen. He met with the prime minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, last week to discuss the proposal, which is anticipated to be approved and implemented for the 2023 fiscal year, which begins in the spring, as reported by Japan Today. Although a grant amount increase of this scale is unlikely to deter anyone from wanting children, it could not be a very strong incentive either. Despite the name "Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant," there is very little, if any, of it left over after the "Childbirth" portion. Child birth fees must be covered out of pocket even if the award is supported by Japan's public medical insurance system; according to Mainichi Shimbun, the national average for delivery costs is around 473,000 yen. Also Watch | Japan's ispace launches world's first commercial moon lander Thus, even if the grant were increased, parents would still only have, on average, 30,000 yen left over when they returned home from the hospital, which is less than the amount Asahi Breweries is giving its employees to spend on holiday meals. That won't go very far toward the overall costs of raising a child to self-sufficient adulthood, and it's unlikely that an extra 80,000 yen would push anyone over their "have a baby or not" threshold. All things considered, new parents would be grateful for a little additional money as their family grows, and the 80,000 yen increase would be the highest ever for the Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant and its first since 2009. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan to pay people to have babies in an attempt to boost declining birth rate

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