The conflict between North Korea and South Korea continues as the former fired two short-range ballistic missiles on the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula on Thursday.

The missiles were launched in the direction of Japan in retaliation to the joint military drills conducted by South Korea and the United States. This was the sixth missile launch by Pyongyang in a little less than two weeks and it has drawn criticism from several countries and the United Nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-accuses-china-russia-of-protecting-north-korea-at-united-nations-522851">United States accuses China, Russia of protecting North Korea at UN</a>

“This is the sixth time in the short period just counting the ones from the end of September,” Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. “This absolutely cannot be tolerated.”

The United States brought up the topic of the missile launches in front of the United Nations security council where it was condemned by as many as nine countries - the United States, Britain, France, Albania, Brazil, India, Ireland, Norway and United Arab Emirates.

However, North Korea criticised them for misunderstanding “counteraction measures of the Korean People’s Army on South Korea-US joint drills.” The foreign ministry issued a statement which also said that the US should be interfere in the region’s politics with the joint military drills.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-search-has-given-mar-a-lago-about-5b-worth-of-free-publicity-says-donald-trump-522853">FBI search has given Mar-a-Lago ‘about $5bn worth of free publicity’ - Trump</a>

Earlier, the US accused Russia and China of shielding North Korea by stopping the United Nations Security Council from imposing sanctions on Pyongyang.

"The DPRK (North Korea) has enjoyed blanket protection from two members of this council," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said according to Reuters.

"In short, two permanent members of the Security Council have enabled Kim Jong Un."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The conflict between North Korea and South Korea continues as the former fired two short-range ballistic missiles on the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula on Thursday.

The conflict between North Korea and South Korea continues as the former fired two short-range ballistic missiles on the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula on Thursday. The missiles were launched in the direction of Japan in retaliation to the joint military drills conducted by South Korea and the United States. This was the sixth missile launch by Pyongyang in a little less than two weeks and it has drawn criticism from several countries and the United Nations. Also read | United States accuses China, Russia of protecting North Korea at UN “This is the sixth time in the short period just counting the ones from the end of September,” Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. “This absolutely cannot be tolerated.” The United States brought up the topic of the missile launches in front of the United Nations security council where it was condemned by as many as nine countries - the United States, Britain, France, Albania, Brazil, India, Ireland, Norway and United Arab Emirates. However, North Korea criticised them for misunderstanding “counteraction measures of the Korean People’s Army on South Korea-US joint drills.” The foreign ministry issued a statement which also said that the US should be interfere in the region’s politics with the joint military drills. Also read | FBI search has given Mar-a-Lago ‘about $5bn worth of free publicity’ - Trump Earlier, the US accused Russia and China of shielding North Korea by stopping the United Nations Security Council from imposing sanctions on Pyongyang. "The DPRK (North Korea) has enjoyed blanket protection from two members of this council," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said according to Reuters. "In short, two permanent members of the Security Council have enabled Kim Jong Un." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires two ballistic missiles towards sea in direction of Japan

North Korea fired two more missiles on October 6th followed by a warplane excursion at the South Korean border. Are these Security drills, test fires or should we just call these warning shots? Is North Korea gearing up for something else?

What will North Korea fire next?

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida&nbsp;is under fire for allegedly engaging in nepotism when he named his young son as his executive secretary. Some opponents believe this appointment may have been made to allow the younger Kishida to succeed his father in the parliamentary elections.

Shotaro Kishida, 31, was chosen for the position on Tuesday, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, who stated in a press conference that he was picked for his "personality and understanding." Matsuno stated that the motivation of the authorities had been "the idea of putting the right person in the right location."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-court-jails-japanese-filmmaker-for-10-years-over-sedition-charge-522879">Myanmar court jails Japanese filmmaker for 10 years over sedition charge</a>

The PM's eldest son Shotaro&nbsp;had worked as a secretary in his father's office since March 2020. Prior to this, he was employed by the trading firm Mitsui &amp; Co.

<img alt="Shotaro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd75f4a4-85b0-4f76-887c-d6065a827d84" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1200x-1_4.jpg" />

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, with his oldest son Shotaro, centre, and wife Yuko. Photo credits: Bloomberg

Kishida became Prime Minister exactly one year ago on Tuesday. His popularity has been waning after a reasonably good first few months in office, when it approached 60% of the populace.

Kishida's support has been weakened as a result of revelations regarding the number of members of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) having ties to the Unification Church.

However, his insistence on holding the lavish, pricey memorial service for Abe, who was shot dead at an LDP gathering in July, has had the most influence on his rapidly declining support ratings.

PM Fumio Kishida’s decision to appoint his son comes just a week after the government held an unpopular state funeral for Shinzo Abe.

“Bringing in his own son is quite unusual as usually these positions are filled by experienced bureaucrats from the ministries,” said Hiromi Murakami, a professor of political science at the Tokyo campus of Temple University.

“And the timing of the announcement, just after Abe’s memorial service is quite bad. It is odd that he did not realise that this does not look good or that no one suggested that to him,” she added.

The leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki, immediately criticised the action and charged the Prime Minister with "showing favouritism toward relatives."

Social media posts criticising Kishida's waning popularity and accusing him of nepotism were less restrained, and some even called for a law to outlaw "hereditary politics."

"Heritage politics once more? Please put an end to these hereditary appointments. It merely encourages corruption. One tweet stated, "I want a law against hereditary politics."

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Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is under fire for allegedly engaging in nepotism when he named his young son as his executive secretary. Some opponents believe this appointment may have been made to allow the younger Kishida to succeed his father in the parliamentary elections.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is under fire for allegedly engaging in nepotism when he named his young son as his executive secretary. Some opponents believe this appointment may have been made to allow the younger Kishida to succeed his father in the parliamentary elections. Shotaro Kishida, 31, was chosen for the position on Tuesday, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, who stated in a press conference that he was picked for his "personality and understanding." Matsuno stated that the motivation of the authorities had been "the idea of putting the right person in the right location." Also read | Myanmar court jails Japanese filmmaker for 10 years over sedition charge The PM's eldest son Shotaro had worked as a secretary in his father's office since March 2020. Prior to this, he was employed by the trading firm Mitsui & Co. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, with his oldest son Shotaro, centre, and wife Yuko. Photo credits: Bloomberg Kishida became Prime Minister exactly one year ago on Tuesday. His popularity has been waning after a reasonably good first few months in office, when it approached 60% of the populace. Kishida's support has been weakened as a result of revelations regarding the number of members of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) having ties to the Unification Church. However, his insistence on holding the lavish, pricey memorial service for Abe, who was shot dead at an LDP gathering in July, has had the most influence on his rapidly declining support ratings. PM Fumio Kishida’s decision to appoint his son comes just a week after the government held an unpopular state funeral for Shinzo Abe. “Bringing in his own son is quite unusual as usually these positions are filled by experienced bureaucrats from the ministries,” said Hiromi Murakami, a professor of political science at the Tokyo campus of Temple University. “And the timing of the announcement, just after Abe’s memorial service is quite bad. It is odd that he did not realise that this does not look good or that no one suggested that to him,” she added. The leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki, immediately criticised the action and charged the Prime Minister with "showing favouritism toward relatives." Social media posts criticising Kishida's waning popularity and accusing him of nepotism were less restrained, and some even called for a law to outlaw "hereditary politics." "Heritage politics once more? Please put an end to these hereditary appointments. It merely encourages corruption. One tweet stated, "I want a law against hereditary politics." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Dynastic politics': Japan’s Kishida accused of nepotism for appointing son as executive secretary

Two days after North Korea fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile that flew over Japan, it launched what appeared to be two more short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday.

North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, condemning UNSC

North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles from near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan. This after a US aircraft carrier was redeployed to the waters.

North Korea fires two ballistic missiles again as US carrier redeployed

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is facing accusations of nepotism after he appointed his inexperienced son to be his executive secretary.

Japanese PM Kishida faces backlash over son's appointment as his executive secretary

If recent intelligence and past trends are considered, North Korea’s recent missile tests over Japan hint at a far more sinister plan.

North Korea's missiles: What's Kim planning? | WION Shorts

On Tuesday, North Korea fired a ballistic missile over Japan. The move halted trains, stranded commuters & left sirens blaring. Japan has called it an 'act of violence' & is exploring 'counter-attack capabilities'.

Gravitas: North Korea fires ballistic missile over Japan

North Korea fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan, escalating tests of weapons designed to strike key targets in regional US allies.

North Korea-Japan Row | Kishida: Japan strongly condemns firing missile | Latest World News | WION

Japan has expelled a Russian official as a retaliation for expulsion of Japanese diplomat. The Japanese diplomat was accused by Russia of spying. Japan has previously accused that its diplomat was blindfolded and pinned. It had demanded that Russia apologise.

On Tuesday (October 4) Japanese foreign ministry released a statement saying that a Russian consul in the city of Sapporo was asked to leave the country ""as a corresponding measure to Russia's actions".

"The Japanese government declared one consul from the Russian consulate general's office in Sapporo persona non grata, and demanded that the person leave Japan in six days, which is to say by October 10," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry added that the Russian ambassador has been summoned and informed of the decision. 
&nbsp; 
Last week, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said that Japan denied the espionage allegations and said the official had been "blindfolded, with pressure applied to both his hands and head so he was unable to move while being detained, and then he was questioned in an overbearing way".&nbsp;

Japan "strongly protests these unbelievable acts", he added.&nbsp;

Russia considers Japan to be a "hostile" country -- a designation it shares with all European Union countries, the United States and its allies, including Britain and Australia.&nbsp;

Russia and Japan are yet to sign a post World War II peace treaty.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Japan has expelled a Russian official as a retaliation for expulsion of Japanese diplomat. The Japanese diplomat was accused by Russia of spying. Japan has previously accused that its diplomat was blindfolded and pinned.

Japan has expelled a Russian official as a retaliation for expulsion of Japanese diplomat. The Japanese diplomat was accused by Russia of spying. Japan has previously accused that its diplomat was blindfolded and pinned. It had demanded that Russia apologise. On Tuesday (October 4) Japanese foreign ministry released a statement saying that a Russian consul in the city of Sapporo was asked to leave the country ""as a corresponding measure to Russia's actions". "The Japanese government declared one consul from the Russian consulate general's office in Sapporo persona non grata, and demanded that the person leave Japan in six days, which is to say by October 10," it said in a statement. The ministry added that the Russian ambassador has been summoned and informed of the decision. Last week, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said that Japan denied the espionage allegations and said the official had been "blindfolded, with pressure applied to both his hands and head so he was unable to move while being detained, and then he was questioned in an overbearing way". Japan "strongly protests these unbelievable acts", he added. Russia considers Japan to be a "hostile" country -- a designation it shares with all European Union countries, the United States and its allies, including Britain and Australia. Russia and Japan are yet to sign a post World War II peace treaty. (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 ×

In tit-for-tat move, Japan expels Russian consul

Nuclear-armed North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile farther than ever, sending it soaring over Japan, for the first time in five years, and prompting a warning for residents there to take cover. Molly Gambhir tells you what this means for the region.

Wion Fineprint | Japan issues rare alert as North Korea fires missile

North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile off its east coast on Tuesday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Japanese coast guard. This was North Korea’s fifth test in 10 days as South Korea continue to hold military drills along with the United States military.

"North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile east," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-to-impose-further-costs-on-iran-for-crackdown-on-protests-joe-biden-says-522203" hreflang="en">US to impose 'further costs' on Iran for crackdown on protests, Joe Biden says</a>

While not many details were provided about the launch, the Japanese coast guard also confirmed the launch and warned the Navy vessels to stay alert in the surrounding areas.

In the aftermath of the missile launch, Japan asked some residents to evacuate their homes.

"North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please evacuate into buildings or underground," the government said in an alert issued for the northern regions of the country according to Reuters.

The missile launches by Pyongyang has increased in the recent past with South Korea, Japan and the US conducting anti-submarine drills on Friday. US Vice President Kamala Harris also visited Seoul last week and reinforced their commitment to support South Korea in their conflict with the North.

Earlier, North Korea supported Russia’s annexation of the four Ukrainian regions after the referendums and accused the US of applying "gangster-like double standards".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-sues-cnn-for-defamation-seeks-damages-worth-475-million-522201">Donald Trump sues CNN for defamation, seeks damages worth $475 million</a>

Jo Chol Su, director-general of international organisations at Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry, said that the US should be interfere with the internal matters of other countries.

"To maintain the unchallenged 'unipolar world', the U.S. interferes in the internal affairs of independent countries and infringes upon their legal rights by abusing the UNSC," he said.

"The U.S. unleashed wars of aggression against sovereign states including former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq, but the U.S. has not been called into question by the UNSC."

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North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile off its east coast on Tuesday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Japanese coast guard.

North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile off its east coast on Tuesday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Japanese coast guard. This was North Korea’s fifth test in 10 days as South Korea continue to hold military drills along with the United States military. "North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile east," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Also read | US to impose 'further costs' on Iran for crackdown on protests, Joe Biden says While not many details were provided about the launch, the Japanese coast guard also confirmed the launch and warned the Navy vessels to stay alert in the surrounding areas. In the aftermath of the missile launch, Japan asked some residents to evacuate their homes. "North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please evacuate into buildings or underground," the government said in an alert issued for the northern regions of the country according to Reuters. The missile launches by Pyongyang has increased in the recent past with South Korea, Japan and the US conducting anti-submarine drills on Friday. US Vice President Kamala Harris also visited Seoul last week and reinforced their commitment to support South Korea in their conflict with the North. Earlier, North Korea supported Russia’s annexation of the four Ukrainian regions after the referendums and accused the US of applying "gangster-like double standards". Also read | Donald Trump sues CNN for defamation, seeks damages worth $475 million Jo Chol Su, director-general of international organisations at Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry, said that the US should be interfere with the internal matters of other countries. "To maintain the unchallenged 'unipolar world', the U.S. interferes in the internal affairs of independent countries and infringes upon their legal rights by abusing the UNSC," he said. "The U.S. unleashed wars of aggression against sovereign states including former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq, but the U.S. has not been called into question by the UNSC."

North Korea conducts longest-range missile test yet over Japan

North Korea has fired a missile over Japan, in what appears to be a deliberate escalation to get the attention of both Japan and the U.S.

North Korea fires a missile over Japan in a deliberate escalation?

North Korea fires intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan

Japan Airlines (JAL) could be the first one that can fly supersonic aircraft, that are going to make a re-entry in the aviation market nearly two decades after the last flight of Concorde.

World Business Watch: Japan's JAL likely to be first one who can fly supersonic plane

North Korea sends missile soaring over Japan in escalation

Japanese manufacturer' business mood worsened in the three months to September and corporate inflation expectations hit a record high, as stubbornly high material costs clouded the outlook for the fragile economy.

World Business Watch: Japan's business mood worsens in Q3 as costs cloud outlook

Japan PM Fumio Kishida will consider more steps to cushion the blow of rising electricity bills, underscoring the pressure it faces in addressing the burden on households of higher prices for imports from a weak yen.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida vows to ease pain of high electricity bills

Rising prices bring another pinch to Japanese households. According to a research firm, prices for near 6700 food and beverage products will be hiked in October as Japan deals with a weakening currency.

Inflation in Japan: Unprecedented rise in cost of food & beverages

Flamboyant Japanese professional wrestler turned politician Antonio Inoki died Saturday aged 79, according to a company he founded.

His death, which public broadcaster NHK said was from heart failure, brought to an end a varied life in the public eye, during which Inoki fought Muhammad Ali, fostered close personal ties with North Korea, and helped free hostages in Iraq.

The Yokohama native -- born Kanji Inoki -- also starred in American wrestling promotions, as well as serving two separate terms in Japan's legislature.

US wrestling legend Triple H tweeted that Inoki was "one of the most important figures in the history of our business, and a man who embodied the term 'fighting spirit'".

"The legacy of WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki will live on forever," added the chief operating officer of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

"Antonio Inoki, the founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and former professional wrestler, died in Tokyo," the group said in a statement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/louis-mckechnie-climate-change-activist-gets-prison-sentence-for-tying-himself-to-goalpost-521369">Louis McKechnie: Climate change activist gets prison sentence for tying himself to goalpost</a>

Standing 1.9 metres (six feet three inches) tall, Inoki was a pioneer of mixed martial arts in Japan, and shot to fame in 1976 for taking on world heavyweight champion Ali in a zany wrestler-versus-boxer bout in Tokyo.

There followed appearances in the WWF, as WWE was then known. The company said Saturday: "One of the key figures in the history of Japanese wrestling, Antonio Inoki&nbsp;was&nbsp;among the most respected men in sports-entertainment and a bona fide legend in his homeland."

In 1989 Inoki was elected as an upper-house lawmaker for the now-defunct Sports and Peace Party.

Prior to the 1990 Gulf War, he travelled to Iraq to secure the release of Japanese hostages.

Having built a strong personal connection with North Korea over the years, Inoki travelled there dozens of times to help resolve the issue of Pyongyang's abductions of Japanese citizens during the Cold War.

The wrestler said he wanted to "contribute to world peace through sports" and had arranged martial arts and wrestling festivals in North Korea, often meeting high-ranking officials during his visits.

Japanese officials dismissed the trips as a sideshow.

Asked about them at the time, the then chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga pointedly reminded journalists that Tokyo had a travel ban in place for North Korea, urging the politician to "act appropriately".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-think-theres-a-big-difference-sebastian-vettels-take-on-f1-2022-new-rules-521264">I don't think there's a big difference: Sebastian Vettel's take on F1 2022 new rules</a>

However, Japanese television news provided blanket coverage of Inoki's trip and the visits continued to prompt interest, given the lack of details leaking out about life in North Korea.

Inoki, unmistakable from his outsized chin and trademark tie and red scarf, also forced the government to take an official position about aliens when he tabled a question in a budgetary committee in 2017, saying he had seen a mysterious flying object disappearing over the horizon.

Inoki lost his seat in 1995 and retired as a wrestler in 1998, but was re-elected to the upper house in 2013 as a member of a different opposition party. He retired from politics in 2019, and a year later said he had been diagnosed with heart disease. 
&nbsp;

Flamboyant Japanese professional wrestler turned politician Antonio Inoki died Saturday aged 79, according to a company he founded. His death, which public broadcaster NHK said was from heart failure, brought to an end a varied life in the public eye, during which Inoki fought Muhammad Ali, fostered close personal ties with North Korea, and helped free hostages in Iraq.

Flamboyant Japanese professional wrestler turned politician Antonio Inoki died Saturday aged 79, according to a company he founded. His death, which public broadcaster NHK said was from heart failure, brought to an end a varied life in the public eye, during which Inoki fought Muhammad Ali, fostered close personal ties with North Korea, and helped free hostages in Iraq. The Yokohama native -- born Kanji Inoki -- also starred in American wrestling promotions, as well as serving two separate terms in Japan's legislature. US wrestling legend Triple H tweeted that Inoki was "one of the most important figures in the history of our business, and a man who embodied the term 'fighting spirit'". "The legacy of WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki will live on forever," added the chief operating officer of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). "Antonio Inoki, the founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and former professional wrestler, died in Tokyo," the group said in a statement. Also Read: Louis McKechnie: Climate change activist gets prison sentence for tying himself to goalpost Standing 1.9 metres (six feet three inches) tall, Inoki was a pioneer of mixed martial arts in Japan, and shot to fame in 1976 for taking on world heavyweight champion Ali in a zany wrestler-versus-boxer bout in Tokyo. There followed appearances in the WWF, as WWE was then known. The company said Saturday: "One of the key figures in the history of Japanese wrestling, Antonio Inoki was among the most respected men in sports-entertainment and a bona fide legend in his homeland." In 1989 Inoki was elected as an upper-house lawmaker for the now-defunct Sports and Peace Party. Prior to the 1990 Gulf War, he travelled to Iraq to secure the release of Japanese hostages. Having built a strong personal connection with North Korea over the years, Inoki travelled there dozens of times to help resolve the issue of Pyongyang's abductions of Japanese citizens during the Cold War. The wrestler said he wanted to "contribute to world peace through sports" and had arranged martial arts and wrestling festivals in North Korea, often meeting high-ranking officials during his visits. Japanese officials dismissed the trips as a sideshow. Asked about them at the time, the then chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga pointedly reminded journalists that Tokyo had a travel ban in place for North Korea, urging the politician to "act appropriately". Also Read: I don't think there's a big difference: Sebastian Vettel's take on F1 2022 new rules However, Japanese television news provided blanket coverage of Inoki's trip and the visits continued to prompt interest, given the lack of details leaking out about life in North Korea. Inoki, unmistakable from his outsized chin and trademark tie and red scarf, also forced the government to take an official position about aliens when he tabled a question in a budgetary committee in 2017, saying he had seen a mysterious flying object disappearing over the horizon. Inoki lost his seat in 1995 and retired as a wrestler in 1998, but was re-elected to the upper house in 2013 as a member of a different opposition party. He retired from politics in 2019, and a year later said he had been diagnosed with heart disease.

Japan wrestling legend Antonio Inoki dies at 79

Japan is known for its Nintendo games, Lexus sports cars and bullet trains. You would imagine for the Japanese to be very digital savvy but Japan seems to love its old technology, its fax machines, its floppy disks and the traditional Hanco seals but now Japan's digital Minister has declared a war on retro tech.

Japan: Digital Minister aims to wrestle the country out of analog doldrums

North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles towards the Sea of the east coast today. This is Pyongyang's fourth round of weapons launches this week and are seen as a response to military drills among its rivals. South Korea, Japan and the United States staged the anti-submarine drills on Friday.

North Korea's fourth missile launch in a week, comes after military drills by rivals

Amid tensions over North Korea's recent series of missile tests, the naval forces of South Korea, the United States of America and Japan are holding major trilateral anti-submarine exercises for the first time in five years. The drills are being held in international waters of the Korean peninsula's east coat.

WION Dispatch: South Korea, US and Japan stage anti-submarine drills | Latest English News

A health ministry panel suggested on Thursday that Japan should permit the use of cannabis-based medications, opening the door for a potential historic change of the nation's draconian drug prohibitions.

The group actually suggested strengthening regulations on marijuana use for non-medical purposes, thus the change will not have any impact on Japan's zero-tolerance policy on marijuana use for recreational purposes.

International celebrities have fallen victim to Japan's strict anti-cannabis legislation, including Beatle Paul McCartney, who was detained for nine days in 1980 when the substance was discovered in his luggage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-south-korea-and-japan-conduct-trilateral-anti-submarine-drills-521078">United States, South Korea and Japan conduct trilateral anti-submarine drills</a>

However, the government has been debating allowing the use of cannabis-based medications, which are already used in many nations to treat ailments such severe epilepsy.

The government should change the regulations to permit the import and production of medications made with cannabis-derived ingredients, the expert panel for the health ministry suggested on Thursday.

But it also advocated for tightening the law to make it clear that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-launches-long-awaited-review-of-its-cannabis-regulations-518952">cannabis usage</a> for recreational purposes is illegal.

This would address a security breach created to prevent farmers from being detained for consuming marijuana while cultivating hemp for products like rope.

The advice comes as products containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating ingredient in cannabis, become more and more well-liked overseas and in Japan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A health ministry panel suggested on Thursday that Japan should permit the use of cannabis-based medications, opening the door for a potential historic change of the nation's draconian drug prohibitions.

A health ministry panel suggested on Thursday that Japan should permit the use of cannabis-based medications, opening the door for a potential historic change of the nation's draconian drug prohibitions. The group actually suggested strengthening regulations on marijuana use for non-medical purposes, thus the change will not have any impact on Japan's zero-tolerance policy on marijuana use for recreational purposes. International celebrities have fallen victim to Japan's strict anti-cannabis legislation, including Beatle Paul McCartney, who was detained for nine days in 1980 when the substance was discovered in his luggage. Also read | United States, South Korea and Japan conduct trilateral anti-submarine drills However, the government has been debating allowing the use of cannabis-based medications, which are already used in many nations to treat ailments such severe epilepsy. The government should change the regulations to permit the import and production of medications made with cannabis-derived ingredients, the expert panel for the health ministry suggested on Thursday. But it also advocated for tightening the law to make it clear that cannabis usage for recreational purposes is illegal. This would address a security breach created to prevent farmers from being detained for consuming marijuana while cultivating hemp for products like rope. The advice comes as products containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating ingredient in cannabis, become more and more well-liked overseas and in Japan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan panel advises legalising cannabis-based medicines

South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military.&nbsp;

According to the official statement from the South Korean military, the one-day training involving the three nations was aimed at creating defenses against North Korea’s strategy to fire missiles from submarines. In the recent past, North Korea has added bigger submarines to its arsenal.&nbsp;

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Besides the bigger and more advanced submarines, North Korea has also been testing specific missiles which are capable of being fired from underwater. As a result, the training focused on tracking and neutralising the threat posed by submarines which are sometimes hard to spot on the radars.&nbsp;

The official statement from the United States military said that the training involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as well as the US, South Korean, and Japanese destroyers.&nbsp;

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“We will respond and neutralize any forms of North Korean provocations in an overwhelming and decisive manner,” Capt. Cho, Chung-Ho, commander of South Korean navy troops, said in a statement.&nbsp;

On Thursday, North Korea tested five ballistic missiles with US Vice President Kamala Harris visiting South Korea as part of her Asian tour. During her visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas, she said, “In the South, we see a thriving democracy. In the North, we see a brutal dictatorship.”&nbsp;

South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military.

South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military. According to the official statement from the South Korean military, the one-day training involving the three nations was aimed at creating defenses against North Korea’s strategy to fire missiles from submarines. In the recent past, North Korea has added bigger submarines to its arsenal. Also read | Death toll remains uncertain as Hurricane Ian causes devastation in Florida Besides the bigger and more advanced submarines, North Korea has also been testing specific missiles which are capable of being fired from underwater. As a result, the training focused on tracking and neutralising the threat posed by submarines which are sometimes hard to spot on the radars. The official statement from the United States military said that the training involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as well as the US, South Korean, and Japanese destroyers. Also read | Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions “We will respond and neutralize any forms of North Korean provocations in an overwhelming and decisive manner,” Capt. Cho, Chung-Ho, commander of South Korean navy troops, said in a statement. On Thursday, North Korea tested five ballistic missiles with US Vice President Kamala Harris visiting South Korea as part of her Asian tour. During her visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas, she said, “In the South, we see a thriving democracy. In the North, we see a brutal dictatorship.”

United States, South Korea and Japan conduct trilateral anti-submarine drills

September 29 marked 50 years of of ties between China & Japan. On this day in 1972, the two countries agreed to normalise relations. 50 years on, Why are the two countries still not friends? Priyanka Sharma explains.

Gravitas: China-Japan mark 50 years of normalisation of ties

Japan and China on Thursday mark the 50th anniversary of the treaty that normalised bilateral relations between the two countries. On September 29, 1972, then-Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai signed a communique normalizing their ties and pledging peace and friendship.

Japan, China mark 50 years since normalisation of diplomatic ties as tensions mount

The naval forces of South Korea, the United States of America and Japan will stage their major trilateral anti-submarine exercises for the first time in five years. The drills will be held in international waters of the Korean peninsula's east coast and it comes just a day after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles towards its East Coast.

Drills to counter North Korean threats; S. Korea, Japan and US to stage anti-submarine drills

In a bid to boost America's chip manufacturing sector, US Vice President Kamala Harris met the heads of Japanese semiconductor firms. The meeting comes just a month after US President Biden signed the industrial policy bill into law which aims to boost America's domestic production of chips.

US Vice President Kamala Harris meets heads of Japanese semiconductor firms

On Tuesday, Japan bid a final farewell to its slain Ex-PM Shinzo Abe. The ceremony was attended by PM Narendra Modi & U.S. V-P Kamala Harris among other world leaders. The ceremony was also marked by protests from Japanese citizens. Why? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Japan bids final farewell to Shinzo Abe

United States Vice President Kamala Harris held a meeting Wednesday with Japanese business executives involved in the semiconductor industry for a discussion on increasing investment in US semiconductor manufacturing, strengthening semiconductor supply chains, and bolstering cooperation on semiconductor research and development.

Kamala Harris speaks to Japan's semiconductor business executives in Tokyo

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