Japanese scientists have engineered a system for creating remote-controlled cyborg cockroaches. Cyborg cockroaches are equipped with a tiny wireless control module powered by a rechargeable battery attached to a solar cell.

Tech Talk: Japanese scientists unveil remote-controlled Cockroaches

A 38-year-old man in Japan is living the dreams of millions by doing 'nothing' and earning out of it! Meet Shoji Morimoto who rents himself out to his customers and works as a 'rental-do-nothing-man'. Morimoto has been hired over 4,000 times to do nothing since starting his business on Twitter in 2018.

Meet this Japanese man who gets paid to 'do nothing'

Typhoon Hinnamnor has departed from South Korea after making a heavy landfall in the country's south. One of the most powerful storms of the year made landfall in South Korea, leaving the country reeling under severe flooding and damage

WION Climate Tracker | 20,000 homes without power in S Korea due to Typhoon Hinnamnor

According to a fresh estimate released by the government on Tuesday, which includes security and reception expenses, Japan will shell out around 1.65 billion yen ($12 million) for the state burial scheduled for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The government approved a more modest 250 million yen budget for the burial in late August, but was afterwards criticised for what was thought to be an unrealistic figure that did not include significant expenses for the security and hosting of VIPs.

According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the government has revised its estimate for the funeral's security price to be around 800 million yen, while the cost of entertaining foreign delegations will be about 600 million yen.

“If we were to give a simplified estimate, I guess the total would be close to what you said,” he said in response to a question asking whether the total of the state funeral would be about 1.7 billion yen.

Approximately 6,000 attendees are anticipated during the event, which will take place on September 27 at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan auditorium. Over 190 international delegations are among the&nbsp;guests, and according to Matsuno, about 50 of those delegations are anticipated to include VIPs at the head-of-state level. At a July election rally, Abe was fatally shot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-the-japanese-man-who-earns-a-living-by-being-rented-to-do-nothing-513300">Meet the Japanese man who earns a living by being rented to 'do nothing'</a>

Abe is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-thing-reliable-from-russia-is-lies-faced-with-energy-crisis-germany-takes-a-u-turn-to-nuclear-energy-513306">Japan's</a>&nbsp;longest-serving but most divisive prime minister, and opposition to a taxpayer-funded memorial ceremony for him has persisted. This opposition has been made worse by discoveries about his and other ruling party members' connections to the contentious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-says-ruling-party-to-cut-ties-with-unification-church-511748">Unification Church</a>. The popularity of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has also declined.

“We decided to give this estimation in accordance with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s bid to be thorough about clarifying the details” of the state funeral, Matsuno said.

According to local media, Abe's alleged killer admitted to prosecutors that he hated the religious organisation, which is well-known for its mass marriages and aggressive fund-raising strategies, and that he thought Abe had ties to it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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According to a fresh estimate released by the government on Tuesday, which includes security and reception expenses, Japan will shell out around 1.65 billion yen ($12 million) for the state burial scheduled for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

According to a fresh estimate released by the government on Tuesday, which includes security and reception expenses, Japan will shell out around 1.65 billion yen ($12 million) for the state burial scheduled for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The government approved a more modest 250 million yen budget for the burial in late August, but was afterwards criticised for what was thought to be an unrealistic figure that did not include significant expenses for the security and hosting of VIPs. According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the government has revised its estimate for the funeral's security price to be around 800 million yen, while the cost of entertaining foreign delegations will be about 600 million yen. “If we were to give a simplified estimate, I guess the total would be close to what you said,” he said in response to a question asking whether the total of the state funeral would be about 1.7 billion yen. Approximately 6,000 attendees are anticipated during the event, which will take place on September 27 at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan auditorium. Over 190 international delegations are among the guests, and according to Matsuno, about 50 of those delegations are anticipated to include VIPs at the head-of-state level. At a July election rally, Abe was fatally shot. Also read | Meet the Japanese man who earns a living by being rented to 'do nothing' Abe is Japan's longest-serving but most divisive prime minister, and opposition to a taxpayer-funded memorial ceremony for him has persisted. This opposition has been made worse by discoveries about his and other ruling party members' connections to the contentious Unification Church. The popularity of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has also declined. “We decided to give this estimation in accordance with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s bid to be thorough about clarifying the details” of the state funeral, Matsuno said. According to local media, Abe's alleged killer admitted to prosecutors that he hated the religious organisation, which is well-known for its mass marriages and aggressive fund-raising strategies, and that he thought Abe had ties to it. (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

The cost of Japan's former PM Abe's state burial to exceed $12 million

Despite a resurgence in Covid-19 cases, Japan's household spending grew for a second straight month in July but inflationary pressures from the end slump to a 24-year-low.

Japan economy: Inflation risks loom

Have you ever needed a friend to hang out with as you did nothing in particular but struggled to find one? The solution might be Shoji Morimoto, a 38-year-old Japanese man known as "Rental-Do-Nothing-Man."

Meet the Japanese man who earns a living by being rented to "do nothing"

Typhoon Hinnamnor spinning up quickly to category five strength in the Western Pacific ocean, has been making headlines. The latest weather report suggest that the Typhoon is likely to affect mainland China, Japan and the Korean peninsula.

WION Climate Tracker | South Korea, Japan prepares for Typhoon Hinnamnor; China issues yellow alert

Cyrus Mistry,&nbsp;the sixth chairman of Tata Sons died in a car accident on Sunday.&nbsp;The accident took place around 3.15 PM when Mistry was travelling to Mumbai from Ahmedabad. In other news, Pakistan's Federal Climate Minister&nbsp;Sherry Rehman in an interview argued that the western nations owe developing nations reparations for accelerating climate change.&nbsp;

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Reportedly, Mistry was travelling&nbsp;from Ahmedabad to Mumbai when his Mercedes car hit the divider. The accident took place in the Palghar district.&nbsp;

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With the approach of Typhoon Hinnamnor, the strongest global storm this year, China and Japan have suspended ferry services as well as flights.

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Pope Francis beatified John Paul I in St Peter's Square on Sunday with thousands of people present in the audience. Also known as the "Smiling Pope" because of his humility and simplicity, John Paul died in 1978 after only 33 days as pontiff amid lingering conspiracy theories that he was a victim of foul play.

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As Pakistan goes through a harrowing ordeal with incessant monsoon rains submerging a third of the country, federal climate minister Sherry Rehman has argued that the western nations owe developing nations reparations for accelerating climate change.&nbsp;

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Potential UK PM candidate Liz Truss on Saturday (September 3) promised to deal with energy bills right away if elected, Sputnik, a UK-based media outlet reported.

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The&nbsp;National Archives and Records Administration&nbsp;has never been,&nbsp;until now,&nbsp;the locus of a criminal investigation of a&nbsp;former president. Yet that’s exactly where the agency finds itself after sending&nbsp;a referral to the FBI&nbsp;stating that 15 boxes recovered from former President Donald Trump’s Florida home in January contained dozens of documents with classified markings.

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Jared Kushner, the right-hand and son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump in an interview stated that the Ukraine-Russia war would have never taken place if Trump was still in power.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-kills-five-gazans-accused-of-murder-supporting-israel-512794">Hamas executes five Palestinians of Gaza, accusing them of murder, supporting Israel</a>

The Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement declared on Sunday that it had executed five Palestinians, two of whom were accused of "collaboration" with Israel.

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To honour the best of this year’s reality shows, production design, animation, comedy specials, stunts, visual effects, and more, Creative Arts Emmys returned on Saturday at Los Angeles’s Microsoft Theater.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/04/292801-jsdgkf-11.jpg" />

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Cyrus Mistry, the sixth chairman of Tata Sons died in a car accident on Sunday. The accident took place around 3.15 PM when Mistry was travelling to Mumbai from Ahmedabad.

Cyrus Mistry, the sixth chairman of Tata Sons died in a car accident on Sunday. The accident took place around 3.15 PM when Mistry was travelling to Mumbai from Ahmedabad. In other news, Pakistan's Federal Climate Minister Sherry Rehman in an interview argued that the western nations owe developing nations reparations for accelerating climate change. Click on the headlines to read more: Cyrus Mistry, former Tata Sons chairman, dies in a car accident Reportedly, Mistry was travelling from Ahmedabad to Mumbai when his Mercedes car hit the divider. The accident took place in the Palghar district. Typhoon Hinnamnor: Japan, China suspend ferry service and flights With the approach of Typhoon Hinnamnor, the strongest global storm this year, China and Japan have suspended ferry services as well as flights. One step away from sainthood: 'Smiling' John Paul I beatified by Pope Francis Pope Francis beatified John Paul I in St Peter's Square on Sunday with thousands of people present in the audience. Also known as the "Smiling Pope" because of his humility and simplicity, John Paul died in 1978 after only 33 days as pontiff amid lingering conspiracy theories that he was a victim of foul play. Western countries owe reparations to developing nations facing climate change, says Pakistan minister As Pakistan goes through a harrowing ordeal with incessant monsoon rains submerging a third of the country, federal climate minister Sherry Rehman has argued that the western nations owe developing nations reparations for accelerating climate change. British PM hopeful Liz Truss promises to reduce taxes, focus on energy bills if elected Potential UK PM candidate Liz Truss on Saturday (September 3) promised to deal with energy bills right away if elected, Sputnik, a UK-based media outlet reported. United States: How Archives went from ‘National Treasure’ to political prey The National Archives and Records Administration has never been, until now, the locus of a criminal investigation of a former president. Yet that’s exactly where the agency finds itself after sending a referral to the FBI stating that 15 boxes recovered from former President Donald Trump’s Florida home in January contained dozens of documents with classified markings. Russia-Ukraine war would not have taken place if Trump was still president, claims Jared Kushner Jared Kushner, the right-hand and son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump in an interview stated that the Ukraine-Russia war would have never taken place if Trump was still in power. Hamas executes five Palestinians of Gaza, accusing them of murder, supporting Israel The Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement declared on Sunday that it had executed five Palestinians, two of whom were accused of "collaboration" with Israel. 'Just another game': Suryakumar Yadav downplays immense hype surrounding India-Pakistan rivalry Ahead of the second edition of India's high-octane clash against Pakistan, Suryakumar Yadav opened up about the same while in conversation with Star Sports. Creative Arts Emmys 2022 day 1 winners list: The Beatles, Adele, Lizzo win big To honour the best of this year’s reality shows, production design, animation, comedy specials, stunts, visual effects, and more, Creative Arts Emmys returned on Saturday at Los Angeles’s Microsoft Theater. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news: Cyrus Mistry dies, Pakistan demands reparations, Truss to reduce taxes & more

With the approach of Typhoon Hinnamnor, the strongest global storm this year, China and Japan have suspended ferry services as well as flights.

Blowing it's way past Taiwan and the Koreas with fierce winds and heavy rains, Typhoon Hinnamnor is packing gusts up to 252 kilometres per hour.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Hinnamnor is forecasted to move gradually northward into the East China Sea.

In order to avoid accidents, more than 50,000 police officers have been deployed in Shanghai to aid with rescues and guide traffic away from dangerous areas.&nbsp;

Bringing the possibility of flooding, the typhoon is also expected to bring intense rainfall to the Korean Peninsula.

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Warning of heavy rains in northeastern Zhejiang, Shanghai and Taiwan, China’s National Meteorological Center issued a yellow typhoon warning on Sunday.

Urging people against large gatherings both indoors and outdoors, Chinese ships were told to return to port to take shelter from the wind.

Threatening the grounding of more than 100 flights connecting the islands and parts of the main southern island of Kyushu, the typhoon lashed Okinawa and nearby islands with heavy rain and fierce winds.

With fierce rainfall hitting the pavement, footage on Japan’s NHK national television showed trees violently shaken by the storm.

Routinely seeing heavy rains that cause landslides or flash floods, Japan is currently in typhoon season and is hit by around 20 such storms a year.

According to the island’s Central News Agency, Taoyuan and Hsinchu counties in Taiwan were evacuated to shelters on Saturday amid the heavy rain and strong winds.

(With inputs from agencies)

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With the approach of Typhoon Hinnamnor, the strongest global storm this year, China and Japan have suspended ferry services as well as flights. Blowing it's way past Taiwan and the Koreas with fierce winds and heavy rains, Typhoon Hinnamnor is packing gusts up to 252 kilometres per hour.

With the approach of Typhoon Hinnamnor, the strongest global storm this year, China and Japan have suspended ferry services as well as flights. Blowing it's way past Taiwan and the Koreas with fierce winds and heavy rains, Typhoon Hinnamnor is packing gusts up to 252 kilometres per hour. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Hinnamnor is forecasted to move gradually northward into the East China Sea. In order to avoid accidents, more than 50,000 police officers have been deployed in Shanghai to aid with rescues and guide traffic away from dangerous areas. Bringing the possibility of flooding, the typhoon is also expected to bring intense rainfall to the Korean Peninsula. × Warning of heavy rains in northeastern Zhejiang, Shanghai and Taiwan, China’s National Meteorological Center issued a yellow typhoon warning on Sunday. Urging people against large gatherings both indoors and outdoors, Chinese ships were told to return to port to take shelter from the wind. Threatening the grounding of more than 100 flights connecting the islands and parts of the main southern island of Kyushu, the typhoon lashed Okinawa and nearby islands with heavy rain and fierce winds. With fierce rainfall hitting the pavement, footage on Japan’s NHK national television showed trees violently shaken by the storm. Routinely seeing heavy rains that cause landslides or flash floods, Japan is currently in typhoon season and is hit by around 20 such storms a year. According to the island’s Central News Agency, Taoyuan and Hsinchu counties in Taiwan were evacuated to shelters on Saturday amid the heavy rain and strong winds. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Typhoon Hinnamnor: Japan, China suspend ferry service and flights

The China Central Meteorological Observatory has issued a yellow alert and heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted in Xinjiang, Shanghai, and some coastal areas of the region for the next 2 days. Taiwan's weather bureau has also issued a heavy rain advisory for the entire region.

Typhoon Hinnamnor approaches Japan's coast; heavy rainfall predicted in China, Japan

Japan's digital minister Taro Kono has "declared war" on floppy disks and other retro tech used by the country's government officials including hanko stamps and fax machines. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint | Japan declares 'war' on obsolete technology

A small robot is part of an effort to make convenience stores even more convenient across Japan. It's one possible answer to Japan's worsening labor shortage.

Artificial intelligence makes life easy; new helping hand at Japan's convenience stores

With heightened tensions in the Taiwan strait, the Japanese lawmakers and the Taiwan government are forward planning on how to evacuate Japanese citizens if Taiwan's worst fear, an invasion by Beijing, comes true.

Japan, Taiwan to begin talks on evacuation plans, over 20,000 Japanese living in the country

A record-breaking summer in Japan has made the authorities sit up and take notice of the young. In an initiative to protect them from the ghastly heat, children living in Japan’s hottest city will be given specially designed umbrellas. Local authorities in Kumagaya in Saitama prefecture have devised an umbrella that not only protects the user from the rain, but also doubles as a parasol, The Guardian reported.

For the past two years, the city's government has been advising kids to carry umbrellas to shield themselves and avoid heatstroke. The temperature can go as high as 35 degree Celsius in Kumagaya. However, the regular umbrellas weren't cutting it, which is why new yellow fibreglass umbrellas were introduced.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-after-fall-in-tax-revenues-government-launches-competition-to-encourage-alcohol-consumption-507929">Please drink more: As tax revenues fall, Japan launches competition to encourage alcohol consumption</a>

The umbrellas bear the city’s logo and weigh just 336 grams. They will be distributed to 9,000 primary schoolchildren next week, the newspaper said. They will also be handed out to children who live in Kumagaya but attend schools outside the city.

Japan battled its worst heatwave since 1875 in late June, so the measure seems to have come a little late. However, the good thing about these umbrellas is that they force children to maintain a reasonable distance from each other, so they don't even need to wear masks. Kumagaya saw an all-time high temperature of 41.1 degree Celsius in July 2018.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A record-breaking summer in Japan has made the authorities sit up and take notice of the young. In an initiative to protect them from the ghastly heat, children living in Japan’s hottest city will be given specially designed umbrellas.

A record-breaking summer in Japan has made the authorities sit up and take notice of the young. In an initiative to protect them from the ghastly heat, children living in Japan’s hottest city will be given specially designed umbrellas. Local authorities in Kumagaya in Saitama prefecture have devised an umbrella that not only protects the user from the rain, but also doubles as a parasol, The Guardian reported. For the past two years, the city's government has been advising kids to carry umbrellas to shield themselves and avoid heatstroke. The temperature can go as high as 35 degree Celsius in Kumagaya. However, the regular umbrellas weren't cutting it, which is why new yellow fibreglass umbrellas were introduced. Also Read | Please drink more: As tax revenues fall, Japan launches competition to encourage alcohol consumption The umbrellas bear the city’s logo and weigh just 336 grams. They will be distributed to 9,000 primary schoolchildren next week, the newspaper said. They will also be handed out to children who live in Kumagaya but attend schools outside the city. Japan battled its worst heatwave since 1875 in late June, so the measure seems to have come a little late. However, the good thing about these umbrellas is that they force children to maintain a reasonable distance from each other, so they don't even need to wear masks. Kumagaya saw an all-time high temperature of 41.1 degree Celsius in July 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan’s hottest city will give umbrellas to children to safeguard them from the heat

The weather agency of Japan has said that very strong typhoon Hinnamnor is nearing several remote Southern Islands. This has prompted the authorities to issue warnings for local residents to seek shelter before it becomes too dangerous.

WION Climate Tracker | Japan: Super typhoon poses severe threats

Japan's weather agency said Tuesday "very strong" typhoon Hinnamnor was nearing several remote southern islands, prompting warnings for local residents to seek shelter before it becomes too dangerous.

On Tuesday evening, the typhoon was in Pacific waters south of Japan, 340 kilometres (210 miles) east-northeast of Minami Daito island, one of a string of remote isles that form the Okinawa region, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Packing gusts up to 252 kilometres per hour, it was moving west at a speed of 30 kilometres per hour, and is expected to threaten the islands from Wednesday evening through Friday.&nbsp;

Some of the islands are remote with only several hundred residents, but the region as a whole has around 1.4 million people, and the Okinawa mainland hosts most of the US military bases in Japan.&nbsp;

The weather agency expects the storm will strengthen to its top category "violent" from Wednesday evening, with gusts up to 270 kilometres per hour.

The intense winds from Wednesday may cause "some houses to collapse", the Okinawa unit of the national weather agency said. 
Heavy rain and high waves will also hit the region.

"Please exercise serious caution for violent wind. Take precautionary steps such as moving to strong buildings before strong winds begin," the agency said.

Japan is currently in typhoon season and is hit by around 20 such storms a year, routinely seeing heavy rains that cause landslides or flash floods.

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Japan's weather agency said Tuesday "very strong" typhoon Hinnamnor was nearing several remote southern islands, prompting warnings for local residents to seek shelter before it becomes too dangerous.

Japan's weather agency said Tuesday "very strong" typhoon Hinnamnor was nearing several remote southern islands, prompting warnings for local residents to seek shelter before it becomes too dangerous. On Tuesday evening, the typhoon was in Pacific waters south of Japan, 340 kilometres (210 miles) east-northeast of Minami Daito island, one of a string of remote isles that form the Okinawa region, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Packing gusts up to 252 kilometres per hour, it was moving west at a speed of 30 kilometres per hour, and is expected to threaten the islands from Wednesday evening through Friday. Some of the islands are remote with only several hundred residents, but the region as a whole has around 1.4 million people, and the Okinawa mainland hosts most of the US military bases in Japan. The weather agency expects the storm will strengthen to its top category "violent" from Wednesday evening, with gusts up to 270 kilometres per hour. The intense winds from Wednesday may cause "some houses to collapse", the Okinawa unit of the national weather agency said. Heavy rain and high waves will also hit the region. "Please exercise serious caution for violent wind. Take precautionary steps such as moving to strong buildings before strong winds begin," the agency said. Japan is currently in typhoon season and is hit by around 20 such storms a year, routinely seeing heavy rains that cause landslides or flash floods. 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 ×

Powerful typhoon nears southern Japan islands

Japan's factories extended expansion and output to a second month in July as motor vehicle production improved, marking a positive start to the third quarter for manufacturers in broader economic activity.

Japan's factories expand output for a second month in July

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says his ruling party will cut ties with the unification church. His statement came after a widening scandal triggered by the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last month.

Japan: Ruling party's church ties spark dissent

Japan announced aid and investments worth $30 billion for African nations at a donor conference hosted by Tunisia. Is Japan looking to counter Chinese influence on the continent? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you.

Gravitas: Japan announces $30 billion for Africa

Japan and South Korea are ending Covid curbs. Tokyo has announced it will ease border control from September 7. For South Korea, domestic travellers will no longer be required to test for Covid-19 before their departures.

Japan, South Korea ease Covid curbs

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday said members of his ruling party will have to&nbsp;cut ties with the Unification Church, which has faced renewed scrutiny following ex-premier Shinzo Abe's assassination.

Abe's alleged assassin resented the church over his mother's involvement with and hefty donations to the organisation and targeted the former prime minister believing he was linked to the sect.

In the wake of Abe's&nbsp;murder, revelations of links between the church and a raft of politicians have caused controversy.

The Unification Church has condemned Abe's murder and denied accusations of coercive fundraising tactics, but Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government has seen its approval ratings drop in recent weeks as more details have emerged.

"We will make it the party's policy that our lawmakers sincerely reflect on their past, abandon cosy relationships and cut off ties with the organisation in question," Kishida told reporters Wednesday.

"Politicians must be cautious about having relationships with organisations that society recognises as problematic," he said, promising an investigation into ties between members of his party and the church.

Politicians including Abe's brother and former defence minister Nobuo Kishi have acknowledged receiving help from church members during elections.

The church says political support is decided by individual members without official involvement, but experts say it has long cultivated ties with powerful figures internationally.

There has also been a fresh examination of allegations the church engages in "spiritual sales", pressuring members to buy high-priced items to raise funds.

The church denies engaging in the practice, but Kishida said the government would "make an all-out effort" to assist victims of such sales.

Abe was not a member of the church but had addressed an affiliated group, as have various prominent international businesspeople and politicians, including Donald Trump.

Controversial funeral

Abe was shot last month in the western Nara region while on the campaign trail, and the government is planning a September 27 state funeral expected to be attended by many current and former heads of state.

The plan is controversial in&nbsp;Japan, however, with some questioning if public money should be spent on an event celebrating a politician.

And while Abe was the country's longest-serving and best-known politician, he was also divisive, particularly because of his nationalist views and links to alleged cronyism.

Kishida defended the state funeral on Wednesday and said he would submit to questioning over the issue during a televised session of parliament.

"The fact we are holding this state funeral doesn't mean we're forcing people to express their condolences," Kishida said at his first press conference since he contracted Covid-19 earlier this month.&nbsp;

"But I'm aware that there have been various opinions as well as criticism that we have provided insufficient explanations."&nbsp;

He defended the decision by citing Abe's achievements domestically and internationally, saying he had received requests from world leaders to visit and pay their condolences.&nbsp;

Kishida said 6,000 people were expected to attend the funeral but that its final cost would not be clear until a guest list of foreign dignitaries was finalised.&nbsp;

A budget of 249 million yen ($1.8 million) has been approved for the event, but that figure does not include security for the dozens of high-profile foreign guests expected to attend.&nbsp;

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday said members of his ruling party will have to cut ties with the Unification Church, which has faced renewed scrutiny following ex-premier Shinzo Abe's assassination.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday said members of his ruling party will have to cut ties with the Unification Church, which has faced renewed scrutiny following ex-premier Shinzo Abe's assassination. Abe's alleged assassin resented the church over his mother's involvement with and hefty donations to the organisation and targeted the former prime minister believing he was linked to the sect. In the wake of Abe's murder, revelations of links between the church and a raft of politicians have caused controversy. The Unification Church has condemned Abe's murder and denied accusations of coercive fundraising tactics, but Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government has seen its approval ratings drop in recent weeks as more details have emerged. "We will make it the party's policy that our lawmakers sincerely reflect on their past, abandon cosy relationships and cut off ties with the organisation in question," Kishida told reporters Wednesday. "Politicians must be cautious about having relationships with organisations that society recognises as problematic," he said, promising an investigation into ties between members of his party and the church. Politicians including Abe's brother and former defence minister Nobuo Kishi have acknowledged receiving help from church members during elections. The church says political support is decided by individual members without official involvement, but experts say it has long cultivated ties with powerful figures internationally. There has also been a fresh examination of allegations the church engages in "spiritual sales", pressuring members to buy high-priced items to raise funds. The church denies engaging in the practice, but Kishida said the government would "make an all-out effort" to assist victims of such sales. Abe was not a member of the church but had addressed an affiliated group, as have various prominent international businesspeople and politicians, including Donald Trump. Controversial funeral Abe was shot last month in the western Nara region while on the campaign trail, and the government is planning a September 27 state funeral expected to be attended by many current and former heads of state. The plan is controversial in Japan, however, with some questioning if public money should be spent on an event celebrating a politician. And while Abe was the country's longest-serving and best-known politician, he was also divisive, particularly because of his nationalist views and links to alleged cronyism. Kishida defended the state funeral on Wednesday and said he would submit to questioning over the issue during a televised session of parliament. "The fact we are holding this state funeral doesn't mean we're forcing people to express their condolences," Kishida said at his first press conference since he contracted Covid-19 earlier this month. "But I'm aware that there have been various opinions as well as criticism that we have provided insufficient explanations." He defended the decision by citing Abe's achievements domestically and internationally, saying he had received requests from world leaders to visit and pay their condolences. Kishida said 6,000 people were expected to attend the funeral but that its final cost would not be clear until a guest list of foreign dignitaries was finalised. A budget of 249 million yen ($1.8 million) has been approved for the event, but that figure does not include security for the dozens of high-profile foreign guests expected to attend.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida says ruling party to cut ties with Unification Church

In a unique initiative, a nursing home in southern Japan is recruiting babies and toddlers for an extremely wonderful cause. The nursing home plans to seek the help of these babies to keep the senior residents company and make them smile, AFP reported. New recruits at the facility in Kitakyushu must be under four years old.

A contract that their parents need to sign says that the babies and toddlers can show up for work "whenever they feel like it". They are allowed to take a break "when they feel hungry, sleepy or depending on their mood", the contract says. In return, the babies will be provided with milk formula and nappies.

Around 30 babies have already signed up for the job that asks them to lift up&nbsp;the spirits of nearly 100 residents at the home, who are mostly in their 80s. "The mere sight of babies makes our residents smile," Kimie Gondo, head of the nursing home, told AFP, adding that "there is no shift roster or anything".

The kids will be accompanied by their mothers at all times and they simply need to take a stroll around the nursing home. "The babies stay with their mothers all the time. It's just like they're being taken for a walk in a park," Gondo said.

Gondo says the scheme has proved to be a success as watching babies and toddlers walk around the facility is already doing wonders for the elderly residents. They are talking to the kids and laughing. Some kids now have such a good rapport with the residents that they all now feel like real grandparents and grandkids, Gondo said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In a unique initiative, a nursing home in southern Japan is recruiting babies and toddlers for an extremely wonderful cause. The nursing home plans to seek the help of these babies to keep the senior residents company and make them smile, AFP reported.

In a unique initiative, a nursing home in southern Japan is recruiting babies and toddlers for an extremely wonderful cause. The nursing home plans to seek the help of these babies to keep the senior residents company and make them smile, AFP reported. New recruits at the facility in Kitakyushu must be under four years old. A contract that their parents need to sign says that the babies and toddlers can show up for work "whenever they feel like it". They are allowed to take a break "when they feel hungry, sleepy or depending on their mood", the contract says. In return, the babies will be provided with milk formula and nappies. Around 30 babies have already signed up for the job that asks them to lift up the spirits of nearly 100 residents at the home, who are mostly in their 80s. "The mere sight of babies makes our residents smile," Kimie Gondo, head of the nursing home, told AFP, adding that "there is no shift roster or anything". The kids will be accompanied by their mothers at all times and they simply need to take a stroll around the nursing home. "The babies stay with their mothers all the time. It's just like they're being taken for a walk in a park," Gondo said. Gondo says the scheme has proved to be a success as watching babies and toddlers walk around the facility is already doing wonders for the elderly residents. They are talking to the kids and laughing. Some kids now have such a good rapport with the residents that they all now feel like real grandparents and grandkids, Gondo said. (With inputs from agencies)

A Japanese nursing home is recruiting babies for a heart-warming reason

In what most would call an end to hour-long waiting lines, Uber Japan has announced plan for online delivery during matches. You can now order snacks while sitting on your seats.

End to hour-long waiting lines: Uber Japan announces plan for online delivery during matches

On Tuesday (August 30), eleven years after the catastrophic nuclear accident, the evacuation order in Futaba, the town that houses the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, was removed.&nbsp;

Futaba is the last of the eleven&nbsp;municipalities affected by the quake-induced tragedy to have an evacuation order removed.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Japan about to ditch pacificism

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Over 80 per cent of Futaba's total land area is still classified as "difficult-to-return" zones even though people are now permitted to return home.&nbsp;However, as per an IANS report, only a few former inhabitants are anticipated to move back in.

Xinhua news agency reports that the town where the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. complex is located was given the go-ahead to evacuate after a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, rendering the region uninhabitable due to high radiation levels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-signals-return-to-nuclear-power-to-stabilise-energy-supply-509711">In major shift, Japan signals return to nuclear power to stabilise energy supply</a>

In addition, according to a study conducted last year, 60.5 per cent of the residents had made the decision not to move back, outnumbering the 11.3 per cent who had shown a desire to do so, according to Kyodo News.

As of late July 3,574 individuals from 1,449 homes, or more than 60 per cent of the town's population, were listed as residents of the two regions.

However, only 85 people from 52 families participated in a preparatory programme that began in January, according to the study, which allowed residents to return temporarily. IANS also reported&nbsp;that the municipal authority hopes to see a rise in the population to 2,000 by the year 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Tuesday (August 30), eleven years after the catastrophic nuclear accident, the evacuation order in Futaba, the town that houses the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, was removed.

On Tuesday (August 30), eleven years after the catastrophic nuclear accident, the evacuation order in Futaba, the town that houses the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, was removed. Futaba is the last of the eleven municipalities affected by the quake-induced tragedy to have an evacuation order removed. Watch | Gravitas: Japan about to ditch pacificism Over 80 per cent of Futaba's total land area is still classified as "difficult-to-return" zones even though people are now permitted to return home. However, as per an IANS report, only a few former inhabitants are anticipated to move back in. Xinhua news agency reports that the town where the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. complex is located was given the go-ahead to evacuate after a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, rendering the region uninhabitable due to high radiation levels. Also read | In major shift, Japan signals return to nuclear power to stabilise energy supply In addition, according to a study conducted last year, 60.5 per cent of the residents had made the decision not to move back, outnumbering the 11.3 per cent who had shown a desire to do so, according to Kyodo News. As of late July 3,574 individuals from 1,449 homes, or more than 60 per cent of the town's population, were listed as residents of the two regions. However, only 85 people from 52 families participated in a preparatory programme that began in January, according to the study, which allowed residents to return temporarily. IANS also reported that the municipal authority hopes to see a rise in the population to 2,000 by the year 2030. (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.

Eleven years after Fukushima disaster, Japan lifts evacuation orders

Japan's Suzuki motors dominates India's car market and will set up a new global research and development company in Asia's third largest economy. The company will also continue to invest in the country aggressively at a time when the US-based automakers such as ford and general motors have decided to quit India.

Suzuki to set up new R&D company in India

Under its new president Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea has re-imagined the state's role in today’s changing geopolitical landscape as a&nbsp;global pivotal state. Global pivotal state is about focusing on issues beyond the Korean peninsula, moving beyond the subject of North Korea, and focusing on making a meaningful contribution with closer cooperation with its ally, the U.S. With a new president in Seoul, not only the role of South Korea is changing, but it is again becoming the standard fluctuating policy we see as administration changes from conservative to democrats. But this time, Japan’s role is becoming more critical in the South Korean strategical equation. Before elaborating on Japan’s vital importance, let me explain why the shift is leading to changing relations between South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;

Today South Korea is standing at a vital moment in history where it has to choose between its ally, the U.S, on the one hand, and its most&nbsp;significant&nbsp;economic partner China. This tough choice was in the making for quite some time, and it became evident during the former conservative president Park Geun-hye, as she called it the&nbsp;Asia’s Paradox. However, with recent global development like the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain resilience, and the Ukraine war, many states are feeling the pressure to adapt to the incoming uncertainty by making bets on the side they think will secure their strategic interests. This situation of Bipolarity in Northeast Asia gives rise to the importance of Japan for South Korea and the need for, if not better, but sustainable and consistent diplomatic and political relations. The&nbsp;developing geopolitical situation is akin to what South Korea faced before normalizing relations with the Socialist states of China and Russia in the region under former president Roh Tae-woo's administration.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-pakistan-tehreek-i-insaf-in-trouble-following-more-audio-leaks-511118">Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in trouble following more audio leaks</a>

&nbsp;Japan and South Korean relation

&nbsp;Traditionally, South Korea's relations with Japan have been overshadowed by the colonial period under Imperial Japanese rule. As a postcolonial state that suffered under Japanese rule from 1910-1945, some issues remain in the&nbsp;mindscapes&nbsp;of Korean citizens and are routinely played by political parties domestically. The comfort women issue is one of the&nbsp;prominent&nbsp;subjects that kindle emotions among the citizenry in South Korea and even across the 38thParallel. They had some agreement between the states to settle the matter in&nbsp;1965,&nbsp;1998&nbsp;and&nbsp;2015. However, it remains a subject that is not considered settled because of the lack of inclusivity of women rights groups and victims in agreements concluded. Usually, the conservative administration had tried to improve relations with Japan in the recent decade under Park and Abe as the political heads. Under President Yoon and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the relationship seems to be going&nbsp;positively.

&nbsp;The change in perspective in Seoul toward Tokyo is not new and is usually seen when conservative administration comes to power. This is a pattern under conservative administrations as they work closely with the U.S. on security issues, mainly focusing on North Korean threats. Japan also shares with South Korea the&nbsp;threat&nbsp;of North Korean Nuclear and ballistic weapons, and as a vital security player in the region, it seems rational to work together.&nbsp;

However, the need for better and closer relations in the region is now going beyond North Korea as the common factor. South Korea and Japan are identifying many factors emerging in the region as a strategic threat. These developments have the potential to destabilize the peace and security as well as the prosperity of the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;The common perception is mainly driven by the redefinition of security in the world, where we see the technology being used as a&nbsp;tool&nbsp;in geopolitics and geo-economics by great powers, moving away from its traditional role as a neutral tool. I have figured out three areas that are critical issues where both the countries can cooperate strategically.

&nbsp;South Korea-Japan Cooperation

South Korea recognizes the changing power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and wants to be a part of an alliance that stands with the Rule of Law and FOIP. The expression of&nbsp;interest&nbsp;in being a part of Quad signals this particular intent of working closely with like-minded countries in the region. In addition, the emergence of AUKUS has restarted&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;on future South Korea nuclear collaboration. All of this means that the security environment will change drastically in the coming years, and ‘fence-sitting’ by states would become a difficult task to undertake when based on a volatile geopolitical landscape sandwiched between two great power competitions. Therefore, it becomes rational for South Korea to work closely with Japan on security threats facing the region ranging from North Korean nuclear weapons ensuring the rule of law, maritime security, and illegal fishing. The administration in the U.S. wants both the countries to work together to address the challenges of the region and beyond, as&nbsp;stated&nbsp;in the Indo-Pacific strategy.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-uk-foreign-secretary-liz-truss-plans-to-declare-china-an-official-threat-511048" hreflang="en">In a first, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss plans to declare China an official threat</a>

&nbsp;Apart from issues of conventional security, another subject that has captured the minds of&nbsp;policy-makers&nbsp;and&nbsp;government&nbsp;is the issue of supply-chain resilience. South Korea has benefited from the cheap manufacturing capacity provided by China for a long time, undermining the challenges it may face in an extreme case like that offered by Pandemic. The unreliable supply chains can influence countries' economies to the extent that they can directly affect domestic politics, as we saw in the case of the&nbsp;shortage&nbsp;of Urea in South Korea. Nonetheless, this issue becomes more vital when strategic sectors like&nbsp;semiconductors&nbsp;shipbuilding,&nbsp;emerging technologies&nbsp;like EV Battery come into the picture. South Korea and Japan share perspectives on the criticality of these sectors. They have worked with the U.S. and other states like Taiwan in the region to ensure robust and trustworthy supply chains. Recently South Korea also&nbsp;joined&nbsp;IPEF keeping this in mind.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Finally, South Korea and Japan are a few liberal democratic states in the Indo-Pacific region that respect the International Law and Freedom of Navigation on open seas and air. Being export-based economies, both the states have stakes in ensuring that normative frameworks of international liberal order stay intact, and having open seas are an essential part of it. South Korea has seen during the Korean War and subsequently during the cold war era how the interests of great powers have superseded the international rule-based order and interests of third countries. Therefore, any change in the international order that makes it vulnerable to manipulation by more countries is seen as a concern in South Korea. It mainly affects the small and middle powers that see rule-based international order as a common denominator for countries and relies on it for norm-influencing and influencing policies. Any jeopardizing of the order would make it meaningless and shrink the same for cooperation on issues of global concerns, mainly because the interests of a few will lead institutions to few.

In conclusion, South Korea and Japan are now in a situation where the options to cooperate go beyond just the threat of North Korea. The emerging world order is under threat from authoritarian forces like China in the Indo-Pacific, and it’s a matter of time when the state security will become entangled with new critical technologies. With high stakes in emerging technologies, both South Korea and Japan will have to work together to ensure safe and stable supply chains that are resilient and trustworthy. There remains an impending issue concerning Comfort women, which should be dealt with in a bi-partisan manner so that relations remain consistent and unaffected by external influence. With like-minded states cooperating in the Indo-Pacific region, a new phase of solid ties between South Korea and Japan will help in setting up a framework that keeps the process of checks and balances working, which now seems to be slowly being influenced by powerful states in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

&nbsp;

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Under its new president Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea has re-imagined the state's role in today’s changing geopolitical landscape as a global pivotal state. Global pivotal state is about focusing on issues beyond the Korean peninsula, moving beyond the subject of North Korea, and focusing on making a meaningful contribution with closer cooperation with its ally, the U.

Under its new president Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea has re-imagined the state's role in today’s changing geopolitical landscape as a global pivotal state. Global pivotal state is about focusing on issues beyond the Korean peninsula, moving beyond the subject of North Korea, and focusing on making a meaningful contribution with closer cooperation with its ally, the U.S. With a new president in Seoul, not only the role of South Korea is changing, but it is again becoming the standard fluctuating policy we see as administration changes from conservative to democrats. But this time, Japan’s role is becoming more critical in the South Korean strategical equation. Before elaborating on Japan’s vital importance, let me explain why the shift is leading to changing relations between South Korea and Japan. Today South Korea is standing at a vital moment in history where it has to choose between its ally, the U.S, on the one hand, and its most significant economic partner China. This tough choice was in the making for quite some time, and it became evident during the former conservative president Park Geun-hye, as she called it the Asia’s Paradox. However, with recent global development like the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain resilience, and the Ukraine war, many states are feeling the pressure to adapt to the incoming uncertainty by making bets on the side they think will secure their strategic interests. This situation of Bipolarity in Northeast Asia gives rise to the importance of Japan for South Korea and the need for, if not better, but sustainable and consistent diplomatic and political relations. The developing geopolitical situation is akin to what South Korea faced before normalizing relations with the Socialist states of China and Russia in the region under former president Roh Tae-woo's administration. Also read | Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in trouble following more audio leaks Japan and South Korean relation Traditionally, South Korea's relations with Japan have been overshadowed by the colonial period under Imperial Japanese rule. As a postcolonial state that suffered under Japanese rule from 1910-1945, some issues remain in the mindscapes of Korean citizens and are routinely played by political parties domestically. The comfort women issue is one of the prominent subjects that kindle emotions among the citizenry in South Korea and even across the 38thParallel. They had some agreement between the states to settle the matter in 1965, 1998 and 2015. However, it remains a subject that is not considered settled because of the lack of inclusivity of women rights groups and victims in agreements concluded. Usually, the conservative administration had tried to improve relations with Japan in the recent decade under Park and Abe as the political heads. Under President Yoon and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the relationship seems to be going positively. The change in perspective in Seoul toward Tokyo is not new and is usually seen when conservative administration comes to power. This is a pattern under conservative administrations as they work closely with the U.S. on security issues, mainly focusing on North Korean threats. Japan also shares with South Korea the threat of North Korean Nuclear and ballistic weapons, and as a vital security player in the region, it seems rational to work together. However, the need for better and closer relations in the region is now going beyond North Korea as the common factor. South Korea and Japan are identifying many factors emerging in the region as a strategic threat. These developments have the potential to destabilize the peace and security as well as the prosperity of the region. The common perception is mainly driven by the redefinition of security in the world, where we see the technology being used as a tool in geopolitics and geo-economics by great powers, moving away from its traditional role as a neutral tool. I have figured out three areas that are critical issues where both the countries can cooperate strategically. South Korea-Japan Cooperation South Korea recognizes the changing power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and wants to be a part of an alliance that stands with the Rule of Law and FOIP. The expression of interest in being a part of Quad signals this particular intent of working closely with like-minded countries in the region. In addition, the emergence of AUKUS has restarted conversation on future South Korea nuclear collaboration. All of this means that the security environment will change drastically in the coming years, and ‘fence-sitting’ by states would become a difficult task to undertake when based on a volatile geopolitical landscape sandwiched between two great power competitions. Therefore, it becomes rational for South Korea to work closely with Japan on security threats facing the region ranging from North Korean nuclear weapons ensuring the rule of law, maritime security, and illegal fishing. The administration in the U.S. wants both the countries to work together to address the challenges of the region and beyond, as stated in the Indo-Pacific strategy. Also read | In a first, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss plans to declare China an official threat Apart from issues of conventional security, another subject that has captured the minds of policy-makers and government is the issue of supply-chain resilience. South Korea has benefited from the cheap manufacturing capacity provided by China for a long time, undermining the challenges it may face in an extreme case like that offered by Pandemic. The unreliable supply chains can influence countries' economies to the extent that they can directly affect domestic politics, as we saw in the case of the shortage of Urea in South Korea. Nonetheless, this issue becomes more vital when strategic sectors like semiconductors shipbuilding, emerging technologies like EV Battery come into the picture. South Korea and Japan share perspectives on the criticality of these sectors. They have worked with the U.S. and other states like Taiwan in the region to ensure robust and trustworthy supply chains. Recently South Korea also joined IPEF keeping this in mind. Finally, South Korea and Japan are a few liberal democratic states in the Indo-Pacific region that respect the International Law and Freedom of Navigation on open seas and air. Being export-based economies, both the states have stakes in ensuring that normative frameworks of international liberal order stay intact, and having open seas are an essential part of it. South Korea has seen during the Korean War and subsequently during the cold war era how the interests of great powers have superseded the international rule-based order and interests of third countries. Therefore, any change in the international order that makes it vulnerable to manipulation by more countries is seen as a concern in South Korea. It mainly affects the small and middle powers that see rule-based international order as a common denominator for countries and relies on it for norm-influencing and influencing policies. Any jeopardizing of the order would make it meaningless and shrink the same for cooperation on issues of global concerns, mainly because the interests of a few will lead institutions to few. In conclusion, South Korea and Japan are now in a situation where the options to cooperate go beyond just the threat of North Korea. The emerging world order is under threat from authoritarian forces like China in the Indo-Pacific, and it’s a matter of time when the state security will become entangled with new critical technologies. With high stakes in emerging technologies, both South Korea and Japan will have to work together to ensure safe and stable supply chains that are resilient and trustworthy. There remains an impending issue concerning Comfort women, which should be dealt with in a bi-partisan manner so that relations remain consistent and unaffected by external influence. With like-minded states cooperating in the Indo-Pacific region, a new phase of solid ties between South Korea and Japan will help in setting up a framework that keeps the process of checks and balances working, which now seems to be slowly being influenced by powerful states in the region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

South Korea and Japan relations: Moving beyond the horizon

At the 8th Tokyo International conference on African development in Tunisia, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged $30 billion in aid for development in Africa on Saturday.

Japan to give $130 mn food assistance to Africa; Morocco boycotts the conference in Tunisia

Random trips, in which destinations are determined randomly by lottery or by other means, are gaining popularity in Japan. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint: In Japan's new trend, Lady Luck chooses the destination

Itaru Nakamura, Japan's National Police Agency chief, said on Thursday (August 25) that he step down and take responsibility for the murder of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. Nakamura stated that there is a need for a "fresh start" for the organisation and its security duties.&nbsp;

While addressing a press conference, Nakamura said, "To make a fresh start (of the police organisation), I myself submitted my resignation to Japan's national public safety commission. I would like to seek approval at the cabinet meeting in the near future."&nbsp;

He also said, "The state funeral of former Prime Minister Abe will be held next month and the G7 Summit in Hiroshima will be held in May next year. In order to prevent such an incident from happening again, under a new system I believe it is necessary to firmly implement measures based on a new security plan."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-may-face-age-quake-as-fertility-rate-hits-record-low-in-2021-510176">South Korea may face 'age quake' as fertility rate hits record low in 2021</a>&nbsp;

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving modern leader and the country's best-known politician was killed on July 8 by a man when Abe was delivering a campaign speech in Nara. The assassination shocked the world.&nbsp;

Nakamura is the most senior official to step down in connection with Abe's assassination. In the aftermath, several experts have said security was seriously flawed during the event.&nbsp;

Security experts noted that bodyguards could have saved Abe by shielding him or pulling him from the line of fire in the 2.5 seconds between a missed first shot and the second.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-soldier-involved-in-galwan-valley-clash-is-now-delegate-to-cpc-congress-510158">Chinese soldier involved in Galwan Valley clash is now delegate to CPC congress</a>&nbsp;

Tomoaki Onizuka, who is the police chief of Nara, also announced his resignation on Thursday.&nbsp;

Last month, Onizuka said that there were "undeniable" flaws in security for the former prime minister. He has pledged an investigation. The police chief said he "take[s] responsibility" for the security failure that resulted in Abe's demise.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Itaru Nakamura, Japan's National Police Agency chief, said on Thursday (August 25) that he step down and take responsibility for the murder of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Itaru Nakamura, Japan's National Police Agency chief, said on Thursday (August 25) that he step down and take responsibility for the murder of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. Nakamura stated that there is a need for a "fresh start" for the organisation and its security duties. While addressing a press conference, Nakamura said, "To make a fresh start (of the police organisation), I myself submitted my resignation to Japan's national public safety commission. I would like to seek approval at the cabinet meeting in the near future." He also said, "The state funeral of former Prime Minister Abe will be held next month and the G7 Summit in Hiroshima will be held in May next year. In order to prevent such an incident from happening again, under a new system I believe it is necessary to firmly implement measures based on a new security plan." ALSO READ | South Korea may face 'age quake' as fertility rate hits record low in 2021 Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving modern leader and the country's best-known politician was killed on July 8 by a man when Abe was delivering a campaign speech in Nara. The assassination shocked the world. Nakamura is the most senior official to step down in connection with Abe's assassination. In the aftermath, several experts have said security was seriously flawed during the event. Security experts noted that bodyguards could have saved Abe by shielding him or pulling him from the line of fire in the 2.5 seconds between a missed first shot and the second. ALSO READ | Chinese soldier involved in Galwan Valley clash is now delegate to CPC congress Tomoaki Onizuka, who is the police chief of Nara, also announced his resignation on Thursday. Last month, Onizuka said that there were "undeniable" flaws in security for the former prime minister. He has pledged an investigation. The police chief said he "take[s] responsibility" for the security failure that resulted in Abe's demise. (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.

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