Japan's National Police chief says he intends to resign from his position taking responsibility for the deadly shooting that killed the country's former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe last month.

Japan's police chief offers resignation, takes responsibility for Shinzo Abe's killing

Earlier this year, Japan narrowly avoided a major blackout. PM Fumio Kishida wants to fire up nuclear plants again to deal with future shortages. Will the people of Japan back the move - after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Why Japan feels the need of nuclear power again

Japan is dealing with serious electricity shortages. The country is not energy independent, it relies on imports of most of its energy supplies. Rising demand, record high prices have raised the risk of blackouts now. PM Fumio Kishida has a plan for it, here's our report!

Kishida wants to re-start idled nuclear plants, will the Japanese PM face public pushback?

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday (August 24) that the country will scrap the requirement&nbsp;of pre-departure COVID-19 (coronavirus) tests for vaccinated travellers to the country.&nbsp;

Kishida informed that the easing of rules regarding the Covid testing will go into effect on September 7.&nbsp;

While addressing media online, Kishida said, "With regards to travellers from Japan to overseas, who needed to test before returning to Japan that has been an inconvenience, starting from September 7, rather than providing a negative test within 72 hours of returning, we will make it possible to use a certificate of vaccination."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-drop-most-indoor-mask-requirements-next-week-509771">Singapore to drop most indoor mask requirements next wee</a>k&nbsp;

"We intend that from September 7, people who have received three doses of (COVID-19) vaccine will no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate,” he added.&nbsp;

He further noted that a decision on whether or not the nation should raise the daily entry level from the current 20,000 will be made soon.

In this context, Kyodo News and some other local media reported that earlier this week that the government was planning to raise the level to 50,000.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-a-shooter-euthanised-before-he-could-stand-court-trial-victims-feel-hard-done-by-509811">Spain: A shooter euthanised before he could stand court trial; victims feel hard done by</a>&nbsp;

The Japanese prime minister is recuperating from COVID-19 at his official residence.&nbsp;

Japan has been extremely strict on Covid measures. The country imposed some of the strictest pandemic border measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

The nation previously asked the travellers to present a negative coronavirus test, which is taken within 72 hours of departure.&nbsp;But the country has been relaxing some of the rules to open up the economy.&nbsp;

In June, Japan opened up to tourists for the first time in two years, however, the nation asked them to apply for visas and stick to guided, package tours have kept the actual numbers of inbound visitors small.

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday (August 24) that the country will scrap the requirement of pre-departure COVID-19 (coronavirus) tests for vaccinated travellers to the country.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday (August 24) that the country will scrap the requirement of pre-departure COVID-19 (coronavirus) tests for vaccinated travellers to the country. Kishida informed that the easing of rules regarding the Covid testing will go into effect on September 7. While addressing media online, Kishida said, "With regards to travellers from Japan to overseas, who needed to test before returning to Japan that has been an inconvenience, starting from September 7, rather than providing a negative test within 72 hours of returning, we will make it possible to use a certificate of vaccination." ALSO READ | Singapore to drop most indoor mask requirements next week "We intend that from September 7, people who have received three doses of (COVID-19) vaccine will no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate,” he added. He further noted that a decision on whether or not the nation should raise the daily entry level from the current 20,000 will be made soon. In this context, Kyodo News and some other local media reported that earlier this week that the government was planning to raise the level to 50,000. ALSO READ | Spain: A shooter euthanised before he could stand court trial; victims feel hard done by The Japanese prime minister is recuperating from COVID-19 at his official residence. Japan has been extremely strict on Covid measures. The country imposed some of the strictest pandemic border measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus. The nation previously asked the travellers to present a negative coronavirus test, which is taken within 72 hours of departure. But the country has been relaxing some of the rules to open up the economy. In June, Japan opened up to tourists for the first time in two years, however, the nation asked them to apply for visas and stick to guided, package tours have kept the actual numbers of inbound visitors small. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan to scrap coronavirus test requirement for vaccinated travellers

Japan&nbsp;will restart more idled nuclear plants and look at developing next-generation reactors, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday, setting the stage for a major policy shift on nuclear energy a decade after the Fukushima disaster.

The comments from Kishida — who also said the government would look at extending the lifespan of existing reactors — highlight how the Ukraine crisis and soaring energy costs have forced both a change in public opinion and a policy rethink toward nuclear power.

Japan&nbsp;has kept most of its nuclear plants idled in the decade since a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 triggered a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-may-deploy-1000-long-range-missiles-to-counter-china-report-508820">Japan may deploy 1,000 long-range missiles to counter China: Report</a>

Kishida told reporters he had instructed officials to come up with concrete measures by the year-end, including on "gaining the understanding of the public" on sustainable energy and nuclear power.

Government officials met on Wednesday to hammer out a plan for so-called "green transformation" aimed at retooling the world's third-largest economy to meet environmental goals. Nuclear energy, which was deeply opposed by the public in the aftermath of the Fukushima crisis, is now seen by some in government as a component for such green transformation.

Public opinion has also shifted, as fuel prices have risen and an early and hot summer spurred calls for energy-saving.

Last month, the government said it hoped to restart more nuclear reactors in time to avert any power crunch over the winter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warming-rivers-threaten-nuclear-plants-and-already-tight-power-supply-499789">Warming rivers threaten nuclear plants and already tight power supply&nbsp;</a>

As of late July,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;had seven operating reactors, with three others offline due to maintenance. Many others are still going through a relicencing process under stricter safety standards imposed after Fukushima.

Kishida also said the government would look at extending the lifespan of existing reactors. Local media earlier reported this could be done by not including the time reactors remained offline — years in some cases — when calculating their operating time.

Under current regulations, Japan&nbsp;decommissions plants after a predetermined period, which in many cases is 60 years.

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Japan will restart more idled nuclear plants and look at developing next-generation reactors, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday, setting the stage for a major policy shift on nuclear energy a decade after the Fukushima disaster.

Japan will restart more idled nuclear plants and look at developing next-generation reactors, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday, setting the stage for a major policy shift on nuclear energy a decade after the Fukushima disaster. The comments from Kishida — who also said the government would look at extending the lifespan of existing reactors — highlight how the Ukraine crisis and soaring energy costs have forced both a change in public opinion and a policy rethink toward nuclear power. Japan has kept most of its nuclear plants idled in the decade since a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 triggered a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. Also read | Japan may deploy 1,000 long-range missiles to counter China: Report Kishida told reporters he had instructed officials to come up with concrete measures by the year-end, including on "gaining the understanding of the public" on sustainable energy and nuclear power. Government officials met on Wednesday to hammer out a plan for so-called "green transformation" aimed at retooling the world's third-largest economy to meet environmental goals. Nuclear energy, which was deeply opposed by the public in the aftermath of the Fukushima crisis, is now seen by some in government as a component for such green transformation. Public opinion has also shifted, as fuel prices have risen and an early and hot summer spurred calls for energy-saving. Last month, the government said it hoped to restart more nuclear reactors in time to avert any power crunch over the winter. Also read | Warming rivers threaten nuclear plants and already tight power supply As of late July, Japan had seven operating reactors, with three others offline due to maintenance. Many others are still going through a relicencing process under stricter safety standards imposed after Fukushima. Kishida also said the government would look at extending the lifespan of existing reactors. Local media earlier reported this could be done by not including the time reactors remained offline — years in some cases — when calculating their operating time. Under current regulations, Japan decommissions plants after a predetermined period, which in many cases is 60 years.

In major shift, Japan signals return to nuclear power to stabilise energy supply

A random knife attack in Japan has triggered a debate about the country's troubled youth as a teen says she stabbed two people because she "wanted to get death penalty". Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint: Japan teen stabs two people, says she wanted 'death penalty'

Shares of Japan’s Hino Motors, Toyota Motor Corp’s truck and bus unit, slumped more than 6% on Tuesday, after a data-falsification scandal widened to small trucks.

Hino Motors emissions data scandal widens

Japan is considering doing away with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthony-fauci-the-face-of-americas-fight-against-covid-19-509357">COVID-19 </a>tests that visitors must take before entering the country, according to local media.&nbsp;

One of the last nations still using border controls to combat the virus is Japan, where entrants must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test performed within 72 hours after leaving.

The Nikkei newspaper reported late on Monday that Tokyo may, however, drop the test requirement for immunised passengers within the next several weeks.

Hirokazu Matsuno, chief cabinet secretary, shied away from commenting on the timetable of any border easing on Tuesday, other than to stress that it would rely on COVID-19 numbers in Japan and abroad.

“Along with taking every measure to prevent contagion, we’ll also promote economic activity — and with border control measures, we’ll relax them in stages while keeping these two things in balance,” Matsuno told reporters.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tsuneko-sasamoto-pioneering-japanese-woman-photojournalist-dies-aged-107-509150">&nbsp;Tsuneko&nbsp;Sasamoto: Pioneering Japanese woman photojournalist dies, aged 107</a>

After testing positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida postponed a number of international trips. In May, he stated that he wished to more closely align Japan's border controls with those of other developed nations.

The first tourists to visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kareena-kapoor-khan-starts-preparation-for-hansal-mehtas-next-508797">Japan</a> in two years arrived in June, but they were subject to stringent guidelines, including requirements that they get visas and only take guided, package trips.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Japan has recently risen to record levels, with more than 250,000 instances daily, despite the country's border regulations.

Business organisations have asked for a broader relaxing of border controls, stating that a lack of action would put Japan economically behind.

(With inputs from agencies)'

Also WATCH <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-two-asian-powers-rise-to-keep-china-in-check-509272">|&nbsp;</a>Gravitas: Two Asian powers rise to keep China in check

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Japan is considering doing away with the COVID-19 tests that visitors must take before entering the country, according to local media. One of the last nations still using border controls to combat the virus is Japan, where entrants must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test performed within 72 hours after leaving.

Japan is considering doing away with the COVID-19 tests that visitors must take before entering the country, according to local media. One of the last nations still using border controls to combat the virus is Japan, where entrants must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test performed within 72 hours after leaving. The Nikkei newspaper reported late on Monday that Tokyo may, however, drop the test requirement for immunised passengers within the next several weeks. Hirokazu Matsuno, chief cabinet secretary, shied away from commenting on the timetable of any border easing on Tuesday, other than to stress that it would rely on COVID-19 numbers in Japan and abroad. “Along with taking every measure to prevent contagion, we’ll also promote economic activity — and with border control measures, we’ll relax them in stages while keeping these two things in balance,” Matsuno told reporters. Also read | Tsuneko Sasamoto: Pioneering Japanese woman photojournalist dies, aged 107 After testing positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida postponed a number of international trips. In May, he stated that he wished to more closely align Japan's border controls with those of other developed nations. The first tourists to visit Japan in two years arrived in June, but they were subject to stringent guidelines, including requirements that they get visas and only take guided, package trips. The number of COVID-19 cases in Japan has recently risen to record levels, with more than 250,000 instances daily, despite the country's border regulations. Business organisations have asked for a broader relaxing of border controls, stating that a lack of action would put Japan economically behind. (With inputs from agencies)' Also WATCH | Gravitas: Two Asian powers rise to keep China in check

Japan may scrap COVID-19 tests for travellers: Reports

We often bring you stories of people who leverage technology to realise their dreams. This video is about one such man. He uses the power of the internet to share his talent with people worldwide.

Tech It Out: How a 75-year-old artist took YouTube by storm

Tsuneko&nbsp;Sasamoto, a pioneering photographer considered to be Japan's first female photojournalist, who swore by a glass of red wine each night as one of the keys to good health, has died at the age of 107, domestic media said on Monday.

She died on August 15 of old age, media added - just over two weeks before her 108th birthday.

Born in Tokyo the year World War One began,&nbsp;Sasamoto&nbsp;originally wanted to be a painter but was discouraged from it by her father. Inspired by a black-and-white film she saw with a friend, she began working as a photographer and in 1940 joined the Photographic Association of Japan.

Her subjects ranged from the famous, such as General Douglas MacArthur, who oversaw the post-World War Two U.S. occupation of Japan, to the wives of coal miners.

In an interview on the website Art and Design Inspiration after turning 107,&nbsp;Sasamoto&nbsp;said a glass of red wine every night and a piece of chocolate every day were among the keys to her longevity.

"You should never become lazy," she said. "It's essential to remain positive about your life and never give up."

She added, "You need to push yourself and stay aware, so you can move forward."

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Tsuneko Sasamoto, a pioneering photographer considered to be Japan's first female photojournalist, who swore by a glass of red wine each night as one of the keys to good health, has died at the age of 107, domestic media said on Monday.

Tsuneko Sasamoto, a pioneering photographer considered to be Japan's first female photojournalist, who swore by a glass of red wine each night as one of the keys to good health, has died at the age of 107, domestic media said on Monday. She died on August 15 of old age, media added - just over two weeks before her 108th birthday. Born in Tokyo the year World War One began, Sasamoto originally wanted to be a painter but was discouraged from it by her father. Inspired by a black-and-white film she saw with a friend, she began working as a photographer and in 1940 joined the Photographic Association of Japan. Her subjects ranged from the famous, such as General Douglas MacArthur, who oversaw the post-World War Two U.S. occupation of Japan, to the wives of coal miners. In an interview on the website Art and Design Inspiration after turning 107, Sasamoto said a glass of red wine every night and a piece of chocolate every day were among the keys to her longevity. "You should never become lazy," she said. "It's essential to remain positive about your life and never give up." She added, "You need to push yourself and stay aware, so you can move forward." 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.

Tsuneko Sasamoto: Pioneering Japanese woman photojournalist dies, aged 107

Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same. Meanwhile Singapore on Sunday did away with the archaic colonial-era law that criminalised gay sex. In other news, Japanese PM&nbsp;Fumio Kishida has tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

Click the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underdog-has-got-nothing-to-lose-he-fights-for-every-inch-rishi-sunak-in-campaign-video-508901">Underdog has nothing to lose, he fights for every inch: Rishi Sunak in campaign video</a>

As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/19/280451-untitled-design-7.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nso-group-ceo-steps-down-amid-mounting-legal-actions-over-its-pegasus-sypware-software-508915">Israel: NSO Group CEO steps down amid mounting legal actions for Pegasus</a>

Israeli spyware firm NSO group that manufactures the controversial Pegasus software has announced a change in the top hierarchy. Reportedly, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shalev Hulio has stepped down with immediate effect from his position on Sunday. Additionaly, the company is&nbsp;laying off 100 employees out of its workforce of 750.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289423-copy-of-untitled-5.png" />

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/singapore-lifts-ban-on-gay-sex-repeals-section-377a-but-upholds-marriage-ban-508900">Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban</a>

In what comes as a landmark moment in the history of Singapore, the country has decided to repeal an archaic law that criminalised gay sex. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the announcement on Sunday during his annual policy address.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289414-copy-of-untitled-4.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-govt-warns-imran-khan-mulls-filing-case-against-him-over-threat-speech-508880">Pakistan govt warns Imran Khan, mulls filing case against him over 'threat speech'</a>

The interior minister for Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Sunday that the government was discussing whether to bring a new case against Imran Khan, the PTI chairman, for his "provocative speech" from the previous day or to add him to an existing case.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289302-new-wion-50.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-pound-odesa-as-ukrainian-independence-day-draws-closer-508917">Russian missiles pound Odesa as Ukrainian Independence Day draws closer</a>

Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24. It will be Ukraine's 31st Independence Day.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289424-ukraine-8.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-ahead-of-an-african-trip-508879">Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tests positive for coronavirus ahead of an African trip</a>

The Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive.&nbsp;Kishida, 65, had to depart for a visit to Tunisia but the virus has forced him to recuperate at his official residence

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/10/278136-rcipb3froboyfpl7jtr6imqro4.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexander-dugins-daughter-killed-in-car-bomb-attack-who-is-darya-dugina-508788">Alexander Dugin's daughter killed in car bomb attack: Who is Darya Dugina?</a>

Russia President Vladimir Putin's ally Alexander Dugin's daughter Darya Dugina, 30, was killed in a car bomb attack near Moscow, reports said. Alexander was in a car behind Darya's vehicle when the explosion occurred. Darya Dugina's death was confirmed by the Russian news agency TASS. She was reportedly driving a Toyota land cruiser Prado when the explosion occurred.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289325-rasp1.JPG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urged-to-rethink-its-genetics-data-sharing-policy-with-china-508860">Experts urge UK to rethink its genetics data sharing policy with China</a>

Demands are being raised in the United Kingdom to stop the sharing of confidential&nbsp;genetic data&nbsp;of over 500,000 Britons with&nbsp;China.&nbsp;Reportedly, under&nbsp;several hundred ongoing projects of the UK Biobank,&nbsp;researchers in China have&nbsp;been accessing 'detailed genetic information' and other health-related data of UK citizens.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289387-top3ts4deniujf3zkzaxgipcr4.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-victory-is-for-my-country-oleksandr-usyk-pays-tribute-to-ukrainian-military-after-beating-anthony-joshua-508866">This victory is for my country: Oleksandr Usyk pays tribute to Ukrainian military after beating Anthony Joshua</a>

&nbsp;"I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much." said&nbsp;Oleksandr Usyk after defeating&nbsp;British boxer Anthony Joshua.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289390-untitled-design-2022-08-21t160943723.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/netizens-strongly-react-to-anonymous-death-threats-made-against-bts-jimin-and-v-508825">Netizens strongly react to anonymous death threats made against BTS' Jimin and V</a>

On Friday, netizens started reporting suspicious posts containing death threats against BTS' Jimin and V on the fan community platform Weverse. Referring to the upcoming Busan concert, an anonymous person made threats to assassinate the popular South Korean singers and shared a picture of a gun. Screenshots of the death threats have been doing rounds on social media.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/21/289355-sdgscffh.jpg" />

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same.

Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same. Meanwhile Singapore on Sunday did away with the archaic colonial-era law that criminalised gay sex. In other news, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida has tested positive for coronavirus. Click the headlines to read more Underdog has nothing to lose, he fights for every inch: Rishi Sunak in campaign video As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider. Israel: NSO Group CEO steps down amid mounting legal actions for Pegasus Israeli spyware firm NSO group that manufactures the controversial Pegasus software has announced a change in the top hierarchy. Reportedly, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shalev Hulio has stepped down with immediate effect from his position on Sunday. Additionaly, the company is laying off 100 employees out of its workforce of 750. Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban In what comes as a landmark moment in the history of Singapore, the country has decided to repeal an archaic law that criminalised gay sex. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the announcement on Sunday during his annual policy address. Pakistan govt warns Imran Khan, mulls filing case against him over 'threat speech' The interior minister for Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Sunday that the government was discussing whether to bring a new case against Imran Khan, the PTI chairman, for his "provocative speech" from the previous day or to add him to an existing case. Russian missiles pound Odesa as Ukrainian Independence Day draws closer Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24. It will be Ukraine's 31st Independence Day. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tests positive for coronavirus ahead of an African trip The Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive. Kishida, 65, had to depart for a visit to Tunisia but the virus has forced him to recuperate at his official residence Alexander Dugin's daughter killed in car bomb attack: Who is Darya Dugina? Russia President Vladimir Putin's ally Alexander Dugin's daughter Darya Dugina, 30, was killed in a car bomb attack near Moscow, reports said. Alexander was in a car behind Darya's vehicle when the explosion occurred. Darya Dugina's death was confirmed by the Russian news agency TASS. She was reportedly driving a Toyota land cruiser Prado when the explosion occurred. Experts urge UK to rethink its genetics data sharing policy with China Demands are being raised in the United Kingdom to stop the sharing of confidential genetic data of over 500,000 Britons with China. Reportedly, under several hundred ongoing projects of the UK Biobank, researchers in China have been accessing 'detailed genetic information' and other health-related data of UK citizens. This victory is for my country: Oleksandr Usyk pays tribute to Ukrainian military after beating Anthony Joshua "I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much." said Oleksandr Usyk after defeating British boxer Anthony Joshua. Netizens strongly react to anonymous death threats made against BTS' Jimin and V On Friday, netizens started reporting suspicious posts containing death threats against BTS' Jimin and V on the fan community platform Weverse. Referring to the upcoming Busan concert, an anonymous person made threats to assassinate the popular South Korean singers and shared a picture of a gun. Screenshots of the death threats have been doing rounds on social media. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news: Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, Japan's PM tests positive for COVID-19 and more

As China increases its military pressure on Taiwan, Japan is considering the deployment of 1000 long-range cruise missiles to boost its counter-attack capability against China.

Japan mulls deployment of missiles, may increase its missile arsenal

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has joined the list of world leaders to contract Covid-19 in recent times. Reportedly, the Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive.&nbsp;

Kishida, 65, had to depart for a visit to Tunisia but the virus has forced him to recuperate at his official residence, according to a statement released by the Cabinet Secretariat. It is pertinent to note that Kishida is double vaxxed and had a booster shot, earlier this month.&nbsp;

According to local media reports, Kishida had worked till August 15, performing his official duties before taking a short holiday with his family. He was supposed to return to work on Monday but will now be forced to take a break or work remotely.&nbsp;

Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-may-deploy-1000-long-range-missiles-to-counter-china-report-508820">&nbsp;Japan may deploy 1,000 long-range missiles to counter China: Report</a>

The Japanese PM, on his trip to Tunisia, was expected to attend the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) on August 27 and 28.&nbsp;

Akin to several Asian countries, Japan is witnessing a resurgence of Covid cases in the country. Reportedly, 24,780 Covid cases were recorded on Sunday in the capital city of Tokyo alone.&nbsp;

While the hospitalisation and death rates have been low, the rise in cases has made the government rethink its steps to contain the virus. The Japanese economy grew at 2.2 per cent in the second quarter, slower than what the experts had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-economy-rebounds-from-covid-sees-growth-in-second-quarter-506920">predicted</a>.&nbsp;

Thus, making sure that the caseload remains low and the country is not closed is how the authorities may like to proceed.&nbsp;

US Prez had contracted the virus too

As reported by WION, last month, it was US President Joe Biden that contracted the virus. At the time, Biden's physician reported that he had a runny nose, dry cough, and lethargy.

Read more:<a href="US President Joe Biden tests positive for Covid-19, has 'mild symptoms'"> US President Joe Biden tests positive for Covid-19, has 'mild symptoms'</a>

Prior to taking office, 79-year-old Biden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-after-recovery-us-president-joe-biden-contracts-covid-disease-again-502133">received </a>two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. A first booster shot was given to him in September, then a second one on March 30.&nbsp;

Moreover, a few weeks after Biden's positive report, his wife, Jill Biden also tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has joined the list of world leaders to contract Covid-19 in recent times. Reportedly, the Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has joined the list of world leaders to contract Covid-19 in recent times. Reportedly, the Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive. Kishida, 65, had to depart for a visit to Tunisia but the virus has forced him to recuperate at his official residence, according to a statement released by the Cabinet Secretariat. It is pertinent to note that Kishida is double vaxxed and had a booster shot, earlier this month. According to local media reports, Kishida had worked till August 15, performing his official duties before taking a short holiday with his family. He was supposed to return to work on Monday but will now be forced to take a break or work remotely. Read More: Japan may deploy 1,000 long-range missiles to counter China: Report The Japanese PM, on his trip to Tunisia, was expected to attend the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) on August 27 and 28. Akin to several Asian countries, Japan is witnessing a resurgence of Covid cases in the country. Reportedly, 24,780 Covid cases were recorded on Sunday in the capital city of Tokyo alone. While the hospitalisation and death rates have been low, the rise in cases has made the government rethink its steps to contain the virus. The Japanese economy grew at 2.2 per cent in the second quarter, slower than what the experts had predicted. Thus, making sure that the caseload remains low and the country is not closed is how the authorities may like to proceed. US Prez had contracted the virus too As reported by WION, last month, it was US President Joe Biden that contracted the virus. At the time, Biden's physician reported that he had a runny nose, dry cough, and lethargy. Read more: US President Joe Biden tests positive for Covid-19, has 'mild symptoms' Prior to taking office, 79-year-old Biden received two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. A first booster shot was given to him in September, then a second one on March 30. Moreover, a few weeks after Biden's positive report, his wife, Jill Biden also tested positive for the virus. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tests positive for coronavirus ahead of an African trip

Quirky plastic food sculptures are on display at an exhibition in Tokyo. For long fake food products have been displayed outside Japanese restaurants. They are known as 'Shokuhin sampuru' or sample food products.

Fake Food: A multi-million-dollar industry in Japan

Japan is urging its young people to drink more to boost the country's economy. Molly Gambhir tells you all about Japan's nationwide competition to boost alcohol consumption.

WION Fineprint: Japan wants young people to drink more alcohol

Amid rising fuel prices and widening trade deficit, Japan's core consumer price index (CPI) has risen to over seven-year high in July.

Japan inflation hits over 7-year high

Japan wants young people to drink more alcohol, yes, you read that right. Japan thinks its youth are not drinking enough, so, the country has launched a campaign to revitalise the drinking culture. But why would a country encourage its youth to drink alcohol? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Japan wants its youth to drink more alcohol

The Japanese government has launched a countrywide competition calling for ideas to encourage people to drink more alcohol after a change in attitudes among young adults resulted in plummeting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-imposes-a-winter-gas-tax-despite-concerns-about-its-effects-507124">tax </a>revenues.

The National Tax Agency (NTA) is running the Sake Viva! campaign, which invites persons aged 20 to 39 to submit ideas for reviving the appeal of alcoholic beverages, which has declined due to lifestyle changes during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actor-shefali-shah-tests-positive-for-covid-19-507773">coronavirus</a> pandemic especially among young people.

As reported by the Guardian, the contest, which is open until September 9th, requests "new items and designs" in addition to strategies to encourage home drinking. The local website JiJi.com advises competitors to investigate metaverse-based sales strategies.

According to the NTA, the average annual alcohol consumption in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/asteroids-may-have-brought-water-to-earth-billions-of-years-ago-says-study-507279">Japan</a> decreased from 100 litres per person in 1995 to 75 litres in 2020. The decline in alcohol sales has hurt Japan's finances, which are already in the red by more than 48 trillion yen (£290 billion).

In 2020, alcohol-related taxes made for 1.7% of Japan's total tax revenue, down from 3% in 2011 and 5% in 1980.

The NTA reported earlier this month that the total revenue collected from alcohol taxes in the 2020 fiscal year decreased by more than 110 billion to 1.1 trillion compared to the prior year. The Japan Times said that it was the largest decrease in alcohol tax revenue in 31 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-executive-arrested-over-bribery-allegations-507804">Tokyo Olympics executive arrested over bribery allegations</a>

Beer consumption fell significantly, with sales volume falling 20% to less than 1.8 billion litres. 
According to the Kirin brewery, which produces Ichiban Shibori and Kirin lager, the average person in Japan consumed roughly 55 bottles of beer in 2020, a 9.1% decrease from the previous year.

The health ministry of Japan expressed the hope that the campaign will also serve as a reminder for individuals to only consume the "proper amount of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peacekeeping-abuse-un-soldiers-fathered-and-abandoned-thousands-of-children-in-dr-congo-507198">alcohol</a>."

The competition's finalists will be invited to a lavish awards event in Tokyo on November 10; the tax office announced that it will promote the commercialization of the winner's ideas.

The Japanese government has launched a countrywide competition calling for ideas to encourage people to drink more alcohol after a change in attitudes among young adults resulted in plummeting tax revenues.

The Japanese government has launched a countrywide competition calling for ideas to encourage people to drink more alcohol after a change in attitudes among young adults resulted in plummeting tax revenues. The National Tax Agency (NTA) is running the Sake Viva! campaign, which invites persons aged 20 to 39 to submit ideas for reviving the appeal of alcoholic beverages, which has declined due to lifestyle changes during the coronavirus pandemic especially among young people. As reported by the Guardian, the contest, which is open until September 9th, requests "new items and designs" in addition to strategies to encourage home drinking. The local website JiJi.com advises competitors to investigate metaverse-based sales strategies. According to the NTA, the average annual alcohol consumption in Japan decreased from 100 litres per person in 1995 to 75 litres in 2020. The decline in alcohol sales has hurt Japan's finances, which are already in the red by more than 48 trillion yen (£290 billion). In 2020, alcohol-related taxes made for 1.7% of Japan's total tax revenue, down from 3% in 2011 and 5% in 1980. The NTA reported earlier this month that the total revenue collected from alcohol taxes in the 2020 fiscal year decreased by more than 110 billion to 1.1 trillion compared to the prior year. The Japan Times said that it was the largest decrease in alcohol tax revenue in 31 years. Also read | Tokyo Olympics executive arrested over bribery allegations Beer consumption fell significantly, with sales volume falling 20% to less than 1.8 billion litres. According to the Kirin brewery, which produces Ichiban Shibori and Kirin lager, the average person in Japan consumed roughly 55 bottles of beer in 2020, a 9.1% decrease from the previous year. The health ministry of Japan expressed the hope that the campaign will also serve as a reminder for individuals to only consume the "proper amount of alcohol." The competition's finalists will be invited to a lavish awards event in Tokyo on November 10; the tax office announced that it will promote the commercialization of the winner's ideas.

Please drink more: As tax revenues fall, Japan launches competition to encourage alcohol consumption

The Japanese government has now launched a nationwide competition calling for ideas to encourage the Japanese people to drink more alcohol. The National Tax Agency has said that alcohol consumption in Japan apparently has fallen and this has gotten the Japanese government very worried.

Alcohol consumption in Japan falls, dip in tax revenue prompts more people to get drinking

The Japanese capital Tokyo has seen a sharp decline in the number of kids waiting to be admitted to daycare facilities. In a recent report by The Japan Times, it was mentioned that the number of admissions stood at a record low of about 300 on a preliminary basis as of April this year. It apparently plunged from the most recent peak of 8,586 in 2017.&nbsp;

But this is not it as another side of the Japanese nurseries tells a different tale. According to a report by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, parents have been asked to take home their child's soiled nappies.&nbsp;

The survey-based report brings to notice a practice that is quite common but not discussed openly. As per the report, about 40 per cent of towns and cities in Japan say they demand the guardians of their kids take their used nappies with them.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peacekeeping-abuse-un-soldiers-fathered-and-abandoned-thousands-of-children-in-dr-congo-507198">Peacekeeping abuse: UN soldiers 'fathered and abandoned thousands of children' in DR Congo</a>&nbsp;

The report talks about how many local governments do not promote diaper disposal at daycare centres. It is a public administrative duty to support child care in the community.&nbsp;

As quoted, a 43-year-old woman, who sends her two-year-old daughter to a daycare centre in the city of Kyoto, said, "Why should I take them (used diapers) home? I've never told the daycare that it bothers me because I don't want to make waves. But it's strange."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-alter-blood-type-of-donor-kidneys-to-increase-supply-of-organs-for-transplant-507177">Scientists alter blood type of donor kidneys to increase supply of organs for transplant</a>&nbsp;

The woman said that every time she picks up her daughter, the facility asks her to bring home three or four used diapers. She eventually does and throws them straight into the trash when she gets home.&nbsp;

The survey was conducted by Osaka-based Baby Job Inc., which offers a subscription-based diaper service for daycare centres.&nbsp;

The survey was based on what's happening to used diapers at the child care facilities via its "association to eliminate diaper take-homes from day care centers."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The Japanese capital Tokyo has seen a sharp decline in the number of kids waiting to be admitted to daycare facilities. In a recent report by The Japan Times, it was mentioned that the number of admissions stood at a record low of about 300 on a preliminary basis as of April this year.

The Japanese capital Tokyo has seen a sharp decline in the number of kids waiting to be admitted to daycare facilities. In a recent report by The Japan Times, it was mentioned that the number of admissions stood at a record low of about 300 on a preliminary basis as of April this year. It apparently plunged from the most recent peak of 8,586 in 2017. But this is not it as another side of the Japanese nurseries tells a different tale. According to a report by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, parents have been asked to take home their child's soiled nappies. The survey-based report brings to notice a practice that is quite common but not discussed openly. As per the report, about 40 per cent of towns and cities in Japan say they demand the guardians of their kids take their used nappies with them. ALSO READ | Peacekeeping abuse: UN soldiers 'fathered and abandoned thousands of children' in DR Congo The report talks about how many local governments do not promote diaper disposal at daycare centres. It is a public administrative duty to support child care in the community. As quoted, a 43-year-old woman, who sends her two-year-old daughter to a daycare centre in the city of Kyoto, said, "Why should I take them (used diapers) home? I've never told the daycare that it bothers me because I don't want to make waves. But it's strange." ALSO READ | Scientists alter blood type of donor kidneys to increase supply of organs for transplant The woman said that every time she picks up her daughter, the facility asks her to bring home three or four used diapers. She eventually does and throws them straight into the trash when she gets home. The survey was conducted by Osaka-based Baby Job Inc., which offers a subscription-based diaper service for daycare centres. The survey was based on what's happening to used diapers at the child care facilities via its "association to eliminate diaper take-homes from day care centers." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan: Parents baffled as nurseries ask them to take home soiled diapers

In Japan, several politicians and thousands of residents visited Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni shrine on the occasion of 77th anniversary of Japan's surrender which ended the 2nd World War.

Japanese residents & ministers visit controversial WWII Shrine

Japan's new birth rate minister tried a "pregnancy belly" last year to understand what women experience during pregnancy. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about Masanobu Ogura.

Gravitas: Japan's new birth rate minister tried pregnancy belly

Profiles of Japanese cabinet ministers after Kishida reshuffle

Japan witnesses a bit of relief from inflation, slowing down from previous month and giving some economic relief. Japan's wholesale price indexes have risen 8.6 percent in July from last year.

Japan's wholesale inflation moderates

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, removing some ministers with ties to the Unification Church in an effort to stem falling support amid escalating public outrage over the ruling party’s associations with the controversial organisation.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, removing some ministers with ties to the Unification Church in an effort to stem falling support amid escalating public outrage over the ruling party’s associations with the controversial organisation. Kishida, who has been in office since last October, unveiled his new cabinet in a reorganisation that occurred earlier than observers had predicted. The positions of some prominent ministers were eliminated, including Nobuo Kishi, the younger brother of the assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was replaced as defence minister by Yasukazu Hamada. However, key individuals like foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and finance chief Shunichi Suzuki retained their positions. With polls showing Kishida’s favour ratings plummeting and respondents stating a need to know precisely how tight such ties may be, the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) historic ties to the Unification Church have come under scrutiny in the month since Abe was fatally shot. According to Abe’s alleged killer, his mother was a member of the Unification Church who became bankrupt after giving to it, and Abe was to blame for endorsing it. In other changes, Koichi Hagiuda, the trade minister, was appointed to the powerful position of head of the LDP’s policy research council. Despite the fact that Hagiuda has publicly admitted to attending an event sponsored by an organisation with ties to the Unification Church, that appointment is perceived as an effort to placate members of the Abe faction. Here’s why there’s a problem with the church. WHAT IS THE CONTEXT? The anti-communist messiah Sun Myung Moon established the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, also known as the Unification Church, in South Korea in 1954. One of the first countries to which it expanded internationally was Japan, where Moon’s conservatism coincided with the ruling class’s Cold War ideologies. According to church publications, he founded the International Federation for Victory Over Communism organisation in the 1960s and cultivated ties with Japanese leaders during that time. THE LDP: WHY? According to Eito Suzuki, a journalist who researches parliamentarians’ interactions with religious groups, the church and the LDP share some viewpoints, opposing same-sex marriage and advocating modification of Japan’s pacifist constitution. According to attorney Hiro Yamaguchi, who has worked on litigation against the religion, the church established relationships with politicians to draw members and establish credibility. He claimed that politicians were able to approach churchgoers for support during campaigns. According to LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, there were no “systematic contacts” between the party and the church. He declared on Monday that it will sever ties with the religion. WHERE DOES SHINZO ABE FIT IN THIS PICTURE? Abe was not a member nor an adviser, according to the religion. According to the website of a church affiliate, he spoke at a gathering in September. The current defence minister and younger brother of Abe, Nobuo Kishi, told reporters that he had help from churchgoers who helped with his campaign. Nobusuke Kishi, a former prime minister and Abe’s grandfather, served as an honorary executive chair at a dinner hosted by Moon in 1974, according to the International Federation for Victory Over Communism. FALL-OUT? According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, support for Kishida’s cabinet has reached its lowest level since he entered office in October, falling to 46%, with many survey respondents indicating they sought an explanation over connections to the church. New cabinet members and new governing party officials must “thoroughly investigate” connections with the church, according to Kishida, who has previously stated he had “no affiliations” to it. MAJOR IN JAPAN? According to Ahn Ho-yeul, a spokeswoman based in Seoul, the church has about 600,000 members in Japan out of its 10 million total members, making it the fourth-largest congregation in the world. However, monitoring organisations in Japan dispute this figure. Former followers claim that recruitment strategies include knocking on doors, focusing on members’ families, and approaching people outside of train stations. According to the spokeswoman, trading religious artefacts for donations has made Japan its main source of funding for many years. According to a lawyers’ association, these ‘spiritual sales’ by the Unification Church and other organisations cost followers close to $1 billion and led to almost 35,000 compensation claims since 1987. After some members were found guilty of using unethical sales techniques, the church had vowed not to solicit excessive donations. According to his social media posts and news reports, the murder suspect for Abe said the church convinced his mother to give the equivalent of $736,000. Following the incident, the church said it had given the mother back about $400,000 in cash. It refused to remark on the exact amount and denied forcing her. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Japanese PM Kishida reshuffles cabinet as approval ratings slide. What's the backstory?

Famed for a pleated style of clothing that never wrinkles, Japanese designer Issey Miyake has died at the age of 84. Watch this report.

Japanese designer Issey Miyake dies at 84, was famous for pleated clothing

It's been 77 years of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki when the world witnessed a new weapon of mass destruction. After nearly eight decades, there are circumstances and a risk of new nuclear confrontation.

77 years of  Nagasaki Bombings | August 9, 1945: 'Fat Man' dropped on Nagasaki

In the aftermath of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, tensions have risen between China and Japan. Reportedly, after Japan condemned China's military drills around Taiwan as a 'threat to regional peace and security', the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a lengthy statement questioning Tokyo's motives.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press conference, "Japan has been acting so high-profile on the Taiwan question. Has it forgotten the commitment it made when signing the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement? Is it trying to subvert the political foundation of China-Japan relations?"

The ministry spokesperson further added, "Does it have the ambition to touch Taiwan again? Is Japan going to take this opportunity to expand its arms, abandon its pacifist constitution and abandon the path of peaceful development?"

Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-think-theyre-going-to-do-anything-more-biden-on-chinese-military-drills-near-taiwan-504990">I don’t think they’re going to do anything more: Biden on Chinese military drills near Taiwan</a>

As reported extensively by WION, after Japan released a joint statement alongside G7 nations on Taiwan and Pelosi visited Japan, a miffed China fired five ballistic missiles in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

However, at the conference, China's foreign ministry refused to accept that such an incident took place even place. Furthermore, Wang stated&nbsp;that there is no such thing as 'Japan's EEZ' in the area.&nbsp;

The G7 foreign ministers in their joint statement titled "Preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan strait" had called on China to resolve the tensions peacefully.&nbsp;

"We are concerned by recent and announced threatening actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly live-fire exercises and economic coercion, which risk unnecessary escalation. There is no justification to use a visit as pretext for aggressive military activity in the Taiwan Strait," read the statement, of which Japan was a signatory.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miffed-china-shelves-bilateral-meeting-with-japan-after-g7-statement-on-taiwan-503600">Nancy Pelosi Taiwan trip: China scraps meet with Japan over G7 statement</a>

Ever since Nancy Pelosi announced her decision to visit Taiwan, China had been threatening of dire consequences. While it didn't do much when Pelosi was in Taipei, it sure has engaged its afterburners since then.

A day after completing its biggest military exercise around the island nation, China announced that&nbsp;more such military drills were in the pipeline, including anti-submarine and sea assault operations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

&nbsp;

In the aftermath of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, tensions have risen between China and Japan. Reportedly, after Japan condemned China's military drills around Taiwan as a 'threat to regional peace and security', the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a lengthy statement questioning Tokyo's motives.

In the aftermath of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, tensions have risen between China and Japan. Reportedly, after Japan condemned China's military drills around Taiwan as a 'threat to regional peace and security', the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a lengthy statement questioning Tokyo's motives. Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press conference, "Japan has been acting so high-profile on the Taiwan question. Has it forgotten the commitment it made when signing the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement? Is it trying to subvert the political foundation of China-Japan relations?" The ministry spokesperson further added, "Does it have the ambition to touch Taiwan again? Is Japan going to take this opportunity to expand its arms, abandon its pacifist constitution and abandon the path of peaceful development?" Read More: I don’t think they’re going to do anything more: Biden on Chinese military drills near Taiwan As reported extensively by WION, after Japan released a joint statement alongside G7 nations on Taiwan and Pelosi visited Japan, a miffed China fired five ballistic missiles in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). However, at the conference, China's foreign ministry refused to accept that such an incident took place even place. Furthermore, Wang stated that there is no such thing as 'Japan's EEZ' in the area. The G7 foreign ministers in their joint statement titled "Preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan strait" had called on China to resolve the tensions peacefully. "We are concerned by recent and announced threatening actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly live-fire exercises and economic coercion, which risk unnecessary escalation. There is no justification to use a visit as pretext for aggressive military activity in the Taiwan Strait," read the statement, of which Japan was a signatory. Read More: Nancy Pelosi Taiwan trip: China scraps meet with Japan over G7 statement Ever since Nancy Pelosi announced her decision to visit Taiwan, China had been threatening of dire consequences. While it didn't do much when Pelosi was in Taipei, it sure has engaged its afterburners since then. A day after completing its biggest military exercise around the island nation, China announced that more such military drills were in the pipeline, including anti-submarine and sea assault operations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

"Does it have the ambition to touch Taiwan again?", Chinese foreign ministry questions Japan

77 years of  Nagasaki Bombings| August 9, 1945: 'Fat Man' dropped on Nagasaki

Global Investment Funds have lost their valuations, putting the investors in massive losses. Japanese investor Softbank is the latest in the list as it has suffered a net loss of 3.16 trillion yen or 23.34 billion dollars for the quarter end.

Softbank: Global startups feeling the heat of a slowing economy

SoftBank (SFTBF) unveiled a $23 billion quarterly net loss on Monday, its biggest ever, as a market sell-off upended tech stocks and shredded valuations at its sprawling Vision Fund unit.

The pain in the April-June quarter comes fresh after the closely watched Vision Fund posted a record $26 billion loss in May, when rising interest rates and political instability disrupted global markets and could test investor willingness to stomach further big losses.

SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son has already pledged to tighten investing criteria and preserve cash to ride out the downturn and on Monday he signaled cuts to headcount at the Vision Fund, saying there were no "sacred areas."

"The world is in great confusion," Son told a briefing after the release of the results, remarking on the tech sell-off. But he acknowledged the company had invested in more startups than it should have and that valuations had been "in a bubble."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-block-sale-of-chinese-phones-priced-below-150-report-504811" hreflang="en">India to block sale of Chinese phones priced below $150: Report</a>

SoftBank also said it had authorized a share repurchase program worth up to 400 billion yen, something that could assuage investors.

Overall, the sliding portfolio pushed SoftBank to a 3.16 trillion yen ($23.4 billion) net loss in the latest quarter — its largest loss ever. That compared with profit of 761.5 billion yen in the same period a year earlier.

The Vision Fund unit saw a $23.1 billion hit in value.

Listed investments that suffered a fall in value included robotics firm AutoStore Holdings Ltd and artificial intelligence firm SenseTime Group Inc.

SoftBank said it wrote down the value of unlisted assets across its two Vision Funds by 1.14 trillion yen. Analysts have said writedowns of these private assets were unlikely to reflect the extent of current market weakness.

To raise cash, SoftBank has exited companies including ridehailer Uber Technologies (UBER) and home-selling platform Opendoor Technologies, for a total gain of $5.6 billion.

SoftBank sold Uber at an average share price of $41.47, compared to the Friday closing price of $32.01. 
The second Vision Fund's stakes in 269 firms were worth $37.2 billion at end-June, compared with an acquisition cost of $48.2 billion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-people-queue-up-at-fuel-stations-after-52-surge-in-fuel-prices-504780">Bangladesh: People queue up at fuel stations after 52% surge in fuel prices</a>

Plunging initial public offering volumes and market skepticism towards money-losing startups have squeezed an important source of capital for SoftBank, which hopes to list chip designer Arm following the collapse of a sale to Nvidia (NVDA).

SoftBank hasn't been the only casualty of the tech sell-off.

Hedge fund Tiger Global, which competes with "unicorn hunter" Son on deals, saw its flagship fund fall 50% in the first half of the year after it underestimated the impact of surging inflation on markets.

Berkshire Hathaway booked a $44 billion quarterly loss on its investments and derivatives, with Chief Executive Warren Buffett urging investors to ignore the fluctuations.

SoftBank (SFTBF) unveiled a $23 billion quarterly net loss on Monday, its biggest ever, as a market sell-off upended tech stocks and shredded valuations at its sprawling Vision Fund unit.

SoftBank (SFTBF) unveiled a $23 billion quarterly net loss on Monday, its biggest ever, as a market sell-off upended tech stocks and shredded valuations at its sprawling Vision Fund unit. The pain in the April-June quarter comes fresh after the closely watched Vision Fund posted a record $26 billion loss in May, when rising interest rates and political instability disrupted global markets and could test investor willingness to stomach further big losses. SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son has already pledged to tighten investing criteria and preserve cash to ride out the downturn and on Monday he signaled cuts to headcount at the Vision Fund, saying there were no "sacred areas." "The world is in great confusion," Son told a briefing after the release of the results, remarking on the tech sell-off. But he acknowledged the company had invested in more startups than it should have and that valuations had been "in a bubble." Also read | India to block sale of Chinese phones priced below $150: Report SoftBank also said it had authorized a share repurchase program worth up to 400 billion yen, something that could assuage investors. Overall, the sliding portfolio pushed SoftBank to a 3.16 trillion yen ($23.4 billion) net loss in the latest quarter — its largest loss ever. That compared with profit of 761.5 billion yen in the same period a year earlier. The Vision Fund unit saw a $23.1 billion hit in value. Listed investments that suffered a fall in value included robotics firm AutoStore Holdings Ltd and artificial intelligence firm SenseTime Group Inc. SoftBank said it wrote down the value of unlisted assets across its two Vision Funds by 1.14 trillion yen. Analysts have said writedowns of these private assets were unlikely to reflect the extent of current market weakness. To raise cash, SoftBank has exited companies including ridehailer Uber Technologies (UBER) and home-selling platform Opendoor Technologies, for a total gain of $5.6 billion. SoftBank sold Uber at an average share price of $41.47, compared to the Friday closing price of $32.01. The second Vision Fund's stakes in 269 firms were worth $37.2 billion at end-June, compared with an acquisition cost of $48.2 billion. Also read | Bangladesh: People queue up at fuel stations after 52% surge in fuel prices Plunging initial public offering volumes and market skepticism towards money-losing startups have squeezed an important source of capital for SoftBank, which hopes to list chip designer Arm following the collapse of a sale to Nvidia (NVDA). SoftBank hasn't been the only casualty of the tech sell-off. Hedge fund Tiger Global, which competes with "unicorn hunter" Son on deals, saw its flagship fund fall 50% in the first half of the year after it underestimated the impact of surging inflation on markets. Berkshire Hathaway booked a $44 billion quarterly loss on its investments and derivatives, with Chief Executive Warren Buffett urging investors to ignore the fluctuations.

SoftBank posts record $23 billion loss on Vision Fund pain

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