Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Quad leaders are all set to hold a virtual meeting today. The Indo-Pacific developments are in focus.

Quad leaders' virtual meet today amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Approximately 70 Japanese men have answered Kyiv's call for volunteers to fight against Russia, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said, quoting a Tokyo company handling the volunteers.

These include 50 former members of Japan's Self-Defence Forces and two veterans of the French Foreign Legion.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Embassy acknowledged receiving calls from people "wanting to fight for Ukraine," but declined to give further details.

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A social media post from the embassy thanked Japanese for their many inquiries about volunteering.

"Any candidates for this must have experience in Japan's Self-Defence Forces or have undergone specialised training," it said.

In a new post on Twitter on Wednesday, the Ukrainian embassy in Japan said it was looking for volunteers with medical, IT, communication, or firefighting experience. It was not immediately clear if the volunteer positions were remote or involved travelling to Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has stirred strong emotions in Japan, which has a post-war pacifist constitution that has been reinterpreted in recent years to allow Japan to exercise collective self-defence or aid allies under attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/which-assets-of-russian-president-vladimir-putin-can-be-seized-due-to-ukraine-invasion-458127">In pics-Ukraine invasion:These assets of Russian President Putin can be seized</a>

Hundreds gathered for a protest against the Russian invasion last week in Tokyo, while the Ukrainian embassy said it collected $17 million in donations from some 60,000 people in Japan after it put out an online request for help.

Japan has also announced sanctions on Russia, including freezing the assets of Russian groups, banks and individuals and suspending exports of semiconductors and other sensitive goods to military-linked organisations in Russia.

Japan will accept Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's ongoing invasion, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday, in a break with the country's usual reticence to accept humanitarian arrivals.

Japan typically accepts just a few dozen refugees a year out of thousands of applicants, and its borders are currently closed to virtually all foreign visitors to prevent Covid-19 infections.

But Kishida said the country would now "proceed with a plan to welcome people from Ukraine who have fled to third countries" in a bid to "demonstrate our solidarity with the Ukrainian people at such a crucial moment."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/long-lines-60-hours-wait-shelter-and-for-some-racism-awaits-them-as-they-flee-ukraine-for-poland-458080">Long lines, 60 hours wait, shelter and for some racism awaits them as they flee Ukraine for Poland</a>

Kishida said Japan expected to first accept those with relatives or friends in the country, "but beyond that, we will respond from a humanitarian perspective," he added without setting a specific cap on arrivals.

He said refugees would be processed outside of the current border regime that bars foreign tourists and limits overseas arrivals.

Japanese billionaire Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani said Sunday he will donate $8.7 million to the government of Ukraine, calling Russia's invasion "a challenge to democracy".

The founder of e-commerce giant Rakuten said in a letter addressed to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky that the donation of 1 billion yen ($8.7 million) will go toward "humanitarian activities to help people in Ukraine who are victims of the violence".

(With inputs from agencies)

Approximately 70 Japanese men have answered Kyiv's call for volunteers to fight against Russia, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said, quoting a Tokyo company handling the volunteers.

Approximately 70 Japanese men have answered Kyiv's call for volunteers to fight against Russia, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said, quoting a Tokyo company handling the volunteers. These include 50 former members of Japan's Self-Defence Forces and two veterans of the French Foreign Legion. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Embassy acknowledged receiving calls from people "wanting to fight for Ukraine," but declined to give further details. A social media post from the embassy thanked Japanese for their many inquiries about volunteering. "Any candidates for this must have experience in Japan's Self-Defence Forces or have undergone specialised training," it said. In a new post on Twitter on Wednesday, the Ukrainian embassy in Japan said it was looking for volunteers with medical, IT, communication, or firefighting experience. It was not immediately clear if the volunteer positions were remote or involved travelling to Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has stirred strong emotions in Japan, which has a post-war pacifist constitution that has been reinterpreted in recent years to allow Japan to exercise collective self-defence or aid allies under attack. In pics-Ukraine invasion:These assets of Russian President Putin can be seized Hundreds gathered for a protest against the Russian invasion last week in Tokyo, while the Ukrainian embassy said it collected $17 million in donations from some 60,000 people in Japan after it put out an online request for help. Japan has also announced sanctions on Russia, including freezing the assets of Russian groups, banks and individuals and suspending exports of semiconductors and other sensitive goods to military-linked organisations in Russia. Japan will accept Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's ongoing invasion, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday, in a break with the country's usual reticence to accept humanitarian arrivals. Japan typically accepts just a few dozen refugees a year out of thousands of applicants, and its borders are currently closed to virtually all foreign visitors to prevent Covid-19 infections. But Kishida said the country would now "proceed with a plan to welcome people from Ukraine who have fled to third countries" in a bid to "demonstrate our solidarity with the Ukrainian people at such a crucial moment." Also see | Long lines, 60 hours wait, shelter and for some racism awaits them as they flee Ukraine for Poland Kishida said Japan expected to first accept those with relatives or friends in the country, "but beyond that, we will respond from a humanitarian perspective," he added without setting a specific cap on arrivals. He said refugees would be processed outside of the current border regime that bars foreign tourists and limits overseas arrivals. Japanese billionaire Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani said Sunday he will donate $8.7 million to the government of Ukraine, calling Russia's invasion "a challenge to democracy". The founder of e-commerce giant Rakuten said in a letter addressed to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky that the donation of 1 billion yen ($8.7 million) will go toward "humanitarian activities to help people in Ukraine who are victims of the violence". (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese men answer Kyiv's call for volunteers to fight against Russia

Japan should consider hosting the nuclear weapons of the US, said former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With the ongoing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifying, 67-year-old Abe seems to have got the right opportunity to promote his belief that the nation should abandon its pacifism and arm itself with offensive weapons. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a TV interview on Sunday, the conservative politician said that Japan could seek an arrangement similar to NATO’s nuclear sharing policy, which allows countries without nuclear arms to keep such weapons on their soil for potential use in wartime. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-war-outbreaks-fear-grows-what-are-nuke-capabilities-of-russia-457686">Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia? &nbsp;</a>

Abe, who is still an influential voice in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said, “We should not put a taboo on discussions about the reality we face.” &nbsp; &nbsp;

This comes as President Vladimir Putin has been making veiled threats of nuclear war over Western sanctions for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-will-there-be-a-nuclear-war-your-questions-answered-457697" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered</a>

Abe’s suggestion seems to have not gone down well with several people in the country, which has seen widespread devastation during WWII due to two atomic bombs. It has prompted condemnation from the current prime minister and other anti-nuclear politicians. &nbsp;

Abe has also been advocating to develop a first-strike capability on enemy bases to counter nuclear-armed North Korea and an increasingly assertive China. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Japan should consider hosting the nuclear weapons of the US, said former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. With the ongoing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifying, 67-year-old Abe seems to have got the right opportunity to promote his belief that the nation should abandon its pacifism and arm itself with offensive weapons.

Japan should consider hosting the nuclear weapons of the US, said former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. With the ongoing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifying, 67-year-old Abe seems to have got the right opportunity to promote his belief that the nation should abandon its pacifism and arm itself with offensive weapons. In a TV interview on Sunday, the conservative politician said that Japan could seek an arrangement similar to NATO’s nuclear sharing policy, which allows countries without nuclear arms to keep such weapons on their soil for potential use in wartime. Also Read: Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia? Abe, who is still an influential voice in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said, “We should not put a taboo on discussions about the reality we face.” This comes as President Vladimir Putin has been making veiled threats of nuclear war over Western sanctions for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered Abe’s suggestion seems to have not gone down well with several people in the country, which has seen widespread devastation during WWII due to two atomic bombs. It has prompted condemnation from the current prime minister and other anti-nuclear politicians. Abe has also been advocating to develop a first-strike capability on enemy bases to counter nuclear-armed North Korea and an increasingly assertive China. (With inputs from agencies)

With adversaries on the mind, former PM Shinzo Abe says Japan should host US nukes

Several other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Beyond the alliance of western countries, Japan has called Moscow's moves an unacceptable violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.

Japan, Australia, EU impose sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine

Japan&nbsp;on Tuesday said it stood&nbsp;ready&nbsp;to&nbsp;join&nbsp;the United States and other G7 industrialized nations in slapping&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on Russia, should President Vladimir Putin order an invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

The confirmation by the world's No. 3 economy comes as the crisis in Europe deepens, with the Russian leader on Monday ordering troops into two breakaway regions in Eastern Ukraine that Russia now recognizes as independent states.

That action was "unacceptable and a violation of international law," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who called&nbsp;Putin on Thursday to urge restraint, told reporters.&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;was&nbsp;ready&nbsp;for a strong response that could include&nbsp;sanctions, he added.

Also read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-city-pop-the-soundtrack-to-japans-boom-years-goes-viral-455195">&nbsp;|&nbsp;City Pop: the soundtrack to Japan's boom years goes viral</a>

The White House said late on Monday it would announce new&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on Russia on Monday "in response to Moscow’s decisions and actions today."

"We are coordinating with allies and partners on that announcement," a White House spokesperson said.

New&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan, which would add to those imposed on Russia in 2014 after it occupied the Crimea, would include a ban on semiconductor chips and other key technology exports and tighter restrictions on Russian banks, the Yomiuri newspaper reported earlier.

Although&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;is no longer a major exporter of semiconductors, with only a 10% share of the global chip market, it is a key manufacturer of specialised electronic components, such as automotive chips and image sensors, and dominates in other industrial fields, such as high tech manufacturing equipment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-two-russian-backed-areas-in-eastern-ukraine-455190">US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine</a>

Kishida and other government officials who spoke on Tuesday did not say what&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;was mulling.

Japan's toughening stance against Russia contrasts with the softer diplomatic approach to Moscow taken by&nbsp;Japanese administrations in the past. They have courted Putin in an attempt to secure the return of islands occupied by Russian forces at the end of World War Two.

Japan's delicate diplomacy has also been shaped by&nbsp;its&nbsp;reliance on Russia for some of&nbsp;its&nbsp;energy needs. In 2021, Russia provided more than 12% of&nbsp;Japan's thermal coal, and almost a tenth of&nbsp;its&nbsp;liquefied natural gas.

That economic anguish, however, has been overtaken in recent years by growing concern about a revival in Russian military activity in East Asia and Moscow's deepening security cooperation with neighbouring China.

“Ukraine is facing a tense situation now, so we must firmly watch how it could affect&nbsp;Japan’s economy,” Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said at a briefing on Tuesday.

Watch |&nbsp;'No access to financial markets of Russia plans to invade Ukraine,' warns EU

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-access-to-financial-markets-of-russia-plans-to-invade-ukraine-warns-eu-455237/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Japan on Tuesday said it stood ready to join the United States and other G7 industrialized nations in slapping sanctions on Russia, should President Vladimir Putin order an invasion of Ukraine.

Japan on Tuesday said it stood ready to join the United States and other G7 industrialized nations in slapping sanctions on Russia, should President Vladimir Putin order an invasion of Ukraine. The confirmation by the world's No. 3 economy comes as the crisis in Europe deepens, with the Russian leader on Monday ordering troops into two breakaway regions in Eastern Ukraine that Russia now recognizes as independent states. That action was "unacceptable and a violation of international law," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who called Putin on Thursday to urge restraint, told reporters. Japan was ready for a strong response that could include sanctions, he added. Also read | City Pop: the soundtrack to Japan's boom years goes viral The White House said late on Monday it would announce new sanctions on Russia on Monday "in response to Moscow’s decisions and actions today." "We are coordinating with allies and partners on that announcement," a White House spokesperson said. New sanctions by Japan, which would add to those imposed on Russia in 2014 after it occupied the Crimea, would include a ban on semiconductor chips and other key technology exports and tighter restrictions on Russian banks, the Yomiuri newspaper reported earlier. Although Japan is no longer a major exporter of semiconductors, with only a 10% share of the global chip market, it is a key manufacturer of specialised electronic components, such as automotive chips and image sensors, and dominates in other industrial fields, such as high tech manufacturing equipment. Also read | US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine Kishida and other government officials who spoke on Tuesday did not say what sanctions Japan was mulling. Japan's toughening stance against Russia contrasts with the softer diplomatic approach to Moscow taken by Japanese administrations in the past. They have courted Putin in an attempt to secure the return of islands occupied by Russian forces at the end of World War Two. Japan's delicate diplomacy has also been shaped by its reliance on Russia for some of its energy needs. In 2021, Russia provided more than 12% of Japan's thermal coal, and almost a tenth of its liquefied natural gas. That economic anguish, however, has been overtaken in recent years by growing concern about a revival in Russian military activity in East Asia and Moscow's deepening security cooperation with neighbouring China. “Ukraine is facing a tense situation now, so we must firmly watch how it could affect Japan’s economy,” Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said at a briefing on Tuesday. Watch | 'No access to financial markets of Russia plans to invade Ukraine,' warns EU

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Japan ready to join US-led sanctions on Moscow

The acceptance rate for women has exceeded that for men at Japanese medical schools for the first time.

According to data released by Japan's education ministry, 13.6 per cent of female candidates passed exams at 81 medical schools last spring. In comparison, 13.51 per cent of men passed the same exams.

“It has become clear that the acceptance rate will not be low only for female applicants,” said a Japanese education ministry official told Kyodo news agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-doctor-and-aid-worker-tetsu-nakamura-shot-dead-in-afghanistan-266200">Also read |&nbsp;Japanese doctor and aid worker Tetsu Nakamura shot dead in Afghanistan</a>

It comes after a score-rigging scandal emerged over entrance procedures for Tokyo Medical University that systematically cut women applicant’s entrance exam scores for years to keep them out and boost the numbers of male doctors.

From 2011, the university began cutting the scores of female applicants to keep the number of women students at about 30 percent, after the number of successful women entrants jumped in 2010.

The exam score alterations were discovered in an internal investigation of a graft allegation that emerged last spring season.

The Yomiuri Shimbun daily quoted university sources as saying the action was prompted by a “strong sense at the school” that many women quit medicine after graduating to get married and have children.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-to-consult-doctors-before-facing-media-on-friday-323191">Also read |&nbsp;Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to consult doctors before facing media on Friday</a>

Tokyo Medical University spokesman Fumio Azuma said an internal investigation had already begun after allegations last spring of bribery involving the medical school admission of the son of a senior official of the education ministry.

“Of course, we will ask them to include this in their investigations,” he said, adding that while result of the first investigation is expected this month, he does not know when the probe into the new allegations will be completed.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made creating a society “where women can shine” a priority, but women still face an uphill battle in employment and hurdles returning to work after having children, despite Japan’s falling birthrate.

A 2018 survey by the health ministry found that just 21.9 per cent of doctors were women, the lowest share among countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, in which the average was 46 per cent in 2015.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The acceptance rate for women has exceeded that for men at Japanese medical schools for the first time. According to data released by Japan's education ministry, 13.

The acceptance rate for women has exceeded that for men at Japanese medical schools for the first time. According to data released by Japan's education ministry, 13.6 per cent of female candidates passed exams at 81 medical schools last spring. In comparison, 13.51 per cent of men passed the same exams. “It has become clear that the acceptance rate will not be low only for female applicants,” said a Japanese education ministry official told Kyodo news agency. Also read | Japanese doctor and aid worker Tetsu Nakamura shot dead in Afghanistan It comes after a score-rigging scandal emerged over entrance procedures for Tokyo Medical University that systematically cut women applicant’s entrance exam scores for years to keep them out and boost the numbers of male doctors. From 2011, the university began cutting the scores of female applicants to keep the number of women students at about 30 percent, after the number of successful women entrants jumped in 2010. The exam score alterations were discovered in an internal investigation of a graft allegation that emerged last spring season. The Yomiuri Shimbun daily quoted university sources as saying the action was prompted by a “strong sense at the school” that many women quit medicine after graduating to get married and have children. Also read | Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to consult doctors before facing media on Friday Tokyo Medical University spokesman Fumio Azuma said an internal investigation had already begun after allegations last spring of bribery involving the medical school admission of the son of a senior official of the education ministry. “Of course, we will ask them to include this in their investigations,” he said, adding that while result of the first investigation is expected this month, he does not know when the probe into the new allegations will be completed. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made creating a society “where women can shine” a priority, but women still face an uphill battle in employment and hurdles returning to work after having children, despite Japan’s falling birthrate. A 2018 survey by the health ministry found that just 21.9 per cent of doctors were women, the lowest share among countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, in which the average was 46 per cent in 2015. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Japanese women beat men in medical school acceptance rate

Japan's manufacturing activity expanded at the slowest pace in five months in February as output contracted, underscoring the prolonged impact that global supply chain disruptions are having on the world's third-largest economy.

Japan's Feb factory activity growth falls to 5-month low

Japan is set to announce easing of border controls that were put in place to counter spread of Covid-19 pandemic, these measures were slammed by business leaders and educators.

Japan is set to announce easing of COVID-19 border curbs

Japan&nbsp;will ease its strict&nbsp;virus&nbsp;border rules to allow students and business people into the country from March, but tourists will still be barred, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday.

The move comes with growing pressure on&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;from the business community and academics to loosen the border restrictions, which are the toughest in the G7 but have broad support from Japanese voters.

Japan&nbsp;has barred tourists since the early days of the pandemic, and has in some cases prevented even existing foreign residents from entering the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-contrast-to-covids-59-million-deaths-this-malady-kills-more-than-9-million-people-every-year-453616">In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year</a>

Last November, the government slightly loosened the rules to allow some students and businesspeople to enter, but then quickly reversed the plan weeks later as the Omicron strain emerged.

After an Omicron-driven spike in infections, cases in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;now appear to have peaked, experts say.

From March 1, Kishida said "we will allow new visitors, except those coming for tourism", adding that a cap on daily entrants will be raised to from the current 3,500 to 5,000.

More than 400,000 people whose visas have already been approved by authorities were waiting to enter&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;as of January 4, an immigration agency official told AFP.

More than 150,000 of those are students, with another 129,000 workers hired to take part in a technical training programme that is a key source of foreign labour for several industries in the country.

While&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;has not pursued a zero-Covid policy and has avoided strict lockdowns, it has made tough border measures a centrepiece of its pandemic response.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-japan-is-whipping-up-hysteria-in-kuril-islands-row-451707">Russia says Japan is whipping up ‘hysteria’ in Kuril Islands row</a>

Even citizens and returning residents able to enter have been subject to quarantines of up to two weeks, with testing before and after entering the country.

Kishida said quarantine requirements would now be eased, going from seven to three days, if arrivals test negative.

Quarantine will be removed altogether for those with three vaccines doses coming from countries judged low-risk, he added, without specifying particular nations.

Japan&nbsp;has recorded more than 20,950 deaths in the pandemic and polls show Japanese broadly favour the tough restrictions, with nearly 60 percent of respondents in a recent survey by public broadcaster NHK backing a continued ban on entry.

Davide Rossi, an Italian entrepreneur living in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;who campaigns for students stuck outside the country, said the news was a light at the end of the tunnel, and many now hope they can enter&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;before the new semester in April.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan is set to announce easing of COVID-19 border curbs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-is-set-to-announce-easing-of-covid-19-border-curbs-453934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There is a very high sense of urgency. People are really on the verge of quitting, but now, with this announcement, they have some hope," he told AFP.

But he recalled the way the border restrictions were tightened in November, just weeks after being eased.

"Hopefully this is a lesson, too, and the borders won't close again like they did in November, because that really hurt a lot of people so much. I hope things will get better from today."

Japan will ease its strict virus border rules to allow students and business people into the country from March, but tourists will still be barred, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday.

Japan will ease its strict virus border rules to allow students and business people into the country from March, but tourists will still be barred, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday. The move comes with growing pressure on Japan from the business community and academics to loosen the border restrictions, which are the toughest in the G7 but have broad support from Japanese voters. Japan has barred tourists since the early days of the pandemic, and has in some cases prevented even existing foreign residents from entering the country. Also read | In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year Last November, the government slightly loosened the rules to allow some students and businesspeople to enter, but then quickly reversed the plan weeks later as the Omicron strain emerged. After an Omicron-driven spike in infections, cases in Japan now appear to have peaked, experts say. From March 1, Kishida said "we will allow new visitors, except those coming for tourism", adding that a cap on daily entrants will be raised to from the current 3,500 to 5,000. More than 400,000 people whose visas have already been approved by authorities were waiting to enter Japan as of January 4, an immigration agency official told AFP. More than 150,000 of those are students, with another 129,000 workers hired to take part in a technical training programme that is a key source of foreign labour for several industries in the country. While Japan has not pursued a zero-Covid policy and has avoided strict lockdowns, it has made tough border measures a centrepiece of its pandemic response. Also read | Russia says Japan is whipping up ‘hysteria’ in Kuril Islands row Even citizens and returning residents able to enter have been subject to quarantines of up to two weeks, with testing before and after entering the country. Kishida said quarantine requirements would now be eased, going from seven to three days, if arrivals test negative. Quarantine will be removed altogether for those with three vaccines doses coming from countries judged low-risk, he added, without specifying particular nations. Japan has recorded more than 20,950 deaths in the pandemic and polls show Japanese broadly favour the tough restrictions, with nearly 60 percent of respondents in a recent survey by public broadcaster NHK backing a continued ban on entry. Davide Rossi, an Italian entrepreneur living in Japan who campaigns for students stuck outside the country, said the news was a light at the end of the tunnel, and many now hope they can enter Japan before the new semester in April. Watch | Japan is set to announce easing of COVID-19 border curbs "There is a very high sense of urgency. People are really on the verge of quitting, but now, with this announcement, they have some hope," he told AFP. But he recalled the way the border restrictions were tightened in November, just weeks after being eased. "Hopefully this is a lesson, too, and the borders won't close again like they did in November, because that really hurt a lot of people so much. I hope things will get better from today."

COVID-19: Japan eases virus border rules for workers and students but tourists will still be barred

Japan is a country known for being seismically very active. The citizens suffer from earthquakes many times in a short span of few years. Now, scientists think an underground rocky mass the size of a mountain may be the cause of huge earthquakes in southern Japan.

Researchers have found the structure, called Kumano Pluton is beneath the coast of southern Japan. 3D visualisation of the Kumano Pluton has revealed that tectonic energy from megaquakes seems to be diverted to several points along its side.

"We cannot predict exactly when, where, or how large future earthquakes will be, but by combining our model with monitoring data, we can begin estimating near-future processes," says geophysicist Shuichi Kodaira of the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology in Japan. He was quoted by University of Texas at Austin website.

To understand true extent of the Kumano Pluton, scientists examined 20 years of seismic data. The painstaking work included millions of recordings from Japan network of seismic sensors.&nbsp;

The biggest ever seismic data set was then fed to LoneStar5 supercomputer at the university.

Kumano Pluton is very dense and rigid and researchers think it contributes to the tectonic activity that causes earthquakes

Huge earthquakes of more than 8 intensity have been observed to have originated on the flanks of the Pluton in 1944 and 1946. 
&nbsp;

Japan is a country known for being seismically very active. The citizens suffer from earthquakes many times in a short span of few years. Now, scientists think an underground rocky mass the size of a mountain may be the cause of huge earthquakes in southern Japan.

Japan is a country known for being seismically very active. The citizens suffer from earthquakes many times in a short span of few years. Now, scientists think an underground rocky mass the size of a mountain may be the cause of huge earthquakes in southern Japan. Researchers have found the structure, called Kumano Pluton is beneath the coast of southern Japan. 3D visualisation of the Kumano Pluton has revealed that tectonic energy from megaquakes seems to be diverted to several points along its side. "We cannot predict exactly when, where, or how large future earthquakes will be, but by combining our model with monitoring data, we can begin estimating near-future processes," says geophysicist Shuichi Kodaira of the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology in Japan. He was quoted by University of Texas at Austin website. To understand true extent of the Kumano Pluton, scientists examined 20 years of seismic data. The painstaking work included millions of recordings from Japan network of seismic sensors. The biggest ever seismic data set was then fed to LoneStar5 supercomputer at the university. Kumano Pluton is very dense and rigid and researchers think it contributes to the tectonic activity that causes earthquakes Huge earthquakes of more than 8 intensity have been observed to have originated on the flanks of the Pluton in 1944 and 1946.

Rock the size of mountain under Japan may be causing megaquakes 

Japan's services sector activity contracted at the fastest pace in five months in January in a sign business faced pressure from a record surge in new coronavirus infections due to the Omicron variant.

Japan's service sector shrinks amid Covid-19 surge

The Japanese capital Tokyo has reported more than 20,000 cases in a day denting the country's hope for riding out the Omicron surge. The is the highest number of daily infections ever since the start of the pandemic.

Japan: More than 20,000 daily covid-19 cases reported in Tokyo

Japan's parliament has passed a rare resolution where it expressed its concerns over rights issue in China and has asked the government to take steps to relieve the situation.

Japan's parliament passes rare resolution expressing concern over rights abuses in China

Have you ever wondered about the 'elixir of youth'? Myths and folklores have mentioned it and we have also heard about&nbsp;it in several movies.&nbsp;

As the name signifies, the 'elixir of life' or the 'elixir of youth' can be termed as a magical potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life or eternal youth.&nbsp;

Who wouldn't want it? However, it appears that people who live on the Japanese island of Okinawa might have found a way to slow down the ageing process.&nbsp;

Well, it's not because of some elixir as people in Okinawa, which stretch across the East China Sea can be an inspiration for good health and long life. It is because of their choice of food and way of living.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that people in Okinawa enjoy the longest life expectancy of anyone on Earth, also they have good health when they get old.&nbsp;

But what are their secrets?

Okinawans keep a low-fat and low-salt diet with the inclusion of fruit, vegetables, tofu and seaweed. They also eat lesser amounts as they believe in 'Hara Hachi Bu', which means 'stop eating when you are 80 per cent full'.&nbsp;

What is Hara Hachi Bu?&nbsp;

Hara Hachi bu is a Japanese term that means - eat until you are 80 per cent full. Originated in Okinawa, the process helps people to control their diet.&nbsp;

Interestingly, they have one of the lowest rates of illness from heart disease, cancer and stroke, and a fairly long life expectancy.&nbsp;

How to Hara Hachi Bu?

Several experts have studied how people in Okinawa go about Hara Hachi Bu. As per the analysis, one should decide how much to eat after looking at the plate.&nbsp;

After that estimate and separate 80 per cent of the total food on the plate and the aim should be to feel satisfied and not hungry, rather than full while eating.&nbsp;

Experts have mentioned that this is good advice for overeaters who are learning how to fill their stomachs only just enough.&nbsp;

Are you intrigued? It's time to try this unique way of eating in pursuit of a long and healthy life such as people in Okinawa. &nbsp;

Have you ever wondered about the 'elixir of youth'? Myths and folklores have mentioned it and we have also heard about it in several movies. As the name signifies, the 'elixir of life' or the 'elixir of youth' can be termed as a magical potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life or eternal youth.

Have you ever wondered about the 'elixir of youth'? Myths and folklores have mentioned it and we have also heard about it in several movies. As the name signifies, the 'elixir of life' or the 'elixir of youth' can be termed as a magical potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life or eternal youth. Who wouldn't want it? However, it appears that people who live on the Japanese island of Okinawa might have found a way to slow down the ageing process. Well, it's not because of some elixir as people in Okinawa, which stretch across the East China Sea can be an inspiration for good health and long life. It is because of their choice of food and way of living. Reports have mentioned that people in Okinawa enjoy the longest life expectancy of anyone on Earth, also they have good health when they get old. But what are their secrets? Okinawans keep a low-fat and low-salt diet with the inclusion of fruit, vegetables, tofu and seaweed. They also eat lesser amounts as they believe in 'Hara Hachi Bu', which means 'stop eating when you are 80 per cent full'. What is Hara Hachi Bu? Hara Hachi bu is a Japanese term that means - eat until you are 80 per cent full. Originated in Okinawa, the process helps people to control their diet. Interestingly, they have one of the lowest rates of illness from heart disease, cancer and stroke, and a fairly long life expectancy. How to Hara Hachi Bu? Several experts have studied how people in Okinawa go about Hara Hachi Bu. As per the analysis, one should decide how much to eat after looking at the plate. After that estimate and separate 80 per cent of the total food on the plate and the aim should be to feel satisfied and not hungry, rather than full while eating. Experts have mentioned that this is good advice for overeaters who are learning how to fill their stomachs only just enough. Are you intrigued? It's time to try this unique way of eating in pursuit of a long and healthy life such as people in Okinawa.

Hara Hachi Bu: The Japanese way of healthy living, weight loss and long life

The Japanese capital Tokyo is witnessing more than 10,000 new Coronavirus cases in a day. Ms. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo spoke to WION on the Covid-19 situation in Tokyo and the restrictions that are being considered to contain this sharp surge.

High tech Robots are being used to take care of Covid patients, says Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo

Is crunch time getting expensive in Japan?

For the first time since its debut in 1979, Japan's favourite corn puff snack, Umaibo, is getting a new price tag as the company has announced that it is increasing the price.&nbsp;

Based in the capital city Tokyo, the Yaokin Corp informed, as reported by Japan-based The Mainichi paper that the product would go up from a retail price of about&nbsp;by 2 yen ($.02) apiece, from the original 10 ($0.09 yen) to 12 yen ($0.11)&nbsp;from April.&nbsp;

The company also mentioned that the decision has been made due to the higher costs. Takeshi Nemoto has been in charge of purchasing snacks at Tokyo in snack shop Kawahara Shoten for decades. He made a similar prediction for other cheap snacks.

"There's nothing we can do (about the price hike). From a maker's point of view, they cannot secure profit anymore unless they raise the price," he said.&nbsp;

What is Umaibo?&nbsp;

Umaibo is famous as the "delicious stick" and had defined Japan's low growth for decades by keeping its price unchanged.&nbsp;

The 'delicious sticks' are quite similar to cheese puffs but shaped like a cylinder. They come in 15 flavours, from cheese to seasoned cod roe, with creamy corn soup the best seller. Reports have mentioned that around 700 million of the crunchy sticks are sold annually, both in packs and individually.

While prices are surging in the West, Japanese companies have so far been reluctant to increase prices across the board, out of fear of losing cost-sensitive customers.&nbsp;

Customers were shocked by the news. "I never imagined an impact on cheap snacks, something that kids can easily buy, so I'm a bit sad and surprised," said 51-year-old housewife Naomi Hosaka.

(With inputs from agencies)

Is crunch time getting expensive in Japan? For the first time since its debut in 1979, Japan's favourite corn puff snack, Umaibo, is getting a new price tag as the company has announced that it is increasing the price.

Is crunch time getting expensive in Japan? For the first time since its debut in 1979, Japan's favourite corn puff snack, Umaibo, is getting a new price tag as the company has announced that it is increasing the price. Based in the capital city Tokyo, the Yaokin Corp informed, as reported by Japan-based The Mainichi paper that the product would go up from a retail price of about by 2 yen ($.02) apiece, from the original 10 ($0.09 yen) to 12 yen ($0.11) from April. The company also mentioned that the decision has been made due to the higher costs. Takeshi Nemoto has been in charge of purchasing snacks at Tokyo in snack shop Kawahara Shoten for decades. He made a similar prediction for other cheap snacks. "There's nothing we can do (about the price hike). From a maker's point of view, they cannot secure profit anymore unless they raise the price," he said. What is Umaibo? Umaibo is famous as the "delicious stick" and had defined Japan's low growth for decades by keeping its price unchanged. The 'delicious sticks' are quite similar to cheese puffs but shaped like a cylinder. They come in 15 flavours, from cheese to seasoned cod roe, with creamy corn soup the best seller. Reports have mentioned that around 700 million of the crunchy sticks are sold annually, both in packs and individually. While prices are surging in the West, Japanese companies have so far been reluctant to increase prices across the board, out of fear of losing cost-sensitive customers. Customers were shocked by the news. "I never imagined an impact on cheap snacks, something that kids can easily buy, so I'm a bit sad and surprised," said 51-year-old housewife Naomi Hosaka. (With inputs from agencies)

'Delicious stick': Popular Japanese cheap snack is getting expensive for first time in 43 years

Defending champions Japan beat Vietnam 3-0 at the Women`s Asian Cup in Pune on Monday to book their place in the quarter-finals alongside Australia and South Korea.

Yui Narumiya scored twice, with her goals coming either side of an effort from former Asian Women`s Player of the Year Saki Kumagai.

Victory means Japan go into their final game in Group C against South Korea on Thursday guaranteed a top-two finish. 
Futoshi Ikeda`s side had to wait until the 38th minute to take the lead when Narumiya netted from close range, while Kumagai claimed a rare international goal from similar range five minutes into the second half.

Narumiya beat Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh to her left in the 58th minute to put the seal on a comfortable win for the 2014 and 2018 winners.

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The result ensures South Korea also advance after their 2-0 win over Myanmar earlier in the day. 
The Koreans struggled to break down their defensively disciplined opponents but finally opened their account five minutes into the second half when Lee Geum-min netted following Cho So-hyun`s cushioned header.

Chelsea midfielder Ji So-yun was instrumental in the second goal six minutes from time when her header back across the target brushed against defender Tun Khin Mo Mo before crossing the line via the inside of the post. 
The Australians confirmed their place in the next round when a decisive second-half showing saw Tony Gustavsson`s side defeat Philippines 4-0 in Mumbai.

After a goalless first half, Sam Kerr opened the scoring with a 51st-minute header before Dominique Randle`s own goal two minutes later put the Matildas in control of the Group B encounter.

Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler were also on target as the Australians defeated a Philippines side directed by former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic.

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The win, coupled with their 18-0 thrashing of Indonesia on the opening day, means the Australians are guaranteed a place in the last eight ahead.

Thailand kept alive their hopes of a quarter-final place with a comfortable 4-0 win over Indonesia. 
Kanyanat Chetthabutr scored a hat-trick before Dee Makris scored her side`s fourth as the Thais moved level on three points with the Philippines, with Australia on top of the group.

The top two finishers in each of the three groups will advance to the knockout rounds along with the two third-place finishers with the best records.

The competition is doubling up as Asia`s qualifier for next year`s Women`s World Cup, with the continent awarded five guaranteed spots at the finals in Australia and New Zealand. 
Australia qualify for the World Cup as co-hosts while two other Asian nations will feature in an intercontinental playoff round.

Defending champions Japan beat Vietnam 3-0 at the Women`s Asian Cup in Pune on Monday to book their place in the quarter-finals alongside Australia and South Korea.

Defending champions Japan beat Vietnam 3-0 at the Women`s Asian Cup in Pune on Monday to book their place in the quarter-finals alongside Australia and South Korea. Yui Narumiya scored twice, with her goals coming either side of an effort from former Asian Women`s Player of the Year Saki Kumagai. Victory means Japan go into their final game in Group C against South Korea on Thursday guaranteed a top-two finish. Futoshi Ikeda`s side had to wait until the 38th minute to take the lead when Narumiya netted from close range, while Kumagai claimed a rare international goal from similar range five minutes into the second half. Narumiya beat Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh to her left in the 58th minute to put the seal on a comfortable win for the 2014 and 2018 winners. Read Also | Premier League reports COVID-19 cases falling for fourth consecutive week The result ensures South Korea also advance after their 2-0 win over Myanmar earlier in the day. The Koreans struggled to break down their defensively disciplined opponents but finally opened their account five minutes into the second half when Lee Geum-min netted following Cho So-hyun`s cushioned header. Chelsea midfielder Ji So-yun was instrumental in the second goal six minutes from time when her header back across the target brushed against defender Tun Khin Mo Mo before crossing the line via the inside of the post. The Australians confirmed their place in the next round when a decisive second-half showing saw Tony Gustavsson`s side defeat Philippines 4-0 in Mumbai. After a goalless first half, Sam Kerr opened the scoring with a 51st-minute header before Dominique Randle`s own goal two minutes later put the Matildas in control of the Group B encounter. Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler were also on target as the Australians defeated a Philippines side directed by former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic. Read Also | Premier League: Liverpool fend off Crytal Palace fightback to close gap on Manchester City The win, coupled with their 18-0 thrashing of Indonesia on the opening day, means the Australians are guaranteed a place in the last eight ahead. Thailand kept alive their hopes of a quarter-final place with a comfortable 4-0 win over Indonesia. Kanyanat Chetthabutr scored a hat-trick before Dee Makris scored her side`s fourth as the Thais moved level on three points with the Philippines, with Australia on top of the group. The top two finishers in each of the three groups will advance to the knockout rounds along with the two third-place finishers with the best records. The competition is doubling up as Asia`s qualifier for next year`s Women`s World Cup, with the continent awarded five guaranteed spots at the finals in Australia and New Zealand. Australia qualify for the World Cup as co-hosts while two other Asian nations will feature in an intercontinental playoff round.

Women's Asian Cup: Japan advances to quarterfinals with win over Vietnam

Smashing the patriarchy in the human world has been easier said than done. But last year, a 9-year-old female Japanese macaque in a reserve in southern Japan showed humans how it’s done by violently overthrowing the alpha male of her troop to become its first female leader in the reserve’s 70-year history.

The macaque, named Yakei, presides over a troop of 677 monkeys in Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, which was established as a reserve for monkeys in 1952. There are two troops on the island reserve, and they spend most of their time roaming the forested mountain at its center. They also make daily visits to a park at the base of the mountain, where the staff provides food. Since the reserve opened, its staff has kept tabs on the romantic and political struggles of the simian residents.

Yakei’s ascent to alpha status surprised both scientists and reserve workers, who are now closely observing Yakei’s reign to see how long she can maintain her supremacy. And with breeding season sending Yakei into the middle of something like a messy love triangle, some experts wonder if she may be vulnerable to a usurper.

​​The Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is a highly intelligent species native to Japan. It is well known for its beet-red bottom and its affinity for soaking in hot springs.

While many animals, including bees, hyenas and elephants, live in female-led societies, a hostile takeover by a female “is very rare in Japanese macaque society, and only a few cases have been reported in the history of primatology,” Yu Kaigaishi, a research fellow at the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, said in an email.

Japanese macaque society is based on a strict hierarchy. The higher an individual monkey’s rank, the greater its access to food, mates and resting locations. Females inherit the rank just below their mothers and rarely leave the troop they were born into. Males leave their natal troop upon reaching puberty and join a new troop, where their rank is usually determined by the amount of time they have spent in the troop. However, rank is sometimes gained through acts of violence, typically male on male.

Yakei confounded what primatologists expected among Japanese macaques. Last April, she beat up her own mother to claim the top spot among the females of her troop. While most females would be content there, Yakei continued to fight.

According to reserve workers, Yakei assaulted three high-ranking males, then went after Nanchu, who had led the troop for five years. At the age of 31, Nanchu is elderly for a Japanese macaque and was ultimately no match for the young and determined Yakei.

“She physically attacked and defeated Nanchu, consequently acquiring the highest ranking in the troop,” said Kaigaishi, who studies the behavior of Japanese macaques.

After Yakei’s altercation with Nanchu, reserve workers performed what is known as a “peanut test”: providing the monkeys with peanuts and seeing who eats first. Males and females stepped aside to let Yakei eat first, a confirmation of her alpha status.

Since then, “Yakei has shown some behaviors typically seen only in dominant males, such as walking with her tail up and shaking tree branches with her body,” said Kaigaishi, who is not affiliated with the reserve. "It sounds as if she is behaving like an adult male, being more aggressive than other individuals.”

Although Yakei seems to be leaning into her role, she is likely to face challenges. The reign of an alpha can last from a few months to over a decade. But observers of the troop say that mating season could change things for Yakei.

Mating time at the reserve, which typically runs from November until March, is in full swing. During the breeding season, male and female macaques, which are polygamous, form pair bonds. They mate, feed, rest and travel with their partners for an average of 16 days. After this period, the bond dissolves, and the females seek new partners. Females typically mate with an average of four males each breeding season.

“Mating season generally heats things up in Japanese macaque society,” said Katherine Cronin of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, who studies animal social behavior and cognition, including of her zoo’s own Japanese macaques. “The environment becomes more competitive and tense.”

During previous breeding seasons, Yakei paired with Goro, a 15-year-old male ranked sixth within the troop. According to the reserve, the Japanese newspaper Manichi Shimbun reported, Goro bit Yakei in the face in 2019, a move that caused her bottom to flush bright red — a sign she was ready and willing to take him as a mate. However, since Yakei has claimed the troop’s top spot, Goro seems to have lost interest in her.

Since then, another male, an 18-year-old named Luffy, ranked fifth in the troop, has tried to woo Yakei, but to no avail. “Luffy likes Yakei, but it appears one-sided,” Satoshi Kimoto, a guide at Takasakiyama, said in an email.

Yakei could feasibly form pair bonds with both Goro and Luffy over the course of this breeding season. However, her distaste for Luffy seems to have recently evolved into something more akin to fear.

“I visited Takasakiyama last week and observed that Yakei showed a facial expression (known as ‘fear grimace’) typical for subordinate individuals against Luffy,” Kaigaishi said in an email. “Also, I observed Luffy pushing Yakei away to monopolize food.”

While Kaigaishi said more data was needed to reach any conclusions, he added, “It seemed that Luffy was dominant over Yakei.”

Whether Yakei’s behavior is the result of a fall from power or simply a sign she doesn’t wish to mate with Luffy is not yet clear. Kimoto said he still believed that Yakei held the top spot and that “she won’t fall from the top only from mating.”

If Yakei’s rule continues, scientists like Kaigaishi will have a unique opportunity to study how Japanese macaques fare in a society led by a female.

“Japanese macaque society is so dramatic and unpredictable,” he said, “which is why many people, both researchers and nonresearchers, love to observe them.”

Smashing the patriarchy in the human world has been easier said than done. But last year, a 9-year-old female Japanese macaque in a reserve in southern Japan showed humans how it’s done by violently overthrowing the alpha male of her troop to become its first female leader in the reserve’s 70-year history.

Smashing the patriarchy in the human world has been easier said than done. But last year, a 9-year-old female Japanese macaque in a reserve in southern Japan showed humans how it’s done by violently overthrowing the alpha male of her troop to become its first female leader in the reserve’s 70-year history. The macaque, named Yakei, presides over a troop of 677 monkeys in Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, which was established as a reserve for monkeys in 1952. There are two troops on the island reserve, and they spend most of their time roaming the forested mountain at its center. They also make daily visits to a park at the base of the mountain, where the staff provides food. Since the reserve opened, its staff has kept tabs on the romantic and political struggles of the simian residents. Yakei’s ascent to alpha status surprised both scientists and reserve workers, who are now closely observing Yakei’s reign to see how long she can maintain her supremacy. And with breeding season sending Yakei into the middle of something like a messy love triangle, some experts wonder if she may be vulnerable to a usurper. The Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is a highly intelligent species native to Japan. It is well known for its beet-red bottom and its affinity for soaking in hot springs. While many animals, including bees, hyenas and elephants, live in female-led societies, a hostile takeover by a female “is very rare in Japanese macaque society, and only a few cases have been reported in the history of primatology,” Yu Kaigaishi, a research fellow at the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, said in an email. Japanese macaque society is based on a strict hierarchy. The higher an individual monkey’s rank, the greater its access to food, mates and resting locations. Females inherit the rank just below their mothers and rarely leave the troop they were born into. Males leave their natal troop upon reaching puberty and join a new troop, where their rank is usually determined by the amount of time they have spent in the troop. However, rank is sometimes gained through acts of violence, typically male on male. Yakei confounded what primatologists expected among Japanese macaques. Last April, she beat up her own mother to claim the top spot among the females of her troop. While most females would be content there, Yakei continued to fight. According to reserve workers, Yakei assaulted three high-ranking males, then went after Nanchu, who had led the troop for five years. At the age of 31, Nanchu is elderly for a Japanese macaque and was ultimately no match for the young and determined Yakei. “She physically attacked and defeated Nanchu, consequently acquiring the highest ranking in the troop,” said Kaigaishi, who studies the behavior of Japanese macaques. After Yakei’s altercation with Nanchu, reserve workers performed what is known as a “peanut test”: providing the monkeys with peanuts and seeing who eats first. Males and females stepped aside to let Yakei eat first, a confirmation of her alpha status. Since then, “Yakei has shown some behaviors typically seen only in dominant males, such as walking with her tail up and shaking tree branches with her body,” said Kaigaishi, who is not affiliated with the reserve. "It sounds as if she is behaving like an adult male, being more aggressive than other individuals.” Although Yakei seems to be leaning into her role, she is likely to face challenges. The reign of an alpha can last from a few months to over a decade. But observers of the troop say that mating season could change things for Yakei. Mating time at the reserve, which typically runs from November until March, is in full swing. During the breeding season, male and female macaques, which are polygamous, form pair bonds. They mate, feed, rest and travel with their partners for an average of 16 days. After this period, the bond dissolves, and the females seek new partners. Females typically mate with an average of four males each breeding season. “Mating season generally heats things up in Japanese macaque society,” said Katherine Cronin of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, who studies animal social behavior and cognition, including of her zoo’s own Japanese macaques. “The environment becomes more competitive and tense.” During previous breeding seasons, Yakei paired with Goro, a 15-year-old male ranked sixth within the troop. According to the reserve, the Japanese newspaper Manichi Shimbun reported, Goro bit Yakei in the face in 2019, a move that caused her bottom to flush bright red — a sign she was ready and willing to take him as a mate. However, since Yakei has claimed the troop’s top spot, Goro seems to have lost interest in her. Since then, another male, an 18-year-old named Luffy, ranked fifth in the troop, has tried to woo Yakei, but to no avail. “Luffy likes Yakei, but it appears one-sided,” Satoshi Kimoto, a guide at Takasakiyama, said in an email. Yakei could feasibly form pair bonds with both Goro and Luffy over the course of this breeding season. However, her distaste for Luffy seems to have recently evolved into something more akin to fear. “I visited Takasakiyama last week and observed that Yakei showed a facial expression (known as ‘fear grimace’) typical for subordinate individuals against Luffy,” Kaigaishi said in an email. “Also, I observed Luffy pushing Yakei away to monopolize food.” While Kaigaishi said more data was needed to reach any conclusions, he added, “It seemed that Luffy was dominant over Yakei.” Whether Yakei’s behavior is the result of a fall from power or simply a sign she doesn’t wish to mate with Luffy is not yet clear. Kimoto said he still believed that Yakei held the top spot and that “she won’t fall from the top only from mating.” If Yakei’s rule continues, scientists like Kaigaishi will have a unique opportunity to study how Japanese macaques fare in a society led by a female. “Japanese macaque society is so dramatic and unpredictable,” he said, “which is why many people, both researchers and nonresearchers, love to observe them.”

Love triangle challenges reign of Japan’s monkey queen

In the fourth missile test this year, North Korea has fired two suspected shot range ballistic missiles. South Korea's military reported that the missiles were fired from an airport in Pyongyang; Japan government also reported the launch.

North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile, Japan strongly condemns missile launch

In a shocking incident in Japan, at least three high school students were stabbed by a teenager. The incident happened right outside Tokyo's university premises, ahead of the nationwide college entrance exams.

Japan: 3 high school students & an elderly man stabbed by a teenager right outside Tokyo University

In the first clinical trial of its kind, a Japanese university said Friday it successfully transplanted stem cells into a patient with spinal cord damage.

As of today, there are no effective treatments available for paralysis caused by serious spinal cord injuries, which affects more than 100,000 people in Japan alone.

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To treat the injuries, surgeons at Keio University in Tokyo are looking into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

iPS cells are created by stimulating mature, already specialised cells back into a juvenile state.

They can then be prompted to mature into different kinds of cells, with the Keio University study using iPS-derived cells of the neural stem.

Over two million iPS-derived cells were implanted into a patient's spinal cord last month as the first step in the trial.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-diet-responsible-for-global-rise-of-autoimmune-diseases-say-researchers-443537" hreflang="en">Western diet responsible for global rise of autoimmune diseases, say researchers</a>

"This is definitely a huge step forward," Masaya Nakamura, a Keio University professor who heads the research, told reporters.

He noted that there is still "a lot of work to be done" before the treatment can be used.

In the first stage of the study, the researchers will confirm the safety of the transplant method.

An independent committee will monitor the patient for up to three months to determine whether the study can continue and other patients can receive transplants.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pig's heart transplanted into a human

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pigs-heart-transplanted-into-a-human-444001/embed" width="560"></iframe>

In addition, the team hopes to determine if stem cell implants improve neurological function and quality of life.

The university received government approval for the trial in 2019, but recruitment was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The team is focusing on patients who were injured from 14 to 28 days before their operation; however, patient information remains confidential.

After safety experiments were conducted on animals, the researchers were able to determine the number of cells they would implant. They cautioned that although they would monitor for therapeutic effects, the primary objective was to study the safety of injecting the cells.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the first clinical trial of its kind, a Japanese university said Friday it successfully transplanted stem cells into a patient with spinal cord damage. As of today, there are no effective treatments available for paralysis caused by serious spinal cord injuries, which affects more than 100,000 people in Japan alone.

In the first clinical trial of its kind, a Japanese university said Friday it successfully transplanted stem cells into a patient with spinal cord damage. As of today, there are no effective treatments available for paralysis caused by serious spinal cord injuries, which affects more than 100,000 people in Japan alone. Also read | Researcher says insomnia is remnant of biphasic sleep, not a disorder To treat the injuries, surgeons at Keio University in Tokyo are looking into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. iPS cells are created by stimulating mature, already specialised cells back into a juvenile state. They can then be prompted to mature into different kinds of cells, with the Keio University study using iPS-derived cells of the neural stem. Over two million iPS-derived cells were implanted into a patient's spinal cord last month as the first step in the trial. Also read | Western diet responsible for global rise of autoimmune diseases, say researchers "This is definitely a huge step forward," Masaya Nakamura, a Keio University professor who heads the research, told reporters. He noted that there is still "a lot of work to be done" before the treatment can be used. In the first stage of the study, the researchers will confirm the safety of the transplant method. An independent committee will monitor the patient for up to three months to determine whether the study can continue and other patients can receive transplants. Watch | Gravitas: Pig's heart transplanted into a human In addition, the team hopes to determine if stem cell implants improve neurological function and quality of life. The university received government approval for the trial in 2019, but recruitment was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team is focusing on patients who were injured from 14 to 28 days before their operation; however, patient information remains confidential. After safety experiments were conducted on animals, the researchers were able to determine the number of cells they would implant. They cautioned that although they would monitor for therapeutic effects, the primary objective was to study the safety of injecting the cells. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan carries out world-first spinal cord stem cell trial; a possible cure for spinal injury-related paralysis

In a bit to deepen defense cooperation the United States and Japan have agreed to collaborate on several new ventures this includes developing hypersonic and space based weaponry and a new deal on sharing the cost of US troops in Japan.

US, Japan strengthen defence ties, deal to counter hypersonic threats

To strengthen defence ties, the United States and Japan look to sign two pacts soon.

The two nations, who are looking to deepen defence cooperation,&nbsp;will ink a new five-year agreement soon to share the cost of the American military presence in the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. &nbsp;

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The leader was speaking at the outset of a virtual conference, which was held between the US and Japanese foreign and defence ministers on Thursday. &nbsp;

The two nations will also sign a deal to collaborate closely in research and development of defence-related technologies, which may include ways to counter threats from hypersonic weapons, said Blinken. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who joined virtually from home as he is recovering from a COVID-19 infection, said the US-Japan alliance is highly important. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-non-woke-social-media-app-rivalling-the-biased-big-tech-to-launch-soon-442778" hreflang="en">Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon</a>

"We're meeting against a backdrop of increased tensions and challenges to the free, stable and secure Indo-Pacific region that we both seek challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear ambitions and by the coercive and aggressive behaviour of the People's Republic of China," Austin said. &nbsp;

"We remain grateful for the support that Japan continues to provide US forces deployed there and for an extraordinary level of mutual cooperation across the full spectrum of military capabilities," he added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To strengthen defence ties, the United States and Japan look to sign two pacts soon. The two nations, who are looking to deepen defence cooperation, will ink a new five-year agreement soon to share the cost of the American military presence in the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

To strengthen defence ties, the United States and Japan look to sign two pacts soon. The two nations, who are looking to deepen defence cooperation, will ink a new five-year agreement soon to share the cost of the American military presence in the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Also Read: Chinese national in US steals agricultural tech, pleads guilty The leader was speaking at the outset of a virtual conference, which was held between the US and Japanese foreign and defence ministers on Thursday. The two nations will also sign a deal to collaborate closely in research and development of defence-related technologies, which may include ways to counter threats from hypersonic weapons, said Blinken. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who joined virtually from home as he is recovering from a COVID-19 infection, said the US-Japan alliance is highly important. Also Read: Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon "We're meeting against a backdrop of increased tensions and challenges to the free, stable and secure Indo-Pacific region that we both seek challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear ambitions and by the coercive and aggressive behaviour of the People's Republic of China," Austin said. "We remain grateful for the support that Japan continues to provide US forces deployed there and for an extraordinary level of mutual cooperation across the full spectrum of military capabilities," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

To strengthen ties, US, Japan look to ink crucial defence pacts soon

Stressing on the need for currency stability, Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said that he was watching market moves "carefully."&nbsp;

This comes at a time when the Japanese currency Yen has been drastically declining against the dollar. Speaking to reporters, he said, "I won't comment on the currency market itself, but stability is important above all. From that standpoint, we'll closely watch currency market moves and their impact on the Japanese economy."

It is feared that the decreasing value of the yen may push up import prices and households' cost of living at a time when the economy is already fighting against the ongoing pandemic.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-food-prices-rose-sharply-during-2021-hitting-a-10-year-high-un-442881">Also read |&nbsp;Global food prices rose ‘sharply’ during 2021, hitting a 10-year high: UN</a>

However, there are a few Japanese policymakers who have favour a weak yen as it provides exporters with a competitive advantage.

As per BOJ governor, Haruhiko Kuroda, the boost to export volume from a weak yen may have declined when compared to the past. This is because more Japanese companies have shifted their production abroad.

Kuroda also highlighted that the hit to households may have increased due to Japan's dependency on imports of raw materials.

This could also politically affect Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as wholesale inflation is already hitting a record high. As per JP Morgan analysts, the yen's real effective rate has gone down to its lowest level in 50 years.

"In a way, a weak yen reflects Japan's fundamentals," one ministry said on condition of anonymity. However, it further added that Tokyo was ready to step in if yen declines become too sharp.

(With inputs from agencies)

Stressing on the need for currency stability, Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said that he was watching market moves "carefully." This comes at a time when the Japanese currency Yen has been drastically declining against the dollar.

Stressing on the need for currency stability, Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said that he was watching market moves "carefully." This comes at a time when the Japanese currency Yen has been drastically declining against the dollar. Speaking to reporters, he said, "I won't comment on the currency market itself, but stability is important above all. From that standpoint, we'll closely watch currency market moves and their impact on the Japanese economy." It is feared that the decreasing value of the yen may push up import prices and households' cost of living at a time when the economy is already fighting against the ongoing pandemic. Also read | Global food prices rose ‘sharply’ during 2021, hitting a 10-year high: UN However, there are a few Japanese policymakers who have favour a weak yen as it provides exporters with a competitive advantage. As per BOJ governor, Haruhiko Kuroda, the boost to export volume from a weak yen may have declined when compared to the past. This is because more Japanese companies have shifted their production abroad. Kuroda also highlighted that the hit to households may have increased due to Japan's dependency on imports of raw materials. This could also politically affect Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as wholesale inflation is already hitting a record high. As per JP Morgan analysts, the yen's real effective rate has gone down to its lowest level in 50 years. "In a way, a weak yen reflects Japan's fundamentals," one ministry said on condition of anonymity. However, it further added that Tokyo was ready to step in if yen declines become too sharp. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan highlights need for currency stability as value of yen decreases

In defense cooperation, the United States and Japan have agreed to collaborate on several new ventures, this includes developing hypersonic and space-based weaponry and a new deal on sharing the cost of US troops in Japan.

US, Japan renew deal to share costs of US troops, vow defence cooperation to counter Chinese threat

In a bit to deepen defence cooperation, the United States and Japan have agreed to collaborate on several new ventures. This includes developing hypersonic and space-based weaponry and a new deal on sharing the cost of US troops in Japan.

US, Japan collaborate on new ventures, including developing hypersonic & space-based weaponry

US & Japan strengthen defence ties by signing 2 new defence deals

A heavy snowfall warning has been issued in japan's capital city Tokyo for the first time in four years. The first snowfall of the year for Japan turned into a bit of a scare after the Japan meteorological agency listed Tokyo and three surrounding districts under a heavy snow alert. Nearly two inches of snow had piled up in Tokyo while temperatures dropped to minus 0.4 degrees celsius.

Heavy snowfall warning in Japan's Tokyo, three surrounding areas under list

Japan and Australia have signed a landmark treaty to to beef up defence and security cooperation. The agreement is seen as another step by the regional allies to signal their concerns over China's military expansion. As China expands its military and also its economic clout, the accord will contribute to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan, Australia bolster ties with landmark defense, security pact

North Korea fired a projectile presumed to be a missile at 8:10 am (2310 GMT). The suspected ballistic missile was fired from inland location over the east coast and into the sea. The first such launch by the Kim Jong-Un regime from October is being seen as the country's resolve to bolster the military to counter an unstable international situation. The latest launch is eliciting reactions from countries

South Korea

South Korean President Moon Jae-In called for dialogue between the two countries. He acknowledged that the launch raised concerns of tensions and damage to inter-Korean relations, and called for North Korea to make sincere efforts for dialogue.

China

China's foreign ministry urged caution and dialogue&nbsp;

Speaking at a regular news conference in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged all parties to "bear in mind the bigger picture", cherish the "hard won" peace and stability on the peninsula and stick to the use of dialogue and consultation to reach political settlement.

Japan

Japanese government leaders condemned North Korea over its suspected missile launch toward the Sea of Japan.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio told reporters that it is regrettable that such action has occurred repeatedly since last year.

He said the government will further reinforce its surveillance of the situation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-unidentified-projectile-into-the-sea-442293">North Korea launches unidentified projectile into the sea</a>

Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo said the object is estimated to have flown around 500 kilometers and dropped into the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

He said there have been no reports of damage to Japanese aircraft and ships.

Kishi added that Japan has been coordinating closely with countries such as the United States and South Korea to protect people's lives.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

North Korea fired a projectile presumed to be a missile at 8:10 am (2310 GMT). The suspected ballistic missile was fired from inland location over the east coast and into the sea.

North Korea fired a projectile presumed to be a missile at 8:10 am (2310 GMT). The suspected ballistic missile was fired from inland location over the east coast and into the sea. The first such launch by the Kim Jong-Un regime from October is being seen as the country's resolve to bolster the military to counter an unstable international situation. The latest launch is eliciting reactions from countries South Korea South Korean President Moon Jae-In called for dialogue between the two countries. He acknowledged that the launch raised concerns of tensions and damage to inter-Korean relations, and called for North Korea to make sincere efforts for dialogue. China China's foreign ministry urged caution and dialogue Speaking at a regular news conference in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged all parties to "bear in mind the bigger picture", cherish the "hard won" peace and stability on the peninsula and stick to the use of dialogue and consultation to reach political settlement. Japan Japanese government leaders condemned North Korea over its suspected missile launch toward the Sea of Japan. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio told reporters that it is regrettable that such action has occurred repeatedly since last year. He said the government will further reinforce its surveillance of the situation. Also Read | North Korea launches unidentified projectile into the sea Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo said the object is estimated to have flown around 500 kilometers and dropped into the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. He said there have been no reports of damage to Japanese aircraft and ships. Kishi added that Japan has been coordinating closely with countries such as the United States and South Korea to protect people's lives. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable

Japan's tech giant Sony plans to establish a new electric vehicle firm. A prototype vehicle is already being tested on public roads.

Japan's Sony plans to establish a new electric vehicle firm

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