In a major shift for a country long closed to immigrants,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;is looking to allow foreigners in certain blue-collar jobs to stay indefinitely starting as early as the 2022 fiscal year, a justice ministry official said on Thursday.

Under a law that took effect in 2019, a category of "specified skilled workers" in 14 sectors such as farming, nursing care and sanitation have been granted visas but stays have been limited to five years and without family members for workers in all but the construction and shipbuilding sectors.

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Companies had cited those restrictions among reasons they were hesitant to hire such help, and the government had been looking to ease those restrictions in the other fields.

If the revision takes effect, such workers,&nbsp;many from Vietnam and China,&nbsp;would be allowed to renew their visas indefinitely and bring their families with them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japanese-scientists-use-genetically-modified-worm-to-detect-cancer-430201">Also read |&nbsp;Japanese scientists use genetically modified worm to detect cancer</a>

Top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno stressed, however, that any such change would not mean automatic permanent residency, which would require a separate application process.

Immigration has long been taboo in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;as many prize ethnic homogeneity, but pressure has mounted to open up its borders due to an acute labour shortage given its dwindling and ageing population.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/docked-49-cents-from-wages-for-2-minute-delay-anguished-japanese-train-driver-sues-employer-for-20000-428459">Also read |&nbsp;Docked 49 cents from wages for 2-minute delay, anguished Japanese train driver sues employer for $20,000</a>

"As the shrinking population becomes a more serious problem and if&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;wants to be seen as a good option for overseas workers, it needs to communicate that it has the proper structure in place to welcome them," Toshihiro Menju, managing director of think tank&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Center for International Exchange, told Reuters.

The 2019 law was meant to attract some 345,000 "specified skilled workers" over five years, but the intake has hovered at around 3,000 per month before the COVID-19 pandemic sealed the borders, according to government data.

As of late 2020,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;housed 1.72 million foreign workers, out of a total population of 125.8 million and just 2.5 per cent&nbsp;of its working population.

In a major shift for a country long closed to immigrants, Japan is looking to allow foreigners in certain blue-collar jobs to stay indefinitely starting as early as the 2022 fiscal year, a justice ministry official said on Thursday.

In a major shift for a country long closed to immigrants, Japan is looking to allow foreigners in certain blue-collar jobs to stay indefinitely starting as early as the 2022 fiscal year, a justice ministry official said on Thursday. Under a law that took effect in 2019, a category of "specified skilled workers" in 14 sectors such as farming, nursing care and sanitation have been granted visas but stays have been limited to five years and without family members for workers in all but the construction and shipbuilding sectors. Companies had cited those restrictions among reasons they were hesitant to hire such help, and the government had been looking to ease those restrictions in the other fields. If the revision takes effect, such workers, many from Vietnam and China, would be allowed to renew their visas indefinitely and bring their families with them. Also read | Japanese scientists use genetically modified worm to detect cancer Top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno stressed, however, that any such change would not mean automatic permanent residency, which would require a separate application process. Immigration has long been taboo in Japan as many prize ethnic homogeneity, but pressure has mounted to open up its borders due to an acute labour shortage given its dwindling and ageing population. Also read | Docked 49 cents from wages for 2-minute delay, anguished Japanese train driver sues employer for $20,000 "As the shrinking population becomes a more serious problem and if Japan wants to be seen as a good option for overseas workers, it needs to communicate that it has the proper structure in place to welcome them," Toshihiro Menju, managing director of think tank Japan Center for International Exchange, told Reuters. The 2019 law was meant to attract some 345,000 "specified skilled workers" over five years, but the intake has hovered at around 3,000 per month before the COVID-19 pandemic sealed the borders, according to government data. As of late 2020, Japan housed 1.72 million foreign workers, out of a total population of 125.8 million and just 2.5 per cent of its working population.

Japan looks to accept more foreigners in key policy shift

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage.

The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C. elegans” created by a Japanese firm, Hirotsu Bio Science.

It is well known that bodily fluids of cancer patients smell different to those of healthy people. There have been experiments with dogs who were trained to detect the disease in breath or urine samples. However, the method is time-consuming.

The firm has claimed that their genetically modified worm, which is around one-millimetre-long, has an acute sense of smell and will be able to react to the urine of people with cancer.

With this experiment, the scientists claimed that it was possible to detect cancer early.

“The new test is not meant to diagnose pancreatic cancer, but could help boost routine screening as urine samples can be collected at home without the need for a hospital visit,” Hirotsu said at a press conference on Tuesday.

And if the worms raise the alarm, the patient would then be referred to a doctor for further testing, he said.

"This is a major technological advancement," CEO Takaaki Hirotsu, a former academic who studied the tiny worms known as nematodes, told AFP.

He is hopeful it could help boost cancer detection rates in Japan, which like many countries has seen screening rates drop during the pandemic as people avoided medical visits.

Hirotsu and Osaka University detailed "C. elegans"&nbsp;cancer-detecting skills in a joint study published earlier this year in the peer-reviewed journal "Oncotarget"

In separate tests conducted by the firm, the worms correctly identified all 22 urine samples from pancreatic cancer patients, including people with early stages of the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C.

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C. elegans” created by a Japanese firm, Hirotsu Bio Science. It is well known that bodily fluids of cancer patients smell different to those of healthy people. There have been experiments with dogs who were trained to detect the disease in breath or urine samples. However, the method is time-consuming. The firm has claimed that their genetically modified worm, which is around one-millimetre-long, has an acute sense of smell and will be able to react to the urine of people with cancer. With this experiment, the scientists claimed that it was possible to detect cancer early. “The new test is not meant to diagnose pancreatic cancer, but could help boost routine screening as urine samples can be collected at home without the need for a hospital visit,” Hirotsu said at a press conference on Tuesday. And if the worms raise the alarm, the patient would then be referred to a doctor for further testing, he said. "This is a major technological advancement," CEO Takaaki Hirotsu, a former academic who studied the tiny worms known as nematodes, told AFP. He is hopeful it could help boost cancer detection rates in Japan, which like many countries has seen screening rates drop during the pandemic as people avoided medical visits. Hirotsu and Osaka University detailed "C. elegans" cancer-detecting skills in a joint study published earlier this year in the peer-reviewed journal "Oncotarget" In separate tests conducted by the firm, the worms correctly identified all 22 urine samples from pancreatic cancer patients, including people with early stages of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese scientists use genetically modified worm to detect cancer

Japan's exports snapped seven months of double-digit growth in October due to slowing car shipments, as global supply constraints hit the country's major manufacturers.

Japan's exports snap seven months of double-digit growth

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission.

China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza so far this year, which is more than in the whole of 2020, according to local media reports.

Japan has reported its first outbreak of the 2021 winter season, at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the OIE said, confirming a statement last week by Japan's agriculture ministry. The serotype in this outbreak was H5N8.

South Korea, too, reported an outbreak at a farm of around 770,000 poultry in Chungcheongbuk-do, the OIE said on Monday, citing a report from the South Korean authorities. All animals were slaughtered.

In India, some parts of the state reported the spread of avian influenza. In western Rajasthan state, 189 birds died due to H5N1 virus on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-triggers-worries-of-another-pandemic-354934">Bird Flu triggers worries of another pandemic</a>

India had reported its first case of human transmission in July this year when an 11-year-old boy died of H5N1 virus while undergoing treatment for leukaemia and pneumonia in Dehli’s AIIMS hospital.

In Europe, Norway reported an H5N1&nbsp;bird flu outbreak&nbsp;in the Rogaland region in a flock of 7,000 birds, the OIE said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-first-cases-of-h5n8-bird-flu-in-humans-365072">Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans</a>

The Belgian government has put the country on a bird flu lockdown, ordering poultry to be kept indoors as of Monday, after a highly pathogenic variant of bird flu was identified in a wild goose near Antwerp.

Similarly, France and Netherlands also announced strict measures to curb the spread of virus in October.

Germany reported several cases in a couple of farms with the latest outbreak seen on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-this-seasons-first-bird-flu-outbreak-culling-143000-chickens-428219">Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens</a>

Bird flu or Avian influenza is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well.

According to experts, Bird flu cannot be transmitted through the eating of poultry products.

According to World Health Organization, from January 2003 to July 8, 2021, there were 239 cases of human infection of avian influenza. Of these cases, 455 were fatal. The last was reported from Laos on October 31, 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission.

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu have been reported in Europe and Asia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), triggering fears of human transmission. China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza so far this year, which is more than in the whole of 2020, according to local media reports. Japan has reported its first outbreak of the 2021 winter season, at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the OIE said, confirming a statement last week by Japan's agriculture ministry. The serotype in this outbreak was H5N8. South Korea, too, reported an outbreak at a farm of around 770,000 poultry in Chungcheongbuk-do, the OIE said on Monday, citing a report from the South Korean authorities. All animals were slaughtered. In India, some parts of the state reported the spread of avian influenza. In western Rajasthan state, 189 birds died due to H5N1 virus on Sunday. Also read | Bird Flu triggers worries of another pandemic India had reported its first case of human transmission in July this year when an 11-year-old boy died of H5N1 virus while undergoing treatment for leukaemia and pneumonia in Dehli’s AIIMS hospital. In Europe, Norway reported an H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the Rogaland region in a flock of 7,000 birds, the OIE said. Also read | Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans The Belgian government has put the country on a bird flu lockdown, ordering poultry to be kept indoors as of Monday, after a highly pathogenic variant of bird flu was identified in a wild goose near Antwerp. Similarly, France and Netherlands also announced strict measures to curb the spread of virus in October. Germany reported several cases in a couple of farms with the latest outbreak seen on Wednesday. Also read | Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens Bird flu or Avian influenza is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well. According to experts, Bird flu cannot be transmitted through the eating of poultry products. According to World Health Organization, from January 2003 to July 8, 2021, there were 239 cases of human infection of avian influenza. Of these cases, 455 were fatal. The last was reported from Laos on October 31, 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe, Asia on alert after reporting ‘severe’ avian influenza outbreak

Scientists in Japan have developed an optical fibre with four cores to record the world's fastest internet speed.

Approximately 7.6 million times faster than the average internet speed&nbsp;in the houses of the United States, the engineers were able to achieve a record-breaking speed of 319 terabits.

At this speed, almost 80,000 movies can be downloaded in just one second. Whereas, in the US, the average internet speed is 42mbps.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-never-before-seen-mineral-trapped-in-a-diamond-429626" hreflang="en">Scientists find never-before-seen mineral trapped in a diamond</a>

The experiment has been conducted by Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology.

After combining the four optical fibre cables, the engineers passed fires pulses of varying amplifications and wavelengths to transmit it to a greater distance.

Researchers hope that such fibers can ''enable practical high data-rate transmission in the near-term, contributing to the realization of the backbone communications system, necessary for the spread of new communication services beyond 5G.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-iceland-tourism-mocks-metaverse-in-funny-ad-mark-zuckerberg-responds-429552" hreflang="en">Watch: Iceland Tourism mocks metaverse in funny ad, Mark Zuckerberg responds</a>

Countries and companies are seeking to protect or exploit deep-sea resources, from exploring for oil and gas to installing wind farms or laying fibre-optic cables for the internet.

Russia is laying its first undersea fibre optic communications cable through the Arctic as part of a state-run project to bring high-speed internet to its remote hydrocarbon-rich north after a private-led initiative stalled.

It aims to improve patchy communications and infrastructure in its far north where it has expanded its military presence and is developing the Northern Sea Route to become a major shipping lane.

Scientists in Japan have developed an optical fibre with four cores to record the world's fastest internet speed. Approximately 7.6 million times faster than the average internet speed in the houses of the United States, the engineers were able to achieve a record-breaking speed of 319 terabits.

Scientists in Japan have developed an optical fibre with four cores to record the world's fastest internet speed. Approximately 7.6 million times faster than the average internet speed in the houses of the United States, the engineers were able to achieve a record-breaking speed of 319 terabits. At this speed, almost 80,000 movies can be downloaded in just one second. Whereas, in the US, the average internet speed is 42mbps. Also read | Scientists find never-before-seen mineral trapped in a diamond The experiment has been conducted by Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. After combining the four optical fibre cables, the engineers passed fires pulses of varying amplifications and wavelengths to transmit it to a greater distance. Researchers hope that such fibers can ''enable practical high data-rate transmission in the near-term, contributing to the realization of the backbone communications system, necessary for the spread of new communication services beyond 5G.'' Also read | Watch: Iceland Tourism mocks metaverse in funny ad, Mark Zuckerberg responds Countries and companies are seeking to protect or exploit deep-sea resources, from exploring for oil and gas to installing wind farms or laying fibre-optic cables for the internet. Russia is laying its first undersea fibre optic communications cable through the Arctic as part of a state-run project to bring high-speed internet to its remote hydrocarbon-rich north after a private-led initiative stalled. It aims to improve patchy communications and infrastructure in its far north where it has expanded its military presence and is developing the Northern Sea Route to become a major shipping lane.

Scientists develop unique optical fibre to record world's fastest internet speed

As the global supply crisis and covid-19 hit business consumer spending the Japans's economy contracts much faster in the 3rd quarter, raising challenges for the new govt's growth plans.

World Business Watch: Japan's economy shrinks more than expected

After leaving the royal family and relinquishing titles, Japanese former princess Mako Komuro has arrived in the United States with her husband, Kei Komuro.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultra-rare-cotton-candy-coloured-lobster-found-in-casco-bay-us-429444" hreflang="en">Ultra-rare cotton candy-coloured lobster found in Casco Bay, US</a>

Following years of public attention over a financial scandal, the pair had tied the knot in Tokyo last month in muted fashion. The scandal involved Kei Komuro’s mother, which Mako Komuro said had caused her “sadness and pain”.&nbsp;

The couple could be seen flanked by security officials on Japanese TV channels as they made their way through New York’s John F Kennedy airport and into a vehicle, which was waiting for them.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-americans-are-cutting-ties-with-anti-vaxxer-family-members-survey-429470" hreflang="en">Majority of Americans are cutting ties with anti-vaxxer family members: Survey</a>

They were due to move to the US, where Kei Komuro attended law school and now works. The couple finally boarded a commercial flight on Sunday from Tokyo to New York. &nbsp;

The niece of Emperor Naruhito, Mako lost her royal title when she married a “commoner”. It is due to the post-war succession laws that allow only male members of the imperial family to ascend to the throne.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

After leaving the royal family and relinquishing titles, Japanese former princess Mako Komuro has arrived in the United States with her husband, Kei Komuro. Also Read: Ultra-rare cotton candy-coloured lobster found in Casco Bay, US Following years of public attention over a financial scandal, the pair had tied the knot in Tokyo last month in muted fashion.

After leaving the royal family and relinquishing titles, Japanese former princess Mako Komuro has arrived in the United States with her husband, Kei Komuro. Also Read: Ultra-rare cotton candy-coloured lobster found in Casco Bay, US Following years of public attention over a financial scandal, the pair had tied the knot in Tokyo last month in muted fashion. The scandal involved Kei Komuro’s mother, which Mako Komuro said had caused her “sadness and pain”. The couple could be seen flanked by security officials on Japanese TV channels as they made their way through New York’s John F Kennedy airport and into a vehicle, which was waiting for them. Also Read: Majority of Americans are cutting ties with anti-vaxxer family members: Survey They were due to move to the US, where Kei Komuro attended law school and now works. The couple finally boarded a commercial flight on Sunday from Tokyo to New York. The niece of Emperor Naruhito, Mako lost her royal title when she married a “commoner”. It is due to the post-war succession laws that allow only male members of the imperial family to ascend to the throne. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan’s princess to commoner: Mako begins new life in New York with husband 

Japan's ex-princess Mako has arrived in the US with her husband, Kei Komuro, the pair tied the knot in Tokyo last month. Following years of media scrutiny and controversies, footage aired on Japanese media channels on Sunday showed the pair guided with security personnel.

Japan's former princess Mako gives up royal title, arrives with husband in New York

Japan's new foreign minister says it's important to build constructive and stable ties with China while calling for responsible behavior from its giant neighbor.

Japan's new FM seeks good China ties

Japan's new foreign minister,&nbsp;Yoshimasa Hayashi, on Thursday said that it was important to build constructive and stable ties with China while calling for responsible behaviour from its neighbour.

Ties between Japan and China have not been so good due to territorial dispute over a group of tiny East China Sea islets as well as the legacy of Japan's past military aggression.

Hayashi, in his first news conference as a foreign minister, stressed the importance of constructive, stable relations with China.

"Ties between Japan and China are increasingly important not just for our two countries, but for the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community," Hayashi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-of-words-between-japan-and-china-escalates-377853">Also read |&nbsp;War of words between Japan and China escalates</a>

"We need to assert and ask for responsible behaviour while at the same time, maintain dialogue and firmly cooperate on shared challenges," he added.

However, he did not elaborate on what he meant by responsible behaviour. Hayashi also said he would step down as head of the Japan-China Parliamentarians' Friendship League to avoid "unnecessary misunderstanding".

A state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping was scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the coronavirus. Speaking about the same, Hayashi said that time was not ripe to set a date for a visit to Japan.

The war of words between China and Japan escalated in April this year as it played out on two fronts. The first was the Senkaku Islands and the second front was the Fukushima nuclear plant and Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the plant into the Ocean. China, at that time, was seeing this as an opportunity to further its own agenda.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan's new foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on Thursday said that it was important to build constructive and stable ties with China while calling for responsible behaviour from its neighbour.

Japan's new foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on Thursday said that it was important to build constructive and stable ties with China while calling for responsible behaviour from its neighbour. Ties between Japan and China have not been so good due to territorial dispute over a group of tiny East China Sea islets as well as the legacy of Japan's past military aggression. Hayashi, in his first news conference as a foreign minister, stressed the importance of constructive, stable relations with China. "Ties between Japan and China are increasingly important not just for our two countries, but for the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community," Hayashi said. Also read | War of words between Japan and China escalates "We need to assert and ask for responsible behaviour while at the same time, maintain dialogue and firmly cooperate on shared challenges," he added. However, he did not elaborate on what he meant by responsible behaviour. Hayashi also said he would step down as head of the Japan-China Parliamentarians' Friendship League to avoid "unnecessary misunderstanding". A state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping was scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the coronavirus. Speaking about the same, Hayashi said that time was not ripe to set a date for a visit to Japan. The war of words between China and Japan escalated in April this year as it played out on two fronts. The first was the Senkaku Islands and the second front was the Fukushima nuclear plant and Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the plant into the Ocean. China, at that time, was seeing this as an opportunity to further its own agenda. (With inputs from agencies)

Important to build 'constructive and stable ties' with China, says Japanese FM

A train driver in Japan has sued his employer after 56 yen ($0.49) was docked from his wages for causing a brief delay to the country’s famously punctual rail system.

The unidentified man has sued Rail company JR West for 2.2 million yen ($19,407) after he caused a one-minute delay to operations on June 18, 2020, according to local media reports.

The company reasoned that they cut his wages as no labour had been performed during the stoppage.

According to the Japanese news site, Soranews24, the unnamed man was to drive an empty train to Okayama station in the southern part of the country that morning, but arrived at the wrong platform while waiting to take over from the previous driver.

By the time he realised his mistake and raced to the correct platform, the transfer between the two drivers had been delayed by two minutes. Due to his, there was a one-minute delay in the train’s departure and a one-minute delay in warehousing the train at the depot.

In the following month, JR West initially cut 85 yen ($0.75) from the man’s salary, claiming that no labour was carried out during the two-minute&nbsp;delay.

Later, the company agreed to reduce the fine to 56 yen ($0.49) after the employee brought the case to the Okayama Labour Standards Inspection Office.

However, the employee refused to accept the cut and argued that the delay caused no actual disruption to the timetables or passengers as the train was empty during the incident.

But the company says it acted as per the “no work, no pay principle”, and cut the salary for employee's late arrival or an unexplained absence.

The employee slammed the company for “using wage cuts as sanctions for human error” and said that small mistakes should not be considered a breach of contract.

He took the matter to court in March, and is seeking compensation for mental anguish caused by the ordeal as well as 43 yen ($0.38) in compensation and 13 yen ($0.11) in overtime caused by the delay.

(With inputs from agencies)

A train driver in Japan has sued his employer after 56 yen ($0.49) was docked from his wages for causing a brief delay to the country’s famously punctual rail system.

A train driver in Japan has sued his employer after 56 yen ($0.49) was docked from his wages for causing a brief delay to the country’s famously punctual rail system. The unidentified man has sued Rail company JR West for 2.2 million yen ($19,407) after he caused a one-minute delay to operations on June 18, 2020, according to local media reports. The company reasoned that they cut his wages as no labour had been performed during the stoppage. According to the Japanese news site, Soranews24, the unnamed man was to drive an empty train to Okayama station in the southern part of the country that morning, but arrived at the wrong platform while waiting to take over from the previous driver. By the time he realised his mistake and raced to the correct platform, the transfer between the two drivers had been delayed by two minutes. Due to his, there was a one-minute delay in the train’s departure and a one-minute delay in warehousing the train at the depot. In the following month, JR West initially cut 85 yen ($0.75) from the man’s salary, claiming that no labour was carried out during the two-minute delay. Later, the company agreed to reduce the fine to 56 yen ($0.49) after the employee brought the case to the Okayama Labour Standards Inspection Office. However, the employee refused to accept the cut and argued that the delay caused no actual disruption to the timetables or passengers as the train was empty during the incident. But the company says it acted as per the “no work, no pay principle”, and cut the salary for employee's late arrival or an unexplained absence. The employee slammed the company for “using wage cuts as sanctions for human error” and said that small mistakes should not be considered a breach of contract. He took the matter to court in March, and is seeking compensation for mental anguish caused by the ordeal as well as 43 yen ($0.38) in compensation and 13 yen ($0.11) in overtime caused by the delay. (With inputs from agencies)

Docked 49 cents from wages for 2-minute delay, anguished Japanese train driver sues employer for $20,000

The business mood of Japan's big manufacturers sank to a near seven-year low in the fourth quarter due to Covid-19 restrictions

Japan manufacturers mood falls

The agricultural ministry said on Wednesday that Japan has discovered its first outbreak of bird flu for the 2021 winter season, with the confirmation of a case of "highly pathogenic avian influenza" at a poultry farm in the country's northeast.&nbsp;

This is the first reported avian influenza outbreak in the country this season.

The farm's 143,000 birds will be slaughtered.

The prefecture has asked that troops from the Self-Defense Forces be dispatched to assist.&nbsp;

By Thursday, all poultry within a 500-meter radius of the farm are anticipated to be slaughtered.

Another test is being conducted at a duck farm in the same area after a suspected case was discovered.&nbsp;

Following the outbreak of bird flu, the Japanese government convened a meeting of key cabinet ministers on Wednesday morning, with participants pledging to take all necessary precautions to limit the spread of diseases.&nbsp;

Last year, Japan saw its worst winter flu season on farms yet, with 9.87 million hens slaughtered and more than a third of the country's prefectures afflicted.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Japan has an egg-laying flock of roughly 181 million chickens and a broiler population of 140 million.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The agricultural ministry said on Wednesday that Japan has discovered its first outbreak of bird flu for the 2021 winter season, with the confirmation of a case of "highly pathogenic avian influenza" at a poultry farm in the country's northeast.

The agricultural ministry said on Wednesday that Japan has discovered its first outbreak of bird flu for the 2021 winter season, with the confirmation of a case of "highly pathogenic avian influenza" at a poultry farm in the country's northeast. This is the first reported avian influenza outbreak in the country this season. The farm's 143,000 birds will be slaughtered. The prefecture has asked that troops from the Self-Defense Forces be dispatched to assist. By Thursday, all poultry within a 500-meter radius of the farm are anticipated to be slaughtered. Another test is being conducted at a duck farm in the same area after a suspected case was discovered. Following the outbreak of bird flu, the Japanese government convened a meeting of key cabinet ministers on Wednesday morning, with participants pledging to take all necessary precautions to limit the spread of diseases. Last year, Japan saw its worst winter flu season on farms yet, with 9.87 million hens slaughtered and more than a third of the country's prefectures afflicted. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Japan has an egg-laying flock of roughly 181 million chickens and a broiler population of 140 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens

Japan's real wages declined in September for the first time in three months as inflation picked up faster than growth in nominal pay.

World Business Watch: Japan's September real wages fell for first time in 3 months as inflation bites

According to reports, Japan will create a scheme to subsidise the construction of domestic chip factories with a new plant planned by Taiwan's TSMC likely to be the first recipient.

World Business Watch: Japan to create scheme to subsidise domestic chip output

Japan government has agreed to provide cash payout of about $880 to all children as part of an economic stimulus plan aimed at blunting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

World Business Watch: Japan to provide $880 cash payout to minors as part of stimulus

Two death row inmates in Japan are suing the country over same-day executions. The prisoners are demanding a change in the process where prisoners are notified only hours before the death penalty is carried out. Also, they are seeking compensation for the impact of the "inhumane" practice.

The Rights groups have been criticising the practice for a long time as they say that it affects the mental health of prisoners.

It started when two prisoners sentenced to death filed a suit in a district court in Osaka. The prisoners claim that the was illegal because it did not allow prisoners time to file an objection. They demanded that the practice should be changed and asked for 22 million yen in compensation.&nbsp;

Lawyer Yutaka Ueda said, "Death row prisoners live in fear every morning that that day will be their last. It's extremely inhumane."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/co2-emissions-of-richest-1-now-30-times-more-than-permissible-limits-426902">Also read |&nbsp;CO2 emissions of richest 1% now 30 times more than permissible limits</a>

"Japan is really behind the international community on this."

In Japan, Capital punishment is conducted by hanging. The practice of not informing inmates of the timing before execution has been decried by international human rights organisations.&nbsp;

Lawyer Ueda has argued that no law mandates that prisoners can only be told of their execution hours before it takes place.&nbsp;

"The central government has said this is meant to keep prisoners from suffering before their execution, but that's no explanation and a big problem, and we really need to see how they respond to the suit," he added.

"Overseas, prisoners are given time to contemplate the end of their lives and mentally prepare. It's as if Japan is trying as hard as possible not to let anybody know."

Two death row inmates in Japan are suing the country over same-day executions. The prisoners are demanding a change in the process where prisoners are notified only hours before the death penalty is carried out.

Two death row inmates in Japan are suing the country over same-day executions. The prisoners are demanding a change in the process where prisoners are notified only hours before the death penalty is carried out. Also, they are seeking compensation for the impact of the "inhumane" practice. The Rights groups have been criticising the practice for a long time as they say that it affects the mental health of prisoners. It started when two prisoners sentenced to death filed a suit in a district court in Osaka. The prisoners claim that the was illegal because it did not allow prisoners time to file an objection. They demanded that the practice should be changed and asked for 22 million yen in compensation. Lawyer Yutaka Ueda said, "Death row prisoners live in fear every morning that that day will be their last. It's extremely inhumane." Also read | CO2 emissions of richest 1% now 30 times more than permissible limits "Japan is really behind the international community on this." In Japan, Capital punishment is conducted by hanging. The practice of not informing inmates of the timing before execution has been decried by international human rights organisations. Lawyer Ueda has argued that no law mandates that prisoners can only be told of their execution hours before it takes place. "The central government has said this is meant to keep prisoners from suffering before their execution, but that's no explanation and a big problem, and we really need to see how they respond to the suit," he added. "Overseas, prisoners are given time to contemplate the end of their lives and mentally prepare. It's as if Japan is trying as hard as possible not to let anybody know."

'Extremely inhumane': Japanese death row inmates sue over same day executions

World digs originality right? What if you want to call yourself 'Ye' even when you are bestowed with a name that has already become a strong brand? If you want to show you are different, unique and you're loaded like Kanye West, you can call yourself anything and make even that famous.

Fancy 'Sumomomomomomomomo'? Your precious pet may sound different than other Toofies and Tommies. But you're late because this one's taken. And the horse with this name has already won a race in Japan so it's already famous. Poor you!

Check out the video below to see how this horse made commentary of this race a pretty tough task.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
実況の音声とともに映像もぜひご覧ください✨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%82%B9%E3%83%A2%E3%83%A2%E3%83%A2%E3%83%A2%E3%83%A2%E3%83%A2%E3%83%A2%E3%83%A2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#スモモモモモモモモ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TCK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TCK</a> <a href="https://t.co/qG8vaBdcOd">https://t.co/qG8vaBdcOd</a> <a href="https://t.co/ImQRXbauIl">pic.twitter.com/ImQRXbauIl</a>
— 東京シティ競馬(TCK) (@tck_keiba) <a href="https://twitter.com/tck_keiba/status/1455088406698942468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The commentator appears to have done a good job as Sumomomomomomomomo sped ahead from relative disadvantage to zoom towards victory. Nobody's is calling him Zooming Sumomomomomomomomo however. You can literally see (and can't pronounce) the reason why.

No wonder that the horse is being dubbed as an animal that makes commentators cry.

But why this name? Why not simple Seabiscuit or something?

Well the name has been derived from a Japanese tongue twister that means “plums and peaches are both peaches.” So there is (some) logic to all this.

But the horse is getting really famous online. Twitter users are amused and befuddled at the same time.

Looking at the growing buzz, Sumomomomomomomomo's owners should quickly register the brand name right? But considering the hard time they'll get in future deciding which one is a violation with how many 'mo's, it is understandable if they just want to celebrate the victory for now. 
&nbsp;

World digs originality right? What if you want to call yourself 'Ye' even when you are bestowed with a name that has already become a strong brand? If you want to show you are different, unique and you're loaded like Kanye West, you can call yourself anything and make even that famous.

World digs originality right? What if you want to call yourself 'Ye' even when you are bestowed with a name that has already become a strong brand? If you want to show you are different, unique and you're loaded like Kanye West, you can call yourself anything and make even that famous. Fancy 'Sumomomomomomomomo'? Your precious pet may sound different than other Toofies and Tommies. But you're late because this one's taken. And the horse with this name has already won a race in Japan so it's already famous. Poor you! Check out the video below to see how this horse made commentary of this race a pretty tough task. 実況の音声とともに映像もぜひご覧ください✨#スモモモモモモモモ#TCK https://t.co/qG8vaBdcOd pic.twitter.com/ImQRXbauIl — 東京シティ競馬(TCK) (@tck_keiba) November 1, 2021 × The commentator appears to have done a good job as Sumomomomomomomomo sped ahead from relative disadvantage to zoom towards victory. Nobody's is calling him Zooming Sumomomomomomomomo however. You can literally see (and can't pronounce) the reason why. No wonder that the horse is being dubbed as an animal that makes commentators cry. But why this name? Why not simple Seabiscuit or something? Well the name has been derived from a Japanese tongue twister that means “plums and peaches are both peaches.” So there is (some) logic to all this. But the horse is getting really famous online. Twitter users are amused and befuddled at the same time. Looking at the growing buzz, Sumomomomomomomomo's owners should quickly register the brand name right? But considering the hard time they'll get in future deciding which one is a violation with how many 'mo's, it is understandable if they just want to celebrate the victory for now.

Sumomomomomomomomo: Horse with this exact name has won a race in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s ruling coalition retained a majority in parliamentary elections. The LDP has scored 261 seats, exceeding the parliamentary majority of 233 seats. With Komeito scoring 32 seats, it gives their coalition a total of 293 seats.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida declares victory for ruling LDP

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia.

Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and led the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election.

Still, it looked to be the party’s worst result since it lost to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan in 2009.

In anointing Kishida, 64, last month, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader.

The gamble most likely cost the party votes in tight races around the country. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats eked out a majority but lost seats that included some held by prominent party leaders.

While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends.

“His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.”

The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma.

Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.”

His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament.

Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign.

He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party.

“He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.”

Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father.

Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry.

He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice.

Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university.

He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years.

Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans.

When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories.

Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years.

One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election.

Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.”

He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments.

If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750.

When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face.

His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering.

A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular.

“He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington.

His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public.

As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego.

As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia.

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia. Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and led the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election. Still, it looked to be the party’s worst result since it lost to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan in 2009. In anointing Kishida, 64, last month, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader. The gamble most likely cost the party votes in tight races around the country. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats eked out a majority but lost seats that included some held by prominent party leaders. While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends. “His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.” The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma. Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.” His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament. Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign. He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party. “He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.” Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father. Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry. He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice. Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university. He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years. Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans. When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories. Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years. One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election. Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.” He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments. If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750. When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face. His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering. A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular. “He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington. His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public. As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party. Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego. As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan’s election was closer than usual, even though party in power has hit snooze

Japan's ruling coalition is on track to retain power but lose seats in parliament, media predictions said after polls closed in Sunday's general election, the first major test for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The 64-year-old, who took office a month ago, said the forecasts based on exit polls showed the public has "trust" in his long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner Komeito.

But as the votes were counted, analysts warned that a poor showing could raise questions within the LDP over the prime minister's popularity and leadership ability.

Public broadcaster NHK predicted the coalition would win 239-288 of the 465 seats in parliament's lower house.

TV Asahi said the coalition was expected to win 280 seats, down from its previous total of 305, weakening the dominance of the LDP, which has held power almost continuously since the 1950s.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-election-looks-closer-than-usual-but-party-in-power-has-hit-snooze-425565">Also read |&nbsp;Japan’s election looks closer than usual, but party in power has hit snooze</a>

"If the ruling coalition is given a majority, the government is given trust. It is a big deal," Kishida said in televised comments.

He added that he hoped to issue a fresh stimulus package by the end of the year to counter the impact of the pandemic on the world's third-largest economy.

"As far as economic measures, upon receiving the results of this election, I would like to draft them as soon as possible." He had previously said the package would be worth tens of trillions of yen.

'Economy is suffering'

Kishida was voted LDP leader after Yoshihide Suga resigned just a year into the job, partly due to public discontent over his response to the Covid-19 crisis.

He has not enjoyed a political honeymoon, however, with approval ratings around 50 percent, the lowest in two decades for a new administration in&nbsp;Japan.

Cases have dropped precipitously since a record wave this summer that pushed the Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors, and voters in the capital said the pandemic was a major factor in their decision.

"The economy is suffering because of the coronavirus, so I compared the politicians' responses," said Chihiro Sato, 38, a housewife and mother of a toddler.

But engineer Hiroyasu Onishi, 79, said he was more concerned by "the military threat from China".

Kishida has outlined plans to tackle inequality heightened by the pro-business policies of Suga and his predecessor Shinzo Abe.

He has vowed to distribute wealth more fairly under a so-called new capitalism, although the details remain vague.

Kishida had set a comfortable target of winning 233 lower-house seats, a simple majority including LDP and Komeito lawmakers.

The LDP previously boasted a commanding majority of 276 seats on its own.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-votes-in-test-for-new-pm-kishida-political-stability-425504">Also read |&nbsp;Japan votes in test for new PM Kishida, political stability</a>

NHK predicted the party would hang on to between 212-253 seats on Sunday, while TV Asahi said it would win 243, still a simple majority without Komeito.

'Key test' to come&nbsp;

In recent decades, votes against the LDP have been split between multiple major opposition parties, but this time five rival parties boosted cooperation in a bid to dent its stranglehold.

"It's a defeat for Kishida as his party loses seats, but he is still able to secure his premiership for now," Shinichi Nishikawa, a professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP.

"He avoided the worst scenario in the election but he may lose his influence," Nishikawa said, adding that an upper house vote next summer will be a "key test" of Kishida's longevity as leader.

Tobias Harris, senior fellow for Asia at the Center for American Progress, said that at the lower end of the exit poll predictions, "there will be debates within the LDP about the vision for the party going forward".

"There are going to be questions about his leadership ability, his popularity", he told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pumice-pebbles-from-undersea-volcano-are-causing-damage-in-japan-425054">Also read |&nbsp;Pumice pebbles from undersea volcano are causing damage in Japan</a>

As well as vowing to tackle the pandemic and working to boost the middle class, the LDP has said it will aim to increase defence spending to counter threats from China and North Korea.

But Kishida has so far distanced himself from social causes such as same-sex marriage and allowing married couples to have different surnames.

Kishida said that if his win was confirmed, he wanted to attend the COP26 summit in Glasgow as his first overseas engagement after the election.

Japan's ruling coalition is on track to retain power but lose seats in parliament, media predictions said after polls closed in Sunday's general election, the first major test for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan's ruling coalition is on track to retain power but lose seats in parliament, media predictions said after polls closed in Sunday's general election, the first major test for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The 64-year-old, who took office a month ago, said the forecasts based on exit polls showed the public has "trust" in his long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner Komeito. But as the votes were counted, analysts warned that a poor showing could raise questions within the LDP over the prime minister's popularity and leadership ability. Public broadcaster NHK predicted the coalition would win 239-288 of the 465 seats in parliament's lower house. TV Asahi said the coalition was expected to win 280 seats, down from its previous total of 305, weakening the dominance of the LDP, which has held power almost continuously since the 1950s. Also read | Japan’s election looks closer than usual, but party in power has hit snooze "If the ruling coalition is given a majority, the government is given trust. It is a big deal," Kishida said in televised comments. He added that he hoped to issue a fresh stimulus package by the end of the year to counter the impact of the pandemic on the world's third-largest economy. "As far as economic measures, upon receiving the results of this election, I would like to draft them as soon as possible." He had previously said the package would be worth tens of trillions of yen. 'Economy is suffering' Kishida was voted LDP leader after Yoshihide Suga resigned just a year into the job, partly due to public discontent over his response to the Covid-19 crisis. He has not enjoyed a political honeymoon, however, with approval ratings around 50 percent, the lowest in two decades for a new administration in Japan. Cases have dropped precipitously since a record wave this summer that pushed the Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors, and voters in the capital said the pandemic was a major factor in their decision. "The economy is suffering because of the coronavirus, so I compared the politicians' responses," said Chihiro Sato, 38, a housewife and mother of a toddler. But engineer Hiroyasu Onishi, 79, said he was more concerned by "the military threat from China". Kishida has outlined plans to tackle inequality heightened by the pro-business policies of Suga and his predecessor Shinzo Abe. He has vowed to distribute wealth more fairly under a so-called new capitalism, although the details remain vague. Kishida had set a comfortable target of winning 233 lower-house seats, a simple majority including LDP and Komeito lawmakers. The LDP previously boasted a commanding majority of 276 seats on its own. Also read | Japan votes in test for new PM Kishida, political stability NHK predicted the party would hang on to between 212-253 seats on Sunday, while TV Asahi said it would win 243, still a simple majority without Komeito. 'Key test' to come In recent decades, votes against the LDP have been split between multiple major opposition parties, but this time five rival parties boosted cooperation in a bid to dent its stranglehold. "It's a defeat for Kishida as his party loses seats, but he is still able to secure his premiership for now," Shinichi Nishikawa, a professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP. "He avoided the worst scenario in the election but he may lose his influence," Nishikawa said, adding that an upper house vote next summer will be a "key test" of Kishida's longevity as leader. Tobias Harris, senior fellow for Asia at the Center for American Progress, said that at the lower end of the exit poll predictions, "there will be debates within the LDP about the vision for the party going forward". "There are going to be questions about his leadership ability, his popularity", he told AFP. Also read | Pumice pebbles from undersea volcano are causing damage in Japan As well as vowing to tackle the pandemic and working to boost the middle class, the LDP has said it will aim to increase defence spending to counter threats from China and North Korea. But Kishida has so far distanced himself from social causes such as same-sex marriage and allowing married couples to have different surnames. Kishida said that if his win was confirmed, he wanted to attend the COP26 summit in Glasgow as his first overseas engagement after the election.

Exit polls show Japan ruling coalition to retain power, lose seats

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia.

Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and is hoping to lead the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election.

In anointing Kishida, 64, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader.

While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends.

“His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.”

The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma.

But the gamble is likely to have consequences. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats are projected to lose seats and merely eke out a majority. Many voters are expected to stay home.

Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.”

His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament.

Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign.

He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party.

“He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, the head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.”

Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father.

Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry.

He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice.

Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university.

He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years.

Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans.

When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories.

Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years.

One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election.

Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.”

He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments.

If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750.

When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face.

His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering.

A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular.

“He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington.

His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public.

As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego.

As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia. Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and is hoping to lead the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election. In anointing Kishida, 64, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader. While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends. “His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.” The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma. But the gamble is likely to have consequences. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats are projected to lose seats and merely eke out a majority. Many voters are expected to stay home. Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.” His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament. Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign. He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party. “He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, the head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.” Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father. Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry. He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice. Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university. He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years. Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans. When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories. Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years. One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election. Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.” He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments. If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750. When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face. His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering. A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular. “He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington. His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public. As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party. Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego. As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan’s election looks closer than usual, but party in power has hit snooze

Japanese voters are casting ballots in national elections Sunday. This elections will determine whether Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will remain in office amid sluggish economic growth and lingering COVID concerns.

Japan Elections 2021: Voting starts, key test for Kishida

Polls suggests that Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) could lose its majority in 2021 general election, potentially turning new leader Fumio Kishida into another short-term prime minister and triggering a return to political uncertainty.

Survey: Kishida, LDP set to lose majority in Japan election 2021

The Japan Communist Party is the oldest political party in the country. It’s the largest nonruling Communist party in the world. It’s harshly critical of China. And the Japanese authorities list it, along with the Islamic State group and North Korea, as a threat to national security.

To many in Japan, that comparison seems exaggerated. The party, which long ago abandoned Marx and Lenin and never really had time for Stalin or Mao, is about as radical as a beige cardigan: anti-war, pro-democracy, pro-economic equality.

But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a primary target of Japan’s dominant political force, the Liberal Democratic Party, before parliamentary elections Sunday that will help set the country’s path out of the pandemic.

Though clocking in at only 3% support in the polls, the Communists have become a handy boogeyman after teaming up with Japan’s leading opposition parties for the first time in an effort to dethrone the LDP. The Communists agreed to withdraw their candidates from several districts to avoid splitting the liberal vote.

The conservative Liberal Democrats, who have governed almost continuously since the end of World War II, face little risk of losing power. But with their popularity sagging amid a weak economy and lingering questions over their handling of the coronavirus, they have tried to change the subject by painting the vote as a choice between democratic rule and Communist infiltration.

“The Communist Party’s strategy is to get one foot in the door,” Taro Kono, the LDP’s public affairs chief, told voters during a campaign stop. “Then they wrench it open and take over the house,” he added.

The Japan Communist Party, founded in 1922, has long provoked government animosity. It vigorously opposed Japan’s military aggression before and during World War II, and the Japanese secret police persecuted and imprisoned Communists through the conflict’s end.

In the 1950s and ’60s, the Liberal Democrats — aided by the CIA — carried out heavy-handed crackdowns on the group, which briefly flirted with political violence and became a rallying point for anti-American student protests.

Despite its name, the JCP has largely abandoned its roots in favor of its own homegrown ideology. It broke with the Soviet Union and China in the 1960s and has recently become one of Beijing’s most vocal Japanese critics, denouncing its neighbor for following the path of “hegemony” and violating human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. When the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, the JCP was the only major Japanese party not to send congratulations.

Still, Japan’s National Police Agency has continued to treat the group as a menace. In its annual report on threats to the nation, it lumps the JCP in with the Islamic State group, North Korea and Aum Shinrikyo, the Japanese cult that killed 13 and injured thousands during a 1995 nerve-gas attack on the Tokyo subway.

The Japan Communists, the police note, are rapidly aging, losing their financial resources — mostly generated by subscriptions to their newspaper, Akahata, or Red Flag — and are having difficulty attracting new members.

The agency is not clear about what actual threat the group poses. It does note that the Communists were planning to join other opposition parties to challenge the LDP, and that they had “added ‘gender equality’ and ‘a nuclear-power-free Japan’ ” to their platform. (The JCP runs more female candidates than nearly any other Japanese party.)

Both of those initiatives are opposed to some extent by the Liberal Democrats — who, for example, have rejected legislation to allow women to keep their last names after marriage — even though they are popular with the general public.

But those are not among the top issues for voters in the coming election. Their priorities are clear: keeping the coronavirus in check and putting the pandemic-ravaged economy back on track. Neither of these are necessarily winning issues for the LDP, which, though unlikely to lose, faces a strong risk of emerging from the election seriously weakened.

Japan is reporting just a few hundred COVID-19 cases each day, and vaccination numbers have surpassed those of most other countries, despite a slow start. Nevertheless, there is a sense that the governing party mismanaged the crisis, fumbling the national vaccine rollout and delaying the country’s recovery. Stories of coronavirus patients dying at home despite ample supplies of hospital beds have further hardened public opinion.

Current economic policies, which have failed to lift the country out of stagnation, are also unpopular — so much so that Fumio Kishida, who became prime minister this month after winning an LDP leadership election, ran against them. Kishida promised that he would confront growing inequality through a (very socialist-sounding) program of wealth redistribution.

He has since walked back those promises and looks set to continue his predecessors’ policies largely unchanged.

The threat that the Japan Communist Party poses to the LDP may come not from its size — the Communists have never gained more than 13% of the vote in a lower house election — but from its members’ dedication. The JCP, which has a highly organized base, could play a big role in drawing votes to the opposition, said Tomoaki Iwai, a professor of political science at Nihon University.

“It’s an organization that has the power to gather ballots” he said.

In focusing attention on the Japan Communists, the LDP and its governing partner, Komeito, are betting that voters’ distaste for big “C” communism and fear of a rising China will drive them away from the opposition coalition, said Taku Sugawara, an independent political scientist.

“Until recently, as far as the LDP was concerned, the Communists were just a group that got in the way of the other opposition parties,” he said. “But now that they’re clearly a threat, they’ve become a prominent target of criticism.”

Although there is widespread consensus in Japan that Beijing’s growing power poses a threat to regional stability, the LDP and JCP are split over how to deal with it.

The Liberal Democrats have called for doubling military spending, increasing defense cooperation with the United States, and changing Japan’s pacifist constitution to give it, among other things, the ability to carry out first strikes against adversaries that threaten national security.

The Japan Communists, however, prefer a diplomatic approach and are strongly opposed to the substantial U.S. military presence in Japan, a position that makes it an outlier among Japanese political parties.

During a recent rally in front of the bustling Shinjuku station in central Tokyo, candidates for Komeito warned a small group of potential voters that the differing views of the LDP and its political partners on national defense would make it impossible for them to govern competently.

(The hawkish LDP and its dovish coalition partner have themselves long been at odds over whether to increase military spending or alter Japan’s constitution to remove its prohibition against waging war. And Komeito is notorious for its reluctance to criticize Beijing.)

The Japan Communists have said that their differences with other opposition parties would have no bearing on a new government. The Communists say they won’t seek any role if the opposition topples the LDP.

But it’s hard to say what would actually happen if the opposition somehow won power, said Iwai, the political science professor.

None of the coalition members “actually think they’re going to win,” he said. So when it comes to discussions of what’s next, “No one’s thought that far.”

The Japan Communist Party is the oldest political party in the country. It’s the largest nonruling Communist party in the world. It’s harshly critical of China. And the Japanese authorities list it, along with the Islamic State group and North Korea, as a threat to national security.

The Japan Communist Party is the oldest political party in the country. It’s the largest nonruling Communist party in the world. It’s harshly critical of China. And the Japanese authorities list it, along with the Islamic State group and North Korea, as a threat to national security. To many in Japan, that comparison seems exaggerated. The party, which long ago abandoned Marx and Lenin and never really had time for Stalin or Mao, is about as radical as a beige cardigan: anti-war, pro-democracy, pro-economic equality. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a primary target of Japan’s dominant political force, the Liberal Democratic Party, before parliamentary elections Sunday that will help set the country’s path out of the pandemic. Though clocking in at only 3% support in the polls, the Communists have become a handy boogeyman after teaming up with Japan’s leading opposition parties for the first time in an effort to dethrone the LDP. The Communists agreed to withdraw their candidates from several districts to avoid splitting the liberal vote. The conservative Liberal Democrats, who have governed almost continuously since the end of World War II, face little risk of losing power. But with their popularity sagging amid a weak economy and lingering questions over their handling of the coronavirus, they have tried to change the subject by painting the vote as a choice between democratic rule and Communist infiltration. “The Communist Party’s strategy is to get one foot in the door,” Taro Kono, the LDP’s public affairs chief, told voters during a campaign stop. “Then they wrench it open and take over the house,” he added. The Japan Communist Party, founded in 1922, has long provoked government animosity. It vigorously opposed Japan’s military aggression before and during World War II, and the Japanese secret police persecuted and imprisoned Communists through the conflict’s end. In the 1950s and ’60s, the Liberal Democrats — aided by the CIA — carried out heavy-handed crackdowns on the group, which briefly flirted with political violence and became a rallying point for anti-American student protests. Despite its name, the JCP has largely abandoned its roots in favor of its own homegrown ideology. It broke with the Soviet Union and China in the 1960s and has recently become one of Beijing’s most vocal Japanese critics, denouncing its neighbor for following the path of “hegemony” and violating human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. When the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, the JCP was the only major Japanese party not to send congratulations. Still, Japan’s National Police Agency has continued to treat the group as a menace. In its annual report on threats to the nation, it lumps the JCP in with the Islamic State group, North Korea and Aum Shinrikyo, the Japanese cult that killed 13 and injured thousands during a 1995 nerve-gas attack on the Tokyo subway. The Japan Communists, the police note, are rapidly aging, losing their financial resources — mostly generated by subscriptions to their newspaper, Akahata, or Red Flag — and are having difficulty attracting new members. The agency is not clear about what actual threat the group poses. It does note that the Communists were planning to join other opposition parties to challenge the LDP, and that they had “added ‘gender equality’ and ‘a nuclear-power-free Japan’ ” to their platform. (The JCP runs more female candidates than nearly any other Japanese party.) Both of those initiatives are opposed to some extent by the Liberal Democrats — who, for example, have rejected legislation to allow women to keep their last names after marriage — even though they are popular with the general public. But those are not among the top issues for voters in the coming election. Their priorities are clear: keeping the coronavirus in check and putting the pandemic-ravaged economy back on track. Neither of these are necessarily winning issues for the LDP, which, though unlikely to lose, faces a strong risk of emerging from the election seriously weakened. Japan is reporting just a few hundred COVID-19 cases each day, and vaccination numbers have surpassed those of most other countries, despite a slow start. Nevertheless, there is a sense that the governing party mismanaged the crisis, fumbling the national vaccine rollout and delaying the country’s recovery. Stories of coronavirus patients dying at home despite ample supplies of hospital beds have further hardened public opinion. Current economic policies, which have failed to lift the country out of stagnation, are also unpopular — so much so that Fumio Kishida, who became prime minister this month after winning an LDP leadership election, ran against them. Kishida promised that he would confront growing inequality through a (very socialist-sounding) program of wealth redistribution. He has since walked back those promises and looks set to continue his predecessors’ policies largely unchanged. The threat that the Japan Communist Party poses to the LDP may come not from its size — the Communists have never gained more than 13% of the vote in a lower house election — but from its members’ dedication. The JCP, which has a highly organized base, could play a big role in drawing votes to the opposition, said Tomoaki Iwai, a professor of political science at Nihon University. “It’s an organization that has the power to gather ballots” he said. In focusing attention on the Japan Communists, the LDP and its governing partner, Komeito, are betting that voters’ distaste for big “C” communism and fear of a rising China will drive them away from the opposition coalition, said Taku Sugawara, an independent political scientist. “Until recently, as far as the LDP was concerned, the Communists were just a group that got in the way of the other opposition parties,” he said. “But now that they’re clearly a threat, they’ve become a prominent target of criticism.” Although there is widespread consensus in Japan that Beijing’s growing power poses a threat to regional stability, the LDP and JCP are split over how to deal with it. The Liberal Democrats have called for doubling military spending, increasing defense cooperation with the United States, and changing Japan’s pacifist constitution to give it, among other things, the ability to carry out first strikes against adversaries that threaten national security. The Japan Communists, however, prefer a diplomatic approach and are strongly opposed to the substantial U.S. military presence in Japan, a position that makes it an outlier among Japanese political parties. During a recent rally in front of the bustling Shinjuku station in central Tokyo, candidates for Komeito warned a small group of potential voters that the differing views of the LDP and its political partners on national defense would make it impossible for them to govern competently. (The hawkish LDP and its dovish coalition partner have themselves long been at odds over whether to increase military spending or alter Japan’s constitution to remove its prohibition against waging war. And Komeito is notorious for its reluctance to criticize Beijing.) The Japan Communists have said that their differences with other opposition parties would have no bearing on a new government. The Communists say they won’t seek any role if the opposition topples the LDP. But it’s hard to say what would actually happen if the opposition somehow won power, said Iwai, the political science professor. None of the coalition members “actually think they’re going to win,” he said. So when it comes to discussions of what’s next, “No one’s thought that far.”

Japan’s communists are hardly radical, but make a handy election target

He's an aspiring lawyer, She's a real-life princess. The wedding of Japan's Princess Mako to 'commoner' Kei Komuro has the hallmarks of a Royal fairytale. But Japanese society says the union is 'cursed'. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Why Japanese Society doesn't approve of this Royal Wedding

Japan has successfully launched a new navigation satellite into orbit that will be replacing the country's decade-old navigation satellite.

According to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the satellite, QZS-1R, was launched onboard an H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center on Monday night at 10.19 pm.

The QZS-1R satellite will join other satellites that are part of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, or QZSS, which is Japan's satellite navigation system.&nbsp;It is a replacement for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System 1 satellite which was launched in 2010.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-launches-landsat-9-satellite-to-monitor-earths-surface-416604">NASA launches Landsat 9 satellite to monitor Earth's surface</a>

The company Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) builds and operates H-2A rockets.&nbsp;"It was really beautiful launch," the company said in a tweet after a successful lift-off.

"H-IIA F44 flight proceeded nominally. Approximately 28 minutes 6 seconds after launch, as planned, the payload separated from the launch vehicle," the statement said.

According to the official QZSS website, there are four satellites in the constellation: QZS-1, QZS-2, QZS-3, and QZS-4.

As per JAXA, QZSS constellation will eventually consist of a total of seven satellites in an orbit passing through a near-zenith (or directly overhead) above Japan. QZS-R1 is meant to share nearly the same transmission signals as recent GPS satellites.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nasa-isro-earth-observation-satellite-launch-on-gslv-mk-ii-by-jan-2023-369143">NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite launch on GSLV Mk II by Jan 2023</a>

It is specifically designed for mountainous and urban areas in Japan, according to JAXA.

A Mitsubishi rocket launch system has been in use since 2003. Satellites have been launched to Mars (Emirates Mars Mission) and Venus (Akatsuki) using the H-2A 202 rocket launch system.

This is the first launch of the H2-A rocket since Japan launched a relay satellite with laser communications technology into orbit on Nov. 29, 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan has successfully launched a new navigation satellite into orbit that will be replacing the country's decade-old navigation satellite. According to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the satellite, QZS-1R, was launched onboard an H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center on Monday night at 10.

Japan has successfully launched a new navigation satellite into orbit that will be replacing the country's decade-old navigation satellite. According to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the satellite, QZS-1R, was launched onboard an H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center on Monday night at 10.19 pm. The QZS-1R satellite will join other satellites that are part of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, or QZSS, which is Japan's satellite navigation system. It is a replacement for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System 1 satellite which was launched in 2010. Also read | NASA launches Landsat 9 satellite to monitor Earth's surface The company Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) builds and operates H-2A rockets. "It was really beautiful launch," the company said in a tweet after a successful lift-off. "H-IIA F44 flight proceeded nominally. Approximately 28 minutes 6 seconds after launch, as planned, the payload separated from the launch vehicle," the statement said. According to the official QZSS website, there are four satellites in the constellation: QZS-1, QZS-2, QZS-3, and QZS-4. As per JAXA, QZSS constellation will eventually consist of a total of seven satellites in an orbit passing through a near-zenith (or directly overhead) above Japan. QZS-R1 is meant to share nearly the same transmission signals as recent GPS satellites. Also read | NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite launch on GSLV Mk II by Jan 2023 It is specifically designed for mountainous and urban areas in Japan, according to JAXA. A Mitsubishi rocket launch system has been in use since 2003. Satellites have been launched to Mars (Emirates Mars Mission) and Venus (Akatsuki) using the H-2A 202 rocket launch system. This is the first launch of the H2-A rocket since Japan launched a relay satellite with laser communications technology into orbit on Nov. 29, 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Replacing decade-old system, Japan launches advanced GPS satellite into orbit

Japan's Princess Mako married her college sweetheart Kei Komuro. The couple submitted documents to register marriage after a long engagement, which was marred by intense media scrutiny and opposition. The two will now move to New York. Let’s take a look at their infamous tale of love.

Finally, Japan's Princess Mako marries commoner, gives up royal title

Japan's Princess Mako, who is the emperor's niece, married her college sweetheart Kei Komuro on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The couple submitted documents to register marriage after a long engagement, which was marred by intense media scrutiny and opposition. &nbsp;

The two will move to New York, where Komuro works with a law office. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myths-marriages-and-mako-japans-imperial-family-424047" hreflang="en">Myths, marriages and Mako: Japan's imperial family</a>

Let’s take a relook at their tale of love. &nbsp;

2012 - The two meet at Tokyo's International Christian University as students. &nbsp; &nbsp;

September 2017 - The Imperial Household Agency announces their engagement. The two later hold a news conference, with their marriage set for November 2018. &nbsp;

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December 2017 - Weekly magazines report a money dispute between Komuro's mother and her former fiance. The man claimed mother and son had failed to repay a debt of about $35,000. Komuro later said the money had been a gift, not a loan. &nbsp;

February 2018 - The marriage is postponed, with the official explanation that the couple needs more time to arrange their ceremony. &nbsp;

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August 2018 - Komuro leaves for the United States to study at Fordham University law school. He returns in September 2021. &nbsp;

November 2018 - Mako's father Prince Akishino says it will be impossible to hold an engagement ceremony until the dispute is resolved. &nbsp;&nbsp;

April 2021 - Komuro issues a 24-page statement saying he will pay a settlement to his mother's former fiance. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/south-korea-court-fines-samsung-chief-lee-jae-yong-for-unlawful-sedative-use-424012" hreflang="en">South Korea court fines Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong for unlawful sedative use</a>

May 2021 - Komuro graduates from law school and starts working with a New York law firm. &nbsp; &nbsp;

September 2021 - Komuro returns to Japan after an absence of three years, sporting a ponytail that sets off a frenzy in the tabloids, because it is deemed "disrespectful." &nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1500d09d-8180-4cd5-8aad-e6af9d9011a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Family_0.jpg" />

October 1, 2021 - The Imperial Household Agency announces that the two will be married on October 26. &nbsp; &nbsp;

October 26, 2021 - Mako and Komuro are married.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Japan's Princess Mako, who is the emperor's niece, married her college sweetheart Kei Komuro on Tuesday. The couple submitted documents to register marriage after a long engagement, which was marred by intense media scrutiny and opposition.

Japan's Princess Mako, who is the emperor's niece, married her college sweetheart Kei Komuro on Tuesday. The couple submitted documents to register marriage after a long engagement, which was marred by intense media scrutiny and opposition. The two will move to New York, where Komuro works with a law office. Also Read: Myths, marriages and Mako: Japan's imperial family Let’s take a relook at their tale of love. 2012 - The two meet at Tokyo's International Christian University as students. September 2017 - The Imperial Household Agency announces their engagement. The two later hold a news conference, with their marriage set for November 2018. December 2017 - Weekly magazines report a money dispute between Komuro's mother and her former fiance. The man claimed mother and son had failed to repay a debt of about $35,000. Komuro later said the money had been a gift, not a loan. February 2018 - The marriage is postponed, with the official explanation that the couple needs more time to arrange their ceremony. August 2018 - Komuro leaves for the United States to study at Fordham University law school. He returns in September 2021. November 2018 - Mako's father Prince Akishino says it will be impossible to hold an engagement ceremony until the dispute is resolved. April 2021 - Komuro issues a 24-page statement saying he will pay a settlement to his mother's former fiance. Also Read: South Korea court fines Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong for unlawful sedative use May 2021 - Komuro graduates from law school and starts working with a New York law firm. September 2021 - Komuro returns to Japan after an absence of three years, sporting a ponytail that sets off a frenzy in the tabloids, because it is deemed "disrespectful." October 1, 2021 - The Imperial Household Agency announces that the two will be married on October 26. October 26, 2021 - Mako and Komuro are married. (With inputs from agencies)

The long wait ends: Revisit Japan Princess Mako’s eternal love story

North Korea launched one ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing the Republic of Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

Earlier, the South Korean military stated that North Korea launched an unidentified missile into the Sea of Japan, but provided no additional details. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fired-ballistic-missiles-from-train-for-the-first-time-ever-413670">Also read | North Korea fired ballistic missiles from train for the first time ever</a> 
 
The Japanese government cautioned that the projectile shot by North Korea may be a ballistic missile, and the Japanese Coast Guard issued cautions to ships in conjunction with the probable test.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | North Korean envoy defends missile test in UNGA

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The Japanese coast guard issued a marine safety alert to ships, although it was unclear where the weapon landed.

The South Korean presidential office planned to conduct a meeting of the national security council later in the day to discuss the launch.

After a months-long calm, North Korea resumed its nuclear tests while making conditional peace overtures to Seoul, resuming a pattern of pushing South Korea to achieve what it wants from the US.

Sung Kim, President Joe Biden's special envoy for North Korea, is scheduled to meet with US allies in Seoul in the coming days to discuss the chances of resuming negotiations with North Korea.&nbsp;

Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been deadlocked for more than two years due to differences about trading the lifting of crushing US-led sanctions on North Korea in exchange for the North's disarmament measures.

His government has so far refused the Biden administration's overtures to begin a conversation without preconditions, claiming that Washington must first renounce its "hostile policy," which the North mostly refers to sanctions and joint military drills between the US and South Korea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea launched one ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing the Republic of Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

North Korea launched one ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing the Republic of Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Earlier, the South Korean military stated that North Korea launched an unidentified missile into the Sea of Japan, but provided no additional details. Also read | North Korea fired ballistic missiles from train for the first time ever The Japanese government cautioned that the projectile shot by North Korea may be a ballistic missile, and the Japanese Coast Guard issued cautions to ships in conjunction with the probable test. Watch | North Korean envoy defends missile test in UNGA The Japanese coast guard issued a marine safety alert to ships, although it was unclear where the weapon landed. The South Korean presidential office planned to conduct a meeting of the national security council later in the day to discuss the launch. After a months-long calm, North Korea resumed its nuclear tests while making conditional peace overtures to Seoul, resuming a pattern of pushing South Korea to achieve what it wants from the US. Sung Kim, President Joe Biden's special envoy for North Korea, is scheduled to meet with US allies in Seoul in the coming days to discuss the chances of resuming negotiations with North Korea. Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been deadlocked for more than two years due to differences about trading the lifting of crushing US-led sanctions on North Korea in exchange for the North's disarmament measures. His government has so far refused the Biden administration's overtures to begin a conversation without preconditions, claiming that Washington must first renounce its "hostile policy," which the North mostly refers to sanctions and joint military drills between the US and South Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fired one ballistic missile towards the sea of Japan: Reports

North Korea's missile launch on Tuesday (October 19) drew stern reactions from countries in the region and the United States. The UN condemned North Korea and called on it to "refrain from any further destabilizing acts."

"We are aware of the North Korean ballistic missile launch this morning into the Sea of Japan and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan," the US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement, adding that "this event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, territory, or that of our allies."

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday said North Korea fired two ballistic missiles earlier in the day, and called that country's continued missile launches since last month "very regrettable."

The North Korean launch would be the latest weapons test by the country, which has pressed ahead with military development in the face of international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

"I'd rather not predict North Korea's intentions (of firing the missiles) from my point of view. But I think we must continue making efforts on grasping the situation and collecting information," Kishida told reporters at Fukushima station during a business trip.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fired-one-ballistic-missile-towards-the-sea-of-japan-reports-421918">North Korea fired one ballistic missile towards the sea of Japan: Reports</a>

China meanwhile has appealed for restraint

"All parties concerned should focus on the overall situation, exercise restraint, commit to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and carry on in the right direction of dialogue and consultation," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.

South Korea, the bitter rival of North Korea, said that it was monitoring the situation.

"Our military is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States, to prepare for possible additional launches," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's missile launch on Tuesday (October 19) drew stern reactions from countries in the region and the United States. The UN condemned North Korea and called on it to "refrain from any further destabilizing acts.

North Korea's missile launch on Tuesday (October 19) drew stern reactions from countries in the region and the United States. The UN condemned North Korea and called on it to "refrain from any further destabilizing acts." "We are aware of the North Korean ballistic missile launch this morning into the Sea of Japan and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan," the US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement, adding that "this event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, territory, or that of our allies." × Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday said North Korea fired two ballistic missiles earlier in the day, and called that country's continued missile launches since last month "very regrettable." The North Korean launch would be the latest weapons test by the country, which has pressed ahead with military development in the face of international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and missile programmes. "I'd rather not predict North Korea's intentions (of firing the missiles) from my point of view. But I think we must continue making efforts on grasping the situation and collecting information," Kishida told reporters at Fukushima station during a business trip. Also Read | North Korea fired one ballistic missile towards the sea of Japan: Reports China meanwhile has appealed for restraint "All parties concerned should focus on the overall situation, exercise restraint, commit to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and carry on in the right direction of dialogue and consultation," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. South Korea, the bitter rival of North Korea, said that it was monitoring the situation. "Our military is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States, to prepare for possible additional launches," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea missile launch: US issues warning, China calls for restraint

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