The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga are expected to deliberate extensively to give a new momentum to the functioning of the Quad at the summit, they said.

Modi is likely to travel to Washington during which he is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York and hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden besides participating in the Quad Summit on September 24, according to sources.

However, there is no official announcement about Modi's visit as well as on the Quad summit from the Indian side.

India and the US held a series of meetings as part of preparations for Modi's visit to the US and it is learnt that the issue also figured during Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's recent visit to Washington.

The US has been looking at convening the in-person summit of the leaders of Quad to boost practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to send a strong signal about Washington's commitment to the grouping.

In March, President Biden hosted the first-ever summit of the Quad leaders in the virtual format that vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion, sending a subtle message to China.

The last time Modi visited the US was in September 2019 when he and then US President Donald Trump addressed the Howdy Modi event in Houston.

The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga are expected to deliberate extensively to give a new momentum to the functioning of the Quad at the summit, they said. Modi is likely to travel to Washington during which he is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York and hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden besides participating in the Quad Summit on September 24, according to sources. However, there is no official announcement about Modi's visit as well as on the Quad summit from the Indian side. India and the US held a series of meetings as part of preparations for Modi's visit to the US and it is learnt that the issue also figured during Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's recent visit to Washington. The US has been looking at convening the in-person summit of the leaders of Quad to boost practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to send a strong signal about Washington's commitment to the grouping. In March, President Biden hosted the first-ever summit of the Quad leaders in the virtual format that vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion, sending a subtle message to China. The last time Modi visited the US was in September 2019 when he and then US President Donald Trump addressed the Howdy Modi event in Houston.

First in-person Quad summit likely in Washington on Sep 24: Diplomatic sources

A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city.

The government has decided to extend the restrictions to make sure that the spread of the virus does not become that bad that hospitals face an uncontrollable situation in the upcoming weeks and months.

Japan’s Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the capital city Tokyo will stay under regulations. While the minister admitted that the situation is getting better, he also added that it is "still too early to lower our guard".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japanese-pm-resigns-over-bungled-covid-response-410561">WATCH |</a>

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Tokyo is one of the main regions, along with 18 other areas which are being put under strict Covid restrictions. Osaka and Tokyo have been shifted to "priority measures" which means targeted restrictions will be implemented in these two cities.

Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged the health experts and government officials to make sure that the government is ready with plans for October and the following months.

"We will be easing restrictions by using certificates of (COVID-19) vaccination and negative test results, and setting a path toward normalizing social and economic activities," he said.

This decision has come a little after Suga announced that he will soon be resigning from the post of Prime Minister and his priority will be controlling the spread of coronavirus and bringing Japan out of the Covid crisis.

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A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city.

A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city. The government has decided to extend the restrictions to make sure that the spread of the virus does not become that bad that hospitals face an uncontrollable situation in the upcoming weeks and months. Japan’s Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the capital city Tokyo will stay under regulations. While the minister admitted that the situation is getting better, he also added that it is "still too early to lower our guard". WATCH | Tokyo is one of the main regions, along with 18 other areas which are being put under strict Covid restrictions. Osaka and Tokyo have been shifted to "priority measures" which means targeted restrictions will be implemented in these two cities. Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged the health experts and government officials to make sure that the government is ready with plans for October and the following months. "We will be easing restrictions by using certificates of (COVID-19) vaccination and negative test results, and setting a path toward normalizing social and economic activities," he said. This decision has come a little after Suga announced that he will soon be resigning from the post of Prime Minister and his priority will be controlling the spread of coronavirus and bringing Japan out of the Covid crisis.

Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end

Japan’s economy grew faster than the initially estimated in the April-June quarter, although a resurgence in COVID-19 is undermining service-sector consumption and clouding the outlook.

Japan upgrades Q2 GDP, with help of solid expenditure

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found. &nbsp;

After having his second shot on August 11, the 49-year-old man died the following day. The only known health issue of the man was an allergy to buckwheat, said the health ministry on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Booster shot: Do we really need one?

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According to the ministry, it is yet to establish if the latest fatality was linked to the vaccine as it had said in the previous two deaths. &nbsp;

The three batches, which were manufactured under contract by Moderna in Spain, were found to have fragments of stainless steel. It had forced the recall of 1.63 million doses of the Moderna vaccine on August 26. &nbsp;

The shot, which the man had, came from the same batches. The company is yet to comment on the most recent fatality.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-life-expectancy-drops-amid-covid-19-battle-411304" hreflang="en">Italy's life expectancy drops amid COVID-19 battle</a>

Last week, it issued a joint statement with local distributor Takeda Pharmaceutical, saying, “The rare presence of stainless steel particles in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine does not pose an undue risk to patient safety and it does not adversely affect the benefit/risk profile of the product.” &nbsp;

Last month, two men, who were in their 30s with no underlying health conditions, had died within days of getting their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.&nbsp;

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found.

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found. After having his second shot on August 11, the 49-year-old man died the following day. The only known health issue of the man was an allergy to buckwheat, said the health ministry on Monday. Watch | Gravitas: Booster shot: Do we really need one? × According to the ministry, it is yet to establish if the latest fatality was linked to the vaccine as it had said in the previous two deaths. The three batches, which were manufactured under contract by Moderna in Spain, were found to have fragments of stainless steel. It had forced the recall of 1.63 million doses of the Moderna vaccine on August 26. The shot, which the man had, came from the same batches. The company is yet to comment on the most recent fatality. Also Read: Italy's life expectancy drops amid COVID-19 battle Last week, it issued a joint statement with local distributor Takeda Pharmaceutical, saying, “The rare presence of stainless steel particles in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine does not pose an undue risk to patient safety and it does not adversely affect the benefit/risk profile of the product.” Last month, two men, who were in their 30s with no underlying health conditions, had died within days of getting their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.

Moderna’s contaminated Covid vaccine may have led to third death in Japan

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will be stepping down after his botched Covid response. Suga joins a long list of Japanese leaders who have resigned after a short stint. What explains their string of resignations? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Japanese PM resigns over bungled COVID response

Outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will back the popular minister in charge of Japan's vaccination rollout, Taro Kono, for the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership race this month, reported Nippon News Network reported on Saturday.

The leader of the ruling party will replace Suga as the prime minister.

This comes in as Suga has announced that he will not run for re-election as party leader in a vote this month.

Earlier, domestic media had reported that Suga was to call a snap election but Suga had said he had no plans to do so.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-yoshihide-suga-set-to-resign-soon-will-not-run-for-re-election-410344">Also read | Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga set to resign soon; will not run for re-election</a>

Suga was struggling to shore up support and attract high-profile backers ahead of a leadership contest and a general election.

Former foreign minister Fumio Kishida has already thrown his hat in the ring, while several others have voiced interest in running in the race.

Kishida said on Saturday he would leave a national sales tax at its 10 per cent rate if elected as premier.

"I'm not thinking of touching the sales tax for the time being," Kishida told a Nippon News Network programme. "We then must consider Japan's finances from the standpoint of how to make use of the fruit of economic growth."

Outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will back the popular minister in charge of Japan's vaccination rollout, Taro Kono, for the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership race this month, reported Nippon News Network reported on Saturday.

Outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will back the popular minister in charge of Japan's vaccination rollout, Taro Kono, for the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership race this month, reported Nippon News Network reported on Saturday. The leader of the ruling party will replace Suga as the prime minister. This comes in as Suga has announced that he will not run for re-election as party leader in a vote this month. Earlier, domestic media had reported that Suga was to call a snap election but Suga had said he had no plans to do so. Also read | Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga set to resign soon; will not run for re-election Suga was struggling to shore up support and attract high-profile backers ahead of a leadership contest and a general election. Former foreign minister Fumio Kishida has already thrown his hat in the ring, while several others have voiced interest in running in the race. Kishida said on Saturday he would leave a national sales tax at its 10 per cent rate if elected as premier. "I'm not thinking of touching the sales tax for the time being," Kishida told a Nippon News Network programme. "We then must consider Japan's finances from the standpoint of how to make use of the fruit of economic growth."

Japan PM Suga to back vaccine minister Kono in LDP leadership race

After a year of premiership, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will be stepping down by the end of this month setting the stage for a new premier slater to replace him.

Japan: Suga's resignation sets stage for New Prime Minister

With a violin bow fixed to her prosthetic arm, Manami Ito's short but breathtaking performance at the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony was the product of many years of determination.

Paralympian, nurse, musician: Manami Ito, Japan's show-stealing violinist

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will be stepping down by the end of this month, setting the stage for a new premier after a one-year tenure marred by an unpopular COVID-19 response and rapidly dwindling public support.

Yoshihide Suga to step down as Japan's prime minister

Japan's COVID vaccine drive has suffered a blow after reports of contamination in service of the Moderna vaccine.

Japan's COVID vaccine drive suffers blow

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine.

According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

It comes less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination.

More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch has now been put on hold.

Local media reports say there has been no evidence so far of any health hazards caused by the potentially contaminated vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-pauses-use-of-moderna-vaccine-batch-over-allergic-reactions-357470">California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions</a>

Takeda Pharmaceutical, which sells and distributes the vaccine in Japan, had just last week put three batches of the vaccine on hold after "foreign materials" were found in some doses of a batch of roughly 560,000 vials.

Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, said in a statement that a manufacturing line in Spain could be the cause of the issue.

It added that it was conducting an investigation.

Japan is battling a surge in Covid cases while it hosts the Paralympic Games.

Local media reports say that Japan’s vaccination roll-out has been relatively slow, with just over 40% of Japanese people fully vaccinated and around 50% having received one dose.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture. It comes less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination. More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch has now been put on hold. Local media reports say there has been no evidence so far of any health hazards caused by the potentially contaminated vaccine. Also read | California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions Takeda Pharmaceutical, which sells and distributes the vaccine in Japan, had just last week put three batches of the vaccine on hold after "foreign materials" were found in some doses of a batch of roughly 560,000 vials. Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, said in a statement that a manufacturing line in Spain could be the cause of the issue. It added that it was conducting an investigation. Japan is battling a surge in Covid cases while it hosts the Paralympic Games. Local media reports say that Japan’s vaccination roll-out has been relatively slow, with just over 40% of Japanese people fully vaccinated and around 50% having received one dose. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan finds "black substance" in Moderna vaccine, put holds on shots

Japan's Kanagawa prefecture said that several black particles in one Moderna vaccine vial were found upon checking for foreign substances before its use, and it has put the rest of the lot on hold.

Japan finds another Moderna vial suspected to contain foreign substance

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China.

Since last year, Japan has identified China as its main national security threat, pointing in a July policy paper to a "sense of crisis" over Beijing's threat to Taiwan, which lies close to Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea.

The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen ($49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1.

Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval.

However, Japan's defence spending increases are not enough to keep pace with China's expanding military budget, which increased 6.8% this year and is already about four times more than Japan's, and second only to the United States in size.

Instead, Tokyo's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment to deter Beijing from military action to settle territorial or other disputes in the region.

Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers.

The defence ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about $40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside U.S. units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases.

The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defences against cyber attacks.

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China.

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China. Since last year, Japan has identified China as its main national security threat, pointing in a July policy paper to a "sense of crisis" over Beijing's threat to Taiwan, which lies close to Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea. The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen ($49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1. Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval. However, Japan's defence spending increases are not enough to keep pace with China's expanding military budget, which increased 6.8% this year and is already about four times more than Japan's, and second only to the United States in size. Instead, Tokyo's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment to deter Beijing from military action to settle territorial or other disputes in the region. Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers. The defence ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about $40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside U.S. units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases. The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defences against cyber attacks.

Japan's defence ministry seeks fresh hike in military spending

Ten years ago, 19-year-old art student Monami Ohno picked up a cardboard box for a homework assignment and made what she described was a "bike-like thing". Her imaginative, almost life-like cardboard sculptures have gradually gained a following in recent years.

Japanese artist turns cardboard boxes into lifelike sculptures

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday.

The two were among six teachers of the Kaizuka Junior High School who had tested positive for the disease by Sunday, said the official of the city's education board, after a trip with 18 students in two buses to last Wednesday's goalball event.

The Paralympics are set to run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, mostly without spectators, since much of Japan, including Chiba and the Games host city of Tokyo, are under a state of emergency, aiming to rein in the disease.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-eligible-to-compete-discus-thrower-vinod-kumar-loses-bronze-at-tokyo-paralympics-409452">'Not eligible to compete': Discus thrower Vinod Kumar loses bronze at Tokyo Paralympics</a>

But organisers have invited municipal authorities to have school children attend events, as long as they follow safety measures and receive caregivers' consent.

One of the school's teachers reported a fever two days before the trip, followed by several more reporting symptoms, with positive tests from Aug. 26 to Sunday, the official told Reuters.

The school, which had been due to start the fall term on Monday like others run by the city, will be closed at least through this week, the official added.

The city will run PCR tests on about 120 students who were in contact with the infected teachers over the summer holidays, as well as other teachers and staff at the school.

The city said it would continue with the Paralympics visits with appropriate safety measures.

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday.

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday. The two were among six teachers of the Kaizuka Junior High School who had tested positive for the disease by Sunday, said the official of the city's education board, after a trip with 18 students in two buses to last Wednesday's goalball event. The Paralympics are set to run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, mostly without spectators, since much of Japan, including Chiba and the Games host city of Tokyo, are under a state of emergency, aiming to rein in the disease. ALSO READ | 'Not eligible to compete': Discus thrower Vinod Kumar loses bronze at Tokyo Paralympics But organisers have invited municipal authorities to have school children attend events, as long as they follow safety measures and receive caregivers' consent. One of the school's teachers reported a fever two days before the trip, followed by several more reporting symptoms, with positive tests from Aug. 26 to Sunday, the official told Reuters. The school, which had been due to start the fall term on Monday like others run by the city, will be closed at least through this week, the official added. The city will run PCR tests on about 120 students who were in contact with the infected teachers over the summer holidays, as well as other teachers and staff at the school. The city said it would continue with the Paralympics visits with appropriate safety measures.

Japan finds COVID-19 infections in teachers who took students to Paralympics

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources.

On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.63 million doses shipped to 863 vaccination centres nationawide.

However, production of Moderna (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccines at a plant in Spain can continue, the European Union drugs regulator said on Friday, while it carries out its investigation of a suspected metallic contamination incident.

The European Union drugs regulator said it was investigating the incident at the Spanish plant run by Rovi (ROVI.MC), but did not find reasons to seek a temporary suspension of production after an initial assessment.

"COVID-19 vaccine production in Rovi is able to continue, following a preliminary risk assessment," the European Medicines Agency told Reuters in a statement.

"An investigation into the root cause is ongoing. EMA will be able to provide more information as the investigation progresses," it added.

Moderna has so far delivered to the EU nearly 75 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, EU public data show. The company has two contracts with the 27-nation bloc for up to 460 million shots.

Spanish pharma company Rovi, which bottles Moderna vaccines for markets outside of the United States, said the contamination could be due to a manufacturing issue on a production line. A spokesperson said the company could not say anything more while it was investigating.

Moderna put the lot in question and two adjacent ones on hold.

(With inputs from agencies)

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources. On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources. On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.63 million doses shipped to 863 vaccination centres nationawide. However, production of Moderna (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccines at a plant in Spain can continue, the European Union drugs regulator said on Friday, while it carries out its investigation of a suspected metallic contamination incident. The European Union drugs regulator said it was investigating the incident at the Spanish plant run by Rovi (ROVI.MC), but did not find reasons to seek a temporary suspension of production after an initial assessment. "COVID-19 vaccine production in Rovi is able to continue, following a preliminary risk assessment," the European Medicines Agency told Reuters in a statement. "An investigation into the root cause is ongoing. EMA will be able to provide more information as the investigation progresses," it added. Moderna has so far delivered to the EU nearly 75 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, EU public data show. The company has two contracts with the 27-nation bloc for up to 460 million shots. Spanish pharma company Rovi, which bottles Moderna vaccines for markets outside of the United States, said the contamination could be due to a manufacturing issue on a production line. A spokesperson said the company could not say anything more while it was investigating. Moderna put the lot in question and two adjacent ones on hold. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan: Moderna vaccine contaminant believed to be metallic particle

Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the&nbsp;leadership of the&nbsp;ruling&nbsp;party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election.

Suga repeated he would seek re-election in the&nbsp;Sept.&nbsp;29&nbsp;race for Liberal Democratic&nbsp;Party&nbsp;(LDP) president, while ex-internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi also threw her hat in the ring.

The winner is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the&nbsp;LDP's majority in parliament's lower house. The&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;chief must lead the&nbsp;party&nbsp;to a general election by Nov. 28, which the Sankei newspaper said will be held in October or later. [L1N2PX0E0]

"The people feel that their voices are not reaching the&nbsp;LDP," Kishida, 64, told a news conference.

"I am running ... to show that the&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;listens to the people and is a&nbsp;party&nbsp;that offers broad choices, and to protect our nation's democracy," said Kishida, adding he would aim for a more equitable, diverse society.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghanistan-minister-now-delivers-pizzas-in-germany-report-408316">Also read |&nbsp;Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report</a>

The challenges to Suga may not topple him as&nbsp;leader, said Hiroyuki Ueno, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management. "My sense is, most people in markets expect Suga to win unless he decides to quit by himself."

The&nbsp;LDP-led coalition is not expected to lose its majority in the powerful lower house, but forecasts suggest that Suga's&nbsp;party&nbsp;could lose the majority that it&nbsp;holds on its own, an outcome that would weaken whoever is leading the&nbsp;LDP.

Suga, 72, took office last&nbsp;September with support of about 70% but his ratings have sunk below 30% as Japan battles its worst wave of COVID-19 infections and many of his&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;lawmakers fear for their seats.

LDP&nbsp;Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, who was key to Suga's victory last year, said on Wednesday he still backs the prime minister. The&nbsp;party's smallest faction, led by former cabinet minister Nobuteru Ishihara, was also lining up behind Suga, Jiji news agency reported.

Other&nbsp;party&nbsp;bosses, including former premier Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso, have not commented publicly.

KISHIDA LOW-KEY, LOW-POPULARITY

Unlike last year, grass-roots&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;members will vote along with the&nbsp;party's members of parliament, which could make the outcome harder to predict. And novice MPs, fearful of losing their seats, may be wary of following their elders' orders.

Kishida, a soft-spoken lawmaker from Hiroshima, had been seen as the preferred heir to Abe, who stepped down last year as prime minister citing ill health.

But Kishida lost the ensuing&nbsp;party&nbsp;poll after factions coalesced around Suga, who had been Abe's right-hand man for eight years.

Kishida said he'd aim to reduce income gaps and support the economically vulnerable such as workers in insecure jobs and women, an apparent effort to differentiate his stance from Suga, who has stressed self-reliance before public support.

He called for an economic stimulus package as soon as possible, but did not specify its size.

The low-key Kishida has ranked low in surveys of voters' preferred next prime minister, well below other possible rivals such as Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono, who is leading&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;vaccination rollout, and former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba.

"Unless they chose someone like Ishiba who is more popular with the public, it will be hard to recover lost support," said Hiroyoshi Sunakawa, a professor at Tokyo's Rikkyo University.

Takaichi, a conservative Abe disciple seen as a long-shot to become&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;first female premier, told reporters she wanted to finish what Abe had left undone, including hitting a 2% inflation target that has eluded policy makers.

Suga had hoped to call the general election in&nbsp;September after hosting the Olympics, but a spike in COVID-19 cases upended that scenario.

Suga's pandemic response suffered another setback after Moderna Inc said it has withheld 1.63 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Japan after a report of contamination.

Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the leadership of the ruling party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election.

Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the leadership of the ruling party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election. Suga repeated he would seek re-election in the Sept. 29 race for Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president, while ex-internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi also threw her hat in the ring. The winner is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the LDP's majority in parliament's lower house. The LDP chief must lead the party to a general election by Nov. 28, which the Sankei newspaper said will be held in October or later. [L1N2PX0E0] "The people feel that their voices are not reaching the LDP," Kishida, 64, told a news conference. "I am running ... to show that the LDP listens to the people and is a party that offers broad choices, and to protect our nation's democracy," said Kishida, adding he would aim for a more equitable, diverse society. Also read | Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report The challenges to Suga may not topple him as leader, said Hiroyuki Ueno, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management. "My sense is, most people in markets expect Suga to win unless he decides to quit by himself." The LDP-led coalition is not expected to lose its majority in the powerful lower house, but forecasts suggest that Suga's party could lose the majority that it holds on its own, an outcome that would weaken whoever is leading the LDP. Suga, 72, took office last September with support of about 70% but his ratings have sunk below 30% as Japan battles its worst wave of COVID-19 infections and many of his LDP lawmakers fear for their seats. LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, who was key to Suga's victory last year, said on Wednesday he still backs the prime minister. The party's smallest faction, led by former cabinet minister Nobuteru Ishihara, was also lining up behind Suga, Jiji news agency reported. Other party bosses, including former premier Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso, have not commented publicly. KISHIDA LOW-KEY, LOW-POPULARITY Unlike last year, grass-roots LDP members will vote along with the party's members of parliament, which could make the outcome harder to predict. And novice MPs, fearful of losing their seats, may be wary of following their elders' orders. Kishida, a soft-spoken lawmaker from Hiroshima, had been seen as the preferred heir to Abe, who stepped down last year as prime minister citing ill health. But Kishida lost the ensuing party poll after factions coalesced around Suga, who had been Abe's right-hand man for eight years. Kishida said he'd aim to reduce income gaps and support the economically vulnerable such as workers in insecure jobs and women, an apparent effort to differentiate his stance from Suga, who has stressed self-reliance before public support. He called for an economic stimulus package as soon as possible, but did not specify its size. The low-key Kishida has ranked low in surveys of voters' preferred next prime minister, well below other possible rivals such as Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono, who is leading Japan's vaccination rollout, and former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba. "Unless they chose someone like Ishiba who is more popular with the public, it will be hard to recover lost support," said Hiroyoshi Sunakawa, a professor at Tokyo's Rikkyo University. Takaichi, a conservative Abe disciple seen as a long-shot to become Japan's first female premier, told reporters she wanted to finish what Abe had left undone, including hitting a 2% inflation target that has eluded policy makers. Suga had hoped to call the general election in September after hosting the Olympics, but a spike in COVID-19 cases upended that scenario. Suga's pandemic response suffered another setback after Moderna Inc said it has withheld 1.63 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Japan after a report of contamination.

Japan's Suga faces challengers in ruling party leadership race

Highlighting the increasingly heavy toll a recent wave of COVID-19 infections is taking on Japan's economy. The country's factory activity growth slowed in August, while that of the services sector shrank at the fastest pace since May last year.

World Business Watch: Japan's private-sector activity hit by COVID-19 surge

A close ally of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was defeated in a high-profile mayoral election in Yokohama, Suga's home turf. Opposition-backed scientist Takeharu Yamanaka comfortably beat Suga confidante Hachiro Okonogi.

Ally of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga defeated in mayoral election in Yokohama

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme.

"Delaying the release of Iran's assets in Japanese banks is unjustifiable," Raisi told visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the government website reported.

Japan and to a larger extent South Korea are both major exporters of technology, and hold billions of dollars in Iranian assets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-record-covid-deaths-as-country-lifts-all-restrictions-407649">Iran reports record Covid deaths as country lifts all restrictions</a>

These funds have been frozen since the former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Tehran in 2018.

Washington said in mid-July that it was allowing Iran to use the frozen funds to settle debts in South Korea and Japan, but insisted that it did not allow any to be transferred to Tehran itself.

Talks between Iran and world powers aimed at reviving the 2015 accord have stalled since late June. The United States has been involved indirectly in the talks.

Motegi arrived in Tehran early Sunday after visiting Turkey and Iraq during a regional tour, and he will also go to Qatar.

At a press briefing after meeting Raisi, Motegi told Japanese reporters that during his visits he had discussed the situation in Afghanistan following the capture of Kabul by the Taliban.

He said he agreed with Iran, Turkey and Iraq on the need to cooperate to avoid Afghanistan becoming a "further destabilising factor".

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday called on Tokyo to release the Islamic republic's funds that have been frozen in Japan because of US sanctions over its nuclear programme. "Delaying the release of Iran's assets in Japanese banks is unjustifiable," Raisi told visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the government website reported. Japan and to a larger extent South Korea are both major exporters of technology, and hold billions of dollars in Iranian assets. Also read | Iran reports record Covid deaths as country lifts all restrictions These funds have been frozen since the former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Tehran in 2018. Washington said in mid-July that it was allowing Iran to use the frozen funds to settle debts in South Korea and Japan, but insisted that it did not allow any to be transferred to Tehran itself. Talks between Iran and world powers aimed at reviving the 2015 accord have stalled since late June. The United States has been involved indirectly in the talks. Motegi arrived in Tehran early Sunday after visiting Turkey and Iraq during a regional tour, and he will also go to Qatar. At a press briefing after meeting Raisi, Motegi told Japanese reporters that during his visits he had discussed the situation in Afghanistan following the capture of Kabul by the Taliban. He said he agreed with Iran, Turkey and Iraq on the need to cooperate to avoid Afghanistan becoming a "further destabilising factor".

Iran's Raisi calls on Japan to release frozen funds

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. &nbsp;

For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now. &nbsp;

Career diplomat Burns has served presidents of both the parties. If he gets confirmed, the diplomat would assume one of the most critical ambassador posts in the administration. The rise of China is highly likely to be at the centre of several important policy discussions. &nbsp;

Burns, who is a former member of the foreign service, has previously served as State Department spokesman, Ambassador to NATO and to Greece, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and on the National Security Council staff on Soviet and Russian Affairs.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Emanuel, who is a former Chicago mayor, a senior adviser for President Bill Clinton, chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a member of Congress representing Illinois, has drawn the ire of progressive Democrats. He was also considered for a number of jobs within the Biden administration. &nbsp;

When Emanuel faces confirmation hearing, his track record in politics may get overshadowed by a series of controversies during his tenure as Chicago mayor. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now.

US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he is nominating Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel as top envoy to Japan. For months, the two top diplomatic positions have been in the process of finalisation but were made official only in an announcement by the White House in the midst of the biggest foreign policy crisis of the administration till now. Career diplomat Burns has served presidents of both the parties. If he gets confirmed, the diplomat would assume one of the most critical ambassador posts in the administration. The rise of China is highly likely to be at the centre of several important policy discussions. Burns, who is a former member of the foreign service, has previously served as State Department spokesman, Ambassador to NATO and to Greece, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and on the National Security Council staff on Soviet and Russian Affairs. Meanwhile, Emanuel, who is a former Chicago mayor, a senior adviser for President Bill Clinton, chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a member of Congress representing Illinois, has drawn the ire of progressive Democrats. He was also considered for a number of jobs within the Biden administration. When Emanuel faces confirmation hearing, his track record in politics may get overshadowed by a series of controversies during his tenure as Chicago mayor. (With inputs from agencies)

US President announces picks for ambassador to China, Japan positions

Japan’s core consumer prices narrowed their annual pace of falls for three straight months in July, a sign global commodities inflation was offsetting some of the deflationary pressure from a pandemic-induced spending slump.

Japan’s core consumer prices narrow their annual pace of falls for three straight months

Global semiconductor shortage is giving way to a different kind of rivalry. Japan is worried that America's plan to put billions into chip manufacturing to stop China could wipe out what was left off at the Japanese semiconductor industry that once dominated the world.

Japan worried of America's plan to put billions into chip manufacturing

Japan has a new island. A volcanic eruption has given the 6,000 islands&nbsp;Japan archipelago&nbsp;this new island.

It is located 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, about 50km south of Minami Ioto, one of the southernmost islands of the Ogasawara group.

Approximately one kilometre in diameter, the new island is crescent-shaped. However, if history suggests that, the island's presence, however, could prove fleeting.

In terms of durability, ash and other fragments will not be able to withstand a constant battering from waves, but lava flows produced by volcanic activity might form a harder shell later on.

In the same area, there have been similar islands formed in 1904, 1914, and 1986, all of which have disappeared.

Weeks of volcanic explosions in 2013 merged Nishinoshima with another island, creating a landmass that, for a short period, looked like Snoopy the cartoon dog.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
8月16日(月)、<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%B5%B7%E4%B8%8A%E4%BF%9D%E5%AE%89%E5%BA%81?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#海上保安庁</a> は、<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E7%A6%8F%E5%BE%B3%E5%B2%A1%E3%83%8E%E5%A0%B4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#福徳岡ノ場</a> の火山活動の観測を実施しました。新島は、形状が一部変化し、浮遊物は約100㎞先まで達していました。 
詳細は <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%B5%B7%E6%B4%8B%E6%83%85%E5%A0%B1%E9%83%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#海洋情報部</a> ホームページをご覧ください。 
 
▼広報資料▼<a href="https://t.co/pEFTN78Yuw">https://t.co/pEFTN78Yuw</a> 
 
▼動画(海域火山データベース)▼<a href="https://t.co/OKOoDc1Xf8">https://t.co/OKOoDc1Xf8</a> <a href="https://t.co/czQasamg3U">pic.twitter.com/czQasamg3U</a>
— 海上保安庁 (@JCG_koho) <a href="https://twitter.com/JCG_koho/status/1427543101921398789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, Japan's meteorological agency has warned that the latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue and that smoke and large chunks of ash could result from it.

It also said the coastguard had found deposits of pumice (volcanic rock) floating on the sea across a wide area after discovering the island from the air following the eruption on Sunday.

New islands in Japan's southwestern reaches may have geopolitical implications if their location allows the country to expand its territory, even just a few hundred metres.

In any case, even if the newest mass of land survives and is incorporated into Japan's territory, its location near Minami Ioto makes changes to the country's territorial waters or exclusive economic zone unlikely, the Mainichi reported.

Japan has a new island. A volcanic eruption has given the 6,000 islands Japan archipelago this new island. It is located 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, about 50km south of Minami Ioto, one of the southernmost islands of the Ogasawara group.

Japan has a new island. A volcanic eruption has given the 6,000 islands Japan archipelago this new island. It is located 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, about 50km south of Minami Ioto, one of the southernmost islands of the Ogasawara group. Approximately one kilometre in diameter, the new island is crescent-shaped. However, if history suggests that, the island's presence, however, could prove fleeting. In terms of durability, ash and other fragments will not be able to withstand a constant battering from waves, but lava flows produced by volcanic activity might form a harder shell later on. In the same area, there have been similar islands formed in 1904, 1914, and 1986, all of which have disappeared. Weeks of volcanic explosions in 2013 merged Nishinoshima with another island, creating a landmass that, for a short period, looked like Snoopy the cartoon dog. 8月16日(月)、#海上保安庁 は、#福徳岡ノ場 の火山活動の観測を実施しました。新島は、形状が一部変化し、浮遊物は約100㎞先まで達していました。 詳細は #海洋情報部 ホームページをご覧ください。 ▼広報資料▼https://t.co/pEFTN78Yuw ▼動画(海域火山データベース)▼https://t.co/OKOoDc1Xf8 pic.twitter.com/czQasamg3U — 海上保安庁 (@JCG_koho) August 17, 2021 × According to the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, Japan's meteorological agency has warned that the latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue and that smoke and large chunks of ash could result from it. It also said the coastguard had found deposits of pumice (volcanic rock) floating on the sea across a wide area after discovering the island from the air following the eruption on Sunday. New islands in Japan's southwestern reaches may have geopolitical implications if their location allows the country to expand its territory, even just a few hundred metres. In any case, even if the newest mass of land survives and is incorporated into Japan's territory, its location near Minami Ioto makes changes to the country's territorial waters or exclusive economic zone unlikely, the Mainichi reported.

Undersea volcanic activity gives Japan a new island

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists. &nbsp;

After observing the eruption in the air, the island was discovered by the Japan’s Coast Guard on Sunday, a report in the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said.&nbsp;

The island has come up naturally in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 50km south of Minami Ioto, which is the southernmost island of the Ogasawara group.&nbsp;

The new island is crescent-shaped and has a diameter of about 1km, said the coast guard. Taking history as a precedent, its appearance may be ephemeral.&nbsp;

Some islands had formed in 1904, 1914 and 1986 in a similar way in the area but all disappeared due to erosion.&nbsp;

It depends on the material it is formed from. Ash and other fragments are highly unlikely to bear the constant battering of waves, but continued volcanic activity has the power to produce lava flows that eventually form a more durable hard shell.&nbsp;

The latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue, said Japan’s meteorological agency. It has also issued warnings about smoke and large ash deposits in the nearby waters.&nbsp;

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists.

Who says volcanic eruption brings only destruction, an undersea activity of same sorts has created a new landmass in Japan. All thanks to the eruption, the 6,000-plus islands, which make up the Japanese archipelago, have got a new addition around 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Tokyo, said scientists. After observing the eruption in the air, the island was discovered by the Japan’s Coast Guard on Sunday, a report in the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said. The island has come up naturally in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 50km south of Minami Ioto, which is the southernmost island of the Ogasawara group. The new island is crescent-shaped and has a diameter of about 1km, said the coast guard. Taking history as a precedent, its appearance may be ephemeral. Some islands had formed in 1904, 1914 and 1986 in a similar way in the area but all disappeared due to erosion. It depends on the material it is formed from. Ash and other fragments are highly unlikely to bear the constant battering of waves, but continued volcanic activity has the power to produce lava flows that eventually form a more durable hard shell. The latest eruption, which began late last week, could continue, said Japan’s meteorological agency. It has also issued warnings about smoke and large ash deposits in the nearby waters.

Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan 

Japan's economy rebounded more than expected in the second quarter after slumping in the first three months of 2021. Q2 GDP grew faster than expected.

Japan's economy rebounds in second quarter after slumping in first 3 months

The&nbsp;Japanese government is set to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;its&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;soft&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;measures in Tokyo and other regions to&nbsp;September&nbsp;12&nbsp;and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster&nbsp;NHK&nbsp;reported on Monday.

The current&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;is due to expire on August 31, but a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has spurred calls to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;it. Tokyo announced 2,962 new daily cases on Monday, after a record 5,773 on Friday.

The government will expand the&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;curbs to the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka, the public broadcaster said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-kabul-descended-in-chaos-india-was-ready-for-unsc-meet-on-afghanistan-on-sunday-405889">Also read |&nbsp;As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday</a>

It will also expand less strict "quasi-emergency" measures to four additional prefectures,&nbsp;Miyagi, Yamanashi, Toyama and Gifu - to cover more regions of the country, Jiji news agency reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters earlier on Monday that the government will seek the view of experts on&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;and less strict "quasi-emergency" curbs for all regions on Tuesday, without giving more details.

Though the&nbsp;Japanese government has instituted repeated&nbsp;states of&nbsp;emergency, their effectiveness has been limited due to laws mandating that the government can only request cooperation.

Pandemic fatigue and summer vacations have also been blamed for contributing to the latest&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;surge in a nation where only around 36% of people have been fully vaccinated.

The Japanese government is set to extend its state of emergency soft lockdown measures in Tokyo and other regions to September 12 and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday.

The Japanese government is set to extend its state of emergency soft lockdown measures in Tokyo and other regions to September 12 and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday. The current state of emergency is due to expire on August 31, but a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has spurred calls to extend it. Tokyo announced 2,962 new daily cases on Monday, after a record 5,773 on Friday. The government will expand the state of emergency curbs to the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka, the public broadcaster said. Also read | As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday It will also expand less strict "quasi-emergency" measures to four additional prefectures, Miyagi, Yamanashi, Toyama and Gifu - to cover more regions of the country, Jiji news agency reported. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters earlier on Monday that the government will seek the view of experts on emergency and less strict "quasi-emergency" curbs for all regions on Tuesday, without giving more details. Though the Japanese government has instituted repeated states of emergency, their effectiveness has been limited due to laws mandating that the government can only request cooperation. Pandemic fatigue and summer vacations have also been blamed for contributing to the latest COVID-19 surge in a nation where only around 36% of people have been fully vaccinated.

Japan to extend COVID-19 state of emergency lockdown to September 12 - NHK

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three&nbsp;Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism.

While Suga himself did not visit the shrine, according to a report by the Sankei newspaper, he reportedly sent a ritual offering through his secretary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Also read |&nbsp;Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

In commemoration of the end of World War Two, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Japan would never again wage war.&nbsp;

"Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction."

The visit of Suga's minister came after two other cabinet members, including Japan's defence minister, visited the&nbsp;Yasukuni&nbsp;Shrine&nbsp;on Friday, sparking outrage in China and South Korea.&nbsp;Earlier today, China's Association of Performing Arts also boycotted Chinese actor Zhang Zhehanthe for visiting the shrine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-boycotts-actor-after-photos-of-visit-to-japans-yasukuni-shrine-405647">China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine</a>

Even after almost&nbsp;eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict continues to cause friction between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo at&nbsp;the focal point of the conflict.

Japan's Yasukuni Shrine honours&nbsp;2.5 million&nbsp;war dead, including 14 Second World War leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, which has made it a flashpoint for tension.&nbsp;

While the Koreans remain bitter over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the Chinese remain resentful of Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945.

Conservatives say leaders should be able to commemorate the war dead, similar to the many Japanese who pay respect to relatives at the shrine

Despite this, China and both Koreas have expressed opposition due to the inclusion of war criminals among those honoured at Yasukuni.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while reacting angrily to Sunday's visit, said:&nbsp;"The actions of some Japanese politicians on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine are a blasphemy of historical justice and serious injury to the feelings of the people from victimised countries in Asia, including China.".

(With inputs from agencies)

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism.

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism. While Suga himself did not visit the shrine, according to a report by the Sankei newspaper, he reportedly sent a ritual offering through his secretary. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide In commemoration of the end of World War Two, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Japan would never again wage war. "Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction." The visit of Suga's minister came after two other cabinet members, including Japan's defence minister, visited the Yasukuni Shrine on Friday, sparking outrage in China and South Korea. Earlier today, China's Association of Performing Arts also boycotted Chinese actor Zhang Zhehanthe for visiting the shrine. Also read | China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine Even after almost eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict continues to cause friction between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo at the focal point of the conflict. Japan's Yasukuni Shrine honours 2.5 million war dead, including 14 Second World War leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, which has made it a flashpoint for tension. While the Koreans remain bitter over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the Chinese remain resentful of Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945. Conservatives say leaders should be able to commemorate the war dead, similar to the many Japanese who pay respect to relatives at the shrine Despite this, China and both Koreas have expressed opposition due to the inclusion of war criminals among those honoured at Yasukuni. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while reacting angrily to Sunday's visit, said: "The actions of some Japanese politicians on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine are a blasphemy of historical justice and serious injury to the feelings of the people from victimised countries in Asia, including China.". (With inputs from agencies)

As ministers visit controversial shrine, Japanese PM Suga vows not to wage another war

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people,&nbsp;

In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/it-was-so-so-scary-rain-sparks-floods-landslides-in-japan-405571">'It was so, so scary': Rain sparks floods, landslides in Japan</a>

Recent rainfall levels have been termed "unprecedented" by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Scientists warn that in Japan and elsewhere, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a> increases the chance of heavy rains owing to a warmer atmosphere that holds more water.

The town of Ureshino, located in Saga prefecture, experienced about one metre (three feet) of rain during just four days. In the entire year 2020, the same town had 3.3 meters of rain, and in the year 2019, it had 2.3 metres.

There were fewer showers on Sunday in the hardest-hit region, with weather alerts downgraded&nbsp;from the top level, but more rain was predicted to fall late Sunday night.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

"It is still possible that extreme, severe rain will continue in many areas across the nation," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at an emergency cabinet meeting.

"Because it has been raining so much, ground soil in many areas is becoming looser, and large-scale disasters could happen at any time," he said, advising residents to exercise caution and stay in shelters.

Landslide warnings have been issued in 372 municipalities across Japan after 44 were detected, a quarter of them in Nagasaki,&nbsp;the land ministry said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/millions-urged-to-seek-shelter-as-floods-and-landslides-hit-japan-405681/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last month, heavy rains triggered a devastating wave of landslides in the central resort town of Atami, killing 23 people. Four more are unaccounted for.

There were more than 200 fatalities from floods and landslides in western Japan during the annual rainy season of 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people, In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge.

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people, In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge. Also read | 'It was so, so scary': Rain sparks floods, landslides in Japan Recent rainfall levels have been termed "unprecedented" by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Scientists warn that in Japan and elsewhere, climate change increases the chance of heavy rains owing to a warmer atmosphere that holds more water. The town of Ureshino, located in Saga prefecture, experienced about one metre (three feet) of rain during just four days. In the entire year 2020, the same town had 3.3 meters of rain, and in the year 2019, it had 2.3 metres. There were fewer showers on Sunday in the hardest-hit region, with weather alerts downgraded from the top level, but more rain was predicted to fall late Sunday night. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide "It is still possible that extreme, severe rain will continue in many areas across the nation," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at an emergency cabinet meeting. "Because it has been raining so much, ground soil in many areas is becoming looser, and large-scale disasters could happen at any time," he said, advising residents to exercise caution and stay in shelters. Landslide warnings have been issued in 372 municipalities across Japan after 44 were detected, a quarter of them in Nagasaki, the land ministry said. Last month, heavy rains triggered a devastating wave of landslides in the central resort town of Atami, killing 23 people. Four more are unaccounted for. There were more than 200 fatalities from floods and landslides in western Japan during the annual rainy season of 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan floods: Scientists warn climate change may cause erratic rain patterns worldwide

More than a million people have been urged to seek shelter as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides in western Japan. According to reports, at least three people have died in the incident.

Millions urged to seek shelter as floods and landslides hit Japan

China's Association of Performing Arts on Sunday called for a boycott of a Chinese&nbsp;actor&nbsp;after&nbsp;photos&nbsp;of him at&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;controversial&nbsp;Yasukuni&nbsp;Shrine&nbsp;taken in 2018 and 2019 circulated online and sparked outrage among Chinese netizens and media.

The&nbsp;Yasukuni&nbsp;Shrine&nbsp;is seen by&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;neighbouring countries as a symbol of that country's past militarism, and remains a flashpoint for tension with&nbsp;China.

The&nbsp;shrine&nbsp;honours&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;war dead, including 14 World War Two leaders convicted by an Allied tribunal as war criminals.&nbsp;China, which was occupied by the Japanese from 1937 to 1945, takes offence at&nbsp;visits to the&nbsp;shrine.

"The misbehaviour of&nbsp;actor&nbsp;Zhang Zhehan severely harms national feeling and brings baneful influence to his young age-group audience. Hence, we demand members not to engage him in any employment," said the association in a statement on Sunday.

Zhang, 30, apologised on Chinese social media on Friday saying he is "ashamed of his ignorance". Still, state-backed People's Daily commented that Zhang should "pay a heavy price" for the "challenge of national dignity".

More than 25 companies in&nbsp;China, including U.S. beverage maker Coca-Cola Co and Danish jeweller Pandora A/S, have announced the termination of partnerships with Zhang.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Also read |&nbsp;Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

Separately,&nbsp;China&nbsp;protested on Friday a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to the&nbsp;shrine&nbsp;by Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters&nbsp;China&nbsp;was "greatly dissatisfied and firmly opposed" to the&nbsp;visit.

The&nbsp;visit&nbsp;showed "the wrong attitude with how Japan treated its history of invasion and its malicious intention in challenging the post-war international order," Wu said.

China&nbsp;has lodged stern representation to Japan on this matter, Wu said.

China's Association of Performing Arts on Sunday called for a boycott of a Chinese actor after photos of him at Japan's controversial Yasukuni Shrine taken in 2018 and 2019 circulated online and sparked outrage among Chinese netizens and media.

China's Association of Performing Arts on Sunday called for a boycott of a Chinese actor after photos of him at Japan's controversial Yasukuni Shrine taken in 2018 and 2019 circulated online and sparked outrage among Chinese netizens and media. The Yasukuni Shrine is seen by Japan's neighbouring countries as a symbol of that country's past militarism, and remains a flashpoint for tension with China. The shrine honours Japan's war dead, including 14 World War Two leaders convicted by an Allied tribunal as war criminals. China, which was occupied by the Japanese from 1937 to 1945, takes offence at visits to the shrine. "The misbehaviour of actor Zhang Zhehan severely harms national feeling and brings baneful influence to his young age-group audience. Hence, we demand members not to engage him in any employment," said the association in a statement on Sunday. Zhang, 30, apologised on Chinese social media on Friday saying he is "ashamed of his ignorance". Still, state-backed People's Daily commented that Zhang should "pay a heavy price" for the "challenge of national dignity". More than 25 companies in China, including U.S. beverage maker Coca-Cola Co and Danish jeweller Pandora A/S, have announced the termination of partnerships with Zhang. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide Separately, China protested on Friday a visit to the shrine by Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters China was "greatly dissatisfied and firmly opposed" to the visit. The visit showed "the wrong attitude with how Japan treated its history of invasion and its malicious intention in challenging the post-war international order," Wu said. China has lodged stern representation to Japan on this matter, Wu said.

China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine

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