Two people are dead and at least 19 others are missing after a huge landslide caused by days of heavy rain swept away homes in central Japan on Saturday.

At least two people dead and 20 missing after powerful landslide hits Japan

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has convened an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. He has asked people in the affected areas to remain on alert.

The floods are a reminder of the natural disasters - including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami - that plague Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics starting this month.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the city, where about 80 people are evacuated, NHK said.

Some 2,830 households in the area face power outages, it said, citing the Tokyo Electric Power.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris.

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has convened an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. He has asked people in the affected areas to remain on alert. The floods are a reminder of the natural disasters - including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami - that plague Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics starting this month. Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the city, where about 80 people are evacuated, NHK said. Some 2,830 households in the area face power outages, it said, citing the Tokyo Electric Power. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese city battles with landslides after heavy rains

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called together an emergency task force to tackle the crisis, NHK added, as it broadcast Twitter footage of floods that destroyed homes swept away debris. 
 
Social media images showed partially submerged cars and rescue workers wading through waist-high water with a small life raft. 
 
The rainfall deluging the city since Friday has already exceeded average July levels for the prefectures of Shizuoka, where Atami is located, and neighbouring Kanagawa, NHK said.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the central city of Atami on Saturday after landslides triggered by heavy rains left at least 20 people missing, public broadcaster NHK said. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called together an emergency task force to tackle the crisis, NHK added, as it broadcast Twitter footage of floods that destroyed homes swept away debris. Social media images showed partially submerged cars and rescue workers wading through waist-high water with a small life raft. The rainfall deluging the city since Friday has already exceeded average July levels for the prefectures of Shizuoka, where Atami is located, and neighbouring Kanagawa, NHK said.

Torrential rains in Japan unleash landslides, 20 missing: Report

A Japanese woman dubbed the "Black&nbsp;Widow" who used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers had her final appeal against the death sentence rejected on Tuesday by the country's top court, local media said.

Chisako Kakehi, 74, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2017 for the murder of three men -- including a husband -- and the attempted murder of another, in a case that gripped Japan.

Two years ago, a high court dismissed an appeal by the serial killer who pocketed millions in insurance payouts and inheritance, drawing comparisons in the media with the spider that poisons its mate after copulation.

On Tuesday, Supreme Court presiding judge Yuko Miyazaki said "the death sentence is unavoidable" because Kakehi's "criminal responsibility is extremely grave", public broadcaster NHK reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inaugurating-embassy-in-uae-israel-tells-region-were-here-to-stay-394875">Also Read |&nbsp;Inaugurating embassy in UAE, Israel tells region: 'We're here to stay'</a>

"She used cyanide on the men after making them trust her as a life partner. It's a calculated, cruel crime based on a strong intent of murder," Miyazaki said.

When contacted by AFP, officials at the top court could not immediately confirm the reports.

The defence lawyers had claimed Kakehi was incapable of going through trials due to dementia, and she told Yomiuri TV before the ruling that she "did not want to die".&nbsp;

Kakehi reportedly amassed one billion yen ($9 million) in payouts over 10 years, but subsequently lost most of the fortune through unsuccessful financial trading.

She had relationships primarily with elderly or ill men -- meeting some through dating agencies, where she reportedly stipulated that prospective partners should be wealthy and childless.

Cyanide was found in the body of at least two of the men she was involved with and police reportedly found traces of the poison in the rubbish at her Kyoto home.

A Japanese woman dubbed the "Black Widow" who used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers had her final appeal against the death sentence rejected on Tuesday by the country's top court, local media said.

A Japanese woman dubbed the "Black Widow" who used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers had her final appeal against the death sentence rejected on Tuesday by the country's top court, local media said. Chisako Kakehi, 74, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2017 for the murder of three men -- including a husband -- and the attempted murder of another, in a case that gripped Japan. Two years ago, a high court dismissed an appeal by the serial killer who pocketed millions in insurance payouts and inheritance, drawing comparisons in the media with the spider that poisons its mate after copulation. On Tuesday, Supreme Court presiding judge Yuko Miyazaki said "the death sentence is unavoidable" because Kakehi's "criminal responsibility is extremely grave", public broadcaster NHK reported. Also Read | Inaugurating embassy in UAE, Israel tells region: 'We're here to stay' "She used cyanide on the men after making them trust her as a life partner. It's a calculated, cruel crime based on a strong intent of murder," Miyazaki said. When contacted by AFP, officials at the top court could not immediately confirm the reports. The defence lawyers had claimed Kakehi was incapable of going through trials due to dementia, and she told Yomiuri TV before the ruling that she "did not want to die". Kakehi reportedly amassed one billion yen ($9 million) in payouts over 10 years, but subsequently lost most of the fortune through unsuccessful financial trading. She had relationships primarily with elderly or ill men -- meeting some through dating agencies, where she reportedly stipulated that prospective partners should be wealthy and childless. Cyanide was found in the body of at least two of the men she was involved with and police reportedly found traces of the poison in the rubbish at her Kyoto home.

Japan's serial killer 'Black Widow' loses final death sentence appeal: reports

As the Japanese Conglomerate downgrades its industry ambitions reports say Softbank is now slashing jobs at Global Robotics business.

World Business Watch: Japanese Conglomerate downgrades ambitions

Japanese retail sales beat expectations in May as households loosened their purse strings, but underlying trends in consumption remain hostage to COVID-19 linked pressures.

World Business Watch: Japanese retail sales beat expectations in May

Tokyo Olympics 2020 faces the risk of becoming a super-spreader event. How are the organisers tackling the COVID-19 threat and dissent? WION's Molly Gambhir speaks to Tatsuo Ogura from the Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee.

Tokyo Olympics to kick off amid COVID-19 threat

Japanese Emperor&nbsp;Naruhito&nbsp;"appears concerned" about the possibility the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Olympic Games</a> could cause the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> to spread as feared by many members of the public, the head of the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) said on Thursday.

While the emperor's concern was framed as the official's impression rather than something he explicitly expressed, the rare insight into the monarch's thinking on the Games lit up social media, with many wondering whether there would be a formal address on the topic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears</a>

"The emperor is extremely worried about the current status of coronavirus infections," IHA Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura told a regular news conference on Thursday.

"Given the public's worries, he appears to me to be concerned about whether the Olympics and Paralymics event, for which he is honorary patron, would cause infections to spread."

As news of the chamberlain's comment spread, "IHA Grand Steward" and related keywords were tagged on tens of thousands of posts on Twitter.

The emperor has no political power but is widely respected as a figurehead in Japan, although it is rare for him to make public statements. His attendance at the opening ceremony on July 23 has not been decided, the IHA said.

Asked about the comment, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told reporters he did not believe that the chamberlain's remarks indicated that there were any problems with preparations for the Games, which were delayed for a year by the pandemic.

"Our responsibility is to alleviate the concerns of the public and ensure that the Games are held in a safe and secure manner, and we will continue to work at that," Muto said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-infection-expert-eyes-olympics-with-excitement-concern-393099">Japan infection expert eyes Olympics with excitement, concern</a>

Many Japanese remain sceptical about the possibility of holding even a scaled-down Games safely during the pandemic. Organisers have excluded foreign spectators and limited the number of domestic ones for the event. Alcohol, high-fives and talking loudly will also be banned.

'Situation still dire'

Japan has largely avoided the kind of explosive coronavirus outbreaks that have devastated other countries, but its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> roll-out was initially slow and the medical system has been pushed to the brink in some places.

On Thursday, advisers to the Tokyo metropolitan government warned that people were moving around more after the government lifted a state of emergency in the capital and elsewhere this week, and that could cause infections to creep up.

The medical system remained stretched to the limit as health workers were also busy vaccinating the public, one expert said.

They also warned of signs that more infectious variants could spread rapidly in the coming weeks and months.

"Although we're now in a 'quasi' state of emergency, the situation is still very dire," Tokyo Vice Governor Mitsuchika Tarao told reporters, standing in for Governor Yuriko Koike, who was hospitalised this week to recover from fatigue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uganda-olympic-team-member-tests-positive-on-arrival-in-japan-392664">Uganda Olympic team member tests positive on arrival in Japan</a>

Underscoring such concerns, a second member of the Ugandan team tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, several days after the team member had tested negative upon arrival in Japan.

Earlier in the week, the World Health Organization's head of emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, noted that infection rates in Japan had been falling, and said they compared favourably to other countries that were hosting big events.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito "appears concerned" about the possibility the Olympic Games could cause the coronavirus to spread as feared by many members of the public, the head of the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) said on Thursday.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito "appears concerned" about the possibility the Olympic Games could cause the coronavirus to spread as feared by many members of the public, the head of the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) said on Thursday. While the emperor's concern was framed as the official's impression rather than something he explicitly expressed, the rare insight into the monarch's thinking on the Games lit up social media, with many wondering whether there would be a formal address on the topic. Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears "The emperor is extremely worried about the current status of coronavirus infections," IHA Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura told a regular news conference on Thursday. "Given the public's worries, he appears to me to be concerned about whether the Olympics and Paralymics event, for which he is honorary patron, would cause infections to spread." As news of the chamberlain's comment spread, "IHA Grand Steward" and related keywords were tagged on tens of thousands of posts on Twitter. The emperor has no political power but is widely respected as a figurehead in Japan, although it is rare for him to make public statements. His attendance at the opening ceremony on July 23 has not been decided, the IHA said. Asked about the comment, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told reporters he did not believe that the chamberlain's remarks indicated that there were any problems with preparations for the Games, which were delayed for a year by the pandemic. "Our responsibility is to alleviate the concerns of the public and ensure that the Games are held in a safe and secure manner, and we will continue to work at that," Muto said. Also read | Japan infection expert eyes Olympics with excitement, concern Many Japanese remain sceptical about the possibility of holding even a scaled-down Games safely during the pandemic. Organisers have excluded foreign spectators and limited the number of domestic ones for the event. Alcohol, high-fives and talking loudly will also be banned. 'Situation still dire' Japan has largely avoided the kind of explosive coronavirus outbreaks that have devastated other countries, but its vaccine roll-out was initially slow and the medical system has been pushed to the brink in some places. On Thursday, advisers to the Tokyo metropolitan government warned that people were moving around more after the government lifted a state of emergency in the capital and elsewhere this week, and that could cause infections to creep up. The medical system remained stretched to the limit as health workers were also busy vaccinating the public, one expert said. They also warned of signs that more infectious variants could spread rapidly in the coming weeks and months. "Although we're now in a 'quasi' state of emergency, the situation is still very dire," Tokyo Vice Governor Mitsuchika Tarao told reporters, standing in for Governor Yuriko Koike, who was hospitalised this week to recover from fatigue. Also read | Uganda Olympic team member tests positive on arrival in Japan Underscoring such concerns, a second member of the Ugandan team tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, several days after the team member had tested negative upon arrival in Japan. Earlier in the week, the World Health Organization's head of emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, noted that infection rates in Japan had been falling, and said they compared favourably to other countries that were hosting big events.

Japanese emperor 'appears concerned' about COVID-19 spread in Olympics

Japan's top court has ruled that married couples must use the same surname. What's wrong with a woman retaining her maiden name after marriage? Palki Sharma tells you why changing surnames may be an archaic idea.

Gravitas: Married couples in Japan must use the same surname

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Who is accountable if the COVID-19 virus spreads?

In this age of equality and modernisation, Japan’s top court has denied giving couples a chance to keep their own surnames after marriage.

A little while ago, Japanese couples had argued that individuals should be allowed to keep their own surnames rather than having to change it to one family name.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dating-app-bumble-gives-employees-entire-week-off-to-deal-with-burnout-393201">Dating app Bumble gives employees entire week off to deal with 'burnout'</a>

The matter came to rise when, in 2018, plaintiffs, three couples, submitted their marriage registration documents with different surnames of husbands and wives. However, the municipal government refused to accept these documents.

After that, the couples argued that the rule of couples having to choose a single surname "is against equality under the law and freedom of marriage, which are guaranteed by the constitution”.

As per the law, the couples have a choice to opt for either the husband’s surname or the wives’, but in reality, it is generally the wives who have to change their surname. The people in favour of the law have argued that the idea behind choosing one surname is to promote close and healthier family ties.

In this age of equality and modernisation, Japan’s top court has denied giving couples a chance to keep their own surnames after marriage. A little while ago, Japanese couples had argued that individuals should be allowed to keep their own surnames rather than having to change it to one family name.

In this age of equality and modernisation, Japan’s top court has denied giving couples a chance to keep their own surnames after marriage. A little while ago, Japanese couples had argued that individuals should be allowed to keep their own surnames rather than having to change it to one family name. Also read | Dating app Bumble gives employees entire week off to deal with 'burnout' The matter came to rise when, in 2018, plaintiffs, three couples, submitted their marriage registration documents with different surnames of husbands and wives. However, the municipal government refused to accept these documents. After that, the couples argued that the rule of couples having to choose a single surname "is against equality under the law and freedom of marriage, which are guaranteed by the constitution”. As per the law, the couples have a choice to opt for either the husband’s surname or the wives’, but in reality, it is generally the wives who have to change their surname. The people in favour of the law have argued that the idea behind choosing one surname is to promote close and healthier family ties.

'Family ties': Japan court rules against couples' freedom to choose different surnames

The Japanese government recently released its annual economic policy guidelines, which include new recommendations that companies allow employees to work four days per week instead of the conventional five.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has already caused major changes in the way Japanese firms conduct business, many of which are still conservative and traditional.&nbsp;

However, as part of the government's drive to enhance the nation's work-life balance, Japan's famously hardworking workers will be urged to spend less time in the office environment.&nbsp;

Political leaders now aim to influence top corporate executives that flexible working hours, remote employment, increased interconnection, and plenty of other changes might be useful even when the deadly crisis is over.&nbsp;

Experts are split on whether the new programme, which aims to address the country's labour shortfall, will be universally embraced, with workers and management both expressing concerns about unforeseen effects.&nbsp;

Employers should be aware that while persons working four days a week may become more motivated, their output may not increase enough to compensate for the lost workday. Employees, on the other hand, are concerned about salary cuts.

The Japanese government recently released its annual economic policy guidelines, which include new recommendations that companies allow employees to work four days per week instead of the conventional five.

The Japanese government recently released its annual economic policy guidelines, which include new recommendations that companies allow employees to work four days per week instead of the conventional five. The coronavirus pandemic has already caused major changes in the way Japanese firms conduct business, many of which are still conservative and traditional. However, as part of the government's drive to enhance the nation's work-life balance, Japan's famously hardworking workers will be urged to spend less time in the office environment. Political leaders now aim to influence top corporate executives that flexible working hours, remote employment, increased interconnection, and plenty of other changes might be useful even when the deadly crisis is over. Experts are split on whether the new programme, which aims to address the country's labour shortfall, will be universally embraced, with workers and management both expressing concerns about unforeseen effects. Employers should be aware that while persons working four days a week may become more motivated, their output may not increase enough to compensate for the lost workday. Employees, on the other hand, are concerned about salary cuts.

To improve work-life balance, Japan proposes four-day working week 

Activity for the private sector as a whole contracted for a second straight month due to the weaker reading for manufacturing and continued shrinking in the services sector, clouding the outlook for second-quarter economic growth in the country.

Japan's June factory activity expands at slowest pace

A Ugandan Olympic coach has tested positive for the Wuhan virus, even after vaccination. India says the Olympic rules are highly unfair for Indian athletes. With the opposition within Japan growing, will the Olympics be cancelled again? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ugandan Olympic coach tests positive for Wuhan virus after vaccination

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-is-taking-its-south-china-sea-strategy-to-himalayas-386626">Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas</a>

Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea.

According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402">Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a>

"The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-coming-together-against-china-in-south-china-sea-374136">Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea?</a>

"Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said.

Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait.

But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings.

Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea. According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation "The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said. Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea? "Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said. Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait. But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings. Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang. 
 
US&nbsp;special representative for North Korea Sung Kim is in South Korea for a five-day visit, with no word of any planned efforts to contact the North. 
 
Kim, who doubles as ambassador to Indonesia, had back-to-back meetings scheduled with South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, as well as a trilateral session involving his Japanese counterpart, Takehiro Funakoshi. 
 
Noh and Funakoshi were also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting to discuss North Korea. 
 
Kim's appointment came after US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration conducted a review of North Korea policy that concluded the United States would seek to find practical ways of inducing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. 
 
In his first direct comments on Biden's administration, which took office in January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, particularly the latter, state news agency KCNA said on Friday. 
 
The United States said on Sunday it saw Kim's comments as an 'interesting signal',&nbsp;but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang.

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang. US special representative for North Korea Sung Kim is in South Korea for a five-day visit, with no word of any planned efforts to contact the North. Kim, who doubles as ambassador to Indonesia, had back-to-back meetings scheduled with South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, as well as a trilateral session involving his Japanese counterpart, Takehiro Funakoshi. Noh and Funakoshi were also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting to discuss North Korea. Kim's appointment came after US President Joe Biden's administration conducted a review of North Korea policy that concluded the United States would seek to find practical ways of inducing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. In his first direct comments on Biden's administration, which took office in January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, particularly the latter, state news agency KCNA said on Friday. The United States said on Sunday it saw Kim's comments as an 'interesting signal', but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. (With inputs from agencies)

New US envoy for North Korea to huddle with South Koreans, Japanese

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to&nbsp;'both sides'&nbsp;in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to&nbsp;'resolve the current situation'. Myanmar saw a military coup on&nbsp;February 1, reversing the democratic gains of the last many years with cases against the country's charismatic leader&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;San&nbsp;Suu&nbsp;Kyi.&nbsp;

Verma said, "In Myanmar,&nbsp;we have been formally and informally talking to both sides. We have urged the military junta,&nbsp;which is there at the moment to release all the political prisoners and support any attempt to resolve the current situation."&nbsp;

India backs the ASEAN initiative on resolution of the situation in the country. The initiative is a five-point agenda that calls for humanitarian assistance, cessation of violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The envoy pointed out that India also&nbsp;'trying to find out if there could be any other track which will have a larger traction to resolve the issues', highlighting that "we have time and again talked about restoration of rule of law, restoration of provisions of the constitution of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and offered our assistance wherever we can...(and) collaborate with international partners for a positive forward movement. We are not necessarily looking at punishing the country."&nbsp;

He was responding to a question at the foreign&nbsp;correspondents&nbsp;club of Japan. During his answer to the question on&nbsp;Myanmar, he recalled how India did&nbsp;'play a role'&nbsp;last time the country was under military rule as was&nbsp;'required that time for the democratic institutions in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and we are ready to do the same'.&nbsp;

On Friday, India abstained&nbsp;from voting during&nbsp;an&nbsp;UN resolution on an arms embargo on the country, calling the resolution,&nbsp;a move in haste. It has spoken multiple times at UNSC meetings on the situation in Myanmar, condemning the violence in the country. The envoy said,&nbsp;"Myanmar is our&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;country.&nbsp;Therefore,&nbsp;anything happening&nbsp;in Myanmar could have cross border implications, which&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;important for us."&nbsp;

India and Myanmar share maritime and land borders. India has been developing the Kaladan multimodal projects that increases connectivity between the&nbsp;two&nbsp;countries. Myanmar in the past has helped India deal with its insurgency in bordering states.&nbsp;

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to 'both sides' in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to 'resolve the current situation'.

Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that India has been talking to 'both sides' in Myanmar and has asked the military rulers of the country to 'resolve the current situation'. Myanmar saw a military coup on February 1, reversing the democratic gains of the last many years with cases against the country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Verma said, "In Myanmar, we have been formally and informally talking to both sides. We have urged the military junta, which is there at the moment to release all the political prisoners and support any attempt to resolve the current situation." India backs the ASEAN initiative on resolution of the situation in the country. The initiative is a five-point agenda that calls for humanitarian assistance, cessation of violence. The envoy pointed out that India also 'trying to find out if there could be any other track which will have a larger traction to resolve the issues', highlighting that "we have time and again talked about restoration of rule of law, restoration of provisions of the constitution of Myanmar and offered our assistance wherever we can...(and) collaborate with international partners for a positive forward movement. We are not necessarily looking at punishing the country." He was responding to a question at the foreign correspondents club of Japan. During his answer to the question on Myanmar, he recalled how India did 'play a role' last time the country was under military rule as was 'required that time for the democratic institutions in Myanmar and we are ready to do the same'. On Friday, India abstained from voting during an UN resolution on an arms embargo on the country, calling the resolution, a move in haste. It has spoken multiple times at UNSC meetings on the situation in Myanmar, condemning the violence in the country. The envoy said, "Myanmar is our neighbouring country. Therefore, anything happening in Myanmar could have cross border implications, which will be important for us." India and Myanmar share maritime and land borders. India has been developing the Kaladan multimodal projects that increases connectivity between the two countries. Myanmar in the past has helped India deal with its insurgency in bordering states.

Talking to both sides in Myanmar, says Indian envoy to Japan 

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said.

The first group to arrive from Uganda -- a nine-strong party, including boxers, coaches and officials -- landed at Tokyo's Narita airport on Saturday. They are the second team to arrive after Australia women's softball squad on June 1.

But one of the African nation's delegation tested positive during screening at the airport, a government official told reporters. The person tested twice but their condition remained unknown, reported local media.

"I heard the person has been isolated based on regulations," Hidemasa Nakamura, the Tokyo 2020 Games delivery officer, told reporters, renewing a pledge to take strict measures against infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elects-new-president-mixed-reactions-across-world-392652">Also Read |&nbsp;Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world</a>

Public broadcaster NHK said the group had all been vaccinated and tested negative in Uganda before they came to Japan.

The team was originally due to have arrived in Japan on June 16, but their flight was cancelled following a surge in Covid-19 cases in Uganda, local media said.

The other members of the Ugandan party have already left the airport for Osaka, western Japan, where they will train ahead of the Games.

This was the first case showing positive Covid test results among Olympic arrivals from overseas, local media said.

Last week organisers released virus guidelines for athletes as part of their effort to hold the Games safely even though the pandemic has not yet been brought under control.

Organisers said they would meet on Monday to discuss how many domestic spectators to allow, if any, with reports suggesting they would opt for a cap of 10,000 people.

Nippon Television said organisers were considering setting the upper limit of spectators, including guests and officials, at 20,000 for the July 23 opening ceremony.

Fans from abroad are already banned from attending the postponed event.

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said.

A member of the Uganda Olympic team has tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Japan, just over a month before the pandemic-postponed Games, officials said. The first group to arrive from Uganda -- a nine-strong party, including boxers, coaches and officials -- landed at Tokyo's Narita airport on Saturday. They are the second team to arrive after Australia women's softball squad on June 1. But one of the African nation's delegation tested positive during screening at the airport, a government official told reporters. The person tested twice but their condition remained unknown, reported local media. "I heard the person has been isolated based on regulations," Hidemasa Nakamura, the Tokyo 2020 Games delivery officer, told reporters, renewing a pledge to take strict measures against infections. Also Read | Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world Public broadcaster NHK said the group had all been vaccinated and tested negative in Uganda before they came to Japan. The team was originally due to have arrived in Japan on June 16, but their flight was cancelled following a surge in Covid-19 cases in Uganda, local media said. The other members of the Ugandan party have already left the airport for Osaka, western Japan, where they will train ahead of the Games. This was the first case showing positive Covid test results among Olympic arrivals from overseas, local media said. Last week organisers released virus guidelines for athletes as part of their effort to hold the Games safely even though the pandemic has not yet been brought under control. Organisers said they would meet on Monday to discuss how many domestic spectators to allow, if any, with reports suggesting they would opt for a cap of 10,000 people. Nippon Television said organisers were considering setting the upper limit of spectators, including guests and officials, at 20,000 for the July 23 opening ceremony. Fans from abroad are already banned from attending the postponed event.

Uganda Olympic team member tests positive on arrival in Japan

In Tokyo, Mock athletes board buses near the Olympic and Paralympic Village during a transport operations simulation for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Organizers conduct mock transport drill

India's envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that Indo Pacific vision is the 'new currency' even as he listed out how Quad is a grouping of 'convergence of principles'. Japan, along with India, US and Australia are members of the Quad grouping and back the Indo Pacific vision that geographically sees Indian and Pacific oceans as one unit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In response to a question, Sanjay Verma speaking at Foreign&nbsp;Correspondents&nbsp;Club of Japan, said, "There is no conflict between the concept of Indo Pacific and Asia Pacific, which is an old concept. In fact, Indo Pacific has become the new currency, as compared to the old currency, which used to be Asia Pacific. Indo Pacific replaces Asia Pacific."&nbsp;&nbsp;

He explained that the Indo Pacific vision is shared by 'many countries' and groupings like ASEAN and 'many countries beyond Asia, which also share' the vision like the US and Australia. Indo Pacific is a region seen from eastern shores of Africa to the western coast of the US and a region driving the world's economy and hosting a large portion of world's population.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked about Quad, and India aligning itself to specific groups, Verma highlighted that, "Quad doesn't force us to leave or give up our independent foreign policy. It is autonomous and completely independent. It doesn't preclude the convergence of principles."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adding, "Quad has certain principles, which have convergence and&nbsp;reverbrance&nbsp;with the Indian foreign policy ethos and that is very much there."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, this year saw the first-ever Quad leadership summit virtually in which leaders of all four member countries participated. Later, this year could see, first-ever in-person summit. While the Quad's history goes back to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian ocean Tsunami when these four countries worked together, but it is only in the last few years that the pace of regular engagement has increased.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"In Quad, the countries, which have come together, follow principles like democracy”, envoy pointed out, saying "there is dialogue and deliverables coming out of quad and I don't see quad going against the philosophy and principle of having an independent foreign policy by a country."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The emergence of groupings like Quad and Indo Pacific vision come at a time when world and Asia has seen an increase in Chinese aggressiveness. China has been aggressive with all four Quad countries, with India it has been creating troubles at LAC in Eastern Ladakh, with Japan over Senkaku islands, with Australia there have been trade issues and with US, from trade to Taiwan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian envoy also spoke on Tokyo Olympics which Japan will be hosting next month, saying "our athletes are early waiting to come and join the event and try to do the best they can in the sporting event."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Olympics were to take place last year but got postponed due to the Covid crisis. This year, the Olympics are taking place amid heightened protocols to deal with the Covid virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Verma said, "The Olympics should generally be held on time so that athletes, who would participate, do not get disappointed", elaborating that "It is a global event, for which the world waits for four years and therefore, our view is that, with safety is of paramount importance. There cannot be a compromise with health issues. Neither for the athletes, nor for visitors or Japanese residents."&nbsp;&nbsp;

So far, 140 Indian athletes are confirmed to go to Japan for the Olympics. The number can increase as many qualifying events remain.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Expressing confidence on smooth Olympics, the envoy said, "Olympics should go ahead and I am sure, given the precautions taken by the Japanese govt and Japanese Olympic committee, we do not foresee any difficulty in going ahead with the event."&nbsp;

India's envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that Indo Pacific vision is the 'new currency' even as he listed out how Quad is a grouping of 'convergence of principles'.

India's envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma has said that Indo Pacific vision is the 'new currency' even as he listed out how Quad is a grouping of 'convergence of principles'. Japan, along with India, US and Australia are members of the Quad grouping and back the Indo Pacific vision that geographically sees Indian and Pacific oceans as one unit. In response to a question, Sanjay Verma speaking at Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan, said, "There is no conflict between the concept of Indo Pacific and Asia Pacific, which is an old concept. In fact, Indo Pacific has become the new currency, as compared to the old currency, which used to be Asia Pacific. Indo Pacific replaces Asia Pacific." He explained that the Indo Pacific vision is shared by 'many countries' and groupings like ASEAN and 'many countries beyond Asia, which also share' the vision like the US and Australia. Indo Pacific is a region seen from eastern shores of Africa to the western coast of the US and a region driving the world's economy and hosting a large portion of world's population. Asked about Quad, and India aligning itself to specific groups, Verma highlighted that, "Quad doesn't force us to leave or give up our independent foreign policy. It is autonomous and completely independent. It doesn't preclude the convergence of principles." Adding, "Quad has certain principles, which have convergence and reverbrance with the Indian foreign policy ethos and that is very much there." Earlier, this year saw the first-ever Quad leadership summit virtually in which leaders of all four member countries participated. Later, this year could see, first-ever in-person summit. While the Quad's history goes back to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian ocean Tsunami when these four countries worked together, but it is only in the last few years that the pace of regular engagement has increased. "In Quad, the countries, which have come together, follow principles like democracy”, envoy pointed out, saying "there is dialogue and deliverables coming out of quad and I don't see quad going against the philosophy and principle of having an independent foreign policy by a country." The emergence of groupings like Quad and Indo Pacific vision come at a time when world and Asia has seen an increase in Chinese aggressiveness. China has been aggressive with all four Quad countries, with India it has been creating troubles at LAC in Eastern Ladakh, with Japan over Senkaku islands, with Australia there have been trade issues and with US, from trade to Taiwan. The Indian envoy also spoke on Tokyo Olympics which Japan will be hosting next month, saying "our athletes are early waiting to come and join the event and try to do the best they can in the sporting event." The Olympics were to take place last year but got postponed due to the Covid crisis. This year, the Olympics are taking place amid heightened protocols to deal with the Covid virus. Verma said, "The Olympics should generally be held on time so that athletes, who would participate, do not get disappointed", elaborating that "It is a global event, for which the world waits for four years and therefore, our view is that, with safety is of paramount importance. There cannot be a compromise with health issues. Neither for the athletes, nor for visitors or Japanese residents." So far, 140 Indian athletes are confirmed to go to Japan for the Olympics. The number can increase as many qualifying events remain. Expressing confidence on smooth Olympics, the envoy said, "Olympics should go ahead and I am sure, given the precautions taken by the Japanese govt and Japanese Olympic committee, we do not foresee any difficulty in going ahead with the event."

Indo Pacific is new currency, says Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Verma; Backs Tokyo Olympics 

Sapporo in northern Japan woke up to the news of a bear invasion. The frenzied animal invaded a military base, stranded flights and terrorised the locals. But its day in the city was cut short by Japanese marksmen. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Bear invades Japanese military base

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike on Saturday cancelled all public viewing sites for the summer Olympics, diverting some venues to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a>&nbsp;centres instead.

Foreign spectators are banned from attending the Games, delayed by a year due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a>, but the government and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo 2020</a> organisers have for months held off on deciding whether to allow Japanese spectators into the stadiums.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-ending-tokyo-virus-emergency-one-month-before-olympics-392202">Japan ending Tokyo virus emergency one month before Olympics</a>

The ban on public viewing follows the metropolitan government's decision this month to scrap plans for a public viewing site in Yoyogi Park in central Tokyo, converting the venue to a vaccination centre.

"I believe these are necessary measures, when looking from various perspectives, for a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games," Koike told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

They are to talk on Monday with the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-crowds-decision-to-be-part-of-wider-ruling-on-sport-coates-390761">Tokyo 2020: Crowds decision to be part of wider ruling on sport: Coates</a>

Japanese medical experts said on Friday that banning spectators at the Olympics was the least risky option for going ahead with the event, while floating the possibility that venues could hold up to 10,000 fans in areas where "quasi-emergency" measures, such as shorter restaurant hours, have been lifted.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike on Saturday cancelled all public viewing sites for the summer Olympics, diverting some venues to be COVID-19 vaccination centres instead.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike on Saturday cancelled all public viewing sites for the summer Olympics, diverting some venues to be COVID-19 vaccination centres instead. Foreign spectators are banned from attending the Games, delayed by a year due to the pandemic, but the government and Tokyo 2020 organisers have for months held off on deciding whether to allow Japanese spectators into the stadiums. Also read | Japan ending Tokyo virus emergency one month before Olympics The ban on public viewing follows the metropolitan government's decision this month to scrap plans for a public viewing site in Yoyogi Park in central Tokyo, converting the venue to a vaccination centre. "I believe these are necessary measures, when looking from various perspectives, for a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games," Koike told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. They are to talk on Monday with the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee. Also read | Tokyo 2020: Crowds decision to be part of wider ruling on sport: Coates Japanese medical experts said on Friday that banning spectators at the Olympics was the least risky option for going ahead with the event, while floating the possibility that venues could hold up to 10,000 fans in areas where "quasi-emergency" measures, such as shorter restaurant hours, have been lifted.

Tokyo cancels public viewing sites, some to be vaccination centers

The Financial Times has accused India of being the Quad's weakest link, pointing to the breakdown of vaccine supplies. With Japan labouring to the Olympics and US hitting 600,000 Covid deaths, why has India been singled out? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Western press calls India Quad's weakest link

Japan is set to outline how it will lift its "state of emergency" curbs while keeping some restrictions, including spectator numbers at big events, amid fears that next month's Olympics could trigger a new wave of coronavirus infections.

Media reports say the government is considering allowing up to 10,000 spectators into stadiums during the Games, in line with a plan endorsed by health experts&nbsp;on Wednesday for local events.

Later on Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to announce a decision on the state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and seven other prefectures, which expires on June 20.

Instead of removing all lockdown measures, the government is seeking to call a "quasi-emergency" in seven of those prefectures, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Thursday, meaning some curbs will remain in place.

The southern island prefecture Okinawa, currently battling a surge in infections, is widely expected to remain in a state of emergency.

The one-notch easing of the emergency restrictions would come just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics, delayed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is due to start on July 23.

To avoid a resurgence of the pandemic, Japan, which is due to decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Games, will likely keep restrictions on the flow of people, including the Olympics.

Health experts including top medical adviser Shigeru Omi on Wednesday agreed with a government plan that would permit up to 10,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is smaller, at events, under certain conditions.

The Mainichi and other media reported the government was aiming to allow spectators into the Games, using the 10,000 cap. A decision on the maximum number of spectators for the Olympics is due by the end of the month.

Polls have shown most Japanese remain wary of the Games, particularly as vaccination rates are still lower than in other wealthy nations.

Omi previously called on the government to better explain to the public how it expects to prevent infections while hosting the Games.

Public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday that Omi and other health experts had compiled proposals for the Games. The proposals will state that banning live spectators will be the least risky way method and that if spectators are to be allowed, there should be more restrictions than those applied to other large-scale events.

Japan is set to outline how it will lift its "state of emergency" curbs while keeping some restrictions, including spectator numbers at big events, amid fears that next month's Olympics could trigger a new wave of coronavirus infections.

Japan is set to outline how it will lift its "state of emergency" curbs while keeping some restrictions, including spectator numbers at big events, amid fears that next month's Olympics could trigger a new wave of coronavirus infections. Media reports say the government is considering allowing up to 10,000 spectators into stadiums during the Games, in line with a plan endorsed by health experts on Wednesday for local events. Later on Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to announce a decision on the state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and seven other prefectures, which expires on June 20. Instead of removing all lockdown measures, the government is seeking to call a "quasi-emergency" in seven of those prefectures, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Thursday, meaning some curbs will remain in place. The southern island prefecture Okinawa, currently battling a surge in infections, is widely expected to remain in a state of emergency. The one-notch easing of the emergency restrictions would come just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics, delayed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is due to start on July 23. To avoid a resurgence of the pandemic, Japan, which is due to decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Games, will likely keep restrictions on the flow of people, including the Olympics. Health experts including top medical adviser Shigeru Omi on Wednesday agreed with a government plan that would permit up to 10,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is smaller, at events, under certain conditions. The Mainichi and other media reported the government was aiming to allow spectators into the Games, using the 10,000 cap. A decision on the maximum number of spectators for the Olympics is due by the end of the month. Polls have shown most Japanese remain wary of the Games, particularly as vaccination rates are still lower than in other wealthy nations. Omi previously called on the government to better explain to the public how it expects to prevent infections while hosting the Games. Public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday that Omi and other health experts had compiled proposals for the Games. The proposals will state that banning live spectators will be the least risky way method and that if spectators are to be allowed, there should be more restrictions than those applied to other large-scale events.

Tokyo 2020: Japan to ease state of emergency, focus on Games spectators

Japan's government on Thursday approved lifting Tokyo's virus emergency just over a month before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo Olympics</a> but set new restrictions that could sharply limit fans at Games events.

The state of emergency in place in Tokyo began in late April and largely limits bar and restaurant opening hours and bans them from selling alcohol.

That measure will now end in the capital and eight other regions on June 20, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced. It will stay in place in Okinawa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-japan-to-ease-state-of-emergency-focus-on-games-spectators-392069">Tokyo 2020: Japan to ease state of emergency, focus on Games spectators</a>

"The number of infections nationwide has been declining since mid-May and the situation in terms of hospital beds is steadily improving," he said.

"On the other hand, in some regions, there are signs that the fall in the number of infections is slowing," Suga added.

In place of the emergency, the government will implement so-called "quasi-emergency" measures in Tokyo and six other areas until July 11.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-agree-to-ease-emergency-curbs-in-tokyo-but-warn-of-risks-govt-392060">Experts agree to ease emergency curbs in Tokyo but warn of risks: Govt</a>

The measures will slightly relax the rules on alcohol, allowing sales until 7 pm, but still asks restaurants and bars to shut at 8 pm.

Crucially, with just five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open, strict limits will remain on the number of spectators allowed at large events.

The current state of emergency allows only 5,000 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is smaller. And on Wednesday, the government approved an upper limit of 10,000 spectators, but only for areas not under any restrictions.

Those rules are likely to guide Olympic organisers when they decide in the coming days how many domestic fans, if any, will be allowed to attend.

Overseas fans have already been banned from the Games for the first time, and organisers said they would wait to rule on domestic spectators until the emergency was lifted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-overseas-reporters-movement-to-be-tracked-by-gps-as-japan-gears-up-for-games-390190">Tokyo Olympics: Overseas reporters' movement to be tracked by GPS as Japan gears up for Games</a>

The issue is controversial. While cases in Japan have fallen from their fourth wave peak, some medical professionals fear that crowds of Olympic spectators could fan a new surge.

A report expected soon from some of the government's top medical advisers will argue holding the Games without fans would be safest, national broadcaster NHK said Thursday.

The experts will urge that additional rules are imposed if spectators are allowed, NHK said.

'Respond flexibly'&nbsp;

Suga noted that professional baseball and football games have continued with limited spectators throughout the emergency "and there have been few clusters".

But he also warned that measures could be tightened if the situation worsens.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/half-of-japanese-predict-olympics-will-happen-this-year-poll-shows-389920">Half of Japanese predict Olympics will happen this year, poll shows</a>

"If there are signs that the medical system is stretched because of another expansion (of infections), we will respond flexibly, including by reinforcing measures," he told a news conference.

Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with slightly over 14,000 deaths while avoiding harsh lockdowns.

Just over six per cent of the population is fully vaccinated so far.

Given the likely restrictions, Olympic organisers have given up on selling any more tickets and are weighing a lottery system to determine which ticketholders will be able to attend events, the Kyodo news agency reported.

Millions of tickets were sold in Japan last year before the postponement, and while several hundred thousand applications for refunds were processed after the Games were postponed, the number of ticketholders is still likely to exceed any spectator caps at many events.

With just over a month until the Games open, organisers are attempting to build confidence that the biggest international event since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a> began will be safe for participants and the public.

Newly updated virus rulebooks released this week warn athletes they could be expelled from the Games if they violate requirements like mask-wearing and daily testing.

Organisers say more than 80 per cent of athletes will be vaccinated and they will be barred from interacting with the Japanese public.

Recent polls have suggested a slight shift in public opposition to holding the Games, with more now in favour of it going ahead than cancelling it.

Previous surveys that offered postponement as an option tended to show most Japanese preferred either another delay or cancellation.

Japan's government on Thursday approved lifting Tokyo's virus emergency just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics but set new restrictions that could sharply limit fans at Games events.

Japan's government on Thursday approved lifting Tokyo's virus emergency just over a month before the Tokyo Olympics but set new restrictions that could sharply limit fans at Games events. The state of emergency in place in Tokyo began in late April and largely limits bar and restaurant opening hours and bans them from selling alcohol. That measure will now end in the capital and eight other regions on June 20, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced. It will stay in place in Okinawa. Also read | Tokyo 2020: Japan to ease state of emergency, focus on Games spectators "The number of infections nationwide has been declining since mid-May and the situation in terms of hospital beds is steadily improving," he said. "On the other hand, in some regions, there are signs that the fall in the number of infections is slowing," Suga added. In place of the emergency, the government will implement so-called "quasi-emergency" measures in Tokyo and six other areas until July 11. Also read | Experts agree to ease emergency curbs in Tokyo but warn of risks: Govt The measures will slightly relax the rules on alcohol, allowing sales until 7 pm, but still asks restaurants and bars to shut at 8 pm. Crucially, with just five weeks until the pandemic-postponed Games open, strict limits will remain on the number of spectators allowed at large events. The current state of emergency allows only 5,000 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is smaller. And on Wednesday, the government approved an upper limit of 10,000 spectators, but only for areas not under any restrictions. Those rules are likely to guide Olympic organisers when they decide in the coming days how many domestic fans, if any, will be allowed to attend. Overseas fans have already been banned from the Games for the first time, and organisers said they would wait to rule on domestic spectators until the emergency was lifted. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: Overseas reporters' movement to be tracked by GPS as Japan gears up for Games The issue is controversial. While cases in Japan have fallen from their fourth wave peak, some medical professionals fear that crowds of Olympic spectators could fan a new surge. A report expected soon from some of the government's top medical advisers will argue holding the Games without fans would be safest, national broadcaster NHK said Thursday. The experts will urge that additional rules are imposed if spectators are allowed, NHK said. 'Respond flexibly' Suga noted that professional baseball and football games have continued with limited spectators throughout the emergency "and there have been few clusters". But he also warned that measures could be tightened if the situation worsens. Also read | Half of Japanese predict Olympics will happen this year, poll shows "If there are signs that the medical system is stretched because of another expansion (of infections), we will respond flexibly, including by reinforcing measures," he told a news conference. Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with slightly over 14,000 deaths while avoiding harsh lockdowns. Just over six per cent of the population is fully vaccinated so far. Given the likely restrictions, Olympic organisers have given up on selling any more tickets and are weighing a lottery system to determine which ticketholders will be able to attend events, the Kyodo news agency reported. Millions of tickets were sold in Japan last year before the postponement, and while several hundred thousand applications for refunds were processed after the Games were postponed, the number of ticketholders is still likely to exceed any spectator caps at many events. With just over a month until the Games open, organisers are attempting to build confidence that the biggest international event since the pandemic began will be safe for participants and the public. Newly updated virus rulebooks released this week warn athletes they could be expelled from the Games if they violate requirements like mask-wearing and daily testing. Organisers say more than 80 per cent of athletes will be vaccinated and they will be barred from interacting with the Japanese public. Recent polls have suggested a slight shift in public opposition to holding the Games, with more now in favour of it going ahead than cancelling it. Previous surveys that offered postponement as an option tended to show most Japanese preferred either another delay or cancellation.

Japan ending Tokyo virus emergency one month before Olympics

Exports of both cars and auto parts more than doubled, up 135.5% and 139.1% from a year earlier, respectively.

Japan's May exports log sharpest rise in 41 years

Japan will decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, the government's chief spokesman said on Wednesday, after experts signed off on a plan to allow crowds of up to 10,000 people at events.

The final call on attendance at the Games will be made taking into account coronavirus infection conditions and the prevalence of variants, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters.

Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said health experts agreed with a government plan that would permit up to 10,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is smaller, at events. Allowing such crowds depends on there not being special infection controls in effect, however.

Foreign spectators are already prohibited from the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;beginning on July 23 as part of measures planned to deliver what the Japanese government and Olympic officials promise will be "safe and secure" Games.

Tokyo organizers might be forgiven for eyeing soccer's European Championship with envy, as stadiums across the continent are expected to be packed throughout the month-long spectacle.

On Tuesday, a full house of 67,000 supporters watched Hungary take on Portugal in their Euro 2020 opener. Other nations are allowing various sized crowds, with up to 45,000 expected at both semi-finals and the July 11 final to be played at London's Wembley Stadium.

The government's top medical adviser Shigeru Omi was due to hold a news conference on coronavirus countermeasures on Wednesday, the Cabinet Office said.

Omi has been&nbsp;in recent weeks about the risks of holding the Games during a pandemic and has said guidance from him and other experts were not making its way to the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC has tried to quell such concerns by saying that most athletes and media coming to Tokyo will be vaccinated and that so-called playbooks governing hygiene, movements, and testing of participants will further mitigate infection risks.

The&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;have already been postponed by a year amid concerns over how organizers can keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe when they begin after the fourth wave of infections.

Tokyo, Osaka, and eight other prefectures remain under a state of emergency that is set to end on June 20.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday he was against lifting the emergency declaration "too easily", adding he would request quasi-emergency measures to avoid an infection rebound.

Japan's sluggish vaccination push is starting to gain steam of late, and recent polls have pointed to acceptance that the Games will go forward.

Hofu City, in the southwestern prefecture of Yamaguchi, is vaccinating high school students, far ahead of the rest of the country, before they volunteer to help with pre-Games training thereby Serbia's national volleyball team, NHK reported.

Japan will decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Tokyo Olympics, the government's chief spokesman said on Wednesday, after experts signed off on a plan to allow crowds of up to 10,000 people at events.

Japan will decide this month on whether to allow domestic spectators at the Tokyo Olympics, the government's chief spokesman said on Wednesday, after experts signed off on a plan to allow crowds of up to 10,000 people at events. The final call on attendance at the Games will be made taking into account coronavirus infection conditions and the prevalence of variants, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters. Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said health experts agreed with a government plan that would permit up to 10,000 spectators or 50% of a venue's capacity, whichever is smaller, at events. Allowing such crowds depends on there not being special infection controls in effect, however. Foreign spectators are already prohibited from the Olympics beginning on July 23 as part of measures planned to deliver what the Japanese government and Olympic officials promise will be "safe and secure" Games. Tokyo organizers might be forgiven for eyeing soccer's European Championship with envy, as stadiums across the continent are expected to be packed throughout the month-long spectacle. On Tuesday, a full house of 67,000 supporters watched Hungary take on Portugal in their Euro 2020 opener. Other nations are allowing various sized crowds, with up to 45,000 expected at both semi-finals and the July 11 final to be played at London's Wembley Stadium. The government's top medical adviser Shigeru Omi was due to hold a news conference on coronavirus countermeasures on Wednesday, the Cabinet Office said. Omi has been in recent weeks about the risks of holding the Games during a pandemic and has said guidance from him and other experts were not making its way to the International Olympic Committee. The IOC has tried to quell such concerns by saying that most athletes and media coming to Tokyo will be vaccinated and that so-called playbooks governing hygiene, movements, and testing of participants will further mitigate infection risks. The Olympics have already been postponed by a year amid concerns over how organizers can keep volunteers, athletes, officials, and the Japanese public safe when they begin after the fourth wave of infections. Tokyo, Osaka, and eight other prefectures remain under a state of emergency that is set to end on June 20. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said Wednesday he was against lifting the emergency declaration "too easily", adding he would request quasi-emergency measures to avoid an infection rebound. Japan's sluggish vaccination push is starting to gain steam of late, and recent polls have pointed to acceptance that the Games will go forward. Hofu City, in the southwestern prefecture of Yamaguchi, is vaccinating high school students, far ahead of the rest of the country, before they volunteer to help with pre-Games training thereby Serbia's national volleyball team, NHK reported.

Japan to decide soon on domestic spectators at Tokyo Olympics

South Korean's military began annual drills on Tuesday around a set of islands also claimed by Japan, days after planned talks between the two countries' leaders were called off amid a spat over an Olympics map. 
 
Seoul and Tokyo have been at odds over the sovereignty of the islets called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, which lie about halfway between the neighbours in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea. 
 
The decades-long territorial row was rekindled after South Korea lodged a protest over a map on the Tokyo Olympics website marking the islands as Japanese territory. 
 
Tokyo rejected Seoul's demand to remove the depiction of the islets in the Olympics map. South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee to mediate the dispute, and some South Korean politicians called for a boycott of the Games. 
 
Relations between the two Asian neighbours have been frosty amid feuds over the islets, trade and the issue of compensation for victims, who were forced work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. 
 
Naval, air and coast guard forces will join the drills, which will be staged mostly on the sea with minimal contact between troops due to coronavirus concerns, Seoul's defence ministry said. 
 
South Korea's Yonhap news agency earlier reported Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took issue over the drills and called off planned talks with President Moon Jae-in at the Group of Seven summit in England over the weekend. 
 
An official at South Korea's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the meeting could not be held, without specifying why. 
 
When asked if a dispute over the drills was the reason, the official said: "the exercises are regularly held every year for the purpose of defending our territory." 
 
The Korean drills around the islets have taken place twice a year since 1986, prompting frequent protests from Japan. 
 
Japan's chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato on Monday denied the Yonhap report, saying it was 'one-sided' and the talks did not come off due to scheduling difficulties. 
 
On Tuesday, Kato said Tokyo had lodged a protest with Seoul over the exercises, saying the islands are Japanese territory under history and international law. 
 
"This sort of drill is unacceptable and extremely regrettable," he told a news conference. "We`ve protested to the South Korean government and called for them to be halted." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean's military began annual drills on Tuesday around a set of islands also claimed by Japan, days after planned talks between the two countries' leaders were called off amid a spat over an Olympics map.

South Korean's military began annual drills on Tuesday around a set of islands also claimed by Japan, days after planned talks between the two countries' leaders were called off amid a spat over an Olympics map. Seoul and Tokyo have been at odds over the sovereignty of the islets called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, which lie about halfway between the neighbours in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea. The decades-long territorial row was rekindled after South Korea lodged a protest over a map on the Tokyo Olympics website marking the islands as Japanese territory. Tokyo rejected Seoul's demand to remove the depiction of the islets in the Olympics map. South Korea asked the International Olympic Committee to mediate the dispute, and some South Korean politicians called for a boycott of the Games. Relations between the two Asian neighbours have been frosty amid feuds over the islets, trade and the issue of compensation for victims, who were forced work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. Naval, air and coast guard forces will join the drills, which will be staged mostly on the sea with minimal contact between troops due to coronavirus concerns, Seoul's defence ministry said. South Korea's Yonhap news agency earlier reported Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took issue over the drills and called off planned talks with President Moon Jae-in at the Group of Seven summit in England over the weekend. An official at South Korea's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the meeting could not be held, without specifying why. When asked if a dispute over the drills was the reason, the official said: "the exercises are regularly held every year for the purpose of defending our territory." The Korean drills around the islets have taken place twice a year since 1986, prompting frequent protests from Japan. Japan's chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato on Monday denied the Yonhap report, saying it was 'one-sided' and the talks did not come off due to scheduling difficulties. On Tuesday, Kato said Tokyo had lodged a protest with Seoul over the exercises, saying the islands are Japanese territory under history and international law. "This sort of drill is unacceptable and extremely regrettable," he told a news conference. "We`ve protested to the South Korean government and called for them to be halted." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea holds drills around disputed islets amid row over cancelled Japan talks

Japan on Tuesday denied a media report that South Korean President Moon Jae-In is arranging a visit to Japan timed with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as talks with Japanese Prime Minister Suga. 
 
The Blue House is hoping that Moon will hold his first ever talks with Japanese premier Yoshihide Suga during his stay, the Yomiuri daily reported, without citing sources. 
 
"There is no truth to that report," chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference, declining to comment further. 
 
The relationship between South Korea and Japan has soured in recent years due to disputes over war-time history and trade.

Earlier, South Korea had asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, according to an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee. 
 
The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter asking the IOC to 'actively mediate' the dispute, which has sparked outrage and protests in South Korea less than two months out from the start of the Games. 
 
The small islands, called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, have been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries. 
 
"Dokdo is South Korean territory and political neutrality must be guaranteed at the Games," Kim Bo-young, public relations director of KSOC, said. 
 
"Japan's behavior can be seen as a political action, so we have sent the letter as we believe such action runs counter to the Olympic spirit." 
 
Japan rejected South Korea's protests. 
 
"Takeshima is a territory inherent to Japan in view of historical facts and international laws. We cannot accept South Korean's protest at all," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said.

Some South Korean officials have pointed out that Seoul removed the disputed islands from a flag featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after Japan complained. 
 
South Korea said, it had summoned Japan's deputy ambassador to 'strongly protest' the map, which sparked uproar in South Korea and prompted some politicians there to call for a boycott of the Games. 
 
Three South Korean students were arrested after burning Japan's 'Rising Sun' flag in a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, while live-streaming the act on YouTube. 
 
The three were detained on charges of violating assembly and demonstration laws, according to media reports. 
 
About a dozen other members of the student group protested against the arrests outside the police station. 
 
"South Korean land is being taken away," shouted one protester with a loudspeaker, according to video posted by the group on social media. 
 
The diplomatic spat is the latest headache for organisers of the Tokyo Games, which is due to take place from July 23 to August 8 after being delayed last year due to the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic. 
 
Opinion polls show most people in Japan want the global sporting showpiece to be cancelled or postponed again as the country battles a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Japan on Tuesday denied a media report that South Korean President Moon Jae-In is arranging a visit to Japan timed with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as talks with Japanese Prime Minister Suga.

Japan on Tuesday denied a media report that South Korean President Moon Jae-In is arranging a visit to Japan timed with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as talks with Japanese Prime Minister Suga. The Blue House is hoping that Moon will hold his first ever talks with Japanese premier Yoshihide Suga during his stay, the Yomiuri daily reported, without citing sources. "There is no truth to that report," chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato told a news conference, declining to comment further. The relationship between South Korea and Japan has soured in recent years due to disputes over war-time history and trade. Earlier, South Korea had asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to pressure Japan to remove a reference to South Korea-controlled islands as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Games website, according to an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter asking the IOC to 'actively mediate' the dispute, which has sparked outrage and protests in South Korea less than two months out from the start of the Games. The small islands, called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, have been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the two countries. "Dokdo is South Korean territory and political neutrality must be guaranteed at the Games," Kim Bo-young, public relations director of KSOC, said. "Japan's behavior can be seen as a political action, so we have sent the letter as we believe such action runs counter to the Olympic spirit." Japan rejected South Korea's protests. "Takeshima is a territory inherent to Japan in view of historical facts and international laws. We cannot accept South Korean's protest at all," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said. Some South Korean officials have pointed out that Seoul removed the disputed islands from a flag featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after Japan complained. South Korea said, it had summoned Japan's deputy ambassador to 'strongly protest' the map, which sparked uproar in South Korea and prompted some politicians there to call for a boycott of the Games. Three South Korean students were arrested after burning Japan's 'Rising Sun' flag in a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, while live-streaming the act on YouTube. The three were detained on charges of violating assembly and demonstration laws, according to media reports. About a dozen other members of the student group protested against the arrests outside the police station. "South Korean land is being taken away," shouted one protester with a loudspeaker, according to video posted by the group on social media. The diplomatic spat is the latest headache for organisers of the Tokyo Games, which is due to take place from July 23 to August 8 after being delayed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Opinion polls show most people in Japan want the global sporting showpiece to be cancelled or postponed again as the country battles a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan denies reports of South Korean president visit, summit during Olympics

Japan will send 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Vietnam, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday. 
 
The shipment of AstraZeneca PLC vaccines produced in Japan are due to arrive in Vietnam on Wednesday, Motegi told reporters. 
 
Japan is considering additional vaccine donations to Vietnam and Taiwan, and it plans to send doses to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand early next month, Motegi added. Taiwan received its first shipment of AstraZeneca doses earlier this month.

Japan will send 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Vietnam, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday. The shipment of AstraZeneca PLC vaccines produced in Japan are due to arrive in Vietnam on Wednesday, Motegi told reporters.

Japan will send 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Vietnam, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday. The shipment of AstraZeneca PLC vaccines produced in Japan are due to arrive in Vietnam on Wednesday, Motegi told reporters. Japan is considering additional vaccine donations to Vietnam and Taiwan, and it plans to send doses to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand early next month, Motegi added. Taiwan received its first shipment of AstraZeneca doses earlier this month.

Japan to ship 1 million COVID-19 vaccines to Vietnam on June 16

A US Special Forces veteran and his son pleaded guilty in Tokyo on Monday to charges that they illegally helped former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan hidden in a box aboard a private jet in December 2019. 
 
Chief judge Hideo Nirei, one of three judges presiding over their first court appearance, asked Michael Taylor and his son Peter whether there was any mistake in the charges submitted by the Tokyo Prosecutors` office. 
 
"No your honour," the older Taylor replied. "No," said his son. 
 
Extradited to Japan from the United States in March, they are being held at the same jail in Tokyo where Ghosn was detained. They could face up to three years in prison. 
 
Wearing black jackets and pants, white shirts and plastic slippers, they were led into court with ropes threaded through handcuffs and tied around their waists. 
 
Prosecutors accused them of helping Ghosn evade punishment and escape&nbsp;to Lebanon from western Japan`s Kansai airport, receiving $1.3 million for their services, some of which was paid to an advertising company owned by the younger Taylor. 
 
The prosecutors'&nbsp;statement on Monday, which described the younger Taylor as a frequent visitor to Lebanon, said planning for the escape began around six months before Ghosn fled. 
 
The statement also said that Ghosn`s wife Carole Ghosn sought help from Michael Taylor, with Ghosn later contacting him from Tokyo with a phone he had hidden from Japanese authorities. 
 
A third man George-Antoine Zayek, recruited by the Taylors, travelled to Japan later in 2019 to find a way through airport security, settling on the private jet terminal at Kansai airport as the best route out, the prosecutors said. Zayek remains at large. 
 
The luggage that does not fit through the security scanning machine there is inspected by hand. That check, however, can be waived by the pilot. 
 
The Taylors'&nbsp;lawyers in the United States waged a months-long battle to prevent their extradition to Japan, arguing they could not be prosecuted for helping someone "bail jump" and that they could face relentless interrogations and torture. 
 
Suspects in Japan are interrogated without their lawyers present and are often denied bail before trial. 
 
Japan's conviction rate is 99%. 
 
At the time of Ghosn`s escape, he was awaiting trial on charges that he understated his compensation in Nissan`s financial statements by 9.3 billion yen ($85 million) over a decade and enriched himself at his employer`s expense through payments to car dealerships. 
 
Ghosn, who denies any wrongdoing, remains a fugitive in his childhood home, which has no extradition treaty with Japan. 
 
Greg Kelly, a former Nissan executive charged with helping Ghosn hide his earnings, is also standing trial in Tokyo. He denies the charges.

A US Special Forces veteran and his son pleaded guilty in Tokyo on Monday to charges that they illegally helped former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan hidden in a box aboard a private jet in December 2019.

A US Special Forces veteran and his son pleaded guilty in Tokyo on Monday to charges that they illegally helped former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan hidden in a box aboard a private jet in December 2019. Chief judge Hideo Nirei, one of three judges presiding over their first court appearance, asked Michael Taylor and his son Peter whether there was any mistake in the charges submitted by the Tokyo Prosecutors` office. "No your honour," the older Taylor replied. "No," said his son. Extradited to Japan from the United States in March, they are being held at the same jail in Tokyo where Ghosn was detained. They could face up to three years in prison. Wearing black jackets and pants, white shirts and plastic slippers, they were led into court with ropes threaded through handcuffs and tied around their waists. Prosecutors accused them of helping Ghosn evade punishment and escape to Lebanon from western Japan`s Kansai airport, receiving $1.3 million for their services, some of which was paid to an advertising company owned by the younger Taylor. The prosecutors' statement on Monday, which described the younger Taylor as a frequent visitor to Lebanon, said planning for the escape began around six months before Ghosn fled. The statement also said that Ghosn`s wife Carole Ghosn sought help from Michael Taylor, with Ghosn later contacting him from Tokyo with a phone he had hidden from Japanese authorities. A third man George-Antoine Zayek, recruited by the Taylors, travelled to Japan later in 2019 to find a way through airport security, settling on the private jet terminal at Kansai airport as the best route out, the prosecutors said. Zayek remains at large. The luggage that does not fit through the security scanning machine there is inspected by hand. That check, however, can be waived by the pilot. The Taylors' lawyers in the United States waged a months-long battle to prevent their extradition to Japan, arguing they could not be prosecuted for helping someone "bail jump" and that they could face relentless interrogations and torture. Suspects in Japan are interrogated without their lawyers present and are often denied bail before trial. Japan's conviction rate is 99%. At the time of Ghosn`s escape, he was awaiting trial on charges that he understated his compensation in Nissan`s financial statements by 9.3 billion yen ($85 million) over a decade and enriched himself at his employer`s expense through payments to car dealerships. Ghosn, who denies any wrongdoing, remains a fugitive in his childhood home, which has no extradition treaty with Japan. Greg Kelly, a former Nissan executive charged with helping Ghosn hide his earnings, is also standing trial in Tokyo. He denies the charges.

American duo plead guilty to helping former Nissan chief Ghosn flee Japan

japan

Japan, News on Japan, stories on Japan, articles on Japan, Japan stories at Wion, Japan news, Japan latest news