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

French Open organizers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott.

Osaka announced in the build-up to the French Open that she would not attend the mandatory post-match press conferences for players, saying the questioning by journalists impacts her mental well-being.

The four-time Grand Slam winner stuck to her stance and did not face the media after her opening win, leading to a $15,000 fine and a strongly-worded letter from the board of the four Grand Slam tournaments warning her of possible expulsion from Roland Garros and future majors.

Japan's Osaka ended the stand-off with the French&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;federation (FFT) by withdrawing from the claycourt major after winning her first-round match, explaining she had been suffering from depression for almost three years.

FFT director-general Amelie Oudea-Castera said the organizers tried to reach out to Osaka several times without success and the statement from the four majors was to just remind her of the consequences of her decision.

"On the $15,000 fine, you noticed we did not want to put that fine at the maximum. Maximum was 20," Oudea-Castera told reporters. "On purpose, we only wanted to be at 15 because we wanted to send a message that we wouldn't go to default right away.

"I think we really cared for her. We really tried to engage. We were pragmatic in the way we handled the progressive approach to sanctions. It was a very sensitive and difficult situation, but we believe we really treated that with respect, with care.

"And yes, of course, on mental health, we can do better. This is part of the roadmap we have with the other slams. We will take the initiative on the matter together."

The world number two's withdrawal, however, subjected the four Grand Slams to criticism from fans and pundits for their handling of the matter.

FFT president Gilles Moreton said they "had to do it."

"We need to have equity between all the players ... I think we did it the right way," he said.

"Now we want only one thing: she will recover as soon as possible and maybe she will be in very good shape and ready to talk to you (media) at Wimbledon. We'll be very happy about that."

French Open organizers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott.

French Open organizers defended their handling of the Naomi Osaka situation on Sunday but accepted that the governing bodies need to do better on mental health issues following the Japanese player's exit from the Grand Slam over her media boycott. Osaka announced in the build-up to the French Open that she would not attend the mandatory post-match press conferences for players, saying the questioning by journalists impacts her mental well-being. The four-time Grand Slam winner stuck to her stance and did not face the media after her opening win, leading to a $15,000 fine and a strongly-worded letter from the board of the four Grand Slam tournaments warning her of possible expulsion from Roland Garros and future majors. Japan's Osaka ended the stand-off with the French tennis federation (FFT) by withdrawing from the claycourt major after winning her first-round match, explaining she had been suffering from depression for almost three years. FFT director-general Amelie Oudea-Castera said the organizers tried to reach out to Osaka several times without success and the statement from the four majors was to just remind her of the consequences of her decision. "On the $15,000 fine, you noticed we did not want to put that fine at the maximum. Maximum was 20," Oudea-Castera told reporters. "On purpose, we only wanted to be at 15 because we wanted to send a message that we wouldn't go to default right away. "I think we really cared for her. We really tried to engage. We were pragmatic in the way we handled the progressive approach to sanctions. It was a very sensitive and difficult situation, but we believe we really treated that with respect, with care. "And yes, of course, on mental health, we can do better. This is part of the roadmap we have with the other slams. We will take the initiative on the matter together." The world number two's withdrawal, however, subjected the four Grand Slams to criticism from fans and pundits for their handling of the matter. FFT president Gilles Moreton said they "had to do it." "We need to have equity between all the players ... I think we did it the right way," he said. "Now we want only one thing: she will recover as soon as possible and maybe she will be in very good shape and ready to talk to you (media) at Wimbledon. We'll be very happy about that."

French Open: Organisers defend Naomi Osaka handling, say 'can do better' on mental health

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country. In his first one-on-one parliamentary debate with opposition leaders on Wednesday, Suga, naming Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, said, "Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights" to curb the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Japaese PM Suga calls Taiwan a country during Parliament debate

Japan is at a "turning point" for LGBTQ rights, campaigners said Wednesday, vowing to use the Tokyo Olympics as a catalyst for change as they called on lawmakers to approve an anti-discrimination bill.

The country has seen a renewed push for legislation protecting the rights of sexual minorities, with opinion polls showing growing support for LGBTQ-friendly laws, especially among younger people.

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An increasing number of local governments and private companies are introducing more inclusive policies, and a recent landmark court verdict called the failure to recognise same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

But approval of the proposed anti-discrimination bill has been waylaid as members of the conservative ruling party discuss the details.

During one debate in May, a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker sparked outrage by reportedly saying same-sex relationships threaten "the preservation of the species".

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Yuri Igarashi, director of the LGBTQ rights group J-ALL, told reporters there was still time for the proposed law to be passed before the parliament session ends next week.

"We would like them to fulfil their promise to the people of this country," she said, citing a 2019 election pledge by the LDP to "promote understanding" of LGBTQ issues.&nbsp;

At the UN, Japan has supported an anti-discrimination resolution, Igarashi added, while Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga recently spoke out against prejudice and discrimination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-step-up-and-two-steps-back-360670">One step up and two steps back</a>

"We believe this is a true turning point, and I'd like to really stress the importance of establishing a new law in the current Diet," or parliament session, she said.

The issue is in the international spotlight as this summer's virus-postponed Games approach, said Gon Matsunaka, head of Pride House Tokyo, a community hub recognised as part of the Olympic programme.

"The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is galvanising huge international attention to how this country is going to address LGBTQ issues," he told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan.

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"By utilising this huge momentum, we aim to do two things: first, to create change inside Japan's sport industry, and second, creating change in society itself."

While Japan has some protections for sexual minorities, it remains the only G7 country that does not recognise same-sex unions, and many couples say they can struggle to rent apartments together and are even barred from hospital visits.

It is "very difficult" for LGBTQ sports figures in Japan to be honest about their sexuality, said Fumino Sugiyama, a former athlete who was on the national women's fencing team before coming out as a transgender man.

Athletes are afraid they will disappoint their fans and families, or that they will face discrimination from their sports association that could hinder their career, Sugiyama explained.

The Olympic Charter states that "every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind".

Japan's proposed anti-discrimination law has been under discussion for years and gained traction after a group of lawyers began working on it in 2015.

Japan is at a "turning point" for LGBTQ rights, campaigners said Wednesday, vowing to use the Tokyo Olympics as a catalyst for change as they called on lawmakers to approve an anti-discrimination bill.

Japan is at a "turning point" for LGBTQ rights, campaigners said Wednesday, vowing to use the Tokyo Olympics as a catalyst for change as they called on lawmakers to approve an anti-discrimination bill. The country has seen a renewed push for legislation protecting the rights of sexual minorities, with opinion polls showing growing support for LGBTQ-friendly laws, especially among younger people. Also read | UK to ban LGBTQ conversion therapy and provide more support to community An increasing number of local governments and private companies are introducing more inclusive policies, and a recent landmark court verdict called the failure to recognise same-sex marriage unconstitutional. But approval of the proposed anti-discrimination bill has been waylaid as members of the conservative ruling party discuss the details. During one debate in May, a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker sparked outrage by reportedly saying same-sex relationships threaten "the preservation of the species". Also read | From Lady Gaga to Elton John, celebrating Hollywood's LGBTQ icons Yuri Igarashi, director of the LGBTQ rights group J-ALL, told reporters there was still time for the proposed law to be passed before the parliament session ends next week. "We would like them to fulfil their promise to the people of this country," she said, citing a 2019 election pledge by the LDP to "promote understanding" of LGBTQ issues. At the UN, Japan has supported an anti-discrimination resolution, Igarashi added, while Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga recently spoke out against prejudice and discrimination. Also read | One step up and two steps back "We believe this is a true turning point, and I'd like to really stress the importance of establishing a new law in the current Diet," or parliament session, she said. The issue is in the international spotlight as this summer's virus-postponed Games approach, said Gon Matsunaka, head of Pride House Tokyo, a community hub recognised as part of the Olympic programme. "The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is galvanising huge international attention to how this country is going to address LGBTQ issues," he told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan. Also read | Journey of lesbian magazine 'Curve' hits screens this Pride month "By utilising this huge momentum, we aim to do two things: first, to create change inside Japan's sport industry, and second, creating change in society itself." While Japan has some protections for sexual minorities, it remains the only G7 country that does not recognise same-sex unions, and many couples say they can struggle to rent apartments together and are even barred from hospital visits. It is "very difficult" for LGBTQ sports figures in Japan to be honest about their sexuality, said Fumino Sugiyama, a former athlete who was on the national women's fencing team before coming out as a transgender man. Athletes are afraid they will disappoint their fans and families, or that they will face discrimination from their sports association that could hinder their career, Sugiyama explained. The Olympic Charter states that "every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind". Japan's proposed anti-discrimination law has been under discussion for years and gained traction after a group of lawyers began working on it in 2015.

Japan at 'turning point' for LGBTQ rights: Campaigners

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels. 
 
Motegi made the comment at the start of a meeting, via video conferencing, between foreign and defence ministers from Japan and Australia. 
 
Meanwhile, Japan and Australia said on Wednesday they had 'serious concerns' about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in China's Xinjiang region.

In a joint statement, they also expressed concern about recent moves that they said weakened Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and grave concerns about the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

The meeting, between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations, took place via video conferencing.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels. Motegi made the comment at the start of a meeting, via video conferencing, between foreign and defence ministers from Japan and Australia. Meanwhile, Japan and Australia said on Wednesday they had 'serious concerns' about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in China's Xinjiang region. In a joint statement, they also expressed concern about recent moves that they said weakened Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and grave concerns about the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The meeting, between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations, took place via video conferencing.

Japan minister says aims to raise security ties with Australia to new levels

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is likely to call a snap election after the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, a media report said, showing his resolve to push ahead with the Games despite the country's struggle to contain the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

The government is considering crafting a new economic stimulus package before the expected snap election, the Asahi newspaper said on Thursday, citing several anonymous ruling party executives.

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"We're not examining a new stimulus package," the government's top spokesman Katsunobu Kato told a news conference on Thursday.

"But we see the need to revive the economy ... and hope to take necessary steps flexibly," he said, when asked about the chance of a possible new stimulus plan.

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Suga agreed on Wednesday with the head of his ruling coalition partner not to extend the current parliament session when it closes on June 16, according to media reports.

That means&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;will forgo compiling a supplementary budget for now and tap nearly 4 trillion yen ($36.50 billion) left in reserves to pay for immediate spending to combat the pandemic, the Asahi said.

The government's public relations official declined to comment on Asahi's report on Suga's election plan.

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"It's obvious we need an extra budget, but parliament is closing so we don't have time to pass it," ruling party lawmaker Shoji Nishida told Reuters last week.

"But there should be debate within the party on compiling another stimulus package and an extra budget," he said.

Suga has said he would focus on dealing with the pandemic, and that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;will go ahead with the Games under strict virus-protection measures.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-japan-looks-to-extend-covid-19-states-of-emergency-ahead-of-games-387932">Olympics: Japan looks to extend COVID-19 states of emergency ahead of Games</a>

Some ruling party lawmakers have called on the government to boost spending to revive an economy hit by new state of emergency curbs to prevent the spread of the virus.

Slow vaccine rollouts and strong public opposition to holding the Games have led to a plunge in Suga's support ratings, heightening uncertainty over his administration's fate.

With the Tokyo Olympic Games starting on July 23, the most likely scenario is for Suga to dissolve parliament after the Sept. 5 end of the Paralympic Games and call a snap election, the Asahi said.

($1 = 109.5900 yen)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is likely to call a snap election after the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, a media report said, showing his resolve to push ahead with the Games despite the country's struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is likely to call a snap election after the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, a media report said, showing his resolve to push ahead with the Games despite the country's struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is considering crafting a new economic stimulus package before the expected snap election, the Asahi newspaper said on Thursday, citing several anonymous ruling party executives. Also Read | 10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: Organisers "We're not examining a new stimulus package," the government's top spokesman Katsunobu Kato told a news conference on Thursday. "But we see the need to revive the economy ... and hope to take necessary steps flexibly," he said, when asked about the chance of a possible new stimulus plan. Also Read | Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation Suga agreed on Wednesday with the head of his ruling coalition partner not to extend the current parliament session when it closes on June 16, according to media reports. That means Japan will forgo compiling a supplementary budget for now and tap nearly 4 trillion yen ($36.50 billion) left in reserves to pay for immediate spending to combat the pandemic, the Asahi said. The government's public relations official declined to comment on Asahi's report on Suga's election plan. Also Read | Tokyo 2020 chief rules out delay despite pandemic fears "It's obvious we need an extra budget, but parliament is closing so we don't have time to pass it," ruling party lawmaker Shoji Nishida told Reuters last week. "But there should be debate within the party on compiling another stimulus package and an extra budget," he said. Suga has said he would focus on dealing with the pandemic, and that Japan will go ahead with the Games under strict virus-protection measures. Also Read | Olympics: Japan looks to extend COVID-19 states of emergency ahead of Games Some ruling party lawmakers have called on the government to boost spending to revive an economy hit by new state of emergency curbs to prevent the spread of the virus. Slow vaccine rollouts and strong public opposition to holding the Games have led to a plunge in Suga's support ratings, heightening uncertainty over his administration's fate. With the Tokyo Olympic Games starting on July 23, the most likely scenario is for Suga to dissolve parliament after the Sept. 5 end of the Paralympic Games and call a snap election, the Asahi said. ($1 = 109.5900 yen)

Japan PM Suga likely to call snap election after Tokyo Olympic Games: Report

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony.

Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto ruled out a further postponement of the Games, speaking to a Japan sports paper, and said the cancellation would only happen in catastrophic circumstance such as most delegations not being able to come to Japan.

Organisers will later Thursday mark 50 days to go when they unveil details about the medal ceremonies, in the latest attempt to build public enthusiasm despite polls showing most people in Japan want the Games delayed or cancelled.

Japan is battling the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, with Tokyo and several other parts of the country under a state of emergency due to last until a month before the Games.

On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers -- who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event -- have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns.

Others dropped out after the Games were postponed by a year, or in protest over sexist remarks made by Hashimoto's predecessor who was forced to resign.

Some of the volunteers are likely also to be among the approximately 80 per cent of people in Japan who oppose hosting the Games this year, according to opinion polls.

But surveys among the population of Tokyo have found a more even split between those in favour and opposed to holding the Games.

Muto said the reduction in volunteers would not affect the running of the Games because the event has been scaled back, so fewer people are needed.

Participants cut

Overseas fans have already been barred from attending, and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators is expected later this month after the state of emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20.

The number of overseas officials and participants coming for the Games has been cut by about half, to around 78,000, with calls for further reductions.

Hashimoto reiterated that the Games are on and will be safe for participants and the Japanese public in an interview published Thursday, saying the cancellation was virtually inconceivable.

"If various countries around the world experience very serious situations and delegations from most countries can't come, then we wouldn't be able to hold it," she told the Nikkan Sports daily.

"But conversely, unless such a situation emerges, the Games will not be cancelled."

Australia's softball team earlier this week became the first Olympic athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics, a major step forward.

Hashimoto said she believed the tide of public opinion could be turning as Japan's initially slow vaccine campaign begins to speed up.

"We are hearing more and more voices from people saying 'if this is the case, the Olympics may be able to take place," she said.

Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with just over 13,000 deaths. Around 2.9 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony.

Around 10,000 of 80,000 planned Tokyo 2020 Olympic volunteers have quit, organisers have revealed as they battle persistent doubts over the Games with just 50 days until the opening ceremony. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto ruled out a further postponement of the Games, speaking to a Japan sports paper, and said the cancellation would only happen in catastrophic circumstance such as most delegations not being able to come to Japan. Organisers will later Thursday mark 50 days to go when they unveil details about the medal ceremonies, in the latest attempt to build public enthusiasm despite polls showing most people in Japan want the Games delayed or cancelled. Japan is battling the fourth wave of coronavirus infections, with Tokyo and several other parts of the country under a state of emergency due to last until a month before the Games. On Wednesday night, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told local media that around 10,000 volunteers -- who are vital to the smooth running of the massive event -- have quit, largely over coronavirus concerns. Others dropped out after the Games were postponed by a year, or in protest over sexist remarks made by Hashimoto's predecessor who was forced to resign. Some of the volunteers are likely also to be among the approximately 80 per cent of people in Japan who oppose hosting the Games this year, according to opinion polls. But surveys among the population of Tokyo have found a more even split between those in favour and opposed to holding the Games. Muto said the reduction in volunteers would not affect the running of the Games because the event has been scaled back, so fewer people are needed. Participants cut Overseas fans have already been barred from attending, and a decision on whether to allow domestic spectators is expected later this month after the state of emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20. The number of overseas officials and participants coming for the Games has been cut by about half, to around 78,000, with calls for further reductions. Hashimoto reiterated that the Games are on and will be safe for participants and the Japanese public in an interview published Thursday, saying the cancellation was virtually inconceivable. "If various countries around the world experience very serious situations and delegations from most countries can't come, then we wouldn't be able to hold it," she told the Nikkan Sports daily. "But conversely, unless such a situation emerges, the Games will not be cancelled." Australia's softball team earlier this week became the first Olympic athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics, a major step forward. Hashimoto said she believed the tide of public opinion could be turning as Japan's initially slow vaccine campaign begins to speed up. "We are hearing more and more voices from people saying 'if this is the case, the Olympics may be able to take place," she said. Japan has seen a smaller Covid-19 outbreak than many countries, with just over 13,000 deaths. Around 2.9 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

10,000 Olympic volunteers quit ahead of Games: Organisers

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South Korea 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, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. 
 
The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter late on Tuesday 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 told reporters on Wednesday. 
 
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 on Tuesday, 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 on Tuesday 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 on Tuesday. 
 
"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 Auguest 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)

South Korea 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, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

South Korea 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, an official with Seoul's Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) sent a letter late on Tuesday 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 told reporters on Wednesday. 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 on Tuesday, 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 on Tuesday 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 on Tuesday. "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 Auguest 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)

South Korea appeals to IOC over disputed islands on Japan Olympics map

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.

Takahide Kiuchi, the executive economist at Nomura Research Institute and a former Bank of Japan board member, said that the first nationwide state of emergency last spring had caused an estimated 6.4 trillion yen loss. Further losses have resulted from the second and presently third running state of emergency.

"If the Olympic Games&nbsp;trigger the spread of infections and necessitates another emergency declaration, then the economic loss would be much greater," Kiuchi said in a report published on Tuesday. The direct loss from a cancellation would be equivalent to a third of a percent of nominal gross domestic product GDP in fiscal 2020, he noted.

"These calculations suggest that the decision of whether to hold or cancel the Games should be made from the perspective of infection risk rather than economic loss," he concluded.

Olympic organizers have said the Games, postponed from last year, will go ahead by adopting strict safety measures, including ensuring that athletes don't mix with the Japanese public. The Games start on July 23.

Opinion polls have repeatedly shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;during a pandemic.

Kiuchi's estimate supports the view expressed by Japanese tycoon and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who argued in a series of tweets&nbsp;at the weekend that Japan could have a "lot to lose" if the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;led to a spike in infections.

Japan has recorded about 719,000 novel coronavirus cases. The numbers are low compared with other countries but much of Japan remains under emergency curbs due to a strained medical system, while its vaccination drive has been slow, with just 5% inoculated so far.

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated.

Japan stands to lose 1.8 trillion yen ($16 billion) if the Olympics were canceled, but that would pale in comparison to the economic hit from emergency curbs if the Summer Games turned into a super-spreader event, a top economist estimated. Takahide Kiuchi, the executive economist at Nomura Research Institute and a former Bank of Japan board member, said that the first nationwide state of emergency last spring had caused an estimated 6.4 trillion yen loss. Further losses have resulted from the second and presently third running state of emergency. "If the Olympic Games trigger the spread of infections and necessitates another emergency declaration, then the economic loss would be much greater," Kiuchi said in a report published on Tuesday. The direct loss from a cancellation would be equivalent to a third of a percent of nominal gross domestic product GDP in fiscal 2020, he noted. "These calculations suggest that the decision of whether to hold or cancel the Games should be made from the perspective of infection risk rather than economic loss," he concluded. Olympic organizers have said the Games, postponed from last year, will go ahead by adopting strict safety measures, including ensuring that athletes don't mix with the Japanese public. The Games start on July 23. Opinion polls have repeatedly shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the Olympics during a pandemic. Kiuchi's estimate supports the view expressed by Japanese tycoon and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who argued in a series of tweets at the weekend that Japan could have a "lot to lose" if the Olympics led to a spike in infections. Japan has recorded about 719,000 novel coronavirus cases. The numbers are low compared with other countries but much of Japan remains under emergency curbs due to a strained medical system, while its vaccination drive has been slow, with just 5% inoculated so far.

Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist

The head of a Japanese doctors' union warned on Tuesday that holding the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, with tens of thousands of people from around the world, could lead to the emergence of an "Olympic" strain of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japans-tokyo-olympics-conundrum-worsens-amid-raging-pandemic-380850">Japan's Tokyo Olympics conundrum worsens amid raging pandemic</a>

Japan has pledged to hold a "safe and secure" 2020&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in Tokyo after a year-long postponement but it is struggling to contain the fourth wave of infections and preparing to extend a state of emergency in much of the country.

Japanese officials,&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have all vowed the Games will go ahead, albeit under strict virus-prevention measures. Foreign spectators have been banned and a decision on domestic ones is expected next month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/overseas-fans-barred-from-tokyo-olympics-over-virus-fears-371916">Overseas fans barred from Tokyo Olympics over virus fears</a>

But even with those steps, worries remain about the influx of athletes and officials into Japan, where a vaccination drive remains glacially slow, with just over 5 per cent of the population having had a shot.

With people from more than 200 nations and territories set to arrive, the Games, due to begin in eight weeks, pose a danger, said Naoto Ueyama, head of the Japan Doctors Union.

"All of the different mutant strains of the virus which exist in different places will be concentrated and gathering here in Tokyo. We cannot deny the possibility of even a new strain of the virus potentially emerging," he told a news conference.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/osaka-wants-discussion-on-olympics-amid-virus-surge-in-japan-384061">Osaka wants 'discussion' on Olympics amid virus surge in Japan</a>

"If such a situation were to arise, it could even mean a Tokyo Olympic strain of the virus being named in this way, which would be a huge tragedy and something which would be the target of criticism, even for 100 years."

But Kenji Shibuya, director of the Institute of Population Health at King’s College, London, who has recently been helping the vaccination campaign in Japan, played down dangers specific to the Games.

"Mutation takes place when virus stays in immunocompromised or partially immunised people for a long period of time," Shibuya said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-thinking-of-cancelling-the-olympics-says-tokyo-2020-chief-amid-surge-in-covid-infections-377930">Not thinking of cancelling the Olympics', says Tokyo 2020 chief amid surge in COVID infections</a>

"So the current situation in Japan is more dangerous than (during) the Tokyo Games, in my opinion."

State of Emergency

The Asahi Shimbun, an official partner of the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics, carried an editorial on Wednesday urging the Games be cancelled, but former IOC vice president Dick Pound said later in the day the sports extravaganza should and would go ahead.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-newspaper-sponsoring-tokyo-olympics-urges-cancellation-387435">Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation</a>

The government is currently preparing to extend a state of emergency across much of the nation originally set to be lifted on May 31, most likely well into June, officials have said - just weeks before the Games are set to open on July 23.

But IOC member John Coates has said the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;could be held even under a state of emergency, an opinion Ueyama said was infuriating.

"In regards to these statements, the people of Japan are indeed holding great anger towards this, and this is even more the case for healthcare and medical professionals," Ueyama said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/citing-covid-risk-us-warns-against-travel-to-olympic-host-japan-387229">Citing Covid risk, US warns against travel to Olympic host Japan</a>

Earlier this week, the United States advised against travel to Japan, but&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;organisers have said this will not affect the Games. The White House on Wednesday said it had been assured by Japan's government that it will keep in close contact about concerns over the&nbsp;Olympics.

In a sign of how uncertain the situation remains, however, Australia's major sports leagues and Olympic hopefuls were left scrambling to make contingency plans after authorities announced a seven-day lockdown in the southern state of Victoria to contain a COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne.

Chiba prefecture, which borders Tokyo, announced on Thursday that it was cancelling its stretch of the Olympic torch relay out of safety concerns, becoming the latest area to scale back events.

The head of a Japanese doctors' union warned on Tuesday that holding the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, with tens of thousands of people from around the world, could lead to the emergence of an "Olympic" strain of the coronavirus.

The head of a Japanese doctors' union warned on Tuesday that holding the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, with tens of thousands of people from around the world, could lead to the emergence of an "Olympic" strain of the coronavirus. Also Read | Japan's Tokyo Olympics conundrum worsens amid raging pandemic Japan has pledged to hold a "safe and secure" 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after a year-long postponement but it is struggling to contain the fourth wave of infections and preparing to extend a state of emergency in much of the country. Japanese officials, Olympics organisers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have all vowed the Games will go ahead, albeit under strict virus-prevention measures. Foreign spectators have been banned and a decision on domestic ones is expected next month. Also Read | Overseas fans barred from Tokyo Olympics over virus fears But even with those steps, worries remain about the influx of athletes and officials into Japan, where a vaccination drive remains glacially slow, with just over 5 per cent of the population having had a shot. With people from more than 200 nations and territories set to arrive, the Games, due to begin in eight weeks, pose a danger, said Naoto Ueyama, head of the Japan Doctors Union. "All of the different mutant strains of the virus which exist in different places will be concentrated and gathering here in Tokyo. We cannot deny the possibility of even a new strain of the virus potentially emerging," he told a news conference. Also Read | Osaka wants 'discussion' on Olympics amid virus surge in Japan "If such a situation were to arise, it could even mean a Tokyo Olympic strain of the virus being named in this way, which would be a huge tragedy and something which would be the target of criticism, even for 100 years." But Kenji Shibuya, director of the Institute of Population Health at King’s College, London, who has recently been helping the vaccination campaign in Japan, played down dangers specific to the Games. "Mutation takes place when virus stays in immunocompromised or partially immunised people for a long period of time," Shibuya said. Also Read | Not thinking of cancelling the Olympics', says Tokyo 2020 chief amid surge in COVID infections "So the current situation in Japan is more dangerous than (during) the Tokyo Games, in my opinion." State of Emergency The Asahi Shimbun, an official partner of the Tokyo Olympics, carried an editorial on Wednesday urging the Games be cancelled, but former IOC vice president Dick Pound said later in the day the sports extravaganza should and would go ahead. Also Read | Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation The government is currently preparing to extend a state of emergency across much of the nation originally set to be lifted on May 31, most likely well into June, officials have said - just weeks before the Games are set to open on July 23. But IOC member John Coates has said the Olympics could be held even under a state of emergency, an opinion Ueyama said was infuriating. "In regards to these statements, the people of Japan are indeed holding great anger towards this, and this is even more the case for healthcare and medical professionals," Ueyama said. Also Read | Citing Covid risk, US warns against travel to Olympic host Japan Earlier this week, the United States advised against travel to Japan, but Olympics organisers have said this will not affect the Games. The White House on Wednesday said it had been assured by Japan's government that it will keep in close contact about concerns over the Olympics. In a sign of how uncertain the situation remains, however, Australia's major sports leagues and Olympic hopefuls were left scrambling to make contingency plans after authorities announced a seven-day lockdown in the southern state of Victoria to contain a COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne. Chiba prefecture, which borders Tokyo, announced on Thursday that it was cancelling its stretch of the Olympic torch relay out of safety concerns, becoming the latest area to scale back events.

Tokyo Games could lead to "Olympic virus" strain, Japanese doctor warns

US drugmaker Pfizer on Monday formally authorized the use of its COVID-19 vaccine for around 4 million children age 12 to 15 in Japan, following similar moves overseas to allow adolescents to be vaccinated.

Japan green lights Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for 12 to 15-year-olds

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health".

In an editorial, the daily urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to "make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer's Olympics".

The call comes with public opposition growing in Japan, where polls show a majority are against the Games going ahead in July and August.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-japans-losses-from-covid-19-curbs-to-dwarf-olympics-no-go-fallout-says-economist-387251" hreflang="en">Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist</a>

The editorial said it "cannot accept the gamble" of holding the event, despite organisers insisting it can go ahead safely.

It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being "self-righteous" and "clearly out of step" with the Japanese public.

When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said "the answer is absolutely yes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-olympics-japans-osaka-buckles-under-coronavirus-fourth-wave-387130" hreflang="en">Ahead of Olympics, Japan's Osaka buckles under coronavirus fourth wave</a>

Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20.

"Saying 'yes' without demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC," the Asahi editorial said.

It comes less than two months until the Games are set to begin, and days after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Japan over virus risks.

The White House said Tuesday that it supported plans to hold the Games, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying "our position has not changed on the Olympics".

"There are very specific entry and movement rules and procedures which the organisers have laid out in order to ensure the protection of everyone involved," she added.

Cancelling the Games would cost Japan around 1.8 trillion yen ($16.6 billion), a research institute said Tuesday.

But the Nomura Research Institute warned that the country could suffer even greater economic damage as a result of holding the Games, if a spike in infections led to a new state of emergency.

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health".

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health". In an editorial, the daily urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to "make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer's Olympics". The call comes with public opposition growing in Japan, where polls show a majority are against the Games going ahead in July and August. Also read | Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist The editorial said it "cannot accept the gamble" of holding the event, despite organisers insisting it can go ahead safely. It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being "self-righteous" and "clearly out of step" with the Japanese public. When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said "the answer is absolutely yes". Also read | Ahead of Olympics, Japan's Osaka buckles under coronavirus fourth wave Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20. "Saying 'yes' without demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC," the Asahi editorial said. It comes less than two months until the Games are set to begin, and days after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Japan over virus risks. The White House said Tuesday that it supported plans to hold the Games, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying "our position has not changed on the Olympics". "There are very specific entry and movement rules and procedures which the organisers have laid out in order to ensure the protection of everyone involved," she added. Cancelling the Games would cost Japan around 1.8 trillion yen ($16.6 billion), a research institute said Tuesday. But the Nomura Research Institute warned that the country could suffer even greater economic damage as a result of holding the Games, if a spike in infections led to a new state of emergency.

Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation

Hospitals in Japan's second largest city, Osaka, are running out of beds and ventilators under a large wave of new Coronavirus infections. Exhausted doctors warned of a "system collapse" and advised not to hold the Olympics this summer.

Japan: Medics warn against hosting Tokyo Olympics as COVID overwhelms Osaka hospitals

Tokyo is all set for Olympics even if on Sunday it reported 535 new cases of COVID-19, as the government is expanding the current state of emergency in the capital and other provinces.

Japan moves ahead for Tokyo Olympics amid concerns over new COVID-19 variants

Japan opened its first mass vaccination center on Monday, with only two months to speed up a vigilant COVID-19 vaccination program until the virus-postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Japan tries to ramp up its vaccine drive ahead of the Tokyo Olympics

Authorities realised something was not right when Japan’s bullet train, which is known for always being on time, reached one minute late.

After a quick investigation, they learned that the train was a minute late as the driver of the speeding train had to urgently answer nature's call.

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During the investigation, the driver admitted that he felt a strange pain in his lower abdomen and realised he would have to run to the toilet. He handed over the controls of the speeding train to an untrained conductor to answer nature's call.

The train,&nbsp;which was transporting 160 passengers, ran at 150 kilometres an hour for three minutes, while the driver was away.

While the bullet trains are mainly computer-controlled, the driver is needed to manually brake or accelerate the train to make sure the passengers on board remain safe and the train runs on schedule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japan-bullet-train-runs-late-after-drivers-toilet-break-386605">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japan-bullet-train-runs-late-after-drivers-toilet-break-386605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The driver’s absence would have gone unnoticed, if it wasn’t for that one minute late arrival of the train, which was flagged to his supervisors.

As per protocol, the driver is expected to co-ordinate with the command centre and turn over the controls to a qualified conductor who can handle the control system of the train while the driver is away. An alternative to this is to stop the train for a few minutes at the nearest station.

However, the driver did not take any of these options as he "didn't want to cause a delay by stopping the train".

When asked why he did not report the incident to his seniors, he said, "I didn't report it because it was embarrassing".

Authorities realised something was not right when Japan’s bullet train, which is known for always being on time, reached one minute late. After a quick investigation, they learned that the train was a minute late as the driver of the speeding train had to urgently answer nature's call.

Authorities realised something was not right when Japan’s bullet train, which is known for always being on time, reached one minute late. After a quick investigation, they learned that the train was a minute late as the driver of the speeding train had to urgently answer nature's call. Also read | IOC chief's delayed pre-Olympics Japan trip to happen by mid-July During the investigation, the driver admitted that he felt a strange pain in his lower abdomen and realised he would have to run to the toilet. He handed over the controls of the speeding train to an untrained conductor to answer nature's call. The train, which was transporting 160 passengers, ran at 150 kilometres an hour for three minutes, while the driver was away. While the bullet trains are mainly computer-controlled, the driver is needed to manually brake or accelerate the train to make sure the passengers on board remain safe and the train runs on schedule. Watch | The driver’s absence would have gone unnoticed, if it wasn’t for that one minute late arrival of the train, which was flagged to his supervisors. As per protocol, the driver is expected to co-ordinate with the command centre and turn over the controls to a qualified conductor who can handle the control system of the train while the driver is away. An alternative to this is to stop the train for a few minutes at the nearest station. However, the driver did not take any of these options as he "didn't want to cause a delay by stopping the train". When asked why he did not report the incident to his seniors, he said, "I didn't report it because it was embarrassing".

Japan's bullet train reaches 1 minute late after driver answers 'nature's call'

Tokyo could freeze all aid to Myanmar, Japan's foreign minister warned in an interview published Friday, as the military junta continues to use lethal force against opponents of its coup.

Japan is a top donor to Myanmar, and has already suspended new aid after the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

But Toshimitsu Motegi, speaking to the Nikkei newspaper, said the freeze could be expanded.

"We don't want to do that at all, but we have to state firmly that it will be difficult to continue under these circumstances," he told the newspaper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-myanmars-military-moved-in-on-the-telecoms-sector-to-spy-on-citizens-386071" hreflang="en">How Myanmar's military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens</a>

"As a country that supported Myanmar's democratisation in various ways, and as a friend, we must represent the international community and convey that clearly."

Japan announced in March it was halting all new aid to impoverished Myanmar in response to the coup, though it has not imposed the individual sanctions on military and police commanders implemented by some other countries.

Motegi has said Japan is Myanmar's largest provider of economic assistance, and Tokyo has long-standing relations with the country's military.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-vote-on-call-to-stop-arms-supply-to-myanmar-postponed-385757" hreflang="en">UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed&nbsp;</a>

According to the Nikkei, Japan provided $1.74 billion in development aid to Myanmar in fiscal 2019, more than any other country with disclosed figures. China's aid figures are not public.

More than 800 people have been killed in Myanmar in unrest since the military ousted Suu Kyi in a February 1 coup.

A Japanese journalist arrested covering the aftermath of the coup was released last week and returned to Tokyo.

His release came as Japan said it had offered Myanmar $4 million in emergency aid through the World Food Programme.

Speaking in Tokyo on Friday, the journalist Yuki Kitazumi called on Japan's government to have the "courage" to use its leverage with Myanmar's military.

"People in Myanmar expect and hope that the Japanese government will take concrete action," he told a press conference.

Kitazumi described meeting political prisoners who told him they and others were being tortured in custody, including beatings, and being kept awake around the clock.

"I hope the power of the Japanese government that got me released will be used for people in Myanmar," he said.

Tokyo has called for Suu Kyi's release and the restoration of democracy, and Motegi told the Nikkei that Tokyo was continuing to hold dialogue with the junta.

"We have a greater variety of channels in Myanmar, including with the military, than Europe and the US," he said.

Tokyo could freeze all aid to Myanmar, Japan's foreign minister warned in an interview published Friday, as the military junta continues to use lethal force against opponents of its coup.

Tokyo could freeze all aid to Myanmar, Japan's foreign minister warned in an interview published Friday, as the military junta continues to use lethal force against opponents of its coup. Japan is a top donor to Myanmar, and has already suspended new aid after the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. But Toshimitsu Motegi, speaking to the Nikkei newspaper, said the freeze could be expanded. "We don't want to do that at all, but we have to state firmly that it will be difficult to continue under these circumstances," he told the newspaper. Also read | How Myanmar's military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens "As a country that supported Myanmar's democratisation in various ways, and as a friend, we must represent the international community and convey that clearly." Japan announced in March it was halting all new aid to impoverished Myanmar in response to the coup, though it has not imposed the individual sanctions on military and police commanders implemented by some other countries. Motegi has said Japan is Myanmar's largest provider of economic assistance, and Tokyo has long-standing relations with the country's military. Also read | UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed According to the Nikkei, Japan provided $1.74 billion in development aid to Myanmar in fiscal 2019, more than any other country with disclosed figures. China's aid figures are not public. More than 800 people have been killed in Myanmar in unrest since the military ousted Suu Kyi in a February 1 coup. A Japanese journalist arrested covering the aftermath of the coup was released last week and returned to Tokyo. His release came as Japan said it had offered Myanmar $4 million in emergency aid through the World Food Programme. Speaking in Tokyo on Friday, the journalist Yuki Kitazumi called on Japan's government to have the "courage" to use its leverage with Myanmar's military. "People in Myanmar expect and hope that the Japanese government will take concrete action," he told a press conference. Kitazumi described meeting political prisoners who told him they and others were being tortured in custody, including beatings, and being kept awake around the clock. "I hope the power of the Japanese government that got me released will be used for people in Myanmar," he said. Tokyo has called for Suu Kyi's release and the restoration of democracy, and Motegi told the Nikkei that Tokyo was continuing to hold dialogue with the junta. "We have a greater variety of channels in Myanmar, including with the military, than Europe and the US," he said.

Japan could freeze all aid to Myanmar, foreign minister warns

A bullet train driver in Japan has been pulled up after he took an unscheduled toilet break, leaving the controls with an untrained conductor. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how Japan's obsession with punctuality nearly turned deadly.

Gravitas: Japan bullet train runs late after driver's toilet break

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