Japan declared "short and powerful" states of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures as the country struggles to contain a resurgent coronavirus pandemic three months before the Olympics.

Japan announces COVID emergency in Tokyo

A man decided to use his good organisational and oratory skills to coax women into falling in love with him.

Takashi Miyagawa, a 39-year-old man, used his full-time job to make women fall in love with him, and then rob them by demanding gifts.

The Japanese man has been arrested for defrauding 35 lovers by demanding expensive gifts from them.

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Miyagawa met his victims while selling them hydrogen water showerheads. He then lured the women into making them fall in love with him and made them believe he would be true to them, come good or bad.

However, later he would lie about his birthday to get expensive presents from them. One woman was told his birthday was on February 22, while the second one thought it was in July and a third celebrated it in April. As per police records, though, his birthday is officially marked as November 13.

The man has now been arrested for fraud after the women found each other and came forward to form an informal “Victims Association” and filed a complaint with the police.

He has been accused of duping the women of more than $1,000 (100,000 yen), which includes electronic funds.

A man decided to use his good organisational and oratory skills to coax women into falling in love with him. Takashi Miyagawa, a 39-year-old man, used his full-time job to make women fall in love with him, and then rob them by demanding gifts.

A man decided to use his good organisational and oratory skills to coax women into falling in love with him. Takashi Miyagawa, a 39-year-old man, used his full-time job to make women fall in love with him, and then rob them by demanding gifts. The Japanese man has been arrested for defrauding 35 lovers by demanding expensive gifts from them. Also read | Pet-nups? Spain introduces laws for pet custody after divorce Miyagawa met his victims while selling them hydrogen water showerheads. He then lured the women into making them fall in love with him and made them believe he would be true to them, come good or bad. However, later he would lie about his birthday to get expensive presents from them. One woman was told his birthday was on February 22, while the second one thought it was in July and a third celebrated it in April. As per police records, though, his birthday is officially marked as November 13. The man has now been arrested for fraud after the women found each other and came forward to form an informal “Victims Association” and filed a complaint with the police. He has been accused of duping the women of more than $1,000 (100,000 yen), which includes electronic funds.

Forever love? Man pretends to be boyfriend of 35 women to get expensive birthday gifts

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that after observing a surge in coronavirus cases, especially related to the new variants, the government has decided to "declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures."

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This has come at a time when the country is stepping into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. The holiday season was being assumed to bring help in boosting the businesses that have suffered major losses due to the pandemic.

"The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big."

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Tokyo and the three other regions which have been ordered a lockdown will affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million.

"We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency.

Japan's biggest industrial event, the Tokyo Motor Show, has also been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of coronavirus.

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of coronavirus. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that after observing a surge in coronavirus cases, especially related to the new variants, the government has decided to "declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures." Also read | Experts warn second recession in case of another lockdown in Japan This has come at a time when the country is stepping into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. The holiday season was being assumed to bring help in boosting the businesses that have suffered major losses due to the pandemic. "The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big." Also read | Tokyo Motor Show cancelled because of coronavirus pandemic Tokyo and the three other regions which have been ordered a lockdown will affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million. "We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency. Japan's biggest industrial event, the Tokyo Motor Show, has also been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan declares 'state of emergency' in Tokyo, three other regions as Covid surges

Japan&nbsp;aims to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;46 percent by&nbsp;2030, significantly more than previously pledged, the country's prime minister announced Thursday ahead of a key US-hosted climate summit.

"We aim to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;greenhouse gas (emissions) by 46 percent in fiscal&nbsp;2030&nbsp;from fiscal 2013," Yoshihide Suga told a meeting hours before the discussions called by US President Joe Biden begin.

Japan's fiscal&nbsp;2030&nbsp;will begin in April of the calendar year.

The new&nbsp;target&nbsp;revises a previous goal of cutting&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;26 per cent from 2013 levels by&nbsp;2030.

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Japan&nbsp;is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, in part because many of its nuclear reactors remain offline after the Fukushima meltdown a decade ago.

Suga last year set a 2050 deadline for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to become carbon-neutral, putting it on the same timeline as the European Union and ahead of China's 2060 goal.

Environmentalists have urged nations to take more immediate action ahead of the two-day virtual Earth Day summit organised by Biden.

Suga is one of 40 leaders attending the talks that kick off later Thursday, heralding a US return to the climate front lines after Donald Trump's term.

Several other countries have also announced revised targets for slashing&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;and more pledges are expected at the meeting.

Speaking before Suga's announcement, Ken Tanaka from conservation group WWF&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;said a reduction&nbsp;target&nbsp;of 45 percent was an "absolute minimum".

"Now it has set a 2050 net-zero goal in October, it is important for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to have an ambitious interim&nbsp;target" to achieve its long-term aim, he told.

Climate activists want to see&nbsp;Japan, which was the sixth-biggest contributor to global greenhouse&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;in 2017, reduce its reliance on coal.

"They are discussing the next energy-mix plan, and in the discussion there are still coal-fired plants remaining for the next decade," Tanaka said.

"The clear decision to phase out coal-fired plans is a critical thing for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to pursue."

Yuri Okubo, senior researcher at the Renewable Energy Institute, said more was still needed but the commitment was nonetheless "an important step for&nbsp;Japan" and could help build momentum for a move away from coal.

Japan aims to cut emissions 46 percent by 2030, significantly more than previously pledged, the country's prime minister announced Thursday ahead of a key US-hosted climate summit.

Japan aims to cut emissions 46 percent by 2030, significantly more than previously pledged, the country's prime minister announced Thursday ahead of a key US-hosted climate summit. "We aim to cut greenhouse gas (emissions) by 46 percent in fiscal 2030 from fiscal 2013," Yoshihide Suga told a meeting hours before the discussions called by US President Joe Biden begin. Japan's fiscal 2030 will begin in April of the calendar year. The new target revises a previous goal of cutting emissions 26 per cent from 2013 levels by 2030. Also Read | Japan adopts strike-first policy to counter Chinese aggression Japan is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, in part because many of its nuclear reactors remain offline after the Fukushima meltdown a decade ago. Suga last year set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon-neutral, putting it on the same timeline as the European Union and ahead of China's 2060 goal. Environmentalists have urged nations to take more immediate action ahead of the two-day virtual Earth Day summit organised by Biden. Suga is one of 40 leaders attending the talks that kick off later Thursday, heralding a US return to the climate front lines after Donald Trump's term. Several other countries have also announced revised targets for slashing emissions and more pledges are expected at the meeting. Speaking before Suga's announcement, Ken Tanaka from conservation group WWF Japan said a reduction target of 45 percent was an "absolute minimum". "Now it has set a 2050 net-zero goal in October, it is important for Japan to have an ambitious interim target" to achieve its long-term aim, he told. Climate activists want to see Japan, which was the sixth-biggest contributor to global greenhouse emissions in 2017, reduce its reliance on coal. "They are discussing the next energy-mix plan, and in the discussion there are still coal-fired plants remaining for the next decade," Tanaka said. "The clear decision to phase out coal-fired plans is a critical thing for Japan to pursue." Yuri Okubo, senior researcher at the Renewable Energy Institute, said more was still needed but the commitment was nonetheless "an important step for Japan" and could help build momentum for a move away from coal.

Japan strengthens 2030 emissions cut target

With a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, Japan’s government might have to impose another state of emergency, ka lockdown, for nearly two weeks.

However, some analysts have warned that the decision may push the country into another recession if the retailers are again asked to close their businesses.

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This has come especially as the country is about to step into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. This holiday season usually is a huge business booster for the retailers and was being seen as a hope of bringing businesses back to life after continued lockdowns in the country, which had sent the economy into a downward spiral.

"The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big."

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If the government implements lockdown in four main regions of the country, it would affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million.

"We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency.

The lockdown and slow rollout of vaccines across the country are also raising doubts on whether the country will be able to and should be allowed to host Tokyo Olympics in July.

Japan will also be canceling the famous Tokyo Motor Show, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Chairman Akio Toyoda said, to ensure the participants are safe and do not get infected in the surge of cases

With a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, Japan’s government might have to impose another state of emergency, ka lockdown, for nearly two weeks. However, some analysts have warned that the decision may push the country into another recession if the retailers are again asked to close their businesses.

With a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, Japan’s government might have to impose another state of emergency, ka lockdown, for nearly two weeks. However, some analysts have warned that the decision may push the country into another recession if the retailers are again asked to close their businesses. Also read | Tokyo Olympics torch staffer becomes event's first case of COVID-19 This has come especially as the country is about to step into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. This holiday season usually is a huge business booster for the retailers and was being seen as a hope of bringing businesses back to life after continued lockdowns in the country, which had sent the economy into a downward spiral. "The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big." Also read | Virus surge to delay decision on Olympics fans' attendance till June If the government implements lockdown in four main regions of the country, it would affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million. "We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency. The lockdown and slow rollout of vaccines across the country are also raising doubts on whether the country will be able to and should be allowed to host Tokyo Olympics in July. Japan will also be canceling the famous Tokyo Motor Show, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Chairman Akio Toyoda said, to ensure the participants are safe and do not get infected in the surge of cases

Experts warn second recession in case of another lockdown in Japan

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday.

A man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after working on the relay in Kagawa prefecture on Japan's southern island of Shikoku,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 said in a statement.

The officer was guiding traffic in the town of Naoshima on Saturday and came down with a fever on Sunday, the Asahi Newspaper reported, citing organisers and prefectural police. The man wore a mask and had no contact with runners, the report said.

Separately, two runners, a TV personality, and a former Olympian dropped out of a relay event due to be held in the western prefecture of Tottori next month, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Public support for the Games has waned amid concern the event will exacerbate COVID-19 infections, now battering the country in a fourth wave. Japan's government is expected to declare a state of emergency, the third in the past year, in the major population centers of&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and Osaka this week.

The Games, already delayed by one year, are due to start in 92 days. Olympic and government officials have said the further postponement of the Games is out of the question.

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday.

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday. A man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after working on the relay in Kagawa prefecture on Japan's southern island of Shikoku, Tokyo 2020 said in a statement. The officer was guiding traffic in the town of Naoshima on Saturday and came down with a fever on Sunday, the Asahi Newspaper reported, citing organisers and prefectural police. The man wore a mask and had no contact with runners, the report said. Separately, two runners, a TV personality, and a former Olympian dropped out of a relay event due to be held in the western prefecture of Tottori next month, public broadcaster NHK reported. Public support for the Games has waned amid concern the event will exacerbate COVID-19 infections, now battering the country in a fourth wave. Japan's government is expected to declare a state of emergency, the third in the past year, in the major population centers of Tokyo and Osaka this week. The Games, already delayed by one year, are due to start in 92 days. Olympic and government officials have said the further postponement of the Games is out of the question.

Tokyo Olympics torch staffer becomes event's first case of COVID-19

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours.&nbsp;

South Korea expressed 'deep disappointment' at Suga's offering to the shrine to mark a spring festival, while China also protested the move.&nbsp;

The Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century.&nbsp;

But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes, and has frequently been a source of sour relations with countries that suffered from Japan's military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea.&nbsp;

Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe, who stepped down last year for health reasons, visited the shrine in person on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The prime minister sent a sacred tree but was not expected to visit the shrine.&nbsp;

South Korea's foreign ministry expressed 'deep disappointment and regret' over Suga's tribute and urged Japan's leaders to 'face history squarely and humbly and truly reflect on the past'.&nbsp;

"Japan should keep in mind that is the basis of a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship."&nbsp;

Chinese foreign affairs ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also urged Japan to 'draw a clear line with militarism and take concrete measures to earn the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community'.&nbsp;

"We firmly oppose Japanese politicians' erroneous practices."&nbsp;

A 2013 visit to the shrine by then-prime minister Abe sparked outcry from Beijing and Seoul, as well as a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours. South Korea expressed 'deep disappointment' at Suga's offering to the shrine to mark a spring festival, while China also protested the move. The Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century. But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes, and has frequently been a source of sour relations with countries that suffered from Japan's military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea. Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe, who stepped down last year for health reasons, visited the shrine in person on Wednesday. The prime minister sent a sacred tree but was not expected to visit the shrine. South Korea's foreign ministry expressed 'deep disappointment and regret' over Suga's tribute and urged Japan's leaders to 'face history squarely and humbly and truly reflect on the past'. "Japan should keep in mind that is the basis of a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship." Chinese foreign affairs ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also urged Japan to 'draw a clear line with militarism and take concrete measures to earn the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community'. "We firmly oppose Japanese politicians' erroneous practices." A 2013 visit to the shrine by then-prime minister Abe sparked outcry from Beijing and Seoul, as well as a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.

Japan PM sends offering to controversial shrine honouring war dead 

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency.&nbsp;

Kerry arrived in Seoul on Saturday to discuss international efforts to tackle global warming on a trip that included a stop in China ahead of President Joe Biden's virtual summit with world leaders on climate change on April 22 and 23.&nbsp;

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong sought to rally support behind the country's protest against the Fukushima plan at a dinner meeting with Kerry, the ministry said. Under the plan, more than one million tonnes of water will be discharged from the plant wrecked by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 into the nearby sea off Japan's east coast.&nbsp;

Seoul strongly rebuked the decision, with the foreign ministry summoning the Japanese ambassador and President Moon Jae-in ordering officials to explore petitioning an international court. &nbsp;

"Minister Chung conveyed our government and people's serious concerns about Japan's decision, and asked the US side to take interest and cooperate so that Japan will provide information in a more transparent and speedy manner," the ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;

But Kerry, at a media roundtable on Sunday, said Tokyo had made the decision in a transparent manner and will continue following due procedures. &nbsp;

"The United States is confident that the government of Japan is in very full consultations with the IAEA," he said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. &nbsp;

"The IAEA has set up a very rigorous process and I know that Japan has weighed all the options and the effects and they've been very transparent about the decision and the process." &nbsp;

The former US secretary of state added that Washington would closely monitor Japan's implementation "like every country, to make certain there is no public health threat." &nbsp;

The South Korean foreign ministry said Chung and Kerry also agreed to work together to boost international cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal pledged by South Korea, Europe and others.&nbsp;

Kerry told the roundtable that Biden aims to urge countries to commit to more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets, including China, such as by revamping their power initiatives or speeding up transitions to renewable energy.&nbsp;

The United States is expected to announce its own new emissions target for 2030 this week.&nbsp;

"I think Korea has set an ambitious target and Korea is trying to do a lot, it's not easy for any country," Kerry said. "We need to be smarter, so do I think it’s possible for additional steps? I do think there are some things that could happen."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency.

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency. Kerry arrived in Seoul on Saturday to discuss international efforts to tackle global warming on a trip that included a stop in China ahead of President Joe Biden's virtual summit with world leaders on climate change on April 22 and 23. South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong sought to rally support behind the country's protest against the Fukushima plan at a dinner meeting with Kerry, the ministry said. Under the plan, more than one million tonnes of water will be discharged from the plant wrecked by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 into the nearby sea off Japan's east coast. Seoul strongly rebuked the decision, with the foreign ministry summoning the Japanese ambassador and President Moon Jae-in ordering officials to explore petitioning an international court. "Minister Chung conveyed our government and people's serious concerns about Japan's decision, and asked the US side to take interest and cooperate so that Japan will provide information in a more transparent and speedy manner," the ministry said in a statement. But Kerry, at a media roundtable on Sunday, said Tokyo had made the decision in a transparent manner and will continue following due procedures. "The United States is confident that the government of Japan is in very full consultations with the IAEA," he said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The IAEA has set up a very rigorous process and I know that Japan has weighed all the options and the effects and they've been very transparent about the decision and the process." The former US secretary of state added that Washington would closely monitor Japan's implementation "like every country, to make certain there is no public health threat." The South Korean foreign ministry said Chung and Kerry also agreed to work together to boost international cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal pledged by South Korea, Europe and others. Kerry told the roundtable that Biden aims to urge countries to commit to more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets, including China, such as by revamping their power initiatives or speeding up transitions to renewable energy. The United States is expected to announce its own new emissions target for 2030 this week. "I think Korea has set an ambitious target and Korea is trying to do a lot, it's not easy for any country," Kerry said. "We need to be smarter, so do I think it’s possible for additional steps? I do think there are some things that could happen." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea, US show differences over Japan government's Fukushima plans 

Japan has decided to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

Japan’s Fukushima Water Release: Japan to dump the wastewater into the sea

President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga showcased the alliance between their two countries as well as their shared resolve in dealing with China as they met at the White House on Friday in Biden's first face-to-face talks with a foreign leader as president.&nbsp;

The talks featured unusually frank warnings from a Japanese leader against any effort by China to dominate the Indo-Pacific region by 'force or coercion’.&nbsp;

Suga said the visit was meant to ‘reaffirm the new and tight bond between us' as the US and Japan deal with challenges in the region.&nbsp;

Suga and Biden, who wore masks for their meeting in a visit modified by precautions against the coronavirus, were seeking to challenge messaging from Chinese President Xi Jinping that America and democracies in general are on the decline following the political turmoil and international withdrawal that marked Donald Trump's presidency.&nbsp;

In a news conference afterward in the Rose Garden, Suga made repeated references to the 'severe security environment' in East Asia, where China under Xi is exerting its economic and military strength, including with military deployments meant to assert its disputed territorial claims in the region.&nbsp;

Suga broke from past Japanese leaders on Friday by not veiling his comments about China, an important economic partner for Japan. &nbsp;

The prime minister said he and Biden held 'serious talks on China's influence over the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. We oppose any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.'&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had warned his Japanese counterpart in a call ahead of Suga's visit to see to it that China-Japan relations 'do not get involved in the so-called confrontation between major countries,' according to a Chinese government readout.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga showcased the alliance between their two countries as well as their shared resolve in dealing with China as they met at the White House on Friday in Biden's first face-to-face talks with a foreign leader as president.

President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga showcased the alliance between their two countries as well as their shared resolve in dealing with China as they met at the White House on Friday in Biden's first face-to-face talks with a foreign leader as president. The talks featured unusually frank warnings from a Japanese leader against any effort by China to dominate the Indo-Pacific region by 'force or coercion’. Suga said the visit was meant to ‘reaffirm the new and tight bond between us' as the US and Japan deal with challenges in the region. Suga and Biden, who wore masks for their meeting in a visit modified by precautions against the coronavirus, were seeking to challenge messaging from Chinese President Xi Jinping that America and democracies in general are on the decline following the political turmoil and international withdrawal that marked Donald Trump's presidency. In a news conference afterward in the Rose Garden, Suga made repeated references to the 'severe security environment' in East Asia, where China under Xi is exerting its economic and military strength, including with military deployments meant to assert its disputed territorial claims in the region. Suga broke from past Japanese leaders on Friday by not veiling his comments about China, an important economic partner for Japan. The prime minister said he and Biden held 'serious talks on China's influence over the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. We oppose any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had warned his Japanese counterpart in a call ahead of Suga's visit to see to it that China-Japan relations 'do not get involved in the so-called confrontation between major countries,' according to a Chinese government readout. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Japan showcase alliance, resolve in dealing with aggressive China 

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Washington to meet President Biden. With both leaders battling domestic challenges, can they display a united front against China? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Conflict shadow over Biden-Suga summit

President Joe Biden hosted the first white house summit with Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga as the first foreign leader. In their first white house meeting, the two leaders raised issues stretching COVID-19, climate, Tokyo Olympics, and bid to counter increasingly assertive China indeed.

White House Summit: US- Japan to tackle Chinese intimidation

Japan's inability to contain the Covid-19 pandemic means that plans to hold the Olympics in Tokyo should be reconsidered, health experts wrote in a commentary.

Tokyo Olympics must be reconsidered due to Japan's failure to contain pandemic

The war of words between China and Japan is escalating. It is playing out on two fronts. The first is the Senkaku Islands. This is a string of uninhabited islands claimed by both Beijing and&nbsp;Tokyo. China calls these island Diaoyu islands.

China's provocations haven't ended. Japan is determined to stop them. The second front is the Fukushima nuclear plant and Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the plant into the Ocean.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-preaches-japan-about-responsibility-377835/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

American allies like Taiwan and&nbsp;South Korea are vehemently opposing it. China sees this as an opportunity to further its own agenda.

In 1968, Japan established a defence identification zone over these islands. This was like an extra buffer to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

In 2013, China declared its own defence identification zone. It overlaps Japan's.

China uses this zone to justify its expansionism. Under Chinese rules, any aircraft or vessel entering the zone must notify Beijing. Beijing's military adventurism worsened with the pandemic.

In March 2020, China's maritime militia damaged a Japanese naval ship.

In July 2020, Chinese vessels entered Japan's zone for the longest duration since 2012.

In September 2020, Chinese boats collided with Japanese patrolling vessels.

In October 2020, the Chinese Navy forced Japanese fishing boats to leave the area. And just last month, two Chinese ships again carried out an illegal intrusion near the Senkaku islands.

The provocations are endless.

There are growing concerns that China could step up armament and establish a military base on the islands. Adding to these concerns is China's coast guard law which came into force on February 1st. The law encourages China's coast guard to 'take all necessary measures including the use of weapons to stop the violation and eliminate the danger'. With this law, Xi Jinping has told his coast guard to be wolf warriors at sea and use force -- lethal force -- to assert Chinese interests.

Japan, along with the US, has expressed concerns over the law. As Yoshihide Suga heads to Washington on Friday, Chinese aggression, the new coast guard law and the Senkaku islands will be at&nbsp;top of the agenda.

"This will be our first in-person visit from a foreign leader in the Biden-Harris administration, reflecting the importance we place on our bilateral relationship with Japan, and our friendship and partnership with the Japanese people," said Jen Psaki, press secretary of the White House.

The talks might also feature a controversial topic; Japan's plan to release radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Washington has backed Tokyo saying the release will be in accordance with nuclear safety standards. But American partners like South Korea and Taiwan are strongly opposing Japan's plan. Both nations with coastlines nearby say that the move poses a risk to the marine environment.

China is trying to make the most of this disagreement between the three democracies. Beijing is calling Japan irresponsible. Its own environmental recklessness notwithstanding.

"Yesterday, the China-South Korea maritime affairs dialogue and (cooperation) mechanism held its first meeting. Both sides urged japan to carefully and cautiously handle the Fukushima nuclear wastewater issue after ample consultation with international mechanisms and surrounding countries," said Zhao Lijian, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

The timing of this war of words is significant. US climate envoy John Kerry is in Shanghai to discuss climate action. By all means, China will use Japan's Fukushima water release plan as a bargaining chip in the negotiations.

The war of words between China and Japan is escalating. It is playing out on two fronts. The first is the Senkaku Islands. This is a string of uninhabited islands claimed by both Beijing and Tokyo.

The war of words between China and Japan is escalating. It is playing out on two fronts. The first is the Senkaku Islands. This is a string of uninhabited islands claimed by both Beijing and Tokyo. China calls these island Diaoyu islands. China's provocations haven't ended. Japan is determined to stop them. The second front is the Fukushima nuclear plant and Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the plant into the Ocean. American allies like Taiwan and South Korea are vehemently opposing it. China sees this as an opportunity to further its own agenda. In 1968, Japan established a defence identification zone over these islands. This was like an extra buffer to safeguard its territorial sovereignty. In 2013, China declared its own defence identification zone. It overlaps Japan's. China uses this zone to justify its expansionism. Under Chinese rules, any aircraft or vessel entering the zone must notify Beijing. Beijing's military adventurism worsened with the pandemic. In March 2020, China's maritime militia damaged a Japanese naval ship. In July 2020, Chinese vessels entered Japan's zone for the longest duration since 2012. In September 2020, Chinese boats collided with Japanese patrolling vessels. In October 2020, the Chinese Navy forced Japanese fishing boats to leave the area. And just last month, two Chinese ships again carried out an illegal intrusion near the Senkaku islands. The provocations are endless. There are growing concerns that China could step up armament and establish a military base on the islands. Adding to these concerns is China's coast guard law which came into force on February 1st. The law encourages China's coast guard to 'take all necessary measures including the use of weapons to stop the violation and eliminate the danger'. With this law, Xi Jinping has told his coast guard to be wolf warriors at sea and use force -- lethal force -- to assert Chinese interests. Japan, along with the US, has expressed concerns over the law. As Yoshihide Suga heads to Washington on Friday, Chinese aggression, the new coast guard law and the Senkaku islands will be at top of the agenda. "This will be our first in-person visit from a foreign leader in the Biden-Harris administration, reflecting the importance we place on our bilateral relationship with Japan, and our friendship and partnership with the Japanese people," said Jen Psaki, press secretary of the White House. The talks might also feature a controversial topic; Japan's plan to release radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Washington has backed Tokyo saying the release will be in accordance with nuclear safety standards. But American partners like South Korea and Taiwan are strongly opposing Japan's plan. Both nations with coastlines nearby say that the move poses a risk to the marine environment. China is trying to make the most of this disagreement between the three democracies. Beijing is calling Japan irresponsible. Its own environmental recklessness notwithstanding. "Yesterday, the China-South Korea maritime affairs dialogue and (cooperation) mechanism held its first meeting. Both sides urged japan to carefully and cautiously handle the Fukushima nuclear wastewater issue after ample consultation with international mechanisms and surrounding countries," said Zhao Lijian, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman. The timing of this war of words is significant. US climate envoy John Kerry is in Shanghai to discuss climate action. By all means, China will use Japan's Fukushima water release plan as a bargaining chip in the negotiations.

War of words between Japan and China escalates

China is preaching Japan about 'responsibility' over the Fukushima water release plan. Meanwhile, Chinese incursions near the Senkaku islands haven't stopped. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: China preaches Japan about 'responsibility'

It's a busy week for the Biden Administration. The US President is attempting a balancing act by talking to China and its regional adversaries - Japan and Taiwan at the same time. Will the approach work? WION's Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Joe Biden's new rules of engagement for China

The water is contaminated as it comes in contact with the fuel before leaking into damaged basements and tunnels, where it mixes with groundwater that flows through the site from hills above.

Japan plans to release contaminated Fukushima water into the ocean

A top member of Japanese ruling party official Toshihiro Nikai admitted that cancelling this year's Olympic Games remains an option due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japanese officials says Tokyo Olympic could still be cancelled due to COVID-19

Japan will release treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. Tokyo says the water will be filtered and diluted to safe levels first. But Japan's citizens and neighbours are opposing the plan. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Japan to release treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean

Japan will release 1.25 million tons of treated wastewater contaminated by its Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the sea. But the local fishing industry has strongly opposed the move, as have China and South Korea.

Japan to release contaminated Fukushima water into sea

Things happen when the time is right, and in this case of a clock hit by Japan’s deadliest tsunami, the right time came after almost 10 years.

&nbsp;A clock that dates back to almost 100 years in Japan stopped working after the deadly tsunami and earthquake hit the northeast coast on March 11, 2011.

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During that earthquake, the&nbsp;clock hanging in the Fumonji temple in the Yamamoto region stopped ticking and was rescued by Bunshun Sakano. The clock has been in Sakano’s temple since then.

Sakano saved the clock and tried to clean it and make it work again. However, all attempts of the Buddhist priest were in vain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/sports/olympics-difficult-after-virus-spikes-japan-medical-group-warns-377447">Olympics 'difficult' after virus spikes, Japan medical group warns</a>

Now, on February 13 of this year, another earthquake hit Japan — a little before the 10th anniversary of the disaster — which was described as an aftershock of the March 2011 disaster.

When Sakano went to check if any damages had occurred in the main hall, he heard the clock ticking.

The 58-year-old feels this is a sign of never giving up. "Maybe it's pushing me to move forward with new determination," Sakano told local media. “It’s like a sign of encouragement that the real restoration is yet to come."

The clock's manufacturer, however, feels it might have started again due to multiple reasons. "It's possible that the pendulum, which had stopped, started moving again with the shaking of the earthquake, or that dust that had built up inside came loose," a representative of Seiko told local media.

Things happen when the time is right, and in this case of a clock hit by Japan’s deadliest tsunami, the right time came after almost 10 years. A clock that dates back to almost 100 years in Japan stopped working after the deadly tsunami and earthquake hit the northeast coast on March 11, 2011.

Things happen when the time is right, and in this case of a clock hit by Japan’s deadliest tsunami, the right time came after almost 10 years. A clock that dates back to almost 100 years in Japan stopped working after the deadly tsunami and earthquake hit the northeast coast on March 11, 2011. Also read | Japanese firm iSpace to send UAE's lunar rover in 2022 During that earthquake, the clock hanging in the Fumonji temple in the Yamamoto region stopped ticking and was rescued by Bunshun Sakano. The clock has been in Sakano’s temple since then. Sakano saved the clock and tried to clean it and make it work again. However, all attempts of the Buddhist priest were in vain. Also read | Olympics 'difficult' after virus spikes, Japan medical group warns Now, on February 13 of this year, another earthquake hit Japan — a little before the 10th anniversary of the disaster — which was described as an aftershock of the March 2011 disaster. When Sakano went to check if any damages had occurred in the main hall, he heard the clock ticking. The 58-year-old feels this is a sign of never giving up. "Maybe it's pushing me to move forward with new determination," Sakano told local media. “It’s like a sign of encouragement that the real restoration is yet to come." The clock's manufacturer, however, feels it might have started again due to multiple reasons. "It's possible that the pendulum, which had stopped, started moving again with the shaking of the earthquake, or that dust that had built up inside came loose," a representative of Seiko told local media.

Keep moving: A clock went silent in Japan's tsunami, came back to life during aftershocks a decade later

Japan's government on Tuesday approved a plan to release more than one million tonnes of treated water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, in a controversial decision that follows years of debate.

The move, more than a decade after the nuclear disaster, will deal another blow to the fishing industry in Fukushima, which has opposed such a step for years.

The work to release the water will begin in about two years, the government said, and the whole process is expected to take decades.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japan-to-dump-radioactive-water-in-the-sea-335916/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"On the premise of strict compliance with regulatory standards that have been established, we select oceanic release," the government said in a statement after relevant ministers formalised the decision.

Japan's government argues that the release will be safe because the water is processed to remove almost all radioactive elements and will be diluted.

It has support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which says the release is similar to processes for disposing of wastewater from nuclear plants elsewhere in the world.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;told a ministerial meeting that disposing of the water was an "inevitable task" in the decades-long process of decommissioning the nuclear plant.

He said the release would happen only "after ensuring the safety levels of the water" and alongside measures to "prevent reputational damage".

Around 1.25 million tonnes of water has accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant, which was crippled after going into meltdown following a tsunami in 2011.

It includes water used to cool the plant, as well as rain and groundwater that seeps in daily.

An extensive pumping and filtration system known as "ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System)" extracts tonnes of newly contaminated water each day and filters out most radioactive elements.

But local fishing communities fear releasing the water will undermine years of work to restore confidence in seafood from the region.

"They told us that they wouldn't release the water into the sea without the support of fishermen," Kanji Tachiya, who heads a local fisheries cooperative in Fukushima, told NHK ahead of the announcement.

"We can't back this move to break that promise and release the water into the sea unilaterally."

The decision comes about three months ahead of the postponed Olympic Games to be hosted by Tokyo, with some events planned as close as 60 km (35 miles) from the wrecked plant.

The decision also prompted regional opposition even before it was official, with South Korea's foreign minister on Monday expressing "serious regret".

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged Japan to "act in a responsible manner".

"To safeguard international public interests and Chinese people's health and safety, China has expressed grave concern to the Japanese side through the diplomatic channel," Zhao said Monday.

The disposal of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi plant, run by Tokyo Electric Power, has proved a thorny problem for Japan as it pursues a decades-long decommissioning project.

Greenpeace slams decision

Around 140 cubic metres (5,000 cubic feet) of radioactive water was generated by the site every day in 2020 and storage space will run out by summer 2022.

Debate over how to handle the water has dragged on for years, with the government saying it wanted to win support from local communities and secure backing from the IAEA.

A government panel earlier endorsed either diluting the treated water and releasing it into the ocean or releasing it as vapour, and the IAEA says either option is acceptable.

"Releasing into the ocean is done elsewhere. It's not something new. There is no scandal here," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said last year.

Either method would be "in line with well-established practices all around the world", he added.

Anti-nuclear activist group Greenpeace slammed Japan's government for having "once again failed the people of Fukushima".

"The cabinet's decision failed to protect the environment and neglected the large-scale opposition and concerns of the local Fukushima residents, as well as the neighbouring citizens around Japan," said climate and energy campaigner Kazue Suzuki in a statement.

The ALPS filtration process removes most radioactive elements from the water, but some remain, including tritium.

Experts say the element is only harmful to humans in large doses and with dilution the treated water poses no scientifically detectable risk.

(With inputs froma agencies)

Japan's government on Tuesday approved a plan to release more than one million tonnes of treated water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, in a controversial decision that follows years of debate.

Japan's government on Tuesday approved a plan to release more than one million tonnes of treated water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, in a controversial decision that follows years of debate. The move, more than a decade after the nuclear disaster, will deal another blow to the fishing industry in Fukushima, which has opposed such a step for years. The work to release the water will begin in about two years, the government said, and the whole process is expected to take decades. "On the premise of strict compliance with regulatory standards that have been established, we select oceanic release," the government said in a statement after relevant ministers formalised the decision. Japan's government argues that the release will be safe because the water is processed to remove almost all radioactive elements and will be diluted. It has support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which says the release is similar to processes for disposing of wastewater from nuclear plants elsewhere in the world. Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told a ministerial meeting that disposing of the water was an "inevitable task" in the decades-long process of decommissioning the nuclear plant. He said the release would happen only "after ensuring the safety levels of the water" and alongside measures to "prevent reputational damage". Around 1.25 million tonnes of water has accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant, which was crippled after going into meltdown following a tsunami in 2011. It includes water used to cool the plant, as well as rain and groundwater that seeps in daily. An extensive pumping and filtration system known as "ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System)" extracts tonnes of newly contaminated water each day and filters out most radioactive elements. But local fishing communities fear releasing the water will undermine years of work to restore confidence in seafood from the region. "They told us that they wouldn't release the water into the sea without the support of fishermen," Kanji Tachiya, who heads a local fisheries cooperative in Fukushima, told NHK ahead of the announcement. "We can't back this move to break that promise and release the water into the sea unilaterally." The decision comes about three months ahead of the postponed Olympic Games to be hosted by Tokyo, with some events planned as close as 60 km (35 miles) from the wrecked plant. The decision also prompted regional opposition even before it was official, with South Korea's foreign minister on Monday expressing "serious regret". Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged Japan to "act in a responsible manner". "To safeguard international public interests and Chinese people's health and safety, China has expressed grave concern to the Japanese side through the diplomatic channel," Zhao said Monday. The disposal of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi plant, run by Tokyo Electric Power, has proved a thorny problem for Japan as it pursues a decades-long decommissioning project. Greenpeace slams decision Around 140 cubic metres (5,000 cubic feet) of radioactive water was generated by the site every day in 2020 and storage space will run out by summer 2022. Debate over how to handle the water has dragged on for years, with the government saying it wanted to win support from local communities and secure backing from the IAEA. A government panel earlier endorsed either diluting the treated water and releasing it into the ocean or releasing it as vapour, and the IAEA says either option is acceptable. "Releasing into the ocean is done elsewhere. It's not something new. There is no scandal here," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said last year. Either method would be "in line with well-established practices all around the world", he added. Anti-nuclear activist group Greenpeace slammed Japan's government for having "once again failed the people of Fukushima". "The cabinet's decision failed to protect the environment and neglected the large-scale opposition and concerns of the local Fukushima residents, as well as the neighbouring citizens around Japan," said climate and energy campaigner Kazue Suzuki in a statement. The ALPS filtration process removes most radioactive elements from the water, but some remain, including tritium. Experts say the element is only harmful to humans in large doses and with dilution the treated water poses no scientifically detectable risk. (With inputs froma agencies)

Japanese government approves plan to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear reactor into sea

Just 2,810 people in Tokyo are expected to get a shot from the first batch, while most regions will receive 1,000 doses or fewer, according to a health ministry schedule.

Japan begins coronavirus vaccinations for people over 65

Tokyo Olympics are nearly 100 days away and according to a poll more than 70% of people in Japan want the games to be canceled or delayed as the Coronavirus pandemic rolls on.

Poll: 70% of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to be delayed or cancelled

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. &nbsp;

According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;

This will the second such meeting between the two countries as the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) was held on November 30, 2019, in New Delhi.&nbsp;

According to Asia Nikkei, this comes as China ramps up its activities in the disputed East and South China Seas. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is also making arrangements to visit India. The ministers are expected to discuss ways to cooperate more closely on defence. &nbsp;

Japan and India signed an agreement last year to allow the Self-Defence Forces and the Indian military to provide each other with food and fuel. &nbsp;

The NHK, in a report, said that the Japanese government is increasingly looking to India as an ally that shares basic values and can help work toward a free and open Indo-Pacific as China continues to assert itself across the region. Both India and Japan time and again have asserted that they are committed to efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. &nbsp;

Last month, the leaders of the Quad alliance, India, the US, Japan and Australia had underscored the importance of a 'free and open' Indo-Pacific region during the group's first-ever leaders' summit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Quad has now come of age and will serve as an important pillar in ensuring the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The Asia-Pacific region features several territorial disputes in the South China and East China seas, which involve Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This will the second such meeting between the two countries as the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) was held on November 30, 2019, in New Delhi. According to Asia Nikkei, this comes as China ramps up its activities in the disputed East and South China Seas. Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is also making arrangements to visit India. The ministers are expected to discuss ways to cooperate more closely on defence. Japan and India signed an agreement last year to allow the Self-Defence Forces and the Indian military to provide each other with food and fuel. The NHK, in a report, said that the Japanese government is increasingly looking to India as an ally that shares basic values and can help work toward a free and open Indo-Pacific as China continues to assert itself across the region. Both India and Japan time and again have asserted that they are committed to efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Last month, the leaders of the Quad alliance, India, the US, Japan and Australia had underscored the importance of a 'free and open' Indo-Pacific region during the group's first-ever leaders' summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Quad has now come of age and will serve as an important pillar in ensuring the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific region features several territorial disputes in the South China and East China seas, which involve Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Japan to hold 2+2 talks amid China's aggressive moves  

Nearly 100 days before Tokyo Olympics, Japan is all set to approve strict restrictions in the capital city to combat a surge in Coronavirus infections. The restrictions are expected to be announced on Friday (April 9) and will be in place till the May 11.

Japan to announce strict restrictions in Tokyo to combat surge in Coronavirus

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to visit India as part of efforts to bolster cooperation across the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s aggressive actions.

Japan PM Suga to visit India to bolster Indo-Pacific cooperation

The Japanese government is thinking of prioritising COVID-19 vaccines for athletes taking part in the Olympics and Paralympics

Japan may prioritise Olympic athletes for vaccine: Reports

Japan’s household spending fell 6.6% in February from a year earlier, down for the third straight month under the country’s second state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic.

World Business Watch: Japan household spending dropped 6.6% for third month

Japan deploys destroyer to gather information after Chinese carrier group spotted in Okinawa and Miyako islands towards the Pacific, Japan has sent its destroyer in retaliation.

Japan sends destroyer to track China's Liaoning aircraft

The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and Germany will hold a “2 plus 2” virtual dialogue in mid-April -- in the wake of China taking an increasingly aggressive foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region.

The daily Yomiuri reported on Monday that the “2 plus 2” talks will be the first among the two countries, and they are expected to discuss ways to defence and a “free and open Indo-Pacific” in face of an increasingly assertive China.

The two parties are looking to speak on April 16, the Yomiuri also said. The exact has, however, so far not been confirmed.

Last September, Germany drew up diplomatic and trade guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region that sought to reverse course from its heavy focus on China and boost its security presence in Asia, including the dispatching of a frigate to the Indo-Pacific region.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel reached a broad agreement on an information protection pact with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during her visit to Japan in February 2019.

Tokyo already has similar pacts with the United States and Australia.

(with inputs)

The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and Germany will hold a “2 plus 2” virtual dialogue in mid-April -- in the wake of China taking an increasingly aggressive foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region.

The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and Germany will hold a “2 plus 2” virtual dialogue in mid-April -- in the wake of China taking an increasingly aggressive foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region. The daily Yomiuri reported on Monday that the “2 plus 2” talks will be the first among the two countries, and they are expected to discuss ways to defence and a “free and open Indo-Pacific” in face of an increasingly assertive China. The two parties are looking to speak on April 16, the Yomiuri also said. The exact has, however, so far not been confirmed. Last September, Germany drew up diplomatic and trade guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region that sought to reverse course from its heavy focus on China and boost its security presence in Asia, including the dispatching of a frigate to the Indo-Pacific region. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reached a broad agreement on an information protection pact with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during her visit to Japan in February 2019. Tokyo already has similar pacts with the United States and Australia. (with inputs)

Japan and Germany to hold first '2 plus 2' dialogue talks in April

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