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.

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

Japanese big manufacturers’ sentiment improved to pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter as companies planned to increase capital expenditure this year.

World Business Watch: Japan business sentiments improves to pre-pandemic levels

The U.S. and other countries say the WHO report lacked crucial information, access and transparency and further study was warranted.

Japan wants further probe into COVID-19 origins

What’s behind Japan’s early cherry blossom this year? Climate change may be the reason. Watch the video to know more.

Climate change causing early blossoming of Japan's cherries

Underscoring the fragile nature of the economy's recovery from last year's slump, Japanese retail sales fell for the third straight month in February as households kept a lid on expenditure amid the coronavirus emergency.

World Business Watch: Japan's retail sales fall for third straight month

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning.&nbsp;

Japan Coast Guard officials said that the vessels intruded into Japan's waters off Minamikojima Island around 4 am on Monday, NHK World reported, adding that Japanese officials are warning the ships to leave the waters.&nbsp;

As many as three Chinese government vessels were earlier seen navigating in the contiguous zone, just outside Japan's territorial waters, officials said.&nbsp;

The Japanese broadcaster reported that this is the 11th time this year that official Chinese vessels have entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands.&nbsp;

Japan controls the Senkaku Islands, however, China and Taiwan continue to claim them. Tokyo maintains the islands are an inherent part of its territory as per history and international law. &nbsp;

Earlier, USA's Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, had renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkaku Islands against Chinese expansionism. Japan and China have a dispute over islands in East China Sea that are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.&nbsp;

Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the US-Japan security treaty, which stipulates US defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, said Jiji news agency.&nbsp;

The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands.&nbsp;

Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese expansionist manoeuvres in East China Sea including incursions in waters around disputed islands.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning.

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning. Japan Coast Guard officials said that the vessels intruded into Japan's waters off Minamikojima Island around 4 am on Monday, NHK World reported, adding that Japanese officials are warning the ships to leave the waters. As many as three Chinese government vessels were earlier seen navigating in the contiguous zone, just outside Japan's territorial waters, officials said. The Japanese broadcaster reported that this is the 11th time this year that official Chinese vessels have entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands. Japan controls the Senkaku Islands, however, China and Taiwan continue to claim them. Tokyo maintains the islands are an inherent part of its territory as per history and international law. Earlier, USA's Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, had renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkaku Islands against Chinese expansionism. Japan and China have a dispute over islands in East China Sea that are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the US-Japan security treaty, which stipulates US defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, said Jiji news agency. The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands. Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese expansionist manoeuvres in East China Sea including incursions in waters around disputed islands. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese ships enter Japan's territorial waters off Senkaku Islands 

China's embassy in the Philippines has blamed 'some external countries' for stoking tensions in the region, in remarks aimed at Japan after its ambassador stressed the need for peace and stability and in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

China was criticised by the Philippines and the United States this week after Manila said there were about 220 vessels likely manned by Chinese maritime militia anchored in disputed waters.&nbsp;

"Within our region tensions are rising because some external countries are bent on playing fusty geopolitical games," the Chinese embassy said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"It is a pity that some Asian country, which has disputes in the East China Sea and is driven by the selfish aim to check China's revitalisation, willingly stoops as a strategic vassal of the US," it said.&nbsp;

The comment was a direct response to a Twitter remark by Japan's ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who on Tuesday said his country 'opposes any action that heightens tensions' in the South China Sea, and supports international efforts to keep the waters peaceful and open.&nbsp;

China's extensive territorial claims in the East and South China Seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-US relationship and are a security concern for Japan.&nbsp;

The Philippines complained to China at the weekend about what it called the 'swarming and threatening presence' of Chinese vessels at the Whitsun Reef.&nbsp;

China's mission in the Philippines said those were fishing vessels sheltering from rough seas. It also criticised the United States for 'fanning flames and provoking confrontation in the region'.&nbsp;

Philippine military chief Cirilito Sobejana on Wednesday said he had instructed the navy to deploy more boats 'to increase our visibility and ensure the security and safety of our fishermen'.&nbsp;

Sobejana said China's defence attache had met Philippine military representatives on Wednesday after being asked to explain the maritime militia, but he had yet to briefed on the meeting.&nbsp;

China's embassy in the Philippines has blamed 'some external countries' for stoking tensions in the region, in remarks aimed at Japan after its ambassador stressed the need for peace and stability and in the South China Sea.

China's embassy in the Philippines has blamed 'some external countries' for stoking tensions in the region, in remarks aimed at Japan after its ambassador stressed the need for peace and stability and in the South China Sea. China was criticised by the Philippines and the United States this week after Manila said there were about 220 vessels likely manned by Chinese maritime militia anchored in disputed waters. "Within our region tensions are rising because some external countries are bent on playing fusty geopolitical games," the Chinese embassy said on Twitter. "It is a pity that some Asian country, which has disputes in the East China Sea and is driven by the selfish aim to check China's revitalisation, willingly stoops as a strategic vassal of the US," it said. The comment was a direct response to a Twitter remark by Japan's ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who on Tuesday said his country 'opposes any action that heightens tensions' in the South China Sea, and supports international efforts to keep the waters peaceful and open. China's extensive territorial claims in the East and South China Seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-US relationship and are a security concern for Japan. The Philippines complained to China at the weekend about what it called the 'swarming and threatening presence' of Chinese vessels at the Whitsun Reef. China's mission in the Philippines said those were fishing vessels sheltering from rough seas. It also criticised the United States for 'fanning flames and provoking confrontation in the region'. Philippine military chief Cirilito Sobejana on Wednesday said he had instructed the navy to deploy more boats 'to increase our visibility and ensure the security and safety of our fishermen'. Sobejana said China's defence attache had met Philippine military representatives on Wednesday after being asked to explain the maritime militia, but he had yet to briefed on the meeting.

China embassy takes swipe at 'fusty' Japan over South China Sea 

Tokyo prosecutors on Monday charged two Americans with helping Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chief, jump bail in Tokyo, where he was awaiting trial on four counts of financial wrongdoing.

Japanese prosecutors said in an indictment that the two men, Michael Taylor, 60, a former Green Beret, and his son Peter Maxwell Taylor, 27, assisted Ghosn’s efforts to escape the country, helping him flee to Turkey and then on to Lebanon, where he has been beyond the reach of Japanese law.

U.S. officials arrested the men in May in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, they were extradited to Japan, where they have been held in a Tokyo detention center while undergoing questioning by prosecutors. A third man believed to have aided Ghosn’s escape remains at large.

Japanese authorities have accused Michael Taylor of helping Ghosn travel by train to the western city of Osaka, through security checks at a private jet terminal and then onto a plane bound for Turkey. Once there, Ghosn transferred to a flight bound for Beirut. Peter Taylor assisted in planning for the escapade, visiting Ghosn several times before the escape, officials say.

Ghosn and his son, Anthony Ghosn, paid more than $1.3 million to the Taylors and a company they controlled, U.S. prosecutors have said in court filings.

Ghosn’s case raised international concerns about what some critics call Japan’s system of “hostage justice,” which includes lengthy detentions of criminal suspects without charge. While in the United States, the Taylors fought a long legal battle to prevent their extradition, with their lawyers arguing that they could be subjected to harsh conditions in a Japanese jail.

Tokyo prosecutors on Monday charged two Americans with helping Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chief, jump bail in Tokyo, where he was awaiting trial on four counts of financial wrongdoing.

Tokyo prosecutors on Monday charged two Americans with helping Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan chief, jump bail in Tokyo, where he was awaiting trial on four counts of financial wrongdoing. Japanese prosecutors said in an indictment that the two men, Michael Taylor, 60, a former Green Beret, and his son Peter Maxwell Taylor, 27, assisted Ghosn’s efforts to escape the country, helping him flee to Turkey and then on to Lebanon, where he has been beyond the reach of Japanese law. U.S. officials arrested the men in May in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, they were extradited to Japan, where they have been held in a Tokyo detention center while undergoing questioning by prosecutors. A third man believed to have aided Ghosn’s escape remains at large. Japanese authorities have accused Michael Taylor of helping Ghosn travel by train to the western city of Osaka, through security checks at a private jet terminal and then onto a plane bound for Turkey. Once there, Ghosn transferred to a flight bound for Beirut. Peter Taylor assisted in planning for the escapade, visiting Ghosn several times before the escape, officials say. Ghosn and his son, Anthony Ghosn, paid more than $1.3 million to the Taylors and a company they controlled, U.S. prosecutors have said in court filings. Ghosn’s case raised international concerns about what some critics call Japan’s system of “hostage justice,” which includes lengthy detentions of criminal suspects without charge. While in the United States, the Taylors fought a long legal battle to prevent their extradition, with their lawyers arguing that they could be subjected to harsh conditions in a Japanese jail.

Japan indicts two Americans tied to Ghosn’s escape

4 leaders, 4 democracies & 1 platform. The Quad has been revived but can it go beyond words? On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the past, present & future of this grouping.

Gravitas Plus: The Quad: Past, Present & Future

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern coast of Japan. A tsunami warning was issued initially but was withdrawn laterThere was no immediate report of damage or injuries.

The earthquake hit 0909 GMT (2:39 pm Indian time in waters of Pacific waters off Miyagi region. The quake struck at a depth of 60 kilometres.&nbsp;

The Japanese meteorological agency had earlier issued advisory for tsunami waves of around one metre.

Inspection of region's nuclear plants was carried out. Train services including shinkansen bullet trains were suspended.

The US Geological Service put the strength of the quake at 7.0-magnitude.

The quake and tsunami advisory come not long after Japan marked 10 years since the catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake of March 11, 2011, that triggered a killer tsunami and the Fukushima meltdown.

The so-called triple disaster-affected Japan's northeast, including Miyagi.

Some residents of coastal communities said they had fled to higher ground after the advisory was issued Saturday evening.&nbsp;

"I recalled that day 10 years ago," a man in Ishinomaki city told national broadcaster NHK as he fled to a park on a hill.&nbsp;

"Because of our experience of that day, I moved quickly. My heart is pounding hard," he said.

There were no immediate reports of damage, according to Takashi Yokota, an official of Miyagi prefecture's disaster management office.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority said there had been no reports of abnormality at the area's nuclear facilities, including the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant, Onagawa nuclear plant and various smaller facilities and experimental nuclear reactors.

(With AFP inputs)

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern coast of Japan. A tsunami warning was issued initially but was withdrawn laterThere was no immediate report of damage or injuries.

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern coast of Japan. A tsunami warning was issued initially but was withdrawn laterThere was no immediate report of damage or injuries. The earthquake hit 0909 GMT (2:39 pm Indian time in waters of Pacific waters off Miyagi region. The quake struck at a depth of 60 kilometres. The Japanese meteorological agency had earlier issued advisory for tsunami waves of around one metre. Inspection of region's nuclear plants was carried out. Train services including shinkansen bullet trains were suspended. The US Geological Service put the strength of the quake at 7.0-magnitude. The quake and tsunami advisory come not long after Japan marked 10 years since the catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake of March 11, 2011, that triggered a killer tsunami and the Fukushima meltdown. The so-called triple disaster-affected Japan's northeast, including Miyagi. Some residents of coastal communities said they had fled to higher ground after the advisory was issued Saturday evening. "I recalled that day 10 years ago," a man in Ishinomaki city told national broadcaster NHK as he fled to a park on a hill. "Because of our experience of that day, I moved quickly. My heart is pounding hard," he said. There were no immediate reports of damage, according to Takashi Yokota, an official of Miyagi prefecture's disaster management office. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said there had been no reports of abnormality at the area's nuclear facilities, including the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant, Onagawa nuclear plant and various smaller facilities and experimental nuclear reactors. (With AFP inputs)

7.2 magnitude earthquake hits off Japan coast

A district court in Japan on Wednesday ruled that same-sex couples not being able to marry is “unconstitutional”. The court, despite the ruling, threw out the plaintiffs’ demands to seek damages from the Japanese government, Reuters reported.

This marks the first ruling of its kind in Japan, and is being seen as a symbolic victory for the LGBTQIA+ community in the country.

Japan is the only G7 country to not fully recognise same-sex relationships. The country’s constitution defines marriage as “based on the mutual consent of both sexes”.

Constitutionally, "marriage shall be only with the mutual consent of both sexes". According to&nbsp;the government, this means that same-sex marriage is "not foreseen" in the constitution or civil law.

The verdict was not immediately confirmed by Sapporo court after several local media outlets reported the landmark ruling.

Currently, same-sex couples cannot inherit the assets of their partner, including the house that may have shared. In addition, they also have no parental rights to any of their partners' children.

Even though individual municipalities give out partnership certificates to ease renting places for LGBTQIA+ folks and to get hospital visitation rights, the couples are still not given the full legal rights on the same plane as heterosexual couples.

The court threw out demands for damages by six plaintiffs, including two couples of men and one of women - who sought 1 million yen each in damages that they suffered for not being able to marry.

Many other courts in Japan are currently hearing similar cases, and this ruling may influence the outcome in those cases.

Japanese laws are considered relatively liberal for Asian standards, and homosexual sex has been legal since 1880. Even then, the social outlook of the community has kept sexuality stigmatised.

A district court in Japan on Wednesday ruled that same-sex couples not being able to marry is “unconstitutional”. The court, despite the ruling, threw out the plaintiffs’ demands to seek damages from the Japanese government, Reuters reported.

A district court in Japan on Wednesday ruled that same-sex couples not being able to marry is “unconstitutional”. The court, despite the ruling, threw out the plaintiffs’ demands to seek damages from the Japanese government, Reuters reported. This marks the first ruling of its kind in Japan, and is being seen as a symbolic victory for the LGBTQIA+ community in the country. Japan is the only G7 country to not fully recognise same-sex relationships. The country’s constitution defines marriage as “based on the mutual consent of both sexes”. Constitutionally, "marriage shall be only with the mutual consent of both sexes". According to the government, this means that same-sex marriage is "not foreseen" in the constitution or civil law. The verdict was not immediately confirmed by Sapporo court after several local media outlets reported the landmark ruling. Currently, same-sex couples cannot inherit the assets of their partner, including the house that may have shared. In addition, they also have no parental rights to any of their partners' children. Even though individual municipalities give out partnership certificates to ease renting places for LGBTQIA+ folks and to get hospital visitation rights, the couples are still not given the full legal rights on the same plane as heterosexual couples. The court threw out demands for damages by six plaintiffs, including two couples of men and one of women - who sought 1 million yen each in damages that they suffered for not being able to marry. Many other courts in Japan are currently hearing similar cases, and this ruling may influence the outcome in those cases. Japanese laws are considered relatively liberal for Asian standards, and homosexual sex has been legal since 1880. Even then, the social outlook of the community has kept sexuality stigmatised.

Japanese court rules same-sex couples not being able to marry is 'unconstitutional'

US Top diplomat Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin visited Japan to extend America's Pacific outreach. In a stern message to China, Blinken said America would push back against Beijing's aggressive tactics if needed. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a full report.

Gravitas: Top US officials extend Pacific outreach in Japan

China on Wednesday slammed the United States and Japan, saying the two countries are working in "collusion to interfere in China's internal affairs".&nbsp;

The remarks came after Washington and Tokyo in a joint statement on Tuesday warned China against "coercion and destabilising behaviour" as Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off Biden administration's first leg of a visit to the ally nations.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-officials-reach-seoul-for-key-talks-371061/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Wednesday said that the joint statement "maliciously attacks China's foreign policy" and attempts to "harm China's interests". &nbsp;

He also said that the two nations had no "no right to unilaterally define international relations" or press their own standards.&nbsp;

"This is just another clear example of the US and Japan working in collusion to interfere in China's internal affairs," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-strengthens-deployments-in-south-china-sea-gets-us-submarine-parts-approval-371123">Taiwan strengthens deployments in South China Sea, gets US submarine parts approval</a>

Top US officials are currently in South Korea as Washington focuses on working with Asian allies, including India to counter China.&nbsp;

The US-China relations hit a new low during the term of last US president Donald Trump and Washington has continued to slam Beijing's policies on Uighurs, Tibet and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan will soon meet senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Alaska in a visit that will give a sense of the future of ties between both countries.&nbsp;

China on Wednesday slammed the United States and Japan, saying the two countries are working in "collusion to interfere in China's internal affairs". The remarks came after Washington and Tokyo in a joint statement on Tuesday warned China against "coercion and destabilising behaviour" as Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off Biden administration's first leg of a visit to the ally nations.

China on Wednesday slammed the United States and Japan, saying the two countries are working in "collusion to interfere in China's internal affairs". The remarks came after Washington and Tokyo in a joint statement on Tuesday warned China against "coercion and destabilising behaviour" as Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off Biden administration's first leg of a visit to the ally nations. Watch | Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Wednesday said that the joint statement "maliciously attacks China's foreign policy" and attempts to "harm China's interests". He also said that the two nations had no "no right to unilaterally define international relations" or press their own standards. "This is just another clear example of the US and Japan working in collusion to interfere in China's internal affairs," the spokesperson said. Also read | Taiwan strengthens deployments in South China Sea, gets US submarine parts approval Top US officials are currently in South Korea as Washington focuses on working with Asian allies, including India to counter China. The US-China relations hit a new low during the term of last US president Donald Trump and Washington has continued to slam Beijing's policies on Uighurs, Tibet and Hong Kong. Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan will soon meet senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Alaska in a visit that will give a sense of the future of ties between both countries.

China lashes out at US, Japan, says both colluding 'to interfere in internal affairs'

As a part of a landmark judgement, Japan court ruled that not allowing same-sex couples to marry is “unconstitutional” because it breaches the right to equality.

Japan: Landmark judgement favours LGBTQ community

Japan`s government said on Wedneseday it would investigate messaging app Line, owned by SoftBank Corp`s Z Holdings Corp, after Japanese media reports that it let Chinese engineers at a Shanghai affiliate access Japanese users` data without informing them.

Under Japanese privacy regulations, companies have to let users know when their personal data is sent overseas, public broadcaster pubic broadcaster NHK and other local media reported earlier.

"We can`t say yet if Line breached regulations or not, and we are conducting an investigation to find out," a government official responsible for overseeing privacy regulations told Reuters. If Line is found to have acted improperly then the Cabinet Office can direct it to make improvements, he added.

"There hasn`t been anything that breached legal or regulatory boundaries," a spokesman for Line said." We will continue to respond to laws and regulations in all jurisdictions, including Japan."

In a statement posted later on its website, the company apologized for causing any concern and for not adequately explaining policies regarding data management to users.

No inappropriate access occurred, it added.

Four engineers at a company in China, who perform system maintenance for Line, were allowed to access servers in Japan from 2018 that contained the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of users, local media said.

The reports come as Japan tightens laws and regulation around the use and storage of personal data held by internet companies.

Line, which has 186 million users worldwide - of which just under half are in Japan - has since blocked access to user data at the Chinese affiliate, the company spokesman said.

Line this month became part of Z Holdings, formerly Yahoo Japan, creating a $30 billion domestic internet heavyweight to compete against local and U.S. rivals.

Messages sent via Line can only be read by the sender and receiver as the app, like other messaging apps, encrypts message content end to end.

Z Holdings is controlled by SoftBank Corp through holding company A Holdings, which is jointly owned by SoftBank Corp and South Korea`s Naver Corp, the former operator of Line.

Z Holdings, which plans to invest 500 billion yen ($4.58 billion) in technology over the next five years, announced the Line tie-up last year but was forced to delay the move from October because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Line has expanded its business into cashless payment and more recently telemedicine.

Shares of Z Holdings, which also controls fashion retailer Zozo Inc and office supplies firm Askul Corp, dipped 1.1% to 611 yen, compared with the Tokyo exchange`s TOPIX index which was flat.

Japan`s government said on Wedneseday it would investigate messaging app Line, owned by SoftBank Corp`s Z Holdings Corp, after Japanese media reports that it let Chinese engineers at a Shanghai affiliate access Japanese users` data without informing them.

Japan`s government said on Wedneseday it would investigate messaging app Line, owned by SoftBank Corp`s Z Holdings Corp, after Japanese media reports that it let Chinese engineers at a Shanghai affiliate access Japanese users` data without informing them. Under Japanese privacy regulations, companies have to let users know when their personal data is sent overseas, public broadcaster pubic broadcaster NHK and other local media reported earlier. "We can`t say yet if Line breached regulations or not, and we are conducting an investigation to find out," a government official responsible for overseeing privacy regulations told Reuters. If Line is found to have acted improperly then the Cabinet Office can direct it to make improvements, he added. "There hasn`t been anything that breached legal or regulatory boundaries," a spokesman for Line said." We will continue to respond to laws and regulations in all jurisdictions, including Japan." In a statement posted later on its website, the company apologized for causing any concern and for not adequately explaining policies regarding data management to users. No inappropriate access occurred, it added. Four engineers at a company in China, who perform system maintenance for Line, were allowed to access servers in Japan from 2018 that contained the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of users, local media said. The reports come as Japan tightens laws and regulation around the use and storage of personal data held by internet companies. Line, which has 186 million users worldwide - of which just under half are in Japan - has since blocked access to user data at the Chinese affiliate, the company spokesman said. Line this month became part of Z Holdings, formerly Yahoo Japan, creating a $30 billion domestic internet heavyweight to compete against local and U.S. rivals. Messages sent via Line can only be read by the sender and receiver as the app, like other messaging apps, encrypts message content end to end. Z Holdings is controlled by SoftBank Corp through holding company A Holdings, which is jointly owned by SoftBank Corp and South Korea`s Naver Corp, the former operator of Line. Z Holdings, which plans to invest 500 billion yen ($4.58 billion) in technology over the next five years, announced the Line tie-up last year but was forced to delay the move from October because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Line has expanded its business into cashless payment and more recently telemedicine. Shares of Z Holdings, which also controls fashion retailer Zozo Inc and office supplies firm Askul Corp, dipped 1.1% to 611 yen, compared with the Tokyo exchange`s TOPIX index which was flat.

Japan to probe Line let after reports it let Chinese engineers access user data

In Japan, for the first time in 3 months exports have fallen last month as US and China-bound shipments weakened.

World Business Watch: United States, China-bound shipments weaken

In a sign, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting an end to the benefits brought on by former PM Shinzo Abe’s stimulus policies. Japanese companies are offering the lowest wage increases in eight years as labour talks wrap up today.

World Business Watch: Japan Inc to offer lowest pay rises in eight years

World Business Watch: Google halves Play store commission fee for developers

The leaders of the Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- have pledged to work with other countries who share the same goals, and to ensure that Covid vaccines are administered throughout the region till 2022. They also reiterated their commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Biden, Modi, Morrison and Suga pen joint op-ed, say Quad offers 'spark of hope'

Quad leaders pen joint Op-Ed, say Quad offers ‘spark of hope'

Japan`s government is leaning towards ending a state of emergency for Tokyo and surrounding areas over COVID-19 as scheduled on March 21, the Sankei newspaper reported on Sunday.

The government is expected to make its decision at a meeting with advisers on March 18, Sankei reported. Calls to the prime minister`s office were not answered.

The number of hospital beds in use to treat COVID-19 patients is falling gradually, which is justification to end the state of emergency as scheduled, the Sankei said, citing an unnamed government official.

Restrictions such as shorter business hours for restaurants and bars have helped reduce new daily cases in Tokyo to roughly a tenth of a peak of 2,520 on Jan. 7, but the number of new infections in Tokyo has been creeping up in recent days, raising concerns that the state of emergency might be extended.

There is growing consensus among government officials and advisers, though, that even if the state of emergency is kept in place it would not lead to a further improvement in the number of infections, the Sankei said, citing an unnamed member of the government`s advisory panel.

The Japanese government extended the emergency declaration for Tokyo and three neighbouring prefectures on March 5 by 14 days, saying COVID-19 cases hadn`t fallen far enough and that new, more infectious coronavirus variants posed a threat.

Japan is trying to bring coronavirus cases under control and get vaccinations well under way as it prepares to host the delayed Summer Olympics, now scheduled to start on July 23.

Japan has so far recorded 446,923 coronavirus cases and 8,573 deaths.

Japan`s government is leaning towards ending a state of emergency for Tokyo and surrounding areas over COVID-19 as scheduled on March 21, the Sankei newspaper reported on Sunday.

Japan`s government is leaning towards ending a state of emergency for Tokyo and surrounding areas over COVID-19 as scheduled on March 21, the Sankei newspaper reported on Sunday. The government is expected to make its decision at a meeting with advisers on March 18, Sankei reported. Calls to the prime minister`s office were not answered. The number of hospital beds in use to treat COVID-19 patients is falling gradually, which is justification to end the state of emergency as scheduled, the Sankei said, citing an unnamed government official. Restrictions such as shorter business hours for restaurants and bars have helped reduce new daily cases in Tokyo to roughly a tenth of a peak of 2,520 on Jan. 7, but the number of new infections in Tokyo has been creeping up in recent days, raising concerns that the state of emergency might be extended. There is growing consensus among government officials and advisers, though, that even if the state of emergency is kept in place it would not lead to a further improvement in the number of infections, the Sankei said, citing an unnamed member of the government`s advisory panel. The Japanese government extended the emergency declaration for Tokyo and three neighbouring prefectures on March 5 by 14 days, saying COVID-19 cases hadn`t fallen far enough and that new, more infectious coronavirus variants posed a threat. Japan is trying to bring coronavirus cases under control and get vaccinations well under way as it prepares to host the delayed Summer Olympics, now scheduled to start on July 23. Japan has so far recorded 446,923 coronavirus cases and 8,573 deaths.

Japan leaning towards ending Tokyo state of emergency on March 21

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to the news, a quarantine zone was established within a three-kilometre (1.9 miles) radius from the affected farm and a ban on the export of eggs and poultry products was introduced within a 10-kilometre range.&nbsp;

In January, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said that the new outbreak of avian influenza, which started in November, has broken all records in terms of the number of chickens culled in one season. &nbsp;

Seventeen out of Japan's 47 prefectures were affected by the outbreak. Bird flu outbreaks have also been detected in the prefectures of Chiba, Kagawa, Fukuoka, Hyogo, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Nara, Oita, Wakayama, Okayama, Shiga, Kochi, Tokushima, Gifu, Kagoshima, Toyama and Ibaraki. &nbsp;

According to the Ministry for Agriculture, some 9.7 million domestic birds have already been exterminated to prevent the spread of the disease. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday.

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday. According to the news, a quarantine zone was established within a three-kilometre (1.9 miles) radius from the affected farm and a ban on the export of eggs and poultry products was introduced within a 10-kilometre range. In January, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said that the new outbreak of avian influenza, which started in November, has broken all records in terms of the number of chickens culled in one season. Seventeen out of Japan's 47 prefectures were affected by the outbreak. Bird flu outbreaks have also been detected in the prefectures of Chiba, Kagawa, Fukuoka, Hyogo, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Nara, Oita, Wakayama, Okayama, Shiga, Kochi, Tokushima, Gifu, Kagoshima, Toyama and Ibaraki. According to the Ministry for Agriculture, some 9.7 million domestic birds have already been exterminated to prevent the spread of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to cull 77,000 chickens over new bird flu outbreak in Tochigi 

Myanmar’s first satellite is being held on board the International Space Station following the Myanmar coup, several reports have said.

Japan has close ties to Myanmar and is one of its biggest aid donors. While condemning the violence, it has not taken as hard a stance against the coup as the United States and some other Western countries which have applied sanctions.

The $15 million satellite was built by Japan’s Hokkaido University in a joint project with Myanmar’s government-funded Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University (MAEU). It is the first of a set of two 50 kg microsatellites equipped with cameras designed to monitor agriculture and fisheries.

Human rights activists and some officials in Japan worry that those cameras could be used for military purposes by the junta that seized power in Myanmar on February 1. That has put the deployment on hold, as Hokkaido University holds discussions with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the two Hokkaido University officials told Reuters.

The data from the spacecraft would be collected by the Japanese university and cannot be independently accessed by Myanmar officials.

The satellite was launched by NASA on Feb 20 as a small part of a large and varied payload of supplies to the International Space Station 400 km (250 miles) above the earth. It has since been kept by JAXA inside Japan’s Kibo experiment module. JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi is one of the seven crew members now on board the space station.

Myanmar’s first satellite is being held on board the International Space Station following the Myanmar coup, several reports have said. Japan has close ties to Myanmar and is one of its biggest aid donors.

Myanmar’s first satellite is being held on board the International Space Station following the Myanmar coup, several reports have said. Japan has close ties to Myanmar and is one of its biggest aid donors. While condemning the violence, it has not taken as hard a stance against the coup as the United States and some other Western countries which have applied sanctions. The $15 million satellite was built by Japan’s Hokkaido University in a joint project with Myanmar’s government-funded Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University (MAEU). It is the first of a set of two 50 kg microsatellites equipped with cameras designed to monitor agriculture and fisheries. Human rights activists and some officials in Japan worry that those cameras could be used for military purposes by the junta that seized power in Myanmar on February 1. That has put the deployment on hold, as Hokkaido University holds discussions with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the two Hokkaido University officials told Reuters. The data from the spacecraft would be collected by the Japanese university and cannot be independently accessed by Myanmar officials. The satellite was launched by NASA on Feb 20 as a small part of a large and varied payload of supplies to the International Space Station 400 km (250 miles) above the earth. It has since been kept by JAXA inside Japan’s Kibo experiment module. JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi is one of the seven crew members now on board the space station.

Myanmar's first satellite held by Japan on space station after coup, reports say

After the first-ever summit of Quad leaders, it was decided that an in-person meeting will be held by the end of 2021.&nbsp;

"At the leader level, we will hold an in-person summit by the end of 2021," the joint statement released said on Friday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-quads-gameplan-to-take-on-china-370080/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It also said that the senior officials and experts of Quad, which is an alliance of India, the US, Japan, and Australia will "continue to meet regularly".

"Our foreign ministers will converse often and meet at least once a year," it said.&nbsp;

The statement also said that the first-ever summit reaffirmed their "commitment to quadrilateral cooperation" between the four countries. &nbsp;

HIGHLIGHTS: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highlights-quad-leaders-reaffirm-commitment-to-grouping-after-historic-first-summit-369981">Quad leaders reaffirm commitment to grouping after historic first summit</a>

"We bring diverse perspectives and are united in a shared vision for the free and open Indo-Pacific. We strive for a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion."

It recalled that the Quad summit was a result of their joint efforts in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. &nbsp;

"Today, the global devastation wrought by Covid-19, the threat of climate change, and security challenges facing the region summon us with renewed purpose," the joint statement said.

After the first-ever summit of Quad leaders, it was decided that an in-person meeting will be held by the end of 2021. "At the leader level, we will hold an in-person summit by the end of 2021," the joint statement released said on Friday.

After the first-ever summit of Quad leaders, it was decided that an in-person meeting will be held by the end of 2021. "At the leader level, we will hold an in-person summit by the end of 2021," the joint statement released said on Friday. Watch | It also said that the senior officials and experts of Quad, which is an alliance of India, the US, Japan, and Australia will "continue to meet regularly". "Our foreign ministers will converse often and meet at least once a year," it said. The statement also said that the first-ever summit reaffirmed their "commitment to quadrilateral cooperation" between the four countries. HIGHLIGHTS: Quad leaders reaffirm commitment to grouping after historic first summit "We bring diverse perspectives and are united in a shared vision for the free and open Indo-Pacific. We strive for a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion." It recalled that the Quad summit was a result of their joint efforts in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. "Today, the global devastation wrought by Covid-19, the threat of climate change, and security challenges facing the region summon us with renewed purpose," the joint statement said.

Quad leaders agree for in-person meet in 2021

U.S. President Joe Biden met leaders of Australia, India and Japan on Friday (March 12), a group central to his efforts to counter China's growing military and economic power, and said a free and open Indo-Pacific region was essential to all of their futures.

Quad summit in the face of growing competition from China

A first-ever leaders' meeting of the Quad group of countries announced financing agreements to support an increase in manufacturing capacity for coronavirus vaccines in India.

Quad nations to expand COVID-19 vaccine production

Biden says free Indo-Pacific essential as he meets India, Japan, Australia leaders

An extremely significant geopolitical event, the first-ever quad leader summit has concluded the quad has 4 members, United States, Australia, Japan, and India. In the face of growing economic competition from China, US president Joe Biden's administration has been putting greater emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region. At the Quad summit, the leaders from all four countries have pledged to work to ensure a free and open indo-pacific region. According to a joint statement released by the white house after the virtual summit, an in-person meeting has also been decided between the four nations, which will be held by the end of 2021. Quad nations will expand vaccine production.

Quad Summit: Commitment to quadrilateral cooperation reaffirmed

&nbsp;A wall of flower petals bursts into a thousand fragments. A huge ball levitates in the air, turning from red to blue to purple. Hundreds of butterflies dart around a screen of tiny water particles. 
 
This is not a modern art museum, but the latest creation of Japan`s teamLab collective of engineers, artists and architects, anchored around a maze of seven saunas lit up in hues of red, green and yellow. 
 
The Tokyo-based digital art group took over an empty lot in the city`s glitzy Roppongi district and over the last year erected a gigantic tent housing the sauna rooms and three immersive art installations. 
 
"Art is traditionally exhibited in luxurious places like palaces or museums - we wanted to create a luxurious state of mind for people to experience it," said Takashi Kudo, a teamLab lab member at a demonstration on Saturday. 
 
"TikTok teamLab Reconnect" opens runs March 22 until the end of August. For $44 on weekdays and $53 on weekends, visitors can dip in and out of the hot rooms and cold showers, and walk inside the artworks sporting only swimming suits. 
 
The coronavirus means seating in the biggest saunas was cut from 24 to 12 and ventilation was adjusted to meet government standards for air circulation. 
 
Kudo stood under dozens of large, hand-blown glass lamps from Italy. The lamps slowly changed colours from burnt orange to magenta, illuminating dark corridors separating the rooms. 
 
The team said it wanted to affect all senses, including touch, sound and smell. Aromas such as roasted green tea waft through one of the saunas, and white birch in another. 
 
"Nobody goes to an art museum in this fashion because art is art and sauna is sauna," said Kudo, pointing to his swimming trunks. "What we wanted to try is to combine and offer a very different experience - and a very different experience of this art." 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

A wall of flower petals bursts into a thousand fragments. A huge ball levitates in the air, turning from red to blue to purple. Hundreds of butterflies dart around a screen of tiny water particles.

A wall of flower petals bursts into a thousand fragments. A huge ball levitates in the air, turning from red to blue to purple. Hundreds of butterflies dart around a screen of tiny water particles. This is not a modern art museum, but the latest creation of Japan`s teamLab collective of engineers, artists and architects, anchored around a maze of seven saunas lit up in hues of red, green and yellow. The Tokyo-based digital art group took over an empty lot in the city`s glitzy Roppongi district and over the last year erected a gigantic tent housing the sauna rooms and three immersive art installations. "Art is traditionally exhibited in luxurious places like palaces or museums - we wanted to create a luxurious state of mind for people to experience it," said Takashi Kudo, a teamLab lab member at a demonstration on Saturday. "TikTok teamLab Reconnect" opens runs March 22 until the end of August. For $44 on weekdays and $53 on weekends, visitors can dip in and out of the hot rooms and cold showers, and walk inside the artworks sporting only swimming suits. The coronavirus means seating in the biggest saunas was cut from 24 to 12 and ventilation was adjusted to meet government standards for air circulation. Kudo stood under dozens of large, hand-blown glass lamps from Italy. The lamps slowly changed colours from burnt orange to magenta, illuminating dark corridors separating the rooms. The team said it wanted to affect all senses, including touch, sound and smell. Aromas such as roasted green tea waft through one of the saunas, and white birch in another. "Nobody goes to an art museum in this fashion because art is art and sauna is sauna," said Kudo, pointing to his swimming trunks. "What we wanted to try is to combine and offer a very different experience - and a very different experience of this art."

Japan's teamLab melds museum and sauna in fresh digital art experience

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined with the leaders of the United States, Japan and India at a virtual summit on Saturday morning (March 13), pledging to work closely on COVID-19 vaccine distribution, climate issues and security.

'Quad' countries pledge cooperation on COVID, climate and security

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