The world’s third-largest economy has seen a relatively small coronavirus outbreak so far, with around 4,500 deaths and largely without the drastic lockdowns seen in other countries.

COVID pandemic reveals hidden poverty in wealthy Japan

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world.

Speaking at a virtual event, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India, France and Japan are leading stakeholders in the region and with other like-minded countries, it is upon us to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains peaceful and open, taking into account needs and concerns of all its inhabitants."

Geographically New Delhi sees the Indo-Pacific as a "seamless interface" of the Indian and Pacific ocean from the western coast of North America to the eastern shores of Africa. Over 50 per cent&nbsp;of global trade traverses this maritime domain which is also home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population and the global GDP.&nbsp;

Calling his country an "Indo-Pacific power" due to its territories in the region, French envoy Emmanuel Lenain said, "We are building piece by piece a strategic triangle between Paris, Tokyo and Delhi committed to a rules-based Indo-Pacific order."

France has its territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. It also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony.&nbsp;

Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki who was also present in the event highlighted his country's "unwavering" commitment to the vision, pointing out that "free and open Indo-Pacific vision has been the core diplomatic concept that Japan stands on".

He cited the first foreign visit of the new Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga’s to Vietnam and Indonesia and hosting of Quad Foreign ministers meet last year as the testament to Tokyo's efforts.

It was in 2007, in Delhi, that the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had spoken about the emerging dynamics of the region that links Pacific and Indian ocean. Almost a decade later in 2016 in Kenya, Abe unveiled Japan’s “Indo-Pacific Vision”.

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world.

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world. Speaking at a virtual event, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India, France and Japan are leading stakeholders in the region and with other like-minded countries, it is upon us to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains peaceful and open, taking into account needs and concerns of all its inhabitants." Geographically New Delhi sees the Indo-Pacific as a "seamless interface" of the Indian and Pacific ocean from the western coast of North America to the eastern shores of Africa. Over 50 per cent of global trade traverses this maritime domain which is also home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population and the global GDP. Calling his country an "Indo-Pacific power" due to its territories in the region, French envoy Emmanuel Lenain said, "We are building piece by piece a strategic triangle between Paris, Tokyo and Delhi committed to a rules-based Indo-Pacific order." France has its territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. It also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony. Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki who was also present in the event highlighted his country's "unwavering" commitment to the vision, pointing out that "free and open Indo-Pacific vision has been the core diplomatic concept that Japan stands on". He cited the first foreign visit of the new Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga’s to Vietnam and Indonesia and hosting of Quad Foreign ministers meet last year as the testament to Tokyo's efforts. It was in 2007, in Delhi, that the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had spoken about the emerging dynamics of the region that links Pacific and Indian ocean. Almost a decade later in 2016 in Kenya, Abe unveiled Japan’s “Indo-Pacific Vision”.

India, France, Japan strongly back Indo Pacific vision

Among the young sumo wrestlers lifting weights in the ring, 10-year-old Kyuta Kumagai stands out. At 85 kilograms (187 lb), Kyuta is twice the size of the other children his age and is so dominant that he wrestles, and beats, boys five or six years older.

Meet Kyuta: the 10-year-old, 85-kilo sumo in training

Japan on Monday detected the new UK variant of coronavirus among three people. The Health Ministry reported that none of them had any travel history to the UK.

The variant in question is considered more infectious, if not more fatal, and is now spreading across different parts of the world. Many countries are still reeling from the first variant of the virus which first emerged in December 2019. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-finds-new-covid-strain-in-travellers-from-brazil-355927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The three patients aged between 20-60 are situated in the Shizuoka prefecture, which lies about 200 kilometres west of Tokyo. They first developed symptoms in early January, the ministry said.

&nbsp;

The ministry claims that it is trying to ascertain how they became infected with the virus without travelling to the country.&nbsp; They, however added that till now there’s no evidence of the new variant spreading in Shizuoka. 
 
So far, Japan has recorded 45 cases of the new variants of the virus which were reported in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hotels-quarantined-schools-shut-down-in-swiss-ski-resort-to-contain-covid-19-variant-357526" hreflang="en">New Covid-19 variant? Hotels quarantined, schools shut down in Swiss ski resort</a>

Japan had earlier announced a state of emergency for Tokyo, but soon after a spike the country extended it to seven more prefectures in a bid to limit the spread of the virus. 
 
In total, the country has recorded 335,000 cases of COVID-19, which has killed 4,500 people, according to the state broadcaster NHK.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-british-scientists-found-the-more-infectious-coronavirus-variant-357185" hreflang="en">How British scientists found the more infectious coronavirus variant</a>

On January 13, the World Health Organization said the new variant from the United Kingdom is currently in 50 countries across the globe, while the one from South Africa is making rounds in 20 countries. The organisation added that another variant from Japan remains of concern, and that it needed more investigation.

Japan on Monday detected the new UK variant of coronavirus among three people. The Health Ministry reported that none of them had any travel history to the UK. The variant in question is considered more infectious, if not more fatal, and is now spreading across different parts of the world.

Japan on Monday detected the new UK variant of coronavirus among three people. The Health Ministry reported that none of them had any travel history to the UK. The variant in question is considered more infectious, if not more fatal, and is now spreading across different parts of the world. Many countries are still reeling from the first variant of the virus which first emerged in December 2019. The three patients aged between 20-60 are situated in the Shizuoka prefecture, which lies about 200 kilometres west of Tokyo. They first developed symptoms in early January, the ministry said. The ministry claims that it is trying to ascertain how they became infected with the virus without travelling to the country. They, however added that till now there’s no evidence of the new variant spreading in Shizuoka. So far, Japan has recorded 45 cases of the new variants of the virus which were reported in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil. Also read: New Covid-19 variant? Hotels quarantined, schools shut down in Swiss ski resort Japan had earlier announced a state of emergency for Tokyo, but soon after a spike the country extended it to seven more prefectures in a bid to limit the spread of the virus. In total, the country has recorded 335,000 cases of COVID-19, which has killed 4,500 people, according to the state broadcaster NHK. Also read: How British scientists found the more infectious coronavirus variant On January 13, the World Health Organization said the new variant from the United Kingdom is currently in 50 countries across the globe, while the one from South Africa is making rounds in 20 countries. The organisation added that another variant from Japan remains of concern, and that it needed more investigation.

Japan finds UK coronavirus strain among three people with no travel history

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus.

The rules were proposed by the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday, which will be added in amendments in the soon-to-be-introduced infectious disease law.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-find-patient-zero-who-urges-countries-to-cooperate-357112" hreflang="en">'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate</a>

As per these rules, the patients who test positive for coronavirus and refuse to get hospitalised, on the recommendation of the health experts, will face a fine of 1 million yen (over $9,600) or a jail sentence of up to one year.

In addition to this, people who refuse to cooperate for contact-tracing after testing positive will be fined 500,000 yen ($4,800) or face a prison sentence of six months.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-expands-coronavirus-emergency-to-seven-more-prefectures-356633">&nbsp;Japan expands coronavirus emergency to seven more prefectures</a>

While some have applauded the move by the government, some locals have addressed concern warning this would prove out to be more tedious for the healthcare workers who have the pressure of taking care of more paperwork now.

This has come as Japan crossed the mark of 300,000 coronavirus cases and 4,000 deaths with a recent surge, especially after the new mutations found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-suga-highest-ever-infection-in-respective-regions-355329">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-suga-highest-ever-infection-in-respective-regions-355329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is also being understood as a way to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus in the country before the planned Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

The news came at the same time when a report revealed that the suicide rates in Japan have massively increased during the second wave of coronavirus, especially among&nbsp;women and children, in comparison to the first wave.

"Unlike normal economic circumstances, this pandemic disproportionately affects the psychological health of children, adolescents and females (especially housewives)," the study claimed.

The reason behind this is also being reported to be loss of jobs among locals as businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic year.

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus.

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus. The rules were proposed by the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday, which will be added in amendments in the soon-to-be-introduced infectious disease law. Also read| 'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate As per these rules, the patients who test positive for coronavirus and refuse to get hospitalised, on the recommendation of the health experts, will face a fine of 1 million yen (over $9,600) or a jail sentence of up to one year. In addition to this, people who refuse to cooperate for contact-tracing after testing positive will be fined 500,000 yen ($4,800) or face a prison sentence of six months. Also read| Japan expands coronavirus emergency to seven more prefectures While some have applauded the move by the government, some locals have addressed concern warning this would prove out to be more tedious for the healthcare workers who have the pressure of taking care of more paperwork now. This has come as Japan crossed the mark of 300,000 coronavirus cases and 4,000 deaths with a recent surge, especially after the new mutations found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil. WATCH| It is also being understood as a way to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus in the country before the planned Tokyo Olympics. The news came at the same time when a report revealed that the suicide rates in Japan have massively increased during the second wave of coronavirus, especially among women and children, in comparison to the first wave. "Unlike normal economic circumstances, this pandemic disproportionately affects the psychological health of children, adolescents and females (especially housewives)," the study claimed. The reason behind this is also being reported to be loss of jobs among locals as businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic year.

Japan to charge fines and prison sentences for non-cooperation of COVID rules

Bird flu cases are growing at an alarming rate in Asia. The continent's poultry farmers are facing an unprecedented situation. Birds are being culled and people are staying away from poultry meat.&nbsp;

It is the worst such outbreak in the region's history. From Japan to India, the deadly virus is affecting birds across farms. Millions of chickens, ducks and turkeys have been culled. Poultry prices have dropped to an all-time low.

And Asia's farmers are staring at an unprecedented crisis. While bird flu is common in Asia during this time mostly due to migratory patterns. New strains of the virus have become more lethal. This makes countries on the flight path especially vulnerable.

In India, at least 10 states have reported cases of bird flu. Over 850 cases of bird deaths have been reported in the national capital. In Rajasthan-- over 4,000 birds died because of the flu. The Uttar Pradesh government has banned poultry from other states till January 24.

In Kerala, tens of thousands of birds were culled last week. Maharashtra has detected avian influenza in crows as well. Chicken prices in India fell almost a third last week. Wary customers have steered clear of meat.

Not just India, Japan too is dealing with its worst outbreak. A quarter of all prefectures are affected. More than 3 million birds have been culled so far. South Korea also dealt with an outbreak at a duck farm. With the virus strain being similar to the one in Japan.

Compulsory flu vaccination for poultry has protected China for now but the virus has still killed wild swans in the country.

Countries like Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have been spared for now. But continue to face risks due to the movement of goods. What makes the virus even more dangerous is its contagious nature. Infected birds have to be culled to contain the spread. But amid all this- the biggest question is can we consume poultry meat?

According to governments, there is nothing to be worried about. The World Health Organisation says it is safe. That you will be safe if you eat well-cooked meat. However, health experts are not convinced. They are concerned about a species jump. This is when a virus strain moves from one species to another. In this instance -- it could be from birds to human beings.

It has happened once in 1997. While human to human transmission has not been detected yet it cannot be ruled out.

The last time, a virus jumped species tt led to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bird flu cases are growing at an alarming rate in Asia. The continent's poultry farmers are facing an unprecedented situation. Birds are being culled and people are staying away from poultry meat.

Bird flu cases are growing at an alarming rate in Asia. The continent's poultry farmers are facing an unprecedented situation. Birds are being culled and people are staying away from poultry meat. It is the worst such outbreak in the region's history. From Japan to India, the deadly virus is affecting birds across farms. Millions of chickens, ducks and turkeys have been culled. Poultry prices have dropped to an all-time low. And Asia's farmers are staring at an unprecedented crisis. While bird flu is common in Asia during this time mostly due to migratory patterns. New strains of the virus have become more lethal. This makes countries on the flight path especially vulnerable. In India, at least 10 states have reported cases of bird flu. Over 850 cases of bird deaths have been reported in the national capital. In Rajasthan-- over 4,000 birds died because of the flu. The Uttar Pradesh government has banned poultry from other states till January 24. In Kerala, tens of thousands of birds were culled last week. Maharashtra has detected avian influenza in crows as well. Chicken prices in India fell almost a third last week. Wary customers have steered clear of meat. Not just India, Japan too is dealing with its worst outbreak. A quarter of all prefectures are affected. More than 3 million birds have been culled so far. South Korea also dealt with an outbreak at a duck farm. With the virus strain being similar to the one in Japan. Compulsory flu vaccination for poultry has protected China for now but the virus has still killed wild swans in the country. Countries like Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have been spared for now. But continue to face risks due to the movement of goods. What makes the virus even more dangerous is its contagious nature. Infected birds have to be culled to contain the spread. But amid all this- the biggest question is can we consume poultry meat? According to governments, there is nothing to be worried about. The World Health Organisation says it is safe. That you will be safe if you eat well-cooked meat. However, health experts are not convinced. They are concerned about a species jump. This is when a virus strain moves from one species to another. In this instance -- it could be from birds to human beings. It has happened once in 1997. While human to human transmission has not been detected yet it cannot be ruled out. The last time, a virus jumped species tt led to the coronavirus pandemic.

The next pandemic?: Bird flu spreads like wildfire across Asia

Japan has been hit by a heavy snowfall around the coast of the sea, due to the winter pressure distribution. Vehicles were stranded and the train services were affected as heavy snow continued to cross paths of the country.

Heavy snow continues along sea of Japan coast

In a ritual to purify their souls and pray for an end of the COVID-19 pandemic, a handful of people braved the cold and stepped into an ice bath at a shrine in Tokyo on Sunday (January 10).

Pilgrims in Tokyo plunge into icy bath for Shinto ritual, pray for end of the pandemic

Japan has found a new Coronavirus variant among travellers coming in from Brazil. The new strain was detected among four travellers from Brazil’s Amazonas state.

Japan finds new COVID strain in travellers from Brazil

Japanese health ministry on Sunday said that four travellers from Brazil were found to be infected by new COVID strain that is different from those in Britain and South Africa. Head of Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) confirmed this.

"I understand a new variant that is different from Britain's and South Africa's has been found," said Takaji Wakita, head of NIID.

Characteristics of the new variant, such as how effective vaccines can be against it and how serious its symptoms can be, are being studied, a health ministry official said.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected Tokyo Olympics which were to be held in 2020 but were postponed to 2021. However, pandemic continues to affect the organisation as fears of COVID spread still remain.

Earlier this week, Tokyo Metropolitan Government said that upcoming exhibitions of the Tokyo Olympics torch around the Japanese capital were postponed.

The torch had been on display in certain municipalities at the end of last year and the exhibitions were due to restart on Thursday.

(With Reuters inputs)

Japanese health ministry on Sunday said that four travellers from Brazil were found to be infected by new COVID strain that is different from those in Britain and South Africa.

Japanese health ministry on Sunday said that four travellers from Brazil were found to be infected by new COVID strain that is different from those in Britain and South Africa. Head of Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) confirmed this. "I understand a new variant that is different from Britain's and South Africa's has been found," said Takaji Wakita, head of NIID. Characteristics of the new variant, such as how effective vaccines can be against it and how serious its symptoms can be, are being studied, a health ministry official said. The coronavirus pandemic has affected Tokyo Olympics which were to be held in 2020 but were postponed to 2021. However, pandemic continues to affect the organisation as fears of COVID spread still remain. Earlier this week, Tokyo Metropolitan Government said that upcoming exhibitions of the Tokyo Olympics torch around the Japanese capital were postponed. The torch had been on display in certain municipalities at the end of last year and the exhibitions were due to restart on Thursday. (With Reuters inputs)

Japan detects newer coronavirus infection in travellers from Brazil

Japan on Friday extended a 30 billion Yen or around Rs 2129 crore financial assistance to India to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID crisis. Both sides exchanged notes for the 'COVID-19 Crisis Response Support Loan for Social Protection' in New Delhi with Japan being represented by its envoy Suzuki Satoshi. The Indian side was represented by Dr C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance,&nbsp;

The loan will also be used to ensure social protection for the vulnerable sections affected by COVID-19. Japan has helped India financially in past to help it deal with COVID crisis.

An official of the Embassy of Japan in India explained to WION, "This Yen loan is a budget support to assist the Government of India’s policy objectives...allowing a higher degree of flexibility for the Government of India to make effective responses to the emergency situation." 
&nbsp; 
In August 2020, Japan had provided about Rs 3549 crore COVID emergency loan to support the implementation of health and medical policy by the Indian government.

A loan was also provided for oxygen generators worth Rs 71 crore. Tokyo has provided assistance through international organizations like UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC. The loan amounts to around Rs 52 crore.

Together with the new loan announced on Friday, Japan’s COVID-19 related assistance to India amounts to more than INR 5,800 crore.

The official highlighted, "We hope this assistance will lead to the mitigation of socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and to the higher resilience of India’s societies, helping India, a trusted partner and close friend of Japan, emerge even stronger after the pandemic."

Japan on Friday extended a 30 billion Yen or around Rs 2129 crore financial assistance to India to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID crisis. Both sides exchanged notes for the 'COVID-19 Crisis Response Support Loan for Social Protection' in New Delhi with Japan being represented by its envoy Suzuki Satoshi.

Japan on Friday extended a 30 billion Yen or around Rs 2129 crore financial assistance to India to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID crisis. Both sides exchanged notes for the 'COVID-19 Crisis Response Support Loan for Social Protection' in New Delhi with Japan being represented by its envoy Suzuki Satoshi. The Indian side was represented by Dr C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance, The loan will also be used to ensure social protection for the vulnerable sections affected by COVID-19. Japan has helped India financially in past to help it deal with COVID crisis. An official of the Embassy of Japan in India explained to WION, "This Yen loan is a budget support to assist the Government of India’s policy objectives...allowing a higher degree of flexibility for the Government of India to make effective responses to the emergency situation." In August 2020, Japan had provided about Rs 3549 crore COVID emergency loan to support the implementation of health and medical policy by the Indian government. A loan was also provided for oxygen generators worth Rs 71 crore. Tokyo has provided assistance through international organizations like UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC. The loan amounts to around Rs 52 crore. Together with the new loan announced on Friday, Japan’s COVID-19 related assistance to India amounts to more than INR 5,800 crore. The official highlighted, "We hope this assistance will lead to the mitigation of socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and to the higher resilience of India’s societies, helping India, a trusted partner and close friend of Japan, emerge even stronger after the pandemic."

Japan extends Rs 2000 crore COVID assistance to India

Japan has declared a limited state of emergency in the capital, Tokyo, and three neighbouring prefectures on Thursday to stem the spread of the coronavirus, resisting calls from some medics for wider curbs due to the economic damage they would cause.

Japan declares state of emergency for Tokyo area as COVID-19 cases surge

As Tokyo entered its second state of emergency on Friday (January 8), less than 200 days before the start of the postponed Olympics, many believe it will be difficult, perhaps impossible, to host the Games safely.

"It's impossible" - Japanese concerned over prospects of hosting Games

Japan PM Suga: Highest ever infection in respective regions

World has moulded itself as per&nbsp;the new normal. Masks have become part of our lives courtesy the COVID-19 virus. Though they pose minor inconvenience they are absolutely necessary for public health. There have been many tech innovations in the last year alone to help us cope with life with the pandemic, but this one is sure to raise questions from privacy advocates.

A Japanese company has developed a facial recognition system&nbsp;that is capable of recognising a person even when he/she is wearing a mask! NEC Corp, the system-maker has been mentioned in news reports as saying that main purpose of the software is to help people with allergies to navigate through world that is in increasing need of contactless behaviour.

Wearing a mask has been a common practice in Japan even from before the pandemic.

The system focusses on the uncovered parts of the face and recognises a person from his eyes and cheekbones. For this system to be effective, the person needs to submit his photo in advance.

The company has not disclosed the price of the system but its customers already include Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines.&nbsp;

NEC Corp claims that its facial recognition system has an accuracy of more than 99.9 per cent.

World has moulded itself as per the new normal. Masks have become part of our lives courtesy the COVID-19 virus. Though they pose minor inconvenience they are absolutely necessary for public health.

World has moulded itself as per the new normal. Masks have become part of our lives courtesy the COVID-19 virus. Though they pose minor inconvenience they are absolutely necessary for public health. There have been many tech innovations in the last year alone to help us cope with life with the pandemic, but this one is sure to raise questions from privacy advocates. A Japanese company has developed a facial recognition system that is capable of recognising a person even when he/she is wearing a mask! NEC Corp, the system-maker has been mentioned in news reports as saying that main purpose of the software is to help people with allergies to navigate through world that is in increasing need of contactless behaviour. Wearing a mask has been a common practice in Japan even from before the pandemic. The system focusses on the uncovered parts of the face and recognises a person from his eyes and cheekbones. For this system to be effective, the person needs to submit his photo in advance. The company has not disclosed the price of the system but its customers already include Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines. NEC Corp claims that its facial recognition system has an accuracy of more than 99.9 per cent.

Japanese company makes system that recognises people through masks

Japanese cheerleaders danced and cheered on commuters outside a Tokyo rail station on Thursday (January 7) in a bid to lift spirits with the capital heading into another state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rah! Japanese cheerleaders lift commuters' spirits amid pandemic

Tokyo's largest fish market, Toyosu, rang in the new year with its first tuna auction of 2021 on Tuesday (January 5) under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Toyosu staff, the price of the highest-selling tuna went at 20.8 million yen ($202,065) for a blue fin tuna. That was around only 10% of the highest selling tuna price of 2020, in which a blue fin tuna was sold at 193 million yen ($1.87 million), the second highest price in history.

Tokyo new year tuna auction sees highest price selling for only 10% of 2020

Japan will consider issuing a new emergency declaration after governors in the capital region urged action to tackle a record surge in COVID-19 cases, the head of the nation's pandemic response said on Saturday.

Japan PM says government will consider state of emergency

Japan to consider new COVID-19 emergency declaration

Japan may enter a state of emergency this week as the country grapples with soaring coronavirus cases

Japan poised for state of emergency as Covid-19 cases soar

As Tokyo witnessing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases. The Tokyo governor, along with the governor of three prefectures seeks to declare a state of emergency in the country. The request comes after the country recorded over 4000 COVID-19 cases last week.

Japan: Tokyo governor calls for state of emergency as cases surge in the country

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement. Suga was quoted by NHK World as he spoke with a commercial broadcaster's radio programme. Suga said he believed that countries, where businesses were run by the state, would find it difficult to join the TPP because its regulations are too high for such a business structure to follow.

The Japanese Prime Minister was responding to Xi Jinping's comments that suggested that China was "positive" about joining the TPP Pact.

Nikkei Asia Review had reported Xi as saying on November 20 that China is open to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, in a likely move to bolster the country`s presence in Asia while the US focuses on its presidential transition. China "will favourably consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership," the Chinese President added.

(With agency inputs)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement. Suga was quoted by NHK World as he spoke with a commercial broadcaster's radio programme. Suga said he believed that countries, where businesses were run by the state, would find it difficult to join the TPP because its regulations are too high for such a business structure to follow. The Japanese Prime Minister was responding to Xi Jinping's comments that suggested that China was "positive" about joining the TPP Pact. Nikkei Asia Review had reported Xi as saying on November 20 that China is open to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, in a likely move to bolster the country`s presence in Asia while the US focuses on its presidential transition. China "will favourably consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership," the Chinese President added. (With agency inputs)

China won't be able to join TPP under Xi Jinping: Japanese PM

Despite the growing COVID-19 & rising number of infections, Japan will be hosting the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics & the Paralympics in 2021. WION brings you a report.

Japan: Olympics, Paralympics on track despite surge in infections

As Space gets more and more cluttered with satellite debris, a Japanese firm has devised an ambitious solution - making satellites out of wood. Can timber satellites survive the harsh conditions of space? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Japanese firm designing wooden satellites

The first case of the new coronavirus variant found in South Africa has been confirmed in Japan, the Japan Times reports.

A woman who arrived from South Africa in Japan on December 19 and tested positive for COVID-19 turned out to be infected with the new 501.V2 strain, the newspaper said on Tuesday.

According to Japanese media reports, another six cases of the new coronavirus strain that emerged in the UK earlier this month have been confirmed in Japan.

Thus Japan now has a total of 15 cases of new coronavirus variants. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new coronavirus restrictions including strict mask-wearing rules and a curfew extension amid fears over the new coronavirus strain (501.V2) that could be more infectious.

Earlier this month, UK health officials announced that the country had identified a new variant of the coronavirus that spreads faster than other strains. Many countries have suspended passenger travel to and from the United Kingdom in a bid to prevent the import of the new virus strain.&nbsp;

The first case of the new coronavirus variant found in South Africa has been confirmed in Japan, the Japan Times reports. A woman who arrived from South Africa in Japan on December 19 and tested positive for COVID-19 turned out to be infected with the new 501.

The first case of the new coronavirus variant found in South Africa has been confirmed in Japan, the Japan Times reports. A woman who arrived from South Africa in Japan on December 19 and tested positive for COVID-19 turned out to be infected with the new 501.V2 strain, the newspaper said on Tuesday. According to Japanese media reports, another six cases of the new coronavirus strain that emerged in the UK earlier this month have been confirmed in Japan. Thus Japan now has a total of 15 cases of new coronavirus variants. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new coronavirus restrictions including strict mask-wearing rules and a curfew extension amid fears over the new coronavirus strain (501.V2) that could be more infectious. Earlier this month, UK health officials announced that the country had identified a new variant of the coronavirus that spreads faster than other strains. Many countries have suspended passenger travel to and from the United Kingdom in a bid to prevent the import of the new virus strain.

Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa

After reporting cases of coronavirus variant which was found in the UK, Japan has now detected a coronavirus variant which was found in South Africa. After this incident, Japanese officials have banned the entry of foreign nationals.

Japan founds a coronavirus variant in South Africa

Japan is set to change the game... in space! A company from Japan, in collaboration with Kyoto University, is developing the world's first satellites made out of wood, and they hope to achieve the feat by 2023. 
 
Sumitomo Forestry told BBC that it had begun research on the growth of trees, and understanding how to use wood materials in space.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-is-planning-to-remove-debris-from-space-heres-why-every-country-should-be-doing-it-327976" hreflang="en">UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it!</a>

Researchers will attempt to understand how wood performs in extreme environments on our planet, and then extrapolate their findings to create the first of its kind wood satellite. With satellites being launched at a mindblowing pace, space junk continues to remain a major issue.

Many countries around the globe are trying to understand how to deal with space junk, which is clogging up the atmosphere and poses a risk of collision in space between satellites.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/european-space-agency-has-the-perfect-fix-for-space-junk-a-claw-346460" hreflang="en">European Space Agency has the perfect fix for space junk - a claw!</a>

When satellites outrun their life, they burn up in the earth's atmosphere and its remains fall onto Earth. But if the satellites are made of wood, they would burn up in the atmosphere without releasing harmful chemicals, and without releasing debris on the ground.

A professor from Kyoto University and an astronaut from Japan - Takao Doi told BBC how the satellites burn up in the atmosphere and release tiny particles that remain in the upper atmosphere for years, which eventually affects the Earth's environment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-recently-scanned-10-million-stars-for-alien-technology-what-did-they-find-326020">Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find?</a>

Soon, the researchers will undertake the development of an engineering model of the satellite, based on which they will manufacture the flight model. 
 
Sumitomo Forestry is in the process of developing wooden materials that are highly resistant to changes in temperature and can flourish in the face of sunlight, which would equip the satellites to survive in space.

2,800 satellites are currently orbiting the earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth.

Japan is set to change the game... in space! A company from Japan, in collaboration with Kyoto University, is developing the world's first satellites made out of wood, and they hope to achieve the feat by 2023.

Japan is set to change the game... in space! A company from Japan, in collaboration with Kyoto University, is developing the world's first satellites made out of wood, and they hope to achieve the feat by 2023. Sumitomo Forestry told BBC that it had begun research on the growth of trees, and understanding how to use wood materials in space. Also read: UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it! Researchers will attempt to understand how wood performs in extreme environments on our planet, and then extrapolate their findings to create the first of its kind wood satellite. With satellites being launched at a mindblowing pace, space junk continues to remain a major issue. Many countries around the globe are trying to understand how to deal with space junk, which is clogging up the atmosphere and poses a risk of collision in space between satellites. Also read: European Space Agency has the perfect fix for space junk - a claw! When satellites outrun their life, they burn up in the earth's atmosphere and its remains fall onto Earth. But if the satellites are made of wood, they would burn up in the atmosphere without releasing harmful chemicals, and without releasing debris on the ground. A professor from Kyoto University and an astronaut from Japan - Takao Doi told BBC how the satellites burn up in the atmosphere and release tiny particles that remain in the upper atmosphere for years, which eventually affects the Earth's environment. Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find? Soon, the researchers will undertake the development of an engineering model of the satellite, based on which they will manufacture the flight model. Sumitomo Forestry is in the process of developing wooden materials that are highly resistant to changes in temperature and can flourish in the face of sunlight, which would equip the satellites to survive in space. 2,800 satellites are currently orbiting the earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth.

Japan is making wooden satellites to declutter space

The government kept its assessment of industrial production unchanged, saying it was picking up.

Japan factory output growth stalls after rising for 5 months

'Demon Slayer', the animated tale of a boy fighting human-eating demons that murdered his family, has shattered a nearly two-decade record to become Japan`s top-grossing movie, its distributor said on Monday. 
 
The film, based on a popular manga and television anime series, powered past "Spirited Away", the mega-hit Academy Award-winning movie by Studio Ghibli`s Hayao Miyazaki that opened in 2001, in just a little over two months. 
 
"Demon Slayer", with a full official title of "Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie - Mugen Train", had taken in 32.47 billion yen compared with 31.68 billion yen for "Spirited Away", according to data released on Monday. 
 
The film got an unexpected boost from the novel coronavirus, film industry watchers said. 
 
People stuck at home because of social distancing got hooked on the manga comic and television series then rushed to watch the film when cinemas reopened. 
 
The film, with its message of resilience, has also spawned a bonanza of merchandise - from toys to canned coffee - generating at least 270 billion yen($2.61 billion) in business as of Dec. 3, said Toshihiro Nagahama, senior economist at the Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute. 
 
Sony Corp, whose music unit is co-distributor, also got a boost from the film, which has opened in several Asian countries and will head to the United States and Canada early in the New Year. 
 
 
 
(Reporting by Elaine Lies; Editing by Robert Birsel) 
&nbsp;

'Demon Slayer', the animated tale of a boy fighting human-eating demons that murdered his family, has shattered a nearly two-decade record to become Japan`s top-grossing movie, its distributor said on Monday.

'Demon Slayer', the animated tale of a boy fighting human-eating demons that murdered his family, has shattered a nearly two-decade record to become Japan`s top-grossing movie, its distributor said on Monday. The film, based on a popular manga and television anime series, powered past "Spirited Away", the mega-hit Academy Award-winning movie by Studio Ghibli`s Hayao Miyazaki that opened in 2001, in just a little over two months. "Demon Slayer", with a full official title of "Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie - Mugen Train", had taken in 32.47 billion yen compared with 31.68 billion yen for "Spirited Away", according to data released on Monday. The film got an unexpected boost from the novel coronavirus, film industry watchers said. People stuck at home because of social distancing got hooked on the manga comic and television series then rushed to watch the film when cinemas reopened. The film, with its message of resilience, has also spawned a bonanza of merchandise - from toys to canned coffee - generating at least 270 billion yen($2.61 billion) in business as of Dec. 3, said Toshihiro Nagahama, senior economist at the Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute. Sony Corp, whose music unit is co-distributor, also got a boost from the film, which has opened in several Asian countries and will head to the United States and Canada early in the New Year. (Reporting by Elaine Lies; Editing by Robert Birsel)

'Demon Slayer' becomes Japan's top-grossing movie

Japan's deputy defence minister said in an interview that Taiwan's safety was a 'red line' and urged US President-elect Joe Biden to "be strong" in supporting it.

Deputy defence minister Yasuhide Nakayama urged Biden to take a position similar to current president Donald Trump who has significantly boosted military sales to Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its own and considers it a province.

Japan's engagement with Taiwan has also flourished in recent years on a largely non-governmental basis. Tokyo maintains a "one China" policy, delicately balancing its relationships with neighbouring giant China and its longtime military ally in Washington.

Japan shares strategic interests with Taiwan, which sits in sea lanes through which much of Japan's energy supplies and trade flow.

"So far, I haven't yet seen a clear policy or an announcement on Taiwan from Joe Biden. I would like to hear it quickly, then we can also prepare our response on Taiwan in accordance," Nakayama said.

During the presidential campaign, Biden called for strengthening ties with Taiwan and other "like-minded democracies."

Decades ago as senator, Biden questioned whether the United States had an "obligation" to defend Taiwan. But many in his foreign policy circles acknowledge that U.S. imperatives have changed as a rising, authoritarian China has become more assertive and sought to shape global institutions.

An official in Biden's transition team said the president-elect believes U.S. support for Taiwan "must remain strong, principled, and bipartisan."

Beijing has been angered by increased U.S. support for Taiwan, including arms sales and visits to Taipei by senior U.S. officials, further straining already poor Sino-U.S. ties. China considers democratically run Taiwan one of its provinces and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control.

(With Reuters inputs)

Japan's deputy defence minister said in an interview that Taiwan's safety was a 'red line' and urged US President-elect Joe Biden to "be strong" in supporting it.

Japan's deputy defence minister said in an interview that Taiwan's safety was a 'red line' and urged US President-elect Joe Biden to "be strong" in supporting it. Deputy defence minister Yasuhide Nakayama urged Biden to take a position similar to current president Donald Trump who has significantly boosted military sales to Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its own and considers it a province. Japan's engagement with Taiwan has also flourished in recent years on a largely non-governmental basis. Tokyo maintains a "one China" policy, delicately balancing its relationships with neighbouring giant China and its longtime military ally in Washington. Japan shares strategic interests with Taiwan, which sits in sea lanes through which much of Japan's energy supplies and trade flow. "So far, I haven't yet seen a clear policy or an announcement on Taiwan from Joe Biden. I would like to hear it quickly, then we can also prepare our response on Taiwan in accordance," Nakayama said. During the presidential campaign, Biden called for strengthening ties with Taiwan and other "like-minded democracies." Decades ago as senator, Biden questioned whether the United States had an "obligation" to defend Taiwan. But many in his foreign policy circles acknowledge that U.S. imperatives have changed as a rising, authoritarian China has become more assertive and sought to shape global institutions. An official in Biden's transition team said the president-elect believes U.S. support for Taiwan "must remain strong, principled, and bipartisan." Beijing has been angered by increased U.S. support for Taiwan, including arms sales and visits to Taipei by senior U.S. officials, further straining already poor Sino-U.S. ties. China considers democratically run Taiwan one of its provinces and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control. (With Reuters inputs)

Support to Taiwan a 'red line', Biden must remain strong: Japanese minister

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government approved a new five-year plan on gender equality, which says it will make efforts to meet the 30-percent target "at the earliest possible time" during the next decade.

While Japan ranks highly on a range of international indicators, it persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum.

Just 14.8 percent of leadership positions in politics and business in Japan are occupied by women, "lagging extremely behind internationally," the Cabinet Office said in the new five-year plan.

The new plan replaces the government's last five-year plan, which included the 2020 target.&nbsp;

But the 30-percent target was originally set in 2003 by the cabinet of then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who adopted the ambitious goal in a bid to force the nation's male-dominated bureaucracy and Japan Inc businesses to accept diversity.

Former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who stepped down earlier this year, also repeatedly pledged to meet the same target, and made "womenomics" initiatives to include more women in the work force a key plank of his economic policy.

The Cabinet Office blamed social acceptance of traditional gender roles for the slow progress, saying the government would "make efforts so that women will occupy around 30 percent of leadership positions in the early part of the 2020s."

In the political sphere, women are having to balance political activities and domestic tasks and they face various harassments based on their gender, it said.

And businesses have not been enthusiastic about promoting women, it added.

"Overall, society as a whole still leans toward stereotypical gender roles and has unconscious bias," it said.

The new five-year plan had been expected to include mention of a growing social acceptance of allowing women to keep their maiden names after marriage.

Japanese law currently requires married couples to share the same surname, a law that usually results in women changing their names.

But while polling shows public support for changing the law, the new five-year plan stopped short of backing the move, with conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party pushing to strike down the idea.

Instead, the plan refers to the issue as a matter for "further discussions."

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020.

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government approved a new five-year plan on gender equality, which says it will make efforts to meet the 30-percent target "at the earliest possible time" during the next decade. While Japan ranks highly on a range of international indicators, it persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum. Just 14.8 percent of leadership positions in politics and business in Japan are occupied by women, "lagging extremely behind internationally," the Cabinet Office said in the new five-year plan. The new plan replaces the government's last five-year plan, which included the 2020 target. But the 30-percent target was originally set in 2003 by the cabinet of then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who adopted the ambitious goal in a bid to force the nation's male-dominated bureaucracy and Japan Inc businesses to accept diversity. Former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who stepped down earlier this year, also repeatedly pledged to meet the same target, and made "womenomics" initiatives to include more women in the work force a key plank of his economic policy. The Cabinet Office blamed social acceptance of traditional gender roles for the slow progress, saying the government would "make efforts so that women will occupy around 30 percent of leadership positions in the early part of the 2020s." In the political sphere, women are having to balance political activities and domestic tasks and they face various harassments based on their gender, it said. And businesses have not been enthusiastic about promoting women, it added. "Overall, society as a whole still leans toward stereotypical gender roles and has unconscious bias," it said. The new five-year plan had been expected to include mention of a growing social acceptance of allowing women to keep their maiden names after marriage. Japanese law currently requires married couples to share the same surname, a law that usually results in women changing their names. But while polling shows public support for changing the law, the new five-year plan stopped short of backing the move, with conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party pushing to strike down the idea. Instead, the plan refers to the issue as a matter for "further discussions."

Japan delays women leadership target after falling short

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