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

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021. 
 
Kishi suggested that such an act would also ensure the right of passage through the South China Sea (SCS), most of which is now claimed by China. Over years, Japan has voiced for a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), as a large volume of trade goes through the region, particularly energy supplies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-japan-australia-align-to-counter-chinas-growing-regional-influence-344175">Quad: With an eye on China,&nbsp;Japan to&nbsp;&nbsp;Australia align</a>

Japanese Defence Minister stressed told Germany&nbsp;that China is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force in the background." He also welcomed Germany`s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence and contribute to maintaining order in the region. 
 
The defence ministers of the two nations met at a time when Germany had expressed interest over sending its navy to patrol the Indian Ocean trade routes. Addressing Australian and German think tanks, Kramp-Karrenbauer had recently said that her country would also like to have closer defence cooperation with Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-military-bases-vulnerable-to-attack-indefensible-during-war-report-348120">South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report</a>

With an eye on China's claims on the disputed islands in the South China Sea, several&nbsp;smaller nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Taiwan are joining hands with the United States to fend off a common enemy. 
 
The communist giant has also taken over islands and reefs, often violating the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by sending fishing trawlers, research and exploration vessels and even Coast Guard ships. 
 
Owing to Chinese belligerence in the strategic region, a number of European nations have espoused interest in protecting the trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. Nations like France, the Netherlands and Germany have already revised their foreign policies towards China and the Indo-Pacific region, which means that the European Union (EU) too will follow suit in the near future. 
 
The UK too is in the process of upgrading its Indo-Pacific outlook. It has already indicated that its aircraft carrier strike group Queen Elizabeth is likely to visit the region in January 2021. 
 
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reaching out to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia specifically to strengthen economic cooperation and also to garner support for the FOIP,&nbsp;an issue which is close to the Japanese. Japan is active in the four-member Quad comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, whose navies held the Malabar maritime drills in November in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. 
 
Japan has been proactive in strengthening relations with like-minded countries, seeking to build alternative supply chains, strengthening defence cooperation and building alliances for rule of law, freedom of navigation and keeping the shipping lanes free and open.

&nbsp;

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021.

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021. Kishi suggested that such an act would also ensure the right of passage through the South China Sea (SCS), most of which is now claimed by China. Over years, Japan has voiced for a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), as a large volume of trade goes through the region, particularly energy supplies. Also read: Quad: With an eye on China, Japan to Australia align Japanese Defence Minister stressed told Germany that China is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force in the background." He also welcomed Germany`s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence and contribute to maintaining order in the region. The defence ministers of the two nations met at a time when Germany had expressed interest over sending its navy to patrol the Indian Ocean trade routes. Addressing Australian and German think tanks, Kramp-Karrenbauer had recently said that her country would also like to have closer defence cooperation with Australia. Also read: South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report With an eye on China's claims on the disputed islands in the South China Sea, several smaller nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Taiwan are joining hands with the United States to fend off a common enemy. The communist giant has also taken over islands and reefs, often violating the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by sending fishing trawlers, research and exploration vessels and even Coast Guard ships. Owing to Chinese belligerence in the strategic region, a number of European nations have espoused interest in protecting the trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. Nations like France, the Netherlands and Germany have already revised their foreign policies towards China and the Indo-Pacific region, which means that the European Union (EU) too will follow suit in the near future. The UK too is in the process of upgrading its Indo-Pacific outlook. It has already indicated that its aircraft carrier strike group Queen Elizabeth is likely to visit the region in January 2021. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reaching out to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia specifically to strengthen economic cooperation and also to garner support for the FOIP, an issue which is close to the Japanese. Japan is active in the four-member Quad comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, whose navies held the Malabar maritime drills in November in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Japan has been proactive in strengthening relations with like-minded countries, seeking to build alternative supply chains, strengthening defence cooperation and building alliances for rule of law, freedom of navigation and keeping the shipping lanes free and open.

Japan invites German warship for naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence

Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions. The panel also recommended that chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease should be considered as underlying conditions that should determine priority for the vaccine.

The recommendations of the panel would include &nbsp;36 million elderly people and 8.2 million people with medical conditions. These may be the first groups to receive coronavirus vaccine.

Another government panel this week recommended that priority be given to frontline medical professionals and workers at elderly care facilities, while the elderly and those with underlying health conditions should also receive priority.

Japan has a population of 126 million. The country has struck deals to buy 290 million vaccine doses from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna. The vaccines are enough to be made available for 145 million people.

Japan is currently facing a third wave of coronavirus infections, putting the nation`s medical system under heavy strain.

Five national groups of doctors and other medical workers made an emergency request on Friday to Suga and Health Minister Norihisa Tamura, asking for strong anti-infection measures and support for the medical sector.

With hospitals equipped for COVID-19 patients filling up, other hospitals are being forced to accept them, said Tsuyoshi Masuda, president of the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions, one of the groups.

(With Reuters inputs)

Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions.

Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions. The panel also recommended that chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease should be considered as underlying conditions that should determine priority for the vaccine. The recommendations of the panel would include 36 million elderly people and 8.2 million people with medical conditions. These may be the first groups to receive coronavirus vaccine. Another government panel this week recommended that priority be given to frontline medical professionals and workers at elderly care facilities, while the elderly and those with underlying health conditions should also receive priority. Japan has a population of 126 million. The country has struck deals to buy 290 million vaccine doses from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna. The vaccines are enough to be made available for 145 million people. Japan is currently facing a third wave of coronavirus infections, putting the nation`s medical system under heavy strain. Five national groups of doctors and other medical workers made an emergency request on Friday to Suga and Health Minister Norihisa Tamura, asking for strong anti-infection measures and support for the medical sector. With hospitals equipped for COVID-19 patients filling up, other hospitals are being forced to accept them, said Tsuyoshi Masuda, president of the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions, one of the groups. (With Reuters inputs)

COVID vaccination: Japan panel recommends priority for ages 65 and above

Japan is reinforcing its military might to counter China's growing military expansionism. The Japanese Ministry of Defence is set to get a record $51.7 billion budget next year. Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the budget allocations.

Gravitas: Decoding Japan's $51.7 billion defence budget

In Japan, the government of Yoshihide Suga is reinforcing the country's military might. It has proposed a record $51.7 billion defence budget. This is the ninth consecutive rise in Japan's military spending.

Japan's record $52 billion military budget aims at safeguarding against China

India and Japan have devised a mechanism for cooperation in the steel industry at the joint secretary level and will see both sides discussed a number of issues in the sector including international trade.

India which is the second-largest producer of steel still lags behind countries Japan and China in terms of per capita consumption, and the dialogue mechanism will see New Delhi-Tokyo cooperating to increase this.

Both sides on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to herald the cooperation. It was signed by the Secretary of India's steel ministry Pradip Kumar Tripathi and Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Tanaka Shigehiro representing Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

India and Japan's collaboration come even as both sides are increasing cooperation in many areas including alternate supply chains in a post-pandemic world. Earlier this year, India, Japan, and Australia came together for a partnership on supply chains and increasingly more countries have shown interest in it.

One of the other key aims of the dialogue will be to increase the quality and quantity of steel being manufactured in India, something that overlaps with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India vision. India plans to expand steel production capacity to 300 million tons by 2030-31.

Both at the private and government level, a number of collaborations have happened in Steel Sector. Last year, ArcelorMittal and Nippon steel announced the acquisition of Essar Steel. Nippon Steel has established a JV with Tata Steel, which produces high-grade steel to be used for automobiles. Mitsubishi Corporation and Larsen &amp; Toubro, is working with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) for the modernization of the Rourkela Steel Plant. At the government level, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry started exchanges of experts to advance the energy efficiency of steel mills and to expand steel utilization in buildings in India.

Interestingly, it was the large volume of Indian Iron ore from India to Japan that helped rapid reconstruction and economic recovery of the country in the aftermath of World War 2. In fact, in 1960, 30% of iron ore imported to Japan came from India.

India and Japan have devised a mechanism for cooperation in the steel industry at the joint secretary level and will see both sides discussed a number of issues in the sector including international trade.

India and Japan have devised a mechanism for cooperation in the steel industry at the joint secretary level and will see both sides discussed a number of issues in the sector including international trade. India which is the second-largest producer of steel still lags behind countries Japan and China in terms of per capita consumption, and the dialogue mechanism will see New Delhi-Tokyo cooperating to increase this. Both sides on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to herald the cooperation. It was signed by the Secretary of India's steel ministry Pradip Kumar Tripathi and Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Tanaka Shigehiro representing Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. India and Japan's collaboration come even as both sides are increasing cooperation in many areas including alternate supply chains in a post-pandemic world. Earlier this year, India, Japan, and Australia came together for a partnership on supply chains and increasingly more countries have shown interest in it. One of the other key aims of the dialogue will be to increase the quality and quantity of steel being manufactured in India, something that overlaps with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India vision. India plans to expand steel production capacity to 300 million tons by 2030-31. Both at the private and government level, a number of collaborations have happened in Steel Sector. Last year, ArcelorMittal and Nippon steel announced the acquisition of Essar Steel. Nippon Steel has established a JV with Tata Steel, which produces high-grade steel to be used for automobiles. Mitsubishi Corporation and Larsen & Toubro, is working with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) for the modernization of the Rourkela Steel Plant. At the government level, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry started exchanges of experts to advance the energy efficiency of steel mills and to expand steel utilization in buildings in India. Interestingly, it was the large volume of Indian Iron ore from India to Japan that helped rapid reconstruction and economic recovery of the country in the aftermath of World War 2. In fact, in 1960, 30% of iron ore imported to Japan came from India.

India and Japan come up with a mechanism for cooperation in the steel industry

In Japan, the government of Yoshihide Suga is reinforcing the country's military might. It has proposed a record $51.7 billion defence budget.&nbsp;This is the ninth consecutive rise in Japan's military spending.

This year has seen&nbsp;a record $51.7 billion defence budget and a comprehensive plan to counter China's growing military power.

Japan is reinforcing its military might under the new leadership of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

"The national security situation around the country is getting increasingly severe. We need to cope with new areas of national security such as space, cyber and the electromagnetic spectrum, beyond the conventional framework of air, land and sea,"&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga said.

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The ministry of defence in Japan is set to get a record $51.7 billion (5.34 trillion yen) budget next year. This budget is aimed at giving Japan's forces new planes, missiles and aircraft carriers with greater range and potency against China.

These purchases will likely include a $40 billion fighter jet being developed by Mitsubishi heavy industries in collaboration with Lockheed Martin.

A $323 million anti-ship missile to defend the south-western Okinawa Island chain, $628 million will be spent on obtaining six Lockheed F-35 stealth fighters&nbsp;and $912 million are to be allocated for building two compact warships that can operate with fewer sailors.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/will-senkaku-island-dispute-lead-to-china-japan-war-335908">Will Senkaku Island dispute lead to China-Japan war?</a>

"We, as the Japanese government need to thoroughly rationalize and make our defence operations more efficient. To correspond to the increasingly severe security environment, we would like to firmly strengthen our defence power while getting people to understand through our explanations at parliament sessions,"&nbsp;said Katsunobu Katō, Japanese chief cabinet secretary.

This is a record spike in defence spending in Japan's recent history.

Yoshihide Suga is following in the footsteps of his predecessor Shinzo Abe,&nbsp;who also focused on a military development in Japan. Under Abe, Japan bolstered its defences in response to a growing military threat from China.

A threat that still persists. The PLA's incursions in the East China sea have not stopped as&nbsp;just this month, Chinese ships entered the territorial waters of Japan near the&nbsp;Senkaku Islands. Chinese vessels have also been hovering around Japan's Okinawa Island chain.

Japan's new budget is largely aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty. The spike in defence spending will go a long way in protecting its coastal territories, not to mention, also in countering China's never-ending military expansionism.

In Japan, the government of Yoshihide Suga is reinforcing the country's military might. It has proposed a record $51.7 billion defence budget. This is the ninth consecutive rise in Japan's military spending. This year has seen a record $51.7 billion defence budget and a comprehensive plan to counter China's growing military power. Japan is reinforcing its military might under the new leadership of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. "The national security situation around the country is getting increasingly severe. We need to cope with new areas of national security such as space, cyber and the electromagnetic spectrum, beyond the conventional framework of air, land and sea," Yoshihide Suga said. WATCH| × The ministry of defence in Japan is set to get a record $51.7 billion (5.34 trillion yen) budget next year. This budget is aimed at giving Japan's forces new planes, missiles and aircraft carriers with greater range and potency against China. These purchases will likely include a $40 billion fighter jet being developed by Mitsubishi heavy industries in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. A $323 million anti-ship missile to defend the south-western Okinawa Island chain, $628 million will be spent on obtaining six Lockheed F-35 stealth fighters and $912 million are to be allocated for building two compact warships that can operate with fewer sailors. Also read| Will Senkaku Island dispute lead to China-Japan war? "We, as the Japanese government need to thoroughly rationalize and make our defence operations more efficient. To correspond to the increasingly severe security environment, we would like to firmly strengthen our defence power while getting people to understand through our explanations at parliament sessions," said Katsunobu Katō, Japanese chief cabinet secretary. This is a record spike in defence spending in Japan's recent history. Yoshihide Suga is following in the footsteps of his predecessor Shinzo Abe, who also focused on a military development in Japan. Under Abe, Japan bolstered its defences in response to a growing military threat from China. A threat that still persists. The PLA's incursions in the East China sea have not stopped as just this month, Chinese ships entered the territorial waters of Japan near the Senkaku Islands. Chinese vessels have also been hovering around Japan's Okinawa Island chain. Japan's new budget is largely aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty. The spike in defence spending will go a long way in protecting its coastal territories, not to mention, also in countering China's never-ending military expansionism.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government approved a ninth consecutive rise in military spending on Monday, funding the development of an advanced stealth fighter and longer-range anti-ship missile to counter China`s growing military power. 
 
The Ministry of Defense will get a record 5.34 trillion yen ($51.7 billion) for the year starting in April, up 1.1% from this year. With Suga`s large majority in parliament, enactment of the budget is all but certain. 
 
Suga is continuing the controversial military expansion pursued by his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, to give Japan`s forces new planes, missiles and aircraft carriers with greater range and potency against potential foes including neighbouring China. 
 
China plans to raise its military spending 6.6% this year, the smallest increase in three decades. 
 
Japan is buying longer-range missiles and considering arming and training its military to strike distant land targets in China, North Korea and other parts of Asia. 
 
A planned jet fighter, the first in three decades, is expected to cost around $40 billion and be ready in the 2030s. That project, which will be led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd with help from Lockheed Martin Corp, gets $706 million in the new budget. 
 
Japan will spend $323 million to begin development of a long-range anti-ship missile to defend its southwestern Okinawan island chain. 
 
Other big purchases include $628 million for six Lockheed F-35 stealth fighters, including two short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) B variants that will operate off a converted helicopter carrier. 
 
The military will also get $912 million to build two compact warships that can operate with fewer sailors than conventional destroyers, easing pressure on a navy struggling to find recruits in an ageing population. 
 
Japan also wants two new warships to carry powerful new Aegis air and ballistic missile defence radars that have much as three times the range of older models. The government has not yet estimated the cost of the plan, which replaces a project cancelled in June to construct two ground Aegis Ashore stations.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government approved a ninth consecutive rise in military spending on Monday, funding the development of an advanced stealth fighter and longer-range anti-ship missile to counter China`s growing military power.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government approved a ninth consecutive rise in military spending on Monday, funding the development of an advanced stealth fighter and longer-range anti-ship missile to counter China`s growing military power. The Ministry of Defense will get a record 5.34 trillion yen ($51.7 billion) for the year starting in April, up 1.1% from this year. With Suga`s large majority in parliament, enactment of the budget is all but certain. Suga is continuing the controversial military expansion pursued by his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, to give Japan`s forces new planes, missiles and aircraft carriers with greater range and potency against potential foes including neighbouring China. China plans to raise its military spending 6.6% this year, the smallest increase in three decades. Japan is buying longer-range missiles and considering arming and training its military to strike distant land targets in China, North Korea and other parts of Asia. A planned jet fighter, the first in three decades, is expected to cost around $40 billion and be ready in the 2030s. That project, which will be led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd with help from Lockheed Martin Corp, gets $706 million in the new budget. Japan will spend $323 million to begin development of a long-range anti-ship missile to defend its southwestern Okinawan island chain. Other big purchases include $628 million for six Lockheed F-35 stealth fighters, including two short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) B variants that will operate off a converted helicopter carrier. The military will also get $912 million to build two compact warships that can operate with fewer sailors than conventional destroyers, easing pressure on a navy struggling to find recruits in an ageing population. Japan also wants two new warships to carry powerful new Aegis air and ballistic missile defence radars that have much as three times the range of older models. The government has not yet estimated the cost of the plan, which replaces a project cancelled in June to construct two ground Aegis Ashore stations.

Japan sets record $52 billion military budget to counter China's growing military power

Harley Davidson bikers dressed in Santa Claus costumes rode through the streets of central Tokyo on Sunday (December 20) for their annual parade against child abuse, saying more children were vulnerable in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Santas on bikes parade through downtown Tokyo against child abuse

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government approved a ninth consecutive rise in military spending on Monday, funding the development of an advanced stealth fighter and longer-range anti-ship missile to counter China's growing military power.

Japan sets record $52 bln military budget with stealth jets, long-range missiles

Shoppers washed their hands and sterilized their smartphones in the streets of Tokyo's posh Ginza district on Saturday (December 19) using handwashing stations that a Japanese start-up hopes will revolutionize access to clean water and better hygiene.

Tokyo shoppers clean hands, phones with high-tech wash stations

Santa Claus bikers parade Tokyo streets for victims of child abuse

Japan's infamous "Twitter killer" was recently sentenced to death for brutally murdering nine people after trapping them through the popular social media platform.&nbsp;

Takahiro Shiraishi, aka Twitter killer, has now said he will not appeal against the verdict. However —&nbsp;what can be called one of the strangest requests — the serial murderer wants to get married before his demise.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-twitter-killer-confesses-to-9-murders-lawyers-argue-on-consent-331412">Japan: 'Twitter killer' confesses to 9 murders; lawyers argue on consent</a>

The 30-year-old had confessed to trapping,&nbsp;killing and butchering eight women and one man. He admitted to targeting internet users through Twitter by specifically aiming users who had posted about taking their own lives.&nbsp;Shiraishi used to tell them he could help them in carrying out their plans, and also probably die with them.

Shiraishi was detained three years ago by the local authorities but claimed he was not nervous about the verdict as "it was obvious".

While his lawyers said they would be appealing to a higher court, he has denied any such intention and has accepted his penalty. However, he has now expressed his desire to meet an 'ordinary girl'.

"Now, I want to meet an ordinary girl," he said. "I want to get married. I want to find a marriage partner while I am in jail."

While a judgement has not been passed on this weird request, the court has ruled against Twitter killer's lawyers' argument on consent. His lawyers had argued that the victims had given consent by replying to his messages.&nbsp;

His lawyers are now appealing the court to give him a prison sentence on the same argument. However, the judge has dismissed it saying this case has already "provoked great anxiety in society, because social networks are so commonly used."

Japan's infamous "Twitter killer" was recently sentenced to death for brutally murdering nine people after trapping them through the popular social media platform.

Japan's infamous "Twitter killer" was recently sentenced to death for brutally murdering nine people after trapping them through the popular social media platform. Takahiro Shiraishi, aka Twitter killer, has now said he will not appeal against the verdict. However — what can be called one of the strangest requests — the serial murderer wants to get married before his demise. Also read| Japan: 'Twitter killer' confesses to 9 murders; lawyers argue on consent The 30-year-old had confessed to trapping, killing and butchering eight women and one man. He admitted to targeting internet users through Twitter by specifically aiming users who had posted about taking their own lives. Shiraishi used to tell them he could help them in carrying out their plans, and also probably die with them. Shiraishi was detained three years ago by the local authorities but claimed he was not nervous about the verdict as "it was obvious". While his lawyers said they would be appealing to a higher court, he has denied any such intention and has accepted his penalty. However, he has now expressed his desire to meet an 'ordinary girl'. "Now, I want to meet an ordinary girl," he said. "I want to get married. I want to find a marriage partner while I am in jail." While a judgement has not been passed on this weird request, the court has ruled against Twitter killer's lawyers' argument on consent. His lawyers had argued that the victims had given consent by replying to his messages. His lawyers are now appealing the court to give him a prison sentence on the same argument. However, the judge has dismissed it saying this case has already "provoked great anxiety in society, because social networks are so commonly used."

Japan's 'Twitter killer' wants to marry an 'ordinary girl' before death sentence

If you've eaten sushi, you might assume you've tried wasabi. But chances are it was an artificial version that Japanese growers say is a world away from their 'green gold'.

Japan's wasabi producers farm 'green gold'

Bird flu has spread to a quarter of Japan prefectures. More than 3 million birds have been culled so far. WION's Palki tells you why health experts are worried about this outbreak.

Gravitas: Japan's worst bird flu outbreak in history

The missiles would allow Japan to expand a strategy known as anti-access area denial (A2AD), that is meant to stop foreign forces from operating freely in waters close to its home territory.

Japan to develop new long-range missile as crisis over East-China sea deepens

Heavy snowfall in Japan triggred power outages thousands of people are stranded amid's warning for further sevice disruption atleast about ten thousand households face power outages and many cars are stucked in this storm.

Japan facing heavy snowfall, many services disrupted due to this snow storm

Japan said on Friday that it will develop longer-range anti-ship missiles that can target ships around its southwestern Okinawa island chain, including near disputed islets in East China Sea on which China also lays claim. Japanese Defence Minister said that security environment around the islands had "become harsh" and that Japan needed to "respond"

"The security environment around our southwestern islands has become harsh. We have to respond to that in an appropriate way," Japanese Minister of Defence Nobuo Kishi said at a press briefing.

The missiles will allow Japan to expand anti-access area denial (A2AD), a strategy meant to stop foreign forces from operating close to Japanese territory.

The first major defence policy decision by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga comes as Japan acquires air-launched missiles that could be used to hit missile sites in North Korea and is considering other strike weapons such as cruise missiles that could reach ground targets in China.

Japan has become concerned about Chinese activity in East China Sea. The incursions into Senkaku islands' waters has been a major worry as well. China calls these islands Diaoyu and has a dispute with Japan over them.

Japan said its new standoff missile will be based on a 200-km (124-mile) range truck-mounted anti-ship version already deployed on the Okinawa islands.

The ministry did not say what range it will have or when they will be deployed.

Japan also said on Friday it planned to put new powerful Aegis radars with at least three times the range of older Aegis systems on two new warships in order to reinforce defences against any ballistic missiles fired by North Korea.

"Defending Japan's southwestern islands requires longer-range systems because the islands cover a large area and Japan needs overlapping fields of fire," said Zack Cooper, a research fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute.

(With Reuters inputs)

Japan said on Friday that it will develop longer-range anti-ship missiles that can target ships around its southwestern Okinawa island chain, including near disputed islets in East China Sea on which China also lays claim.

Japan said on Friday that it will develop longer-range anti-ship missiles that can target ships around its southwestern Okinawa island chain, including near disputed islets in East China Sea on which China also lays claim. Japanese Defence Minister said that security environment around the islands had "become harsh" and that Japan needed to "respond" "The security environment around our southwestern islands has become harsh. We have to respond to that in an appropriate way," Japanese Minister of Defence Nobuo Kishi said at a press briefing. The missiles will allow Japan to expand anti-access area denial (A2AD), a strategy meant to stop foreign forces from operating close to Japanese territory. The first major defence policy decision by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga comes as Japan acquires air-launched missiles that could be used to hit missile sites in North Korea and is considering other strike weapons such as cruise missiles that could reach ground targets in China. Japan has become concerned about Chinese activity in East China Sea. The incursions into Senkaku islands' waters has been a major worry as well. China calls these islands Diaoyu and has a dispute with Japan over them. Japan said its new standoff missile will be based on a 200-km (124-mile) range truck-mounted anti-ship version already deployed on the Okinawa islands. The ministry did not say what range it will have or when they will be deployed. Japan also said on Friday it planned to put new powerful Aegis radars with at least three times the range of older Aegis systems on two new warships in order to reinforce defences against any ballistic missiles fired by North Korea. "Defending Japan's southwestern islands requires longer-range systems because the islands cover a large area and Japan needs overlapping fields of fire," said Zack Cooper, a research fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute. (With Reuters inputs)

With eye on China, Japan to develop longer-range anti-ship missiles

Japan has detected a new outbreak of bird flu on a chicken farm in southwestern Fukuoka prefecture. Watch this video to know more.

Bird flu spreads to a quarter of Japan's prefectures

A year into the coronavirus epidemic, a Japanese retailer has come up with a new take on the theme of facial camouflage - a hyper-realistic mask that models a stranger's features in three dimensions.

Shuhei Okawara's masks won't protect you or others against the virus. But they will lend you the exact appearance of an unidentified Japanese adult whose features have been printed onto them.

"Mask shops in Venice probably do not buy or sell faces. But that is likely to happen in fantasy stories," Okawara told Reuters.

"I thought it would be fun to do that."

The masks will go on sale early next year for 98,000 yen ($950) apiece at his Tokyo shop, Kamenya Omote, whose products are popular as accessories for parties and theatrical performance.

Okawara chose his model, whom he paid 40,000 yen, from more than 100 applicants who sent him their photos when he launched the project in October. An artisan then reworked the winning image, created on a 3D printer.

Initial inquiries suggest demand for the masks will be strong, Okawara said.

"As is often the case with the customers of my shop, there are not so many people who buy (face masks) for specific purposes. Most see them as art pieces," Okawara said.

He plans to gradually add new faces, including some from overseas, to the lineup.

A year into the coronavirus epidemic, a Japanese retailer has come up with a new take on the theme of facial camouflage - a hyper-realistic mask that models a stranger's features in three dimensions.

A year into the coronavirus epidemic, a Japanese retailer has come up with a new take on the theme of facial camouflage - a hyper-realistic mask that models a stranger's features in three dimensions. Shuhei Okawara's masks won't protect you or others against the virus. But they will lend you the exact appearance of an unidentified Japanese adult whose features have been printed onto them. "Mask shops in Venice probably do not buy or sell faces. But that is likely to happen in fantasy stories," Okawara told Reuters. "I thought it would be fun to do that." The masks will go on sale early next year for 98,000 yen ($950) apiece at his Tokyo shop, Kamenya Omote, whose products are popular as accessories for parties and theatrical performance. Okawara chose his model, whom he paid 40,000 yen, from more than 100 applicants who sent him their photos when he launched the project in October. An artisan then reworked the winning image, created on a 3D printer. Initial inquiries suggest demand for the masks will be strong, Okawara said. "As is often the case with the customers of my shop, there are not so many people who buy (face masks) for specific purposes. Most see them as art pieces," Okawara said. He plans to gradually add new faces, including some from overseas, to the lineup.

Wearing someone else's face: Hyper-realistic masks to go on sale in Japan

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