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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-sets-record-52-bln-military-budget-with-stealth-jets-long-range-missiles-351382">WATCH|</a>

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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

The fashion industry adjusts to news normal as a Japanese clothing firm introduces pajama suit especially for the peoples doing work from home and have to attend some virtual meetings by wearing formal attires which ends their comfort zone at the home.

Japanese fashion firm introduces 'pajama suit' for work from home

Japan, where it is beating expectations for the end of two years of decline, Japan's exports have fallen last month, mainly due to weak US and China-bound shipments.

World Business Watch: Japan posts record run of export declines

The international Olympics committee and the Japanese govt determinant to host the Tokyo Olympics but public support for the games is waning in Japan.

Japan: Public support waning for Olympics as govt prepares

Japanese prosecutors on Wednesday charged a man with murder over the 2019 arson attack on Kyoto Animation that killed 36 people, local media said, the country's deadliest violent crime in decades.

Shinji Aoba, 42, was detained in the aftermath of the July attack, but has been hospitalised since then with severe burns sustained in the incident, and reportedly only regained consciousness in August.

There were no immediate details on the full extent of the charges against Aoba, who was only formally placed under arrest in May.

The Kyoto prosecutor's office did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation.

More than 30 people were also injured in the attack, in which Aoba is accused of breaking into the studio's building, spreading gasoline around the ground floor and setting it alight.

Aoba has reportedly confessed to the arson, and is said to have shouted "drop dead" before starting the fire.

There have been claims that he accused the studio of stealing his work, which Kyoto Animation has denied doing.

Many of those killed in the blaze were young, including a 21-year-old woman.

Parents of some of the victims told local media in May when Aoba was charged that they were still suffering the devastating loss of their loved ones.

"I think about her very often," Shinichi Tsuda, whose daughter Sachie was killed in the fire, told NHK.

"I think about her at the time of the incident, wondering how painful it would have been for her."

The attack sent shockwaves through the anime industry and its fans in Japan and around the world.

"These are people who carry the Japanese animation industry on their shoulders," Kyoto Animation's president Hideaki Hatta told reporters at the time.

"It's heartbreaking. Japanese jewels were lost."

Japanese prosecutors on Wednesday charged a man with murder over the 2019 arson attack on Kyoto Animation that killed 36 people, local media said, the country's deadliest violent crime in decades.

Japanese prosecutors on Wednesday charged a man with murder over the 2019 arson attack on Kyoto Animation that killed 36 people, local media said, the country's deadliest violent crime in decades. Shinji Aoba, 42, was detained in the aftermath of the July attack, but has been hospitalised since then with severe burns sustained in the incident, and reportedly only regained consciousness in August. There were no immediate details on the full extent of the charges against Aoba, who was only formally placed under arrest in May. The Kyoto prosecutor's office did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation. More than 30 people were also injured in the attack, in which Aoba is accused of breaking into the studio's building, spreading gasoline around the ground floor and setting it alight. Aoba has reportedly confessed to the arson, and is said to have shouted "drop dead" before starting the fire. There have been claims that he accused the studio of stealing his work, which Kyoto Animation has denied doing. Many of those killed in the blaze were young, including a 21-year-old woman. Parents of some of the victims told local media in May when Aoba was charged that they were still suffering the devastating loss of their loved ones. "I think about her very often," Shinichi Tsuda, whose daughter Sachie was killed in the fire, told NHK. "I think about her at the time of the incident, wondering how painful it would have been for her." The attack sent shockwaves through the anime industry and its fans in Japan and around the world. "These are people who carry the Japanese animation industry on their shoulders," Kyoto Animation's president Hideaki Hatta told reporters at the time. "It's heartbreaking. Japanese jewels were lost."

Japan man charged with murder over anime studio arson

When Japan announced a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic this year, citizens were urged to declutter their homes to pass the time. Many have taken and continue to take that message to heart - and the country's market for second-hand luxury goods is booming as a result.

Japan's second-hand market booms as pandemic spurs tidying up frenzy

Japanese business sentiment improved at the fastest pace in nearly two decades in October-December, a key central bank survey showed, a welcome sign for the economy as it emerges from the initial hit of the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan business sentiment improves for second straight quarter

Japan had manage to keep the number of infection under control but with the winter approaching Japan has now reported a high rate of infections, Japan has recorded about twenty eight hundred new cases on Friday.

Japan reports COVID-19 cases as winter approaches

As the bird flu outbreak in Japan worsened, more than 2 million birds have been culled so far as officials fear virus transmission to humans like novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

On Thursday, two more prefectures in Japan slaughtered chickens as the highly pathogenic H5 subtype has spread to the nation's eight prefectures out of 47.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-in-europe-mass-culling-of-chickens-underway-to-stop-outbreak-345556">Bird flu in Europe: Mass culling of chickens underway to stop outbreak</a>

The officials are concerned about the virus transmitting into human beings as it is not possible to detect the flu from eggs or chickens of infected birds.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-cull-almost-200000-chickens-after-bird-flu-outbreak-344695#:~:text=Authorities%20in%20The%20Netherlands%20have,at%20least%20two%20poultry%20farms.&amp;text=In%20both%20cases%20%22a%20highly,said%20Sunday%20in%20a%20statement.">Dutch cull almost 200,000 chickens after bird flu outbreak</a>

Japan's government on Wednesday ordered the disinfection of poultry farms across the country to contain the spread of the virus, national broadcaster NHK said.

"The need for vigilance is stronger than in usual years," said chief government spokesman Katsunobu Kato as quoted by NHK. &nbsp;

So far, 2.36 chickens have been culled, which surpasses the previous record in 2010 when 1.83 million birds were butchered.&nbsp;

The deadly flu has also been spreading rapidly in Europe, which can make the crisis worse amid the struggle with the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Japan has already banned imports from seven countries that include Germany.&nbsp;

Last week, in Japan's neighbour South Korea, 2.36 chickens and ducks were slaughtered as it grapples with the virus's outbreak. 
&nbsp;

As the bird flu outbreak in Japan worsened, more than 2 million birds have been culled so far as officials fear virus transmission to humans like novel coronavirus.

As the bird flu outbreak in Japan worsened, more than 2 million birds have been culled so far as officials fear virus transmission to humans like novel coronavirus. On Thursday, two more prefectures in Japan slaughtered chickens as the highly pathogenic H5 subtype has spread to the nation's eight prefectures out of 47. Also read | Bird flu in Europe: Mass culling of chickens underway to stop outbreak The officials are concerned about the virus transmitting into human beings as it is not possible to detect the flu from eggs or chickens of infected birds. Also read | Dutch cull almost 200,000 chickens after bird flu outbreak Japan's government on Wednesday ordered the disinfection of poultry farms across the country to contain the spread of the virus, national broadcaster NHK said. "The need for vigilance is stronger than in usual years," said chief government spokesman Katsunobu Kato as quoted by NHK. So far, 2.36 chickens have been culled, which surpasses the previous record in 2010 when 1.83 million birds were butchered. The deadly flu has also been spreading rapidly in Europe, which can make the crisis worse amid the struggle with the coronavirus pandemic. Japan has already banned imports from seven countries that include Germany. Last week, in Japan's neighbour South Korea, 2.36 chickens and ducks were slaughtered as it grapples with the virus's outbreak.

Bird flu outbreak in Japan worsens, over 2 million chickens culled

Japan will buy 10,500 deep freezers to store novel coronavirus vaccines and is considering purchasing dry ice in bulk as it prepares to protect its population from the virus, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

Japan has agreements to buy a total of 290 million doses of the vaccines from Pfizer Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna Inc, or enough for 145 million people if everyone gets two shots as required.

Pfizer`s vaccines need to be kept at around minus 75 Celsius (minus 103 Fahrenheit, and Moderna`s at about minus 20C, posing logistics problems.

Pfizer, as well as Moderna and its domestic partner Takeda Pharmaceutical, plan to build networks to keep vaccines at the appropriate temperature as they are distributed to where they will be deployed, the ministry said in a statement.

Japan has had more than 165,000 cases of novel coronavirus infection and 2,417 fatalities, with the capital, Tokyo, particularly hard hit. Tokyo reported 352 new cases on Tuesday.

Japan will buy 10,500 deep freezers to store novel coronavirus vaccines and is considering purchasing dry ice in bulk as it prepares to protect its population from the virus, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

Japan will buy 10,500 deep freezers to store novel coronavirus vaccines and is considering purchasing dry ice in bulk as it prepares to protect its population from the virus, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday. Japan has agreements to buy a total of 290 million doses of the vaccines from Pfizer Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna Inc, or enough for 145 million people if everyone gets two shots as required. Pfizer`s vaccines need to be kept at around minus 75 Celsius (minus 103 Fahrenheit, and Moderna`s at about minus 20C, posing logistics problems. Pfizer, as well as Moderna and its domestic partner Takeda Pharmaceutical, plan to build networks to keep vaccines at the appropriate temperature as they are distributed to where they will be deployed, the ministry said in a statement. Japan has had more than 165,000 cases of novel coronavirus infection and 2,417 fatalities, with the capital, Tokyo, particularly hard hit. Tokyo reported 352 new cases on Tuesday.

Japan to buy 10,500 freezers for coronavirus vaccines

Japan has confirmed 2,679 new cases of the coronavirus, the highest single-day increase since the pandemic has started.

WION Fineprint: Japan sets new single-day record of COVID-19 cases

Bookworms - do not fear the virus! Or so libraries in Japan want you to believe. In hopes of reviving interest in reading, Japanese libraries are sanitising books using ultraviolet light. This, according to them, will assure visitors of taking out books during the pandemic.

Japanese libraries are installing the machine one by one. And it takes the machine only 30 seconds to sterilise a book. Additionally, it rummages through pages to get rid of dust.

<img alt="A ultraviolet sterilising machine cleaning library books, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at Narimasu library in Itabashi district in Tokyo, Japan, December 9, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e3bbf57-f061-4166-815d-e630e8bea207" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_28.jpg" />

In Itabashi, which lies north of Tokyo, the Narimasu Library had the machine installed since 2018. However, it is now being used thrice as much, as the pandemic rages on! The machine can be accessed by readers easily. However, using the machine isn’t compulsory.

<img alt="A ultraviolet sterilising machine cleaning library books, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at Narimasu library in Itabashi district in Tokyo, Japan, December 9, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c906dd63-b305-48d8-8fc9-52f390adb924" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_25.jpg" />

Besides being the virus killer, the machine also brings in curious readers who want to see their favourite books getting sterilised.&nbsp; Many people who visit the library are elderly and fall in the high risk group, which is why the libraries find it imperative to protect the population susceptible to extreme effects of COVID-19.

<img alt="A ultraviolet sterilising machine cleaning library books, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at Narimasu library in Itabashi district in Tokyo, Japan, December 9, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a4ebc576-d68d-4359-a093-bd7a12e9f350" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_43.jpg" /> 
 
77-year-old Yasuhito Kobayashi told Reuters that he feels relieved at the sight of sterilisation, but is unsure of its efficacy. “I’m not sure if it's actually effective," he said. 
 
Japan has not been hit by COVID-19 as hard as other countries, and has managed to keep its count on the low. But now, the country is witnessing another wave. Till now, the country has logged 167,330 cases and 2,458 deaths.

(Images by Reuters)

Bookworms - do not fear the virus! Or so libraries in Japan want you to believe. In hopes of reviving interest in reading, Japanese libraries are sanitising books using ultraviolet light.

Bookworms - do not fear the virus! Or so libraries in Japan want you to believe. In hopes of reviving interest in reading, Japanese libraries are sanitising books using ultraviolet light. This, according to them, will assure visitors of taking out books during the pandemic. Japanese libraries are installing the machine one by one. And it takes the machine only 30 seconds to sterilise a book. Additionally, it rummages through pages to get rid of dust. In Itabashi, which lies north of Tokyo, the Narimasu Library had the machine installed since 2018. However, it is now being used thrice as much, as the pandemic rages on! The machine can be accessed by readers easily. However, using the machine isn’t compulsory. Besides being the virus killer, the machine also brings in curious readers who want to see their favourite books getting sterilised. Many people who visit the library are elderly and fall in the high risk group, which is why the libraries find it imperative to protect the population susceptible to extreme effects of COVID-19. 77-year-old Yasuhito Kobayashi told Reuters that he feels relieved at the sight of sterilisation, but is unsure of its efficacy. “I’m not sure if it's actually effective," he said. Japan has not been hit by COVID-19 as hard as other countries, and has managed to keep its count on the low. But now, the country is witnessing another wave. Till now, the country has logged 167,330 cases and 2,458 deaths. (Images by Reuters)

In pics | Why are Japanese libraries sterilising books with ultraviolet light?

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