Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his Asia tour this week explored Japan in true American fashion from posting a Threads-worthy scenic photo of a snow-capped mountain top, dining at McDonald’s, and even learning about the making of katanas – a Japanese sword.&nbsp;

On a more serious note of his Japan visit, the Meta chief also met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and discussed the risks of generative artificial intelligence (AI), said a government spokesperson, on Wednesday (Feb 28).&nbsp;

<h2>‘Give these guys a Michelin star’</h2>

Over the week, Zuckerberg, chief of Meta, Facebook and Instagram parent company, took to his various social media platforms and posted images of him exploring Japan.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg learns sword-making in Japan

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On Friday (Feb 23), the 39-year-old posted an image of a snow-capped mountain on his Threads account that he said was taken with the new in-app camera that the company is testing.&nbsp;

He also posted an image with seasoned sword maker Akihira Kokaji on Instagram along with videos of him making and using a katana – a Japanese sword with a curved, single-edged blade, typically seen in the country’s pop culture.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-best-is-yet-to-come-mark-zuckerberg-celebrates-20-years-of-facebook-687251">‘The best is yet to come’: Mark Zuckerberg celebrates 20 years of Facebook</a>

“Really special afternoon learning about making katanas with master akihira.kokaji -- thank you for sharing your craft with us!” said the Meta CEO.&nbsp;

In a true American tourist fashion, Zuckerberg also dined at a McDonald’s in Japan. “Japanese McDonald’s: 10/10. Give these guys a Michelin star,” said the 39-year-old along with a picture of himself in sunglasses eating a burger and of his wife Priscilla Chan.&nbsp;

The Meta CEO also posted a picture of his meal – a tray packed with popular Japanese menu items at McDonald’s including a teriyaki chicken burger, edamame bean salad, and of course fries.&nbsp;

<h2>Zuckerberg’s meeting with PM Kishida</h2>

It was not all fun and games during Meta chief’s mini-tour of Asia which also involved stops in Japan, India and South Korea.&nbsp;

Zuckerberg and Kishida met on Tuesday (Feb 27) and “discussed a broad range of topics including the status of AI’s technological advancement...(and) the risk surrounding generative AI,” top Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters on Wednesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-ai-generated-propaganda-poses-a-real-threat-this-historic-election-year-694344">Explained: How AI-generated propaganda poses a real threat this historic election year</a>

“We had a good, productive conversation about AI and the future of technology,” the 39-year-old had said in brief comments to reporters at the PM’s residence in Tokyo.&nbsp;

“I’m really excited for the work that is happening here in Japan.” He left without taking any questions after the 30-minute meeting.&nbsp;

The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the development of AI, but the rampant development of the platform and others similar to it, have raised concerns about its impact.&nbsp;

Meta was one of 20 major tech firms which signed a pledge to crack down on AI content intended to deceive voters amid a historic election year.&nbsp;

<h2>Arrival in South Korea</h2>

Zuckerberg arrived in Seoul, on Tuesday night for the second leg of his Asia trip and is expected to meet South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to local media reports.&nbsp;

“We are coordinating with Meta to arrange a meeting,” a spokesperson for Yoon’s office told AFP on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his Asia tour this week explored Japan in true American fashion from posting a Threads-worthy scenic photo of a snow-capped mountain top, dining at McDonald’s, and even learning about the making of katanas – a Japanese sword.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his Asia tour this week explored Japan in true American fashion from posting a Threads-worthy scenic photo of a snow-capped mountain top, dining at McDonald’s, and even learning about the making of katanas – a Japanese sword. On a more serious note of his Japan visit, the Meta chief also met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and discussed the risks of generative artificial intelligence (AI), said a government spokesperson, on Wednesday (Feb 28). ‘Give these guys a Michelin star’ Over the week, Zuckerberg, chief of Meta, Facebook and Instagram parent company, took to his various social media platforms and posted images of him exploring Japan. WATCH | Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg learns sword-making in Japan On Friday (Feb 23), the 39-year-old posted an image of a snow-capped mountain on his Threads account that he said was taken with the new in-app camera that the company is testing. He also posted an image with seasoned sword maker Akihira Kokaji on Instagram along with videos of him making and using a katana – a Japanese sword with a curved, single-edged blade, typically seen in the country’s pop culture. Also Read | ‘The best is yet to come’: Mark Zuckerberg celebrates 20 years of Facebook “Really special afternoon learning about making katanas with master akihira.kokaji -- thank you for sharing your craft with us!” said the Meta CEO. In a true American tourist fashion, Zuckerberg also dined at a McDonald’s in Japan. “Japanese McDonald’s: 10/10. Give these guys a Michelin star,” said the 39-year-old along with a picture of himself in sunglasses eating a burger and of his wife Priscilla Chan. The Meta CEO also posted a picture of his meal – a tray packed with popular Japanese menu items at McDonald’s including a teriyaki chicken burger, edamame bean salad, and of course fries. Zuckerberg’s meeting with PM Kishida It was not all fun and games during Meta chief’s mini-tour of Asia which also involved stops in Japan, India and South Korea. Zuckerberg and Kishida met on Tuesday (Feb 27) and “discussed a broad range of topics including the status of AI’s technological advancement...(and) the risk surrounding generative AI,” top Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters on Wednesday. Also Read | Explained: How AI-generated propaganda poses a real threat this historic election year “We had a good, productive conversation about AI and the future of technology,” the 39-year-old had said in brief comments to reporters at the PM’s residence in Tokyo. “I’m really excited for the work that is happening here in Japan.” He left without taking any questions after the 30-minute meeting. The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the development of AI, but the rampant development of the platform and others similar to it, have raised concerns about its impact. Meta was one of 20 major tech firms which signed a pledge to crack down on AI content intended to deceive voters amid a historic election year. Arrival in South Korea Zuckerberg arrived in Seoul, on Tuesday night for the second leg of his Asia trip and is expected to meet South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to local media reports. “We are coordinating with Meta to arrange a meeting,” a spokesperson for Yoon’s office told AFP on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Zuckerberg explores Japan as the typical American tourist; talks AI fears with PM Kishida

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has picked a woman as foreign minister and appointed as defence minister a politician who has worked to build ties with Taiwan, in Wednesday's new cabinet line-up.

The choices, among 11 new faces and five women, spotlight a focus on gender equality and a stronger line on defence as Kishida battles sagging ratings, with his term as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) set to end next year.

Both ministers face the task of navigating ties with China that soured after&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;began releasing into the Pacific Ocean treated radioactive water from its wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant, angering its neighbour.

Kishida said the new defence minister will be Minoru Kihara, a pro-Taiwan politician who has visited the democratically-governed island in the past and belongs to a&nbsp;Japan-Taiwan interparliamentary group.

"I do think this sends a message that&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;is seeking stability in Taiwan alongside the United States," said security expert Takashi Kawakami at Takushoku University in the capital.

The choice of Kihara as defence minister is not an anti-China move, but indicates a closeness with Taiwan, he added.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and will be sensitive to any shift in&nbsp;Japan's stance on the island.

Kihara will also oversee efforts to bolster&nbsp;Japan's military in a plan to double defence spending over the five years to 2027, and grapple with funding the buildup as tension rises in East Asia over China's military expansion and maritime disputes.

The new foreign minister is Yoko Kamikawa, a former justice minister who oversaw the execution of key members of the Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult responsible for the deadly sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995.

The choice of Kamikawa, who has a master's degree from Harvard University, shows the government wants to ensure smooth ties with the United States, said Yu Uchiyama, a professor of politics at Tokyo University.

"She has plenty of experience, and I do think she will make significant contributions to strengthening ties with the United States," he said.

One political commentator said ministerial roles had diminished in importance, however, as summits increasingly become a forum for dialogue with China.

"Around the world, summit diplomacy has become mainstream," said Shigenobu Tamura, who previously worked for the LDP.

"Even if the foreign and defence minister posts change, there won't be any change or impact on&nbsp;Japan's diplomatic policy."

The cabinet reshuffle comes amid a dip in popularity for Kishida, following a string of scandals from data mishaps linked to government identity cards and the arrest of a vice minister on suspicion of graft.

About 43% of respondents disapproved of Kishida's leadership while 36% approved, a poll by public broadcaster NHK showed last week.

Kishida, who assumed office two years ago, retained both his finance and trade ministers, signalling there would be no major shift in economic policies.

The new cabinet's priorities include pulling together a fresh package of economic stimulus to cushion the squeeze on households from rising fuel bills, tackling the fallout from persistent inflation.

&nbsp;

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has picked a woman as foreign minister and appointed as defence minister a politician who has worked to build ties with Taiwan, in Wednesday's new cabinet line-up.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has picked a woman as foreign minister and appointed as defence minister a politician who has worked to build ties with Taiwan, in Wednesday's new cabinet line-up. The choices, among 11 new faces and five women, spotlight a focus on gender equality and a stronger line on defence as Kishida battles sagging ratings, with his term as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) set to end next year. Both ministers face the task of navigating ties with China that soured after Japan began releasing into the Pacific Ocean treated radioactive water from its wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant, angering its neighbour. Kishida said the new defence minister will be Minoru Kihara, a pro-Taiwan politician who has visited the democratically-governed island in the past and belongs to a Japan-Taiwan interparliamentary group. "I do think this sends a message that Japan is seeking stability in Taiwan alongside the United States," said security expert Takashi Kawakami at Takushoku University in the capital. The choice of Kihara as defence minister is not an anti-China move, but indicates a closeness with Taiwan, he added. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and will be sensitive to any shift in Japan's stance on the island. Kihara will also oversee efforts to bolster Japan's military in a plan to double defence spending over the five years to 2027, and grapple with funding the buildup as tension rises in East Asia over China's military expansion and maritime disputes. The new foreign minister is Yoko Kamikawa, a former justice minister who oversaw the execution of key members of the Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult responsible for the deadly sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995. The choice of Kamikawa, who has a master's degree from Harvard University, shows the government wants to ensure smooth ties with the United States, said Yu Uchiyama, a professor of politics at Tokyo University. "She has plenty of experience, and I do think she will make significant contributions to strengthening ties with the United States," he said. One political commentator said ministerial roles had diminished in importance, however, as summits increasingly become a forum for dialogue with China. "Around the world, summit diplomacy has become mainstream," said Shigenobu Tamura, who previously worked for the LDP. "Even if the foreign and defence minister posts change, there won't be any change or impact on Japan's diplomatic policy." The cabinet reshuffle comes amid a dip in popularity for Kishida, following a string of scandals from data mishaps linked to government identity cards and the arrest of a vice minister on suspicion of graft. About 43% of respondents disapproved of Kishida's leadership while 36% approved, a poll by public broadcaster NHK showed last week. Kishida, who assumed office two years ago, retained both his finance and trade ministers, signalling there would be no major shift in economic policies. The new cabinet's priorities include pulling together a fresh package of economic stimulus to cushion the squeeze on households from rising fuel bills, tackling the fallout from persistent inflation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan's new cabinet reflects PM Kishida's focus on foreign, defence and gender balance

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday said he sympathises with those who suffered under Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, but stopped short of offering an official apology as desired by many South Koreans.

Comments came when Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, their second meeting in less than two months.

It also marks the first exchange of visits between the leaders of the Asian neighbours in 12 years.

The visit of the Japanese PM was intensely watched by many Koreans who hold deep resentment against Japan's 1910-45 colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula

After the meeting, Kishida said that his "heart ached" for the past suffering of Koreans, adding that he stood by Japan's previous remorseful sentiments. However, he did not&nbsp;comment&nbsp;further on the issue.

“And personally, I have strong pain in my heart as I think of the extreme difficulty and sorrow that many people had to suffer under the severe environment in those days," Kishida told a joint news conference with Yoon, referring to the Japanese colonial period.

<h2>Japan's Kishida visits South Korea’s National Cemetery</h2>

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He said he believes "it is my responsibility as prime minister of Japan to cooperate with" Yoon to forge stronger relations.

The back-to-back meetings come in the backdrop of bitter ties that emanated from the 2018 court rulings in South Korea ordering two Japanese companies to financially compensate some of their ageing former Korean employees for colonial-era forced labour.

Japan, however, refused to adhere to the rulings, arguing that all compensation issues were already settled when the two countries normalised ties in 1965, reports AP news agency.

The tensions led to the countries downgrading each other's trade status and Seoul's previous liberal government threatening to spike a military intelligence-sharing pact.

Their strained ties complicated US efforts to build a stronger regional alliance to better cope with rising Chinese influence and North Korean nuclear threats. President Biden is expected to meet with both&nbsp;Kishida and Yoon later this month.

"We should stay away from thinking that we must not make a step forward because our history issues aren't settled completely," Yoon said Sunday. He said that 10 out of the 15 former forced labourers or their families involved in the 2018 rulings had accepted compensation under Seoul's third-party reimbursement plan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday said he sympathises with those who suffered under Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, but stopped short of offering an official apology as desired by many South Koreans.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday said he sympathises with those who suffered under Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, but stopped short of offering an official apology as desired by many South Koreans. Comments came when Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, their second meeting in less than two months. It also marks the first exchange of visits between the leaders of the Asian neighbours in 12 years. The visit of the Japanese PM was intensely watched by many Koreans who hold deep resentment against Japan's 1910-45 colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula After the meeting, Kishida said that his "heart ached" for the past suffering of Koreans, adding that he stood by Japan's previous remorseful sentiments. However, he did not comment further on the issue. “And personally, I have strong pain in my heart as I think of the extreme difficulty and sorrow that many people had to suffer under the severe environment in those days," Kishida told a joint news conference with Yoon, referring to the Japanese colonial period. Japan's Kishida visits South Korea’s National Cemetery He said he believes "it is my responsibility as prime minister of Japan to cooperate with" Yoon to forge stronger relations. The back-to-back meetings come in the backdrop of bitter ties that emanated from the 2018 court rulings in South Korea ordering two Japanese companies to financially compensate some of their ageing former Korean employees for colonial-era forced labour. Japan, however, refused to adhere to the rulings, arguing that all compensation issues were already settled when the two countries normalised ties in 1965, reports AP news agency. The tensions led to the countries downgrading each other's trade status and Seoul's previous liberal government threatening to spike a military intelligence-sharing pact. Their strained ties complicated US efforts to build a stronger regional alliance to better cope with rising Chinese influence and North Korean nuclear threats. President Biden is expected to meet with both Kishida and Yoon later this month. "We should stay away from thinking that we must not make a step forward because our history issues aren't settled completely," Yoon said Sunday. He said that 10 out of the 15 former forced labourers or their families involved in the 2018 rulings had accepted compensation under Seoul's third-party reimbursement plan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japanese PM ‘sympathises’ with Korea’s colonial victims, stops short of offering apology

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's public support have slipped to a new low.&nbsp;A Kyodo news poll found that support for Kishida's government has dropped to 33.1 per cent from 37.6 per cent a month earlier, marking his lowest rating in polls conducted by the organisation since he took office in October 2021.

Even the $200 billion economic stimulus package meant to soothe inflationary woes brought on by the yen's plummet to 32-year lows failed to help Kishida's approval ratings.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan: PM Kishida's approval ratings at a record low; Three cabinet ministers resign in a month

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According to the survey released on Sunday, a slew of cabinet resignations has intensified resentment over the ruling party's affiliation with a controversial religious group.

Kishida's approval ratings have reportedly been falling ever since the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July.&nbsp;The death according to Reuters exposed long-standing and close links between Japanese lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church, which some have called a cult.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-third-resignation-in-month-puts-pressure-on-pm-fumio-kishida-535845">Japan: Third cabinet minister resignation in a month puts pressure on PM Fumio Kishida</a>

Scandals that have resulted in the resignation of three cabinet ministers since last month have made the issues faced by the government worse.

According to the recently conducted Kyodo survey, 62.4 per cent of respondents disapproved of Kishida's handling of the resignations of Ministers of Economic Revitalization Daishiro Yamagiwa, Minister of Justice Yasuhiro Hanashi, and Minister of Internal Affairs Minoru Terada.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-pm-fumio-kishida-intends-to-sack-internal-affairs-minister-minoru-terada-over-funding-scandals-535719">Japanese PM Fumio Kishida intends to sack Internal Affairs Minister Minoru Terada for funding scandals</a>

However, in response to the government's push to strengthen Japan's defence capabilities, 60.8 per cent of respondents said they would favour the nation gaining counterattack capabilities to strengthen deterrence, a move that is considered contentious under the pacifist constitution, while 35 per cent were against it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's public support have slipped to a new low. A Kyodo news poll found that support for Kishida's government has dropped to 33.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's public support have slipped to a new low. A Kyodo news poll found that support for Kishida's government has dropped to 33.1 per cent from 37.6 per cent a month earlier, marking his lowest rating in polls conducted by the organisation since he took office in October 2021. Even the $200 billion economic stimulus package meant to soothe inflationary woes brought on by the yen's plummet to 32-year lows failed to help Kishida's approval ratings. Watch | Japan: PM Kishida's approval ratings at a record low; Three cabinet ministers resign in a month According to the survey released on Sunday, a slew of cabinet resignations has intensified resentment over the ruling party's affiliation with a controversial religious group. Kishida's approval ratings have reportedly been falling ever since the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July. The death according to Reuters exposed long-standing and close links between Japanese lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church, which some have called a cult. Also read | Japan: Third cabinet minister resignation in a month puts pressure on PM Fumio Kishida Scandals that have resulted in the resignation of three cabinet ministers since last month have made the issues faced by the government worse. According to the recently conducted Kyodo survey, 62.4 per cent of respondents disapproved of Kishida's handling of the resignations of Ministers of Economic Revitalization Daishiro Yamagiwa, Minister of Justice Yasuhiro Hanashi, and Minister of Internal Affairs Minoru Terada. Also read | Japanese PM Fumio Kishida intends to sack Internal Affairs Minister Minoru Terada for funding scandals However, in response to the government's push to strengthen Japan's defence capabilities, 60.8 per cent of respondents said they would favour the nation gaining counterattack capabilities to strengthen deterrence, a move that is considered contentious under the pacifist constitution, while 35 per cent were against it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.