Two Russian strategic bomber planes flew over the Sea of Japan for more than seven hours as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was beginning a visit to Ukraine.

Russia flies two strategic bombers over Sea of Japan as Kishida visits Ukraine

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning to explore ways to boost bilateral ties in areas, including defence, trade and investment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Kishida are also set to discuss priorities for India's presidency of G20 and Japan's presidency of the G7.

Kishida India Visit: Japan-India to also discuss China's growing influence in Asia

Kishida India Visit: Japanese PM expected to lay out his vision on Indo-Pacific region

Kishida India Visit: India briefs Japan on its priorities as G20 President

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make his maiden visit to India from March 8 to 11 along with several other senior ministers from his administration, said the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, on Saturday (March 4). Meanwhile, a government source told Nikkei Asia that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is also planning a three-day visit to New Delhi and hold talks with his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi, starting on March 19.&nbsp;

The MEA, in a statement, said, that the Australian PM will arrive on March 8 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart along with the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King as well as senior officials and a high-level business delegation.​&nbsp;

It added that this will be Prime Minister Albanese’s first visit to India since he took office and he is scheduled to arrive in the Indian city of Ahmedabad on March 8, the day of Holi festival. The next day, he will visit the financial capital, Mumbai before arriving in Delhi on the same day.&nbsp;

In the national capital, the Australian PM will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 10, said the MEA. The leaders from the two countries will also hold an annual summit to discuss the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in line with which they will talk about areas of cooperation.&nbsp;

During his visit, Albanese will also meet the Indian President Droupadi Murmu. “The Strategic Partnership between the two countries was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020 which has been strengthened and deepened through frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation across sectors,” said the MEA.&nbsp;

The Australian PM also took to Twitter and said, “I look forward to travelling to India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister @narendramodi. We will work to strengthen our security cooperation and deepen our economic, sporting and educational ties.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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I look forward to travelling to India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. We will work to strengthen our security cooperation and deepen our economic, sporting and educational ties. 🇦🇺🇮🇳
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Japanese PM to visit India from March 19: Report

A report by Nikkei Asia citing a government source, on Friday (March 3) said that Japanese PM Fumio Kishida is planning to visit New Delhi. This also comes as the country also holds the Group of Seven (G7) nations’ presidency this year while India is also the chair of the Group of 20 economies in 2023.&nbsp; 
 
Japan did not send its Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to the meeting for the G20 top diplomats which was held in India last Thursday.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that the absence has since triggered a backlash and cast a shadow over the relations between the two countries. Nikkei Asia also claims that Kishida who might visit India on March 19 for three days will talk to Modi about issues stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine as this year’s G7 and G20 presidents.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make his maiden visit to India from March 8 to 11 along with several other senior ministers from his administration, said the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, on Saturday (March 4).

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make his maiden visit to India from March 8 to 11 along with several other senior ministers from his administration, said the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, on Saturday (March 4). Meanwhile, a government source told Nikkei Asia that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is also planning a three-day visit to New Delhi and hold talks with his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi, starting on March 19. The MEA, in a statement, said, that the Australian PM will arrive on March 8 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart along with the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King as well as senior officials and a high-level business delegation. It added that this will be Prime Minister Albanese’s first visit to India since he took office and he is scheduled to arrive in the Indian city of Ahmedabad on March 8, the day of Holi festival. The next day, he will visit the financial capital, Mumbai before arriving in Delhi on the same day. In the national capital, the Australian PM will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 10, said the MEA. The leaders from the two countries will also hold an annual summit to discuss the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in line with which they will talk about areas of cooperation. During his visit, Albanese will also meet the Indian President Droupadi Murmu. “The Strategic Partnership between the two countries was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020 which has been strengthened and deepened through frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation across sectors,” said the MEA. The Australian PM also took to Twitter and said, “I look forward to travelling to India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister @narendramodi. We will work to strengthen our security cooperation and deepen our economic, sporting and educational ties.” I look forward to travelling to India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister @narendramodi. We will work to strengthen our security cooperation and deepen our economic, sporting and educational ties. 🇦🇺🇮🇳 — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 4, 2023 × Japanese PM to visit India from March 19: Report A report by Nikkei Asia citing a government source, on Friday (March 3) said that Japanese PM Fumio Kishida is planning to visit New Delhi. This also comes as the country also holds the Group of Seven (G7) nations’ presidency this year while India is also the chair of the Group of 20 economies in 2023. Japan did not send its Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to the meeting for the G20 top diplomats which was held in India last Thursday. Reports suggest that the absence has since triggered a backlash and cast a shadow over the relations between the two countries. Nikkei Asia also claims that Kishida who might visit India on March 19 for three days will talk to Modi about issues stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine as this year’s G7 and G20 presidents. (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.

Australian PM to arrive in India next week; Japanese PM plans 3-day visit to New Delhi

A top spokesperson of the Japanese government said on Friday (January 6) said that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been invited to visit Ukraine. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a regular news conference that the invitation was given by the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office Andriy Yermak to Japan's ambassador to Ukraine on Wednesday.

"Japan stands with the citizens of Ukraine ... and takes appropriate steps as this year's G7 chair," Matsuno said, referring to the Group of Seven (G7) nations.

Japanese PM Kishida is due to visit G7 member countries. The list includes France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. It is a key diplomatic tour before Japan hosts G7 summit in May in Hiroshima.

Ukraine has rejected a Christmas ceasefire proposed by Russia. As per Orthodox Christian faith, Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered ceasefire on January 6 and 7.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-trying-to-find-oxygen-biden-on-putins-36-hour-ceasefire-order-549874">'He's trying to find oxygen': Biden on Putin's 36-hour ceasefire order</a>

The Kremlin said in a statement: "Taking into account the appeal of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I (Putin) instruct the defence minister of the Russian Federation to introduce from 12:00 (0900 GMT) on January 6, 2023 until 24:00 (2100 GMT) on January 7, 2023 a ceasefire along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine."&nbsp;

Ukraine has called declaration of ceasefire a 'hypocrisy'

(With inputs from agencies)

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A top spokesperson of the Japanese government said on Friday (January 6) said that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been invited to visit Ukraine. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a regular news conference that the invitation was given by the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office Andriy Yermak to Japan's ambassador to Ukraine on Wednesday.

A top spokesperson of the Japanese government said on Friday (January 6) said that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been invited to visit Ukraine. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a regular news conference that the invitation was given by the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office Andriy Yermak to Japan's ambassador to Ukraine on Wednesday. "Japan stands with the citizens of Ukraine ... and takes appropriate steps as this year's G7 chair," Matsuno said, referring to the Group of Seven (G7) nations. Japanese PM Kishida is due to visit G7 member countries. The list includes France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. It is a key diplomatic tour before Japan hosts G7 summit in May in Hiroshima. Ukraine has rejected a Christmas ceasefire proposed by Russia. As per Orthodox Christian faith, Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered ceasefire on January 6 and 7. Also Read | 'He's trying to find oxygen': Biden on Putin's 36-hour ceasefire order The Kremlin said in a statement: "Taking into account the appeal of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I (Putin) instruct the defence minister of the Russian Federation to introduce from 12:00 (0900 GMT) on January 6, 2023 until 24:00 (2100 GMT) on January 7, 2023 a ceasefire along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine." Ukraine has called declaration of ceasefire a 'hypocrisy' (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine invites Japan PM Kishida for a visit 

A tax hike aimed at paying for the nation's defence budget is scheduled to go into effect "sometime after 2024," according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who on Tuesday suggested that a quick election may be called instead. Despite fierce resistance from within the ruling coalition and Kishida's waning popularity, the government is expected to enact tax increases to make up a shortfall of 1 trillion yen ($7.47 billion) in the defence budget.

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"We will be asking the general public to take on the (tax) burden for an appropriate period of time, starting from sometime after 2024 up to 2027. We'll make a decision on when it starts, and I think there could be an election by then," Kishida said in a late-night television programme aired on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-japan-india-and-malaysia-now-us-mulls-stricter-rules-for-travellers-from-china-547206">COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China</a>

In an interview with Kyodo news agency, the premier stated that he is "not currently thinking about having an election next year." Unless Kishida calls for a sudden election, the following national election is scheduled for 2025.

Also watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: Japan November factory output falls 7.9 percent

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Kishida promised to boost defence spending to two per cent&nbsp;of Japan's GDP by 2027 when he unveiled a new national security strategy in the middle of December.

A one trillion yen rise in taxes, according to Kishida, will provide the additional cash needed for the new defence strategy.

Koichi Hagiuda, the policy director for the Liberal Democratic Party, stated on Sunday that it was essential to dissolve parliament prior to the imposition of tax increases in order to give the public a chance to weigh in on the issue.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A tax hike aimed at paying for the nation's defence budget is scheduled to go into effect "sometime after 2024," according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who on Tuesday suggested that a quick election may be called instead.

A tax hike aimed at paying for the nation's defence budget is scheduled to go into effect "sometime after 2024," according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who on Tuesday suggested that a quick election may be called instead. Despite fierce resistance from within the ruling coalition and Kishida's waning popularity, the government is expected to enact tax increases to make up a shortfall of 1 trillion yen ($7.47 billion) in the defence budget. "We will be asking the general public to take on the (tax) burden for an appropriate period of time, starting from sometime after 2024 up to 2027. We'll make a decision on when it starts, and I think there could be an election by then," Kishida said in a late-night television programme aired on Tuesday. Also read | COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China In an interview with Kyodo news agency, the premier stated that he is "not currently thinking about having an election next year." Unless Kishida calls for a sudden election, the following national election is scheduled for 2025. Also watch | World Business Watch: Japan November factory output falls 7.9 percent Kishida promised to boost defence spending to two per cent of Japan's GDP by 2027 when he unveiled a new national security strategy in the middle of December. A one trillion yen rise in taxes, according to Kishida, will provide the additional cash needed for the new defence strategy. Koichi Hagiuda, the policy director for the Liberal Democratic Party, stated on Sunday that it was essential to dissolve parliament prior to the imposition of tax increases in order to give the public a chance to weigh in on the issue. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japanese PM suggests holding early election prior to raising taxes to fund defence budget

Japan's PM Fumio Kishida's approval ratings are at a record low. Three cabinet ministers have resigned in a month so far. Watch this special report.

Japan's Kishida battered by resignations: Kishida's cabinet approval rating  slips below 30%

Japan: PM Kishida's approval ratings at a record low; Three cabinet ministers resign in a month

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is facing accusations of nepotism after he appointed his inexperienced son to be his executive secretary.

WION Fineprint | Japanese PM Kishida faces backlash over son's appointment

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida&nbsp;is under fire for allegedly engaging in nepotism when he named his young son as his executive secretary. Some opponents believe this appointment may have been made to allow the younger Kishida to succeed his father in the parliamentary elections.

Shotaro Kishida, 31, was chosen for the position on Tuesday, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, who stated in a press conference that he was picked for his "personality and understanding." Matsuno stated that the motivation of the authorities had been "the idea of putting the right person in the right location."

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The PM's eldest son Shotaro&nbsp;had worked as a secretary in his father's office since March 2020. Prior to this, he was employed by the trading firm Mitsui &amp; Co.

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, with his oldest son Shotaro, centre, and wife Yuko. Photo credits: Bloomberg

Kishida became Prime Minister exactly one year ago on Tuesday. His popularity has been waning after a reasonably good first few months in office, when it approached 60% of the populace.

Kishida's support has been weakened as a result of revelations regarding the number of members of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) having ties to the Unification Church.

However, his insistence on holding the lavish, pricey memorial service for Abe, who was shot dead at an LDP gathering in July, has had the most influence on his rapidly declining support ratings.

PM Fumio Kishida’s decision to appoint his son comes just a week after the government held an unpopular state funeral for Shinzo Abe.

“Bringing in his own son is quite unusual as usually these positions are filled by experienced bureaucrats from the ministries,” said Hiromi Murakami, a professor of political science at the Tokyo campus of Temple University.

“And the timing of the announcement, just after Abe’s memorial service is quite bad. It is odd that he did not realise that this does not look good or that no one suggested that to him,” she added.

The leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki, immediately criticised the action and charged the Prime Minister with "showing favouritism toward relatives."

Social media posts criticising Kishida's waning popularity and accusing him of nepotism were less restrained, and some even called for a law to outlaw "hereditary politics."

"Heritage politics once more? Please put an end to these hereditary appointments. It merely encourages corruption. One tweet stated, "I want a law against hereditary politics."

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Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is under fire for allegedly engaging in nepotism when he named his young son as his executive secretary. Some opponents believe this appointment may have been made to allow the younger Kishida to succeed his father in the parliamentary elections.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is under fire for allegedly engaging in nepotism when he named his young son as his executive secretary. Some opponents believe this appointment may have been made to allow the younger Kishida to succeed his father in the parliamentary elections. Shotaro Kishida, 31, was chosen for the position on Tuesday, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, who stated in a press conference that he was picked for his "personality and understanding." Matsuno stated that the motivation of the authorities had been "the idea of putting the right person in the right location." Also read | Myanmar court jails Japanese filmmaker for 10 years over sedition charge The PM's eldest son Shotaro had worked as a secretary in his father's office since March 2020. Prior to this, he was employed by the trading firm Mitsui & Co. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, with his oldest son Shotaro, centre, and wife Yuko. Photo credits: Bloomberg Kishida became Prime Minister exactly one year ago on Tuesday. His popularity has been waning after a reasonably good first few months in office, when it approached 60% of the populace. Kishida's support has been weakened as a result of revelations regarding the number of members of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) having ties to the Unification Church. However, his insistence on holding the lavish, pricey memorial service for Abe, who was shot dead at an LDP gathering in July, has had the most influence on his rapidly declining support ratings. PM Fumio Kishida’s decision to appoint his son comes just a week after the government held an unpopular state funeral for Shinzo Abe. “Bringing in his own son is quite unusual as usually these positions are filled by experienced bureaucrats from the ministries,” said Hiromi Murakami, a professor of political science at the Tokyo campus of Temple University. “And the timing of the announcement, just after Abe’s memorial service is quite bad. It is odd that he did not realise that this does not look good or that no one suggested that to him,” she added. The leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, Yuichiro Tamaki, immediately criticised the action and charged the Prime Minister with "showing favouritism toward relatives." Social media posts criticising Kishida's waning popularity and accusing him of nepotism were less restrained, and some even called for a law to outlaw "hereditary politics." "Heritage politics once more? Please put an end to these hereditary appointments. It merely encourages corruption. One tweet stated, "I want a law against hereditary politics." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Dynastic politics': Japan’s Kishida accused of nepotism for appointing son as executive secretary

Japan PM Fumio Kishida will consider more steps to cushion the blow of rising electricity bills, underscoring the pressure it faces in addressing the burden on households of higher prices for imports from a weak yen.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida vows to ease pain of high electricity bills

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Japanese PM Fumio Kishida as Japan is honoring its longest serving former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the rare state funeral. Both the leaders hold bilateral talks on renewing and deepening ties.

Indian PM Modi and his counterpart Fumio Kishida renew commitment towards deepening ties

British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (September 20).

According to a spokesperson for Downing Street, Truss denounced China's provocations on Taiwan at the meeting.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister condemned China's recent provocations over Taiwan, which threatened Japan's Special Economic Zone," a statement said.

"The leaders resolved to work together to tackle the strategic threat posed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/hong-kong-flags-covid-19-quarantine-policy-change-wants-an-orderly-opening-up-517946">China</a>."

According to the statement, Truss and Kishida concurred on the significance of democracies cooperating, notably through international organisations like the G7, to reduce the economic and security dangers posed by "authoritarian governments".

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Truss, who also met with Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, in New York, intends to use her first international trip since taking office on September 6 to commit additional billions of pounds in help for Ukraine's defence against Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (September 20).

British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (September 20). According to a spokesperson for Downing Street, Truss denounced China's provocations on Taiwan at the meeting. "The Prime Minister condemned China's recent provocations over Taiwan, which threatened Japan's Special Economic Zone," a statement said. "The leaders resolved to work together to tackle the strategic threat posed by China." According to the statement, Truss and Kishida concurred on the significance of democracies cooperating, notably through international organisations like the G7, to reduce the economic and security dangers posed by "authoritarian governments". Also read | US proposes new Atlantic Ocean cooperation with $100 mn in initiatives Truss, who also met with Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, in New York, intends to use her first international trip since taking office on September 6 to commit additional billions of pounds in help for Ukraine's defence against Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK's Liz Truss to work with Japan's Kishida to tackle China threat

At the 8th Tokyo International conference on African development in Tunisia, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged $30 billion in aid for development in Africa on Saturday.

Japan to give $130 mn food assistance to Africa; Morocco boycotts the conference in Tunisia

Japan is dealing with serious electricity shortages. The country is not energy independent, it relies on imports of most of its energy supplies. Rising demand, record high prices have raised the risk of blackouts now. PM Fumio Kishida has a plan for it, here's our report!

Kishida wants to re-start idled nuclear plants, will the Japanese PM face public pushback?

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, removing some ministers with ties to the Unification Church in an effort to stem falling support amid escalating public outrage over the ruling party’s associations with the controversial organisation.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, removing some ministers with ties to the Unification Church in an effort to stem falling support amid escalating public outrage over the ruling party’s associations with the controversial organisation. Kishida, who has been in office since last October, unveiled his new cabinet in a reorganisation that occurred earlier than observers had predicted. The positions of some prominent ministers were eliminated, including Nobuo Kishi, the younger brother of the assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was replaced as defence minister by Yasukazu Hamada. However, key individuals like foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and finance chief Shunichi Suzuki retained their positions. With polls showing Kishida’s favour ratings plummeting and respondents stating a need to know precisely how tight such ties may be, the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) historic ties to the Unification Church have come under scrutiny in the month since Abe was fatally shot. According to Abe’s alleged killer, his mother was a member of the Unification Church who became bankrupt after giving to it, and Abe was to blame for endorsing it. In other changes, Koichi Hagiuda, the trade minister, was appointed to the powerful position of head of the LDP’s policy research council. Despite the fact that Hagiuda has publicly admitted to attending an event sponsored by an organisation with ties to the Unification Church, that appointment is perceived as an effort to placate members of the Abe faction. Here’s why there’s a problem with the church. WHAT IS THE CONTEXT? The anti-communist messiah Sun Myung Moon established the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, also known as the Unification Church, in South Korea in 1954. One of the first countries to which it expanded internationally was Japan, where Moon’s conservatism coincided with the ruling class’s Cold War ideologies. According to church publications, he founded the International Federation for Victory Over Communism organisation in the 1960s and cultivated ties with Japanese leaders during that time. THE LDP: WHY? According to Eito Suzuki, a journalist who researches parliamentarians’ interactions with religious groups, the church and the LDP share some viewpoints, opposing same-sex marriage and advocating modification of Japan’s pacifist constitution. According to attorney Hiro Yamaguchi, who has worked on litigation against the religion, the church established relationships with politicians to draw members and establish credibility. He claimed that politicians were able to approach churchgoers for support during campaigns. According to LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, there were no “systematic contacts” between the party and the church. He declared on Monday that it will sever ties with the religion. WHERE DOES SHINZO ABE FIT IN THIS PICTURE? Abe was not a member nor an adviser, according to the religion. According to the website of a church affiliate, he spoke at a gathering in September. The current defence minister and younger brother of Abe, Nobuo Kishi, told reporters that he had help from churchgoers who helped with his campaign. Nobusuke Kishi, a former prime minister and Abe’s grandfather, served as an honorary executive chair at a dinner hosted by Moon in 1974, according to the International Federation for Victory Over Communism. FALL-OUT? According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, support for Kishida’s cabinet has reached its lowest level since he entered office in October, falling to 46%, with many survey respondents indicating they sought an explanation over connections to the church. New cabinet members and new governing party officials must “thoroughly investigate” connections with the church, according to Kishida, who has previously stated he had “no affiliations” to it. MAJOR IN JAPAN? According to Ahn Ho-yeul, a spokeswoman based in Seoul, the church has about 600,000 members in Japan out of its 10 million total members, making it the fourth-largest congregation in the world. However, monitoring organisations in Japan dispute this figure. Former followers claim that recruitment strategies include knocking on doors, focusing on members’ families, and approaching people outside of train stations. According to the spokeswoman, trading religious artefacts for donations has made Japan its main source of funding for many years. According to a lawyers’ association, these ‘spiritual sales’ by the Unification Church and other organisations cost followers close to $1 billion and led to almost 35,000 compensation claims since 1987. After some members were found guilty of using unethical sales techniques, the church had vowed not to solicit excessive donations. According to his social media posts and news reports, the murder suspect for Abe said the church convinced his mother to give the equivalent of $736,000. Following the incident, the church said it had given the mother back about $400,000 in cash. It refused to remark on the exact amount and denied forcing her. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Japanese PM Kishida reshuffles cabinet as approval ratings slide. What's the backstory?

From Israel hitting Gaza with air strikes to Japan PM Kishida meeting UN Secretary-General Guterres, here are some impactful images from around the world on 06 August 2022.

World in Pictures: Israel hit Gaza with air strikes; PM Kishida meets UN Secretary-General Guterres

Japan will vote in upper house elections on Sunday. The election will have implications for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's grip on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

What's at stake in Japan's election

Voters in japan have casted their ballots in an upper house election. Ruling coalition is looking to keep control of the house. Will Shinzo Abe's assassination affect Japan's elections?

Polling for the upper house ends in Japan; The Ruling LDP set for a strong show

Voters in japan are casting their ballots in an upper house election. Ruling coalition is looking to keep control of the house. Will Shinzo Abe's assassination affect Japan's elections?

Voters cast their ballots in Japan polls; LDP likely to get over 60 seats

Despite the gruesome assassination of Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe, Japan is still planning to hold elections on Sunday. Abe was campaigning when a man shot him.

Japan to still hold elections on Sunday: 'Japan will not succumb to violence'

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida is currently on a 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties. He is holding talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi.

India, Japan ink MoUs for investment in various sectors during 14th India-Japan annual summit

Indian PM Modi: We welcome Japanese investments

PM Modi hosts Japanese PM Kishida in New Delhi as 14th India-Japan annual summit starts

Indian PM Modi, Japanese PM Kishida discuss Ukraine conflict, Indo-Pacific

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida is currently on a 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties. He will hold talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Japanese PM Kishida on 2-day visit to India to attend 14th India-Japan annual summit

Japanese PM Kishida on 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties

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